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.
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 hoped, and was 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 furiously 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 who’s 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.’
‘You live in each other’s pockets; I don’t think he’d mind.’
‘Marriage is not high up in my priorities at the moment. He’s my boyfriend. I’m not looking to elope.’
‘Either way, I’m so in awe. We have so got to go out together. Maybe, you can help me get one of those,’ Lisa pleaded.
‘If you actually showed John the right signs you would have one. I’m sure he’s still keen on you?’
‘John and I are just friends.’
‘Whatever you say,’ Caitlin said. It was her turn to roll her eyes.
Steven ended the conversation. ‘Lisa, it’s been a while. Did you have a good Christmas break?’
Caitlin loved the way he was always so polite.
‘Yes, it was great. Anyway, I’ve got to go and paint my nails or something. I guess I’ll see you around then.’ She gave Caitlin a cheeky grin and broke out into a chuckle.
***
Steven only had eyes for Caitlin. He was totally infatuated. Before Caitlin, he had never even come close to having feelings for another girl. If he did not know any better, he would have said he was in love – if infatuation was love. He wanted to tell her how he felt. The words were hard to say. Instead, he kissed her on the lips and wrapped his arms around her.
As the kiss came to a natural end, he eased back. ‘So, how was it?’
‘Terrible, as usual,’ she sighed, his favourite pout in full view.
‘But, you’re a genius. I bet you’ll have done just fine.’
‘You sound like my mum.’
‘I’m not sure that’s a compliment.’
She laughed aloud, and tightened her grip on his hand. ‘It is and it’s not. I guess. How about you? How did you get on?’
‘It was alright,’ he shrugged. He had never been the type to analyse an exam after the event.
‘At least it’s over now. It’s time to party. Shall we go to the students’ union bar tonight? They’re having a huge event.’
‘Party it is,’ she agreed.
He held her against him for a moment and relished the body contact. Maybe later there would be time for more. A weird sensation came over him as the thought vanished. He was overcome by a sense of unease as a shiver crept up his spine. In that moment, he was convinced something was going to happen – something bad.
‘You alright?’ Caitlin asked.
‘Sure, why do you ask?’ He was sure she could not read his mind.
‘I felt you tense up.’
‘I’m fine.’
He did not want to lie to Caitlin. It was stupid. What was he going to say? I have a feeling we are in danger. It was probably just the weather. The weather was a good thing to blame. In truth, he was surprised at how time had flown since he’d arrived at university. Life seemed to speed up. In a few months’ time, on the fourth of September, he would be twenty years old. His teenage years would come to an end. It was weird to acknowledge any notion of becoming a responsible adult. He smiled as he considered that if things with Caitlin went to plan, his future’s horizon looked rosy.
Chapter 18
Disturbance
Caitlin had been called up for a Silver service waitressing job at a nearby hotel. Since she had registered with a local temping agency she had obtained a steady stream of work. It paid well and she couldn’t complain. The event was for one hundred and fifty people which made the service nerve-wracking. It was hard to remember which side to serve the guests from, and ensure she held the spoons properly. The last time she had accidentally dropped a piece of broccoli on an elderly man’s lap and received a severe scolding. It was only funny in retrospect.
On the way back, her friend dropped her off at the kerb. ‘Do you mind getting out here? I’m late home as it is.’
‘I’ll be fine,’ Caitlin replied. She opened the door, got out and waved goodbye. Once around the corner she’d be back within the safety of halls. The sound of her footsteps echoed in the night air as she crossed the bridge. It was dark. She wished she had thought to ask Steven to meet her. There was no-one around. It really freaked her out. Just as she approached the entrance, she heard a car roaring down the road. Instinctively, she turned to see how fast it was travelling. She stared in shock as it screeched to a stop next to her. Before she had time to react a man leapt out of the car, grabbed her and threw her on the back seat. The man in the driver’s seat put his foot down and they accelerated away. She was too stunned to scream.
The man tied her up with a thick rope around her wrists and ankles, and covered her mouth with duct tape. Then he laid her on her side and made his way to the front passenger seat. She was defenceless. As the shock subsided, the tears began to flow. Between sobs she tried to pay attention. The two men talked a dialect she could not understand. It seemed inevitable – her life would shortly be coming to an end. She closed her eyes and tried to suppress her sniffles.
After what seemed like hours, but was probably only minutes, they stopped. She opened her eyes and saw a lot of trees. She had a feeling they were in the New Forest. It was a huge desolate place fit for purpose. The man in the passenger seat told her to sit up. He then removed the duct tape in a swift action. It made her lips sting.
Caitlin sat still, wide-eyed, silent.
‘We are sorry to have to put you through this,’ the man in the driver’s seat said. It sounded like he had a European accent. ‘We are interested in your boyfriend, Steven. I’m afraid you’re just bait. We don’t want to harm you.’ He glanced over at the man in the other seat.
Even though she was partially relieved by the information, she was nevertheless apprehensive about the reason for her abduction. ‘What do you want with Steven?’
They man in the passenger side laughed. In an innocent, yet unbelievable voice, he said, ‘We want to help him, that’s all.’ He sounded English. It was so strange.
What they were saying was totally confusing. Angry, she spat, ‘How can helping someone mean scaring his girlfriend to death?’
The man on the driver’s seat shook his head. ‘Unavoidable really, we need both of you to understand that everything we tell Steven has to be kept quiet. Otherwise, there will be consequences.’
The man on the passenger side grew impatient. ‘Enough! You need to call your boyfriend and convince him to meet you here. Don’t tell him anything about your situation. We don’t need anyone to get hurt now do we? Trust us when we tell you that we can easily cause anyone you love harm. Understood?’
Caitlin nodded.
He continued, ‘Do you know where we are?’
‘Not really.’
He started to sound impatient. ‘We are in the New Forest. Do you know it well?’
‘We come here all the time.’
‘By we I guess you mean Steven and you?’
‘Yes.’
‘So tell him to meet you. Name the place and we’ll make sure you’re there. Agreed?’
Caitlin nodded again. They had not left her with many options.
The man in driver’s seat held up her mobile phone and smiled. ‘Such a clever device. I li
ke your phone.’
Was he trying to be nice?
‘What’s his number?’ he asked.
‘It’s in my Contacts,’ Caitlin said.
‘I am not familiar with this device. Just tell me the number.’
Caitlin’s mind had gone blank. ‘I don’t know it off by heart. If you loosen my hands I’ll do it.’
The man smirked. ‘Nice try. I catch on fast. Tell me what to do.’
Caitlin talked him through the instructions. The man dialled Steven’s number and put the handset to her ear. She did not want Steven to get into danger, but she had a feeling that if she did not help them, they would find another way to get to him. After a few rings, Steven picked up.
‘Steven, it’s me.’ She worked hard to control the tone of her voice.
Steven’s voice sounded sleepy, ‘What’s going on, Caitlin? It’s nearly midnight.’
‘I know. I just got held up, that’s all. I need you to do something for me without asking any questions?’
‘Sounds ominous – I’m game.’ He was back to his usual jokey self, oblivious of the danger.
‘Can you meet me at our place in the New Forest?’
‘Now?’ His tone was abrupt. ‘You sound upset. Are you sure you’re okay?’
‘I will be if you help me. I need you to come on your own. Get a taxi to drop you off,’ she pleaded, her emotions on the brink of falling apart.
‘Caitlin, what’s going on? You’re scaring me.’
‘Steven, if I could tell you more I would. Come and wait for me. It’s our only hope,’ she sniffed, now fighting to hold back the tears, ‘I love you.’
With that, the phone was snatched from her hands and the call was ended.
‘That wasn’t so hard.’
Caitlin could have sworn he had licked his lips. She had never been so scared in her life.
***
Steven ran out of his room and dialled the number for the taxi firm he used after a night out. As luck had it, a taxi was in the area and would arrive in five minutes. As he waited outside, he wondered what Caitlin could be doing in the middle of the New Forest at this time of night. If her friend’s car had broken down she would have mentioned it. There was no reason for them to drive in that direction.
Her words rang in his ear – if I could tell you more I would.