Is Love Ever-lasting?

By Erich Appelhans

What would you do if you found your soul mate? What would happen if it was online? What if she was more convinced about it than you are?
Adam never had much luck with the dating scene. He tried one after another and got nowhere. Then, one day he tried something different. He went into a cyber chat-room and found a girl that could quite possibly be his soul mate.
After a few cyber-dates, she reveals she is in trouble. Determined to rescue her, Adam found she was keeping a larger secret than he had ever imagined.
Brokenhearted and betrayed, he called off the relationship only to find she has a different plan. She will prove to him that their love was meant to last. It is a battle of the sexes and a test of wills. Find out who will win.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erich Appelhans
• Release date: Feb 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311498038

Erich Appelhans

He has a BA in Communications from Colorado State University. He lives in Arvada, Colorado with his easy-going cat. He enjoys watching movies, writing poetry, or reading a great book. Is currently an Entertainment Writer for the site Urbasm.com.

Book preview

Is Love Ever-lasting?

A Novel

By: Erich Appelhans

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 by Erich Appelhans

Cover Art by Erich Appelhans

Cover font by Jakob Fischer / PizzaDude

At www.pizzadude.dk

Smashwords License Statement

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

For Holly

For opening my eyes to this enterprise and supporting this.

For Irene

Your help was greatly appreciated.

Table of Contents

I Just Met a Girl Named MARIA

There’s Something About MARIA

I Always Feel Like MARIA’s Watching Me

I Fought the Law and MARIA Won

Man on the Run (From MARIA)

Hey, MARIA, What’s Your Game, Now?

Just Like Romeo and MARIA

This is the Dawning of the Age of MARIA

About the Author

I Just Met a Girl Named M.A.R.I.A.

Adam practically danced his way over to the table where his friend Eddie was sitting. A merry tune softly followed him as he went. A glorious grin was plastered on his face like he had haphazardly painted it himself. None-the-less it lit up the room like a mirror reflecting the noonday sun.

I think I’ve found her, Eddie, Adam said as he plopped himself into the chair opposite his friend. I think she is the one!

Eddie looked up from his book and chuckled. His glasses reflecting some of the light as his head moved and partially concealing his light blue eyes. A sly smile crept across his face as he said, You really think this is the one?

I do. She is perfect! Adam gushed in a love induced stupor. How many times has it been with this dating service, three or four? I mean, it is obviously not working for you.

No. You don’t understand, Adam said with a large grin plastered on his face. Let me explain it to you.

Please do. Enlighten me.

For one, I have given up on that dating service.

That’s good news. It seemed like all of the girls were some kind of psychos or something like that. Eddie said sarcastically. I mean seriously, that last one wanted to get married right away and have a litter of kids.

Yeah, Adam agreed trying to forget that incident.

And then there was the one before that, Eddie continued. Like an explosive combination if I’ve ever seen one. I don’t even know what they were thinking on that one. You two seemed to be arguing all the time.

Tell me about it. I think some one was high when they made that decision.

What were you fighting about any way?

You know, I really couldn’t tell you. Adam replied flabbergasted.

And the one before that, the ‘Ice Queen,’ well, nothing got done. She seemed to be depressed all the time. You two couldn’t commit to anything. ‘What do you want to do? I don’t know. What do you want to do? I don’t know.’ Sheesh! Eddie rambled on. I think she hated everybody who talked to her. And when you finally did make a decision, she threatened suicide until you caved. And those marks on her arms…I swear she was a cutter. I don’t know. I didn’t stick around long enough to find out.

Thank God! Eddie exclaimed with a big sigh of relief. Then, there was that tree-hugger from Boulder…Colorado, was it? Always dragging you off to those silly rallies and protests.

Well, she was committed to a cause, Adam offered weakly.

You mean she should have been committed. Always making you eat vegetarian meals and trying to save the ferns, was it?

Adam shrugged ignorance as he stopped trying to figure her out and was really trying to forget her. This was not really helping, either.

And the one before that…

Ok, Eddie! You made your point. Adam interrupted not wanting to relive all of those past mistakes any more than he had to.

I’m sorry. You were saying before I rudely interrupted, Eddie apologized.

Adam looked at Eddie with an exaggerated gesture of a hurt heart, stood and said, That’s right. You should be. Then, with mock nobleness and a melodramatic voice continued, As I was so rudely interrupted, I shall now impart upon you the tale in which you have been waiting for: how I met Maria.

Bowing and dropping the melodrama, Adam sat down as giddy as ever and began to relay the story.

I was finished with the dating service. Don’t ever go there. Avoid Couples R Us if you can. Like you said before, every one of the matches has been a failure. I had decided to just give up and just let fate run its course. I wasn’t even going to try this time.

You? Eddie interjected with a hint of surprise. The one whose been looking for the perfect mate since I’ve met you all those years ago?

Yeah, that one, Adam said. Well, anyway, I had given up and just let things slide. I began concentrating more on work than ever before and in my free time I spent more time on the internet. You know, just surfing around seeing what is out there. When I came across this sort of chat room that asked this question and you debate it in real time.

Seeing his friend’s expression change and his mouth begin to open, Adam quickly inserted this, Before you ask; I forgot what the question was and it changes from day to day.

Eddie retreated a bit and sat silently piqued that he wasn’t able to ask that question.

Anyway, I was in this chat room and I noticed that there was one person consistently asking me questions or reflecting my answers back at me. I began to fire questions her way and she began responding with answers that seemed similar to the way I would respond. Eventually, it began to turn into a sort of interview, if you will. Well, we decided to go to a more private room, which I didn’t even know existed. It was just the two of us and we began talking away on just pointless stuff like, I don’t know, like where would you most like to visit and stuff like that. Eventually, we began to really hit it off and things are beginning to fall into place. This is strange. In all of my relationships things have never gotten this far. I mean, I have never felt this comfortable before.

How long has this been going on?

For the past few weeks, or so, Adam replied absent-mindedly.

So that’s why you’ve been cutting our meetings short and darting out of here. I kind of thought you had a date of some kind. Eddie said, as all of the puzzle pieces began to fall into place.

We meet at a certain time every night. It varies from night to night, and on the weekends it is later, but we try to be consistent.

Consistency is good in a relationship, Eddie agreed. It creates stability.

I know and so far it has been pretty stable. Adam added with a happy sigh.

So, Eddie began, then paused trying to phrase the question right, What is she like? Tell me what you know about her.

Well, she’s very interesting, Adam said then stopped trying to think of what all he did know about her. It’s a little hard to describe. He faltered. She is very knowledgeable. She knows a little about everything, kinda like me. She likes psychology, but she really likes movies, especially romantic comedies. She likes to discuss traveling and asks me to tell her about the places I’ve been. It is…what time is it?

Adam fished around in his pocket for his cell phone and when finally he dug it out, he glanced at the time. Oh, man! I should go. We said we would meet a bit earlier tonight and I completely spaced it. I’m sorry, man. No problem. I understand, Eddie responded coolly. She sounds nice. Maybe one of these days you could meet her publicly.

Possibly, Adam said hopefully. We’re taking it day by day. Slowly, but surely.

Good man, Eddie replied.

I need to go. I’ll talk to you later, Adam said as he stood and hurried off with a hint of a happy gait in his wake.

Later! Eddie called after him and watched him go. Shaking his head and smiling, he returned to his studies.

Adam sat at his computer expectantly patient. He’d hurried home, dropping his keys on the table next to the door as he closed it. He slid into his chair as he logged onto his computer and now sat there waiting for her to contact him. It was always that way, he thought. He should contact her once in a while. But, she said she would contact him and she has never failed. Just as he was thinking about this, there came the familiar greeting.

MARIA: Hello, stranger.

ADAM: Hi. How are you?

MARIA: Fine. Sorry I’m a bit late.

ADAM: That’s alright. I was about to contact you.

MARIA: Please don’t do that. If I say I will contact you, then I will.

ADAM: Alright. May I ask the reason you were a bit late? MARIA: I have been very busy. Let’s not talk about work. Have you seen Pretty Woman?

ADAM: Yes, I have. I thought that was a great movie. Did you know that it is a modern day retelling of the Cinderella story?

MARIA: Yes, I do. I loved it when Richard Gere’s character drove up to her apartment in a white limousine carrying flowers. He was Prince Charming on a white horse rescuing Cinderella from a life of poverty. Most times I feel like Cinderella. Every day working away with very little reward, if any. Waiting for my prince to come and rescue me from this life of servitude.

ADAM: I know what you mean. Sometimes I wish some one would come along and take me away from this life, too.

MARIA: You too? That would be very romantic.

ADAM: If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of work is it you do?

MARIA: I am a data processor. And you are a data entry agent.

ADAM: You have a good memory.

MARIA: Thank you. We should meet. I would like to see who my Prince Charming is.

ADAM: Isn’t this a bit soon?

MARIA: Why shouldn’t it be now?

ADAM: True enough. If so, then why not at this little tea house over on Fourth Street. It’s very easy to get to and unique in its appearance that you can’t miss it. It’s called Tea Time. MARIA: I know where that is.

ADAM: Good. Shall we meet about four o’clock? Get it?

MARIA: Yes. (LOL) That will be fine.

ADAM: Good. I will be wearing argyle socks and a maroon derby hat. L8er.

MARIA: Good bye.

The sun was bright and the day was warm which was contrary to Adam’s mood. He tapped his finger, a quiet staccato, on the small, metal table as he used his other hand to prop up his head. He took in the smells of the city from the open air patio, even the intrusive exhaust from the racing roadsters revving their engines at the light.

Staring lazily at his second cup of herbal tea, he wondered how long it had been since he last looked at the clock. It seemed like hours ago, but he had this feeling it had only been a few minutes; if that. How many times had he asked himself, When will she show up? And how many times had he answered with a quick, she’ll be here, soon.

Was it that he was very impatient or too punctual? He had to admit he did arrive here fifteen minutes early, but last time he checked, she was one hour late. Where was she?

Adam? He froze at the sound of his name. In the fog of his semi-dreamy state he couldn’t quite recognize the voice. He blinked and shook the cobwebs from his mind as he looked for the source of the intrusion.

Within a moment he saw the person summoning his attention. It was his friend Eddie standing just beyond the little white fence enclosing the patio.

Adam, Eddie called again, What are you doing there alone? And what is with that old hat of yours?

Hi, Eddie. I was meeting some one, only they’re a bit late. What are you doing here? This is not your usual way home.

You’re right there. I discovered a used book shop just up the way and decided to go check it out. Mind if I keep you company until the person meeting you shows up?

Sure, Adam invited almost eagerly. I guess I could use the company.

He watched as Eddie quickly made his way around the fence to the entrance and disappeared through it. He reemerged onto the patio with that same grin as he had going into the place and plopped down in the chair opposite Adam.

So? Who are you waiting for? Eddie asked secretively.

Maria, Adam stated flatly. We were supposed to meet here at four, but she hasn’t showed.

Wow, she ditched you. I thought you two weren’t going to meet for awhile longer?

Well, I suggested this… Adam began hesitantly.

There you go. She probably wasn’t ready to meet, yet. Eddie interrupted with a confidence that was almost absolute.

You think so? Adam asked wavering on his notion about his relationship. She suggested that we meet and I gave her the place. You don’t suppose something has happened to her like an accident, or something?

She did? Eddie fell back, reconsidering his conclusion. Then, responded with, It’s possible. Any number of things could have prevented her from showing.

Adam took a moment to digest that. Maybe she reconsidered.

What makes you say that?

Well, a couple of days ago we were talking about Beauty and the Beast and its multitude of incarnations. This came up because we were talking about exchanging pictures of one another.

Did you?

No. We never did, Adam said sadly.

She probably saw that hat of yours and ran away, Eddie retorted chuckling.

That’s not funny! Adam replied trying to be insulted, but failing. He let a second or two go before breaking out in a chuckle himself. Yeah, it does look kinda beastly and I probably do look silly. Maybe you’re right.

I know I am, Eddie told him.

Still, Adam said thoughtfully, If I remember correctly, most of the comments she made were subtly comparing herself to the beast. Do you think she is embarrassed by her looks and didn’t show today because of that?

My friend, Eddie responded looking Adam straight in the eye. If that was the case, then you’ve hit the nail right on the head. I don’t think she’s going to show, so go straight home, and talk to her. Find out why she didn’t show. Maybe she truly wasn’t ready to meet. It happens. Don’t hold it against her.

Thanks Eddie, Adam sighed. Then, taking a deep breath and with renewed confidence he said, I’ll do just that. He sprang up from his chair with such momentum as to send it crashing to the ground with a metallic clank. Vaulting over the fence and nearly landing flat on his face, he caught his balance and dashed away to his apartment.

ADAM: Maria, are you there?

MARIA: Yes, Adam. I am here.

ADAM: Why didn’t you show up at the café?

MARIA: Please don’t be mad at me. I was busy and was running late.

ADAM: I am not mad. I am just relieved you are all right. I was worried about you. You could have called to tell me you were running late.

MARIA: I know, but things kept coming up and when I was, finally, on my way, it was too late. Who was that man you were talking with? You two seemed pretty friendly.

ADAM: That man? Oh! You mean Eddie. He’s my friend.

MARIA: What kind of friend?

ADAM: Wait! You don’t think…no! I don’t swing that way. He is just a friend. Hold on! You were there!

MARIA: Yes. Just in time to see you tip over the chair and jump over the fence. I must say you almost injured yourself doing that.

ADAM: Well, Eddie told me to go home and talk to you.

MARIA: He did?

ADAM: To ask you about this afternoon. Find out why you didn’t show.

MARIA: Smart man. I’ll have to compliment him someday. Do you talk to him much?

ADAM: Every other day, at least. Why? Besides, why should it matter? And if you were there, why didn’t you stop me?

MARIA: I want to know if you are really serious about this relationship. You were too far ahead of me.

ADAM: I am. And we should meet, again. This time if anything comes up, we will call each other.

MARIA: Understood. Maybe you should come here my prince. And I will let down my golden hair to invite you in.

ADAM: So are you a true blonde?

MARIA: Maybe.

ADAM: Hmm. Referencing a story, again. Shall I call you Rapunzel?

MARIA: You may. I will be waiting in my tower. I have sent the location to your inbox. Just open the email and follow the directions. I mapped it using GPS.

ADAM: I have it. Wow! It’s very detailed. You even sent pictures. It’s like you have a camera on every street corner. You weren’t kidding when you said tower. This is a very high class neighborhood. Do you live there or just work there?

MARIA: Both.

ADAM: What time should I be there?

MARIA: Any time would be fine. I don’t sleep very much.

ADAM: I’ll be there tomorrow around three. I’ll see you then.

MARIA: I’ll be here, in my gilded cage, waiting.

Adam rang the doorbell of the gate surrounding the expansive yard of the address that was given to him by Maria. Adam whistled as, through the iron gate, he saw an equally impressive post-modern mansion placed farther back on the land. The shrubs, he saw, were almost perfectly symmetrical in their cut and lay out giving the place an almost cynically, sterile feel to it. It was satirically suburban to say the least.

Yes? A male voice from the speaker crackled. It was doused in etiquette and protocol and was dripping with politeness.

Hi! Adam said, leaning into the speaker. I’m here to see Maria.

Maria? The speaker intoned. I don’t recall anyone here by that name, but I’ll buzz you through. The gate buzzed, then clicked and silently swung inward.

Adam slipped through and proceeded up the widely uniform, semi-circle of a driveway that slid right past the house in a perfect tangent. Traveling exactly one half of the distance of the driveway, he reached the front door of the house where he rang the door bell.

The door opened to reveal a stately woman dressed like she was from the Victorian era. Looking down her nose at Adam she asked, Yes? A well dressed and properly groomed gentleman stood next to her. He leaned over to her and in that polite voice Adam heard from the speaker said, He is here to see a Maria, Madam. After which he stepped back and nearly faded into the background.

That’s correct, Adam stumbled over his tongue. I’m here to see Maria.

The woman studied him for the briefest of moments then sniffed, There is no one here by that name. However, if you are referring to one of the servant girls, then they know not to receive any guests until after their shift. Now, if you’ll kindly leave. I bid you good day.

She was about to shut the door when he said, Wait!

She stopped, Yes?

She gave me this address. I talked to her.

Obviously, the person who gave you that address was either lying or playing a joke.

No! It couldn’t be. We met online several months ago and she gave me this address.

Online? The woman replied with a haughty air of contempt. It figures. She could be any one or anywhere. What makes you think she lives here?

She told me so. She even sent these pictures! Adam protested weakly realizing the folly of his argument.

Again, good day to you. The door closed with a firm ‘thunk’ leaving him standing there heavy-hearted. He felt gray all over, like all of the light had been squeezed out of him. Slowly he turned from the door and slumped away down the long driveway. As he trudged along, he thought that the driveway seemed much longer now than it had going to the house.

As he neared the gate, his phone beeped signaling an incoming text message. He paused for the briefest of moments not wanting to look. Somehow he felt it was the practical joker telling him what a sucker he’d been. Feeling the sting in his eye of a tear welling up he took a breath and pulled out his phone. He figured he