Cantrell Chronicles

En Garde!, a Cantrell Chronicles update_ Chapter Five

After Church, Erik was called to the stables.  Climbing the vertical ladder, his father was awaiting him.  “Ready for your first lesson? I know you’re tense about tonight, thought this might help you work through it.”
After giving the boy some verbal tips, Joseph hollered en garde!” signaling to Erik to draw his weapon and begin his assault on the rather mute fencing dummy.

A couple of hours later, exhausted and out of breath, Joseph released the boy from his training exercise. “Guess you had better shower and get ready. It’s closing in on four already.”

All but flying down the ladder, Erik ran through the back door of the castle and on to the first-floor bathroom, where he threw off his clothing and stepped into the sizeable shower. Moments later, he left the room all polished, bathed and ready for his big evening. “Mom, are you ready to go — you look fabulous, no stunning, I’m so glad you’re coming with me tonight. I think my heart is in my throat.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Thank you so much for choosing me.”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

In a matter of minutes, the two arrived in Del Sol Valley. Parking in the underground garage, they made it to the main floor above, and from there, beamed themselves to the third floor of the PBP Studios Lounge.  Taking seats, they waited for the host to arrive.  Before long the host, followed closely by Thorne Baily, who promptly sat down on the stage itself, near the second microphone stand.  Erik fought from laughing outright. How he kept his composure amazed him. It was so silly to simply park himself on the stage like that. Looking around, Erik saw there were a few seats available. For a certainty, he would share this with Kayleigh.

“Welcome everyone, to this year’s Quaver,” The host, Jamari Hawthorne said. “Yes, we start all over again with the special awards. And how nice it is to see a full house. Many familiar and a few newcomers, if my eyes aren’t betraying me. Shall we get started? I think we shall. Tonight, we celebrate the Song of the Year- 2275. Once again, the Committee has chosen the best of the best and there was no shortage of candidates.  The nominees for this honor are as follows: Natalie Tobias for, Scent of a Rainforest. Thomas Williams for his, Coffee and Cigars. Shirley Mathews for her, When It’s Over.  Parker Lewis for his Night Flight.  And lastly, a newcomer, Erik Cantrell for his, It Hurts Both Ways.”

“And the winner of the 2275 Song of the Year is . . .” Jamari took the envelope presented to him on a nice silver platter, pushed gently on both sides, then blew into the slit. Deftly, he removed the blue denim colored cardstock from the envelope.  Flipping it over he took a second to read it, then grinned.  "For bringing such aural beauty to the ears of Sims around the world . . . Give it up for our newcomer, Erik Cantrell for his ever so touching, It Hurts Both Ways. Congratulations, Erik.”

 For a heart-stopping moment, Louise reached over to pat Erik on the face. She thought he had fainted.  Rubbing his hand, she said, "Erik, come on, honey. You just won. Stand up and go collect your trophy.”

Erik stood, tugged at the bottom edge of his jacket and made his way to the stage. He was happy to realize Thorne was no longer occupying it. He did wonder if that’s what the entertainer was up to. Some kind of protest. He loathed when politics were brought into such award events. Is nothing sacred? For a moment, he just stood, staring into the camera. He looked just like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Ahem,” he cleared his throat. “Is this thing on? I have to say I totally didn’t think I would win.” 

“For those who aren’t aware, my mother, Louise Cantrell is here in the audience. Hi, mom. Isn’t she gorgeous. She just gave birth to my baby brother, too.”

“Like so many of the songs I write, this one has a story behind it. I met a girl years ago when I was twelve, at a park near both of our houses. While I was really taken with her, this wasn’t what I’d call a fairytale moment.  You see, unfortunately for me, the girl was loaded for bear. Also, unfavorably, I was the fool for approaching her just to say hi. Yeah, the timing was off, way off. I just met her again, believe it or not. And the magic is still there. I won’t give her name; she knows who she is.” Gazing directly into the camera, he said, “This is for you.”

“If I may I would like to thank my fans, my parents, my many siblings, the Academy, the Committee and all who made this happen. I’m sorry, this is just the biggest thing to happen to me in my life. Something of dreams.”

"I'm so sorry, I guess I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all."

“I know I need to go, but if I don’t get this out, I’ll simply burst.  Yeah!”

 “Thank you again, so much. I love you all.”

“Good night, everybody.”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Erik dropped his mother off at Castle Cantrell and then transported himself to the two gigs he had this evening.  By the time he returned the night was dark and peaceful.  Listening, he could even hear the chirping of insects. Must be warming up, finally. The air filled with a rather favorable and exotic fragrance that flirted with his nasal passage. Since it was unlike the creepy crawlies to give off any scent, this surprised him. Turning around abruptly, he saw a female dressed in a skintight velour one piece, a hood pulled over the top of her head.

“You will leave these premises immediately, or else,” he warned.
“Duel me and we’ll see who gets their way.”
 Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Erik whipped his wooden sword out, then took a stance, wielding his blade as if he meant business, which he did. “En garde! Burglar. Be gone from here.”

The two went at it and Erik was thankful for the many tips his father had imparted to him. "Just a hint, my clueless one,” he said. Having defeated the intruder. “It’s not a good idea to wear such a pungent fragrance if you plan on burgling a place. That’s what tipped me off.  But nobody said burglars were particularly bright.”
With his win, he phoned the police, to remove the would-be thief from the premises. 

After the police had the criminal secured in their hovercraft, Erik went inside. Hot and sweaty again, he took a mindful shower, placed his trophy in the basement and then went to bed. By the time he woke up, he checked his phone. His agent had texted him. Having won the Special Award, Song of the Year, he had catapulted to Global Superstar.

Thanks for reading. All for now!