‘Nothing, I guess.’ Jeff knew he could not tell Catherine what was on his mind. He would have to tell someone eventually, but he just could not tell her. If Catherine found out, he was sure she’d feel deceived. They had deceived them all. Now was not the time. He just could not figure out when? He knew that was what Judith wanted. He knew she wanted him to tell Steven, to explain, to give him hope. He would find the right moment. Now was not the right moment. ‘So, how is Steven?’
‘Fine, he’s waiting inside. He wanted to give us some time alone. Shall I go and get him? Is Ian around? I don’t want Ian to start a fight.’ Catherine was worried. He did not know what he could say to put her at ease.
Catherine was always the thoughtful one. ‘Ian’s gone for a walk. Let Steven come, let him say goodbye. Judith would have appreciated it. She loved him a lot.’
Catherine looked to the house and whistled a slow melodic note.
A minute later, Steven started to make his way up to where they were standing.
Steven gave Jeff a hug which surprised him. He had never seen Steven show any affection. It was a nice gesture. Then Steven turned to the gravestone, bowed his head and closed his eyes in prayer. Again, Jeff was taken aback. He never realised Steven was religious. After a couple of minutes in relative silence, other than the odd sound of nature, Steven opened his eyes and nodded at Jeff. ‘She’s at rest now.’
‘She is,’ Catherine added.
Jeff pursed his lips and took a deep breath. He needed to get what he was thinking off his chest – at least partly. ‘I need a favour. When I die, and that will happen soon, of that I’m sure.’
Catherine protested, ‘Dad, no, not you too…’
‘Let me finish Catherine. Steven, I need you to make sure I am laid to rest next to my wife.’
Steven seemed shocked by the request, but he managed to stutter back an answer. ‘Th-that’s a promise.’
‘I will do it Dad, I will be here,’ Catherine said, her eyes glazed.
Jeff did everything he could to keep it together. ‘No, you have done more than what any of us expected. Your family needs you, the community needs you. You have to go back with Ian. You have to take care of the community. You have to explain about your mother.’
Catherine bit her lip. ‘You’re sure you want us to go back? Steven needs me.’
Jeff adopted a stern tone, he had to. He did not want them here when he told Steven the truth. ‘No, I will keep my promise. I will be here for Steven until he does not need me anymore. You are needed back home.’
He fixed his eyes on the gravestone and willed Judith’s face to reappear. She could not be lying amidst the rubble. She could not be dead.
‘You can trust me. I won’t let you down,’ Steven said, subdued.
You could have cut the air with a knife.
Finally, Catherine asked, now composed, ‘Are you ready to go?’
‘Not really. I miss her so much already.’
‘I know Dad. We’ll come back later. Let’s go back in. It’s getting late.’
The walk away from the gravestone felt long and slow, like he was being dragged away from a burning fire, out of breath, near the end. Back at the house he had to confess, face crestfallen, ‘I need some blood.’
‘I’ll take Steven back,’ Catherine suggested. ‘You should probably meet up with Ian.’
‘I’ll find him.’ Jeff did not know how he was going to convince Ian to go back, but he would find a way.
***
Caitlin loved the sound of Christmas music. It gave the busy shopping mall an extra touch. All around busy shoppers rushed around looking for the ideal gift, shop fronts decorated in a range of festive pictures and Christmas scenes, a shopper’s paradise.
At the entrance of one of her favourite shops Caitlin stopped. ‘Do you like this one?’ she asked, holding up a red top with sparkly sequins.
‘It’s alright. How old is your sister again?’ Gemma perused the rail.
‘Twelve.’
‘That’s perfect then,’ Gemma replied. She rolled her eyes. It was obvious it was not her idea of a cool top.
Caitlin pressed the point. It was fun to see Gemma squirm. ‘You think, or do you prefer the blue one?’
‘I have no idea what your sister is like, but I’m sure she’ll be happy with either. They are both perfect for a twelve year old. Not that I would know what they’re into now.’
‘Come on, you were twelve not that long ago,’ Caitlin said, amused.
Gemma scowled. ‘I never went for the glitzy, Barbie type clothes. But I’m sure she’ll love anything you get her, doesn’t she worship the ground you walk on?’
Caitlin laughed. ‘You know, you’re right. She’ll be amazed I got her a present in the first place.’
‘Exactly,’ Gemma smirked. ‘Anyway, enough family shopping, shall we go and grab a cookie, all this decision making has made me hungry?’
‘Good idea, I’ll just pay for the blue one first. It’ll match her eyes.’
‘Can I meet you upstairs? I need the toilet and from the sight of that queue you’re going to be a while.’
Caitlin stared at the long queue trawling down the aisle. Saturday’s were always so busy. Christmas was always the same. ‘Sure, I’ll meet you up there.’
After waiting in the queue for a while, Caitlin finally paid and made her way out of the shop. It was bizarre. She couldn’t recall that much about the previous Christmas. She remembered feeling irritated and annoyed at her sister but there was something important that eluded her. Either way, she was actually looking forward to going home for a change. She was fed up of having to cook and clean. The laundry in particular drove her insane. And none of them had any motivation to clean the bathroom. It was a case of clean it if it’s visibly dirty rather than because it’s time.
Some things were definitely easier in halls of residence.
Living in a house with other students was nice, more homely than halls of residence. There was just a lot more to consider. Sometimes she was not sure going on to adulthood was as much fun as she thought it was going to be.
As the escalator started its accent her eye glanced around. A figure caught the corner of her eye. She turned and was stunned to see a guy staring at her. Reflexively, she turned away but in her mind she was sure it was the same one she had spoken to in the bus – the one that reminded her of Steven. But, the truth was that she’d only briefly met him so there was no way for her to know if it really was Steven.
She mustered up some courage and turned back to look. For the second time he had vanished amongst the crowd. It was so annoying. She’d never even heard back from Steven. Maybe her subconscious mind was telling her something.
‘There you are,’ Gemma exclaimed, waving frantically from a small table at the side. The area was crowded and there were practically no seating spaces left.
‘Busy, isn’t it?’
Gemma laughed. ‘It always is at Christmas. Do you want me to go get the food whilst you wait? Or we’ll lose the table.’
‘Thanks, can I have a tuna mayo baguette and a bottle of water? Here’s some money,’ Caitlin asked. She took out her purse and handed over a ten pound note.
‘Coming up, hope I don’t take too long,’ she sighed.
Caitlin watched Gemma join the queue by the food counter. Then she stared into the distance and focused on the huge glass windows on the periphery of the eating area. The sky looked grey and angry.
‘Weather’s awful, isn’t it?’ a male voice said next to her. He sounded so posh, what she called polished. The sound was familiar. She couldn’t think why.
Coming out of her daydream, she turned to see who was speaking and gawped. It was the same guy. He smiled at her and waited, patient.
‘Do I know you from somewhere?’ she asked. She could not help it.
‘I don’t think so. My name is Simon Thorn,’ he said, as he politely introduced himself and held out his hand.
The feel of his strong, yet soft,
hand in hers made her stomach tingle.
‘I’m going to start at the University of Southampton in January. Are you a student there? I can see the university water polo emblem on your top.’
Distracted, she glanced at her breast pocket and saw the logo. That had to explain why he was talking to her. Wary, she answered back in a confident voice, ‘Yes, I go there. So, I might see you around after Christmas?’
‘Yes, you might, it was nice to meet you, Caitlin.’ He walked away and gave her a fleeting, yet friendly smile. It was too friendly for her liking.
A few minutes later, Gemma arrived with a tray full of food.
‘Finally, who was that guy talking to you? He looked yummy.’
Caitlin picked up the bottle of water, unscrewed the lid and took a swig. She nearly choked as her eyes came alight and she exclaimed, ‘I never told him my name!’
‘You really are a dim wit sometimes,’ Gemma blurted out. ‘A handsome guy speaks to you and you don’t even tell him…’
Caitlin grabbed her hand and pressed hard. ‘Listen,’ he knew my name, but I didn’t tell him.’
‘Ouch,’ Gemma said, as she shook her hand and rubbed it, ‘A handsome stalker, like wow.’ She picked up her baguette and took a bite.
‘No, trust me, he’s not a stalker. I’m sure I’ve met him before. He just didn’t admit that he knew me, but then, it’s like, I don’t know, like he said my name to give himself away. Like some sort of test.’
‘You’re rambling now,’ Gemma scoffed. ‘You really need to get away for Christmas. You’re losing the plot.’
Caitlin frowned, picked up the baguette and got ready to take a big bite. She paused, waved her finger in the air and added. ‘I’m telling you Gemma, I know him.’
‘Fine, so marry him then. It’ll be nice to see you with someone for a change. Even if this guy is a weirdo, do it. Tell you what, let’s make it interesting. If you see him again, I dare you to go up to him and kiss him. If you know him like you think you do, you’ll have nothing to lose. But hey, if you’re not up to it, I’ll kiss him for you,’ she added, her Cheshire cat grin on full display.
‘You’re on,’ Caitlin swallowed her mouthful. ‘If, and that’s unlikely anyway, if I see him again I’ll kiss him.’
Gemma squealed aloud like a little girl.
Caitlin couldn’t help it, she had to join in.
Back to Table of Contents
Chapter 21
Hunger
The body of the old man, lifeless on the floor surrounded by crumpled old newspapers and a few empty alcohol bottles, reeked of death.
‘Should we leave him?’ Ian asked.
‘Yes.’ Jeff found it hard to look at it. The alcohol in the blood made him disorientated. ‘No-one will care how he died. This society doesn’t care about all its inhabitants.’
‘If you’re sure,’ Ian said.
‘I’m sorry old man.’ Jeff gave the corpse a final glance. It was a waste of a life, even when the man was alive.
‘I feel great.’ Ian had a renewed bounce in his step. ‘I feel the need for speed. Fancy a run back?’
‘Let’s not draw any attention to ourselves.’
‘What? Not up it anymore, old timer?’ Ian teased.
‘Don’t make fun of your elders.’
Ian smiled. ‘You are old.’
‘Let’s get back then joker. I don’t know why everyone back home seems to think that you are too serious,’ Jeff sighed. He could not believe the cheek of the boy.
‘It’s an image,’ Ian scoffed. ‘What I am in public is not who I am in private. Some cards have to be played close to the chest.’
‘Funny, I never took you for the gambling type.’
‘Strategy, that’s what life’s about. Keeping ahead of the game by making the right moves,’ Ian declared, confident.
‘Maybe, do you think life is a game?’
Ian paused, as though taken aback by the question. ‘Honestly, no, it’s the worst hand I’ve ever had. I guess sometimes you have to bluff your way out of a situation. I’m here to help you, but when I’m not needed any longer I’m going back home – where I belong.’
Ian had just made it easy.
‘In that case it’s time for you to go home.’
Jeff could see the confidence evaporate.
‘Now?’ Ian stopped and frowned, ‘I didn’t mean…’
‘I talked to Catherine,’ Jeff said. ‘She has a few more things to do and then you can both go back. I will take over from here. You’re needed back in the community. You know as well as I do that it’s for the best.’
Ian stopped walking and placed his hand on Jeff’s shoulder. ‘You will call us if you get sick? You will ask us to come back?’
Jeff patted Ian’s hand. ‘My life doesn’t matter. I’m staying here to help Steven. Then I’ll live out my days until I can rest with your mother.’
Jeff could tell Ian was holding back his anger. His reply didn’t surprise him.
‘If that’s what you want.’
After a minute of walking, Jeff had to break the ice. ‘Thank you son, I am very proud of you. I should say that to you more often.’
In a half grumble, Ian replied, ‘I appreciate it. Let’s get back.’ Without a second glance Ian started to run. He went too fast. Jeff doubted Ian cared if anyone saw.
***
Catherine was smug, everything was in place. As agreed, she waited to fill Steven in on her success.
A few minutes later, Steven cruised in to the café and took a seat opposite. ‘Any luck?’
Catherine smiled. ‘Did you doubt me? You start university in January under your new name. You’ve transferred from the University of Leeds, the paper trail is flawless. We will receive your examination certificates shortly. You’ll be pleased to know that you got A*’s in A Level Maths, and Further Maths.’
‘Genius that I am,’ he smiled.
‘Steven, come back to the house. Caitlin is going back home, she won’t be here either.’
‘I guess.’
‘I’ll ring Dad and Ian. By the way, I got you an apartment close to the university after Christmas. I didn’t think you’d fare well in halls anymore.’
‘You’ve thought of everything.’
‘Nearly, after we get your identification papers we’ll open a student account and set you up with some money. Then it’s up to you how you get more. Remember stealing is a crime. Try and follow the rules.’ Catherine got the impression he was more inclined to follow some rules more than others.
‘Yes, yes, I’ll get a job.’
‘Are you ready to leave?’ Catherine added.
‘Yes, I believe so.’
Catherine could not help thinking he was up to something.
*
The diner at the side of the road surprised Catherine. She had never been in a diner before and the prospect of unhealthy food seemed strangely appealing. The sound of fifties music played in the background, the walls plastered with fifties memorabilia. The menu revealed a plethora of steaks, burgers, fries, and hotdogs with a range of sauces and condiments. Her mouth watered at the thought of a chilli hotdog and fries.
‘What are you having?’ she asked, as she reconsidered again and continued to peruse the menu.
Steven studied the menu and flicked the corner of the laminated sheet. If he continued to do that she would get irritated.
‘Don’t know, but I’m starving so I’ll have the biggest thing on the menu.’ Steven sounded like such a teenager. He was young after all.
The waitress came up and smiled sweetly, ‘Hello there, what can I get you?’
Catherine looked up and made her decision, ‘Chilli dog and fries.’
The waitress scribbled on the notepad, then asked, ‘Would you like a drink?’
‘I’ll have an orange juice please.’
‘No problem, what can I get you?’ The waitress took a deep breath and stared at Steven.
‘I’ll have the diner special with a
large lemonade, thanks,’ Steven added.
‘Coming right up,’ she smiled, batted her eyelids seductively and left. She fanned herself with the notepad as she walked.
‘Don’t get too used to that,’ Catherine warned.
Steven followed the waitress with his eyes. ‘I don’t intend to.’
‘Saying something and doing it are different things. Why do you think it’s easy for us to lure victims? No girl can resist you now; make sure you don’t confuse love with infatuation.’
‘I’ll bear it in mind,’ he said, disinterested.
‘Do it,’ she snarled. ‘I mean it Steven. If you expose us your life with Caitlin will be over. You can dream all you like but don’t live in a bubble. You are what you are and if you can’t control yourself you’d better be upfront about it now. You don’t want to end up like your mother.’
Composed, he replied, ‘I will not expose you; don’t worry about your precious community. Soon you’ll be able to forget I ever existed.’
‘I hope so, for the sake of my family and friends, I hope so.’
The food arrived. The smell was a welcome distraction.
‘Can I get you anything else?’ the waitress asked, eyes leering at Steven.
‘No thank you,’ he replied, he avoided eye contact.
Her shoulders slumped and she scuttled off.
‘Don’t you get tempted?’ Steven asked.
‘Of course I’m tempted. It’s all about control. I need blood. I’m resisting human blood to the best of my ability. I can’t change what I am. We’ll have to stop in the New Forest before we go back to the house. There’s no way either of us will hold out much longer.’
Before Steven devoured another mouthful, he asked, ‘Remind me again. Why is it okay to kill an animal and not a human?’
‘We can take the body and use it for food, I don’t think either of us would want to eat a human,’ she noted, sarcastic.
‘Fair point, but I thought none of you could resist if humans were around.’
‘I don’t intend to resist, I will feed before I go back home. I’ll choose someone that won’t be missed.’
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 45