‘Well, hopefully, we’ll find some other things to challenge you further soon. That’s all for today, see you all next week. Caitlin, can I have a word please?’
Caitlin looked up and nodded, as everyone packed up and made their way out.
Steven pretended to do his laces and waited outside. He could hear every word in the conversation.
‘Feliz Navidad. Did you get to grips with the extra material I gave you?’ the tutor asked. Nice, he wished her a Merry Christmas in Spanish, he had to like her.
Caitlin replied, ‘Kind of, but I still found some of it difficult.’
‘Have you thought of getting some extra help? Or joining a study group? This year is important. You need to keep your grades up.’
He could hear the hesitation in Caitlin’s tone as she replied, ‘I know, I’ll think about it.’
‘I don’t like to see good students struggling.’
Steven heard her sigh. She was not good at handling failure. Of course, her problems could give him a window of opportunity, a breakthrough. He casually went back in, looked around and pretended to have forgotten something. Then he shrugged his shoulders and turned to leave.
‘Simon?’ the tutor called.
‘Yes?’ Steven feigned ignorance.
The tutor motioned for him to come closer. ‘You seem quite ahead of the game and I’m sure you’d like to get to grips with this place. Perhaps, you could give Caitlin a hand with the latest assignment in exchange for some introductions?’
Caitlin pulled a face of utter disgust, her eyes virtually popped out of their sockets.
The tutor looked at Caitlin then back at Simon. ‘Erm, I’ll just let you discuss it. It was just an idea.’ He grabbed his things and skittered out. He seemed only too aware he might have put his foot in it.
Steven paused for a moment, unsure on best practice. He had no idea what he could have done to upset her. ‘Caitlin right, I thought I’d introduce myself properly. Like I said in our brief introduction before Christmas, I’m Simon.’
‘I heard.’ It was a curt reply.
‘Do you need some help? From what the tutor said, it sounded like a good idea. I don’t mind giving you a hand, you don’t have to help me settle in.’ He was rambling, he could not help it.
With a blank expression, she stared, ‘With what?’ She frowned as she placed her hand on her hip and gripped her rucksack with the other hand. ‘Are you now listening in on my conversations? It was weird enough that you already knew my name.’
‘I know your name is Caitlin. The tutor just said it aloud.’ He knew he sounded defensive.
‘No, actually you called me by my name before Christmas.’ She was pouting now. It was hard to resist the urge to kiss her.
Finally, the reason for her anger was revealed. He could not keep the corners of his lips from twitching. He knew she would pass his test, nothing ever got past her. ‘No, I didn’t.’
Nostrils flared, Caitlin raised her voice. ‘Yes, you did!’
‘Anyway, I overheard you talking as I approached the room. If you need help, I’m your man, if not, don’t worry about it.’
‘You must have really good hearing.’ The frown was severe.
Not a great start.
‘I just want to offer my help with your maths. If you want to make me feel welcome then that’s your choice.’ He knew the only card he had to play was to appeal to her usual good nature.
Flabbergasted, she remained silent, eyes to the floor. After a painstaking minute, she looked at him. ‘I’ll think about it.’ The answer was noncommittal. She did not break eye contact for a few moments, as though transfixed. Then she blurted out. ‘Do I know you? I mean, from before. The last time we met I could not help feeling like I knew you already.’
He blinked and broke the impasse. Should he tell her the truth? ‘I don’t think so.’
‘Silly, I know,’ she smiled. ‘You know, I’d be a fool to not take you up on some help. I’ve been struggling for a while. It’s just that…’
At last. ‘Good, it’s settled then. Do you want to have lunch together and we’ll tackle today’s work first?’
‘Erm, the thing is that…,’ she faltered, nervous.
He waited and relaxed his shoulders. He could not help wondering what he had done now.
‘I have a boyfriend,’ she blurted out.
His shoulders hunched in response. Desperate to relax, he gave an awkward laugh, as he added. ‘I’m happy for you, but I was not asking you out on a date. I never assumed you wouldn’t have a boyfriend already, in fact, I knew you probably did.’ He noticed her blush, so he carried on. ‘Whatever your relationship status is, I’d just like to help you, and in return you can show me the ropes. Deal?’ He held out his hand to make the arrangement binding. It was physical contact of some sort. He would have to comfort himself with that for now.
She shook his hand quickly. He felt the shock all the same, an electric spark.
He could not believe she had a boyfriend. That was not supposed to happen. It explained a hell of a lot.
***
Caitlin held out her hand to shake. As her hand came into contact with his the nerve endings on the back of her neck rose in response, electrified. Reflexive, she let go, even though it was likely to come across as rude. ‘Can we start tomorrow? I have a few things to do today.’
‘No problem, I’ll meet you tomorrow in the students’ union café, at say, one o’clock.’
‘Fine, I’ll see you then. I’ve got to go, see you around,’ she replied. She rushed towards the ladies’ toilet. Once inside she slid into a cubicle and leant her head against the door. It was incomprehensible. Something about him drove her crazy, but she was not going to let his looks or whatever it was overcome her feelings for Daniel.
For the strangest of reasons she had decided to let him help her.
It was weird. She still thought he was lying.
She was sure he called her by name before Christmas. She just could not shake the feeling she knew him from somewhere. Her memory was not that bad and she certainly was not stupid, or was she?
***
Steven walked out of the building and breathed in the cold air. It was so stuffy in old buildings, the smell musty. He had become so much more aware of the scents around him. His only comfort was the fact that they had a date, a work date, but still a date. It was obvious she was resisting him, but, at least now he knew why. She got a boyfriend. That was why she had not followed through with the bet. There was no way she would two-time. A wry smile eased across his face.
He could do friendship, for now.
A few drops of water fell upon Steven’s face. Since he had an hour to kill he decided to take cover and head for the cafeteria. As he walked the drizzle became a torrential downpour. By the time he got in the building he was wet through. Once inside, he shook some of the water off and ran his fingers through his hair smoothing it down.
The entrance was quite full. There were stands selling cheap CD’s and DVD’s, T-shirts and a range of jewellery by various merchants.
In the mood for a short browse he made his way around the stalls, stopped at one that caught his attention and started flicking through the CD’s. After a few minutes he found a few that he wanted to buy so he handed them over to the attendant.
‘That’ll be eight pounds. Can I get you anything else?’ The woman winked from behind the stall.
‘No, that’s all, thanks.’
‘Come back if you change your mind. I can make time for a cuppa.’
Taking the CD’s he walked away and reminded himself to be careful. It was incredibly easy for him to lure women. Before the change he had always drawn attention, but now it felt like he was irresistible. It would be so easy for him to take advantage of his magnetic pull. For some reason, Caitlin seemed to be the only girl who was not overcome by his charms. It was disappointing.
A long queue snaked away from the food counter so he took his place at the end and studied the CD’s
in an attempt to look inconspicuous.
‘Excuse me, do I know you?’
He glanced at the student briefly, before replying, ‘I don’t think so.’
‘No, I’m sure I’ve seen you before,’ the student pondered, twirling a strand of hair in her fingers, before exclaiming flamboyantly. ‘That’s it; you were talking to my friend Caitlin before Christmas. I’m sure it was you. I’m not just trying to chat you up with a sad line, I promise.’
‘Oh, maybe you have seen me then. Sorry, I don’t remember you,’ he apologised. He looked at her properly for the first time. Her spiky black hair and nose piercing gave her an edge. Other than that she looked normal, if a bit Goth.
‘That’s alright, I’m not memorable. Not like Caitlin, red heads always stand out right?’ she said, as though checking his reaction.
‘I guess so,’ he shrugged, in a bid to keep his feelings hidden.
‘I’m Gemma by the way.’
‘Oh, nice to meet you Gemma, I’m St-Simon.’
‘St-Simon, nice to meet you,’ Gemma laughed, amused at his near error. ‘I’m seeing her in a minute. Do you want to join us for lunch?’
‘No that’s alright. Thanks for asking.’ He breathed a small sigh of relief as he reached the front of the queue and got busy filling the tray with a slice of pizza, chips and a drink of lemonade.’ He paid, smiled and rushed away.
From the sanctuary of the far side corner he observed Gemma as she embraced Caitlin and they made their way to a seat. The last thing he needed was to fan the flames of friendly gossip.
Back to Table of Contents
Chapter 24
St-Simon
‘I just saw your sweetheart. I nearly convinced him to join us for lunch. So, did you kiss him yet? I was looking forward to the snog you promised,’ Gemma teased, twirling her fingers through her hair.
‘My, who?’ Caitlin asked, in a vain attempt to act confused.
‘You know who I mean. Mr tall, dark and handsome, St-Simon…the one you met before Christmas, the one who knew your name.’
Caitlin allowed herself to smile. She knew she had not imagined it. He had called her by name, Gemma had just confirmed it. Even though Gemma had not heard it, Caitlin knew she was not mistaken. The truth always outs. She smirked. ‘If you are referring to the dare, the bet’s off. I’ve got a boyfriend now, remember?’
‘You took up the challenge fair and square. You can’t back down now. I don’t care that you said it before you met your lover boy. Besides, Daniel’s not here now anyway, is he? How would he find out?’
Caitlin scrunched her nose. There had to be a way out. ‘What’s the forfeit?’
‘Oh, I don’t know, a box of quality chocolates, maybe. Not the cheap sort mind.’
‘Deal, I’ll get you some chocolates.’
‘So, does this mean I can snog him instead?’ Gemma asked, practically jumping off the seat.
‘If you like, I barely know him.’ She took a bite from her sandwich, and then casually added, ‘Although, you’ll never guess what?’
‘What?’ Gemma asked, drawn in.
‘He’s a genius mathematician.’ Caitlin shrugged her shoulders.
Gemma gasped. ‘No way, he’s a maths geek.’ Her face was scrunched up, appalled.
‘Hey, are you calling us geeks?’ Caitlin nudged her elbow.
‘Technically, we are both not studying maths, it’s just an add on. You have Spanish, I have Accounting. If he’s only doing maths, he is a maths geek,’ she rationalised, with a giggle. Gemma grabbed Caitlin’s arm. ‘So, you’ve talked to him already?’
‘As a matter of fact, I did. And he’s offered to help me – he’s very smart,’ she added.
Gemma took a huge bite out of her sandwich and scoffed. After taking a few chews and gulping down some drink she protested. ‘So unfair, you have a boyfriend now. And you get the hunk of the moment offering to help you. Am I the only one missing the injustice? Hey, maybe I could also join your tuition sessions? Bet they’re not exclusive.’
‘I’ll ask him if he minds. Sounds like a good idea.’ It would mean she would have company during their sessions, which would be a bonus. ‘So, come on, tell me about your conquests this Christmas,’ Caitlin added. A change in conversation was necessary.
‘No big deal, just a few snogs here and there. No-one special,’ she emphasised.
‘Come on, who knows what’s going to happen. I only just started seeing Daniel.’
‘And you’re loved up already, which is great by the way. About time!’
Caitlin shrugged her shoulders. ‘I’ll be a spinster again soon, you’ll see. Then we can wallow together.’
‘Good.’ Gemma smiled. Semi-serious, she added, ‘I’ll look forward to that. I know being single is much more fun than being used and abused.’
Caitlin rolled her eyes. ‘If you say so.’
Gemma sipped her drink, and then winked at Caitlin. ‘So, you have not told me anything yet. Have you, I mean, has anything of interest happened with Daniel?’
‘Not what you’re suggesting,’ she sighed. Why was Gemma so predictable?
‘Boring. When it does, promise me that I’ll be the first to know if the earth moved.’
‘Okay, I’ll tell you when the earth moves.’ Caitlin frowned, bit into the remains of her sandwich and played for time. Once finished, she made to leave. ‘Anyway, I’ll speak to you later. I’ve got work to do.’
Gemma was scanning the area, now looking for someone. If Caitlin knew her at all she’d bet she was keeping an eye out for Simon.
‘I have stuff to do too, I’ll have you know. We’ll talk later.’
As Caitlin walked off, she could not help wondering why Gemma had called him St-Simon. She’d have to ask her later.
***
Steven watched Caitlin go. He had not missed a thing. The conversation had been amusing. It was only now as she walked away that he became aware of his hunger. If he did not know any better, he would have thought he was coming down with something.
The food on his plate had done nothing to abate the thirst. The crowded, stuffy environment of the cafeteria only made things worse. He had to get out, now. Otherwise, he would be tempted to lure someone else just like he had with Julia, it had been so easy.
Outside, the fresh air cleared his head for an instant. He knew he would face the same problem during the next lecture. It was tempting to skip it, yet the only way he would master his thirst would be to maximise his exposure. There would be plenty of time to hunt under the cover of night. Or, he could just raid a blood bank. Either option, he loathed. It was a choice he wished he didn’t have to make.
With long strides, he made his way along the route leading to the maths block. As he turned the corner, a group of girls blocked his path. He slowed down and said, ‘Excuse me.’
‘Don’t honey, why don’t you stay and chat to us?’ A long legged brunette with an American accent gave him a cheesy smile. She was confident and cocky, the worst combination for his current mood.
‘Sorry, not today,’ he mumbled.
‘Awww, he doesn’t want to play girls. The English are so polite. I don’t bite you know, but you can bite me any day.’
The four girls alongside all burst into giggles as they eyed him up. He felt like a piece of meat.
‘Let me through,’ he glared, in a loud timbre. The American had no idea what she was up against.
The reaction was instant. The girl’s faces transformed and they drew back.
In a less confident tone, the American girl whispered, ‘Let’s get out of the way girls. He’s too serious for us.’
It was just like with the man in the hotel. Something about him had scared them. He just did not know what they saw. Whatever it was, it worked. He doubted they’d follow him. Back on route he mulled over his predicament. He drew too much female attention. He had no idea how to change that. As the maths block came into view he took a deep breath. He had no way of knowing if this was going to be
difficult.
Once inside, the smell hit him again and he faltered. With complete concentration he continued and eased into a seat at the back of the lecture hall. He did not need any stationery, courtesy of his photographic memory.
The scent was driving him crazy all over again. He leant into his hands and attempted to cover his nose. As he did, he brushed against his canines and realised they had started to extend. The situation was more precarious than he imagined. His eyes focused on the carpeted floor and he did everything he could to calm down. His canines started to retract, and then he noticed Louise.
She sounded genuinely concerned. ‘Are you alright? You look ill.’
‘I’m fine,’ he replied. ‘Must have been something I ate.’ He could not believe his canines were staring to extend again. The temptation to grab Louise overwhelmed him. With a grunt, he snapped, ‘Can you leave me alone?’
‘Charming.’ Her lips curled back. She gripped her rucksack and continued down to the front, he could hear her tut as she went.
In the split second that followed he became aware of several things at once.
First, Caitlin was a few rows away.
Second, he wanted to attack someone – anyone in fact.
Third, his canines were fully extended again.
And fourth, if he did not leave right now he would do something he would regret.
***
The sound of the monotonous dial tone echoed down the hall. The phone went unanswered. After going through a collection of old family photographs, Jeff came across one of Judith and him a few months after they first met. It was such a happy picture. A memory of the past, a fragment of life before everything changed. He was sure he was suffering from depression. He did not care. He no longer had the strength to fight. He lay on the couch, closed his eyes and let his memories take him back in time.
The end of the Great War was marked with jubilant celebrations. Aged twenty five, Jeff had returned to a hero’s welcome. Every girl in town admired him. He was one of the lucky ones to return. He did not consider himself lucky. He had seen too much bloodshed; a part of him would never be the same. He remembered being overwhelmed, so much admiration and attention. He was tempted to make the most of the situation, but a part of him had died during the war.
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 47