The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return

by Vanessa Wester

  He turned to face her. She nearly melted. Daniel was gold, Simon was a diamond.

  The sound of his voice was delicious. ‘Gemma isn’t it? I was just heading into campus.’

  ‘Do you want to join me for that drink now instead?’ She knew she was being forward, but it had never hurt before. And she really wanted to get to know him better.

  Her stomach flipped as he smiled. He was something else. When he made his way towards her, she knew she had caught a big fish – hook, line and sinker.

  ***

  Steven could not believe the boyfriend was in Southampton. He kicked a stone in anger as he saw Gemma’s head pop out. He could not retract the image of Caitlin holding his hand. He had even got all spruced up. Best shirt, jeans, brown leather jacket, gel in his hair. It was a wasted effort. His plan to befriend Caitlin had fallen flat on its face. It had all been for nothing. Gemma brought a different possibility to the forefront. It could be worth hanging around, a drink couldn’t hurt.

  ‘So, what are you up to? You look nice.’ Gemma’s eyes drifted from his head to toe.

  Steven wondered if she was the predatory type. ‘Like I said, I was heading for campus. I’m the new kid in town so I’ve got to make an effort.’

  Gemma flicked her head to the side and posed. It looked silly when you took into account the dinosaur slippers. ‘Oh, right, I forgot. So, what can I get you? Do you want a beer?’

  As he stepped across the threshold he breathed deeply. Caitlin had just walked through here, he was sure he could distinguish her scent along with another unwelcome manly one. He focused on the question. ‘Sure, a beer would be nice.’ He had to be polite. He suspected Gemma wanted to get him drunk; he would not let it happen.

  ‘This way then,’ Gemma said, as she made her way to the back.

  The house was a narrow mid terraced property so as expected the kitchen was at the back. It had seen better days. The paintwork was peeling and he noticed a range of stains smudged into the living room walls. He did not want to ask, he suspected the worst. ‘Nice place you have here.’ He hoped he sounded sincere.

  ‘Thanks, it’s not the Ritz but it does the job.’

  The Ritz it certainly was not. ‘Like your slippers by the way, very funky.’

  Gemma turned to face him, the hint of blush on her cheeks. ‘Fashion statement…’

  ‘It’s a good one.’

  He was not sure she bought it. Either way, she turned to the fridge and produced two beers. In a well-practiced manoeuvre, she flipped off the lids on the table top and handed one over.

  ‘Cheers, to new friends.’

  The way her eyes stayed on his left him under no doubt, friendship was an afterthought.

  ‘Cheers, nice one.’ The beer was cold. It was the best he could hope for. He had never really been into booze like other students. It was nice, but then water was nice too. He wasn’t going to let Gemma know what he really thought just yet.

  ‘So, Simon, I hear from Caitlin that you are a maths genius, true or not?’

  ‘Has she been talking about me then?’ As soon as the words left his mouth he wished he could take them back.

  ‘You could say that,’ Gemma said, lips pursed. ‘So, are you?’

  His mind whirled as he considered the implication. ‘Sorry, am I what?’

  Gemma put the beer on the worktop and used her arms to hoist herself up to sit down. She laughed, as she repeated the question, ‘Are you a maths genius?’

  ‘Oh. I guess so, I don’t know, define genius?’ It was his turn to play with words, he was actually enjoying himself.

  ‘Touché, anyway, she doesn’t trust you and she has a boyfriend so don’t get your hopes up. I on the other hand am totally available, lucky you.’ Gemma batted her eyelids and ran her hand through her hair.

  Her frankness caught him off guard. He could have tried to cover up, but he suspected Gemma was one step ahead of him. ‘Lucky me, so why did you say that then?’

  She slid off the table and made to move towards him. ‘What that I was available? That’s obvious don’t you think?’

  He stalled her by talking quickly. ‘No, not that, we can get to that later. You said Caitlin does not trust me? Why?’

  Gemma narrowed her eyes. ‘Oh, I don’t know. She said some weird stuff about you knowing her name before she’d told you or something. So, did you know her already?’ She took a step closer.

  ‘No, why would I?’ He knew he probably came across defensive.

  ‘Why would you indeed?’ Gemma hummed, now only an arm’s length away. ‘Anyway, enough about her, I’d like to join your study sessions if that’s alright?’

  Steven was sure this was a set up. ‘Sure, why not?’ He moved away from her to the table and picked up the coaster, a picture of a dolphin. It had to be Caitlin’s. ‘So, are you coming out to campus with me?’

  Gemma stopped but her eyes followed. He was sure she was surprised he had walked away. She half smiled. ‘Sure.’

  He needed to get out of there. He was not sure that staying alone with Gemma was a good plan. He suspected she was Caitlin’s best friend. He did not want to hurt someone Caitlin considered a friend. Three times would be heartless.

  ***

  The sound of splashing reverberated off the walls of the pool enclosure. The match was fierce and pretty even. They were losing by one goal to the visitors. Caitlin eyed up the location of the ball and swam quickly to the open space.

  ‘To me,’ she called out, waving frantically.

  The ball found its way to her outstretched hand as she leapt out of the water. In an effortless manoeuvre, she swam with the ball ahead of her towards the goal. She was quickly flanked by two other girls jostling for the ball. Before they had a chance to steal it back, she grabbed it with one hand and took aim. The ball flew through the air at a perfect angle and fell into the corner of the net as the goalie failed to block it.

  The whistle sounded and the girls cheered aloud and retook their starting positions. Caitlin glanced in Daniel’s direction at the side of the pool. He winked at her. He looked impressed. The whistle restarted the game and the pace quickened again as both sides sought to take control of the ball. Finally, one of the girls on Caitlin’s team threw the ball towards Caitlin. In a quick flip pass, Caitlin passed it to a girl waiting near the goal. A second later, another goal was scored to the sound of further celebrations.

  After they regrouped again the whistle blew to restart the game. The opposing team fought to keep the ball in their possession but were thwarted by the sound of the final whistle. Caitlin’s team had won.

  ‘You were amazing,’ Daniel gushed, as Caitlin came out of the changing rooms.

  A few girls had come out with her. They raised their eyebrows and nudged Caitlin. ‘Have a good night then,’ one called out laughing.

  Caitlin slid her hand into his and they made their way out to the car and got in before anyone else could make any other comments.

  Caitlin sat in the back with Daniel. ‘Hey, Stephanie thanks a lot.’

  ‘So, are you staying long?’ Stephanie asked, from the driver’s seat. She was a tall, muscular girl with short hair and boyish features.

  ‘Just for the weekend,’ Daniel replied.

  Stephanie glanced at the other girl in the driver’s seat. ‘That’s nice. I didn’t know your boyfriend was coming down for the weekend Caitlin. You kept that one quiet.’

  ‘He surprised me actually,’ Caitlin said, she giggled.

  ‘That’s so sweet. I need a man who makes romantic gestures like that. Where can I find one Daniel?’

  ‘Err…,’ he replied blankly.

  ‘Don’t worry, I don’t need an answer,’ Stephanie guffawed, and kept her eyes on the road.

  Caitlin squeezed his hand gently and he started to trace circles around her wrist. It drove her crazy. Reacting to the slow sensation, she leant her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

  Finally, they arrived back.

  ‘Thanks agai
n for the lift, Steph. I’ll see you next week.’

  She gave the car horn a quick toot before joking to the other girl left in the car, ‘Someone’s going to get lucky tonight, I think.’ Raucous, they drove off.

  ‘Sorry about them,’ Caitlin said. She was sure her cheeks were on fire.

  ‘It’s alright.’ Daniel shrugged and put his arm over her shoulder.

  Once inside, Caitlin turned the lights on and called out for Gemma. After no reply, she turned to Daniel. ‘I guess she’s gone out.’

  ‘I guess she has.’

  Caitlin was sure there were live creatures squirming in her stomach; it was an excruciating yet pleasurable experience. ‘Would you like some tea or something to eat?’

  ‘Tea sounds good, and I am actually hungry. I’m easy, anything is good for me.’ His eyes delved into hers.

  Caitlin marched towards the kitchen and put on the kettle to boil. She was becoming anxious. She was alone with Daniel for the first time. A small, yet poignant fact had started to dawn on her. There was no-one but them around to put the brakes on things developing further.

  Back to Table of Contents

  Chapter 27

  Feeding Time

  Caitlin started to open the cupboards for inspiration. She had no idea what she was going to cook. Her food cupboard was pretty bare. All she had was a packet of penne pasta. ‘I have pasta.’

  ‘Pasta’s good.’

  She breathed a sigh of relief and then realised she could not serve pasta on its own. She made her way to the fridge and despaired when she saw the measly supplies. ‘We have butter and cheese. Is that okay?’

  ‘Don’t stress. I came to see you not to be fed. It’s fine.’ Daniel eased up next to her and wrapped his arms around her. ‘Can I eat you instead?’

  ‘Maybe later,’ she stalled. She tried to keep calm. It was difficult, very difficult. They had been inseparable over Christmas. It was too easy to continue where they left off, and they had been so close.

  He let his hands drop to her waist, tickled her tummy and gave her a quick peck. ‘Harsh woman, let me make the tea then.’

  ‘Fair enough,’ she replied, as she twirled around to release herself from his grasp. She took out a packet of pasta from the cupboard. Then she found a pan, scooped two large handfuls of pasta from the packet and put them in before filling the pan with water so that the pasta was just covered. She waited for the water to boil as Daniel got busy making the tea.

  ‘Sugar?’ Daniel asked.

  ‘No. Not for me. Thanks.’

  ‘No, I meant do you have any sugar?’ He smiled.

  ‘Oh, somewhere, I think, unless Gemma’s finished it. She has a sweet tooth,’ she laughed. ‘It should be in that Tupperware.’

  Daniel found the right one and put two sugars in his tea. He handed her a mug, sugar free. ‘There you go. I’ve made myself useful.’

  ‘Yes, you have.’ She could feel his glare burning into her again. She stirred the pasta. It was nowhere near boiling point so she increased the temperature.

  She got out the cheese and a grater and started to get it ready. Her hand shook slightly as she worked. She sipped her tea, it had a calming effect.

  The sound of overflowing water snapped her out of it. She rushed to the pasta, stirred and lowered the heat.

  Daniel had started to read the student bulletin on the table.

  She had no idea what to talk to him about. She got the feeling neither of them really wanted to talk. She willed the pasta to cook.

  Daniel took his mug to the sink and rinsed it out. ‘Are you okay? You are quieter than usual.’

  Caitlin wondered whether she should tell him how terrified she actually was. ‘I’m fine, it’s the chlorine. It always makes me tired.’

  ‘Oh. Okay.’ Daniel sat back down again.

  Caitlin waited for another question. When none came she was surprised. Gemma would have been onto her. Did he actually believe she was tired?

  The pasta looked ready, so she drained it, put a dollop of butter in and swished it round. Then she got two bowls and served Daniel a bigger portion. Then she sprinkled the cheese on top. ‘It’s not gourmet, but its food.’ She handed him a fork and spoon.

  ‘Thanks.’ He started to tuck in.

  She sat down and followed suit. She was hungry, but self-conscious. A minute later his bowl was empty. Caitlin still had most of it to go. She hated the fact she could hear her every mouthful. She had forgotten to put some music on, she cursed inwardly.

  Daniel stood up. ‘Do you mind if I make another cup of tea?’

  She swallowed her mouthful quickly and shook her head. ‘No, go ahead.’

  He put the kettle on again and leant against the counter, arms folded. He watched her again. ‘Do you have any music?’

  ‘Yeah, in the lounge, there’s a docking station.’

  ‘Can I put something on?’ He got up to move.

  ‘Sure.’

  In the time he was away Caitlin stuffed her mouth full of pasta and ate as quickly as she could. She hated being watched, especially when she was eating.

  The sound of Bruno Mars filtered through, a second later Daniel came back in.

  ‘Are you still hungry? I just remembered I have an emergency packet of biscuits.’

  ‘No, I’m fine. Come here.’ He held out his hand.

  She put her hand in his and he pulled her towards him and started to sing the lyrics. The fact the topic of marriage was in the song unnerved her, a lot. He leant in to kiss her. Their teeth clashed for a second before his tongue roamed. The kiss was getting very heated. Caitlin pulled back. She did like to kiss him, but she was at odds. She had no idea why.

  ‘I think I need a choccy biscuit. Come on they’re in my room.’ She held his hand and pulled him along.

  He gave her a very sexy smile and followed. It was then she realised what she was doing, but it was too late to back down.

  ‘This is my room,’ Caitlin said, as she twirled around. She felt kind of childish, giddy.

  ‘Nice shark posters.’ There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone. ‘Hope they don’t bite.’

  ‘No chance.’ She giggled and hated the fact she did. Why was she so twitchy? ‘Did you want a biscuit?’

  ‘Not really,’ he said, as he eased up to her and wrapped his arms around her. His forehead practically touched hers and he just stared into her eyes. ‘Are you okay about me being here? I can sleep on the couch you know. We don’t have to do anything you’re not happy with.’

  Caitlin felt herself relax. ‘Can we just snuggle on the bed and watch some telly. I’m shattered and, well, nervous.’

  ‘Caitlin. Why are you nervous? I would never rush you.’ He let go and jumped on her bed. ‘So, what are we watching?’

  Caitlin let out a chuckle. She did not know why she thought he would do anything she wasn’t ready for. It was silly really.

  Daniel folded his hands behind his head. ‘I think I might have a biscuit after all, if you don’t mind.’

  ‘Sure,’ Caitlin picked up the packet from the shelf and gave it to him. Then she turned to put the telly on. She hoped it would be a comedy night. ‘More tea?’

  ‘Do you have any beers?’

  ‘I think so, I’ll go check.’ At the door, she glanced back and saw Daniel had made himself comfortable, his eyes transfixed on the telly.

  A few minutes later, she came back with two beers. She had raided Gemma’s supply. She would replace them before she noticed.

  ‘Here you go.’

  Daniel grabbed the beer and took a slug. A thank you would’ve been nice.

  ‘Do you want one?’ Daniel asked, as he held out the practically empty packet of biscuits.

  ‘Thanks,’ she replied. She nibbled it slowly and edged on to the bed.

  ‘You’re not on a diet, right?’ Daniel asked, as though he had noticed she was barely eating it.

  She put the biscuit down, appetite gone. Did he think she was on one, or should be on one? ‘No.’<
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  ‘Neither am I, don’t believe in them. Do enough exercise and you don’t have to worry about what you eat.’

  Caitlin nodded.

  ‘You don’t need to diet at all, you are well fit.’ He did not look at her as he said it.

  She could not hold back the smile. He thought she was fit.

  ‘Come here then.’ He held out his arms and looked at her.

  She eased up along the bed and snuggled into his arms. It was really comfy.

  ‘You know I have a great party trick.’

  Curious, Caitlin turned to face him, ‘Really?’

  He took the last two biscuits out of the packet and placed them in his mouth.

  ‘Aww, that’s gross,’ she laughed.

  He looked like a hamster as he struggled to chew them. He took a huge gulp of his beer as his face resumed normality. ‘I don’t suggest you try that.’

  ‘As if,’ she scoffed, now in hysterics.

  ‘Did you want to go out at all?’ he asked.

  ‘Nah, we can just chill here if you want.’ Was Gemma right all along? Was it natural to want to jump his bones?

  ‘That’ll be great.’

  She felt her cheeks burn. The way he watched her left her in no doubt as to his intent to do more than watch television. She could not lie, she hoped they would do more.

  ***

  Steven walked alongside Gemma. It had been an interesting night. She had drunk a few too many and was slouched against him, arm linked in his.

  They made their way up the path leading to the house. ‘Right then, well, have a good night,’ he said, as he backed off.

  Gemma lunged at him and kissed him on the lips, her hands entwined in his hair. She tasted of alcohol and cigarettes, both habits he preferred to avoid. He pulled her off and tried not to look disgusted.

  ‘Best be off now,’ he said.

  She tried to lean in, but he stopped her, ‘You need to go to sleep now. Go to bed.’

  Her confused demeanour vanished; it was replaced with a look of obedience. ‘Of course, I must go to bed.’