Cantrell: The Early Years, Part SIX

This Topsy-turvy Life, A Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Six Update

Erik had been out back tending to their animals, since he completed both the concert and the subsequent photoshoot. With his winning of two of the four Big Awards, he was thrown further into the limelight, if that was even possible. The man’s normally sweet nature was sincerely being tested. Paparazzi appeared out of nowhere, worse than before. 

It didn’t help things one bit, when Andrew continued his spate of violence. Not content with simply destroying Melodie’s doll house, Erik had removed the one from the boys’ room, the toddler was now spending time painting or sprinkling flower and cocoa on the floors inside the house. Erik found solace in realizing, as he was cleaning out the chicken coop, that one of the eggs was doing something. When he listened closely, he heard the distinct sound of pecking coming from the inside, besides rolling a bit from side to side. 

Gently, he slipped his fingers underneath the egg cradling it in the palm of his hand.  A thrill ran through him as the pecking became more vigorous than before, as if awaiting his presence. The egg jiggled a bit. Then without warning, shards of eggshell fell away and out popped a sweet baby chick, its fuzzy yellow down all fluffed out. “Hey, there, little one, welcome to the world. What an amazing thing you just did, too. I have never witnessed such a moment. Thank you for cheering me up.”

After he snuggled the wee thing, Erik very carefully placed it back into the coop. Hearing the backdoor slam shut, he left the coop to walk around the enclosed, raised, deck.  To his dismay, Andrew was once again painting the outdoors. Better than the inside, I suppose. “Andrew,” he said firmly. The toddler jumped and spun around. Erik walked over to him and leaning over gave him a stern talking to. “How many times do we have to have this conversation? Huh? Are you hard of hearing?”

“What?” the boy’s favorite response. Erik sighed. “I sawwy,” the boy said, as he began to cry, wiping the tears from his eyes on his bare arm.

“Tears are all well and good, since you appear to be remorseful of your wrongdoing. But I need more from you than mere words. You need to stop painting every surface you come upon. You have a very nice, large pad of paper, and all kinds of crayons to make your creations on. In fact, we can hang your work up so that everyone who comes to visit can admire your artwork. This has to be washed up right away, lest it stain the rock. Now, go play so I can get this done.”

Later that afternoon, the family decided to take a little trek to the Isle of Volpe Park. They took the Hovercraft as far as they could, then unloaded their three children. Melodie was placed into a back-carrier and the four of them walked around for a bit.  Before long, his entourage as Kayleigh described then in her book, appeared out of nowhere. “How do they do that?” Erik said, frowning.
“It’s their job,” Kayleigh explained. “If your livelihood depended on capturing a celebrity you would be very creative to find one or more.”

“I suppose,” Erik said, with a sigh. I need to go talk to that baby chick.
“Besides, they’re not really hurting anything. The park isn’t ours exclusively. Just smile and wave.”

“Erik, can I have your autograph.” One said. Doing as his wife suggested, he smiled and did as he was bid.

“Sure thing, here you go. Lovely day for a walk, isn’t it?”

The family got off the path and headed back to their Hovercraft. In a flash they were home. Erik couldn’t wait to pull his jacket off. The early coolness of the day, had changed, radically. He was glad they left the Isle of Volpe Park. It was turning into a scorcher.  Changing into his swim trunks, he grabbed little Melodie, who’s cheeks were uncommonly flush and headed out to the side yard.

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

Come Friday, Night on the Town, the annual tradition was here. Erik got a brilliant idea during his concert.  Making all the arrangements, he came home to let Kayleigh know, they were going on a very brief vacation. “I know, I know, it really didn’t pan out so well, last time. I did things differently. I made certain the rental would be secured; no Obsessed Fans, not fans at all, in fact, and no Paparazzi. This place is used to having celebrities visit and I was assured by the manager, they have it down to a science.”

“Tartosa? You’re taking us to Tartosa, oh, I could just kiss you.”
Erik grinned. “So, what’s stopping you?”
“I have to pack some things. I’ll be down in a flash. Oh, what about Night on the Town?” she said from the railing.
“You and I will hit the Lounge, eat a little, drink a little.”
“Dance a little, I hope?”
“Yeah, that would be fun.”

The trip was quick.  Just a few short hours. The children managed to drift off to sleep before they arrived.  Erik and Kayleigh got their children fed, bathed and dressed for bed and then secured them at the local Daycare, before they headed to the lounge. “Be good,” Erik said, gazing intently into Andrew’s eyes. “Momma and Daddy will be back later.”
Little Melodie waved goodbye, her newest trick. She was advancing by leaps and bounds, to his delight.

“Wow, this is lovely,” Kayleigh said, as they entered the lounge. They quickly found a table. Kayleigh sat down, while Erik got them a drink and a bite to eat.
She was surprised to see a young red-haired teen walk by who looked vaguely familiar.

Before Erik returned, a truly familiar face decided to join her. “Ah, that seat is taken,” she said. “He’s in a bit of a mood, too. I suggest you make yourself scarce.”

“Make me,” was the response.
“Oh, I’ll have you escorted off of the premises,” Kayleigh said, coolly. Suddenly the undressed, smelly Obsessed Fan got up quickly and left. Erik set the two glasses of Van Haute Estate Meloire on the table and looking vexed said, “It just might be better, if we left.”

“No,” she said. “I’m getting a tad peeved that whenever you get slightly disgruntled over something, we’re the ones who must leave. I’ve had enough. You mentioned dancing and I’m not leaving until we’ve danced.” With that she drained her glass of wine in one long gulp.
“Kayleigh, Kayleigh don’t, wine is for sipping,” He just gazed at her. “Yeah, I bet you’re feeling it that quickly. Dancing is out back on the deck.” Erik got up, pulled the chair out for his wife and the two, Kayleigh just a tad wobbly, made it outside.

Together they danced. Before long, they were surrounded.  Erik drew in a breath. So far, this vacation wasn’t much better than the last one. But at least Melodie has gone on her very first vacation. 

They left the lounge, picked up their children and by the time they got back to the rental, Kayleigh had things on her mind.  So far, their privacy hadn’t been breached. As if this was their honeymoon, she threw caution to the wind and in no uncertain terms let him know she wanted something. “Come on, the kids are all fast asleep. There’s a shower just in there . . . we could make use of it.”

Erik, not being one to turn his sweet wife down, went along with it.

The next day the sun was out. The beach below their rental began to call to him. He remembered making sandcastles with Kayleigh, as they tried to have fun on their honeymoon.  The kids are just big enough to get a kick out of it. So, he enticed his family outdoors, once again.

Later that afternoon, after they returned to the rental, Erik stood on the front porch, watching as Jamison played with the toddler sized basketball hoop. Enjoying the moment. . .

. . . before it was spoiled by a Paparazzi joining them on the porch. Taken aback, Erik said a silent prayer and managed to maintain a calm demeanor. A few hours later the family returned home.

All for now, thanks for reading!