Suddenly, Unexpectedly

CHAPTER TWO - I N C I P I E N T

I N C I P I E N T

(adjective). In an initial stage, beginning to happen or develop.

Juliana sighed, walking through the hotel's glass doors, the cold air of the lobby a refreshing sensation against her skin. While the rain had continued through the night, the sun was bright today, taking no mercy on any living thing. Looking around the fancy floor, she made her way to the reception desk, already feeling out of place in her field pants and tank-top. Despite the incident from yesterday, it was agreed that the Doctor would pick up the young actress and show her what it entailed to be a doctor in the field.

"Buenas," she greeted the man behind the counter. "I'm Doctora Valdés ; I am here for Valentina Carvajal. Could you please let her know I am here?" she asked. The man's warm smile turning into a severe and stern look as the words came out of her mouth.

"I'm sorry, no Valentina Carvajal is staying in this hotel," the man informed her.

Looking behind the man, she ensured the hotel's name matched with the name headquarter had given her. "I'm sorry, I was told she would be in this hotel. I am meant to spend the day with her. We're working on a project together," She explained, fearing she was only making matters worse by the way the man shook his head.

"Señorita, I am sorry, but you will need to come up with a better story than that. I have had a bunch of other fans come in with stories, and yours is the least believable of them all." The man pointed behind her where a small group of young girls set rather impatiently, their eyes glancing around all entrances to the lobby. It registered to the young Doctor that the actress's whereabouts had gotten around town fairly quickly, despite headquarters attempt to keep Valentina's involvement a surprise. Then again, it wasn't every day that such a famous Hollywood celebrity was in town.

Knowing fully well she would not convince the man of the truth, Juliana decided to go back outside, already regretting having to call Lucho for his help. Caught up in her thoughts, Juliana became aware of the figure approaching too late. The coffee the stranger was carrying spilling on the Doctor.

The Doctor let out a yelp at the hot sensation against her skin.

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry," the stranger gasped back, attempting to balance the two cups of coffee from preventing further damage. Recognizing the voice, the Doctor looked up at the culprit and was met by blue eyes.

Valentina.

The actress was caught up digging through her bag for napkins to help clean up the mess, unaware of the irony of the situation. She was dressed in all black, wearing the same leather jacket from the day before, and a black baseball cap on her head. It dawned on the Doctor the woman was attempting to keep a low profile. And even in such simple clothes, it was ridiculous how beautiful the actress looked. Once again, Juliana found herself captivated by how beautiful a human could be; she'd be stupid not to admit such.

"Ms. Carvajal," Juliana greeted the actress stopping the woman in her tracks, her eyes bulging in realization, her cheeks slowly turning a light pink.

"Doctor! I am so sorry," Valentina sighed, "I walked to the corner bakery to get us some coffee and pastries for the road. I lost track of time and was trying to rush back before you came to pick me up...hold on, I know I have some napkins in here," she tried to explain, continuing to dig through the bag.

Realizing the commotion of the coffee spill had caught the attention of those nearby and the group of fans inside the hotel would easily recognize the actress's long light hair, Juliana felt a surge run through her body. She would lie to herself and say it was because she was trying to protect her own job, but deep down, Juliana knew the truth. She could take own Lucho, she didn't care what headquarter did, but she wouldn't let Valentina get in trouble...or hurt because of her. Deep down, Juliana felt protective. But she wouldn't admit that, not even to herself.