Sigh, Alaska: a short story novel

Kevin Powell

At twenty-four years old, Kevin Powell knew that he was too young to feel so old. He didn't want to really dwell on the reasons, but this last winter of binge drinking, and not working probably didn't help too much. When it came down to the reality of the situation, Kevin didn't feel like facing the truth. The winter was over and it was time to move on. Richard hadn't offered him a job at his new hostel, not that Kevin expected an offer for a job he hadn't applied for. Still, he daydreamed about the opportunity. It meant very little work on his part; one, in finding the job, and two, the job itself. What could be a better way to spend the summer than holed up in one of the greatest wonders of North America? He could be just miles away from dozens of mountain peaks waiting for the next explorer to summit, being chased by bears and moose, and fishing in the Nenana River.

Instead, Kevin found himself sitting at the dining room table in the main common room, laptop open, and searching for a job on the internet. His third cup of black coffee went cold beside him, as he perused ad after ad looking for skilled laborers, and not so skilled laborers. For a while, Kevin pictured himself alongside Howard on a fishing vessel outside of Bristol Bay, but when it came down to it, Kevin's lack of swimming skills and general distaste of being cooped up with more strangers kept him from applying.

He could swing a hammer well enough though, having helped his uncle out during past summers with his construction business in Montana. Kevin liked that kind of work; he found it relatively mindless but requiring a great attention to detail.

If he really let himself dream, the dream would play out with him owning his own log cabin business; custom jobs for particularly wealthy clients who wanted to disappear into the wilds of Alaska. Kevin could even see the stationery logo. Powell Cabins, for when you want to get away.

Just the week before, Chris had approached Kevin and asked if he wanted to split the rent on a two bedroom in the Fairview neighborhood. They went to look at the place together.

"Well, it's nothing to write home about." Kevin muttered, taking a curious look around the empty living room. The carpet was grey and though recently cleaned still had some stains.

"Its two beds, one bath. It's got a kitchen, plus heat and cable are included. We could do a whole lot worse."

"How long is the lease for, again?"

"This apartment has a year lease on it. The rental market in Anchorage is a tough one. I have another appointment in an hour to show this unit." The manager of the complex replied. The manager had a tired, laid-back look about him, but a deep glint of greed just around his eyes. Kevin thought it was an old game the man was playing, but he was playing it well.

Kevin and Chris looked at each other. Kevin hated being pushed into a corner, but time was running out to find a new place to live.

"When can we move in?" Chris finally asked.

Kevin was reminded at how easy and simultaneously difficult was to be an adult. Since both men were paid through the month of April at the Northern Lights Hostel, they would move in on the first of May. The manager agreed, and even offered to replace the disgusting carpet during the two weeks.

Now Kevin just needed a job to pay for his half of the rent. He'd spent all morning looking, and even sent a few inquiring emails to potential employers.

Deciding that was enough for one day, he checked the emails from his friends and parents.

To: Kevin Powell
From: Andrew Duncan
Date: April 14th, 2008
Subject: Just checking in - its been forever bro!

Body:
Hey Kev! I was just going through my old contacts, cleaning up my email and whatnot. Realized we haven't really talked since I got married two years go! Can you believe I've been married for two years now? Man, the time just flies.

I've been working at this brokerage firm for the last couple of years and it looks like a promotion is coming my way soon. Just in time for our first baby. Marie is pregnant, dude. Guess this means I'm really grown up now.

Anyway, I'm just checking in. Your sister tells me you've been hanging out in Alaska all winter. What's next for you? Planning on moving back down south any time soon?

Well, gotta get back to work. You know how it is.

Later bro!

-Andrew

Kevin read the email a second time and shuddered. Working in an office, married and expecting a child. What a nightmare. In high school, Andrew and Kevin had been the best of buds, scoring chicks together, getting drunk and high for the first time, and generally tearing it up. They even went to the same college, at least in the beginning.

Sometime around their second year, Kevin realized that finishing college would be a bigger waste of time than hitchhiking around the United States. Two years later, And here Kevin was, looking for a job where he didn't have to do anything but swing a hammer and his friend that he thought he'd never grow apart from, leading a life that made his balls shrivel up into his gut.

To: Andrew Duncan
From Kevin Powell
Date: April 17th, 2008
Subject: Re: Just checking in - its been forever bro!

Body:

Hey, Andrew. Congrats on the baby that's great! Yeah, I'm just hanging out here in Alaska. Looking for a construction job to get me through the summer and then I'll find something a little more reliable. Not much building happens in the winter. Maybe I'll get into one of those oil jobs or something. Two weeks on, two weeks off. Pretty sweet deal, man.

I have to ask, why are you hanging out with my little sister?

-K

Kevin read through his replied and shook his head as he pressed send. Something's just weren't worth expanding on. Like Andrew would understand anyway. They were two very different people now. Sometimes you just gotta let things go.

"He better not be fucking my sister again." Kevin muttered under his breath as he opened the email from his mom.

To: Kevin Powell
From: Kelly Powell
Date: April 16th, 2008
Subject: Since you never call anymore

Body:
Well honey, since you never call home anymore and I don't know what's going on with you I thought I'd write. Your father and I would like to know what your school plans are. Didn't you say back in October you'd sign up this year? Is that still the plan? Just thought letting us down over email would be easier for you than over the phone. I sure would like to see you home for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. It just isn't the same without you. Also, your sister says hello. She got a job as a receptionist as some brokerage firm. She says she really likes it, and even joked the other day about finding a husband there. I hope she's not talking about Andrew. We all know how that ended. DISASTER!!!! Your dad is going in for surgery next week. His arm has been bothering him so they're going to cut it off or something. I don't know, I couldn't follow the details. I'm sure he'll be fine but you should call so you can talk to him in case things don't go well. You never know with these things. I have a lunch meeting with Jerri Hutchinson tomorrow and I am going to try to talk her into selling me that massage bed that she has. If I can get a good deal on it, maybe it will help my sciatica. Maybe your father and I will come visit you this summer if you're still in Alaska. It's been so long since we've had a vacation. Remember that time when you were fifteen and you and your sister went off to Bible camp and your father and I went to Miami and to Sea World? I think that was the last time. Okay I have to sign off now. I'm quilting a blanket for Marie's new baby and the baby shower is in two weeks so I've got to finish it soon. I still have half of the square, the batting and the backing to finish and I just don't know when I'm going to have the time. I love you. Love, mom.

Kevin rolled his eyes. When would his mom learn to use the computer? A few spaces in between her steam of consciousness letter would have been nice. Just as Kevin hit reply, his phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Yeah, is this Kevin, uh, Powell?"

"Speaking, how can I help you?"

"Yeah, you send an email about an hour ago about a job with A-3 Contracting Services. We'd like you to go ahead and come in for an interview."

Kevin smiled into the receiver. It looked like his luck was turning, finally. Closing the computer he grabbed the closest paper and pen he could find, on the check-in desk. "Alright, when is a good time?"

"Tomorrow around nine AM sound good?"