Lonely Nevermore

By Marya Kalen

Andrea has always allowed her circumstances to guide her life.  She longs to fulfill her dreams but is reluctant to let go of her obligations. Poe feels trapped in his misguided musical career.  Together they may change their futures, if only they can break free from their pasts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597053051

Book preview

Dedication

For John Colin & Sarah Carlu.

It’s lonely here without you.

One

I’M SORRY, BUT IT’S a signature item. She checked her clipboard once again. She pointed it out to the man at the door. See, there’s a special order for it to be delivered to the addressee only. Mr. Glass will have to sign for it personally. Otherwise I’ll have to card it and he’ll have to pick it up or call us for re-delivery.

Andrea stood patiently in a snowdrift on the doorstep of an opulent turn-of-the-century mansion in the west end of the city. Warm, cozy lights shone out of the bevelled windows and cast long shadows across the expansive front yard. She could see a roaring fire in the huge stone fireplace and beautiful works of art hanging on the oak panelled walls.

The lavishness was limited to the visual senses only, for the blaring of rock music spoiled the tranquillity of the scene. A dour odour of pot and cigarette smoke hung heavily in the air. There were young, scantily dressed women draped over the laps of men in grungy jeans and long uncombed hair.

Andrea was a little concerned, both for her own safety and for the safety of the package she was holding. She hoped no one would give her any trouble if she couldn’t deliver it to the person named on the label.

Hang on. He’s here—he’s asleep. He’s gonna want this. Hell! We all want this. This is the good stuff. The burley man turned and shouted up the thickly carpeted stairs, Hey, Poe! Get yer sorry butt outta bed and get down here. You’ve got a package! It’s from Kenora!

A barely legal girl at the top of the stairs relayed the message in a screechy abbreviated form down the hall. She threw an empty beer can and it thunked against a door; assumedly Mr. Glass’s door. She heard a crowd of people laugh drunkenly.

A few moments later she saw a young man navigate his way through the assorted drunks and stoners on the stairs. He grinned in the murky hallway and Andrea would later swear his teeth actually glowed in the dark.

Wow, she thought when he stepped down into view. How does he fit into this picture? The man couldn’t quite be described as drop dead gorgeous, but certainly there was an indescribable charm about him. He was wearing a white tee-shirt under a blue pin striped dress-shirt with three or four top buttons undone. Blue jeans. There were battered purple bedroom slippers on his feet. His skin was perfect, not a blemish or a wrinkle. His hair was mussed, as if he had just woken up. How he could sleep through this ruckus she would never know. He looked like some kind of a mascot to this motley horde of partiers.

Hi, he said sleepily. I’m Ed Glass. This is for me? He removed a pair of wire rimmed glasses from his pocket, put them on and peered down at the shipping label.

Glad you’re here. Here you go. She handed him the package with the cumbersome electronic scanner on top. She plucked the inkless pen from her breast pocket and offered it to him. He signed the screen. As soon as he handed the pen back, a young woman snatched the parcel from his hands and disappeared into the crowd.

Hey! He grabbed the scanner off the top of the package and tried to grab the box itself, but missed. He sighed. Happens every time.

Andrea looked at him quizzically.

My mom makes the best cookies. She sends them to me every couple of weeks, no matter where I am. I’d offer you one, but... He swept his hand around without looking back, already knowing the fate of the gift. Behind him, the box had been opened, passed around and discarded into the fireplace, devoid of its contents.

That’s horrible! she said.

That’s the price I pay for friendship.

Again Andrea wondered how he could relate to this bunch, but he called them friends. There must be something there.

Well, I hope someone saved you a couple, she said, reaching for the scanner. His fingers lightly brushed hers as he passed the machine over. His hand was warm, soft and well manicured. It felt nice.

No worries. She’ll send another package. I’ll probably get a big box of them for Christmas. Cookies and underwear. He blushed when he realized what he’d just said. She laughed.

She wished him a happy holiday and with a little wave of her hand, started down the snowy stairs. She could sense his gaze—he was watching her leave. She didn’t mind at all. She knew the memory of his smile and his touch would stay with her for the rest of the evening.

Suddenly, without a slip or a slide to warn her, she lost her footing on an ice-encrusted step. She went flying off her feet and landed hard on the cobbled sidewalk; her scanner, keys and clipboard scattering into the snow. Her head bounced hard on the concrete walk.

OHMIGOSH, POE CRIED and leapt down the stairs to where she lay. Are you okay? Can you hear me?

Her eyes opened and looked up at him. She was in obvious discomfort. She reached out and grasped the lapels of his shirt and tried to pull herself up.

I think I’m in trouble, she said, trembling, and then she went limp. He had to catch her and lay her down gently, for she had lost consciousness.

Owen! Marty! Call an ambulance! I think she’s hurt pretty badly, Poe cried, wrapping an arm around her, trying to keep her from lying in the melting snow.

Owen grabbed a throw from one of the living room couches and brought it over to Poe and the girl. He put one skinny hand on Poe’s arm and in a slurry northern English accent, spoke closely into his ear.

I think an ambulance would be a very bad idea right now. Remember what I told you? You are required to keep a low profile. I don’t think flashing lights and sirens would be overlooked, especially in this neighbourhood. You’ve got a reputation to mend, my friend.

Poe looked at him incredulously. He took the throw and carefully wrapped the woman in it. I can’t believe you, man. This girl could be dying for all we know. What are we supposed to do? Leave her here? Let her freeze to death? Give her an aspirin? She needs to go to the hospital; we have to get her to a hospital.

Right, Owen said. Marty, get the van, please, he called to the big bearded man. We’ll get her there ourselves.

Poe agreed grudgingly.

Don’t worry, my friend, we’ll see to ‘er.

A few minutes later Poe and Owen bundled the still unconscious woman into the van. Marty’s girl friend, Christine, climbed over the snowbank and retrieved the scattered clipboard and scanner. She hopped into the van after them. It only took ten minutes to get to the hospital. Marty dropped them off at the Emergency room entrance and drove off to park.

ANDREA DIDN’T WAKE up until she was on a Gurney in the hospital hallway. She looked around and in a trembling whisper said I don’t know where I am. I grew up around here, but I don’t know where I am. Then her eyes seemed to clear a little, she seemed a little more lucid. She looked at Marty and said, I remember you. I delivered a package to you. She frowned. No, it wasn’t you, she turned her eyes toward Poe. It was you. Your mom sent you cookies. You’re Ed. Ed...Glass."

Poe smiled warmly at her.

Yeah man. They were great, as usual. Don’t give me that look, Christine saved you a couple. They’re in the kitchen.

Owen suddenly appeared beside her, a cup of coffee in his hand. Oh, our princess is awake, he said. Good morning, darlin’. Trust you slept well.

Owen, don’t be an... Poe started.

Just havin’ a little fun, Poe. Trying to make light of the situation. Just trying to wrap my head around the situation. He winked down at Andrea. You know what I mean, Luv?

She rolled her eyes and looked over at Poe. He smiled crookedly and shook his head as if to say ‘don’t blame me for his bad jokes’.

"How are you feeling, princess?" Owen asked, truly concerned.

I don’t know. A little dizzy. I think I’m getting a bump on my head. She touched it gingerly. I think my brains are starting to become unscrambled, though. It’s odd; my memory is kind of spotty. I remember starting down the stairs, and then the next thing I remember was trying to climb up your shirt. She nodded in Poe’s direction. I think I said ‘I’m in trouble’ or something like that. I don’t remember falling or hitting my head. I don’t remember anything else until I woke up here.

Sorry about the steps, luv. That snow must’ve drifted up since dinner time. It wasn’t there when I came in.

I don’t think it was the snow that tripped me, I was just clumsy. I was...distracted. Andrea admitted.

Well, sorry. Owen said, finishing off his coffee and tossing the cup into a garbage can. Hate to run, but we’ve got to get back to the house. I don’t want things to get out of control there, nor do I want the house guests to start walking off with souvenirs. We’ve got to keep things on the up and up...no stories leaking out, am I right? C’mon Poe, you’d best come with me. Marty and Christine can sit with her until the doctor comes, all right?

No, Owen. Poe said firmly. I’m going to stay for a while. You guys go ahead... I’ll take a taxi later.

Ffftt. Fat chance at that. I’m not leaving you anywhere by yourself. Trouble follows you like fruit bats to a banana. Owen’s thick accent made it sound like baw naw naw.

Marty started laughing, his big belly quivering. A nurse looked up sharply at the ruckus.

Go on, get out of here, Owen, Marty finally said through his chuckles, I’ll stay here with him. We’re in a hospital and there’s a cop at the door. We’ll be fine. He threw Owen the keys to the van. I parked on the front street, near the florist. Just don’t go fooling around with my girl.

As if that’ll happen, Christine said, looking over Owen’s skinny frame. I like a little meat on my men. She turned to Poe, I think it’s sweet that he wants to stay and take care of her. Her knight in shining armour. C’mon, Owen, I’ll drive. She snatched the keys from his hand.

He sighed. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. You’ve got your cell phone, Poe? I want you to keep in touch.

Oh, my gosh. Thank you for reminding me. He removed the phone from his jeans pocket and punched a key, turning it off. You’re supposed to turn off your cell phone when you come into a hospital. It’s messes with the equipment.

You’re just trying to annoy me now, aren’t you? I...oh, forget it. I know better than to try to argue with you. Just ring me up on the public phone when you get the chance, all right? And don’t stay too late. You never know who’s lurking in the dark.

Okay, Owen. I promise. I’ll be good, Poe said sarcastically.

Owen turned and put his arm around Christine and blew kisses into her ear. They started walking. Ta, Marty. I’ll take care of ‘er. She pushed him off her and feigned disgust. Then they were gone.

Andrea covered her eyes with the palms of her hands. This light is so bright, she said to no one in particular.

Poe looked around and realized, perhaps for the first time since they arrived, that they were in the hallway.

This isn’t right. We’ve been here for almost an hour. They should have found a room for you by now.

You’re not from around here, are you? Andrea scoffed. I’m lucky I’ve got a bed and a blanket. Health care isn’t what it used to be. It’s okay, though. I’m so tired. I just want to rest for a while, ‘kay?

Sure. You sleep for a while. I’ll go check about the room. Um, by the way, the nurse was asking your name. I couldn’t tell her because I don’t know it and you’re not carrying any ID. The nurse checked your pockets, he added quickly.

Andrea. Anderson. She smiled weakly. Thank you for taking care of me.

She meant it. She had been feeling very detached from people this Christmas. The world around her seemed to be caught up in the spirit of the season. Andrea, however, was feeling very neglected by the people who were supposed to be the closest to her; her friends, her family.

Christmas at her house was the most chaotic time of year. The whole family worked at the courier company and they were all stressed to the max with the extra work the season brought. The hectic schedule distanced them from each other and Andrea felt isolated.

Perhaps this diversion to the hospital wasn’t such a bad thing, she thought. This man and his friends were filling the void of loneliness. She finally felt a little of the Christmas spirit being ignited.

She said, I’m glad you’re here, Ed.

They call me Poe. You can call me Poe. He patted her hand.

Poe, she thought sleepily. That sounded familiar, like the writer... She was starting to drift off. She yawned and turned to her side.

A thought suddenly and painfully struck her. My ID! It’s in the truck. What’s happening with my truck? Is it okay? I didn’t lock the door. Aw, nuts, I’m going to be in for it if anything gets stolen.

I’ll call the house and get someone to go and lock it. Poe offered. We’d better find the keys first. I’m guessing they’re out in the snow somewhere, but don’t worry, we’ll take care of it.

She knew she had no choice but to leave it in his hands. Her head throbbed fiercely and the bright fluorescent lights were searing through her eyes.

Maybe you’d better call Randy at the office and tell him what happened. The number’s on the clipboard. Thanks, Ed...I mean Poe.

She rolled on her side and pulled the covers over her head. Poe stood up and touched her back reassuringly.

Turning to Marty he said. "I’ll be back in a few minutes, I want to see if I can get Miss Anderson here a decent room, and I guess I’d better call about