Unexpected Love

Chapter 1

Catalina

This was the first day of my vacation from work and it couldn't have been a better day.

The sun was shining and the sky was clear and blue. I left my little Valencia summer apartment and decided to take a walk down to the little cafe down the block, very close to the Mediterranean Sea. 

The people of these parts are extremely friendly as they wave to me as I walk by. My phone goes off in my pocket but I choose to ignore it since it could just be my twitter updates.

I reached the cafe and took a seat outside on the sidewalk. My favourite waiter came out to serve me and once again, as always, went red. He rushed back inside and sent someone else in his place

"And you have done it again Lina," Izabella laughed.

Her blue hair was pulled into a tight ponytail and she was armed with a notebook and pen.

"Not my fault he blushes when he looks at me," I said smirking before taking a sip of water. I looked towards the sea and admired the way the water sparkles in the sunlight. I'll probably take my boat out later in the week and take a swim.

"Not your fault that you've got a stunning face," She winked.

"How are you Izzy?" I asked hastily changing the topic before it got awkward.

"Quite fine, got engaged last week," She said with a smile and showed my the dainty ring on her finger. I hugged her tightly and she hugged me back.

"That's wonderful, why did't you tell me earlier, I hope you and Matias live happy together," I offered.

"Thank you Lina, back to business, What can I get you, the usual?"

"Not this time, I'll try something different today, whatever is today's special, give me that" I offered and she went on her way with a smile.

I lifted my sunglasses on my head and smoothed my dress under me.

The umbrella provided well needed shade while I watched the neighbourhood kids play happily in the streets.

A little boy with brown eyes and dark hair, ran fast from a shop and towards the play on chubby legs. I laughed at the little tyke as he tried to join the game of football. The bigger boys let him play but the younger ones didn't like it very much. They kept shoving him, but he always managed to join in and keep on his feet.

Then suddenly a car came speeding in the direction of the kids. The others ran from the danger but the little dark hair boy was pushed to the ground in the melee. On instinct I sprinted towards him, scooped him up and took him out of harm's way. We narrowly missed an accident. I held on tight to the little boy and I felt his heart was racing.

The car continued speeding down the road and turned the corner while some bystanders gestured angrily towards it before turning their attention towards us and inquiring if we were okay. I reassured them that we were and the little crowd dissolved.

I shook my head in digust, then bent down to come eye to eye with the little boy I helped. He was trembling and tears welled up in his eyes.

"Are you hurt?" I asked him in the kindest voice I could muster. He shook his little head in response. I took out a tissue and wiped his eyes and his nose.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Yes," He replied.

"What's your name?" I asked while checking for any bruises or bumps.

He had none which relieved me.

"Cristiano," He replied smiling a bit, his eyes lighting up.

"Cristiano, that's a lovely name for a sweet child," I said. He smile widened and he hugged me. I laughed and hugged him back.

"Junior! Junior! Are you ok?" A man called as he rushed towards us. He bent down to the little boy's level and examined him thoroughly as well before pulling him into a hug.

"Don't scare me like that," The man scolded afterwards.

"Yes papa," Cristiano replied while hugging his father tightly. 

He and I looked up at the same time and the electricity that flowed betwixt us was instantaneous.

His chocolate brown ones locked tightly on my light hazel one's and it was like an immediate connection. His face was familiar and then in an instant I realised who I was staring at.

Cristiano Ronaldo offered me his hand and I shook it timidly. He looked me over, examining every inch of me thoroughly before finally coming back to my face.

His lips settled into a smirk and I raised my eyebrows, smirking as well

"Thank you for saving my little one. I was getting ice cream for us then I realised he wasn't with me in the shop," The man replied lifting up his son.

"It was nothing, I glad that I saved him in time, that driver needs to be jailed for that," I responded.

"I think so too," He responded.

We stood there awkwardly for a few moments but not saying anything, with his son just looking perplexed at the both of us.

"Well good-bye Cristiano," I offered the little boy.

"Good-bye," They both called in unison.

I laughed and turned back to go to my seat in the cafe. I was almost to my seat when I felt a hand rest gently on my shoulder.

"I didn't get your name," The man said.

"Catalina," I replied in an instant,"Catalina Hernandez,"

"Lovely name, Catalina. Reminds me of Cataleya the flower," He said.

"No that's my sister," I replied. He laughed and it was so deep and melodious.

"Can I have your number?" He blurted out quickly, before looking almost shy.

"Well aren't you straightfoward?" I laughed while I gave him my number. I collected his and a small smile flitted across his face.

"I will call you sometime?" He asked while walking away.

"I look foward to it." I replied.

"Wait you didn't ask me my name," He stopped suddenly.

"Oh trust me, I know it already," I replied slipping my sunglasses back on.

He laughed and continued on his way.