The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return

by Vanessa Wester

  Half an hour later, Steven returned with wet sleek hair and a revived expression. ‘Cosy.’

  ‘You like the fire?’ Judith asked.

  Steven looked at the flames. ‘Who doesn’t like fire?’

  Jeff stood up and made his way over to Steven, ‘Breakfast?’

  ‘Sure.’

  Judith watched them go together. It was nice to see the way they seemed to bond. She just did not know why she was thinking strange thoughts. When she left the community she was so excited, now she was overwhelmed. She wanted to see the modern world. She wanted to come back to England. Now she was back in their house she felt at peace. This was where she belonged. Yet, she was so tired. She did not want to kill anymore, she wanted to rest. She could not explain why a part of her seemed to let go. A part of her wanted it all to end.

  She didn’t dare to tell Jeff. He would not understand.

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  Chapter 11

  An Old Acquaintance

  Steven appreciated the character of the old house. From the wooden beams, to the high ceilings, to the log fire, he liked it all. It was the kind of house he could see himself in. It was weird to think it could actually become his. He wouldn’t say no.

  ‘Do you like the house? It’s been in my family for over one hundred years.’

  Steven could not lie. ‘It’s in need of some modernisation, but other than that it’s great.’

  ‘Glad you like it. You are the new generation. Maybe we should go and get some things to bring it up to date,’ Jeff said, as he took a seat in the kitchen chair.

  Steven nodded. ‘Shopping, hey why not, nothing else fazes me anymore.’ He got the plate of food out of the oven with a cloth and sat down to eat. It looked good.

  ‘Where did you go this morning?’ Jeff asked.

  Steven finished his mouthful and washed it down with some juice. ‘Not far, I just needed some fresh air.’

  ‘Try not to get noticed.’

  ‘I know the drill.’ He heaped some food onto his fork, and asked, ‘How do we travel?’ He savoured the venison, Judith was a good cook.

  ‘Now this might interest you. We own some classic cars. If we pump the tyres they should run like a dream.’

  He swallowed and said, ‘Classics, now this is interesting.’

  ‘When you finish I’ll show you.’

  As soon as the plate was empty Jeff leapt off his seat. ‘Ready?’

  There was never a dull moment. ‘Sure.’

  A separate outbuilding on the side of the house acted as a garage. Jeff opened the doors and revealed three cars.

  ‘So which one do you want to drive?’

  Steven only had eyes for the Bentley, a car he had always dreamed of since he developed an infatuation with old cars at a young age. ‘Are you kidding?’

  ‘No, take your pick.’

  He went straight for the Bentley and ran his fingers along the side of the car. Then he stopped to open the door and look inside. Even the smell was incredible. ‘This is the car for me,’ he said.

  ‘Let’s fix this baby up then,’ Jeff said, getting the equipment ready.

  ‘Absolutely.’

  Half an hour later the car was ready for a test drive.

  ‘We can only go for a short spin today. We still have to update the insurance and tax disc. Don’t want to attract any unnecessary attention. I’ll go and get Judith,’ Jeff said.

  When the engine purred to life, Steven revved the engine, put her into gear and let go of the handbrake. The car cruised out of the garage.

  ***

  The drive along the familiar sights seemed to be a revelation to Judith. Everywhere they went there was something old and new that made her ramble on about the changes. Jeff kept glancing back at her. It had been the right decision to come back with Steven. She was excited again, for quite some time she had seemed indifferent. He had hoped that by being outside of the community she would get a new lease of life.

  As they rounded the corner a small platform came into view.

  ‘Do you mind if we stop? We can get the train into town and leave the car here,’ Steven suggested.

  ‘No, not at all,’ Jeff replied. ‘Do you know? I think it might actually snow.’

  ‘Not in November, silly,’ Judith laughed.

  ‘We’ll see,’ he smirked. Jeff looked up at the grey clouds and wondered if he could still tell a snow cloud from a rain cloud.

  Steven rubbed his hands together as they waited for the train. ‘What would have happened if you had not found me?’

  ‘If we had not found you it’s likely you would have killed someone without having any idea why.’ Jeff put his hand on his shoulder.

  Steven kicked a small stone. ‘I guess I knew that.’

  A few hours later, on the drive home Jeff gave a half smile. He had had fun. He never thought he would actually enjoy shopping but the range of stores, machines, opportunities and the sheer mix of people left him giddy. ‘I hope you know how all of that works,’ he said, his eyebrows raised.

  ‘Definitely,’ Steven replied.

  ‘Once I know how to use this mobile phone, it should be useful,’ Judith said, a worried expression on her face as she stared at the shiny box.

  ‘I’ll teach you. That’s a promise,’ Steven assured.

  As they rounded a corner a small pub nestled within a range of deciduous trees came into view.

  Jeff glanced over. ‘Anyone fancy some food?’

  ‘We’ll go food shopping later then.’ The way Judith said it worried Jeff. She sounded deflated, zapped. All her enthusiasm seemed to have vanished again.

  ***

  Steven was not surprised when a few heads turned in their direction as they entered the pub. If they knew what they were, they would do more than give them casual glances. The furniture was wooden and aged; it was not one of those that had undergone modernisation. It was what Steven would class as homely, with a patterned carpet and dim lighting.

  Jeff walked alongside. ‘Is it strange to be back in Southampton?’

  Steven did not know what to say. He knew he wanted to be back, he just did not know if it was the right thing to do. ‘Yes and no, it was not that long ago I was here, not as long as you anyway.’

  ‘No, it’s strange for me to be back too,’ Jeff replied.

  Judith held Jeff’s hand. ‘It reminds me enough of what it was to still feel like home. Although, the shopping centre looks like it’s from another planet. The old city walls are the same. I like being back.’

  The pub was only half full. The weather might have put people off.

  Steven was sure he’d never been to this particular pub before. It was on the outskirts of Southampton, so it was not on the radar for first year students. He could not believe he would be a second year student now. It was not worth mulling over what ifs.

  They took a seat at one of the tables and perused the menus.

  Judith glanced in Steven’s direction. ‘You’re still thinking of the girl, aren’t you?’

  Steven faltered. He could not lie. Caitlin was the main reason he was worried. There was a possibility she would never remember him. ‘Yes.’

  Jeff glanced at Judith then went all serious. ‘It’s not a good idea to go back to university yet, you know that right?’

  As much as Steven wanted to find Caitlin and probe the university files, he knew he had to wait. ‘I understand.’

  After they had all made their choice Jeff went up to order. Steven took the chance and made a break for the toilet. On his way he nearly turned around and scarpered. It was Julia, one of Caitlin’s old flatmates. He kept his composure and hoped for the best as they brushed past each other. She turned to face him and smiled. It was a blatant take me to bed look. He raised his eyebrows. He realised she had no idea who he was and had no reason to avoid him.

  On his return, Julia caught his eye. A few tables away, she leant towards her friend and pointed him out, then giggled as Steven smiled at them. He was up
for stringing her along. Julia had not known Caitlin that long at university, but from what he recalled she hadn’t exactly been that nice to her either.

  ‘I’ve come up with a plan,’ Jeff announced.

  ‘I knew something was on your mind. So, what is it?’ Judith became more animated.

  Jeff began, his voice lowered. ‘The fact is we need extra to survive, things are beginning to get difficult. We need to ensure we have a steady source of nutrition.’

  ‘So how are we going to do this without making mistakes,’ Judith interrupted.

  ‘I think we should reopen the farm, offer abattoir services. We’ve been doing it for years anyway. All we need to do is fill in the right paperwork and we kill two birds with one stone. We keep what we need, deliver what people want and at the same time give ourselves the perfect cover, unlimited animal blood. What do you think?’

  Judith frowned as she mulled it over. ‘It would give us a cover if animal blood was the only thing we needed.’

  Steven averted his eyes. Judith had a point.

  In a haughty tone Jeff added, ‘We might have to supplement, but it will make things easier. Anyway, I’ve also thought of something for you to do Steven.’

  Steven half smiled. His grandfather had been busy. ‘I’m all ears.’

  ‘You can apply for a job within the New Forest. If you still want to go back to university after that we’ll find a way.’

  ‘Sounds fair,’ Steven said. ‘When did you think this all up?’

  ‘It’s been on my mind since we decided to come back. Tomorrow, we’ll start making preparations.’

  It all sounded good. ‘That’s great for the short term, but I’d like to have my identity back. When will that happen?’

  Jeff started to get flustered. ‘I have to look into the records, see how camouflaged they are. It might not be hard to reinstate things back.’

  Steven pressed the point. ‘Will I get my qualifications back? I worked hard for those.’

  Judith sounded tired again as she attempted to reassure him. ‘Your grandfather will do the best he can, of that you can be sure.’

  Jeff looked put out. His grand idea had not got the reception he hoped for. The food arrived to break the moment and they fell silent.

  Steven relished the taste of his fish and chips, whilst drowning it down with a Coke. His stomach seemed to bulge under the weight of the food. He should have been full, but he still felt empty. As much as he was able to resist the lure of human blood he knew he craved it. It was comforting to know that they’d have a steady supply of animal blood soon. He liked to think it would help.

  ‘Can we head back now?’ Judith asked.

  ‘Sure, are you better?’ Jeff sounded worried.

  ‘Are you not well?’ Steven studied her features. Her hair had lost its shine again and her face was gaunt.

  Jeff replied. ‘She’s just tired. We’ve probably overdone it. We’ll head back so she can rest.’

  Steven decided not to question further. He knew he was not tired.

  When he got up to follow, Julia stared right at him and gave a tantalising smile. She was asking for it, for sure. He stared for a moment, then looked to the door and smiled. If she wanted to talk to him she would follow.

  Outside, a steady stream of snowflakes settled on the ground. It transformed everything in sight.

  ‘Snow in November!’ Judith exclaimed. ‘I can’t remember the last time I saw snow. It was a long time ago.’

  Jeff gave her the answer. ‘It was 1940 to be exact, the year before we left England for Los Alamos.’

  ‘Was it really that long ago?’ Judith said, as though struggling to recall the memory.

  ‘Afraid so,’ Jeff sighed.

  Steven took his chance. ‘Do you mind if I make my own way back?’

  ‘Not at all,’ Judith added. ‘You remember the way?’

  ‘Course, I’ve got an inbuilt sat nav.’

  Judith looked puzzled, ‘A what?’

  ‘Don’t worry about it, I’ll find my way back.’

  He watched the car drive away and noticed the snow fall was getting heavy. It dawned on him that before long he would look like a snowman if he did not move.

  He heard Julia come out of the pub and turned to face her.

  ‘Hello there. It’s cold, I could warm you up.’

  He could not believe Julia, of all people, was flirting with him. ‘I’m fine.’

  ‘I can’t help feeling like I know you,’ she continued, as she got closer.

  ‘Maybe you do,’ he said. He wanted to challenge her.

  ‘Yes, maybe,’ she mused. ‘Can I give you a lift anywhere?’

  ‘Sure,’ he replied.

  After they settled in the car Julia commented on the cold several times as she rubbed her hands together. ‘Where shall I take you? Do you want to come to mine for a coffee?’

  ‘Coffee it is.’ He had a feeling there was more in store.

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  Chapter 12

  Julia

  After a slow drive through the slippery snow they made it back to a block of apartments. He had never been to this street before, but he knew where it was in Southampton. The university was a twenty minute drive away. He was so close now. Since Julia was in her second year she’d had to get new digs outside campus. He doubted she’d be living with Caitlin. They had never been close, especially after their neighbour Georgina committed the supposed suicide. He knew now his kind had been to blame.

  Julia struggled with the keys and opened the door with a shaky hand. For the first time she showed signs of nerves as she said in a high pitch, ‘Please come in.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  The corridor was narrow and it led to a small living room that was open plan with a tiny kitchenette.

  ‘Do you want tea or coffee?’ She asked.

  ‘Coffee please.’

  ‘Milk and sugar?’

  ‘Lots of milk, one sugar.’

  He took a seat on the double sofa, picked up the local newspaper and sifted through the pages.

  Julia made casual conversation, ‘So, what brings you here? I have not seen you before.’

  ‘I just moved back, family reasons.’

  ‘Oh, you used to live here?’ He could hear the kettle start to boil as she prepared some mugs and spooned in some coffee granules.

  ‘Yes.’

  The spoon rattled its way in the mugs.

  Julia made her way towards him and handed him a mug.

  ‘Thanks.’ He leaned in and took a sip, then rubbed his lips together. It was still too hot.

  She took a seat next to him and placed the mug on the coffee table. He followed suit and put his mug down. When she turned to him and bridged the gap he was not surprised. The kiss was not unpleasant. He was surprised at his reaction as he kissed her back and slid his hand behind her. He enjoyed running his hands through the contours of her back. She grasped his neck and then slid her hands through his hair.

  When they took a breath Julia was even more forthcoming. ‘Do you want to go to the bedroom?’

  His head was exploding. He could not believe that he was making out with Julia of all people and that she was trying to seduce him. ‘Not yet.’

  ‘Right,’ she replied, her eyes to the floor.

  He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and eased back. ‘I’d like to talk for a while.’

  She jerked her head back and stared at him in shock. ‘Talk, now that’s new. Where do you come from to get in touch with your feminine side?’

  Now, that was more like the Julia he knew.

  He gave her a deep stare and saw her expression change to one of awe, her eyes wide, transfixed. Whatever he was doing it was working. Before he chickened out, he leant towards her and kissed her again. He kissed her chin, then made his way towards her neck and made his final move. Julia gave a low groan, putty in his hands.

  Canines fully extended, he took his fill. She went limp, her eyes now closed. He placed
her carefully on the sofa to recover.

  She would wake up again none the wiser, he hoped. He turned her head to the side and inspected the mark. It was small. At least it was winter, so she could hide it under a scarf. Hopefully, she’d think it was a love bite. After the way that she had been with Caitlin he had no qualms about using her. He took a blanket from the floor and covered her.

  He let himself out of the apartment, his stride strong, head in a buzz, as adrenaline coursed through him. Using someone was not as difficult as he first imagined. He could return if he needed more, unless his grandparents considered it too risky. Time would tell. He put pressure on his weak ankle as he walked, to test it. There was no pain anymore.

  The snow continued its relentless descent. At least Steven’s tracks would get hidden in no time. He was a fair distance from the house after his detour. If he walked it would take hours. Impulsive, he started to jog. Comfortable, he increased the pace. He moved even faster and turned into a wooded area. Once the trees enveloped him he let rip. A series of shrubs blocked his path so he jumped up to avoid it. He could not believe it when he soared high up into the air. His arms flew out as he tried to keep balance and he gave a shriek of exultation. When he landed safely he stopped and looked back at the distance he had covered. It was practically a football pitch. He had jumped off great heights, but he had not tried to jump up heights before.

  They had kept that one quiet.

  At the base of a huge oak tree he wondered if he would be able to reach the top in one go. He took a few steps back, judged the distance and then ran as fast as he could before propelling himself up into the air. In his mind he visualised the top, he could touch it. And then, as if by magic, he was there. Perched on the top branch, his cast his eyes down below and feasted upon the magnificent view. It was a winter wonderland. He was the king of the world. Everything appeared so distant and far removed, tiny – like a model village with a sprinkling of lights.