They took a seat and Jenson looked up. ‘Nice to see you again, Caitlin. This is my fiancée, Susanna.’
Susanna stood up and made her way over to Caitlin. Then to Steven’s surprise she gave Caitlin a huge hug, and said, ‘Welcome to the community. I’ve been dying to meet you.’
Caitlin blushed, and spluttered, ‘Thank you.’
‘None of us bite,’ Gideon joked.
‘This is my little brother, Gideon,’ Susanna said,
‘He’s cheeky, but nice enough,’ Steven added.
‘And you are?’ Gideon asked.
Caitlin’s answer was cut short as Ian took to the small raised stage where various musicians sometimes played and asked for everyone’s attention.
Once everyone was facing him, he began, ‘I’d like all of you to welcome Caitlin to the community. Caitlin, can you please stand?’
Caitlin widened her eyes, but Steven edged her on. She stood up, not letting go of his hand.
‘Thank you, Caitlin. I’m sure you’d all like to know who she is and the answer to that is tricky. All I can say, at this point, is that she is a friend of Steven, and therefore a friend of ours. If you have any questions, please ask your superiors. We expect you to welcome our guest with kindness – no one needs an inquisition. Thank you.’ Ian gave a quick nod in Caitlin’s direction.
Caitlin took that as a signal to sit down again. She pushed her hair over her face to hide her beetroot face.
‘Well, that wasn’t too painful. If it works it’ll all be worth it,’ Steven said.
‘It’ll work,’ Jenson said. ‘We’ll look out for you too, Caitlin.’
Caitlin smiled, unable to speak. She took her cutlery in her hands and focused on eating. For once, she was intimidated. Steven had not seen it happen many times since he’d known her.
‘So, what happens now?’ Steven looked at Jenson.
‘Life goes on. Caitlin, what are you good at?’
Caitlin chewed, swallowed her food and had a quick drink, ‘I’m good at maths and I enjoy speaking Spanish.’
‘Well, in that case Catherine will probably have a job for you. I take it she’s looking out for you too since you came here with her?’ Susanna asked.
‘She is,’ Caitlin replied, ‘what does Catherine do again?’
‘She is the mental agility coordinator,’ Gideon said, ‘if you are good at maths, then that job would be perfect for you.’
‘I’ll take your word for it,’ Caitlin smiled.
‘Well, I’m glad that you’re finally out in the open. We have a wedding to organise,’ Jenson held Susanna’s hand. ‘Steven, are you still up for the job of best man?’
‘Definitely,’ Steven replied. He glanced at Caitlin and wondered if she would ever consider becoming his wife. It was the first time the thought had popped into his mind, and yet now it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. There was no point in rushing into anything. He glanced at her cute rounded face and glowing blue eyes – it took everything to resist the urge to kiss her. He had no doubt in his mind that he wanted to share everything with her, no matter what.
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Chapter 32
Leadership
Caitlin did not know what to make of it all. She knew it was unlikely they could have accepted her just like that, and yet she could not sense any hostility. There were a lot of curious glances, and some odd smiles, but no outright hatred. She smothered some butter over her roll and took a bite. The food, the people, the calm environment, the lack of flash clothing and designer gear gave the place a welcoming feel. In fact, she had never felt so at ease. She could not understand why they had been so worried that she would not fit in, what it was they were trying to protect her from. A part of her was curious. She wondered if she did cut her finger whether they would all turn into bloodthirsty vampires. She doubted it, the idea made her smile.
‘Want to share the thought?’ Steven nudged her arm.
‘I just wondered when this place was going to get scary,’ Caitlin chuckled.
‘It never was scary, just isolated for my taste. Too far away from you, of course,’ he blushed slightly.
‘He was the scary one,’ Gideon blurted out.
‘Gideon!’ Susanna glared at her brother.
‘It’s true,’ Gideon spluttered, defensive, ‘Steven thought this place was backwards. He could not wait to leave us all… although, I can understand why,’ he smiled, his expression cheeky with a slight leer.
‘Gideon!’ Susanna repeated, ‘Excuse my younger brother, Caitlin. I never thought he was capable of being such a flirt.’
Caitlin laughed, ‘It’s alright, how old are you anyway?’
‘I’m seventeen,’ Gideon puffed his chest, ‘nearly eighteen.’
‘Too young to do anything,’ Susanna rolled her eyes.
‘They don’t date here until after the change,’ Steven explained.
Caitlin raised her eyebrows in disbelief, ‘Well, that would be hard in our world. Most teenagers I know are like a dog on heat.’
Gideon’s shoulders slumped, ‘I knew there was a reason why we should live out in the open.’
‘You’ll get your chance, little brother,’ Susanna ruffled his hair.
‘Hey, quit with the little. I’m taller than you, you know,’ Gideon snapped.
‘It’s your maturity I was referring to,’ Susanna narrowed her eyes.
Jenson laughed out loud, ‘Don’t you just love siblings? Do you have any brothers of sisters, Caitlin?’
‘I have an older brother and a younger sister,’ Caitlin sighed, and then sat up straight, ‘and I think it’s fair to say we have the same kind of relationship. I guess this place is no different to the outside world,’ she paused and smirked, ‘other than for the fact that we’re different and fashion hasn’t been invented yet.’
Caitlin surveyed the room again, she felt a lot braver now. It was a sea of green and brown clothing. Yet, the complexions of the people varied from blonde, lithe girls to dark, tanned Mediterranean males. An odd redhead was scattered here and there. She found it fascinating.
She could not help asking, ‘Are the redheads related to Catherine?’
Susanna replied, ‘I’m pretty sure they’re her children. Good guess.’
‘Not difficult really, even though my parents are not redheads,’ Caitlin replied, ‘my grandfather had red hair.’
Caitlin focused on a brown haired male with slightly paler features. His hair was a mottled brown and he was in deep conversation with Ian and Catherine. As though he sensed she was watching, he turned to face her and smiled. After saying something to Catherine, he stood up and made his way towards them. Caitlin looked away, embarrassed to be caught watching.
A moment later, she heard him approach. ‘Steven, nice to see you again.’
‘Enrique, wasn’t it?’ Steven held out his hand.
Enrique shook his hand, ‘Can I join you?’
‘Sure,’ Steven said.
Enrique sat in a space opposite them, ‘My father, Ian, and mother, Carmen, asked me to come and say hello. My aunt Catherine talks very highly of you, Caitlin. I’m pleased to meet you.’ He held out his hand.
When Caitlin extended her hand, Enrique took it and then lowered his lips to kiss it.
The act seemed intrusive, somehow and she flinched slightly.
Enrique sensed her unease. ‘My Spanish roots insist I kiss the hand of a lovely lady.’
‘So smooth,’ Gideon muttered under his breath.
Enrique ignored the comment and turned to face Steven, ‘So, you’re glad to be back?’
‘As much as I could be,’ Steven’s jaw was tense, the reply short.
‘And you, Caitlin, do you like our community?’
Caitlin found it hard to hold his gaze, his eyes reminded her of melted chocolate. Somehow, she found her voice, ‘I’ve not seen much of it, but what I have is likeable.’
Enrique laughed, ‘Well, likeable is better than anythi
ng else. Is it true you speak Spanish fluently? My aunt, sorry, she told me.’
‘Yes, well, I grew up in Gibraltar so my Spanish is Andalusian with a few words that are what we call llanito.’ She gave an uneasy laugh.
‘Gibraltar? The rock that should be Spanish?’ he have a half-smile, his right eye arched.
‘I keep away from the politics,’ Caitlin said. The last thing she needed was a full debate on whether Gibraltar was British or Spanish, the topic bored her to death. As far as she was concerned she was British – the end.
‘Wise,’ Enrique smiled, ‘I would love to see my homeland one day. My father, Franco, is also very curious to see what his Spain has become. Do you know anything of the Spanish Civil War?’
Caitlin nodded, ‘Yes, I studied it in university. What happened is heart-breaking. Like many of the other wars that have happened around the world.’
‘Indeed, but at least here we live in relative harmony,’ he said, his hands turned up. ‘No point dwelling on the past even though it is a difficult thing for my parents to talk about.’
‘I can imagine…’ She left the last word hanging.
‘Spain has plenty of charm and beauty,’ Steven said, his remark tainted by some insinuation.
Caitlin could not help thinking Steven did not like Enrique.
‘Of course, you also speak Spanish, Steven,’ Enrique’s eyes dropped. ‘I am sorry about your stepmother, truly.’
‘There is nothing anyone can do about it now. She is gone, and in a way it is only right that the person who killed her also met her death.’
‘Yes, Emily’s death was felt by many,’ Enrique added.
‘Really?’ Steven snapped, ‘as far as I know, most of you did not care much about her. Or, am I wrong?’
‘Emily was out of control, her way did not fit our ideals,’ Enrique sounded defensive, ‘but I’m sure you’ve realised how much your aunt Anna suffers. Juan does the best he can to give her some comfort, but it’s not easy.’
Caitlin glanced in the direction of Anna, who was hunched over her bowl, face forlorn, ‘Maybe you should speak to her, Steven?’
‘I have nothing to say,’ Steven snapped.
Caitlin met Enrique’s eyes again and gave an apologetic smile.
‘She might like to talk to you, Steven,’ Enrique continued, ‘she was not to blame for your mother’s nature.’
Steven nodded. His lips became taut.
‘Anyway, it was a pleasure to meet you, Caitlin. Should you want to talk in Spanish any of us would be happy to oblige. We will ignore the fact you come from the Rock,’ he chuckled, as he stood up and took his leave.
‘He is oh so charming,’ Susanna grinned.
Jenson rolled his eyes, ‘He’s not so bad. Some of his cousins are worse. It’s hard to imagine how they keep their hormones in check, but the fact they’re raised to be devote Catholics might have something to do with it. Even though, I’ve always had my doubts.’
Steven slid his fingers through Caitlin’s and squeezed. Caitlin turned to face him and was drawn in by his amber eyes and perfect face. She should not even find someone like Enrique remotely interesting when she had someone like Steven, but she knew it was hard to ignore a suave flirt, which was obviously what Enrique was.
‘It’s great to have you here,’ Steven said.
‘I know,’ Caitlin said.
Even though she was scared to be out in the open amongst the others, she tried to act brave. She watched as clusters of people started to leave. Jenson, Susanna and Gideon stood up to go.
‘There’s work to be done,’ Jenson said.
‘Lessons for me,’ Gideon said, he did not look enthusiastic.
‘See you later,’ Susanna smiled.
Caitlin was strangely excited, ‘So, what does everyone do now?’
‘Everyone has somewhere to go,’ Steven said, ‘no-one is allowed to be idle. I have a feeling you’ll have somewhere to go too. I’m working with the fishing boats now. It’s great to be outside.’
‘Fishing?’ Caitlin chuckled, and then joked, ‘any piranhas?’
‘Yes, actually,’ Steven nudged her again. ‘Well, relatives of the piranhas. We catch a lot of pacu fish. They’re massive.’
‘I’ll take your word for it.’
‘I have to go,’ Steven said, ‘let’s go and speak to Catherine.’
They stood up and cleared their plates and utensils in the disposals area. Then they approached Catherine.
Caitlin did not get the impression Ian or Catherine were happy. It looked like they were in disagreement over something. Yet, as they approached, Catherine looked up and put on a forced smile, ‘Caitlin, can you sit with us, please?’
Steven kissed Caitlin on the cheek. ‘I’ll let you talk. See you later.’
‘Steven, why don’t you stay?’ Ian suggested. It was not so much a suggestion, as a requirement.
‘I’ll be late,’ Steven replied.
‘They can manage without you,’ Catherine said.
Caitlin took a seat, Steven sat next to her.
‘I hope my son was courteous,’ Ian said. The bags under his eyes gave away the stress he was under.
‘He was,’ Caitlin smiled.
‘I should apologise,’ Ian said, ‘the first time we met, I did not give my kind good representation. It was necessary to abduct you, for the safety of the people Steven came into contact with, but I’m sorry for any distress it caused. As you can see we’re all perfectly amiable and, now that you’re one of us, we will treat you like a member of our extended family. We will protect you.’
Steven’s shoulder pressed against hers.
‘Thank you,’ Caitlin said. She could hardly berate him after that.
‘Anyway,’ Catherine said, ‘Ian knows about the issues, he is the head of the community at the moment. Although, we don’t have a fixed hierarchy, it is more of an overseeing role.’
Ian grunted, ‘Trust me. Anyone else is welcome to it.’
Caitlin nodded, that explained why he was so stressed. She guessed the fact he had lost both of his parents, and his sister was also a factor. Her arrival could not help matters.
‘Ian is under a lot of strain,’ Catherine added, ‘things have gone from complicated to near enough impossible. The community has too many people living here now to remain inconspicuous. As I told you, some are looking to break away to form a new community elsewhere. But, our research could change what people end up doing. Caitlin, you have a mathematical brain, I’d appreciate your help with logistics. Steven, you always said you missed studying the Law. Well, now we need you to help us design the parameters for our new laws, the new regime. Are you both happy to help?’
Caitlin shrugged her shoulders, ‘Sure.’
Steven nodded.
‘We really appreciate the fact you’ve taken everything so well, Caitlin. In fact, your resolve is impressive to say the least. My nephew is a fine man, I’m sure you’ll both be very happy together.’
Caitlin could not help thinking it was all so nicely premeditated. She could not help wondering if she would actually enjoy her new role.
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Chapter 33
Responsibility
Catherine clenched and unclenched her hands into fists as she made her way over to the laboratory. So much had happened in the past twenty-four hours. At least with Caitlin and Steven occupied, she could now focus on Tobias. The success of the new blood could change everything. She wanted to believe it would work and tried to remain positive. Regardless of the setback with Lucy, they would carry out the original plan. A slim chance remained. If it failed, another human would have to be sacrificed – there was no other alternative.
She took a deep breath, pushed down the handle and held her head high. Her outward confidence had to count for something.
‘Ingrid, Eilif, Tobias,’ she nodded, ‘is everything ready?’
‘Yes,’ Eilif nodded.
An hour later, they were all paddlin
g, sat one in front of the other in a wooden dugout. They kept a fluid rhythm as they made their way along the Amazon River. The nearest village was a few hours away.
Catherine enjoyed the exercise and the fresh air invigorated her. Out here, amongst nature, it was easy to put aside any concerns. She was glad she was sat at the back; it gave her a chance to look around. To think. Something was bothering her, it was like she’d forgotten something. It felt like it was important, but whatever it was eluded her. As she paddled, she tried to bring it to the forefront of her mind.
As the bustle from the range of primates overhead resulted in mass screeching, presumably after some disagreement or other, it hit her. She faltered for a moment as she lost pace with the others, and smiled as she regained her composure. The answer had been staring her in the face the entire time. She chuckled at its potential simplicity.
‘Anything to share, Catherine,’ Ingrid asked, as she glanced back from the front.
‘Later, yes,’ she called out, ‘I just forget something important.’
‘I rarely forget anything,’ Ingrid retorted.
‘Well, in that case you’re very lucky. Must be why you make a good scientist?’
Ingrid laughed, ‘Maybe. I think it’s annoying actually. Sometimes life would be easier if I could forget some things.’
‘Yes, I guess it would. But then, all memories make us who we are. Some change is for the better.’
Ingrid did not reply for a minute. ‘I never thought about it like that. Yes, I guess experiences have changed me. Perhaps, made me yearn for things I never considered.’
‘So there you go.’
Ingrid glanced back, smiled, and then continued to paddle.
Catherine had always liked Ingrid, recently she felt sorry for her. It could not be easy for her to deal with rejection, especially when Caitlin was around. And yet, she had befriended Caitlin. She could not help thinking that in some ways Steven had been a fool to let Ingrid slip away. And yet, she thought the same of Lucy. As much as she knew Ian was happy with Carmen, she had no doubt Lucy would have also have made Ian very happy if he had reciprocated her affections.
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 84