A. Gaskarth

"For this project, I'd like everyone to find one thing in the world they'd like to change. It can be anything from personal to political; it's entirely your decision. I will be the only other person required to see it. For the second part, I want to know how you intend on changing the problem. Whether it be in your community or simply just your family. It may also include a larger plan that you might take on in the future, now go!" 

What would I change? 

I think from Kellin's situation to mine. There's so much I'd like to change in the world. But what can a teenager do? I pull out my laptop and open a new page. I look over at Dallon, who's furiously typing his essay. You'd think this would be easy because of my dad. But what about Kellin? God knows what's happening to him. No one's seen or heard from him in almost two weeks. What about that? What about slavery, world hunger, war, those fucking abortion laws? It's impossible to choose one thing. 

Soon enough, the bell rings. 

"The essays are due in three days, so don't rush but manage your time!" 

I leave the room in silence, my thoughts flooding my head. 

"Lexy!" Jack walks up to me. "What's up sugar cup?" 

"Just thinking," I mumble. 

"About what- Oh wait- is it classified AWG information?" He grins. I roll my eyes. 

"A project for class. I have to think of one thing I'd change about the world- but there are so many problems with the world," I groan. 

"Damn, tell me about it!" He grabs my hand and we walk to our next class. 

~~~

I flop onto my bed, with no ideas. You'd think someone that's exposed to so many issues would know what to write about, right? WRONG. I groan in frustration and stare at the fricking blinking line on the screen- you know, that one that guides where you are while you're writing?- yeah, it's practically screaming "write stuff you idiot-twat!" 

"Alex?" I hear my mom knock on the door. She walks in and smiles. She stands next to me and ruffles my hair. "Are you working on a project?" 

"Yeah. I have to find one thing I'd like to change about the world and write about- but the thing is- there's so much I want to change. I don't know how I'm supposed to choose one thing, mom." 

"Then... Why don't you combine them? If there are so many issues, find one thing that can summarize the majority of them." 

"I- Wow, I can't believe I didn't think about that!" I exclaim. I start making a list of everything. Then I stop. I get up and hug her. "Thank you," I whisper. 

"Anything for my boy. I love you, you know? Your father will never lay a finger on you as long as I'm here, you got that?" She smiles at me. I nod. "Now where's Jack? Usually, he's here, or you're with him. Wait- you didn't break up, did you? I swear if you broke up with him! Unless it's for a good reason- but I mean still, you two were born for each other. You two are so cute," she whispers. 

"Mom!" I groan. She laughs and pulls away. "Jack's said he's pretty busy. And besides, so am I," I gesture to the homework papers and laptop. "Don't worry. If we broke up, you'd know. Because I'd be crying like Awsten when he decided to climb that tree and fell- and then scratched his arm- and it's was pretty bad- I would cry more than that!" 

"Okay, first... Which one's Awsten?" 

"Oh-you've never met him? He has purple hair?" 

"No, I'd remember someone with purple hair." 

"Okay well- He's new and really cool, don't worry." 

"Alright, I'm just being a worried mother," she shrugs. "Do your homework, young man," she fakes a serious voice. Both of us laugh as she leaves the room. 

I sigh and turn to my laptop. I take a deep breath. 

Why is everyone treated differently? Better question, why are they treated differently because of their gender, sexuality, race, disability, or other reasons along those lines? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unknown P.O.V.

"Alright, I'm here. Why did you call me, and why did you sound like you were about to die?" I ask, watching as he paces back and forth. 

"It's Kellin Quinn Bostwick. His parents called the CIA and scientists," he throws down a file. 

I stare at the open file. A teenage boy, small build, black hair, green-hazel eyes. "He's one of them?" 

"Of course. Otherwise, why would the scientists hear about it? His parents are going to get him killed." 

"Do you think they know what they're doing to their son?" I ask softly. He nods. "God- Why? What kind of parents-"

"The kind of parents you had. The kind I had. They think these scientists will "save" their kid, but they'll only kill him- and make it seem like an accident." 

"So what do we do?" 

"I had someone hack his phone. I think he has a boyfriend. We contact his boyfriend, inform him on everything, and then work from there." 

"We're taking huge risks here," I sigh. I pick up the file. This kid... He looks so innocent- so... Normal. "Do you think all of his powers are controlled yet?" 

"No, there's no way. He probably knows how to control his electricity, strength, and speed but nothing else. However, the second he snaps, it's over. He will lose all control." 

"I got that," I nod. "So let's save this kid," I shrug.