The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return

by Vanessa Wester

  ‘With death looming, I’ll keep it to myself.’

  ‘Shall we go then?’

  ‘Where to?’ She was not making things easy for him.

  Why did he feel the need to impress her? As much as he wanted to relax, he could not help being nervous. He did not want to disappoint her. For all he knew, she might have changed her mind and decided he was a dork. Even though she said she liked him, she could go off him. In the last five minutes, all he had managed to do was convince her he was a tea total, ballroom dancing public school boy. Impressive.

  ‘Students’ union. We can shoot some pool,’ he asserted.

  Appearances, it was all about appearances. So long as she thought he was confident, nothing else mattered.

  ***

  Everything about Steven impressed Caitlin. The more she got to know him, the more she liked. Even though, at first, she was convinced he was a super cool tough guy. Now she saw she had got him all wrong. There was a lot more going on behind the smouldering façade. Ballroom dancing. That one definitely topped the lot. She could not wait to see that.

  ‘Are you sure you want to play against me?’ Caitlin jested, ‘I might make a comeback and thrash you. Or, I might have to kill you if you don’t let me get at least one ball in.’

  ‘I’ll play nice, I promise,’ Steven reassured.

  ‘You better. Last time you annihilated me. It was so embarrassing,’ she winced. She still had to get over her defeat.

  ‘I’m sorry. Was I terrible? Sometimes I can be a bit of a show-off. I told you I had many faults.’

  A man who admitted his shortcomings, now this was impressive. ‘I’ll let you off for the last time, just play nice today.’

  ‘Anything you say.’

  The way he said it sounded condescending. She found it so hard to read him. Was he being serious, or teasing again? ‘Promise? Or I won’t play,’ she pouted. She folded her arms and stopped as they reached the entrance, not up for being trumped tonight.

  ‘Sorry, I did not mean to upset you. I can be very sarcastic too, another of my faults.’

  ‘They’re all coming out tonight.’ As soon as the words were out of her mouth she wished she could take them back. He was getting a rise out of her and she had no idea why. It was like his whole character excited and at the same time irritated her.

  ‘Let’s go play, I don’t want to expose myself anymore,’ he joked, and then took her hand in his.

  The feel of his hand made her relax. It seemed he really liked her. It was confusing and irrational to Caitlin, who could not understand why he seemed interested in her. She was convinced she was nothing special – there had to be a catch!

  *

  The student union was not busy, but there were enough students around to make it comfortable. Some students were already playing pool, so Steven slid a few pound coins on the table to hold a place. After sitting down within eyeshot of the pool table, Caitlin started to wonder what she had let herself in for. She barely knew Steven. She had a lot of work to do to catch up, and Christmas was just around the corner. Surely, now was not the time to date. She just knew she could not resist him.

  ‘So, how have you been anyway? I didn’t know whether to ask, but I don’t want you to think I haven’t thought about what happened,’ Steven asked, then took a sip from his beer.

  ‘It’s okay; I don’t think I’m going to break down at the moment.’

  He waited for her to continue.

  ‘It’s just, I don’t know. Georgina was,’ she paused, the back of her throat started to constrict.

  ‘You don’t have to say anything,’ he interrupted, ‘I shouldn’t have asked.’

  ‘No, it’s okay. I have to deal with what happened. I guess I don’t understand it. Georgina did seem depressed and homesick, but… oh, I don’t know how to explain this. She wasn’t the suicidal type, I just know she wasn’t. I can’t help feeling like something else happened. I just don’t know what else could explain her death.’

  ‘From what I read, it didn’t seem suspicious. I guess no-one knows why these things happen.’

  ‘It’s just,’ she paused, unsure whether to continue. She made up her mind, and carried on, ‘I heard she was missing a lot of blood.’

  ‘Blood?’ The colour seemed to drain from his face.

  ‘I know, shocking, right?’

  Just then, the sound of glass smashing on the floor broke the subdued atmosphere. Caitlin turned to face it and watched in horror as she saw a member of staff had dropped the glasses she was collecting. A shard had accidentally embedded itself, and blood streamed down her lower leg. She took a seat and someone applied pressure to the spot. It was not life-threatening, but it looked and sounded painful.

  ‘Ouch,’ Caitlin grimaced and turned back to face Steven.

  His eyes were fixed on the girl’s legs, the expression slightly scary.

  ‘Steven?’ Caitlin said, trying to break his trance.

  It looked as though he had to force himself to look away from the girl, as he turned to face Caitlin again, ‘I don’t know what came over me. The smell, it’s so strong isn’t it?’

  ‘Smell, what smell? Are you hallucinating? Are you telling me you can smell the blood from here?’

  ‘No, no,’ he shook his head and laughed, ‘I can’t smell it. Of course, I can’t. Just a memory. When I was younger I cut my arm really badly when I fell off my bike, and I’ve never forgotten the smell up close.’

  ‘Oh, right.’ She was unconvinced but he looked spooked, so she wasn’t going to push it. His face had paled. ‘Do you want to go back to Halls? We can play pool another time. You don’t look so good.’

  ‘You know, I think you’re right, another time.’

  Caitlin drained the last of her drink. Steven’s drink was still practically full. ‘Did you want to finish?’

  ‘No, it’s alright. Like I said, I’m not a big drinker.’

  A moment ago, she was vulnerable as she relived the memory of Georgina, now the tables had turned. Caitlin wanted to comfort Steven instead. Something had shaken him, and she had no idea what that was.

  Back to Table of Contents

  Chapter 15

  Family Time

  ‘What’s up with you? Can I take some of that?’

  Caitlin let go of the tinsel and looked up at her older brother, Mark, ‘Sorry, I can’t bottle this.’ She moved to the side to let him pass and continued to twist the gold and green tinsel along the banister. To her annoyance, he stopped and sat down on the step above her.

  ‘So, are you in love?’ He grabbed the end of the tinsel and wrapped it around her neck. ‘That’s the only thing that makes girls act so silly.’

  Caitlin pouted and pulled the tinsel off. ‘You’re just jealous. No-one seems to think you’re much of a catch?’

  ‘I have to swat them away like flies. They all want me,’ he smirked, as he leant back and flicked his long fringe off his face.

  Caitlin knew he was not lying. With his bulging muscles, from his regular workout sessions at the gym, and his natural tan her brother had always been popular with the girls. And she had to admit he had a cracking sense of humour.

  ‘As if,’ she guffawed, in a bid to peg him down to size. ‘Anyway, love is quite a strong word which you would know nothing about.’ She ran her hands through the tinsel and relished the velvety touch.

  ‘So, do I get to meet the guy to make sure he meets our standard or is he out of bounds?’ Mark enquired, cocky as usual.

  ‘Only if you come to see me at uni, but I’m unlikely to invite you.’

  ‘I knew there was a guy.’ He beamed triumphantly and folded his arms across his chest.

  ‘Fine, yes, there is someone,’ she huffed.

  I’m always right,’ he smirked, as he got up and made his way to the bottom of the steps. I’m happy for you sis, but can you cool it just a tad – some of us have finals to study for.’

  ‘Hey, I have to work too, you know.’

  ‘How scary,
first year exams – like they count for anything. All you have to do is pass! How difficult can that be?’

  She could not help raising her voice, ‘Fine! Whatever! I’ll try and keep my mood down for you, okay.’

  ‘Thanks, much appreciated.’

  Caitlin shook her head in frustration and focused her energy on decorating the staircase. Reluctantly, she acknowledged that Steven would like her brother. They both shared that inner confidence money couldn’t buy.

  ***

  Steven woke up on Christmas day and wondered what his parents had in store for him. His mum had already coerced him into helping to set up the decorations and the Christmas Nativity display. He had only avoided going to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve by faking a stomach bug. It was the only thing that got on his nerves about his Spanish stepmother – she was an avid Roman Catholic. Even though she would not force him to go to mass, he did not want to hurt her feelings by admitting that he was not into religion. The memory of his Communion would scar him for life – dressed in white, all angelic.

  Dressing gown on, he made his way to the kitchen. The wheels were clearly in motion for the Christmas dinner preparations. The evidence was all around. Flour scattered across the table, an opened mincemeat jar and stacks of vegetables waiting at the side to be pealed. At the sink his stepmother, Clara, was washing her hands. As he came in, she turned and rushed up, giving him a huge kiss on the cheek and a hug which left the back of his dressing gown wet, from her yet to be dried hands.

  With her dark brown hair, chocolate-coloured eyes, rosy cheeks and Christmas themed apron over her rounded form, she resembled a cute and cuddly Christmas bear. ‘Merry Christmas, Steven.’

  ‘Merry Christmas, Mum. Is Dad busy doing your bidding already?’

  ‘Yep, he’s getting the vegetables ready. Are you planning to help?’ she asked, her face lit up, hopeful.

  ‘I think I’ll go shower first.’

  ‘Sounds good, but don’t take too long.’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘You know your dad loathes peeling as much as you do.’

  Back in his room he texted Caitlin to wish her a merry Christmas. They had become near enough inseparable over the past few weeks. He hated being away from her now. Even though Caitlin had fussed over him, he was embarrassed to remember how weird he’d got over the blood incident. He still had no idea why he had become so strange. Maybe, the whole Ingrid business had affected him more than he thought.

  ***

  Caitlin heard her younger sister, Jeanie, before she felt the body crashing on top of her.

  Jeanie squealed, ‘It’s Christmas Day, Father Christmas has been, wake up, wake up.’

  Caitlin thrust the pillows firmly over her head; her worst nightmare had come true. If anyone else had woken her up she could have handled it. For some inexplicable reason, she loathed her little sister more than anything. It had probably been made worse by her incessant whining, huffs, and mood swings over the past few days. They left much to be desired. What really got on her nerves was the fact that Jeanie usually got her own way. Obviously, her parents had forgotten how to discipline by child number three.

  With that thought in mind, the sound of her mum’s voice hollered down the corridor, ‘Jeanie, get out of Caitlin’s room.’

  Jeanie sighed, shrugged her shoulders and took her leave. At the door, she blew a raspberry in Caitlin’s direction. She had screamed at her the night before. Apparently, Caitlin was no fun anymore and since she had left for university, she had become boring and adult like. Caitlin was a little sympathetic. Jeanie was the innocent eleven-year-old who still believed in Father Christmas.

  Caitlin twisted her head to face her clock and was shocked to see it was already nine in the morning. She groaned as she realised it was time to get up. In a way, she envied Jeanie for still getting excited. The whole Christmas experience had already become too manufactured and monotonous for her taste. She hated acting happy families with the relatives when she could not stand most of them. Luckily, this year it was their turn to go to her aunt’s house. At least she would not have to endure her mother’s frantic preparations and sense of humour failure.

  A bleeping noise alerted her to a text. She launched herself at the phone and hoped it was Steven. As she saw his number, she gave a whoop of joy.

  Maybe she would act nice today after all.

  There were only two weeks before they would see each other again, she was counting. As the thought crossed her mind, she realised their reunion would coincide with her first set of university exams. All she wanted to say was ‘bah humbug’ – she had always loved Mr. Scrooge.

  ***

  Steven was busy sorting out parsnips. This year it was his families turn to host Christmas dinner, so his Spanish grandparents on his mother’s side were coming. His other grandparents had opted to go on holiday in the Caribbean, not tempted to experience the English climate. His Spanish uncle, on his mother’s side, and his family were also coming along. Luckily, they were renting a cottage nearby, otherwise the house would be bursting at the seams.

  Busy peeling, he sat with his dad, Paul. They did not need to talk; it was the usual ritual as they listened to the news on the radio. At the end, the Christmas songs returned with a vengeance. When the Band Aid song started to play again and his dad started to sing out of tune, he started to lose the will to live.

  ‘Shall I take these into the kitchen?’ He needed an escape plan – fast.

  His dad lifted his head and nodded sagely. With his greying hair and developing bald patch, he looked a lot older than he really was.

  Steven balanced the pot full of potatoes and the one with carrots in his arms and made his way into the kitchen. He was desperate for some fresh air. Ultimately, all he wanted was an excuse to check his phone for a text from Caitlin. He left the vegetables next to the hob and snuck back to his bedroom, ecstatic to see the flashing light on his phone.

  The message read, ‘I’m in hell at the moment! I just got woken up by my bratty sister jumping on my bed – joy! But anyway, Merry Christmas or Feliz Navidad! Hope your day is going better than mine. I can’t wait to see you, missing you loads, Caitlin.’

  He laughed aloud as he read the message, and then impulsively dialled her mobile number. When she picked up, he pinched his nose to speak, ‘This is the Samaritans. We have been led to believe that you are in need of some emotional support at the moment.’

  ‘Steven, ha, you are hilarious,’ she squealed, in her high-pitched shriek.

  ‘Aw, was it that obvious?’ he protested.

  ‘Only by the fact that I can see your number on my mobile.’

  ‘Oh yeah, annoying phones. It must have been so much easier to take someone by surprise when you could not see who was calling beforehand.’

  ‘I guess,’ she replied.

  ‘So, is it really that terrible?’ he asked.

  ‘It’s worse. My family is unbearable.’

  ‘Hey, I’ll have to concentrate all day. There’s going to be a lot of Spanish flying around.’

  ‘Can I come?’

  ‘Just hop on over.’

  ‘If only,’ she gave an audible sigh.

  ‘My mum wants to meet you.’ He wondered how that would go down.

  ‘What have you told her?’ Caitlin laughed.

  ‘Nothing much, but she’s shocked that anyone manages to get me to talk for longer than a few seconds. She thinks you’ve bewitched me.’

  ‘Hey, I have not.’

  ‘Haven’t you?’

  ‘You tell me?’

  ‘I’m pretty hooked, that’s all I’ll admit to.’

  ‘Ditto.’

  There was a brief pause as he wondered whether he should reveal his inner thoughts. ‘I miss you,’ he admitted, before tagging on quickly, ‘and I hope you have a good day. Just remember those of us that’ll be totally confused.’

  ‘I’ll try, call me soon okay. I miss you too. I much prefer to hear your voice, than to see your words on a computer or mobile.’
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  ‘Ditto, I’ll try to call you later. To check if you survived.’

  ‘Okay, bye then,’ she paused. ‘Steven, are you still there? Come on, you hang up first.’

  ‘Nope, you do it.’

  ‘This is your phone line.’

  ‘My parents are paying, it doesn’t bother me.’

  ‘Not fair. Are you really not hanging up?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Okay then… I love you.’ With that she hung up.

  He stared at the phone in bewilderment. That was the first time she had said those three significant words aloud. She had slotted it in when he was totally unsuspecting. With a big fat grin on his face, he lay back on his bed.

  ***

  When Caitlin got to the bottom of the stairs, she heard laughter coming from the dining room. As she walked in she saw Mark standing next to another boy, who she vaguely remembered.

  ‘Is this your sister, Caitlin?’ the boy asked her mum, with a cheeky wink. His tan leather jacket made him look way too suave. In response, her mum placed her arm on his forearm and giggled – it was pathetic. After all, he was just Mark’s age. How could she react to his compliments?

  ‘No, I’m his sister,’ Caitlin snapped.

  ‘Are you coming to play with me now, Daniel?’ Jeanie asked, as she bounded into the room.

  ‘Sure, I’ll play,’ he replied, as he followed her out.

  ‘Who’s that?’ Caitlin asked, trying to act disinterested.

  ‘Don’t you remember him?’ Mark frowned, astonished. ‘I’ve only been his best friend for like, years.’

  ‘Is that the Daniel, as in your best friend for like forever?’ She could feel the blood drain from her face as the penny dropped.

  ‘He’s changed a bit, hasn’t he,’ her mum added. She raised her eyebrows as she wandered out. At the door, she turned around and winked, ‘Not just a kid anymore.’

  Caitlin felt sheepish as she grabbed the newspaper, hid behind it and pretended to read. It was lucky she didn’t have to worry about what anyone else thought. She had Steven now.