The Day We Met (Alastor x OC)

Chapter 4

Juliette

I've been home five months, now.

Most of it is a blur, but these last couple have felt splendid! I didn't think I'd ever feel so wonderful again, but I'm glad I was wrong.

"Mama, I'm home!"

I called to my mother, letting her know I'd returned from the gardens. I'd been out picking vegetables for dinner, which I could smell cooking.

Walking into the kitchen, I placed the potatoes and carrots onto the counter and began to hum as I prepared them.

My mother was a wonderful cook, and she'd taught me how to as well. She taught me many skills a lady should be familiar with, and I pride myself in all of them.

Daddy taught me lessons as well, like how to chop wood and how to build a fire. He says taking care of myself isn't just a one way street.

"I'm so happy to hear your lovely singing voice again, my love... we were so worried about you,"

My mother washed her hands and came to stand near me, smiling with pride.

"However, excuse your old mother for being nosy, but... has a young bachelor got anything to do with your lifted spirits?"

I went stiff and nearly cut my finger before I felt that heat crawl up my collar again, making me feel red hot.

"N-no, of course not! I'm just happy to be home is all..."

A smile found its way to my lips as I continued chopping vegetables, my mind wondering to a certain tall, handsome man...

Mama simply chuckled and went back to the oven.

"Alright, alright, if you say so, flower,"

She hummed in a teasing tone and I shot her my best pouty glare.

Though, it was hard to deny that Alastor was alluring... but, thinking of him romantically made guilt squeeze my throat and cloud my judgement.

Not only would that make me an awful widow, but also delusional!

As if a man like him would go for a silly little farm girl like me. Puh!

~*~

Daddy finally started letting me go out on my own, but only during the day.

There's a big scare going around because of all the killings happening recently. There's at least one a month, and the police aren't any closer to catching anyone according to the papers.

I decided to go into town today since it's a lovely afternoon and it's a Saturday. There should be lots to do in town, and maybe even a farmers market!

The thought put a slight skip in my step and I continued my way towards the hat shop I'd been wanting to visit.

When I went in, there was a soft jingle that was similar to the bell at the diner. The young man behind the counter greeted me with a good morning and a wave.

Politely, I nodded to him with a smile and went on my way about to store, looking at a few pieces that had caught my eye while window shopping.

My budget wasn't huge, and prices were getting ridiculous!

50¢ for a short brim bell hat? 55¢ just to add a single bow? I'm not made of money.

Looking in my coin purse, I counted out my change and it came to about 1 dollar or so.

With a soft pout, I put the hat back where I'd taken it from and turned to go find something less expensive.

Though, after I turned away something suddenly covered my eyes, and I reached up to feel what it was in slight panic.

To my surprise, there was a hat on my head, and then I was suddenly turned around by what felt like a man's hands.

Panic swept through me briefly until the brim of the hat was tilted up a the smiling face of my favorite customer was revealed.

"Good morning, dear! Lovely to see you out and about!"

His voice was the same as usual, and so was his appearance. Gorgeous and perfect, not a hair out of place.

Though, my cheeks puffed up and I pulled the hat off my head and swatted him with it.

"You big banana head, you frightened me!"

I tried to fight the smile pulling at my lips, but to no avail. He chuckled and rubbed his arm as if my little swat had hurt him.

"Careful, sweetheart, I don't think you know your own strength! Ha!"

He laughed at his own joke and leaned up against the wall with a smug grin on his face.

I rolled my eyes and placed the hat back on its rack once again before crossing my arms.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll need medical attention immediately for the broken bones I've given you. Now, care to tell me why you're out giving ladies heart attacks?"

He leaned down to be more eye level with me and nearly put his nose up to mine.

"Why not?"

We held eye contact and neither of us wanted to lose, so I held my breath and waited until I physically couldn't stand it anymore and I backed down.

"The more I get to know you, the more it seems you like to torture me,"

I huffed and he only laughed.

"You're only just now catching on? To think I thought you were bright..."

The mock sadness in his tone had me sticking my tongue out at him like an immature child, but he deserved it.

Then he grabbed the hat off the rack again and held it out to me.

"This suits you, why did you put it back?"

He tilted his head, his tone switching from teasing to curious.

I was slightly embarrassed to tell him I was too poor to afford it. He obviously was very wealthy, and that was a bit intimidating.

Though, my silent fidgeting as I searched for words seemed to tell him all he needed to hear.

"Ah, I see... well! Come, I can't let you leave here without this lovely headwear."

He didn't give me a moment to respond before I was whisked up to the register where the young man was still waiting.

He briefly glanced between myself and Alastor, then took the hat and rung it up.

I attempted to protest, but was silenced by a finger pressed against my lips.

"I insist!"

He whispered those words into my ear and paid for the hat, before once again whisking me out of the store.

I was then given the very lovely hat in the form of him plopping it crookedly onto my head.

After fixing it up, I gasped at him in disbelief. My cheeks burned red and I sputtered trying to find the words.

He looked at me in amusement, waiting patiently for me to put together a coherent thought.

"You! But I... Alastor!"

"That's my name, baby, don't wear it out."

He flashed me a smile and winked and I could've sworn I felt my stomach do a backflip. Anxiously I looked around to see if he was drawing a crowd, but thankfully no one seemed to care about his inappropriate flattery.

I took one of my gloves off and proceeded to smack him on the chest with it.

He only laughed at me and caught my wrists, forcing me to twirl around.

Part of me wanted to kick him for treating me like a doll, but another part of me enjoyed it. I had missed moments like these, but my feelings were still conflicted. Especially since Alastor was simply a friend.

"I'm only teasing you, dear, now put your glove back on and let's get going."

My head whipped around to give him a confused look.

Though, I wasn't really given much of a chance to question it as I was practically dragged down the street, clinging to Alastor's arm.