Catherine walked quickly down the corridor and looked through the window. Caitlin was back on the bed, fast asleep, sedated no doubt. Steven sat by her side, he held her hand in his. She turned the key to the door and made her way in. Steven did not look up as his eyes remained focused on Caitlin’s face.
‘Steven, this is not your fault. You know this, right?’
He did not acknowledge her.
‘Steven,’ she stood next to him, ‘I guess she didn’t take the news well. What exactly did you say to her? I need to know what she fears.’
Steven still did not acknowledge her.
‘Steven, please talk to me.’
In a muffled voice, he said, ‘I have nothing to say. Leave us alone.’
Catherine pursed her lips, this was worse than she thought. If he clammed up too, there would be no hope for either of them. ‘Steven,’ she sighed, ‘Steven, you have to talk to me.’
Steven turned his head to face her for a brief moment, his eyes glazed, as said bluntly, ‘No, I don’t.’
She was slightly overcome by the hatred in his tone. He lowered his forehead to Caitlin’s hand and dug his head into the bed. It hurt Catherine to see him in so much pain. She swallowed involuntarily and held back her emotions. ‘I’ll come and see you later then.’
She eased back out of the room and locked the door. Then she leant against the door for a split second, before she stood straight. She needed to see Anna. She rushed down the corridor, her thoughts in disarray. There was a lot to consider. Steven, Caitlin, now Lucy. Lucy, the thought lingered. Lucy was just over twenty weeks gone. Steven had last been in the community about the same time. Surely, there couldn’t be a link, it would be madness. And yet, something told her it was not a coincidence, her instincts had never been wrong.
Lucy seemed too cagey about the father. She also seemed nervous about Steven’s return. Catherine wondered if it was her imagination, but she could not think of any other man that would have had the opportunity to be with Lucy. No other man would have actually been with Lucy. They all avoided her. If she was right, if it was Steven that was the father, this whole situation had just got a lot worse.
Catherine headed towards the hall where Lucy was staying and found her alone, settling into her new room. Else was nowhere in sight. Catherine locked the door behind her. ‘Is my nephew the father?’ She could not say his name aloud.
‘What?’ Lucy’s jaw dropped, a guilty expression clouding her face.
‘Oh no, no, tell me this isn’t happening?’ Catherine took a seat, her head in her hands.
She heard Lucy sigh.
Catherine lifted her head, and stared at Lucy’s rounded form. ‘You’re about to bring three babies into the community, whose father is a hybrid. God help us, what have you done?’
‘I didn’t mean for it to happen, it was just the one time,’ Lucy’s lower lip started to quiver.
‘It only takes the one time,’ Catherine said, she did not want to get Lucy upset but she was angry, ‘Lucy, what were you thinking?’
Lucy’s voice wobbled, ‘I didn’t think, I was lonely. I had been for such a long time. Steven was the first man to show me attention.’
Catherine raised her voice, ‘He’s not a man; he’s a boy. You should’ve known better.’
Lucy let out a low gasp, as a stifled cry filled the room. She cupped her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking.
Catherine stood up and embraced her. ‘I’m sorry, don’t cry. I don’t mean to upset you. It’s just this is all a big mess. The future of the community hangs in the balance and yet everything’s against us. I’m scared, Lucy. I’m scared.’
‘I’m scared too,’ the sobs continued, ‘I’m so…’
‘It’s okay, we’ll figure it out,’ Catherine stroked her hair, ‘there has to be a reason for all of this, somehow we’ll find out what it all means.’
‘We will?’ Lucy stopped crying and stepped back, her eyes wide, hopeful.
‘Of course we will.’
Catherine wished her conviction matched her confidence. At the moment, it fell well short.
She waited until Lucy had calmed down and then rubbed her chin slowly. ‘Lucy, we’ve got to keep you a secret. Steven must not know about the children.’
‘Now you understand why I couldn’t tell you about the father,’ Lucy smiled.
‘Yes,’ Catherine said, and then took a deep breath. ‘Can you let me figure this out? Will you trust me and know that I’ll only do what’s best for you?’
‘Of course,’ Lucy’s eyes brightened, ‘I trust you. I always have.’
Catherine nodded and tried to look nonplussed. She hoped the trust was well placed. She had no idea how she was going to ensure that everyone’s best interests were maintained, at the moment it was an impossible task.
Back to Table of Contents
Chapter 23
Experimental
Ingrid dived down and sat on a rock double her size, covered entirely by lush underwater plants. Her hands ran through the tangled mess. It was easy to think there with no other sounds or distractions. It was one of her favourite places. The fact she could be under for a long time helped. She wished she could go to see Caitlin and Steven. As much as she knew she was still very much in love with Steven, she actually cared a lot for Caitlin. She guessed she sympathised with Caitlin for also being caught in Steven’s net. In addition, she could not imagine it was much fun to be cooped up.
Either way, when they came out she planned to be a good tour guide. She reluctantly accepted Steven was never going to be hers. A small part of her held on, but other than via some sort of miracle she doubted she ever stood a chance. It was a shame her faith had never been as extensive as her mother hoped. Miracles just did not happen to her.
She pushed off the rock and swam breaststroke along the sea floor, then she kicked off the ground and pushed up so that she was just below the waterfall. Bubbles gushed all around her and she forced her way through so she surfaced behind the waterfall. She sat on the rocks and watched the powerful water descend, relentless.
‘Ingrid, are you there?’ It was the sound of her mother’s voice.
‘I’m here. I’ll come out and get changed.’ She never enjoyed having chats when she was naked. She still found it hard to believe she had been so brazen when Steven had first come to the community. She actually swam naked next to him, it was the bravest thing she had ever done. It didn’t make any difference though, nothing ever came of it. Steven had made it obvious he didn’t like to be forced into things. She should have realised all along that being pushy would not work; then again she had never fallen in love before.
Love made people do irrational things.
She walked out and saw her mum standing next to her clothes, towel in hand. Her mum’s darker skin colouring, brown hair and hazel eyes were so different to her own.
‘Thanks,’ Ingrid slipped it over her shoulders and rubbed her body down.
‘It looks like there’s going to be a delay,’ Lana spoke slowly, ‘there will be no introduction to the community after all. Only Steven will join us soon. Did you know?’
‘Only Steven,’ Ingrid faced her, and bit her inner cheek. She started to put her clothes on, another ensemble of green.
‘Yes.’
Now clothed, Ingrid made to leave. ‘Tell me what’s going on then.’
‘Well, we have to keep quiet about this,’ she looked around uneasily, ‘I got most of it from Catherine; she thought you should know what was going on. She knew you would want to know.’
Ingrid gave a half-smile, ‘I’m grateful. So can you tell me what’s happened?’
‘It seems that she is not doing very well, she’s in isolation,’ Lana held Ingrid’s hand and pressed it gently, ‘it’s for her own good, but Steven might need a friend.’
Ingrid chuckled, ‘I doubt he’ll want to talk to me, but I guess at least I know Caitlin. He can talk to me if it helps.’
‘That’s what we were thinki
ng,’ Lana let go of Ingrid’s hand, ‘Jenson’s also there for him, but it doesn’t hurt for him to have another friend.’
‘How’s Caitlin?’ Ingrid could not help being concerned.
‘I don’t know what’s happened, but something’s not right. But, that isn’t important. It’s been a week since we got back. Steven has to join us, regardless. The community needs to be kept informed.’
‘Can you go and see Catherine?’ Lana glanced over quickly, as they walked, ‘Jenson has convinced Steven to join us. He’s been trying for a few days now, but Steven is likely to be even more miserable than he was the first time he came to the community. I wanted to warn you.’
‘I don’t think he could be worse, is it possible?’ Ingrid gave a nervous chuckle. She hoped he did not hate her as much as he did back then. She could not bear to think about the way he had looked at her, the way he had told her to stop dreaming. She had never felt as insignificant in her entire life as she had when he rejected her.
Lana nodded, her eyes had a sadness Ingrid rarely saw, ‘I’m afraid it’s a lot worse than last time.’
Ingrid’s mouth opened to say something but then closed. Even though she resented the fact Caitlin was Steven’s she did not want anything bad to happen.
‘You’ll find Catherine in her classroom,’ Lana said, she gave Ingrid a hug as they came to the junction. ‘I have to go help in the produce area. Lucy’s not very well at the moment. It’s strange, I’ve never known Lucy to be ill either.’
Ingrid mulled over the thought. Lucy was such a recluse, the lifeblood of the produce area. She did not know why anyone would be happy to be alone all the time. All she did was look after the animals and talk to her plants – she was a bit strange. And now she was sick, it did not add up. She bet Catherine knew what was going on. It would be worth asking.
***
‘Well done everyone, you’re making real progress,’ Catherine smiled, as the mental agility class came to a close. She watched the students amble out and followed. Everything seemed to carry on as normal but she could feel something was amiss, everyone did. She hoped that when Steven re-joined them the gossip would stop, or at least stop getting out of hand. New rumours flew around every day, it was hard to suppress them. Caitlin was best left in the dark, introducing her to the community now could result in a catalyst of self-destruction.
At the doorway, she came across Ingrid.
‘You wanted to see me?’ Ingrid stopped in front of her, one hand on her hip.
Catherine was momentarily lost in her thoughts, her eyes flickered and then she did everything she could to put across her most convincing smile. ‘Ingrid, did your mother send you?’
‘Yes,’ Ingrid nodded slowly, and then dropped her hand from her hip to her side.
‘Walk with me, please,’ Catherine began, ‘Steven’s joining the community today. I would appreciate it if you kept an eye on him. I know you became friends with Caitlin. You might want to go and see her, it might help.’ Catherine stopped walking, and checked to make sure no-one else was around, then carried on, ‘on another note, I know you’ve been working on the cure. Can you tell me about your progress?’
Ingrid beamed, ‘Of course, I’d love to.’
‘Do you mind if Steven hears this too?’
‘Is that wise?’ Ingrid shifted her posture, uneasy.
‘If he knows we’re trying to find a way for Caitlin it might help,’ Catherine gave a small sigh, ‘anything is worth a try.’
Ingrid licked her lower lip. ‘Is he really as bad as my mother said he was?’
‘Probably worse.’ Catherine walked on, determined now. If Steven knew as much as possible then he would accept the transition. At least, she hoped he would.
Once in the lift, Catherine’s shoulders relaxed. ‘Let’s find Steven first, then we can talk.’
Ingrid gave a small nod, and then looked straight ahead. Even though Catherine had reservations about Ingrid, she knew she could be trusted.
They made their way to Steven’s accommodation, knocked and waited. When Steven’s gruff voice told them to come in, Catherine unlocked the door.
The smell was overpowering, but Catherine fought to keep calm. She could see Ingrid flinch, her nose crumpled. Steven sat in a chair, staring straight ahead, lost. He looked rough, really rough. He had not shaved, his hair was dishevelled and unkempt, his clothes looked dirty and crumpled, and his head slumped low. She knew he had refused to wash, barely eaten a thing, and drank minimal blood. His new look did not do him any favours.
‘Steven, we have some news to share with you,’ Catherine began, ‘we think you’ll find what Ingrid has to say interesting.’
Only his lips moved as he mumbled, ‘I doubt that.’
‘Ingrid, can you please tell Steven about the program. It’s time he realises we’re not monsters.’
‘Of course,’ Ingrid moved closer, placed a chair in front of Steven and sat down. ‘Steven, when I met you I realised that there had to be a better way of life for us, a way without killing normal humans. As much as you might think us heartless animals for killing humans for blood, the truth is we’ve been trying to find a way around this for years.’
Steven raised his head slowly and met her stare. ‘You have?’ The tone of his voice betrayed his interest.
‘We have,’ Catherine added, and then moved alongside Ingrid.
Steven shrugged his shoulders, ‘Fine, carry on. I’m listening, for whatever its worth.’
‘I’ve been working with a team for a long time now,’ Ingrid began, ‘This is the reason I was in Southampton when I found you. The research trips are invaluable. We’ve been trying to find out if anything at all makes a difference. We studied different blood groups, race, and genetic background. The university was a great place to carry out the research over the years. The range of nationalities that attend is staggering. It made it easier to have a base. We have collected many samples, and yet, nothing seemed to make any difference, that is, until you came along.’
‘Me?’ Steven glared, interested now. Catherine was glad to see a reaction.
Ingrid gave a half-smile, and continued, ‘When your blood repulsed me, I knew you were different. And yet you didn’t make me ill. If we drink the blood of each other we get very ill. So, when you came here and were attacked by the tapir we managed to get a blood sample. When you left for England, we worked with your blood. By mixing it with animal blood we made artificial blood. It was our best yet.’
‘The bottles? Those were manufactured, not real?’
‘Yes, we did not kill for those,’ Ingrid’s smile broadened. ‘We’ve figured out how to create the samples, but it was still not perfect, not strong enough to enable the change. However, we believe we have managed to make the perfect strain now.’
Steven’s eyes narrowed, in a stern voice, he said, ‘Caitlin’s blood. Did you use Caitlin’s blood?’
Catherine knelt down beside him. ‘Steven, even if we did, do you understand what this could mean?’
‘Did you use her blood?’ His hands clenched into fists.
Ingrid stood up and paced for a moment. Catherine ran one of her hands through her hair. She could not understand why he would be annoyed over a little blood.
Steven got up from his chair and spat, ‘You used her blood. Now tell me why this is good for her.’
Ingrid stopped in front of him. ‘It means her blood is not the only blood that can heal us, we can now create a synthetic blood that can heal and change all of us. At least, we think so.’
‘You think so,’ Steven huffed, as he turned away from them.
Catherine stood up and walked towards him. ‘The blood has not been tested yet, but we wanted you to know that we’re doing everything we can to allow Caitlin to be safe amongst us. She will be safe with us.’
Steven turned to face Catherine and scratched his lower jaw as he said, ‘In that case, I hope your tests are conclusive. When will you know?’
‘In the next few wee
ks,’ Catherine said, ‘but the community cannot wait to see you for another few weeks. There’s a lot of unrest. With Caitlin still not being well, she’ll have to stay in the medical suite. The community doesn’t need to know about Caitlin yet, but we need you to join us. We need you to show everyone that you are normal, unchanged. Many are beginning to think you are dead.’
‘I wish I was dead sometimes, I wish I had died the day you met me,’ he glared at Ingrid.
Catherine gritted her teeth, then breathed in and relaxed. ‘Steven, we cannot change the past. We must look to the future. Things happen in life for a reason, it is not up to us to question that reason.’
‘I can question it if I bloody well want to,’ he shouted, and then slumped back in the chair.
Ingrid walked over to Steven and put her hand on his shoulder, ‘Steven, you’re not helping Caitlin by letting yourself go. She needs you to be strong, to be there for her.’
In a sharp motion Steven stood up, his face but an inch away from Ingrid’s, and snarled, ‘Do you know about Caitlin? Have they told you what I did to her?’
Catherine intervened, ‘No, she doesn’t know.’
Steven moved towards Catherine. ‘Then stop telling me what to do. Caitlin doesn’t even want to see me. She hates me.’ His voice choked, as his body crumpled.
‘She doesn’t hate you. She needs you now more than ever. The sooner you realise it, the better,’ Catherine said, ‘you have an hour, after that Jenson’s coming to help you sort yourself out. The next time I see you it’ll be in the main hall for dinner, I hope you’ll make an effort. Let’s go, Ingrid.’
She could sense Ingrid’s reluctance to leave. Steven was lucky to have Ingrid watching over him. It was a shame he did not see it that way.
Back to Table of Contents
Chapter 24
Cleaned up
Steven stared at the door for a few minutes after it closed, his head full of irrational thought. If the cure worked then Caitlin would be safe, no-one would ever need to know about what her blood could do. He would never have to use her, not that he would have taken her blood without her consent. At least, he liked to think so.
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 78