The alarm clock rang, noisily flashing 6:00! 6:00! Coco got up sleepily out of her sleeping bag. I forgot to reset that. I don't have work today. she thought to herself, but got up anyway. The sleepy blue-eyed girl and opened up her closet. Inside was a range of different outfits, including a blue police shirt with black buttons, and a trapezoid badge that read "Ari Police Force." To complete the outfit, there was a pair of blue slacks, as well as a blue beret. The beret was too small, so Coco never wore it. She had another matching police outfit, which she had worn yesterday, but it was in the laundry. Coco ended up picking out a white long-sleeved blouse and a long red skirt that had brown lining on the top and bottom. She hastily took a shower, washed her hair (and unusually put it up in a bun), changed her clothes, fed her black cat, Leo, and finally she locked the door and went outside. By the time she was on her motorcycle and away from the house, it was already seven thirty. It was a half and hour drive from the village from the creek. Coco parked her motorcycle in the parking lot and removed her helmet, then stood their for a moment, listening to the sound of water rushing by. It was so soothing. She stumbled down to the creek and was surprised to see a small red haired boy, staring into the water. He waved. Coco kneeled down next to him. "Hi, are you here alone?" she asked, a bit concerned. Before he could answer a voice came from a man leaning against a nearby tree. He was staring out into the water as well. "Don't worry," the man said without looking, "I'm watching him for someone." It was difficult to make out what the owner of the voice looked like, for he was somewhat in the shadows. Suddenly, a red-haired woman, who looked about the age of Coco, came running up. She gave some money to the man. The young boy ran up to her. "Thank you for watching my baby," She said, smiling. Coco couldn't see the man's reaction to this, but it looked like a nod. The woman picked up the boy, probably her son, and dissapeared off into the distance. Coco watched them, then sat by the creek and looked into the distance. She wanted to know what this guy was doing here so early, but she had been taught to mind her own business unless someone was in danger. Maybe this was why she was so surprised when he walked up and sat by her. "Hey, want to talk a little? It's a little akward if we both know of eachother's presence without saying anything," He said, still staring out in front of himself. This gave Coco a chance to see what he looked like. And she decided that he was very pretty. The man had uneven chin length black hair, except for in the front where he had a few strands on each side that went to atleast his shoulders. His distant eyes were a pale shade of green, much like his green button up shirt with a left chest pocket that was draped over another white shirt. He was chewing absent mindedly on a dried piece of grass. Sensing, her staring, he looked at Coco, blinked uncertaintly, then smiled. She looked away to hide her blush. "So what's your name?" she asked quickly. "I'm Seth Taylors. I was born on Mars, so I'm not from around here." This excited Coco. She turned to him, smiling widely. "Really? What's Mars like? I heard it's beautiful and some day I hope to go there!" she must have said this obnoxiously because Seth gave her weird looks. "Sorry. I got carried away there. I'm Coco Kawa, born on that awful place called Earth, but now I work on the police force here and Ari!" "Mars...is very cold. I'm not quite fond of it myself. This "tropical island" planet must be quite nice though," He looked up at the sun, smiling, then he smiled at Coco, "Anyway, its nice to meet you. How old are you? You're very pretty." This definitely took Coco by surprise and she looked away again. "I'm twenty-five," was all she said. "I'm already twenty-seven," he sighed. "I'm aging quickly. I already look old. Soon will come my death." "You don't look old," Coco said slowly, looking back at Seth. Sure enough, he did have a few wrinkles under his eyes, though those looked as if they were more from the sun. Suddenly he seemed uncomfortable with the subject, and he quickly changed it. "So, you coming to the masquerade at the Green Inn tommorrow night?" "I hadn't planned on it, are you?" She replied. She had heard about it, and was begged to go to it, but she wasn't big on parties. "No, but I'll go if you go." "Umm...okay, I guess I'll go then," she said nervously, wondering if she would have to work late the next night. If she didn't show up, it would be ditching Seth! "I need to get going. G'bye, Seth." She said. He waved. "See ya." He replied. She walked to the parking lot, got on her motorcycle, and rode off. Destination, her best friend's (A girl named Ririko) house. To be continued...
