Else leaned forward as she spoke, ‘Steven would like to see you. He comes to check on you every day. Are you ready to speak to him now?’
She hesitated slightly before she replied, ‘Yes, I’d like to talk to him.’
‘I’ll take you back to Steven’s room then, you’ll be more comfortable there I think. And I think you still need to eat?’
‘Yes,’ she knew she sounded defeated. Caitlin had tried to ignore the hunger, but she could not stand it any longer. ‘I’m really hungry.’
‘Okay, let’s get you some food then,’ Else pressed a button on her desk and spoke, ‘please send food to room C35, urgent. Thank you.’ She got up and ushered Caitlin out.
As Caitlin passed the laboratories again, she saw Ingrid leaning over a microscope. She was completely kitted out, just like a proper scientist. She did not know why that surprised her. Once they were out of the main corridor, Caitlin expected to bump into someone. She wanted to see what they all looked like if she was honest. And yet, they saw no-one.
‘How come there’s no-one around?’
Else laughed. ‘Where you come from people stop a lot. Here we’re always working during the day, but it’s a social thing. Most of us would class work as a hobby. So, you will not see anyone in their accommodation until bedtime. There’s no need to be in your room until you are planning to sleep, is there?’
‘No, I guess not.’ Caitlin was sure they’d all be shocked at the amount of times she had just relaxed on her bed during the day listening to music, doing nothing. Lazy, but hey, she quite liked that. She remembered Steven enjoying her lazy days too.
When they got to the room Caitlin was relieved to see some familiar items again.
Else held out her hand. ‘Take the key. Only unlock the door for someone you know, although, anyone who’s supposed to be here will have a key. You’re not a prisoner here, but if you leave you’ll bump into people. It’s your choice.’
‘Thanks.’ Caitlin took the key and put it in her shorts pocket. Her mouth watered as she smelled her food. She turned around and saw the same Spanish selection she had discarded earlier on the table. ‘Do you mind if I go eat?’
‘No, I’ll see you soon. We’re all indebted to you, Caitlin. You have changed our future.’
Caitlin headed for the food, broke a piece of bread off the roll and dipped it in the chilli sauce, then stuffed it in her mouth. She nodded, but her focus was elsewhere. She sat down and pierced the prawn with her fork then relished the taste as she chewed.
She barely saw Else make her way out. She found it funny that they were supposedly indebted to her. She did not see what the big deal was anyway. It wasn’t like they were going anywhere in a hurry, and the odd person they killed to enable the change was hardly going to be missed. She did not get why this new blood changed anything. There was something they were not telling her. She did not know why she thought it, but it would make more sense if it were true.
It shocked her to see the empty plates in front of her after ten minutes had passed. There had been enough food to feed at least two, if not more people. She put her hands on her stomach and sat back, well and truly stuffed. She loosened the top button of her shorts and stood up. Then she browsed the CD collection, placed one in the CD player and started to sway as the music started. She missed her iPod. It seemed ancient to listen to just one CD. She normally had a playlist with loads of tracks. She called it her mixed allsorts, part of the fun was seeing what track would come on.
As the bass intensified, she turned up the sound and closed her eyes. She wanted to get lost in the music. She needed to escape.
As a pair of hands slipped over her waist she spun around in shock, only to come face to face with Steven. The familiar half-smile pasted on his face, his amber eyes wide, amused.
She did not want to hold him just yet, so she ducked under his arms and slipped out, then lowered the music. ‘Sorry, I was just…’
‘It’s great to see you dancing, really great.’ His look intensified, she felt like he was burning a hole through her.
Caitlin’s stomach twitched. She tried to relax, but the fact he was there made her nervous.
Steven got closer, his hand cupped her cheek and she had to face him. His proximity made her even more on edge. She stared into his eyes and got lost as he leaned closer and their lips touched. He gave her a light peck, and then kissed her cheek and her forehead, his arms now wrapped around her. She could not stop her arms going around his. He hugged her tighter, and she nuzzled into his chest. She felt protected.
‘I missed you so much, I’ve been so worried. I love you Caitlin, I always will.’
The words melted her completely and she found herself swallowing back tears again, she was annoyed. She had never cried at the drop of a hat, yet over the past 12 hours all she did was cry. It was pathetic. She could not bear to let him see her watery eyes so she kept her face firmly on his chest and took deep breaths to calm down.
She was sure he sensed her unease because he did not let go. He just held her, one hand lightly stroking the back of her neck, the other rubbing her lower back. It was soothing. She knew that to kiss him again, to really kiss him, would only lead in one direction. She wanted to, really badly, and she guessed nothing stopped them. There was no more risk.
When Caitlin eased her head back she found his face was but an inch away as he leant down towards her. She bridged the gap and rubbed her nose gently against his, before she got even closer and kissed him. This time the kiss deepened and intensified.
It was Steven who paused, ‘Caitlin, we don’t have to do anything. We don’t have to rush. I …’
Caitlin pressed her fingers to his lips, and smiled. She did not want to think, or talk, or cry. She just wanted to love him, and to let him love her in return.
***
Steven had never been the type to cry, but now he was actually emotional. He could not believe he was lucky enough to have Caitlin’s love. He could tell something had changed in her, the events of the past week had broken down her defences, had allowed her to follow her heart, not her head. He wanted to jump around and scream at the top of his voice, ‘she loves me’. Instead, he was choked. They were lying side by side, her sweat still lingered on his naked form, and he was spent. They had never made love like that before. It had been so intimate, and yet desperate.
Out of breath, he whispered, ‘You complete me.’
Caitlin rolled onto her side and flung her arm over his torso. ‘And you me.’
Again the words melted him further. He squeezed his eyes tight and felt a small dribble of water run out of the sides. He blinked a few times and kept it together as he held her body against his with one hand, and grabbed the loose sheet with the other. The sheet gave some needed cover as their sweat cooled. A few minutes later, he heard Caitlin’s deep breathing and her body twitched, before it went limp.
He kissed the top of her head and eased out from under her.
He was not surprised she was tired. As far as he knew, it was the first time she’d had a proper meal in days. She had had a lot to deal with, he knew the feeling. He remembered how horrified he had been when his life had been determined for him and he had been forced to leave everything behind in England.
Right now, after being so close to Caitlin, he could not regret having gone back to find her. They were meant to be together, and if they weren’t going to have children together then so be it. He wanted Caitlin, not her children. It had always been about Caitlin. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, to see the world with her. The last thought pulled him up short. In the community they would be stuck. Their fate bound by those around them. Yet, he doubted they would let them leave even though it made sense. A life of seclusion was not what Caitlin needed, at least he doubted it.
He would talk to Catherine. There had to be a solution. They could not expect Caitlin to live surrounded by women who could reproduce indefinitely, he imagined that life would be like having salt rubbed in a
wound every day of your life.
He sat by Caitlin and moved her hair off her face. She looked so peaceful, childlike in her sleep. She had no idea how beautiful she was. Her alabaster skin, speckled with tiny freckles and her vibrant, curls of red hair were his idea of perfection. He knew she had never considered herself to be special. His could not help breaking out into a smile. She was right, she was not just special. She was extraordinary, unique – his soul mate. Destiny was playing a game of chess against them.
He would go and talk to Catherine. Now he had Caitlin back he wanted to know what they were planning to do. He wanted to be prepared, to have something good to tell Caitlin, and have something to look forward to. A future in the community was not likely to satisfy either of them, not anymore. Caitlin deserved more and they owed her. If her blood led to the ultimate discovery, the least they could do was ensure a secure and happy future for her.
It was the least any of them could do.
Back to Table of Contents
Chapter 28
Preparations
Ian checked the list again. His eyes darted over the names. It seemed like he had gone over it a million times already and yet he was still not convinced the right decision had been made.
Carmen put a mug of coffee in front of him. ‘It’s going to be fine.’
Ian put his hands around the mug, then lifted it up to his mouth and breathed in. The smell alone had a calming effect. He took a sip, relished the bitter taste, and stared at the list again. ‘What do you really think? Is this madness?’
Carmen put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed. He turned to face her, and stared into her dark brown eyes as she spoke, ‘The history of mankind is no different to our own. It is time for some of us to start anew somewhere else, to create a new way of life. Those that have put their names forward to go are the adventure seekers, the pioneers. If we didn’t let them go now, they would find a way eventually. I don’t think this will destroy our community, it’ll make it stronger. It gives us more options.’
Ian gave a slight nod and smiled. ‘When did you become so wise?’
‘Hah,’ Carmen mock frowned, ‘you men would be lost without us women around to bring some sense into your lives.’
‘Of course, how stupid of me to forget,’ Ian rolled his eyes, then reached out and grabbed her, forcing her unto his lap. He held her tightly around the waist. Their jokey expressions became more serious as his hand slid up her back and made its way to her face. He eased in and kissed her softly.
She pulled away. ‘I can help you relax.’
‘Can you now?’ his lips curled up.
‘Hmm hmm.’ She got off his lap, held his hand and led him to the bed, her eyes never leaving his.
Ian still found it hard to believe this magnificent woman had chosen to be his wife and the mother of his children. Time did not change a thing. He still regarded her as he had the first day they had kissed.
An hour later, as Ian was about to doze off, he made the decision to meet with the originals. It was time to move on with the plans. What had happened with Steven should not change anything at all. Besides, after speaking to Catherine he was convinced the discovery of the latest strain of new blood would made things easier.
*
Ian surveyed the group. These meetings, now a regular occurrence, took their toll.
He began, ‘The list has now been finalised. After much consideration, it’s been decided to start the colony in Borneo with a modest sized group of 30. More can move over with time, as the site is developed. It will take time. Isaac, Catherine, are you happy with the progress made to date?’
Isaac rubbed his chin, ‘We’ve surveyed the island and identified areas where we could settle and build the community. We had to tap in to several satellites, but,’ he chuckled, ‘this was not a problem.’
‘What we are most interested in knowing is who will join us?’ Catherine asked, leaning forward.
Franco huffed, ‘I would hope that a lot of my family have shown common sense.’ He glanced over at Juan and gave a slight nod of the head.
Ian had no doubt that some gentle persuasion had convinced many of their family to exclude their names from the list. ‘You have nothing to fear. The only member of your family that has requested to move is Lucy.’
Franco scowled, ‘Lucy? Why would my daughter want to leave? She’s happy here and does a good job in produce. Who would replace her? She can’t go. I hope you refused her request.’
‘She will be coming with us,’ Catherine added, her eyes narrowed, ‘Lucy has as much of a right to excitement in her life as any of us.’
‘What do you mean excitement?’ Franco spluttered, ‘she’s my daughter. I know what’s best for her.’
Catherine pursed her lips and met his glare.
Ian intervened, even though he really didn’t want to. ‘Lucy’s on the list.’
Juan banged his fist on the table. ‘I’ve not seen Lucy in days, where is she anyway?’
‘What do you mean?’ Franco asked, his right eyebrow arched.
Catherine made eye contact with Ian before she spoke, ‘Lucy has gone to Borneo already. She’s gone to investigate.’
‘On whose authority?’ Franco snapped.
Catherine glanced at him again. Ian wondered what was going on. He would ask later. He held up his hands. ‘Look, we need to get back on track. I’m sure Lucy is capable and went on her own authority,’ Franco and Juan did not look happy, but he continued, ‘as you all know, the testing for the new blood is going to happen in the next few days. Tobias is due his change and Eilif is confident that it’ll work. Catherine has agreed to go with Eilif and Tobias into the jungle, close to a native tribe, just in case the blood fails.’
Morten, who had chosen to keep quiet up to that point, stepped in, ‘That is wise. And the girl, Caitlin isn’t it, she is better?’
Ian turned to Catherine, ‘I’ll let my sister explain.’
Catherine faced Morten, ‘She’s stable and back with Steven. We’ll introduce her to the community soon. Even though there will be questions, we cannot keep her away from everyone indefinitely.’
‘Indeed, and Steven? He’s settled in?’ Morten asked.
‘As much as he ever was,’ Catherine said. ‘I have seen the list for Borneo and neither Steven nor Caitlin are on it. I believe, as does Isaac, they should be allowed to go. A new start for them would be wise.’
‘Perhaps?’ Ian said, ‘But, they’ll not be of much use in building the site and harnessing its potential. They should be left here until the site is established.’
‘At last, we agree on something,’ Franco sneered.
‘I disagree,’ Catherine continued, ‘If they’re allowed to help create the site, it will make it their home. Caitlin, in particular, needs to get away. As you all know the change has made her different.’
Anna’s face tensed. She held Juan’s hand as she spoke, her voice unsteady, ‘Caitlin’s choice came at a price. We are all very sorry that she will never conceive, but at least she is alive and well.’
Ian had barely heard his sister talk since Emily’s funeral. It was like a part of her had broken when her twin died. It hurt Ian to see Anna in such obvious distress. The death of their parents had come as a shock to all of them, but the added impact of Emily’s death had sent Anna over the edge.
Catherine bit her lower lip. ‘We all know she’s lucky to be alive, Anna. But, we do owe her a decent life. Her blood…’
‘Might,’ Juan interrupted, ‘help us. But, then again it might not. She is no more entitled to a good life than the rest of us. They are many youngsters that are keen to leave. That does not mean we will let them. If they go, others will want to join them.’
‘Perhaps, no-one should know about Caitlin then?’ Isaac suggested.
They all turned to face him.
Ian asked, ‘What do you mean?’
‘If she leaves for Borneo immediately, or as soon as she is able, then no-one needs to know abou
t her, do they?’ he clasped his hands together, ‘it would make things easier. How would introducing her benefit this community?’
‘And what about Steven?’ Franco narrowed his eyes.
‘It’s easier to explain the need for Steven to go. A lot of people have found it hard to accept him. A problem gone is a problem forgotten.’
Ian nodded. ‘It might be a good solution. If we allow Steven and Caitlin to leave with Catherine and Isaac, they might have a shot at a decent life. However, if we feel Caitlin should be introduced then we will. This process might take months. We cannot keep her confined for that long.’
‘Yes, it wouldn’t be fair on the girl. We’ll leave the decision to Catherine,’ Morten said.
‘Anyone not in favour?’ Ian asked. When he saw no-one raise their hand he relaxed. He guessed Franco would be happy to see the back of him. It was obvious he still considered Steven’s existence to be an aberration. ‘Good, well in that case, we’ll meet again in a few days’ time. Then we’ll have a better idea on what the future holds. I’m sure we’ll all be glad to not have to kill for blood.’
Even though he firmly believed this, he worried some people would miss the need to kill. Then again, if they did not kill for the change there would be no justification to kill for survival anymore.
As they all got up to leave, Ian glanced at Catherine. She indicated Isaac leave without her with a wave of her hand and then gave Anna a quick hug as she walked past. Ian was saddened again by the fact Anna barely returned the embrace. Her enthusiasm had been zapped. Juan held Anna’s hand and led her out. If there was something that reassured him it was the fact Juan loved Anna. It was the only reason he had tolerated his brother-in-law over the years. No matter how misconstrued and easily led he was by his father, Franco.
Once they had all left, Catherine closed the door again. The room was soundproof, it was lucky. ‘Lucy’s under my care. As far as everyone should be concerned she’s left and might never come back.’
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 81