Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three

Legend

12 months ago

Walking A Tightrope, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three Update

Erik came in from his last class, looking for Kayleigh. He found her warming a bench on the front balcony. The weather was cool, fast becoming cold with the onset of Winter. Sliding onto the bench next to her, he said, “Kayleigh, Sweetheart, I wanted to take you out to a really nice restaurant for this. Then I realized it’s just entirely too risky. And probably more suited for another moment.”

“For this? Erik, you’re talking in riddles again. You forget, I can’t read your mind.”

“Ah, yes. Well, I’ve given some thought to our problem regarding going steady. I believe I have a viable solution for it. How about if I give you a promise ring?” Pulling out a sparkly diamond ring from his pocket, he placed it on her finger.

Staring down at the ring on her hand, “Erik, are you asking me to marry you?”

Placing a gentle hand on her arm, “Not at this time, I wish I could. I’m just securing your promise to marry me in the future. Better than going steady, yet not the same thing. You can always change your mind, later, and dump me.”

“Dump you? Oh, I don’t think so. As for this crazy scheme of yours. Remember, I’m a wordsmith in the making. You, my sweet darling, are splitting hairs . . .”

“Yes, ma’am that I am. But I don’t want you to ‘see’ others, and I don’t wish to outright defy your father. I kinda like my skin, you know."

“He’ll see right through your ploy, just so you know.”

“I fully expect that, and my lawyer and I are working on my response.”

“You have a lawyer?”

“Have to, in this business.” Reaching into his pants pocket again, he said, “Oh, and here’s a chain so you can wear it around your neck. No sense in drawing the curiosity of the entourage. And our roommates. Not everyone practices discretion.”

“Oh, you are such a schemer!”

“And here I thought you might applaud my resourcefulness. Seems, I can never quite figure you out. Love you all the same. Maybe even more for the mystery that is you. So, since you’ve still got the ring on can I surmise you’re willing to be promised? Please say yes. And know that I really loathe all of this sneaking around.”

“Yes, And I’ll transfer it to the chain in a bit. For now, I’m just enjoying the feel of it on my hand.” For a moment she wiggled her finger, the stone catching the late afternoon light. “Look how it sparkles. This is just so lovely, but isn’t it a bit much for a promise?”

“Not at all, I looked at dozens of rings. This one spoke to me. Just wait until we make our relationship real. One we don’t have to hide.” Hearing noises just beyond the door, Erik gave her a look.

“Please don’t fret. I won’t wait until others can catch a glimpse of it and start wondering." Already she was unlatching the necklace and that quickly slipped the ring onto it before fastening it around her neck, with Erik's help. "Thank you for this. Now, I know you’re mine,” she said.

“Forever and always, or until you decide to dump me.”

“I told you already, that’s not going to happen. You were sullen and sulky, with good reason. I get it. I’m just sorry my tongue got tangled and all the words I wanted to say jammed up in my throat. We have both forgiven each other, it’s in the past. Oh, as for those things on your to-do list, don’t forget to tick this one off in your little book,” she said with a wink.

“See? This is why I love you so much. Always looking after my welfare.”

Kayleigh smiled broadly with that. “You do know you need a keeper, right?”

“Already got one and let me tell you, she’s gorgeous. Sweet, funny and entirely too competent. Sure, you don’t want to be my manager?”

“I’d be your Ball & Chain, if you asked me.” She winked.

“What a miserable thing to call such a relationship,” he said. “I’ve got to go study. I have a concert later.”

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

Erik received the notification just as the last days of his second term were drawing near. Seemed his fourth album fell within the time for consideration. That’s when his nerves struck him, hard. Everywhere he went people managed to gather.

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

As the days flew by all five of the kids scrambled to get last-minute details sorted out. Aaron, Kayleigh and Joey had to make their final presentations, which was a first for Kayleigh. Her nerves were riding high, relaxing only when she’d managed to get hers done in time. Brianna, normally so cool-headed due to her training, was also on the verge of panic. The forgotten term paper. By Thursday, with one more day left, she got it in and gave a huge sigh of relief.

Come the afternoon, Erik headed over to NewCrest to the Grotto to give a concert. The concert helped to dispel the tension that was building up inside of him. Too many things all at once disrupted his normal sense of calm. If he won this fourth category, it would make him the youngest to ever manage a Clean Sweep. Where would I go from here?

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

After Erik got back and changed his clothes, the kids headed over to Del Sol Valley to spend the holiday with his parents. Brianna was quick to help her mother, as Louise prepared a wondrous Thanksgiving Day feast. Kayleigh set the table. “Are you certain your parents won’t mind your spending the holiday with us,” Louise asked. “I’m so delighted to have you here.”

“No worries, they thought it was very nice of you to include me. I’m just so happy to be here, too. Quite simply my mother can’t cook.”

“Well, we do love you so much, you know that.”

“Thank you, I feel the same about all of you.”