Before I Met You

Chapter 10

Dylan's POV

I was relieved to be finally able to spend the morning with Juliette. Desperate to get to know and understand her better ever since I found out who she was. I just wished she didn't make it so difficult to get to know her, constantly trying to push me and everyone around her away.

The moment we spoke at her bookstore I knew she was the one. Juliette was definitely someone I wasn't expecting but there's no doubt that there's a strange connection pulling me in. I just wished she felt the same way.

Juliette was funny and sarcastic but it was clear to anyone who knew her that she had walls keeping people away. When I was trying to find her around town the day we met and she dropped her phone I realized how disliked she was around here. It infuriates me every time I hear people gossiping about her and how strange she is to constantly keep to herself. Especially hearing it from those closest to her.

"Are you in school also?" The older woman asked me. "No. Just been having to do some research." I answered honestly asI noticed Juliette's light green eyes turned me confused.

"Sounds exciting." Gigi smiled as I noticed how restless Juliette became. "I've got to get going and open the store. It was nice running into you." She said suddenly to her grandmother and her friends.

She was quick to leave and get away from them, making me frown as I watched her leave. Juliette  rushed across the street, her long dark blonde hair blew through the wind as she ignored the few stares of people walking by.

"She does that a lot. Juliette's not one for chit chat." Gigi said, noticing that I was staring at Juliette. "So she said." I replied, making them all chuckle weakly.

"She's a kind girl once you get to know her." Her grandmother defended Juliette. "If you get to know her. I've known Juliette all her life and I still don't know a thing about that girl." She continued as I listened intrigued.

"Juliette's been through a lot, Gigi. More than any woman at her age should go through." Patricia, Juliette's grandmother pressed with a solemn look on her face. "She lost her parents at a very early age." Carol whispered as they continued to gossip on the sidewalk.

"Yes, she told me." I replied looking over at the bookstore in the distance wishing to follow her. Noticing a few customers walking inside when they continued to chat with me. "She told you?" Her grandmother was shocked as all three of the old women stared up at me with wide eyes.

"I-I'm sorry." She laughed it off. "It's just that she never talks about their death. Especially with people she just met." Patricia explained making me frown. "She doesn't talk about anything substantial. When Stan died was the most talkative she's ever been." Gigi laughed as Carol glared at her disapprovingly.

"She was asking so many questions about the accident. Frankly I didn't even think she would care all that much." She continued as I tensed my jaw, trying to keep myself from defending Juliette. "She's not heartless, Gigi." Patricia replied sternly.

"Sometimes I'm not so sure. God knows what goes on in that mind of hers." Gigi finished with a heavy sigh. "Excuse me, I have to get going too." I've had enough of her cruel words towards Juliette. "It was nice meeting you all." I gave a weak smile walking swiftly down the street towards my car.

Driving away towards the house my brother and I have been staying in. It was just supposed to be temporary but lately I've realized that I would have to be staying here longer than I was expecting. Jack was already getting restless being in this small town with nothing to do.

"Finally." Jack expressed as he sat on the couch watching tv. "So, how'd it go? Did you tell her everything yet?" He spoke out as I kicked the door closed behind me. "No." I answered frustrated with my brother and the difficult situation I was in with Juliette.