Welcome to chapter 2 of A Different Kind Of Introduction.

All characters in this story are bellhops I've seen.

I'm so happy I got reviews! It means people are reading this!

What do you think of Alice Lee and Victor so far?

I've been back to Tower of Terror a few more times the past months and found more inspiration for new characters 3

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Alice Lee James awoke to the trilling of her brass alarm clock. Her dark eyes snapped open and the girl yawned. Another morning of a grey ceiling welcoming her to the waking life, another day of creating a network that could potentially propel her to stardom. She looked around her tiny bedroom. It was sparsely furnished, with only a small single bed, a rather worn looking wardrobe and a nightstand. A scuffed, floor length mirror stood in the corner by one of two lamps. It was a small home, but it was hers nonetheless. At least she could be thankful that she did not have a roommate.

Alice Lee stretched once more before throwing her feel over the side of the bed and making contact with the cool floor. The girl shivered slightly but padded over to the mirror to begin her daily routine. Her reflection stared back at her, smiling sleepily. Today was another day in the famous Hotel. With a light exhale, she stepped into the still dark hallway and made her way towards breakfast.

And to think her dream had finally stepped forward with an interview.

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Mr. Jamison Poltz, the interviewer, was an average looking, weasel of a man with dark eyes and ginger hair that was neatly clipped above his ears. As most men did, he wore a finely tailored suit with a green tie.

He looks like an overgrown elf, she thought as she adjusted her cream gloves.

Alice sat primly on the wooden office chair in her pale green dress. She had been ushered there by a rather drab elderly lady and told to wait. Mr. Poltz had arrived a few moments later, apologizing for a situation he needed to take care of. After hanging up his coat, the interview finally began. It had started with the basic questions, like previous working experience, adaptation to a new environment and capability to mingle with the public. Of course, she would have to start memorizing the layout of Hollywood and update her knowledge of current productions.

"Miss James?"

"Yes, that's me, sir," she answered with as smile.

Poltz crookedly smiled back.

"I understand that you have worked in a boarding house your entire life, as well as holding a delivery girl business for eight years. Mighty fine résumé for a little pip like you."

"Yes, sir. My parents owned the boarding house and I ran the odd jobs."

Her interviewer smiled again and nodded. The girl in front of him was certainly qualified for the job, despite her young age. Her professional manor would suit her perfectly in this lifestyle and from the look of her expression, she could take a few hits. But just to be sure…

"So tell me," he chuckled smugly, stretching out in his chair, "You running from the gangs? How do I know I'm not hiring some gangster's moll?"

Her expression darkened for a moment but she never lost her cool smile. Jamison was fascinated by how stone-like she seemed.

"I can assure you, Mr. Poltz," came her soft voice, "That I am, in no way, shape or form, on the run or involved in any gang activities."

"Did you fuck your way here, Ms. James? Made whoopee with any of your regulars?"

"I am not that kind of woman," she responded coolly, "If that is the kind of behavior you expect here, then I will withdraw my application."

There was a tense silence as the clock on the wall ticked away. What seemed like several long moments later, Jamison finally smirked and nodded his head. Alice Lee raised her eyebrow in confusion. Why the sudden change of pace?

"Well done, Miss James. You passed. When are you prepared to start work?"

Ah, so that was it. It was all a test. This made more sense.

"I am ready to start today, Mr. Poltz," she answered back cheerfully, "I'm willing to start at this very moment."

"We also supply lodging for our employees, for a small fee, of course," Jamison continued, "We understand that living situations can be tough here in Hollywood, so there is a room waiting for you, if you choose to take it."

Alice Lee nodded. Her interviewer stood and she did as well. After shaking hands, he presented her with a key and called for the drab secretary. As for the rest, you could say it was history.

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Victor McConnell scratched his head in irritation. He hated the early mornings. He hated rising early from his warm covers and trudging along the long corridor to the washroom. If he was lucky, he would beat the other seven bellhops that lived in the hotel to the toilet.

Every morning he would unconsciously look for her. It was like trying to find a single hair in a haystack. It was if the Hotel had swallowed her and hidden her deep inside where he could not speak to her. By now he had learned her name; she was the talk of some of the other bellhops. It wasn't often a new girl would come in so she was something like a rare bird.

Victor grumbled to himself. What did he ever hope to achieve by finding her? It wasn't like he even knew the first thing about her.

As the universe would have it, speak of the devil and she shall appear.

She stood, only a few paces down the hallway, clothed in half of her uniform. Her dress was nowhere in sight and her blouse was neatly tucked into her pants. The girl still seemed only half awake. The pale red light of morning slipped through the window, illuminating her peaceful expression. Victor didn't dare move; he scarcely dared to exhale. It was as if she were a doe, waiting to be startled. Perhaps if he just moved slowly and spoke softly she would-

"ALICE LEE!"

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Alice Lee jumped at the sound of her name. Her wistful thoughts of home and her future disappeared in a flash as a rather burly woman stalked towards her.

"Get yer head out o' the clouds before yer miss breakfast!" the woman bellowed before smiling at the surprised girl.

Alice Lee squinted at her. It was too early to be hollering her name down the corridor.

"Stop yelling," she groaned, "I'm awake!"

Marana Veloppe had been Alice Lee's guide to the Hotel as instructed by Jamison Poltz. The New Yorker was much older than the new hire and knew the Hotel better than anyone. Marana was married to the head chef in the kitchens and had worked at this venue for ten years. She was a jolly woman, with dark, greying hair left in a loose ponytail around her shoulders. As friendly as she looked, Marana could have a mouth on her.

Mrs. Veloppe shook her head and in a few steps, closed the gap between herself and Alice.

"If you don't hurry yer ass up all that's left will be ah bit of toast an' egg!" Marana exclaimed, "Mr. Veloppe can't hold your blackberry jam forever."

The younger woman simply laughed and allowed herself to be hustled in the direction of the kitchen.

The sound of shuffling came from the shadows and Alice glanced back. She could just make out the figure of a towering man. He was half bathed in shadow as he stood at the very window she had just left. The man was already in full uniform, minus the hat. One of his enormous hands was shoved into his pants pocket while the other fiddled with his collar. She stopped in mid step as she recognized who it was. It could only be one person after all! The bellhop that she had somehow never actually spoken to in the two weeks she had worked at the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

She had seen him in passing as he would lug the heavy baggage to the elevators.

Maybe now she would talk to him, have his voice directed at her. Maybe now they could finally introduce themselves. Her thoughts where interrupted by Marana nearly yanking her arm out of her socket as she dragged the smaller girl towards the staff kitchen.

Maybe some other time then.

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Next time on A Different Kind Of Introduction

"Everyone wants to be a star here," Marshal spat acidly, "You are nothing new."