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Chapter 16
Taking The Next Step
After the New Year was upon them again, it was time to make new resolutions and return to the normality of lectures and student living. Caitlin was just a tad guilty about being excited to go back, especially as Jeanie had burst into tears as she was about to walk out of the door. In that moment she actually felt sorry for her, but not enough to want to stay. Her little sister had done her utmost to irritate her throughout the holiday, to the point where Caitlin had wished her parents had thought to use contraception. She did not really mean it, but it made her aware of the consequences of spontaneous actions. A mistake like that was not worth it, even if she spent a stupid amount of time dreaming of a dimpled, cute baby with Steven’s features!
After a final kiss to her mum, she was seated on the train and independent again, with nothing for company but music, a book and her mobile phone. As the train pulled out, she took out her phone and texted Steven to let him know she was on her way. Almost immediately, she got the reply to say that he was already seated and on his journey. She could not help but withhold a laugh at the thought of where he was. Whilst she was sat comfortably on a fast train service, he was going on a scenic tour of the countryside – courtesy of the National Express bus service. His parents had booked him the seat, convinced it was the cheapest and easiest way for him to get back to Southampton. Since they funded his university life he’d had no choice but to accept it.
She smiled as she recalled their conversation.
Steven actually admitted that he understood his parent’s reasoning. Even though his parents could afford to pay for his train fare, they insisted he travel via the cheaper coach option. His parents arguably had a point – it did have less transfers. In the scheme of things, Steven was lucky. His parents paid for everything. He would be debt free at the end of his studies, whereas Caitlin was convinced she’d have to work for years before she would cover the cost.
The fact he understood and justified his parents actions made Caitlin respect Steven even more. It was these qualities, along with many others, that she loved. She was not blasé enough to ignore the fact that Steven was gorgeous by anyone’s standard. Yet, the fact remained. There was more to him than looks. She eagerly anticipated peeling back the layers that kept Steven Thorn together, one at a time. The best bit was she was not in a hurry; she had all the time in the world.
***
It was freezing outside. To top it all, the rain was torrential. A gusty wind made anything lightweight fly overhead. The street resembled a dump site. It was this scene that greeted Steven as he clambered down the bus steps to retrieve his luggage. After a minute of being subjected to the diabolical onslaught, he was wet through. Luckily, his cap and waterproof jacket took the worst of it. His jeans were not so lucky. They felt sticky and uncomfortable, firmly pasted to his legs. As he trailed up to the bus stop, dragging his feet, he was tempted to spend some of his money on a taxi.
He hesitated, stared at the taxi stand, but then made his way to the bus stop.
Arms folded, a sulky expression on his face, he waited under the bus shelter for the right number. It was not the best way to start a new academic term. All he wanted to do was crawl into bed with a hot drink. One thought kept him motivated to return. Caitlin. After being separated for three weeks over the Christmas break, he could not wait to be with her. The fact they talked every day was neither here nor there.
*
After another arduous bus journey, and fifteen minute walk, the hall building came into view as he rounded the corner. The grounds on campus were pretty deserted. It was obvious most students had decided against hanging around. As he walked, he texted Caitlin to let her know he was nearly there. Once in the comfort of his room, he dumped his things on the floor and started to take off his sodden jacket. He was just debating whether to go and have a shower before he saw Caitlin when he heard his phone bleep.
It was Caitlin. The text read, ‘If u r here… my room – Now!’
At her door, he gave seven rhythmical knocks. The door opened immediately and Caitlin lunged at him.
After a frantic kiss, Caitlin slammed the door shut.
‘You’re very wet.’ She gave a seductive smile and teased, ‘Maybe I can help you to get rid of your clothes, so that you can get more comfortable?’
‘You think?’ Her forwardness caught him by surprise. ‘You could, but…’
Without giving him a chance to finish, she kissed him hungrily and he responded with vigour. They laughed together as Caitlin helped Steven to peel off his jeans.
***
The tiny single bed was a squeeze for two. Somehow, they made it work. Caitlin nuzzled into Steven’s chest. It was not as embarrassing as she expected it to be when you took into account the fact they were naked together – for the first time.
‘Did you miss me?’ She knew the question was childish yet she could not help it. Her finger circled his chest hairs.
‘Do birds have wings?’
‘I missed you too,’ she admitted. She nestled against him. As the realisation of what they had done hit her, she sat up and kept the covers firmly over her chest. ‘I can’t believe we just did that. I’ve been thinking about it during Christmas. I never imagined it would be anything like that.’
‘Sorry to disappoint you,’ he sighed, then pulled the covers over his face.
‘Awww, you know what I meant,’ she said, and pulled them back off.
‘I know,’ he paused. The feel of his hand on her hair made her lean to the side towards it. His hand trailed down her face before it dropped onto her hand, his eyes searching. ‘Are you glad? It felt right to me.’
‘Of course, it was a bit funny that you were so well prepared,’ she teased, with a light nudge of her elbow.
‘Well,’ he started, as he bit his lip.
She decided to let him off the hook. ‘It’s okay. I have some too. You never know when you might need them, right?’
‘Yes,’ he recovered. ‘Well you’re very sensible. But, who were you planning to use them with?’ He lay back on the pillow and folded his arms under his head as he winked.
‘Well, err… you know.’ She wiggled and huffed.
‘I’m only teasing.’ He sat up again, grabbed her firmly within his arms and pulled her down.
Face-to-face, Caitlin could not stop herself from bursting into a fit of giggles. Once recovered, she became serious, ‘You know, as much as I would love to stay here with you, we should actually think of making a move.’
‘Do we have to?’ He kissed her lips, his tongue searching for hers again.
Caitlin pulled back, ‘Yes, you’ve had your wicked way. We can’t stay in bed all afternoon. We have to eat.’
‘If we must. You didn’t seem to complain a few minutes ago.’
‘That’s because my body was lusting after yours,’ she admitted, ‘but, we women are practical. Our bodies have other needs too.’
‘What are you saying about men then?’ He pulled a face that feigned offence.
‘Well, if you must know,’ she said, with a coy smile, ‘after thinking about sex pretty much all the time, it’s limited really.’
Steven picked up the pillow, and pinned her down on the bed with it. ‘Well if you weren’t so gorgeous, maybe, I would stop to think about other stuff like our upcoming exams.’
She was helpless to his charms as she succumbed to his kiss. Before things got out of hand, she broke off and added, ‘Okay, we really have to go to get some food – I’m starving.’
‘Can I not sway you at all, Caitlin?’
The way he said her name made her stomach swirl. When he leant in and kissed her again she could not refuse.
Ten minutes later they lay on their backs, side by side.
‘Wow,’ Steven said.
‘I know,’ Caitlin said, dazed. She was sore in places she never thought possible. ‘Now, I’m going to get up and shower. I need food!�
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‘Okay, okay.’ He moved on to his front, shook his head and rubbed his face. ‘At least you also have an en suite. Ladies first?’
‘Ugh! Irritating man.’ She grabbed the covers and wrapped herself as she made her way to the bathroom.
‘That’s cruel. I’ll get cold now.’
‘Not if you join me in the shower.’
He raised his eyebrows and whistled, ‘Have you become all saucy on me all of a sudden?’
She was amazed at her candour. ‘Nope, just being practical.’
‘A shower with you is an offer I will not refuse.’ In a swift action he got off the bed and walked over to her, seemingly unabashed by his nakedness.
She kept her eyes on his face as she turned and made her way into the bathroom, now regretting the decision to share. It seemed stupid to carry the covers with her but she could not let them go.
As though sensing her discomfort, Steven popped his head in the door, ‘Do you want some alone time?’
She smiled and turned to face him, ‘Give me a minute, then you can come in.’
‘Sure.’ He left her alone.
Relieved, she dropped the covers, turned on the shower and went to the toilet. Then she tied up her hair in an elastic band and stepped under the water. A few minutes later she heard a familiar tinkle as he relieved himself. It was weird, yet natural, to share something as personal as going to the toilet. She faced the showerhead and waited. She could not believe she was in the fast lane now.
‘Can I join you?’ Steven asked.
She did not turn as she replied, ‘Of course.’
The shower proved uneventful. They lathered each other, laughed and became playful. Steven was a true gentleman. She was glad he did not overstep the mark. She wanted him to make love to her. She had never wanted just sex.
After they had dried off, Caitlin wrapped herself in a towel and watched him as he went in search of his underpants. He grabbed his wet jeans and shook them out.
He frowned as he put them back on. ‘I have to go to my room to get a dry pair.’
‘I’ll get changed and meet you in say ten minutes?’
‘Great.’ He leant in and kissed her quickly. His eyes had a new spark to them.
He really was something else to look at. She had never felt so attracted to anyone, let alone lusted after them. It was like her hormones were on overdrive. The need to be with him was addictive and yet, she felt, completely normal. At the back of her mind there was a reluctant part of her that wondered whether things were developing too quickly.
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Chapter 17
Exams
The Gully restaurant was buzzing. It seemed like everyone was catching up on their Christmas adventures, or lack of. The mood was buoyant and full of energy. Caitlin leant against Steven and relished the feel of his hand against hers as they approached the food counter. Food trays laden with breakfast, they found a small table and sat opposite each other. As Caitlin put a mouthful of muesli in her mouth, she noticed Sally and Adam approaching. She did not mind Sally, Adam was another matter.
‘Can we join you?’ Sally asked, brazen, as ever. She was such an interesting character. Under all of the bravado and longing to fit in, she was a nice person who was definitely being taken advantage of by the likes of Adam. When she got the chance, Caitlin intended to ask Steven why Adam was his friend. She never got that.
‘Sure. How are you?’ Caitlin asked Sally. She averted her eyes from Adam’s direction.
Sally chirped back, ‘Great, did you have a good Christmas?’
‘It was bearable, just you know, same as always.’
‘Missing Steven?’ Sally added, with a wink. ‘Don’t worry, I missed Adam like crazy.’ She tightened her grip on his arm and looked up at him.
Adam’s face remained expressionless, and he looked away quickly.
It made Caitlin wonder whether he was beginning to reciprocate less than Sally would have hope, and finally showing his true colours.
‘Do you fancy shooting some pool?’ Steven asked Adam.
She was sure Steven noted the tension.
Enthusiastic, Adam replied, without giving Sally a second glance, ‘Great idea.’
Steven leant over to kiss Caitlin, and whispered in her ear, ‘Shall I annihilate him?’
‘Definitely,’ she giggled. She could not help but to admire his firm backside as he walked away.
‘He’s totally besotted with you. You’re so lucky Caitlin,’ Sally added, her expression forlorn.
‘Adam is still going out with you, isn’t he?’ Caitlin asked. She did not want to know, but she realised Sally might need a friend. Sally was not as tough as she seemed.
‘I’m not sure anymore. We were totally into each other last term. But over the holidays he barely rang me, and since we’ve got back together today he seems distant. Maybe he’s had a change of heart and he’s just not into me anymore,’ she sighed, deflated.
‘If he’s not, it’s his loss right? Better that you know and move on, there’s plenty more fish in the sea,’ Caitlin reminded her, trying to keep the conversation light. Sally could definitely do better than Adam.
‘I know, you’re right, it’s just that every time I think I’ve met the guy, he ends up disappointing me. I should have held out and not done it with him. That would have kept him keen.’
‘You don’t know that.’ Caitlin picked at her fingernails.
‘Trust me once a guy has his way, he loses interest. That’s my experience anyway.’
Caitlin swallowed and frowned.
It prompted a quick response from Sally, ‘But, if you have done it with Steven, I wouldn’t worry – not all men are the same. You might have found a keeper. It’s all a lottery really.’
‘I hope you’re right. I could do without a broken heart right now,’ Caitlin said. She knew Adam was nothing like Steven. She played with her spoon and took another mouthful. Even Sally was quiet.
Once Caitlin had finished, she asked, ‘Shall we go find them?’
‘I guess so. I’ve got to prepare for another potential break up,’ Sally said, as she rolled her eyes.
On the way, Caitlin remained deep in thought. Sally had made her uneasy. As much she wanted to believe that she had found the love of her life, she could not help but wonder. Would Steven be a keeper?
*
Caitlin was convinced she was going to be sick. The knots in her stomach twisted tighter with every breath. It was crazy. On the menu for the day, two maths exams. One would have been bad enough, but two. Caitlin was convinced she was destined for failure. Exams of any kind made her go berserk. In the past, her parents had ignored her protests and reassured her, with positive results. Now, all alone, she knew if she turned and fled no-one would come after her. The weather outside did nothing to appease her. It was gloomy and overcast. It gave her a sense of impending doom.
After what felt like years and a million hair twists they finally let her into the vast examination room. She decided to take a seat close to the entrance, just in case she needed a quick exit. Slowly, she removed her pencil, pen and rubber from her pencil case and laid them out next to her maths set and calculator. As she listened intently to the instructions she tried to stop herself from hyperventilating and instead turned her thoughts towards Steven. It had a calming effect. She was eternally grateful to have such an amazing boyfriend.
At last they were allowed to begin.
She turned the page, read the first question and momentarily froze. A second later she attacked it with a vengeance. Adrenaline kicked in as her nerves started to subside.
***
Steven finished his exam paper and reread his answers to make sure he had not missed anything. He was sitting a Contract Law exam, which happened to be his favourite topic. He was amazed he still had thirty minutes to go. As far as he could see there was nothing more he could do. Internally, he debated whether it would be too arrogant to leave. Many of his counterparts were fu
riously scribbling. A lot of them too stressed for his liking.
After waiting for a few more minutes he decided he had better places to be. A cold lecture hall, where he was confined to a tiny desk and remained paranoid of being accused of cheating, was not his idea of fun. He put his hand firmly up into the air and tried to make eye contact with the invigilator. As the man made his way over, his shoes made an annoying clicking sound as they hit the wooden floor.
‘Can I help you?’ the invigilator whispered.
‘I’ve finished.’ Steven held out his paper.
The invigilator narrowed his eyes, pursed his lips, and asked, ‘Are you sure?’
When Steven did not flinch the invigilator shrugged his shoulders and gave him what looked like a pitiful look. Confident, Steven got up, took his things and cruised out of the room in search of freedom.
***
Caitlin waited for the final call as she rechecked her paper for the hundredth time. She mulled over the answers. She was unconvinced, but unable to improve on what she had written. After handing over her paper she breathed a sigh of relief. As much as she dreaded the outcome, at least it was over. She had tried her best. She got her things and eased out after the other students. Out in the open, she saw her friend Lisa and waved. Lisa’s bright red jacket brightened the dull winter day.
‘So, how did you get on?’ Lisa had that curious, yet wary look.
‘No idea.’ Caitlin frowned and shook her head. The damage was done.
‘It wasn’t totally bad, was it?’
‘No, not totally bad. Hopefully, I’ll have done enough to pass.’ Caitlin gave a half-smile and attempted to sound enthusiastic.
‘Look whose waiting!’ Lisa smirked, ‘Will I get an invite to the wedding?’
Caitlin followed her line of sight and saw Steven leaning against the entrance door. In his dark blue jeans and leather jacket he looked sublime, as usual. ‘Shh, he might hear you.’
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 12
