Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three

When It Means Nothing, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three Update

Erik arrived at the PBP Studios Lounge at five-fifty-eight pm. That gave him about two minutes to climb all the way to the third floor. No longer anxious about winning another award, he decided the long journey to the top floor might just give him time to think. And think, he did. He wasn’t sure what to make of this whole scenario. Certainly, when he let his feelings be known, he didn’t expect that two days later he would be suffering from such a gut-kick. Her entire attitude had changed. How did I misread her so badly?

As he went over the events of the entire weekend up until this point, he grew angry. Unwanted thoughts crept into his thinking. Erik didn’t like being used, but that’s what he was beginning to think had happened. He’d been played.

Reaching the third floor, he decided he might as well decline the award, should he win it. He was in no mood. All the joy was gone out of this achievement. So much for how hard he worked on his career. Applause met his ears. Erik found a seat, still stewing. After a time, he realized he had gone numb. He really didn’t care. Not. At. All.

Professor Joseph Cantrell, Sr., was the guest Host for tonight. Erik wished it mattered, and if he did decline, how would his parents view it? His mother was here, too. He caught a glimpse of her as she took a seat. Still so lost in thought, he barely heard his father introduce the Category.

“Good evening. We have at last made it to the evening, which brings us to the Rock ‘N Roll Division for the Record of the Year,” the Host began. “Record of the Year, as you know by now, is presented by the Intergalactic Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the Federation of Planets via the Starlight Academy.  In order to be recognized for this honor, a record, a recording of a song, must rise to a level of artistic achievement, overall technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to sales or chart position. The Record of the Year award is one of the four prestigious "General Field" categories of the awards given out by the Music Industry.”

“The following artists have been nominated under the Rock ‘N Roll category: Jimmy Beige, for When Darkness Falls; Erik Cantrell for All Things Worthy; Joanie Knight for Breaking Up; Maureen Atom for Mess We Made; and Barry Dickinson for Crimson Files.  All very fine entries. And the Recipient is . . . "

Easily removing the cardstock from the envelope, Joseph grinned at he read it. 
“And the recipient of the Record of the Year, 2275, Rock ‘N Roll Division is none other than, Erik Cantrell, for his All Things Worthy! 

I have to tell you; I am one proud father. Come on up here, son.”

As Erik stood up, oddly feeling very little, he watched with amusement as Dustin Broke, also dressed as a host, took the stage. He gave room, as Erik took the microphone.

“I’m very certain,” he began, “that this looks strange. Two hosts and a recipient all standing in a row. I can assure you, this is just my way of illustrating, that I did not achieve this award on my own. I did talk about Team Erik, previously. Tonight, it is fitting that I give you their names, and my thanks.”

“I would like to thank Ryan Ricks, my Record Producer who was instrumental in transforming my vision into a commercially viable, high quality audio recording. And the entire staff of Taygeta Studios who not only listen but hear what I’m trying to do. Sometimes, it’s as if they are truly able to get into my head and heart and extract the sound and feel of the piece.

 "Toby Gleason, my Recording Engineer, Michael Perry and Richard Foreman who jointly oversee the mixing. These guys are the best at what they do.  I am pleased and honored to work with them. I truly appreciate all of your hard work. We are a Team; I cannot do this without any of you. So thank you, again. This is for you.”

“With that I must bid you adieu. I’m starting my second year at Britechester-U and I have pre-term work to finish. Thank you and good night!”        

Erik, his heart heavy, slowly took the stairs down from the third floor. He stopped at the bar on the first floor and ordered a drink. Unready to go back to the dorm at this moment in time, he lingered over his drink. Finally, the Mixologist urged him to leave. “Hey, Buddy, whatever you’re stewing over, perhaps you should go home and work things out, you know? It’s getting late.”

“Yeah, maybe I’ll be lucky, and Dragon Lady will be asleep. It could happen.”
“I think you should hear her out. Can’t be that bad. From what I see, you’re still a kid. Go home, work it out. Before it’s too late. And she gives up on you.”

“Wait, what do you know about my business?”
“Nothing, I’m just good at reading people’s faces, is all. Go on home. Work it out.”
“Next thing you’ll tell me is trust the timing.”
“You said it.”

All for now. Thanks for reading.