Evolution

Evolution: Chapter 20

"Did you hear about the animal killings?"

"Ugh, yes! So gross, do you think it was one of them?"

One of them: meaning one of us.

It was borderline impossible not to notice the Chimera's growing opinion on Splice's.

A division had been forged between us. It distinguished two separate species.

We are one, they are another

Or, they are one, and we are another.

If I'm being honest, it wasn't a real attention grabber for me. People in my surroundings casting me as something other? Please, that's the truest reality I have.

Gossip spread quickly around here. It was one of those new things I had to get used too quickly.

No one told me anything, but it was impossible not to hear.

Trying to keep my reaction at bay was challenging. Especially when people openly whispered between themselves about me, when I was in the area.

Believe it, or not, it took time for me to figure it out. Not everyone was bold and extremely confident in expressing their opinions like I'd originally thought.

Some just genuinely didn't know I could hear them.

Yeah, it was a new kind of revelation. After living so long in open transparency, about all my tricks and trades.... this was almost empowering.

Leaving the cabin had become much more enjoyable. Picking up information between people, like I was in their group, was too fun.

Until my attention fell onto that conversation.

One of the girls had highlighted hair, styled into loose curls. It was another thing that prodded at me: appearance.

Hayden wasn't kidding about it being a large aspect of life. But, I was still working on figuring out the why of it all.

Anyway, it was her friend who was recoiling. Disgust making her button nose scrunch up, it made her look younger.

Not in a great way. Judging by the way her friend's eyes flickered over her features in dismay.

"You look deep in thought." Apollo's voice was like a hammer clattering on a table, "Penny for your thoughts?"

My attention broke from the conversation, and I was already losing too many chunks to check back in. Besides, how could I when they spoke at such speed?

"You want to pay me?" I questioned, wondering what the currency would be, "I'd tell you for free, you know."

Apollo's warm smile only stretched over his features. Bringing the attention of some of the females around us. He was like a natural beacon of attraction, for too many reasons.

"Funny girl," He chuckled lightly, leaning against the well beside me, "Do you mind if we talk?"

The well was new to me. A cobbled cylinder that was just a tall hole of water. It took me by surprise when I saw someone drop a bucket in, only to hear a splash.

"Sure. I wanted to do the same." I turned my body towards him, easily falling into a neutral stance, "Did you hear about the animal killings?"

Apollo's lips parted, for a second too long. It was as if he didn't know how to reply, possibly because it was a random question.

Because he didn't expect it, he had to take a moment to reply. His light brows lowered ever so slightly, making his features soften even more, as he mulled over the question.