Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three

Plans, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three, Update

 

Time, as it so often does, got away from him once again. One more day left to this term, and he still hadn’t told her. She had every right to know. It was only fair. Coming in from his last class of the day, he invited Kayleigh to cloud gaze with him. 

 

“Babe, we have to talk,” he began after a few moments of staring upward. “I want you to hear it straight from me. And not read it or hear about it somewhere else, first.” 

Growing nervous, Kayleigh gazed into his handsome face. “Hear, what?” she asked. “Erik, are you breaking up with me?”

 

“No. I’m embarking on a World Tour right after graduation.”

Knowing it was possible to beam to each venue, even around the world, she grew suspicious, “And why is this a big deal? Not reading your mind, here.”

“I’m planning to do this the ancient way. . ..”

“What does that mean?”

 

Erik gazed at her, took her hands in his. “Over beaming. I’m going to be staying in town of whatever country until all of the scheduled concerts there have been fulfilled for the immediate area.”

“Erik, you are breaking up with me.”

 

“Again, no.”

“How many countries, how many concerts?”

“Well, let me see,” he took out his phone and consulted it. “There’s London, England, of course, Several cities here in America, Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland.”

 “So, just how long do you expect to be gone?”

 

“I may be crisscrossing here and there. For different cities in countries I have already been to, and if the concerts are extended in a few places to accommodate my fans... could be a year or more, I’m told.”

“A year? You are breaking up with me. After all we’ve been through . . .” She shook her head, struggled with tears that battered the back of her eyelids.

 

“Kayleigh, Sweetheart, I am not breaking up with you. I want to marry you. That’s why I wanted to know where you’ll be living. I intend to write to you every day while I’m gone. Look at it this way, how better am I to scope out just the right location for a honeymoon without bringing attention to just what I’m doing?” Gazing at her unhappy expression, he added, “The time will fly by, I promise. You get started writing that book you’ve told me you want to write.  And I will expect a report on your progress toward that end while doing face time. I love you so very much.” 

 

Gathering her into himself, he said, “Do me a favor and plan a date for us? I think we need more time for us. This place is way too crowded, of late. Oh, and one more thing before I get caught up in other matters again. I just sent a code to your phone. Take a look at the wall coverings, paint or wallpaper, wainscoting, whatever suits you, check out some flooring. I prefer hardwood floors, personally. Tile or stone for the kitchen and baths, of course. Choose which style of toilet, sink, shower and tub you want. If you don’t find what you like, let me know. I’ve checked out other reliable places and I’ll send you other links... I need to keep an eye on the budget for this stuff.”

 

“May I ask why? What am I supposed to do with all of this stuff?”

“You know that floor plan you assisted me with?” Kayleigh’s eyes grew big.

“Yes.”

Erik smiled broadly. “I’m having our house built.”

“Our house. Yours and mine?”

 

“We do need a place to live once we’re married. Yes, our house. It’s being built in Henford-on-Bagley. Since you mentioned you fancied a bit of country life. On top of the hill in New Henford. Top of Olde Mille Road or something like that. Here, give me your thumb,” he said. After scrolling through his phone for a moment, he placed her thumb on a pad. “There, now you can get in anytime you like. Bring your father along and show him the house I’m having built for you. As for that date, where shall we go?”

 

Kayleigh selected Pietro’s Bistro over in Oasis Springs.  The couple took a taxi immediately.  It was to be a romantic date, so the two cuddled at their table, only slightly bothered by the other patrons.  

 

They were having so much fun, the couple extended their date, twice. Finally, after sitting outside and across the street, watching the stars, they were accosted by an overly eager fan. She pulled up in her van, jumped out, and began snapping pictures on her phone. This worried the couple.

 

 After this unfortunate encounter, the couple agreed to call it a night. “We do have tests tomorrow.” They returned to the dorm, both smiling from the Legendary date they’d had. 

 

All for now. Thanks for reading!