Cantrell Chronicles

Demisemiquaver, 2276, a Cantrell Chronicles Update - Chapter Twelve

He awoke to yet another gray day. Rolling over, which wasn’t an easy thing, after yesterday’s debacle, he hurt everywhere; he stared through the ornate inlaid window so popular in Medieval times, but then again, this abode was built in the mid-1500s. He was astounded that his family had owned this estate ever since. Erik decided he was going to have to look into their family tree. So many names he didn’t know.

Still getting used to his dramatic and complete change in status, as he was, he had much to learn; archery, which he had reached the highest skill level, and the ever so interesting swordsmanship, of which his obvious need for several more lessons was clearly on display. About the only things going right or at least trending right, were his studies in Fine Arts, and his music. He wished he could count his relationship with his girlfriend, but even that seemed troubled, lately.  They had such a rocky start, twice, that he wondered if they truly were meant to be.

Erik brushed such thoughts aside. Not quite seventeen but his birthday was drawing near, he was much too young to even think about the happily ever after myth.  Right now, he just wanted to make it through church services today, take a soothing shower upon their return, and get ready for tonight’s major event. The Demisemiquaver, which when translated was the first Sunday of Fall, which meant tonight’s award went to the Record of the Year.

As a musician, this was important to him. He had already taken the first two awards of the Big Four, as they were called; the Quaver and the Semiquaver. If he won tonight, he would have three of the four legs to a Clean Sweep. A bit of a big deal in the music industry. He normally didn’t allow his nerves to set in. However, after he lost, and rather soundly, at three separate friendly duels yesterday, his ego had taken a bruising, allowing all of his doubts to pounce on him at once. The last thing he wanted to do, should he win, was limp up to the stage, begging all sorts of questions, he would much rather not answer.  

Realizing just how hard it was, he eased out of bed and after what seemed like ages managed to get to the bathroom. Having showered the night before, all he need do is brush his teeth and inspect his chin. Easing into his clothes was yet another ordeal. Oh, Lord, I so thank you for the lesson in humility, but if it’s your will may I please have some relief. He prayed as he sought to pull his suit jacket over his right shoulder. Oh, ow. Alright Lord, I’ll do my best to accept this with grace. Amen.

True to his word, Erik squared his shoulders and proceeded toward the staircase. Kayleigh came up beside him, turned and smiled. “Well, you’re looking none the worse for the wear, I see,” she said. Her smile made his stomach tighten. 
“You look beautiful as always, Kay-Kay, or excuse me Lady Kayleigh. Would it be possible, that is, if your schedule isn’t too full, that we could have lunch together after church? I think, as you mentioned the other day, that we do, indeed, need to talk and get some things sorted out. You showed me yesterday how things really aren’t working so well between us. I really do want you in my life and I hope you feel the same way.”

“Hm, she said, a finger to her mouth, let me look at my schedule,” she said, scrolling through her phone, surreptitiously. “You’re in luck. I’m free today. I would be happy to luncheon with you.” Erik’s smile revealed his relief. For a time, he was beginning to think they were kids back on Vulcan with that first very unfortunate meeting.

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

Settling into their table, Erik smiled, as the two chatted about all kinds of things, getting to know each other better, something they neglected to do upon their unexpected reunion. Sharing dreams, hopes and some secrets, too. “So, after you graduate from college what are your hopes for the future?” Erik said, daring to place his hand over her’s resting on the tabletop.

“This may sound silly, but I want to be a writer. I hope to write a bestseller in my lifetime. And one day I do hope to marry and settle down.” Kayleigh refrained from asking about his future. She knew he would continue on with his music career— and the Noble Career, which he had recently taken up.

“Me, too,” he said, giving her hand a squeeze.  
“You, too, what?”
“I want to marry and settle down. And I want kids, lots of them, I do hope that hasn’t scared you off.”
“Don’t be silly. How many is lots?”
“Hm — maybe six?” Erik watched her expression, carefully. She was either a master of masking her emotions or she liked kids, too. 

“You are kidding me. I want six kids, too.”

“That is amazing, it’s almost as if we were meant to be, or something,” he said, gazing deeply into her big blue eyes. Of course, he had long figured out just who she was, but never said anything, not to her. Instead, he watched as she reached out to place a hand on his arm, saying, “I have only ever once felt this way, this sudden rush of — something. The first time was when we were back on Vulcan, about five years ago, now. There was this boy I met at the park. What I felt then was powerful, so intense, it frightened me. I had never felt that way in my life. I ended up screaming at him, as a result, poor guy. He took it well, and if my actions hurt him, he never showed it — you have his eyes, which is what drew me to you.”

“For a little while there,” Erik said, putting his bacon sandwich on his plate, wiping the mayonnaise from his mouth, "I thought you had written me off again like you did back then.”
“What? You mean all of this time you knew it was me and you never said a word. Not one word of reproach. I marvel at your restraint, sir.”
“Why would I, it was all in the song.”

“Song? What song?”
“The one I dedicated to you the night I won Best Song of the Year. Weren’t you even watching? It Hurts Both Ways. I wrote that song when I got back from the park.”

“Oh, I did hurt you, I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you say something?”

“Are you angry with me?”

“No, not really. Just a tad miffed is all. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I thought you knew. I was positive you knew.”

“Hm. Another reason why we shouldn’t assume anything.” She sighed.
“It is increasingly evident we got off on the wrong foot, again, this second time," Erik said. "I think that we deserve a reset, don’t you?”
“Yes, please. I really do love you, Erik," she said
“And I really love you, too, Kayleigh. So, let’s begin again. Hi, my name is,” glancing around, he leaned closer to her and whispered, “Lord Erik of Ondarion. And you have to be Lady Kayleigh of the Golden dynasty.”

“Also, of Ondarion, as it turns out. I’m so pleased to meet you, Milord,” she grinned brightly. “Why did we never have this conversation before?”
“Because we both assumed too much and were still caught up in the mystical event of our first meeting and how the universe managed to bring us back together, in the town square, I suppose. Silly us.”

“Yes, are we going to be okay?”
“I do hope so with all of my heart. “I have a question to ask of you and I do hope you don’t find me too forward. Would you be my romance partner?”
“Oh, are you asking me to be your girlfriend? Isn’t that bad for your image to be taken, as it were?”

“I’m willing to take that chance,” Erik smiled, “If you are. And I do hope you are.”

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

The young couple returned to Castle Cantrell just before 4 pm. They were both beaming and in a content frame of mind. The rest of the family breathed a sigh of relief as they really thought this was the end of their alliance with the Golden Dynasty. So glad the kids had patched things up.

Both climbed the stairs, Erik bent on taking a soothing shower before tonight, Kayleigh to freshen up as well.  At about five minutes to six, Erik collected her, knocking gently on her bedroom door. “Are you ready, Milady?” 
As they reached the bottom of the stairs to many oos and ahs, they bid everyone goodnight. “We’ll be back after the Show.”

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

Once there, the two decided to document what they considered to be their true first date, as a couple. In front of the small gathering, Erik took a Selfie of the two of them before they went to the third floor.

Sitting in chairs in the near-empty studio audience, the two just kept glancing at one another. Both displayed the same tiny grins of contentment. “So, what’s going through your mind right now?” Kayleigh asked.

“Nothing much, really. Just trying to still my nerves a bit while this endless wait continues.”
“You can hold my hand, if you want, if you think it will help.” At that moment, the host took the stage.

“Good evening. I'm Elric DeMuray, your host for this evening. What a marvelous in-studio audience we have, and good evening to those watching at home. Tonight is the third of four special awards; awards called the Big Ones that are handed out yearly. Tonight, we honor the Record of the Year for 2276. We certainly have a tight race with five hugely talented artists. Only one of these records has also made it to the top of the Simboards list.”

“Please allow me to list off tonight’s contenders; Mitchell Raymond for this Night Owl; Miriam Kelly for her Endless Choices; Bob Schneider for his Unwilling Accomplice; Paul Cuthbertson for his Denial, and last but not least, our newcomer, Erik Cantrell for his In the Wee Hours.

“And tonight’s winner is, Erik Cantrell for his In the Wee Hours! Congratulations, again, young man. I don’t know how you do it, but I’m very happy all the same. Number one song on the Simboards for weeks now. Quite the accomplishment. Of course, that means little when it comes to the choice. Record of the year depends on so much more than mere popularity, in fact, that isn’t even a consideration. It’s all about the artistry involved from recording it, to laying down the tracks. So much technological stuff. It’s over my head. Come on up here, Erik. This is yours and your accomplices will receive one, too.”

To You, O Lord, Erik silently prayed as he held the trophy high, his arm screaming at him, all the while.

“I really want to take this moment to thank my incredible team; Ryan Ricks my record producer; Toby Gleason, my recording engineer and last but never least, Michael Perry and Richard Cramer, my mixing engineers. All four of these fellas and I hit it off immediately from the moment I walked into Taygeta Studios that first time. We just get each other, but more importantly, they sense where I’m trying to take the piece and turn it into reality. Guys I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is for you.”

“I also wish to thank all of my fans, you’re the best and my family for their support and for still loving me as I glide through this path, I’m on. It’s not as easy as it may seem. Thank you again to the Academy and those who are commissioned to vote on this. I shall treasure this. Good night, everyone.”

Kayleigh stood up and met him as Erik left the stage. Smiling Erik leaned over and kissed her for all to see.”
“What, are you crazy? My parents watch this show religiously.”
“Oh, well if they don’t have a clue about us by now. Their doubts just got removed.”

All for now, thanks for reading!