The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return

by Vanessa Wester

  ‘Yes, we get along better with him than we do with Emily that’s for sure,’ she sighed.

  Jeff squeezed her hand. ‘Nothing we can do about that just now. I have faith. Hopefully, Emily will find her path and in time it’ll lead her back to us.’

  ‘You always were the eternal optimist.’ She loved the feel of his hand, it always reassured her.

  Jeff looked out of the window as he spoke. ‘We’ll have to think of a cover. The locals will realise we’re back if the lights are on. If we start living there they will ask questions. I might apply for a job in the New Forest, there’s bound to be something. My background will not be hard to bluff.’

  ‘I think I’ll clear up the house. I dread to think how much work needs doing.’ Judith had no intention of going to work in the modern world.

  ‘Good idea. What about Steven?’

  Judith knew the answer to the question, the how was what bothered her. ‘I think he is keen to continue where he left off. He wants to go back to university.’

  ‘Is that wise?’ Jeff ruffled his hair with his hand. She took it as unease.

  ‘If it’s what he wants, then we have to help him. That’s why we came back, to help him regain normality.’

  Jeff leaned closer. ‘Darling, I know why we are here, but let’s face it we are not normal.’

  She smiled. ‘I know that, but, he still has to learn that for himself. We have to let him lead as normal a life as possible. In a few months, he might see things differently.’ She was not trying to kid herself.

  ‘You’re right, you’re always right. But, maybe we could convince him to try to get a job for now. He could always apply for next year,’ Jeff replied. Reverting to English, he asked the cabbie, ‘Excuse me, how much time will it take to get there?’

  ‘It depends on the traffic. I wouldn’t say it would be much longer than three hours.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  Judith looked out of the window and studied the cars and buildings they passed. So much had changed. Even though the weather did nothing to welcome them she was happy to be back. A lot of good memories ran through her mind of a time before war. It made her reminisce.

  ‘Do you still remember the first time we met?’ Judith asked.

  ‘That was a long time ago.’

  She knew he did remember. He was just playing hard to get as always. ‘I remember it like it was yesterday. I fell in love with you the first time I saw you.’

  Jeff hummed in agreement without repeating the sentiment. He never opened up to her when she wanted him to. Touchy feely was not how she would describe her husband.

  ‘I stared at you through the corner of my eye the whole night. It was only at the very end when you were about to go that you acknowledged that I existed by nodding in my direction. You didn’t dance with a single girl even though we were short of partners. It was shameful.’

  ‘What can I say, I have two left feet,’ he said, his face serious. Only his moustache tweaked.

  ‘Poppycock, you couldn’t be bothered to make the effort.’

  ‘Well, that too.’ His eyes came alight as the smile broke free.

  ‘I couldn’t believe it the next day when my parents told me they’d invited your parents round for tea. I almost died in shock. I didn’t know what I’d say to you or if you’d come. I nervously waited and bit my nails in annoyance until four o’clock when you did finally make it.’

  Jeff nodded. She could tell he was enjoying the story. It had been a long time since she’d talked about it.

  ‘Finally, at four o’clock sharp – you were all very punctual – you arrived. I don’t think I said a word for an hour, did I?’

  ‘No, you looked very shy and beautiful. You certainly deceived me by appearing to be quiet that’s for sure,’ he huffed.

  ‘You know you’d get bored if I didn’t talk to you. Anyway, I couldn’t believe it when I realised our parents had mutually set us up. But, it all worked out in the end and you became mine,’ she beamed. He had always been hers.

  ‘Well, I got you first,’ he mused.

  ‘Infuriating man, you’ll always have me in the palm of your hand.’

  ‘I sure hope so,’ he replied. As he leant in to kiss her, Judith sighed. After the short kiss, she nuzzled into his chest. Home was where he was.

  ***

  Steven had been awake for a while. He could not sleep. He could not understand what they were saying, but it was obvious they were still madly in love. It was strange to see true love. It existed. His dad and Clara had a real meaningful relationship, even if they just never seemed to have a lot in common. Love seemed to work in different ways for different people. It made him hopeful. Even someone like him should have a shot at love. The question was could it be with someone like Caitlin?

  The message Caitlin had left on Facebook had initially given him hope. On further analysis he’d started to wonder if he’d misinterpreted it.

  The message still rang clear in his head.

  You were in a dream I had last night. It seemed real. Do I really know you? The dream was confusing. I would like to talk. Caitlin.

  At first, he had been overjoyed by the fact that she had remembered him. All he could think about was whether she remembered that she used to be in love with him. But now he wondered about the dream. What did she mean by confusing? The more time went by, the more he was convinced that perhaps what she had dreamt was a very bad thing, not the kind of thing you would want to remember if you loved someone. All he could do now was to wait until he was back online. By then, he would hopefully have figured out what to do.

  Back to Table of Contents

  Chapter 10

  Life Is Confusing

  The drive lasted for four and a half hours. As they took the turnoff Jeff studied the surroundings, they were back. Steven was apprehensive, yet he looked forward to the adventure.

  ‘Excuse me, Gov’ do you know the way from here? The sat nav doesn’t give me an exact location,’ the taxi driver asked.

  ‘Sure,’ Jeff replied. He knew the route had not changed. It was still deserted. They owned the land surrounding the house. He gave the taxi driver final instructions and sat back.

  His mind drifted, as it reflected on the past. A childhood playing with tin toy soldiers in the back garden. Born in 1893 his childhood was idyllic and innocent, pampered really. The eldest of a family of five, he was used to being in charge and generally enjoyed bossing them about. His youth was too innocent. It did not prepare him for life. He was naïve.

  He imagined glory when he signed up for the Great War. He would have been proud to die for his country, just like all the other fools. It was a strange time. The unnecessary death still haunted him. For two years he witnessed the carnage and by sheer luck he survived. Aged twenty five, he returned a troubled, traumatised man.

  Judith was the reason he regained reason.

  A sucker for punishment he felt duty bound twenty years later to join the team of scientists that would discover the nuclear bomb. The fight resumed. It was a battle to find the ultimate weapon, the decider. It was no surprise they found it. They were responsible for more death, more destruction. Jeff was convinced it was karma they were attacked. They never stopped to consider what the radiation would do to the bats, the vampire bats. It was their deadly bite that initiated their evolution.

  Had they become vampires?

  He did not like to think so, none of them wanted to think that. And yet, perhaps the mutation had happened before. Perhaps, they were not the first. He shuddered at the thought that the story of Dracula was true.

  At least they were outwardly normal, their deception was too good.

  It was no surprise he took charge. A natural leader, he set in motion the chain of events that would lead to the establishment of their new community. The place he now knew as home deep within the Amazon.

  Officially, he had died during the Second World War so his family house remained derelict for a few years, but they managed to make a s
uccessful claim in Ian’s name and the property reverted to the Roberts family. None of his brothers and sisters had survived the war and any relatives had long since forgotten about the house.

  So it stood alone, on the top of the hill amongst its pastures of land, deserted and lonely until some of them arrived.

  ‘Are you sure you’re at the right place?’ the taxi driver asked. He looked around and studied the dark and secluded environment. It was practically black, the only light coming from the full moon and headlights.

  ‘This is it,’ Judith cheered. ‘I’m thirsty,’ she whispered.

  ‘I know but you’ll have to wait,’ Jeff said, his tone wavered. ‘Here is the money as promised, thank you.’

  The taxi driver took the money greedily. As he counted Jeff saw Judith’s face change, her canine’s extending. He gripped her hand and held back the urge to react. ‘No!’ he stressed.

  ‘Sorry mate, can I help?’ The man looked back absentmindedly.

  Jeff opened the door and practically pushed Judith out. ‘Nothing, we’re just glad to be back.’

  The man shrugged and put the money down. He opened the car door to get the luggage.

  ‘No, we’ll do it,’ Jeff hissed.

  The man frowned. ‘If you’re sure.’

  ‘I’ve got them,’ Steven said, hauling the bags off the taxi. Finally, he was awake.

  ‘Sure, thanks then.’ The man shut the door and turned on the engine. The tyres screeched as he turned the corner in a hurry.

  As he drove out of the drive Judith broke down. ‘I was really close. Was I the only one tempted?’

  ‘To me he smelled of cigarettes,’ Steven replied.

  Jeff had smelt the cigarettes, along with the other tempting, sweet smell. ‘We need to feed soon,’ he said. ‘Or we will not remain strong and might do something we will regret. We don’t want to attack anyone inadvertently.’

  ‘Fine, let’s leave the bags and find a sheep or two that won’t be missed,’ Judith laughed, the tears gone.

  Steven groaned.

  Judith countered. ‘You can always go for rabbit. I make a fantastic rabbit stew.’

  ‘That’s a pet, not food, ugh,’ Steven winced.

  Jeff watched the exchange in amusement. ‘Let’s drop off the bags and we’ll see what we can find.’

  The outside lighting transformed the building as the full grandeur was revealed. Jeff turned to Steven. ‘The house was built in 1854 for my great grandfather. He worked the land and became a successful landowner. It’s got a lot of original features. You can have a good look around it tomorrow. It’s the only real link we have to the past.’

  ‘It’s lucky you found a way to keep it in the family. Who owns it now?’ Steven asked.

  ‘Ian, but since he is apparently approaching the age of seventy, we might have to consider faking his death to allow someone else to inherit. You could be a prime candidate you know. You could be his grandchild,’ Jeff said, with a hand gesture.

  ‘Can’t you amend all the records? It’s what you do, isn’t it?’

  Jeff was reminded of the way they had erased his existence. He was not surprised Steven brought it up. ‘If you intend to stay here it would be easier to just add you as the owner.’

  ‘I guess it would give me an identity,’ Steven said, he shuffled from one foot to the other.

  Jeff nodded. He had never been one to get into an argument. ‘We can say you inherited it. I’ll discuss it with Ian when the dust settles.’

  Steven looked up, casual, and said, ‘Fine.’

  ‘Time to go,’ Judith said, robot style, her expression devoid of all emotion.

  Jeff could tell she was struggling more than he was. It was interesting. In the community he had never stopped to think about their differences. He was starting to realise that Judith was weaker, it worried him. He slid his arm around her waist and gave her a squeeze. ‘Yes dear, it’s time to go.’

  Outside, it was dark but Jeff’s eyes adjusted quickly. ‘Steven, are you alright to walk?’

  ‘I can manage.’

  It seemed as though Steven’s foot was back to normal, but Jeff was wary. The recovery had gone too smoothly. ‘Are you alright to hunt? Do you know what to do?’

  ‘I got the idea back in the community. I doubt I’ll get attacked by a bunny.’

  Jeff scoffed, was that an attempt at humour? He was hopeful.

  ‘No, there shouldn’t be any killer rabbits out here,’ Judith said, with a chuckle. When she recovered, she added, ‘Although we could try to find deer? I used to love venison sausages.’

  ‘Deer are protected,’ Steven said.

  Jeff laughed, ‘Not from us.’

  Steven pursed his lips. ‘I’ll just do what you say.’

  Jeff was finding it hard to figure out what was wrong with Steven. He was a lot snappier now he was back. ‘Are you okay?’

  The question seemed to catch Steven by surprise as he stopped. ‘I guess I just find it hard to be so close to Caitlin and yet still not be able to see how she is.’

  ‘Caitlin, it’s a nice name,’ Judith said.

  Jeff rolled his eyes. Love caused an awful lot of problems. ‘You’ll get to see her eventually. First, let’s sort ourselves out and see how we go. The last thing you want is to put her in danger.’

  ‘You’re right,’ Steven admitted. ‘Sorry, for being such a grump.’

  Jeff relaxed. ‘It’s alright we’ll come up with something. Now, less chatter, follow our lead.’

  On a full stomach it would be easier to think clearly.

  ***

  The next morning Judith woke up refreshed and energised. She stripped the skin from the deer as soon as she got downstairs. It was something she had known how to do for years from hunting in the Amazon. She made thin rashers in an attempt to imitate bacon. Jeff had already left on a mission to return with more provisions.

  As she worked she thought about what they were doing. She could not understand why they had decided to be so impulsive. Were they reckless? Had they made a huge mistake by coming back to England before they knew what Steven was capable of?

  She saw so much of Emily in Steven and yet he seemed so much calmer. In character, Steven reminded her of Jeff. Was that why she wanted to help him? Was she prepared to do what it took to enable Steven to be happy? Could she tell Steven the truth? She had not discussed the idea with Jeff, but she would not be surprised if he realised the possibility. Was it time to let everyone in on their secret or would it be like opening up Pandora’s Box? Could they deal with the consequences, whatever those were?

  Bag in hand, Jeff walked through the door and broke her trail of thought. ‘It’s amazing Judith, the service station…’

  ‘Service station?’

  ‘…yes, the service station stocked all sorts. It’s so easy to shop here.’ Jeff’s cheeks were flushed.

  ‘I guess now you can buy what you want when you want. It must be nice. Just think of all the time people must have on their hands. From what we know they don’t have to do manual chores. What do people do?’

  ‘I guess they replaced servants for convenience. With all the machines to do the work they found other things.’ Jeff scratched his head. ‘They have T.V., the internet, computer games, another thing called tablets or the iPad. And it goes on, new gadgets for each generation.’

  ‘And this makes people happy?’ Judith spoke in a puzzled, but judgemental, voice.

  Jeff shrugged his shoulders. ‘I can understand the appeal. I would love to see how they all work.’

  ‘Always the scientist,’ she scolded. ‘Don’t you ever learn your lesson? New inventions are not always a good thing.’

  ‘I know that, but man is a curious beast. We can’t help ourselves.’

  ‘Jeff Roberts, I hope you didn’t want to come back to spend the entire time ogling at new technology.’

  He eased up behind her and wrapped his arms around her stomach. ‘I wouldn’t ogle at technology, I only ogle at you.’


  Judith giggled. He could still get to her.

  ‘Now, where is my breakfast woman?’

  ‘Yes, my master,’ she sighed, sarcastic.

  He spun her around and kissed her, she could not resist. After this entire time one thing never changed, she was still in love with her husband. She knew he would do anything for her, he always had.

  The remains of Steven’s breakfast sat alone on the table. Judith tried to relax. They had gone to find Steven, but his room was empty. She hoped he had not done anything foolish. She immersed herself in the text of an old favourite she had found in the bookcase. The paper was old and fragile. She remembered when it had been new.

  Had so many years really gone by?

  The sound of the front door alerted them to Steven’s return. Trust was going to be important. She did not want to rush to any conclusions. Without raising her eyes from the book, she continued to read and waited.

  Steven made his way in. ‘Hey, just went out for a run.’

  ‘Feel better?’ Judith asked, she glanced up from the page.

  ‘Yes, thanks. I think I’ll go shower.’

  ‘There’s some food for you in the kitchen. Might be cold now but you can always put the plate in the oven again.’

  ‘Sure, okay,’ he awkwardly backed away.

  After she heard the sound of water, Jeff turned to her and said in their dialect. ‘His hearing will be as good as ours so we have to make sure that we say nothing to upset him.’

  ‘Mmm,’ Judith answered, deep in thought.

  ‘You trust him don’t you?’

  Judith stared into Jeff’s eyes and said, ‘Completely.’

  ‘I thought so. You always were a good judge of character.’

  ‘Emily never thought so.’ She had made so many errors where Emily was concerned.

  ‘If it hadn’t been for you, Emily would have gone off the rails many years earlier. If you had not insisted that she had to stay in the community in the early days just think of the damage she could have done?’

  Judith wondered a lot about that recently. ‘Perhaps…let’s not talk about Emily, we are here for Steven.’ She was just not sure if she could help Steven without letting him in on the secret. She wondered whether to discuss it with Jeff and then reconsidered. It was easier to read, it was an escape.