She put her hand on Caitlin’s shoulder. ‘Calm down. This is shocking, and very sad. I need to go and report this,’ she paused, and caught her breath. She fought the urge to panic; she had to stay in control. ‘Don’t mention what you’ve seen to anyone. It looks like she took her own life. We don’t want her family to find out via gossip.’
‘I-I won’t s-say anything,’ Caitlin stammered, through choking tears.
‘I’ll contact the police straight away. They’ll probably want to talk to you. It’s such a waste to bring a life short like that. It’s probably best if you come with me. Is that okay?’
‘Yes, th-that’s fine,’ Caitlin said.
‘You did the right thing.’
She put her arm under Caitlin’s shoulder and helped her up. She glanced at the door she had just come through in horror and wondered why anyone would want to die so young.
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Chapter 7
Rendezvous
Sally walked into the now familiar lecture hall and kept her head low as she took a seat. A lot of students watched her as she sat down. They gave her weird glances she hoped would soon be a thing of the past. It was not her fault a girl had committed suicide in her corridor. Yet, there was an accusation on all of their faces, as if she’d actually had something to do with it. Although, she suspected it was more than that. They just wanted to know if she had any gory details to share; it was disgusting.
‘Hey, gorgeous, how’re you doing?’ Adam slid next to her.
‘You know me, same as usual.’
‘I think I can do something to help ease the tension. If you like, we could slip out early and forget the rest of the day.’
Sally needed the distraction, so she leaned in and kissed him. The kiss soon got heated as his hand fumbled up her back and then moved close to her breast.
A few voices muttered.
‘Adam,’ Sally sighed. She leant back and pushed his hand away. ‘Maybe later, I can’t afford to flunk.’
‘If you insist,’ Adam pouted.
The lost puppy look was getting old.
‘I’ll back down for now,’ Adam said. He ruffled his hair with his hand. ‘Anyway, you know it’s my way of helping you to put the whole incident behind you.’
‘Thanks for helping, but I’m fine. Caitlin’s the one that’s gone.’
‘Why did she go again?’ he asked, confused.
Sally grimaced. In a whisper, she said, ‘She saw her, you know, dead.’ Talking about it felt like talking about a contagious disease. ‘University is supposed to be fun, now it’s like, become dark – scary. It’s hard enough to be away from home, let alone to have someone committing suicide.’
‘I guess. At least they’ve put you in a new room. Which reminds me, we have not inaugurated it yet… maybe, tonight?’
‘Is that all you think of?’ Sally squealed, delighted and yet amazed by his needs.
‘Only with you, Baby,’ Adam teased, as he squeezed her hand.
‘If it wasn’t for the fact that I desperately need the distraction, I would class you as a nymphomaniac.’
‘Like I said, only with you, Baby,’ he smirked, and ran his finger along her arm.
Sally was overcome by desire. She was always attracted to guys who wanted action.
***
The sound of the song coming to a close prompted Steven to grab his iPod and scroll through his selection to find a new track. As he did, he heard someone bang on his door. Hesitant, he opened it. Adam stood in the hallway, with one hand leaning on the doorframe. He was wearing a pair of dark sunglasses, which he now pushed down his nose. ‘How’s it going? We’re going to the bar for some drinks, fancy coming out to play?’
‘I’m not in the mood for small-talk right now,’ Steven replied. He folded his arms across his chest and pursed his lips.
‘Look, I know it’s depressing about that girl dying and all, but life goes on. Unless, you’re just missing Caitlin,’ Adam sneered.
‘I’m not missing Caitlin,’ Steven snapped.
‘Sensitive, okay, whatever, will you come with us or what?’
Reluctant, he shrugged his shoulders and grabbed his brown leather jacket. ‘Sure.’
The moment they walked into the bar, Steven noticed a few heads turn in their direction. It was something he was used to so he ignored the stares. Adam smiled broadly, oozing confidence, as he approached the group sitting at the table.
‘We made it. Did you miss me?’ Adam flashed his brilliant white teeth at Sally, ‘I had to force Steven out of his room.’
Steven did not bother to contradict him.
Julia looked directly at Steven and smiled. Sadness lingered in her eyes. He had not noticed it before.
‘We don’t bite, you know.’ Grace gave Steven a vixen-like glare.
Grace wore an excessive amount of makeup. It was beyond him why some girls did that. It did not make her prettier. Purposefully, he diverted his eyes to the floor – refusing to succumb to her games. Ever since he had given her the cold shoulder by rejecting her advances, she had become the ice queen. He found it amusing that someone like her should get upset over the fact he didn’t fancy her. He was sure any other bloke would be happy to receive her attentions – Adam included. He hoped he was wrong, but Adam did not strike him as the faithful type.
‘I’m going for a drink. Anyone want one?’ Steven forced himself to be polite.
After taking a few orders, he made his way to the bar and waited. The truth was, he was worried about Caitlin – he just did not want to admit it. When he got served, he placed the drinks on a tray and balanced them on one hand. With the other, he took a sip from his beer. He braced himself for another laborious conversation. In full stride, he accidentally crashed into someone and sent a few of the drinks flying up in the air. With no free hands, he watched as two glasses smashed on the floor.
‘I’m so sorry,’ he started to say, mortified. The incident had a déjà vu feel to it.
‘It’s okay, Steven, I shouldn’t have been standing so close,’ the person replied. The voice was female and she sounded confident. In a calm and composed manner, she brushed the liquid off her top, making it splatter on the floor. Steven tried to appear nonplussed, but it was difficult. He had no idea who she was, and therefore, could not understand why she had called him by name. The thought lingered as he turned to place the tray back on the bar and was handed a pan and brush to scoop up the glass.
‘You made it, you clear it,’ the girl behind the bar shouted with a scowl.
‘Sure, no problem,’ he replied.
Before he bent down to clear the mess, he found himself staring at her features. Long, straight, blonde hair hung over her chest. A pair of emerald-coloured eyes twinkled cheekily. Her tight, knee-length leggings, and the now wet, skimpy t-shirt clung to her frame leaving little to the imagination. He lowered his eyes, and got to the task at hand. After passing the pan and brush back over the counter, he turned to her again. She stood so still.
‘Sorry, and you are?’ He realised he had not asked.
‘I’m Ingrid.’
A vague memory surfaced. He was sure he had seen her before. Unable to place the occasion, he asked, ‘I don’t mean to sound rude, especially after spilling the drinks on you, but how do you know me? I think I might have seen you a few weeks back, but I’m sure I never talked to you.’
‘I don’t know you,’ she answered, her right hand on her hip.
‘If you don’t know me, then why did you just say my name?’
‘I heard your friend out there mention it. Where I come from, we always use Christian names if we know them.’
‘Right, that would explain it.’ He remained unconvinced.
‘Are you a first year student?’ She took her hand off her hip and clasped her hands together in a distinctly girlie pose.
‘I am.’ He could not help being curious about who she was. She was not the usual type he saw around here. ‘Are you?’
&nb
sp; ‘No, I’m not a student at all. I’m just visiting a friend.’
That explained why he did not think she was a student.
‘Right,’ he paused. ‘Sorry for getting you wet. I have to go and top up these drinks. I might see you around.’
‘Sure, I’ll look for you,’ she replied. He was sure she batted her eyelids. He was used to girls flirting with him, yet the simple gesture unsettled him.
After he had restocked, he turned carefully, whilst holding the tray with both hands. A casual glance, revealed Ingrid chatting to some friends nearby. He smiled in her direction when she glanced up, and she mouthed, ‘Be careful.’ It made him chuckle.
‘What took you so long, Steven, did you get lost?’ Grace teased, as he placed the tray on the table.
‘Mind your own business,’ he snapped back. He resisted the urge to give her the finger. He was not in the mood for her antics.
‘Someone a bit sensitive today? You know, it’s women that are supposed to suffer from P.M.T.,’ she cackled.
Something about her really reminded him of a wicked witch. He glared and sarcastically added, ‘Thanks for the drink, Steven.’ Drink in hand, he made his way over to the pool table, eager to get some distance.
As he leant against the wall watching other students play, a friendly face came up to him.
‘Do you want some company?’ Ingrid’s voice was now husky, alluring.
‘Sure,’ he answered. Her proximity unnerved him.
‘So, seeing as you’re not with your friends anymore, would you like to go for a walk with me?’
Even though he liked Caitlin, nothing had actually happened between them. He could think of no reason to refuse. ‘Why not? I could use some air.’
As they were leaving the student bar, Steven caught Adam’s eye. Adam grinned from ear to ear and gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up.
‘What’s your halls of residence like?’ She was definitely batting her eyelashes.
‘Would you like me to show you? I can even make you a cup of tea, if you like?’
‘I’d love that,’ she beamed.
‘Okay.’ He was sure all she wanted was to see where he was staying. Surely, there was nothing more to it.
After a few minutes, they walked in through the ground floor corridor and he led her to the kitchen. ‘So what would you like, tea or coffee?’
‘What’s your room like?’ She twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers.
Stumped, he stalled. Something told him she was after something. ‘I can show you. Shall I make the drinks first?’
‘We can come back for the drinks. Show me your room,’ she pleaded, her lower lip in full pout. ‘I’d like to see what a man’s room is like.’
For some strange reason, he found the fact she’d called him a man flattering. He shook his head, now slightly bemused. He doubted she would want to see his room for an ulterior motive.
‘Okay, why not?’ At the entrance to his room, he unlocked and stood aside after flicking on the light switch by the door. ‘Ladies first.’
Ingrid waltzed in, placed her hands on her hips, and surveyed the surroundings. ‘Basic, I like it. But, the walls are too bare. I like it better when there are posters up. You need some,’ she said, as she focused on the books on the table. She picked up a huge book on Contract Law and smiled, ‘This is heavy – do you use it for weight training?’
‘It’s not a bad idea,’ he laughed, as he walked towards her. ‘So, do you want that drink now?’
‘In a minute,’ she sighed, as she moved towards the entrance. Eyes fixed on his, she closed the door shut and walked slowly towards him. ‘I really like you.’
Before he got the chance to answer, she thrust her lips onto his. Even though taken aback by her forwardness, he could do nothing to stop from responding. As she kissed him, she slowly made her way towards his throat. His nerve endings reacted and he groaned aloud.
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Chapter 8
Confusion
The relentless sound of his alarm clock pierced the morning silence. With a grunt, Steven pushed it off the bedside table. It crashed on the floor – still ringing. Irritated, he moved to turn it off. He rubbed his eyes hard and tried to think. The last thing he recalled was kissing Ingrid. He could not remember anything else. They were kissing and then… nothing. A quick glance at the clock made him stare in disbelief as he realised it was already nine o’clock in the morning.
He was going to be late.
He threw his legs over the side of the bed and jerked up. His head spun and he collapsed back on his bed. He was sure he’d only had one drink. Slowly, but surely, he made another attempt. Even though woozy, he could stand. Something told him today was not destined to be a good day.
Half an hour later, he rushed down the street to get to his lecture with a piece of hastily buttered toast in hand. He could have easily turned back and returned to the comfort of his bed, but he had to hand in his first assignment and he did not want to suffer a penalty for tardiness. Ten minutes late, he opened the door to the lecture hall and snuck in the back. He took the seat next to Adam.
‘Where have you been? Did you get lucky with the hot blonde last night?’ Adam raised his eyes in a suggestive manner.
‘I don’t know, I can’t remember.’
‘Wow, I’ve heard of being knackered, but that sounds amazing – an all-nighter!’
‘I can’t remember, so how could I have had an all-nighter, you idiot!’ Steven grumbled.
‘I just read it as I see it man, that’s all.’
‘Whatever.’ He gave up. Adam was not likely to be sympathetic.
‘Sensitive. If it’s any consolation, you look like shit.’
‘Thanks a lot,’ Steven said, ‘It’s good to know who my friends are. With friends like you, who needs enemies?’
Adam held out his hand. ‘Give me your assignment, I’ll give it in for you. Then beat it, you need to go and recover from whatever you did last night. I say no more.’
‘You’re a pal, after all.’ Steven slipped his hand into his rucksack and took out the plastic wallet with the essay. He handed it to Adam and snuck out again. He crouched down as low as he could to avoid being spotted.
At the end of University Road, he turned to the right to get back to his accommodation block. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Ingrid ahead, completely still, like a statue. She lifted her hand and waved, breaking the illusion. She was only wearing a thin, long sleeved top and a pair of cut-off jeans. It struck him as odd. The weather had turned. It was now bitter and cold.
‘Steven, it’s nice to see you,’ Ingrid said. She gave him a beaming smile. It was a nice smile; he had to give her that. She had the most perfect teeth.
He did not know if it was his imagination, but something about their meeting felt premeditated. ‘Can I talk to you for a minute, or do you have to be somewhere?’
‘Do you want to go and grab a drink?’ Her gaze followed the direction of the coffee shop.
‘Why not,’ he paused, ‘Aren’t you cold?’
‘It’s not that cold. I’ve experienced worse.’
He was not about to ask when.
Inside, they headed straight for the counter. A dazed teenager looked up from behind the glass display. Transfixed by Ingrid, the boy gave a broad smile. It revealed a set of braces. ‘What can I get you?’
The question was directed at Ingrid, but Steven answered, ‘I’ll have the bacon roll, with a latte.’ He turned to Ingrid, ‘What would you like?’
‘I don’t know.’ She twirled her hair around her index finger and studied the menu on the board.
The boy continued to stare. Drool would appear soon if she did not hurry.
Mind made up, she said, ‘I’ll have an orange juice.’
‘No problem, coming right up.’
Steven handed over some money.
‘Thanks,’ Ingrid said, with a half-smile.
‘If you sit down, I’ll brin
g it over,’ the boy said. His cheeks blushed as he turned away to get the order ready. It was obvious he could not keep his eyes off Ingrid.
Steven thought the boy’s reaction was amusing. It was unfair to call him a boy; he was only a couple of years younger.
‘So, are you from England?’
She barely gave him the chance to sit down. He took the seat opposite and answered, ‘Born and bred. You’re not though, are you?’
‘No, my accent gives me away. I’m from Sweden, but my family moved to England for my dad’s job.’
‘That explains that.’ From what he knew, it was cold in Sweden during the winter, so at least that explained her attire. He tried to figure out the best way to broach the subject of the previous night.
The boy brought the order over and placed it on the table. ‘Enjoy,’ he remarked, glancing at Ingrid again. For a few seconds he stopped, then shook his head in embarrassment and shuffled off.
Ingrid lifted her glass up to Steven’s and made a toast. ‘Cheers!’
‘Yes, cheers.’
She took a sip from her juice, and surveyed him from the rim. ‘How old are you?’ Her intense green eyes seemed huge, dazzling.
‘That’s direct, how old are you?’
‘I’m twenty,’ she answered immediately.
‘Fair enough, I’ll be nineteen in September.’
She gave a slight nod, and then took another sip of her drink. ‘Are your parents from here?’
‘My dad is, but my step-mum is Spanish.’
‘Really, is your dad divorced then?’
Amazed by the interrogation, he paused and glared.
‘I’m sorry, am I asking too many questions?’ There was a hint of an apology in her tone.
‘It’s okay. My dad never married my real mother. She left us when I was young.’
Ingrid’s eyes seemed to come alight. ‘But, you’re okay about it now, right?’
‘I didn’t have a choice, did I?’
‘I guess not.’
Finally, Steven plucked up some courage. ‘What happened last night?’
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 6