‘Nope, I’m doing Biochemistry.’
Caitlin nearly burst out laughing. A scientist! All she needed was a trainee teacher and a nurse and the circle would be complete.
‘They don’t seem that bad,’ Georgina said. She lacked conviction.
‘Trust me, they’re the worst kind. I don’t tend to judge, honest, I don’t. But just by what they are reading, wearing and saying – I get the picture. We are not in their clique. But, hey, you never know, my mum is always reminding me not to judge a book by its cover.’
Georgina sipped her tea and nodded as a short period of silence ensued.
Impulsively, Caitlin stood up and suggested, ‘Shall we go and check out the bar? We might meet some other people down there.’
‘I think I’ll stay and read. I’m a bit tired.’
Caitlin was disappointed and unsure if she was brave enough to go alone to the student bar. Yet, she had to go out. She didn’t plan to arrive at university and stay indoors, away from the action.
‘Oh, okay then, you don’t mind if I go, right?’
‘No, not at all, you go. Have a good time.’
‘Cool, I’m going to be brave.’ Caitlin sipped the last dregs in the mug, stood in front of the mirror and fluffed her hair. ‘Well, there’s nothing I can do to improve the face, so I’ll have to go as I am.’
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Chapter 3
Game, Set And Match
Steven held the cue like a true master and potted the last shot. The black slid into the pocket and sealed his victory. Pool was so much easier than snooker.
‘Good game, I’ll try my luck again later,’ the student he’d been playing against said, as he shuffled off in defeat.
Steven passed the cue to the students waiting to play, and headed off to get a drink from the bar. As he waited for his beer, he glanced towards the entrance and saw the redhead standing at the entrance, alone. She swayed on the spot, clasped her hands together and turned her head from side to side, as though unsure of what to do. Without a second thought, he paid for his drink and made his way towards her. A few strides away, his opportunity vanished. A couple of girls bounded in front of her, all smiles. In a chorus of laughter, they walked off.
Steven licked his lips, thwarted. In an easy stroll, he sauntered back to where Adam was sitting. There were quite a lot of students getting acquainted. A few had paired up and were getting close. He was not surprised some were quick off the mark. After talking to Adam, he realised the only thing on some minds was how often they would get to make out or hopefully when they would get to do more. It was all so boring. At boarding school, he’d had his fair share of female attention and experiences. The freedom of living away from home and the novelty of having girls around had long gone.
He hadn’t really given a lot of thought to getting involved. It was not the kind of thing he wasted time on. If someone came along and he liked them then he’d give it a go. He was never desperate, at least, not until this afternoon. He still failed to understand why he had been compelled to rush off to see where that girl was going. He had been weighing it up for a few hours and come to a few conclusions. Her expressive blue eyes had caught his attention, her accent intrigued him, and the way she blushed was amusing. Yet, all of it was completely superficial and it left him annoyed. So much so that he knew he had to talk to her again. Just to check.
***
‘Thanks for coming to say hello.’ Caitlin dropped her shoulders and smiled, relieved.
‘It’s okay, we saw you standing there looking, well, lost. There’s nothing worse than being alone when you hardly know anyone, right? By the way, I’m Lisa,’ she added, in a strong Brummie accent.
‘I was totally scared when I got to my accommodation yesterday. It’s so easy to panic. I was convinced no-one would talk to me. Then Lisa popped her head in my door and I relaxed,’ the other girl added, ‘Anyway, I’m Abbi.’
‘Hi, I’m Caitlin,’ she sang back, still nervous.
Lisa started to introduce her, as she looked around. ‘This is John, Dan and… Megan, was it?’
Caitlin gave a small, embarrassed nod in their direction, ‘Hi.’
A few acknowledgements followed before they resumed their conversations.
‘We were just saying that this place is excellent. Have you settled in alright?’ Abbi asked, as she took a sip from her turquoise drink.
‘Yeah, haven’t been here long enough to tell,’ Caitlin replied, ‘what is that? It looks vile.’
‘Some alcoholic concoction, cheap and highly alcoholic,’ Abbi chuckled, ‘it’s actually alright, fruity.’
‘Let me see that,’ Lisa sighed. She sniffed and coughed, ‘It smells lethal. I’m not carrying you back later.’
‘I’m not planning to get plastered, just tipsy. I’m sure I can make my own way back.’
Lisa rolled her eyes. ‘Guess I’d better join you and finish my drink then. Are you having a drink, Caitlin?’
‘In a minute, I’m alright just now.’ She was not in a hurry to get embarrassed in front of strangers. ‘I’m not sure about the others in my hall. I’m sharing with three girls. One is really nice, just super quiet, and the other two are, well, to be polite, intimidating.’
‘Really, in what way?’ Dan rubbed his stubble and leaned in. He looked nice, friendly.
‘Like just, oh I dunno, they seem really ambitious.’
‘Aren’t you? Isn’t that what people come to uni for?’ he asked, all serious.
‘Well, yes, but to be honest I don’t have a clue what job I want to do eventually. They are doing Law and Medicine. Vocation sorted. Hard core, if you know what I mean.’
They laughed aloud, until a well-spoken voice interrupted from behind, ‘What are you saying about those studying Law then?’
No-one spoke, as Caitlin turned around. She recognised the voice, but was apprehensive about checking her suspicion. She could not stop her jaw from dropping as she came face-to-face with those amber eyes again. It was him.
***
Steven tried to play it cool. Yet, his lips twitched as he smiled at her – he could not resist. Her expression and fidgeting hands gave her away. He was making her nervous. Conscious of the others sitting around the table, he turned to face them.
‘Hello, I’m Steven and I’m reading Law. Am I welcome?’
‘Of course, you’re welcome,’ a blonde haired girl slurred. She had huge teeth. ‘I’m Megan, nice to meet you. Here, sit next to me.’ She shuffled up the bench and patted the space.
He took the seat, which happened to be opposite the girl he was really interested in. It was convenient.
‘Thanks, so, you were saying?’ he queried, his gaze fixed on the redhead.
She fumbled over her words, ‘Erm, well, just that anyone doing Law or Medicine knows what they want to do with their life.’
The brunette ran her hand through her thick brown hair and laughed aloud. ‘Well, actually, Caitlin was saying anyone doing that was hard core. I’m Lisa, by the way. Have you met Caitlin already?’
He wondered whether it was that obvious.
He turned to Lisa and replied, ‘Briefly.’ Then he faced Caitlin. ‘Caitlin, is it? So, am I hard core?’ He suppressed his smile.
‘You bet.’ Megan wiped the corner of her mouth with her index finger and gave him the eye. ‘You can be my lawyer any day of the week.’
Steven ignored Megan. He was tired of girls who came across as desperate. He continued to watch Caitlin and waited. She looked unnerved. It was fun to see her squirm.
‘I don’t know you well enough,’ Caitlin said, ‘I’ll let you know about that.’
‘I look forward to it.’ He noticed her pink cheeks were starting to revert to their normal colour. It was endearing she blushed so easily. Something told him it was the second time that day he’d had the same effect upon her.
‘Anyway, Steven, is it? Do you play pool? I’m John, fancy a game? Anyone else up for it?’ John looked aro
und, a twinkle in his eye.
‘Count me out, I’m rubbish,’ Megan sighed, and folded her arms.
‘Another time.’ Abbi stood up. ‘I’m going for a drink.’
Dan got up to follow. ‘I could do with one.’ His eyes seemed to linger on Abbi’s exposed long legs.
‘I’m in for another drink,’ Megan said. As she stood, she wobbled. She seemed oblivious of the fact that in the circumstance, three was a crowd.
For her sake, Steven hoped she was not planning to drink any more.
‘So, I guess it’s the four of us then. Will you partner me, Lisa?’ John asked, giving her a decidedly flirtatious smile.
‘Sure. You can play with Steven,’ Lisa grinned, making eye contact with Caitlin.
‘Are you alright with that?’ Steven eased alongside Caitlin.
‘Of course, but you better be good. I’m used to playing against my brother, and I don’t usually lose.’
Her quick and assertive response surprised him.
‘The gauntlet is set,’ he said, standing aside and holding his arm out. ‘Ladies first.’
‘Great, no-one is playing,’ John said, as he took three pound coins out of his wallet and placed them on the table. ‘Best of three?’
‘If you insist, but you’ll save a pound. I can personally guarantee it,’ Steven said. ‘Caitlin here is apparently a pro.’
‘Really,’ John smirked. ‘Don’t let me down Lisa, the stakes are high.’
‘Good one, Caitlin,’ Lisa grumbled.
John winked at Lisa and gave her a little nudge of encouragement. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said, ‘we’ll annihilate them.’
On the flip of a coin, John beamed victorious as he held the cue and got ready. With a professional pose, he took aim. The white ball pelted forward and smashed into the triangle. A stripe landed in the pocket immediately.
‘Yeah!’ Lisa whooped for joy and punched the air. ‘I guess we’re stripes then?’
‘We can choose,’ John replied.
‘I didn’t know that,’ she pouted, confused, ‘Oh well, I like stripes.’
‘Stripes it is.’ John nodded and smiled. A set of dimples formed as he did so. He surveyed the table, leant in again and took aim. Another stripe landed in a different pocket.
‘You know, you should give the rest of us a chance to play.’ Caitlin pretended to yawn.
As John took aim for the third time he struck out. The white ball remained beside a stripe ball, within a shot of a spot.
‘Our turn,’ said Steven. With his cue, he walked around the table, planning his move. ‘What do you think, partner?’
‘Well, personally I’d bounce it off the side and pocket the red spot.’
‘Okay then.’ He passed her the cue. ‘I’d like to see that.’
Even though her eyes widened at the challenge, she held out her hand for the cue and positioned herself. With a look of deep concentration, she held it like an expert, took aim, and did exactly what she claimed. The spot cruised in, as the white ball magically aligned itself for the next victim.
Caitlin raised her chin, and grinned, ‘Do you want to take the next shot?’
Her expression made him smile.
‘No, no, I don’t want to rain on your parade,’ he replied, ‘you go ahead.’
After potting the next spot ball, she was left without an easy shot, so she tapped the white behind a group of spot balls instead, effectively snookering Lisa.
John huffed and shook his head. ‘Dirty tactics,’ he muttered.
‘What goes around comes around. Can’t give the game away,’ Caitlin said, with a snigger.
Lisa looked towards John for help, ‘Did I mention that I’ve never played before?’
‘No, you didn’t,’ John replied, with a scowl. ‘However,’ he paused, as a smile eased across his face, ‘I’m happy to instruct you.’
John took position behind Lisa, and showed her how to hold the cue. Steven watched the chemistry evolve, and wished it was him flirting with Caitlin. A minute later Lisa misjudged, barely hitting the white.
‘Good effort,’ John said.
Lisa shrugged her shoulders, and kept her eyes to the floor. ‘Sorry I played.’
‘Hey, it doesn’t matter. I’m glad you’re my partner. With a bit of practice, and my expert tuition, your playing would improve,’ John added.
‘This might not be a fair match,’ Steven whispered in Caitlin’s ear. He was sure he had detected a shiver when he got near. ‘I’ll play nice.’
Taking aim, he misdirected the white ball. It teetered into the pocket.
‘Nice one, Steven,’ John said. ‘Now, move over and let the experts show you how it’s done.’
Steven gave an easy grin, his eyes gleaming, and made to stand next to Caitlin. ‘Sorry, about the lousy shot.’
‘You faked it,’ Caitlin said, as she rolled her eyes.
‘No, I didn’t,’ he retorted. He liked the way she tried to read him.
***
Tomas tapped his finger on the dashboard in a steady rhythm. With a grunt, he turned to Eilif, ‘What do we do now?’
‘We wait,’ Eilif stressed. Even though Tomas was doing well for his first time away from home, he was far too impatient. Eilif hoped that given time his son would learn.
‘This waiting around thing is not as much fun as I thought it would be,’ Tomas continued, his lips in a firm pout.
Eilif had been through this before, which did not make it any easier. It was difficult to control his temper; Tomas was testing his patience to the limit. ‘What did you think? This is no game, Son, it’s serious. You have to take it for what it is. We’re not welcome here.’
‘Well, only if they suspect what we are,’ Ingrid blurted. She raised her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.
‘Exactly.’ He faced them both and narrowed his eyes. In a steady voice, he stressed through gritted teeth. ‘And no-one must ever find out about us – ever! Do you understand?’
‘Yes, Dad,’ they both sang back before staring out of the windows. Conversation over.
Eilif was frustrated. He remembered his first visit. The excitement and anxiety entwined in one. He did not blame his children. They were entitled to have their own views and ideas. Yet, he knew, deep down, they had to understand. This was just a visit, nothing more. It was a small concession. They paid a heavy price for what they were capable of.
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Chapter 4
Banter
Caitlin watched Steven miss an easy shot and gave a half-smile. It was obvious he was not playing to the best of his ability. Regardless, she sealed the deal on her next go and they beat John and Lisa.
‘I think I’d like a drink after that.’ John ran his fingers through his spiky hair. ‘Do you mind if we call it a day?’
‘Not at all,’ Steven replied, as he turned to face Caitlin, ‘Would you like to play against me?’
Caitlin nearly melted every time he looked at her in that way. She took a deep breath and mustered all of her confidence. ‘Of course I’ll play you and you’ll only need two pounds, trust me.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘You’re on.’
After ten minutes of play Caitlin was seething. Only two pounds had been played and she had lost. She had been thrashed.
‘Can I buy you a drink?’ Steven’s voice was low, tempting.
She refused to look at him and mumbled, ‘I think I’m going to head back now.’
Lisa and John had not come back and she was tired. In fairness, it was not the main reason she wanted to go. She was annoyed and confused. He had humiliated her by playing like a professional. Chivalry was dead.
‘You did play really well, for a….’
‘Girl,’ she snapped. She did not care if he was gorgeous and attractive. She wanted revenge. ‘Don’t worry. This girl can up her game. I will beat you.’
‘I’m sure you will,’ he chuckled, ‘and I promise that it won’t be because I let you.’
‘
Ha,’ she said, as an unattractive snort escaped. He really brought out the worst in her. Could he be any more arrogant?
‘Do you really have to go? Can’t I get you a drink?’
If he was trying to apologise by getting her a drink, he had the wrong girl. He could not sweet-talk her with alcohol. Yet, she could feel her resolve crumble under his stare. She lifted her head to face him and was confronted with that look again. She was not going to let him think she was a walkover, even though she accepted she had always been a very bad loser.
‘It’s nice of you but I should go. See you around.’ She walked away quickly. She did not want to give him a chance to counter. If she did, she might have been coerced to stay.
Caitlin stormed out of the student bar. Once the cold night air hit, she shivered. She hadn’t thought to bring a coat. The sound of her footsteps clunking on the pavement distracted her as she listened to the steady rhythm. A few students laughed here and there, mainly from indoors. She grimaced at the sky as she started to feel the constant drizzle on her arms and face. It was just what she needed, more rain. In a bid to get back quicker she started to jog. As she did, she mulled over the decision to go out. She was glad to have braved it alone.
On the outcome, she was torn.
It had been great to mingle with other people and meet Lisa and Abbi. Yet, if she was honest, the only person on her mind was Steven. She could not deny the attraction. He had got to her. This was unbelievable when you considered he was one of the most annoying men she had ever met.
Mr. Perfect.
The weird thing was she actually got the impression he was interested in her. As much as she did not want to think it, she could not help wondering if he wanted to get to know her as more than just a friend. Her track record so far was pathetic – a lot of male friends, nothing more. She just could not understand why had he had thrashed her if he was interested? He had played so leniently with the others. It was puzzling. He was puzzling. She just could not figure out why he was showing her attention. She knew she was nothing special. If he was interested, it would be nothing short of miraculous.
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 3