The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return

by Vanessa Wester

  Chapter 37

  Reunion

  Caitlin tried really, really hard to concentrate on the lecture. It was difficult. Next to her sat Steven, her boyfriend. It was a strange notion. He was the first man she had ever fallen in love with, the first man she had opened her heart to, and the first man she had slept with. And yet, until a week ago she had no idea any of it was true. For the past few months she had been living in limbo. Knowing something was missing and not being able to place it. Not until Steven had reinstated her memory. It was lucky she was not going mad after all, although she still had a way to go to convince her brother she was not a bitch. Daniel was his best friend after all. Her brother thought she was heartless.

  The week had gone by so quickly. Caitlin had spent every day with Steven. It was tempting to ask him to stay over, but so far they had resisted. The kissing was intense, the relationship was definitely back on track – at least she thought so. Every time she thought of him her stomach churned, the need to be with him grew stronger and stronger. The fact he sat next to her for a proportion of the day made it hard to keep thoughts of him at bay.

  ‘I am beginning to understand why you take maths, this is the most interesting lecture I have ever heard,’ Steven whispered. He did not sound sincere.

  ‘I need to concentrate,’ she said. It was exasperating he found it all so easy.

  ‘Don’t let me stop you.’ He slouched on the seat and put his chin on his chest – snooze position. A slight grin pasted on his face.

  Caitlin huffed. She attempted to focus and wrote down the notes, for what it was worth. She had no idea what the lecturer was going on about. Somehow, she doubted Steven would have any problems.

  Once the lecture concluded, Caitlin got her stuff together and got ready to leave.

  She looked up and saw he was waiting. ‘No notes again?’

  Steven tapped his head, ‘It’s all up here now.’

  ‘Lucky you.’ She was dead jealous. ‘You remember everything, just like that?’

  ‘Just like that.’

  ‘You know people are going to talk. They’ll think you’re weird you know. Everyone takes notes.’

  Steven widened his eyes. ‘You know, you’ve got a point. I’ll have to pretend to take notes.’ He looked cute as he said that. He had not changed at all as far as she was concerned.

  ‘You do that,’ she said, restraining her chuckle.

  As they made their way out of the lecture room, Caitlin blushed. A lot of girls were giving her the thumbs up. They were obviously impressed and she had to agree, he was a great catch. Somehow she doubted they’d all consider him to be such a great catch if they found out the truth. Caitlin checked her mobile. Gemma had not sent her a text recently – it was not normal.

  ‘Why do you check your phone all the time?’ Steven asked.

  ‘Habit, gotta keep in touch. My sister usually sends me messages, but I usually ignore most of them. I didn’t know whether to text Gemma. She wasn’t around this morning. We are best friends after all.’

  ‘Do you want to catch up with her for lunch? I can always see you later. Give you some girl time.’ His smile was genuine.

  ‘You don’t mind?’

  ‘Not at all.’

  Caitlin sent Gemma a text and waited. After a few minutes she got a reply. ‘Gemma’s busy again.’ She couldn’t help being disappointed. She wanted to be with Steven, but she didn’t want to lose touch with Gemma. Gemma had been there for her when she needed a friend. Caitlin could not help thinking that she was avoiding her.

  ‘So, pizza and chips it is then?’

  ‘I might be good and opt for the salad. Then add a hot chocolate.’ Caitlin gave a cheeky smile.

  ‘What is it with chocolate? If a fat free option with the same taste was ever discovered the inventor would make a fortune,’ Steven said.

  Caitlin stood up and started to make a move. Steven slipped his hand into hers and they made their way towards the cafeteria. It was packed, as was usual for the time of day. It seemed students rarely went back home for lunch, most opted for a snack with friends or a quick bite. Caitlin waited in the queue and leant against Steven, just as Adam walked past. Adam licked his lips and leered.

  Steven’s hand tightened its grip. ‘Is he always like that with you?’

  Caitlin squirmed. Adam used to be his best friend. ‘Yes, he is.’

  Steven laughed. ‘No wonder you always looked so uncomfortable around him. I knew he could be a slime ball, but I didn’t realise he was that bad. Funny, he never did that in front of me before. I want to take him out, and that’s saying something. He was a good friend.’

  Caitlin punched his arm. ‘Don’t, he’s not worth it.’ Pain seared around her knuckles. ‘Ouch, your arm is like steel.’

  ‘It’s just muscle. You’re such a weakling.’

  Caitlin hummed, not convinced. ‘So, what do you have for the rest of the day? I have to go to a Spanish History lecture.’

  ‘I’m going to skip this afternoon and get the flat ready for a visitor.’

  ‘Really, who’s coming to see you?’

  ‘You, of course – will you come for supper? I promise to cook something nice.’ He looked like a schoolboy, innocent.

  ‘Sure, I’ll come.’ She gulped at the thought. They’d be alone.

  ‘Great, I’ll pick you up at five. Is that alright?’

  ‘Sounds okay, I should be finished by then.’ She took a tuna salad and an apple juice and looked ahead. All she could think was ‘what on earth am I going to wear?’

  ***

  Steven knocked on the door and waited. Sally opened the door.

  ‘Is Caitlin here?’

  Sally gave him a sexy smile. ‘Sure, come in. She’s just getting ready for the big date. She’s very excited.’

  ‘I heard you Sally.’ Caitlin’s voice echoed from the top of the stairs.

  ‘Sorry, did you hear me tell Steven you were excited about your big date? Silly me, I didn’t mean to say it aloud,’ she chuckled, as she walked in the direction of the kitchen.

  Caitlin came down the stairs slowly. She had changed into a black pair of tight fitting jeans and a loose blue jumper. The blue of the jumper matched the colour of her eyes, now framed in thick mascara. Her reddish brown lipstick completed the look. She looked gorgeous. He could not wait to have her in his apartment, his thoughts ran wild.

  He kept his outer thoughts polite. ‘You look very nice. Thanks for making an effort. You didn’t have to.’

  ‘I wanted to. Got to make a good impression, after all we have only just started dating Simon.’ She winked.

  ‘Thanks all the same.’ He winked back.

  ‘Sally,’ Caitlin called. ‘Are you in the kitchen?’

  ‘Yes,’ Sally’s voice called back.

  Caitlin turned to Steven and smiled. ‘I’ll be right back.’

  Steven could hear her perfectly from the corridor. It was typical of Sally to ask if she had protection. He held back a laugh. After saying their goodbyes, Caitlin returned to the corridor.

  ‘Shall we?’ he asked.

  ‘Let’s.’

  Truth be told, Steven was apprehensive about taking her to his apartment. It was small, barely furnished and simple. He just wanted her to be with him, in his space for a change. And he was planning to cook again. He knew just what to make to impress her. He made idle chit chat as he drove to deviate his thoughts. He was glad he’d managed to pick up an old Ford Fiesta. A set of wheels that would not draw a lot of attention was always a good plan. ‘So, lecture went okay?’

  ‘Spanish is easy. It’s fun and much more enjoyable than maths. I know I like maths once I get it, it’s just sometimes I don’t get it for a while.’ She looked sheepish. ‘What’s it like for you? Are you like a genius now or something?’

  ‘I don’t know about that. I just seem to be able to recall facts and information.’

  She opened her mouth in awe. ‘I would definitely be up for some of that. I’d whizz th
rough my degree then.’

  ‘I’d still rather be studying Law.’

  ‘Why don’t you?’

  The question was a good one. He could make anything happen, couldn’t he? ‘Good point, but I’ll stick to this for now. I can’t sit next to you in Law.’

  She nudged him. ‘So you are a stalker, the truth is out.’

  He laughed aloud, his hands still firmly in control of the car. ‘I probably am.’

  Steven turned the car to the right and took the first available parking space. He went to get her door, but she was already out. She rarely gave him the chance to be gallant. There was something about chivalry he liked – if only she let him. He held out his arm and she took it. At least he could make little gestures. He entered the pass code and a buzz let them in. ‘It’s just up a flight of stairs.’

  ‘What number?’

  ‘Ten.’

  ‘Race you,’ she shouted, as she lunged for the stairs.

  He was too slow to respond. She never ceased to amaze him. So much for the sprained ankle! He made chase, but let her win. When he arrived at the door he pinned her against the wall. They stared at each other, both slightly out of breath. He exaggerated his breathing to not make herself conscious. Simultaneously, they leaned in and kissed. It was a hungry kiss. He took his key out of his pocket, put it in the lock and opened the door, without breaking free from her lips.

  The second the door shut, all inhibitions were lost. Food was an afterthought.

  ***

  Caitlin looked up at the ceiling, eyes transfixed. That had been amazing – exactly as she remembered. Better in fact, if that was possible. She focused on her deep breaths and shivered, the chill from her sweat starting to take hold. She turned and wrapped her arms around Steven. He did the same and they hugged. Steven let out a few shivers of his own; she doubted it was from the cold. He had to be just as shocked as she was. That had been one heck of a ride.

  She lay there, taking in his scent, enjoying the feel of his body against hers – reminiscing. As she shook again, he let her go and got up. She watched his naked form walk away. It was definitely something to look at. She could not believe watching him aroused her again. A minute later he returned with a duvet and threw it over her. They snuggled under. It was lucky his floor was carpeted. Otherwise, she’d definitely have had to move to the bed.

  ‘Thanks.’

  He kissed her again and she responded. They got lost in the moment for a second time, once was not enough. They had always been insatiable in the past, it was lucky Steven was well prepared.

  Moments later, she lay back and closed her eyes, utterly amazed.

  Steven lay just as comatose next to her.

  Caitlin sighed, ‘Wow.’

  Steven voice was low and hazy as he replied, ‘Yeah.’

  ‘I can’t believe my dreams were real.’

  ‘Dreams?’ He leant on his elbow and ran his hand along her hair. ‘You dreamt of us?’

  ‘All the time, you’re amazing.’ Her voice was wispy, far away.

  ‘Correction, you’re amazing.’

  The sound of her stomach rumble broke the moment.

  ‘Food! Sorry. I promise I did not lure you here to seduce you. I intend to cook you a meal fit for a queen.’ He got up and found his boxer shorts, put them on and made his way over to the small kitchenette.

  ‘Did you really not plan to seduce me? I intended to seduce you.’ Her tone made it clear. It was a matter of fact.

  ‘Caitlin Chance. Are you saying you accepted with a hidden agenda?’

  Caitlin laughed, ‘Not so hidden.’

  ‘Yeees.’ He opened the fridge.

  She could have offered to help, but she was wasted. Instead, she squirmed over to the iPod docking station on the floor and searched through his tracks. Finding one she liked, she pressed play and cuddled back into the duvet. The sizzle and smell of garlic filled the room. Her stomach protested. She sat up, put her bra and panties back on and then threw her jumper over her head. As she approached, Steven tossed a bowl of prawns into the frying pan, along with the chilli and herbs. It was one of her favourite Spanish dishes – his signature dish – Gambas al pil pil.

  ‘Yum. Can I help?’

  ‘Nope, just take a seat. Can I get you a glass of wine?’

  ‘I thought you didn’t approve of alcohol?’ she raised her eyes.

  ‘As part of a meal, it’s vital.’ He placed the prawns on a plate and put them on the table. Then he put down a bowl with some thick slices of bread, and got the bottle of wine and some glasses. ‘Dig in.’

  It was rude not to.

  Caitlin took a wedge of bread and dipped it in the sauce. She put it in her mouth and hummed. It was delicious.

  Steven followed suit, and then took a prawn with his fork. He held it in front of Caitlin, ‘Ladies first?’

  ‘If you insist.’ She was not going to argue over a prawn. Especially, not one as eagerly anticipated as that one. She chewed and took a sip of wine. ‘So, where do we go from here?’

  Steven smiled. ‘Time will tell.’

  Back to Table of Contents

  Chapter 38

  The Ancestral Home

  As the sun started to show its face it enveloped the sky in an amazing sunrise. On a clear day like this the effect was magical. The white frost on the ground added to the shiny illusion. Steven turned away from the window and faced Caitlin. Everything was perfect. Caitlin was perfect. The night had been perfect.

  They were back as they belonged – together.

  Steven knew he had not imagined it. What he had with Caitlin was special, it was worth fighting for. She completed him in a way no other woman could. He was sure of that. He had always been sceptical of true love, but from the moment he met Caitlin no other girl had made him feel the same way. She was the only girl he wanted to be with.

  He just had no idea how he was going to explain what he wanted to do. He had been debating the merits of what his grandfather told him, he was not sure if he should even tell her about it. He just did not think he had many options. He did not want to live alongside her and watch her age.

  He shook his head. It was too cruel. He had to tell her the truth. He had to give her the choice. The thirst would also raise its weary head. It was pointless to consider staying here forever. Not unless he came up with a very good plan. He had to explain everything to her. He had to be open. He just had to find the right moment.

  Lost in his thoughts, he heard Caitlin sigh and return to reality. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.

  ‘Good morning, sleepy head,’ he said, as he eased back into bed and hugged her.

  ‘Is it morning already? What’s the time?’

  ‘You are obsessed with the time.’ He looked at the clock. ‘It’s seven thirty.’

  Caitlin chuckled. ‘Someone is stood to attention again. Doesn’t he get tired?’

  ‘Eventually.’

  Steven doubted he would ever have enough of her, but he kept the thought to himself. Instead, he kissed her deeply. She returned the kiss and he let his actions show her he was definitely not tired.

  ***

  Caitlin stretched on the bed and folded her arms over her face. Her body ached. It longed for more rest and more sleep. She was well and truly knackered, spent – finished. No more. That’s what she told herself over and over. Yet, every time he kissed her she reacted. Her body yearned for him like an addict yearns for their addiction after a period of abstinence. She peeked at him from under her arms and mumbled, ‘I don’t think I can go to lectures today. I’m sure I have an FFF.’

  ‘Nothing wrong with having a fresh face, what was the second F for again?’ Steven traced his finger along her leg. ‘Not sure we did that one enough.’

  She snapped up to a sitting position and lightly slapped his hand. ‘No more, behave. Enough.’

  Steven pulled a puppy dog face and whimpered.

  ‘Come here.’ Caitlin held her arms open as he came in for another cuddle. ‘
You know even though we’re adults, I’m not sure everything we did last night is legal.’

  ‘We haven’t even scratched the surface.’

  ‘Arrrrgggggh,’ Caitlin squealed, as she pushed him off. ‘I mean it, no more.’ She tucked the duvet under her armpits and gave him a determined stare. ‘Are we really going to skip lectures? My mum would kill me.’

  ‘What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right?’

  Caitlin grabbed a pillow and hurled it at his face. ‘You are such a bad influence!’

  ‘So, what do you say? Want to spend the day with me or go to boring lectures? I know it’s a tough one, but you have to choose.’ He sat down on the chair next to the bed and waited.

  Caitlin wanted to spend the day with him. She didn’t think if she went to lectures she’d hear a word of what they said anyway. She had nothing to lose. ‘You win. Where are we going?’

  ‘Back to bed?’ He gave her a cheeky grin.

  She sighed. ‘Come on now, be serious.’

  ‘Do you want to see my ancestral home? It’s desolate, huge and unoccupied. Besides its Friday, we can stay for the weekend.’

  Caitlin suspected an ulterior motive, but she agreed. ‘Fine, I’ll come.’ She was curious about his past. Perhaps, his ancestral home would shed some more light on Steven Thorn and who he really was.

  *

  A couple of hours later they had their belongings in two small rucksacks and were sat in Steven’s Fiesta. It felt like an adventure. Caitlin had left a message on the table with a contact number in case of a problem. If anyone asked, she was revising for the exams starting the following week.

  Caitlin loved to watch the countryside at this time of year. It was green and luscious, beautiful. Of course, it meant there was a lot of rain, which in England went without saying. She studied the bare, deciduous, oak trees which now revealed an intricate pattern of branches she found fascinating. There was something calming about watching the world go by. They had barely spoken for half an hour, but they held hands intermittently.

  ‘Let’s stop and get some food. I don’t think there are any supplies in the house,’ Steven said, as he indicated into the motorway service station. ‘We can get a bite to eat at the café first, what do you say?’