Claire’s P.O.V.

Claire's House

I woke up to a knock at my front door. I sat up in annoyance. I have been working since four in the morning. I just want to get some sleep. I got out of bed and looked out of my window. I pinched the bridge of my nose as I saw the man.

Alonso

He seems to have someone with him, but I can hardly make anything out because of Alonso being in the way. I walked downstairs and opened the door. The moment I did, my eyes widened. A woman with blue hair. It’s strange, blue hair is not common here. My eyes scanned her face. Her eyes are two colors, different from here as well. She must be a traveler.

I felt my face light up. Alonso chuckled. “I knew you would be happy to see her.”

“Come in,” I said. I let the two in. They sat down in the living room. I sat on the couch across from them.

“Hi, I am Claire, and you are?” I asked her.

“Kari,” she shyly replied.

Wow, even her name is different from the typical name around here.

“That’s a unique name. Well, Ms. Kari- Or should I be saying Mrs. Kari?”

“Just Kari is fine.”

“Well, Kari, I am a local ship maker and mechanic here. I am assuming Alonso brought you here because of that.” She slowly nodded.

Nervous, I can understand that.

“I was also wondering if you had any available space suits with the ship,” Alonso said, glancing at her clothing.

I have been distracted by the fact that she was a traveler and ignored her clothes. Why would a traveler go out in a nightgown?

Was she attacked by robbers while she was asleep and escaped?

Did Alonso suddenly wake her up and bring her here?

No

He normally flirts locally. And after that last woman, I made sure he didn’t bring anyone else here. Then did the mysterious woman run away from somewhere? Who is she, and what is she running from? “I am not entirely focused on the suit. How soon can a ship be ready?” She asked.

“First thing in the morning.”

Her expression seemed slightly let down. She must have needed it sooner.

“How much would it be?”

“705,000 stellar.” She looked to be in thought before she nodded.

“I will take it.” She reached into her bag and handed the amount to me. I took it.

“Thank you,” Kari and Alonso stood up.

“I will bring her back in the morning,” Alonso said. I nodded.

Kari walked out the door, but Alonso stayed.

“Are you not going after her?” I questioned.

“I am, but I want to ask you something.”

“I have a question for you as well,” I said.

“Which is?” He asked.

“I will ask it after your question,” I said.

“How has dating been?” I nearly rolled my eyes at his words.

This again.

“It has been fine, and you?”

“The same as usual.”

I should just tell him the truth. But just the thought of seeing him go back to how he was in the early stages makes me down.. Maybe setting someone else in his mind can make it easier for me.

“So, Kari, how did you two meet?”

“She came up to me when I was leaving work. She was looking for an open shop, but did not know that they closed at five. Knowing you built ships, I automatically thought of you.”

Why is he helping a woman he hardly knows?

“Are you sure it was not because you were trying to impress her? I mean, you knew my shop was closed, but you came to my home.” He chuckled.

“No, after that woman from the bicycle shop, I thought it was best to keep my promise. Plus, I know you like travelers.”

I nodded. "I do."

"So, what do you think about her?" He asked.

“Kari seems nice. Could you tell me why you are asking? Are you thinking about dating her?” He arched his brow. "I like her energy, you know. Do you think she is single?” He shook his head.

“Why don’t you ask her out?” I arched my brow.

“Just in case you like her.” His brows furrowed.

“We are not interested in each other. Believe me, if she were, she would have said something." He stood up.

"Maybe she is just shy."

"With you, but with me, the little emotion I read off of her was of no interest t me.” He looked at the door. “I have to drop her off at a hotel tonight,” I smirked.

“It is not what you think,” He said before leaving.

Kari, the woman from another planet besides Planet 300. I think she may be my ticket out of here.