Cantrell: The Early Years, Part SIX

Makin’ Magic, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Six Update

For reasons he could not explain, Erik was at peace with his world. Yes, Andrew, was still testing his parents any way he could find, but they both continued to tend to his need. They did let him know that while he required a lot of attention, he should also be kind enough to share their attention with his brother and sister. At one point Erik thought himself on the silly side for talking so earnestly with a two- and- a half- year old. The age of reason is six, right? He scoffed at himself. Yet, it seemed to be working.

Both boys watched their grandfather, Joseph, with apt attention, as he conducted the Church Choir through the service. Fascinated. Erik began to wonder if Andrew’s problem wasn’t his need to be ‘older’. Erik, himself, was always reaching for the next stage in life, growing up. He found his infancy and toddlerhood so very limiting. He caught himself pondering just what his sons would do, in life, just what was their path. His parents had a clue about him, Erik felt blind, for not seeing his children.  Then he realized he’d let his mind wander, during the service.  Not good, Erik. Focus.

Father James’ homily was another timely message, that spoke to Erik’s soul.  “Whatever you’re called to do, whatever your Gifts, make very certain you give it your all. In this manner you honor your Father in heaven who gave you that Gift.”

Erik brought both boys over to where the choir stood, allowing them to get hugs from their grandfather. “You two are getting entirely too big,” Joseph chortled, getting smothered by the twins. Kayleigh came over and placed little Melodie into his waiting arms. “Isn’t she just a beauty. Hi, sweetheart, grandpa loves you.”

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

Today was the first Sunday in Summer. The day was bright, warm and quite a change from the season before. The drought hadn’t let up, still no rain in the forecast, but Erik remembered to tend to his garden in the greenhouse. Things were growing beautifully. His plants were perfect, thanks to Kayleigh’s help. The woman most assuredly has a green thumb, he surmised.

“Okay, everybody to the Splash Pads! Let’s go. It’s hot and I need to cool down.” In a flash Erik was changed into his bathing trunks, then he led the charge out the back door and onto the splash pads he had very recently purchased and laid into place. Quick to turn on all of the spouts, he ran onto the first pad and did a bit of a jig, the water drops raining down on him. “Ahhh, this feels so gooood. Come on you slackers. Join me, this is all kinds of fun.”

It wasn’t long before his family joined him in his merriment.

Kayleigh even grabbed little Melodie and ventured onto a pad to help cool the wee girl down, too. Melodie wasn’t too sure she liked it, at first, but clinging onto her Mamma, she soon began to giggle, too.

All too soon, Erik’s alarm went off. It was three o’clock in the afternoon. “Okay, we have to go in and have some lunch, now, so Mamma and Daddy can get ready for tonight,” he said.
“Pway more,” Andrew said. “I no go in. I pway in water.”
“Sorry, there is always tomorrow. Right now, if we don’t get lunch, now, you’ll miss out. Chop, chop.” With that Erik turned off the spouts. He quickly realized this wasn’t a very popular decision on his part. “I’ll make grilled cheese,” he promised arms stretched wide as he exhorted his cause.

Their favorite lunch food soon simmered their little jets and peace reigned, a little like magic, Erik thought. The notion of diverting their attention seemed to work.
After cleaning up the children and the kitchen, Erik headed upstairs to take a soothing shower, his favorite kind.  He took a few minutes to gussy up, spraying himself with men’s parfum, then after he brushed his teeth, he used his breath spray. Kayleigh sometimes teased him of what she deemed his “addiction” to the stuff, but he laughed it off.  Knowing he smelled good helped him maintain his confidence. Tonight, that’s what he needed, knowing what was at stake. Although when he thought of it, he did realize his sense of peace was in knowing he really was okay if he didn’t win. If his streak was finally over. Trends weren’t forever.

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

“Kayleigh, you look stunning,” he said, taking her in, once she joined him in their bedroom. The grandmothers were already here and busy reading the boys to sleep for the evening. “Have a great time, you two,” Carina greeted from the boy’s room, after they stopped in to give kisses. From there the couple left, locking the front door and gate behind them.

A quick Hovercraft jaunt and they arrived in Del Sol Valley. Again, they parked in the underground lot, but this time, they decided to mix it up with the those just arriving in the front of the PBP Studios Lounge. “Hey, Erik,” Thorne Bailey greeted. “Break a leg, tonight.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you up top,” Erik said, as the beamed himself and his wife to the second floor, where they took the last flight of stairs to the third floor. They got seated quickly.

“Oh, look at the stage,” Kayleigh murmured. As they watched, the backdrop transformed before their eyes.
“It’s mostly the same as before, but why the guitar silhouette?”
“Rock N’Roll category,” he said, placing a hand on her arm.
“Country music uses guitars.”
“It’s not the same. The guitar doesn’t dominate the music.”

The Host took the microphone and smiled as she gazed out at the audience. Fanning herself with an envelope, watching as the winner of the previous category left the stage.  “Whew, that Camden Rose is one hot commodity. And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Are you ready for some Rock N’ Roll?” She spoke with rabid enthusiasm, stirring up the crowd.

The audience applause met her fervor. “Me, too. For consistency in performance, vocals as well as instrumental, the artist of the year must also perform well during a live show. There must be innovation in the studio, as well. So just being famous or having a large fanbase isn’t a qualifier. It’s all about the talent, Bae-bay. Again, five were nominated. We’re talking about the best of the best, here. They are as follows: John Derek; Tammy Bryce; Richard Sparrow; Michele Bubbles,” here she bobbled her head “and Erik Cantrell.” With a nervous giggle, the host proceeded in an attempt to break open the covering.  She was fast losing the battle. “I know who I want to win, if only this dern paper would open.” Gazing off -stage, she said, “Alright who didn’t break the seal on this puppy?” A stagehand came out and easily slit the top of the sealed paper with a laser-knife.

“And tonight’s winner for Artist of the Year 2285, is . . . Oh, my. I got my wish,” she said, reading the card. “This artist has never failed to please whether live on stage or in the studio. Although he does shine while on stage. His lyrics, to music he composes, and his natural capacity for phrasing creates a stirring and satisfying aural experience like no other. Tonight, this year’s Artist of the Year, Rock N’ Roll goes to Erik Cantrell!”

“And here I am again. I’m beginning to think you like me. And, truly, we have to stop meeting like this. My dear wife is getting suspicious.” And then Erik laughed out loud. “I am so taken aback at this. So many emotions are running through me I can’t express them. This is truly an honor.”

“A person doesn’t do this sort of thing in a vacuum. We all need those who love and support us, as we climb whatever career path we take. I am truly indebted to my loving parents, my many siblings. I am one of five. Or actually, two of five, I was born second. And I’m wondering how they did it, tending to all of us as they did. I’m struggling with twins and an infant . . . And despite what the criteria suggests, I wouldn’t be here without my Fans. I adore all of you. So thank you for getting me through the rough patch while I was overseas.”

“Thank you and God Bless. Ah, there’s the music. Good night, everybody.”

“And that’s it for tonight, Ladies and Gentlemen, Signing off from PBP Studios, Good night, All.” A smiling Erik stood up, took Kayleigh’s hand, helping her out of the chair and the two headed back down to the underground parking facility.

All for now, thanks for reading!