Steven was completely taken aback. Who would have thought that he’d be naturally talented at something like echolocation? It wasn’t like he hadn’t heard of the term before, but it was incredible to think that it was something he could use. He noticed a few impressed glances. Perhaps now, some of them would see him in a new light. The new boy might actually belong after all. It was certainly a turn up for the books.
Steven found himself in a group of mixed ages. There was a girl of about sixteen, a boy that looked like he had barely reached puberty, and Kayla.
‘I’ll go first,’ said Kayla. She winked at Steven, as she murmured, ‘See if you can find me, Steven.’
The other two shrugged their shoulders and took a step back. With no alternative, Steven made his move. He closed his eyes as before and let his senses take over. Once he was enveloped by the darkness, he called out her name softly and waited. Almost immediately, he knew where she was. Once he reached touching distance, he opened his eyes and held out his hand. When he felt her shoulder, she turned towards him and reached out with her hand for his face.
He froze as she traced his face with her fingertips and ran her index finger over his lips. A second later, she leant in and kissed him. The kiss was soft, yet longing. When she ran her tongue along his, he could not help reacting. Then, as quickly as it had begun, it was over.
She eased back and whispered in his ear, ‘Hmm, nice. I just had to know what that would be like, hope you didn’t mind.’
Steven stood motionless, as she walked back into the light. Inadvertently, he let out a stunned laugh. The day before, he had bathed naked with Ingrid, and now he had been kissed in the dark by a girl he just met. This place was more interesting than he expected. A guilty pang hit his conscience – Caitlin. Even though he had been forced to leave her, a part of him felt like he was contemplating cheating on her. It did not feel right. It was not her fault he’d been erased from her memory.
***
Jensen was pensive on the way back to the food hall. Since he had witnessed Steven’s dismal failure with maths and natural talent at echolocation, he was intrigued. In his case, maths was child’s play. It came naturally. However, his homing skills still left much to be desired. He could not understand why they all seemed so different. He was also troubled by the conversation they’d had earlier on. Kayla seemed interested in Steven, and Jensen suspected many other girls would soon follow. The quest to keep their species diversified had got more interesting the day Steven arrived.
His heart was already well and truly taken. For as long as he could remember there had only been Susanna. He had been patient and soon their time would come. Luckily, he knew she felt the same way. All they had to do was wait for their change, then they would be together. It had been ingrained into them to avoid getting involved until they had fully matured. Somehow, it did not seem worth the risk, even though at times it was hard to suppress his desire.
As curiosity got the better of him, Jensen turned to Steven, who was also quiet, deep in his own thoughts, ‘Kayla is nice, isn’t she?’
Steven flinched, as though Jensen had intruded into his private space. It was too soon to expect Steven to open up to him.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.’
Steven shook his head and looked ahead, ‘Kayla, hmm, she is certainly forthcoming. Can I trust you to keep a secret?’
Jensen did not hesitate, ‘Of course.’
‘She kissed me.’
Jensen could not help laughing, ‘Really?’ He could not believe her nerve. So much for waiting. ‘You realise you’re going to be popular with a lot of girls and women now, right?’
‘Why? I thought everyone wanted to keep away from me.’ Steven stopped walking and frowned.
Jensen grinned. ‘Anyone who has no link to the Roberts family will see you as a great prospect. The fact that you are an anomaly will only make them want you more. It’s only natural to be attracted to something unique and potentially bad for you. Lucky for me, Susanna is related to you. But, you must understand, any attraction you feel must be suppressed until after the change. You don’t know what you are going to be like until then.’
‘Will I change that much? Does everyone wait until after the change before getting involved?’
Jensen shrugged his shoulder and started to walk again. ‘For everyone it’s different. In your case it’s a complete unknown. And yes, we all wait. At least, as far as I know. It’s not like we have that many chances anyway,’ Jensen sighed.
Steven kept pace with Jensen. ‘Well, I was not attracted to Kayla, anyway.’
Jensen was not sure if Steven was being completely truthful. He sensed a little hesitation. ‘At least that’s a start.’
‘But, she’s not the first to come on to me,’ Steven added.
Jensen’s jaw dropped as he stopped again. ‘You’ve only just arrived. Who else can there have been?’
‘Ingrid.’
‘Ingrid, of course,’ Jensen raised his eyebrows. Of all the people available, Ingrid had decided to go for Steven; it was so typical of her. ‘She’s my cousin and for as long as I’ve known she’s always been impulsive. I feel sorry for you if she has set her sights on you. She usually gets what she wants,’ he paused, unable to hold back a chuckle.
‘She’s not getting me,’ Steven snapped.
‘She’s not that bad.’
‘How come she’s not found someone else?’
‘Don’t know, she’s always been fussy. Although, I guess she can’t be that fussy if she’s interested in you, right?’ He kept the conversation light-hearted as he gave Steven a nudge with his shoulder.
‘Very funny.’
Jensen became serious. He had no reason to keep anything from Steven. ‘Look, as far as I know, she’s had plenty of interest, but it’s never worked out. What makes you think she likes you in that way?’
‘I don’t know for sure, but where I come from women don’t tend to swim naked with you unless they are interested.’
Jensen did a double take, ‘She did what?!’
Now it was Steven’s turn to look smug. ‘I went to bathe the day I arrived and she followed me. Nothing happened, but it was intense.’
‘I’ll bet. I can’t imagine what I’d do if Susanna did that with me. Not that I haven’t been in the bathing area with women before. It’s different when you are attracted to one and you’re alone,’ Jensen leant in, ‘Did you want something to happen?’
‘I don’t know. My natural urge was to react. I just couldn’t get over the situation. Even though I have been with a lot of girls, you can trust me when I say no-one has ever come on to me like that before. It’s surreal, first Ingrid gets naked in the water with me and now Kayla kisses me. I’ve had girls fancy me, but I’m not used to them being so forward.’
‘Well, you can’t think it’s a bad thing.’
‘Jury’s out. I do have some pride.’
‘Hey, that’s not all I have on my mind either, but sometimes the mind is allowed to wander.’
Steven started to walk so Jensen followed.
‘I just don’t want to see women as sexual objects. I was in love not that long ago. Now, I don’t know what I feel.’
Jensen swallowed. He could not imagine having to let go of Susanna. ‘I’m sorry if you had to let go of a girl.’
‘Not as sorry as me.’
The cafeteria was a sight for sore eyes. ‘Anyway, we have other things to worry about now, like food and sleep – lots of both. We need to stock up like bears.’
‘I can always do food.’ Food could not answer back. It was a bonus.
Chapter 34
Food For Thought
The food hall bustled with activity as students queued for food whilst others sat down and socialised as they ate. Steven followed Jensen in and tensed. This time he could have sworn everyone was watching him out of the corner of their eyes, as hushed conversations erupted as he walked past.
‘Jensen, how’s babysitting duties going
?’ a beefy boy hollered, from a crowded table, before bursting into laughter. His friends joined in the joke.
‘Better than being a member of the jerk brigade,’ Jensen replied, a scowl on his face.
The boy made to stand, but a girl next to him grabbed his arm and gave him a look. He shrugged and sat down.
‘They look friendly,’ Steven remarked.
‘Keep away from that lot, they’re bad news.’
‘I can see that,’ Steven said, as he saw them stick out their feet to trip up a girl of about fifteen years of age. Before anyone could warn her, she jumped over the legs balancing her plate with precision – it looked like a well-practised manoeuvre.
Steven took in his surroundings. Apart from the fact the hall was carved out of rock, it looked like a school cafeteria. Everyone around Steven was of school age. In fact, he could not see anyone that looked prepubescent. The younger children had to be taught elsewhere.
As he came upon the hot section, Steven recognised a dish; it looked like toad in the hole. There were even mashed potatoes, carrots, and peas. Nostalgia overcame him. He drifted in its direction, eager to taste familiar flavours. When it was his turn, he grabbed a huge helping and drizzled on the gravy, mentally adding a quick prayer of thanks.
He turned to find a seat, and saw Jensen and the others at the same table. Even here, people were territorial about seating.
As he sat down, Susanna stared at his plate and smiled, ‘Are you hungry today, by any chance?’
‘A bit,’ he admitted, ‘this was my favourite meal back home.’
‘Well, it won’t disappoint you, for sure. We have some brilliant cooks here,’ Jensen added, as he tucked into his portion.
Steven tentatively stuck his fork in the sausage and cut it, adding a small helping of the Yorkshire pudding. Then he placed it in his mouth. Almost immediately, he felt his taste buds explode. This was the taste of home. The gravy was rich and thick and the sausages burst with flavour, reminiscent of his favourite, Cumberland sausage. He was in sausage heaven.
‘Is it as you’d expect it to be?’ Kayla asked, her smile sweet yet deadly.
‘Better,’ Steven admitted, as he devoured another huge mouthful.
Silence fell upon the table as they ate. It made Steven ponder over the simple things in life. Food was definitely a satisfying part of being human. At least he would never lose that.
‘I wonder if our taste buds will be different after we change,’ Gideon mused.
‘I sure hope not,’ Steven spluttered, he covering his mouth with his hand as he talked.
‘I’m sure our palates will be satisfied in other ways.’ Kayla batted her eyelids, flirtatious again.
Steven finished his mouthful, and glared back, ‘My palate is perfectly satisfied at the moment. I hope nothing about me changes.’
Kayla pouted, and then carried on picking at her salad.
‘Jensen, are we done for the day?’ Surely, he had done enough.
‘Afraid not, we have chores. Farming area next.’
‘Kayla and I are making new clothes at the moment. I’ve been checking out the internet for the latest look – should be fun,’ Susanna added, with a cheeky and very girlie shrug.
‘And I have to go and feed the animals,’ Gideon groaned.
‘What livestock do you keep here?’ Steven asked.
‘We keep chickens, goats, guinea pigs, and armadillos,’ Gideon reeled off, naming them as he pointed to his fingers.
‘Armadillos?’
‘Yes, did you like the sausages?’
‘Why?’
‘Tasty armadillos don’t you think?’
Steven’s mouth gaped open. He had just eaten armadillo sausages.
‘And of course, we catch a variety of fish, as well as growing our own vegetables. Fruit is so plentiful here; we can just pick it off as we need it.’
‘Enough Gideon, remember this is all new to Steven. Give him a break,’ Jensen interrupted.
‘Sorry,’ Gideon apologised.
‘It’s okay,’ Steven reassured, ‘I’ll get used to it. Like I said, best sausages I ever tasted.’
*
The descent into the unknown filled Steven with a sense of curiosity and confusion. The grey-walled, nondescript, lift reminded him of the one at the Law faculty, back at the University of Southampton. He had to remind himself he was not there, even though he wished he was. It was only when the lift doors opened that Steven knew for certain. Nothing was normal. The smell alone was overwhelming. It was a fusion of the scents you would associate with a florist, a garden centre, and a refuse disposal site. He followed Jensen and paid attention.
‘On the left-hand side are the natural fruit trees and berry plants. Ahead, we have cultivated the ground for a multitude of vegetables. We also have chillies and more exotic plants. To the right, we have the livestock. As you can see it’s surrounded by secure fencing. We have to protect them from the predators out there.’
‘Like what?’
‘Mainly the big cats, such as the jaguar and leopard, it’s rare for them to find a way in, but sometimes it happens. Anyway, we have to go help to dig up vegetables. So, muscle up. I’ll introduce you to Lucy Santos. She is in charge of production. You’ll be happy to know you’re not related, but don’t worry she’s been around for a long time so I don’t think she’ll be jumping on you any time soon,’ Jensen said, a cheeky grin pasted on his face.
‘Funny,’ Steven huffed.
A maze of plants and soiled terrain dotted the path. Geographically speaking, it looked like they were in the mouth of the old volcanic site. Steven took a deep breath and relished the fresh air, it was a welcome change. Steven had not realised how stuffy it was inside until now. He arched his back and examined the height of the volcano. It was way too high to climb. Ahead, through the vegetation, Steven could see what looked like a large greenhouse. It was constructed out of wood, metal and glass. It looked like it had seen better days.
Jensen knocked on the wooden door. ‘Lucy, are you here?’
A voice called from the corner, ‘Jensen, is that you?’
Steven followed the voice and saw a woman lift her head up. As they got closer he was surprised at her attire. She wore dark green overalls, covered in splodges of dirt, her hands practically encrusted in soil. Something about her face intrigued Steven. It could have been the shape. He was taken aback by the fact she looked the same age as him, not a single wrinkle blemished her smooth, heart shaped face.
‘Hey, who’s this you are bringing me today? I’ve not had a chance to check who is helping. I’ve had people coming in dribs and drabs and they’re out there working the land. But, you know me, always busy. We have a lot of people to feed.’ She held out her hand, after wiping it on her trouser leg. ‘Hi, I’m Lucy. You know, I can’t remember having seen you before. But then,’ she laughed, ‘I lose track of everyone all the time. I can’t keep up.’
‘I’m Steven.’
‘Steven, who are your parents again?’
Jensen sniggered. Steven could not believe someone remained in the dark. ‘Emily is my biological mother; my dad is a normal human.’
‘Lucy, have you not heard yet?’ Jensen asked, perplexed.
Lucy mumbled to herself, her eyes fixed on the ground. ‘Oh, that’s what they were talking about. I wasn’t paying attention. Sorry, well, err, welcome. Unexpected.’ Silence ensued for a few seconds, before she recovered and looked up, ‘I’m sure if Jensen is looking out for you, you must be the right sort. A pair of helping hands is all I’m after.’
‘Where do you want us to go?’ Jensen asked.
‘Oh,’ she continued to stare at Steven.
Steven noticed that her eyes were deep blue, just like the ocean. It was obvious her mind was elsewhere. She was not really looking at him, more like looking through him. It was weird. In a brisk movement, she got to her feet and retrieved a list from the table.
She did not look at Steven as she spoke, ‘Can you go and
pull out these vegetables for tomorrow? Here’s the list. Then take it to the prep area as usual, okay?’ She handed the piece of paper to Jensen and turned away.
As far as Steven was concerned, she was definitely weird. Yet, she was the first person he had felt any sort of connection with, in the strangest possible way. The way she muttered as she went left Steven convinced that something had shaken her too.
‘Eccentric?’ Steven asked, as they walked out of the greenhouse.
‘Yes.’ Jensen glanced back, ‘The story goes that she was good friends with Emily many years ago. Apparently, she was in love with your uncle Ian. As you know, he married Carmen in the end. Some suspected that she kept up the friendship with Emily just to see him. When Emily disappeared for a few years, she had no excuse to be around Ian, so she withdrew into her work. She has never met her complement, and even when your mother returned, the friendship was never the same. It’s sad, she’s a beautiful woman.’
‘Hiding in a giant allotment,’ Steven joked.
‘What’s an allotment?’ Jensen queried.
‘Oh, it’s just a place where you grow things.’
Steven mulled over what Jensen had said. No-one with eyes that beautiful should be hidden away.
***
The years of isolation should have made Lucy immune to feelings of a romantic nature. Love was painful and best avoided. Nevertheless, she had been caught unawares, Steven had shaken her up. As she walked towards the back room, she stared into the distance. They would be hard at work now.
An easy explanation for her irrational response was the family resemblance between Steven and Ian – it couldn’t be more. It was bizarre. The last time she had sensed unease like that was when she pined for Ian. It had taken her so long to get over unrequited love. She did not want to recall those foolish days when she had watched Ian and Carmen. She had acted like a moth heading for a bright light, closing in on death. Every time they held hands and laughed together, the knife had gone deeper into her heart. Life had been tortuous. It forced her to go into hiding.
Ian had been nothing more than a big brother at the beginning. As she neared maturity, she started to see him in a different light. Emily was the way in, she was her friend. Then Emily disappeared, to breed with a human it appeared, and deserted her in her hour of need. If Emily had not gone then Ian could have been convinced to fall in love with her not Carmen. In fairness, Lucy had ignored Ian’s friendship with Carmen. Carmen was so much younger. She forgot the age difference would be insignificant eventually. Everyone, but her, suspected there was something going on.
Hybrid (The Evolution Trilogy) Page 22
