Steven had adapted to his new lifestyle. He got on with it and had earned a lot of people’s respect by working hard on all the tasks they threw at him.
This meant a lot to Emily. It was nice to know her son was not a lazy, arrogant man, like many of the human men she had met. In truth, it had not surprised her at all – his father, Paul, had always been the perfect gentleman. The only one who had not got her act together was her. She had failed to get to know her son. She had tried but it was awkward. Today, she would try again.
She watched the entrance and waited. If she was lucky she would get the chance to talk to him. She had not given up yet.
In answer to her thoughts she saw Steven walk through the doors. Jensen was at his side again, they were obviously close. She wondered if she would ever develop the same friendship with her son. Steven looked at ease as he bantered with Jensen. She had chosen the right tour guide.
Out of interest, she turned towards Ingrid, to see if she was also following Steven. Ingrid was staring right at him. Emily wondered how many other girls lay in the wings, waiting for his change. He was open season for anyone not linked to the Roberts family. Honestly, she felt sorry for him. A woman’s obsession could be deadly.
As much as she wanted to talk to him, she was apprehensive. She already fell short of ideal mother material. Regardless, it was important for her to show everyone he was a part of her life now. She downed the rest of her coffee and made her way towards them. It could have looked like she was on her way out.
‘Jensen, nice to see you,’ she said, her tone polite. ‘Steven, it’s good to see you settled in.’
Steven seemed disinterested. He shrugged and glanced over her shoulder as he spoke, ‘It’s fine. Jensen has been helping me out.’
It was just what she needed. She knew she had not done much to help his integration. It was hard to get a reminder. In a futile attempt at conversation, she continued, ‘I hear you’re helping to teach echolocation now since you are so advanced. Good for you, it’s also one of my strengths.’
Another shrug, before the reply, ‘I guess so.’
He really did not want to talk to her.
In order to salvage her integrity she made a move. ‘Enjoy your meal. Come and see me sometime. We still have a lot to talk about.’ She gave a half-smile and walked away. She tried to keep her head high. Even though she felt like a complete failure, she would not drop her guard.
***
Steven could not believe Emily was his mother. She looked more like a sister. He had no idea what she would want to talk about. As far as he was concerned there was nothing else to be said. He had started to come to terms with his new surroundings – he had no other choice.
He still believed a lot of people remained wary of him. The way they kept an eye on him was very subtle. No-one ignored him, or treated him differently; they just did not seem too forthcoming. Then again, neither was he. Perhaps he was paranoid. They probably didn’t care he existed.
After eating another great meal, he got up to go, not in the mood to hang around.
‘You want some company?’ Kayla asked, about as innocently as a shark in the middle of a feeding frenzy. She was still trying to convince him they were meant to be, even though he had made it clear from his actions he was not interested.
‘No thank you,’ he said in his politest voice. No point offending her.
Jensen looked even more worn out than him today. They must have worked harder than usual. As he approached the stairway leading to the accommodation, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned around to see Ingrid trying to catch up. His shoulders dropped. He hoped some day she would give up.
‘Are you okay?’ She ran her hand through her hair.
‘Fine, just tired – I’m calling it a night.’
She bit her lip, before she added with a look of concern, ‘Make sure you tell someone, if you start to feel sick.’
‘I’m not sick, just tired, I’m sure I’ll know the difference. Can I go now?’ He wondered why she was still following him. It was almost as though she was waiting, always waiting. He could not figure out what, exactly, she was waiting for. He hoped it was not him. She would be disappointed if it was.
‘Okay then, let me know if you need,’ she paused, ‘a friend.’
‘Thanks for the thought. I’m not sure I’d turn to you though – you nearly killed me,’ he said, as he shook his head.
Ingrid pursed her lips, her eyebrows furrowed, ‘Can we put the past behind us, please?’
‘I don’t think that’s possible,’ he replied, ‘Sorry.’
The expression on her face said it all. She looked to the floor, and then she stared at him again, ‘I thought you also kissed me back that first time, we shared a connection from the beginning.’
‘That was a long time ago. If my memory serves me right you entranced me, remember? Do yourself a favour and stop dreaming of something you can’t have. Find someone else.’ With a pitiful sigh, he turned and carried on walking. He had no doubt in his mind that some things needed to be said. It was better to be cruel than kind at times. His intent was not to hurt her, but he couldn’t take the words back. She was the one who had started his nightmare. Even though things here were not as bad as he’d thought, he was not prepared to forgive and forget.
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Chapter 36
Jensen
Steven woke up, disturbed by a series of deep snores and the sound of tossing and turning. He listened intently and realised it was coming from Jensen’s bed. It sounded like he was thrashing around a lot more than usual. The other two were practically shaking the room with their thunderous snores. Jensen held his own, but his sounds were disjointed, as though he was in pain. It was weird. Fumbling around for the tiny torch, Steven turned it on and looked around. He was desperate for the loo. He made his way out and found his way to the toilet. On the way back, he heard the sound of beating, like a heartbeat. He decided to investigate.
At the end of the tunnel the area widened out. He pointed the flashlight up towards the high cave ceiling. A multitude of bats scampered around. He had seen them before, but it was still an impressive sight. They looked so innocent hanging upside down, minding their own business.
He jumped back in surprise as a bat landed on his head and hopped onto his shoulder. It looked him in the eye for a fleeting moment before it flew away again. Steven could not help but wonder if they were just as curious about him as he was about them. He gave an amused chuckle, retraced his steps and started to make his way back. The sound of footsteps made him turn around.
‘What are you doing up? It’s the middle of the night,’ a grumpy voice mumbled.
He turned, to find he was face-to-face with the warden. ‘Sorry, I had to go and then I got lost.’
‘You had to go where?’
‘You know, to go.’
‘You had to pee.’ The warden said the word, as if it was a swear word.
‘Yeah.’
‘Get back to bed,’ he grunted.
The warden had to be the strangest person Steven had met.
Just as he was getting comfortable in bed and had closed his eyes, he heard Jensen moaning – he sounded in physical pain. He flashed the torch in his direction and was shocked to see the sight of him. In the dim light, he could make out a lot of perspiration on his forehead. He was convulsing, his eyes upturned. Quickly, Steven jumped out of bed and gave him a little shake to try to wake him up. Jensen’s mouth started to foam, he looked like he was having a seizure.
Steven had no idea what he should do. He held him up and shouted out for help. The other two woke up. Rod, who was the friendlier of the two, got into gear straightaway and raced out with his flashlight on. Steven was glad someone knew what to do.
After a few minutes passed, several people rushed in, including the warden, with a stretcher in tow.
‘We’ll take over from here,’ the warden said.
He let Jensen go and watched as they pu
t him on the stretcher and took him away.
‘Go back to sleep, there’s nothing more to be done.’ The friendly warden was back again.
The other two got back into bed and started snoring again a few minutes later as if nothing had happened. Steven stared into the black abyss unable to sleep. The main friend he had grown to depend on had just been carried away. It was obvious that Jensen was sick – it had to be the change. He was stupid. He had not noticed the time go by. Would he end up the same way? Would Jensen still be his friend when they next met?
***
Emily watched her son from her table. He sat amongst the others, but he was miles away. Jensen’s absence had hit him hard. She had heard that since Jensen had gone Steven had become withdrawn. He appeared to have no inclination to be with anyone or even talk much for that matter. It was not a nice feeling see her worse attribute, her lack of social awareness, on full display. She had never been that good at integrating either. Now, it was easy for her to see why she never found her complement within the community. She knew people called her proud, even conceited, but that was just an image. She did care about others; she just did not know how to show it.
Anna had inherited all of the social tact, she was the sociable one. It was always embarrassing when someone mistook her for Anna and then shuffled off quickly when they realised it was only her, weird Emily.
It was the main reason she had been swept off her feet by Paul. He just took her at face value. His chat-up line had been so corny, and yet, completely irresistible. Emily closed her eyes and her mind drifted again, it seemed to do this so much more recently. The past was a happier place.
Emily had been getting a drink at the bar, when she heard someone cough next to her. As she turned, she found herself staring at a handsome man with the cutest smile she had ever seen.
He simply said, ‘Would the most gorgeous girl that I have ever seen in my life, please have a drink with me?’
Emily smiled at the thought and opened her eyes.
No-one had ever called her gorgeous or asked her to have a drink with them before. She had been bowled over. The attraction was instant and they had talked endlessly. She knew then she would never cause him any harm. Of course, this only turned out to be physical harm. She had hurt him. Emily had no way of knowing how badly.
It was so stupid; she had fallen in love with a human.
At the time, she had not cared. There was no way she was going to apologise for how she had felt. For the first time since she had changed, she had felt normal – alive. It had been such an impulsive decision when she agreed to elope a few days later and left without telling anyone where she had gone. It was so foolish, and yet, so right. If she had never taken that chance, she doubted that she would have ever experienced true love.
This was why it scared her. Steven looked so vulnerable. He reminded her of her own inadequacies. She would have to try to help him. There was no other way.
***
Anna watched her sister make her way over to where Steven was sitting. She felt sorry for Emily. She knew the inner turmoil tormenting her; she felt every bit of her pain. It was excruciating. Anna wanted to help Emily, but her husband Juan was watching. He did not approve of Steven, and he thought even less of Emily. The only reason he tolerated Emily, was because she was her sister, but that was as far as his tolerance went. His family was not happy about the situation. Lana and Beatrice, in particular, found it inconvenient. Steven could be a potential suitor for their daughters, Ingrid and Kayla.
Regardless of the fact the option was potentially a good one, they were all extremely concerned about Steven’s suitability. Until he changed, he could not be trusted. Anna had given up arguing with Juan – there was nothing she could do to change his views. She could help Emily another way. She put her head in her hands and made sure she could not be seen. Then she closed her eyes and channelled her energy towards Emily. She thought of happy days, filled with laughter and peace. She thought of her children and the love she held for her husband. She concentrated on the trust she endowed on all of her friends and family.
Once she was full of compassion, she looked up and sent all those thoughts towards Emily.
A small gesture, but it might help.
***
The walk towards Steven made Emily feel like she was trawling through thick, sticky mud. Even though Steven now sat alone, she was apprehensive. She was sure he hated her. As she got to about an arm’s length away, pure joy surged through her. Adrenaline, like a drug. Hyperactive, her voice squeaked as she asked, ‘Can I join you?’
‘Sure,’ Steven replied, without raising his head.
‘Just checking if you were doing okay. You seem, withdrawn,’ she rattled on. She knew she was talking too quickly but she could not help it. Suspicious, she glanced at Anna. When she saw her watching, she shook her head. She could tell Anna had amped up her emotions. Only Anna could influence her mood in this way.
‘I’m ticking along,’ he stated, noncommittal.
‘I see.’ Emily looked at the table and tapped her finger. Anna’s enthusiasm was starting to diminish. She felt verbally incapacitated.
After a pause, Steven looked up and sighed, ‘You don’t have to try to help me fit in. If it’s any consolation, I’ve always had trouble fitting into other people’s ideals of social etiquette.’
Emily stared at Steven and bit her lip as sadness overwhelmed her. It was her fault – it was her inadequacy. ‘I’m sorry about that.’
‘It’s not your fault.’
‘Actually,’ she stopped, trying to use the right words, ‘There is a very strong chance that it is one hundred per cent my fault. I am your mother after all, and I am useless at fitting in. But, and don’t tell Anna I admitted this, I always had a sister to steer me along. If it had been up to me, I would have ended up as a recluse in a convent.’
Steven looked up, his eyes alight, ‘Are you religious then?’
Laughing, she replied, ‘No, I’m just different. Not that I’m not tolerant. Obviously, we have different faiths represented in our community, so I do respect other people’s beliefs.’
‘I was raised as a Roman Catholic by my mother.’
Emily found it hard to hear him call someone else his mother yet she broke into a smile. ‘You’d better keep that quiet around the Santos family – you’ll be even more popular around their unmarried girls. They are all avid Catholics. Eilif and Jan had to convert to Catholicism before they could get married.’
‘So, people get married here?’
‘Of course.’
‘Well, I’ve never really followed religion out of choice.’
‘Trust me. I don’t think that Ingrid or Kayla would be too bothered either. But, that’s why the Santos clan is naturally suspicious of change. It’s either a gift from God or an omen from the devil. They are still unsure about you and that’s my fault too. I brought you into this situation. I’m sorry.’ She stared into space again. Even though they were talking, she could not help feeling remorse. She had made him what he was.
***
Steven watched his mother as she bowed her head and stared at the table. She looked totally vulnerable. Even though he struggled to feel any affection for her, he was sympathetic. He was not heartless, but he had no idea what he was supposed to say or do. She had brought him into a cursed existence and he could not see anything good about being gifted with eternal youth when you were not allowed to use its full potential.
‘I’ll be okay. Thanks for your concern.’
‘If it’s any consolation, I hated leaving you both.’
‘It’s good to know.’ Hearing it aloud brought some comfort. ‘I know it must have hurt to let us go. I understand that.’ He stared into her eyes, still confounded by the similarity to his own.
Emily looked up, and gave a weary smile, ‘I’ll always be here for you – please try and remember that.’
‘Thanks for the gesture,’ Steven said. ‘I’ve got to go. There’s always s
omething to do.’
Steven reflected on the fact that it had been the longest conversation they had had to date. In time, he might give her a break.
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Chapter 37
Lost
The next few weeks proved uneventful. Steven got into a routine, attended classes, and helped with either farming or fishing duties. The highlight of his week was always the fishing expeditions. It was refreshing to be outdoors in the midst of the Amazon River.
Jensen remained in isolation. He had tried to see him, but so far all attempts had been futile. The policy was strict – no visitors. Why all the secrecy? Without Jensen he became withdrawn. It was easy to keep all conversation to a minimum. He had plenty of female admirers. He just had no interest in getting to know any of them better. Of late, his thoughts always drifted back to Caitlin.
As he pulled on the ropes he was amazed at the sight of the fish they’d caught. ‘These fish are huge,’ he gasped, as he hauled the last one onto the boat.
‘They are called pacu,’ Ian yelled. ‘Not as deadly as the Piranha, but watch out for their teeth. They can cause some damage.’
Steven looked at the fish thrashing on the floor. It was about a metre in length, with a rounded form. Its teeth looked big – almost human.
The afternoon stretched out, as they prepared the fish for easy delivery. It would be a novelty to actually sit down and do nothing for a change. He was so tired.
Ian came up alongside him, ‘You alright?’
‘Fine, just fine,’ Steven replied. He wasn’t, but he wasn’t going to tell Ian just yet.
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 24