‘How come she’s not found someone else?’
‘Don’t know, she’s always been fussy. Although, I guess she can’t be that fussy if she’s interested in you, right?’ He kept the conversation light-hearted as he gave Steven a nudge with his shoulder.
‘Very funny.’
Jensen became serious. He had no reason to keep anything from Steven. ‘Look, as far as I know, she’s had plenty of interest, but it’s never worked out. What makes you think she likes you in that way?’
‘I don’t know for sure, but where I come from women don’t tend to swim naked with you unless they are interested.’
Jensen did a double take, ‘She did what?!’
Now it was Steven’s turn to look smug. ‘I went to bathe the day I arrived and she followed me. Nothing happened, but it was intense.’
‘I’ll bet. I can’t imagine what I’d do if Susanna did that with me. Not that I haven’t been in the bathing area with women before. It’s different when you are attracted to one and you’re alone,’ Jensen leant in, ‘Did you want something to happen?’
‘I don’t know. My natural urge was to react. I just couldn’t get over the situation. Even though I have been with a lot of girls, you can trust me when I say no-one has ever come on to me like that before. It’s surreal, first Ingrid gets naked in the water with me and now Kayla kisses me. I’ve had girls fancy me, but I’m not used to them being so forward.’
‘Well, you can’t think it’s a bad thing.’
‘Jury’s out. I do have some pride.’
‘Hey, that’s not all I have on my mind either, but sometimes the mind is allowed to wander.’
Steven started to walk so Jensen followed.
‘I just don’t want to see women as sexual objects. I was in love not that long ago. Now, I don’t know what I feel.’
Jensen swallowed. He could not imagine having to let go of Susanna. ‘I’m sorry if you had to let go of a girl.’
‘Not as sorry as me.’
The cafeteria was a sight for sore eyes. ‘Anyway, we have other things to worry about now, like food and sleep – lots of both. We need to stock up like bears.’
‘I can always do food.’ Food could not answer back. It was a bonus.
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Chapter 34
Food For Thought
The food hall bustled with activity as students queued for food whilst others sat down and socialised as they ate. Steven followed Jensen in and tensed. This time he could have sworn everyone was watching him out of the corner of their eyes, as hushed conversations erupted as he walked past.
‘Jensen, how’s babysitting duties going?’ a beefy boy hollered, from a crowded table, before bursting into laughter. His friends joined in the joke.
‘Better than being a member of the jerk brigade,’ Jensen replied, a scowl on his face.
The boy made to stand, but a girl next to him grabbed his arm and gave him a look. He shrugged and sat down.
‘They look friendly,’ Steven remarked.
‘Keep away from that lot, they’re bad news.’
‘I can see that,’ Steven said, as he saw them stick out their feet to trip up a girl of about fifteen years of age. Before anyone could warn her, she jumped over the legs balancing her plate with precision – it looked like a well-practised manoeuvre.
Steven took in his surroundings. Apart from the fact the hall was carved out of rock, it looked like a school cafeteria. Everyone around Steven was of school age. In fact, he could not see anyone that looked prepubescent. The younger children had to be taught elsewhere.
As he came upon the hot section, Steven recognised a dish; it looked like toad in the hole. There were even mashed potatoes, carrots, and peas. Nostalgia overcame him. He drifted in its direction, eager to taste familiar flavours. When it was his turn, he grabbed a huge helping and drizzled on the gravy, mentally adding a quick prayer of thanks.
He turned to find a seat, and saw Jensen and the others at the same table. Even here, people were territorial about seating.
As he sat down, Susanna stared at his plate and smiled, ‘Are you hungry today, by any chance?’
‘A bit,’ he admitted, ‘this was my favourite meal back home.’
‘Well, it won’t disappoint you, for sure. We have some brilliant cooks here,’ Jensen added, as he tucked into his portion.
Steven tentatively stuck his fork in the sausage and cut it, adding a small helping of the Yorkshire pudding. Then he placed it in his mouth. Almost immediately, he felt his taste buds explode. This was the taste of home. The gravy was rich and thick and the sausages burst with flavour, reminiscent of his favourite, Cumberland sausage. He was in sausage heaven.
‘Is it as you’d expect it to be?’ Kayla asked, her smile sweet yet deadly.
‘Better,’ Steven admitted, as he devoured another huge mouthful.
Silence fell upon the table as they ate. It made Steven ponder over the simple things in life. Food was definitely a satisfying part of being human. At least he would never lose that.
‘I wonder if our taste buds will be different after we change,’ Gideon mused.
‘I sure hope not,’ Steven spluttered, he covering his mouth with his hand as he talked.
‘I’m sure our palates will be satisfied in other ways.’ Kayla batted her eyelids, flirtatious again.
Steven finished his mouthful, and glared back, ‘My palate is perfectly satisfied at the moment. I hope nothing about me changes.’
Kayla pouted, and then carried on picking at her salad.
‘Jensen, are we done for the day?’ Surely, he had done enough.
‘Afraid not, we have chores. Farming area next.’
‘Kayla and I are making new clothes at the moment. I’ve been checking out the internet for the latest look – should be fun,’ Susanna added, with a cheeky and very girlie shrug.
‘And I have to go and feed the animals,’ Gideon groaned.
‘What livestock do you keep here?’ Steven asked.
‘We keep chickens, goats, guinea pigs, and armadillos,’ Gideon reeled off, naming them as he pointed to his fingers.
‘Armadillos?’
‘Yes, did you like the sausages?’
‘Why?’
‘Tasty armadillos don’t you think?’
Steven’s mouth gaped open. He had just eaten armadillo sausages.
‘And of course, we catch a variety of fish, as well as growing our own vegetables. Fruit is so plentiful here; we can just pick it off as we need it.’
‘Enough Gideon, remember this is all new to Steven. Give him a break,’ Jensen interrupted.
‘Sorry,’ Gideon apologised.
‘It’s okay,’ Steven reassured, ‘I’ll get used to it. Like I said, best sausages I ever tasted.’
*
The descent into the unknown filled Steven with a sense of curiosity and confusion. The grey-walled, nondescript, lift reminded him of the one at the Law faculty, back at the University of Southampton. He had to remind himself he was not there, even though he wished he was. It was only when the lift doors opened that Steven knew for certain. Nothing was normal. The smell alone was overwhelming. It was a fusion of the scents you would associate with a florist, a garden centre, and a refuse disposal site. He followed Jensen and paid attention.
‘On the left-hand side are the natural fruit trees and berry plants. Ahead, we have cultivated the ground for a multitude of vegetables. We also have chillies and more exotic plants. To the right, we have the livestock. As you can see it’s surrounded by secure fencing. We have to protect them from the predators out there.’
‘Like what?’
‘Mainly the big cats, such as the jaguar and leopard, it’s rare for them to find a way in, but sometimes it happens. Anyway, we have to go help to dig up vegetables. So, muscle up. I’ll introduce you to Lucy Santos. She is in charge of production. You’ll be happy to know you’re not related, but don’t worry she’s been around for a long time s
o I don’t think she’ll be jumping on you any time soon,’ Jensen said, a cheeky grin pasted on his face.
‘Funny,’ Steven huffed.
A maze of plants and soiled terrain dotted the path. Geographically speaking, it looked like they were in the mouth of the old volcanic site. Steven took a deep breath and relished the fresh air, it was a welcome change. Steven had not realised how stuffy it was inside until now. He arched his back and examined the height of the volcano. It was way too high to climb. Ahead, through the vegetation, Steven could see what looked like a large greenhouse. It was constructed out of wood, metal and glass. It looked like it had seen better days.
Jensen knocked on the wooden door. ‘Lucy, are you here?’
A voice called from the corner, ‘Jensen, is that you?’
Steven followed the voice and saw a woman lift her head up. As they got closer he was surprised at her attire. She wore dark green overalls, covered in splodges of dirt, her hands practically encrusted in soil. Something about her face intrigued Steven. It could have been the shape. He was taken aback by the fact she looked the same age as him, not a single wrinkle blemished her smooth, heart shaped face.
‘Hey, who’s this you are bringing me today? I’ve not had a chance to check who is helping. I’ve had people coming in dribs and drabs and they’re out there working the land. But, you know me, always busy. We have a lot of people to feed.’ She held out her hand, after wiping it on her trouser leg. ‘Hi, I’m Lucy. You know, I can’t remember having seen you before. But then,’ she laughed, ‘I lose track of everyone all the time. I can’t keep up.’
‘I’m Steven.’
‘Steven, who are your parents again?’
Jensen sniggered. Steven could not believe someone remained in the dark. ‘Emily is my biological mother; my dad is a normal human.’
‘Lucy, have you not heard yet?’ Jensen asked, perplexed.
Lucy mumbled to herself, her eyes fixed on the ground. ‘Oh, that’s what they were talking about. I wasn’t paying attention. Sorry, well, err, welcome. Unexpected.’ Silence ensued for a few seconds, before she recovered and looked up, ‘I’m sure if Jensen is looking out for you, you must be the right sort. A pair of helping hands is all I’m after.’
‘Where do you want us to go?’ Jensen asked.
‘Oh,’ she continued to stare at Steven.
Steven noticed that her eyes were deep blue, just like the ocean. It was obvious her mind was elsewhere. She was not really looking at him, more like looking through him. It was weird. In a brisk movement, she got to her feet and retrieved a list from the table.
She did not look at Steven as she spoke, ‘Can you go and pull out these vegetables for tomorrow? Here’s the list. Then take it to the prep area as usual, okay?’ She handed the piece of paper to Jensen and turned away.
As far as Steven was concerned, she was definitely weird. Yet, she was the first person he had felt any sort of connection with, in the strangest possible way. The way she muttered as she went left Steven convinced that something had shaken her too.
‘Eccentric?’ Steven asked, as they walked out of the greenhouse.
‘Yes.’ Jensen glanced back, ‘The story goes that she was good friends with Emily many years ago. Apparently, she was in love with your uncle Ian. As you know, he married Carmen in the end. Some suspected that she kept up the friendship with Emily just to see him. When Emily disappeared for a few years, she had no excuse to be around Ian, so she withdrew into her work. She has never met her complement, and even when your mother returned, the friendship was never the same. It’s sad, she’s a beautiful woman.’
‘Hiding in a giant allotment,’ Steven joked.
‘What’s an allotment?’ Jensen queried.
‘Oh, it’s just a place where you grow things.’
Steven mulled over what Jensen had said. No-one with eyes that beautiful should be hidden away.
***
The years of isolation should have made Lucy immune to feelings of a romantic nature. Love was painful and best avoided. Nevertheless, she had been caught unawares, Steven had shaken her up. As she walked towards the back room, she stared into the distance. They would be hard at work now.
An easy explanation for her irrational response was the family resemblance between Steven and Ian – it couldn’t be more. It was bizarre. The last time she had sensed unease like that was when she pined for Ian. It had taken her so long to get over unrequited love. She did not want to recall those foolish days when she had watched Ian and Carmen. She had acted like a moth heading for a bright light, closing in on death. Every time they held hands and laughed together, the knife had gone deeper into her heart. Life had been tortuous. It forced her to go into hiding.
Ian had been nothing more than a big brother at the beginning. As she neared maturity, she started to see him in a different light. Emily was the way in, she was her friend. Then Emily disappeared, to breed with a human it appeared, and deserted her in her hour of need. If Emily had not gone then Ian could have been convinced to fall in love with her not Carmen. In fairness, Lucy had ignored Ian’s friendship with Carmen. Carmen was so much younger. She forgot the age difference would be insignificant eventually. Everyone, but her, suspected there was something going on.
All she had now was the body of a twenty-year-old with no-one to love. Yet, the old sensations she was convinced were long gone appeared to have been dormant, just waiting for the right time to reawaken. Perhaps she was foolish to give up on love so easily. She could still find a complement.
She shook her head and frowned as she considered Steven. She stroked the leaf of her baby fern and wondered if Steven could be a fair exchange for Ian. She would not say no.
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Chapter 35
Hunter Gatherer
Steven had never laboured so hard in his life. A couple of hours had gone by and all they had to show for their efforts where two wheelbarrows full of produce. He had not anticipated how hard the job would be, his back was already in agony and it felt like he had aged a couple of years.
Jensen wiped his brow and took a swig out of an army style water bottle, then handed it over to Steven.
‘Thanks, are we done yet?’
‘Yeah, I think we can call it a day.’
Steven followed Jensen with his wheelbarrow. At the end of the narrow path they came upon a prep area, where people waited for the goods. Eventually, they handed over the produce to some other men. There was not a single smile in sight. They nodded at Jensen, ignored Steven.
As they walked away, Jensen said, ‘Thanks for helping out.’
‘I guess it’s what everyone is expected to do here.’
‘Well yes, but it’s still nice to be grateful,’ Jensen said.
‘I appreciate it. I still sense, from the lack of conversation from the men back there, I’m not really welcome.’
‘Give it time,’ Jensen called out, as he started to run, ‘let’s go – it’s time for a bath, you’ve earned it!’
‘Is this mixed bathing again?’ Steven howled, as he sped up.
‘You’ll get used to that too. But, the women here tend to bathe when the men are at work. They are usually involved with the prep and cooking, whilst we have our turn.’
‘So that’s why it was deserted when I went the other day – everyone was eating.’
‘Exactly. Last one there’s a loser.’
The sounds of splashing and chatter stopped, as they approached the bathing area. There were several men in the water and some drying themselves outside. At least, there were no women in sight which was one consolation. Jensen stripped down and ran up to the water’s edge to dive in. Steven was self-conscious for a brief moment as he mulled over the fact that a shower for one back at home was so much more private. Here he was exposed. He put it to the back of his mind and started to undress. He had to.
Jensen popped his head out of the water momentarily, and called out, ‘Get a move on.’
St
even slipped out of his shorts and t-shirt. He kept his underpants on and made a run for it, before he dived in. The lukewarm water provided him with instant relief for the second time. It had to be the best bath in the world. He swam across to the waterfall and let the water splash on his head – it felt like getting a head massage. He remembered Caitlin was very good at those.
After a few minutes, he made his way towards the lake on the other side and started racing in a perfect front crawl. It felt good to swim again. When he stopped, he heard a distant voice coming after him.
‘Hey, don’t thrash too loud or you’ll rally up the piranhas,’ Jensen hollered.
‘Piranhas, here?’ Steven exclaimed, swimming towards the water’s edge.
‘Joke, man, just a joke. We keep them out. The look on your face was priceless.’
‘Funny.’ Jensen was turning out to be a bit of a joker.
‘We better get going. It’s time to fill up with fuel again.’
‘Absolutely, race you back.’
Steven swam back in a powerful stroke. He passed Jensen with ease and then got out of the water and dressed, as Jensen made it out.
When Jensen came up alongside, he nodded in approval. ‘Nifty swimming, that’s a useful skill.’
‘What for? To out swim the piranhas and caiman?’
‘You guessed it. No, seriously, we need good swimmers to go and help with fishing duties. I’ll put a mention in so that you get reassigned. It might be more up your street.’
‘I didn’t mind digging veg.’
‘Sure, but it’s good to try out new things.’
‘Since when are you my guardian?’
Jensen frowned, confused, ‘You tell me.’
‘Thanks for looking out for me. I’m just jesting with you, English humour. Fishing, I might just give it a go,’ he laughed aloud. He was definitely intrigued by the idea of exploring the Amazon River.
***
The main catering hall was always full at mealtimes, a constant hive of activity. It was the social hub; the focus of all gossip, flirtation and melodrama. Emily sipped her coffee and contemplated the mood. Everything seemed as it was. On the surface, it appeared that life had moved on since Steven arrived. She was not sure it was truly the case. She suspected many were biding their time, waiting for when Steven changed, to see what would happen.
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 23