‘If Tobias shows no signs of an adverse reaction then it looks like you may have found the missing ingredient for the successful blood.’ Eilif took a seat and clasped his hands together. ‘We’ll meet tomorrow.’
Ingrid started to leave. As she did she stole a final glance at Tobias. She had to admit that his curly black hair, and heart shaped face was cute. The rest of him was not bad either. She supressed a smile.
After a minute or so, Catherine asked, ‘Did you think Tobias would do that?’
‘No,’ Ingrid spluttered.
‘I thought so, you looked pretty shocked.’
Ingrid laughed, ‘That’s one way to describe it.’
‘He’s someone for you to consider anyway.’ Catherine raised an eyebrow.
‘Maybe.’ As they got to the junction, Ingrid turned towards her accommodation. ‘I have to go and get some fresh clothes, so I might see you later on.’
‘Sure. Thanks again.’
Once inside her room, Ingrid grabbed a new set of clothes and walked out again. She needed to clear her head and she hadn’t washed in over a day, it was time to refresh. She also hoped to see Caitlin, since it was the time of day when women bathed.
When she entered the cavern the sound of children, as well as splashing and some chatter brought the place to life. Bathing was such a social thing in the community. She always found bathrooms in the outside world so restrictive, enclosed. She guessed people got used to their own space.
Catherine was busy talking to some new mums and their babies by the small pools, but she glanced in her direction and waved. Ingrid continued to the main lagoon. A few women were out swimming, others chatted in small groups by the side. She could not see Caitlin.
She stripped off her clothes, left them a in a bag and set out her towel and new clothes on the side for when she returned. Then she went to the water’s edge and dived in, instantly refreshed as her body was engulfed by the lukewarm water.
She headed for the surface and swam front crawl at a steady pace towards the other side of the underwater lagoon. When she stopped, she ran her hands through her hair and detangled it. Then she dived down to enjoy the underwater silence. When she saw Caitlin sat on the bottom she smiled, then waved.
Caitlin saw her and nodded, then pointed to the surface.
When they broke the surface, Caitlin said, ‘Ingrid, nice to see you again. I love staying underwater. Steven told me swimming would be fun,’ she chuckled, ‘I never expected to be able to stay under indefinitely. It’s amazing.’
‘I know.’ Ingrid floated on the surface and adopted an eggbeater kick. ‘Another perk to what we are. No-one knows why though, it’s not like bats swim.’
‘Oh well, I’m not complaining,’ Caitlin said. ‘Shall we head back?’
‘Sure.’ Ingrid swam a steady breaststroke, head out of the water. Caitlin followed suit. ‘You’re looking well.’
‘Thanks, it’s still weird being here. But, I think I’m getting used to it, or more importantly people are getting used to me.’
‘That’s good to know.’ Ingrid wanted to know about Steven but she did not know how to ask.
‘Where did you go?’
Ingrid decided to be upfront. ‘We have a new adult member, Tobias.’ She gave a nervous laugh.
Caitlin noticed. ‘Tobias? Interesting, is he?’
‘No, err, he’s just a friend.’
‘Why did you sound nervous?’ Caitlin chuckled.
‘I have no idea what he is, but anyway, what about you?’ Ingrid figured it was a good way to ask.
‘Things with Steven are back on track, I think. He’s being very sweet, thoughtful.’
‘That’s nice.’ Ingrid fought the urge to grimace. She was happy for Caitlin.
‘Anyway, they’ve been keeping me busy, and I love stretching my mind. I really enjoy teaching. I’ve been watching and helping with the younger ones. I never even thought of being a teacher before, now I can see the appeal.’
Ingrid reached out for the metal rung and started to climb out of the water. She made her way to her towel. When she turned around she saw Caitlin a few metres away, already wrapped in a towel. She knew Caitlin would probably still find the fact they were naked uncomfortable, and she didn’t want to make it worse by staring at her so she got dressed quickly and got ready to leave.
They were both ready at a similar time, so they met at the entrance.
‘I’m heading back now,’ Caitlin said.
Ingrid smiled, ‘I’m going to speak to Catherine first. I’ll see you later, it was great to catch up.’
Caitlin nodded and walked off behind a group of women and some children.
Ingrid got the impression Caitlin was adjusting, but she was not convinced she was truly at ease yet.
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Chapter 35
Hen Do
Caitlin did not know why she felt comfortable around Ingrid. She suspected Ingrid still harboured an interest in Steven, but somehow it did not bother her. She was not surprised Ingrid liked Steven, he was to all intents and purposes a great catch. Caitlin had no doubt as to whether she was attracted to him, and she enjoyed his company, but she could not deny the fact something was missing. For now though, she would be stupid to let him go on a feeling. Especially when Steven did everything he could to impress her.
She rubbed her hands into her hair to help it dry. It had got so long recently. She would have to find out who was a good hairdresser, there had to be someone. The last time she tried to cut her own hair it had not ended well – she had resembled a mushroom.
Once in the food hall, she relaxed as Susanna caught her eye and waved. She was glad Susanna had befriended her, it made it easy to integrate.
‘How are things?’ Caitlin asked.
Susanna kissed both of her cheeks. ‘Very busy, I can’t believe I’m getting married in a few days. It’s a shocker. But, everyone is helping out and to be honest I’m not too stressed out.’
‘That’s great.’
‘So, are you coming out with us tonight? It’s my hen night.’
Caitlin’s lips curled at the edges. ‘You have those here?’
‘Of course, my mum’s organising it.’
Caitlin tried to keep a straight face, but found it difficult. ‘Your mother?’
‘Of course, it’s the tradition.’
‘Sure, I’ll come.’ It was bound to be a different hen night to any of the ones she had heard of.
‘Excellent, meet us here later at around eight-ish, okay?’ Susanna glanced behind Caitlin, smiled, and said, ‘see you later.’
Caitlin felt Steven’s arm over her shoulder, before he kissed her cheek. They had learnt not to kiss on the lips in public. It was considered inappropriate by many since they were unmarried. In this respect, the community lacked progress.
‘Nice swim?’ he asked.
‘Yes, thank you. Ingrid’s back.’
Steven pursed his lips. ‘Is she?’
‘Like I said.’ It was funny he seemed to have more of an issue with Ingrid than she did.
They moved in the direction of the food counters.
‘Are you enjoying your mental agility training?’ Steven asked.
‘Yes, I am. How’s your legal brain coping with things?’
Steven’s nose twitched. ‘Admirably.’
Caitlin raised her eyes to the ceiling, then nudged him in the ribs.
‘Playful today?’ he arched an eyebrow.
Caitlin widened her eyes, ‘Me? Not at all. It’s just nice to know you can be stretched.’
Steven gave a half-smile. ‘I can be stretched,’ he lowered his head and whispered in her ear, ‘and you would know all about that.’
The feel of his breath against her neck did funny things to her stomach, and she could not help giving a slight shiver.
He noticed and whispered again, ‘Sensitive today?’
Caitlin tossed her hair in his face. ‘Maybe.’ Then she strode purposefully t
owards the food. She was not going to let him distract her, and she had a hen do to attend.
The way Steven rubbed his knee against hers as they sat, and then held her hand left her in no doubt as to his intentions. She was sure her cheeks were a shade of pink throughout their meal. She did not dare look at him much, and she chatted to Susanna and Jenson about their pending nuptial. She was actually looking forward to the hen do, even though Steven had developed a puppy dog look when he heard about it. It only made his teasing harder to resist.
When they finished eating, Caitlin got up to go. She looked at Susanna, ‘Guess I should get ready. I don’t really have much to wear for tonight though.’
Susanna clapped her hands together. ‘Oh, didn’t I tell you. My mum has made special clothes for tonight. They should be in your room. Hope you like them.’ Susanna winked.
Steven got up. ‘This I have to see.’
Jenson shook his head, ‘No chance. We have a night to look forward to, and as best man you have to come with me. No party outfits for us though.’
Caitlin shrugged her shoulders. She leaned towards Steven and kissed his cheek. ‘Have a good time.’
‘Hmmm, you too,’ Steven gave a cheeky smile.
Caitlin’s jaw dropped when she saw the outfit. There was no way she was wearing it, no way.
She lifted the offending garment off the bed with her fingertips and glared. It was a dress. She had not owned, let alone worn, a party dress since she was about twelve. She did skirts, for formal occasions, but dresses like this one were a definite no go. She walked to the full length mirror in the corner of the room and put it over her form. She was expecting to grimace, but she couldn’t. The colour seemed to go with her hair, in fact it didn’t just go – it looked great.
She guessed there was no harm in trying it on.
She wanted to sulk and huff about it, but with no-one listening she got on with it. When she pulled up the zip along the side of her body, surprised at the perfect fit, she stood in front of the mirror. A girl looked back. A girl dressed in a knee length, flowing auburn dress with intricate small amber beads along the edge of the shoulder length sleeve. With a plunging, but discrete, neckline and tight bodice, it seemed to accentuate all of her curves perfectly. She could not help smiling at her reflection, and swaying slightly from side to side.
Her hair even looked great, as long curls loosely hung to the sides of her face. She always loved the way her hair looked when it had been recently washed.
A small wooden box on the bed caught her attention. She opened it to find an amber necklace and bracelet, as well as a range of make-up.
She figured she might as well go along for the ride, so she applied some subtle make-up and then put on the jewellery. She had no idea how they knew amber was her favourite stone, just like it was her favourite colour of eyes. Thinking of the eyes that had entranced her, she wondered what Steven would make of her transformation.
A pair of auburn heels, with open toes, completed the look. She was not surprised to find they were a perfect fit. In this place anything was possible.
She draped the silk auburn wrap over her shoulders and eased out of the room to search for Susanna. She could not help looking over her shoulder, completely self-conscience. An outfit like this left her exposed, open to attention. She never liked being showered with praise for looks. It was why she had given up on dresses. She hated the fact everyone complimented her when she was all dolled up, as if she were a different person. She wanted people to notice her as she was.
She could hear the sound of giggling as she approached Susanna’s room. As she made to move the curtain aside, Susanna jumped out of it, and squealed, ‘I knew it was you. Look at her, girls. Stunning! Mum, you’re a genius.’ Susanna wrapped Caitlin in her arms and then leant back. ‘Caitlin, this is my mother and all of my family and friends.’
Caitlin was momentarily stunned at the amount of women in the room.
She had seen Susanna’s mum from a distance, but she had yet to be introduced. She had striking Mediterranean features, with a deep tan, dark brown hair and practically black eyes. She held up her petite hand, she was so short, childlike, and said, ‘Lina. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m glad your dress fits so well, I have a knack for these things.’
Caitlin could not help swaying slightly as she spoke, ‘Thank you. I haven’t had anyone pick a dress for me in a long time.’
Lina nodded. She did not look surprised. ‘The English, well… let’s just say they do not know how to dress like the Spanish. You should take pride in your appearance. Eres guapisima. Men like to look and we should enjoy being seen.’
It seemed like such an obvious, yet backwards thing to say. Caitlin could not help replying, with a hint of sarcasm, ‘Are we like peacocks then?’
She gave a low chuckle, ‘No, no. In the animal kingdom the men are the peacocks, los leones. In our world, we let them believe we are the peacocks. But, actually they’re the ones that still check each other out and compete for us. We dress up, we make an effort, to feel good about ourselves, to be proud of who we are. Entiendes?’
‘I understand.’ Caitlin saw some logic to the argument. It had been some time since she had looked in the mirror and thought she looked good. Saying that she hated the reference to men being lions. In that kingdom, the lionesses did all the hunting and reared the kids. All the lions did was argue over territory and women – typical.
‘Anyway,’ Susanna said, ‘ladies. We should go.’
It was strange to be in a room full of women who looked the age of twenty, but whose real ages ranged considerably. Caitlin kept to the side as they all piled out of the room and followed Lina. She was glad they had not bothered to introduce her, there was no way she would remember all of their names.
She was surprised to see Susanna hold back, and hold out her arm. ‘Come on then. Let’s have some fun.’
An hour later, Caitlin was giggling along to a bunch of stories the women recalled from their younger days. Caitlin was nervous about having a turn, she was not sure she was ready for a truth or dare.
The party was juvenile. They had a selection of snacks, ranging from olives, tapenades and bread, to an assortment of breaded meat and fish. Caitlin thought she would burst if she ate any more, she wished she had known about the food before she had eaten supper.
When everyone faced her and Lina said, ‘Your turn, truth or dare,’ she jumped in the seat.
Caitlin faltered for a moment, before she said, ‘Truth.’
Lina turned to Susanna, ‘You can think of one.’
Susanna rubbed her hands together, ‘Ooooo, I know, is it true you prefer our community to your world?’
The way they all stared at her, eyes wide, expectant, threw her for a minute. She stalled for an answer, ‘They are completely different. I can’t answer that.’
Susanna twirled her hair in her hand, ‘Does that mean we should give you a dare?’
‘NO!’ Caitlin snapped. She hated dares. ‘I’ll answer, but don’t be mad.’
They all nodded, not as cheery all of a sudden.
‘The answer is no, I do not prefer the community. You have a great way of life here, one I admire. But, I love the freedom of choice. I had my whole life to figure out, now it feels figured out for me, if that makes sense.’
They nodded, but some looked puzzled. It was obvious a lot of them, if not most of them, had no idea what she was talking about.
‘You’ll have to tell us all about it then,’ Susanna smiled, ‘all we hear about is the pollution, the greed, the violence.’
‘Yes, all of that is out there.’ Caitlin felt a lump at the back of her throat, she could not really begin to explain the difference. They had no idea. Yet, she had to try. ‘The thing is, people are unpredictable. Here it seems everyone is so busy, so involved, you don’t have time to think about an alternative lifestyle. It doesn’t even seem like people want a different life.’
Susanna huffed, ‘Appearances can be decepti
ve. This is our home, but we all strive to make a difference, to create, to investigate, explore the mind.’
Caitlin gave a half-smile, ‘I know, it’s admirable.’
‘Nothing is perfection,’ Lina added. ‘Next!’ Lina turned to another woman, all smiles.
Caitlin wished she could belong. Somehow, even though she knew they were trying, she knew she would never belong. Even if they moved, even if they started all over again somewhere else, she would never be one of them. She was beginning to realise how naïve she had been, and she also started to see what Steven had warned her about. She should have listened. Hindsight was a wonderful, even if completely unhelpful, thing.
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Chapter 36
Stag Do
Steven did not know what to make of the gathering. There were a lot of young men dressed in camouflage gear with excited faces. He had no idea what he had let himself in for, but he was game – more for Jenson’s sake to be honest. As best man, he had the job of sorting the teams. He had been given a bag with everyone’s name, ready to be picked, and was awaiting instructions. He had no idea what was coming next, but apparently this was a community tradition.
Jenson came up alongside. ‘You ready?’
Steven gave a slight shake of the head. ‘Not really. It would help to know what we’re doing.’
‘The teams are ready, we’ve got the party gear on, now we wait for my grandfather, Morton, who set up the tradition. Then it’s game on.’
‘Is your dad coming too?’
Jenson nodded. ‘Yep. It’s lucky he’s the doctor, accidents are known to happen.’
‘Yeah, well,’ Steven scoffed, ‘I don’t intend to go anywhere near tapirs anytime soon.’
Jenson laughed, ‘Don’t blame you.’
Steven gave a slight shiver at the thought of the pain he had endured when a tapir had mauled his foot. Saying that, if he hadn’t been attacked by the tapir, the chances were he would never have left the community and Caitlin would have been left to her own devices. He pursed his lips. The tapir had a lot to answer for.
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 86