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Seasoned Ace

26 days ago

Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three

Term Limits, a Cantrell: The Early Years Part Three Update

When Erik crawled out of bed early Friday morning, he was immediately aware his case of nerves had set in. Yes, this was the last day of his first term in university, and thankfully, he found his rhythm and was able to balance his career with his studies. He was never one to suffer test-anxiety, so he ruled that out right away. No, this was the looming Award Show. He hit the music scene running and was now riding this cataclysmic storm surge of success, fearing he would abruptly hit a wall. All Things Worthy was one of the finest pieces he had ever written. Pulled from his third album for recognition, this award wasn’t his alone.

Once again, he managed to draw a nomination for one of the most prestigious awards; Record of the Year which as it turned out was different from Song of the Year. Only the songwriter is recognized for the latter. On the other hand, a whole bevy of people shared in Record of the Year. He really hoped somebody would explain the difference to him, at some point. For now, he had just enough time to hit the shower and get ready for his first class. This was the last day of the term, for which he was grateful. Erik also had it in mind to go out to eat when all had finished up for the day. Pizza. Pizza sounded good to him. That and a nice glass or two of Von Haute Estate Meloire.

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

Last night, the group, taking a much-needed break, enjoyed the Spice Festival. Willing to try new things, Erik quickly discovered overly spicy-hot foods wasn’t something he liked straight out. Brianna and Joey, however, did quite well with the heat. While the others preferred the entertainment, staying at the picnic table to listen to the gal busking, Erik and Kayleigh headed over to a nearby bench to enjoy each other’s company.

Spending as much time together as possible, they were getting to know each other very well. He fully rued his previous missed moments, wanting very much to disclose to her, just how he felt. Sharing the bench with her, time passed way too quickly. Suddenly, they were no longer alone as the others suggested they all head back. Sadly, the moment was gone. Once again spoiled as if his siblings were running interference. That thought was troubling.

He also had the distinct impression, when Kayleigh leaned into him, she had something intimate to say to him, too. Consumed with the delicate, sweet fragrance of her, as if the scent lingered in his nostrils, he found himself smiling.

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

Before long Wyvern Hall was bustling with activity, pulling Erik out of his introspection, quickly wiping the smile off of his face, lest some believed him daffy. Erik stood back and watched. A couple of students lamented oversleeping and ran around trying to grab a quick bite to eat. While there were four sinks in the joint-bathroom, there were only two showers. Erik was gratified he was up early enough to take a Soothing shower. With amusement, he sipped at his cup of coffee, observing the frenzy going on before his eyes. Draining the cup, he bid adieu to the others as he headed off to class. Today, he had two final tests. The morning was sticky hot, the sky overcast gray.

Turning in his homework, Erik left his first class, stepping outside finding he wasn’t alone. Paparazzi all but surrounded him. Smiling, he greeted them. “Morning, or is it now afternoon? Hard to say, the sun is busy playing hide and seek with the cloud-coverage.” Checking his phone for the time, he smiled again, making his excuses to the press that kept him front and center.

“Sorry, I have to get to my last class and sit another test. Thank you,” he said. Scooting into his class just as the test was initiated, Erik let go of the breath he had been holding. The air-conditioning in this room felt as if it was on high. Erik quickly changed into jeans, so he could concentrate. The Professor dismissed the students as they turned in their test papers and their homework. Erik again found himself standing in the heat. He drew out his Strad and bow and began playing with emotion. Music had a way of soothing his soul. Which he needed at this time.

So much on his mind, he knew he needed to share with Kayleigh just how he felt about her. He may only be seventeen, and she sixteen, but he knew what he wanted. Dreaming about it without knowing her innermost feelings, however, was a bit moot. Had he told her last evening, when he had the chance . . . Knowing full well, he feared letting on just how deeply he felt for her, since they were on a strict mandate to not let it out, they were an item. He had told her father they weren’t going steady, which was true then and still true now. A lot can happen in a year. The captain’s orders had him hamstrung. Once they were adults, all bets were off.

After a time, Erik realized the girl sitting on a bench across the way was Kayleigh. Jogging over to join her they watched the clouds, which were finally dispersing. “And we, again, find ourselves sitting on a bench. Cloud-gazing,” Erik said.

“I can think of no one better to share my bench,” she said. “Hey, you’re awfully tense. Mind if I give you a quick massage?”

“Thank you, that felt great,” he said after a time. Taking her hands, he gazed at her and said, “There is something I wanted very much to say to you last night,” he began, when suddenly Brianna rushed over and plopped herself down next to Erik. “Hold that thought,” Erik said, turning to his sister, not seeing that Kayleigh reached up and wrapped her fingers around the phantom thought. Once again, a moment was lost. Erik swallowed his sigh. Trust the timing.

“You may wish to know that I ran into Mrs. Captain Golden, just now,” Brianna said. “I would cool it, if I were you, lest you bring undue attention on yourselves. Kayleigh, she was looking for you.”

“Here, trade places with Erik,” Brianna said. “That way we just look like the three of us are just sitting together on a bench.”

“Thanks, Bree, you’re a real friend.”

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

After the final classes were dismissed, and a quick change of clothes, all five headed over to Brindleton Bay. Next door to Millie’s Café was the Old Oak Alcove Pizzeria. They were given a six top right away. Erik ordered up the Meloire and pizza. One by one, their phones pinged. Excitedly they answered to find out each of them had straight A+s. A collective sigh of relief rippled like a wave as it spread around the table. Quickly, each signed up for the second term. As Erik tended to his fans, and the Paparazzi the others had a lively discussion.

After a nice meal, each enjoying this moment to unwind, they paid their tab and then returned to the dorm. Once again there was pre-term prep to be done. They all ended up in the girls’ room.

Feeling the frustration of at least two lost moments, and likely more, Erik admitted, he went out of the room to work on his presentation board. Kayleigh followed him. “Are those hard to do?” She asked. “I haven’t had one, yet.”

“Not really,” he said. “You just need a reasonable knowledge of the subject matter and go from there.” Walking away from his board, a bit, he took her hand and gave her a suave kiss.

Standing quite close to her, he gazed deeply into her eyes. Screwing up his courage, he murmured, “I’m in love you, you know.”

All for now. Thanks for reading.

GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
3 days ago
A Tearful Farewell, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three Update (Final, Part Three)

Erik’s sleep was intermittent. His senses informed him that although Kayleigh seemed okay when she left the café, her father picking her up, all wasn’t as right as he hoped. Taking his bags to the spaceport, he left them informing the pilot of the private spacejet to standby he had some unfinished business to attend. He was given an hour before the pilot would leave him basically stranded. You postpone one event, they decide to cancel it and now I’m considered one of those spoiled brat celebrities, sheesh. I don’t need a keeper, thank you very much.

Shaking his head he walked off, taking a cab back to Del Sol Valley. Knocking on the front door of her father’s house, Erik prayed he wouldn’t be confronted by the Captain, remembering his words about being skinned alive should he ever hurt Kayleigh. This hurt was strictly unintentional. Collateral damage, which didn’t excuse it by any means. I am bungling this from all sides.

Instead, he was met by the triplet wall, minus one. Regina pulled open the door effectively blocking his entrance, inward, as she stepped out onto the porch. The air was cool on both sides of this door. Erik fought from shivering. “May I come in?” he asked.

“I don’t think she wants to see you,” Regina began. “Just what did you do to her? And you are so very lucky Daddy left for his deployed early this morning.”
Hayleigh cast a quick glance at Regina and said, "She cried all night long. Even my pillow got wet! Have you ever tried to sleep on a wet pillow?” Erik stood there nonplused, just shaking his head. He attempted to speak up in his defense, but found they simply talked right over him, drowning him out.

“I’m not even certain she slept,” Regina said. “Or if she did, she woke up sobbing.” Erik bowed his head, cleared his throat before he spoke.
“If I may get a word in edgeways . . .”
Sure, go ahead. Plead your case,” Regina offered, her hand gestures dismissing him in so many ways.
“I told her I was leaving on a World Tour after graduation. That I was going to do it the old-fashioned way as in staying there until the concerts were fulfilled, instead of the constant beaming back an forth.”
“Why?” Regina asked.
Erik bowed his head, again, “I don’t much care for having my molecules scrambled that much. I mean, does anybody know the long-range damage this can do to a person? Any studies out there?”
“So,” Hayleigh chimed in, “despite the fact you’re breaking her heart by doing so, you’re still going?” She, too, managed to dismiss him with gestures. Uncanny, all three are so alike, it's scary.
Here Erik’s face flushed in his sudden ire. “I don’t have much of a choice. This tour was scheduled for early spring 2275. I had already registered for my first term at Britechester-U, something I did not want to do, by the way. My father’s idea. I asked for a postponement only, but they all decided it best to cancel, which left me having to pay the vendors out of my own pocket for revenue lost by the cancellation. I feel fleeced by a decision they made. What a dirty business this truly is.”
“So,” Kayleigh said suddenly joining them on the porch, “that’s why you told me we had to keep a strict budget for finishing the house. I wondered about that. Let the poor man be,” she said to her sisters, to Regina sudden ire, pushing her way forward.

“Kayleigh, honey, I’m so sorry about all of this. I don’t even want to go. I was excited at first, but not now. If I could stay here I would, but hotels have been booked for my stay, and I fear another fleecing if I change my mind. I guess we learn by doing,” He said, wrapping his arms about her, holding her tight. “And if I don’t get back to the spaceport, my pilot has promised to walk off. I’ll likely have to pay him for that, too. Dang, I hate all of this.”

“It’s all right," Kayleigh said, brushing the renewed tears from her delicate cheeks. "I have decided to be the daughter of a soldier and to just get busy like Mother has always done when Daddy is deployed. Last night I forgot all of that. I never intended for you to know this. I feel like such a weak person, now.”

(Picture Here)

“Mom’s not weak, and we all know she would cry herself to sleep nearly every night when Father’s gone,” Regina said. “Don’t blame yourself.”
“Still does,” Hayleigh said.

“No,” Erik chimed in, “I’m the one who is at fault here. It has been brought to my attention I should have talked to you about all of this upfront. I should have found out if you were okay with my conducting the tour by staying and not beaming in and out. I need to consult with you on anything that jointly impacts our lives. Something I’m not especially adept at.

“I have always been a loner,” he went on. “I dance to my own beat. But I strongly desire to not walk this life alone. Had I talked to you, I could have avoided this, I see that now. I am so very sorry I didn’t. And I vow to you in the presence of these witnesses, I shall work on fixing this about me. If it’s not too late, have I lost you? Please say no.”

(Picture HERE)

A pleasant, melodious noise, similar to kettle drums emanated from Erik’s coat pocket. “I gotta run,” he said, kissing Kayleigh hard. "I’ll send you my schedule so we can plan rendezvous. In the meantime, stay busy; this time will pass before either of us knows it. I love you so very much,” he said, before he broke away to head over to the cab that pulled up to the curb.

(Picture HERE)

“Me, too,” Kayleigh said, as Erik hastened down the front steps. He waved at her as he climbed into the back of the taxi, closing the hatch behind him. With that he was off. Kayleigh sighed. “Who wants to travel to Henford-on-Bagley with me? I have some choices to make, and I more than welcome the company.”

All for now. Thank you for reading! :)

Author's NOTE: Did you know there's a limit as to how many photos we can place? Apparently, I've reached mine. Sadness, I only had two left to add. I even removed one, hoping to make room, and it still won't allow me to place the other one. So, now I'm missing three! Face/palm. I hate it over here, I really do.
- oolonglong
  Seasoned Hotshot
  24 hours ago
  It was good to hear what was going on with Eric. I’m glad he told Kayleigh and recognized his shortcomings. I’m looking forward to the new part.
- Ellupelluellu
  Hero
  2 days ago
  Good that they can talk things thru :)
  
  ps. it's really hard to believe you really have reached 1000 pictures, my bet is on it is a bug. It helped to some who also had the message and only few pics so far posted, that they cleared browser cache. Worth to try!
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    2 days ago
    I will also give that a try. Thank you. If it works, that and/or the using of the Image URL link code, I'll sing out!
- BlueSeaWaves
  Seasoned Ace
  2 days ago
  Erik's backed into a corner with how the business works 😵‍💫 Glad it worked out between them at the end
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    2 days ago
    Me, too.
GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
4 days ago
Graduation, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Update

The last class of the day for each ot them ended. Being a solemn day on the calendar of their faith, they were unsure if they should go out to celebrate, as had been their tradition. The general consensus was to leave the celebration for the next day after graduation. They all piled back into Wyvern Hall, instead. As usual the place was busy. Erik was approached by a Paparazzo who wanted him to give her an exclusive on his upcoming World Tour. Shrugging, smiling he gave her the interview.“Thank you, Erik. So it’s been said that Sunday you catch a flight to Europe to begin your long-awaited World Tour. What are your expectations?”
“I expect it to different. I have never done such a thing before. I will be on my own. I mean, completely on my own for really the very first time in my life. And, yeah, it’s a tad scary. But my fans have always been great. So, thank you.”
Once again cell phones went off. "Excuse me, please, I have to take this." Each of them were happy to learn they had kept pace with their individual GPAs. All A+s again. “Now, that’s the way to finish,” Joey chortled. His prospects of Med school looking really good, having pulled it back together for this last term. Joseph as he was wont to do, stopped into Wyvern Hall to commend the kids on their very fine grades.

“Erik, congratulations on your grades. You will be graduating Magna, with honors. I’m so very proud of you, son, but I have to say your decision not to stay the night with us, vexes your mother greatly. I’m not too pleased about it myself. Why not? You’re going to be gone for quite some time.”
“I figured as much. The fact of the matter is, Midnight services will run well into the wee hours, with the feast afterwards. People are going to want to chat. I have a very long flight in the morning.— It’s just better if I skip the feast and go directly to the hotel, get as much sleep as I can. I have to be up extra early.”
“What about Kayleigh?”
“What about her?
“I think she’s trying to get your attention. Stay focused on what’s important, son.” Erik turned around to see Kayleigh gazing at him.
“Erik,” Kayleigh said, when she finally caught his eye. “Got a minute?” She asked, nodding toward the bathroom. The two headed in, but before they could get the doors locked another student barged her way in.

“What’s up?” Erik said.
“I just wanted to have a little time with you. Midnight services tomorrow, you’re leaving the next day, there’s so little time left. You will be staying for the feast, right?”
Erik gazed at her, drew her into him and held her tight as he whispered, “No.”
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Just after ten in the morning, the four donned their graduation gowns, caps and headed to the auditorium for their graduation ceremony. Relieved to finally be done with the grind, most were in a jubilant mood. Only Kayleigh and Erik seemed unusually quiet. Gathering together in front ot the building, more and more students joined them.
One more for good luck," Kayleigh said. "I'm going to miss you so much."
When all was said and done, the group went back to Wyvern Hall to pack up so that they could move out promptly.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
They met Joseph, Louise and Brianna n Brindleton Bay for a celebratory lunch over at Millie’s Café. As large a group as they were, they were shown to the long table in the back corner, just off of the kitchen. “Oh, we’re all back together again. This feels so good,” Kayleigh said, as she sat down near the end of the table.
All too soon, their time at Britechester-U was ended. Kayleigh’s father picked her up from the cafe. Aaron and Joey went back to Del So Valley with their parents and Erik took a cab to his hotel for the night. “See you in church,” They greeted each other as they pealed away into smaller groups.

All for now. Thanks for reading.
- BlueSeaWaves
  Seasoned Ace
  3 days ago
  Well done with the graduates! That must've been alot of work to make sure they were on top of their work 🙂
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    2 days ago
    Actually, cutting them back to three subjects (four terms) made it easier than what I have done in the past. My strategy is to get them there on a Friday, so they have the weekend to do the prep-work. Once that's done, it's just a matter of keeping up on the daily homework. I look to see who starts on what day, so I can take the first day of the term for my Sims to give their final presentations. or a day when the first class is no earlier than 9:30 AM. The term papers can easily be sent in with a quick click on the computer.
    Erik is the one who has to juggle things the most. Once I get the others doing their work, if he has a concert and/or photoshoot (these are rabbit holes) I can send him to do that and the others are still completing their work. I make sure he's got a record packaged and ready to release for each term. He just has to find a moment either in between classes with a long time in between, or wait until the last class of the day is over to go release an album.
- Ellupelluellu
  Hero
  3 days ago
  Congrats for graduation!
- oolonglong
  Seasoned Hotshot
  4 days ago
  Congrats to all of them for graduating with honors. I will be curious to see how things go with Eric.
GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
6 days ago
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!
- BlueSeaWaves
  Seasoned Ace
  4 days ago
  Better to hear it from him than the tabloids. Even sweeter to hear he's having their home built and is getting her help ☺️ Ah, no moment of privacy to themselves, but they had a legendary date 😃
  Good luck on the tests
- oolonglong
  Seasoned Hotshot
  6 days ago
  It would have been nice to talk to Kayleigh about the tour and how you want to do it before making up your mind. That is a big decision that affects both of you. I can understand Kayleigh’s reaction.
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    5 days ago
    Hey, he's young. I am working on a follow up update, that I hope will show what he's been going through. He's learning as he goes as most of us do. Thanks for reading ad the feedback.
- rosemow
  Hero
  6 days ago
  It will be hard for them to be apart for the year, but the time willl soon go and they have a bright future ahead for them as a couple 🙂Their plans for their new home are exciting for them!
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    5 days ago
    Thank you. He gave her plenty to do to help her with this. I've got another update in the works, regarding this situation.
GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
7 days ago
2276, A Cantrell: The Early Years, Update

Many of the Wyvern Hall residents, those staying on for another term and new arrivals, gathered into the TV room. Before too long the room was all but stuffed. Erik entered a tad late, having seen Brianna off. “Don’t forget to plant one on Kayleigh at midnight,” she admonished.
“Aye-aye, Captain,” Erik joked back. By the time he was back upstairs, finding Kayleigh in the crowd was difficult.
By the time he located her, trying to squeeze through the throng just to stand next to her was nearly impossible. “Hey,” he said, standing next to her at last.
“Hey, did Bree get off okay?”
“Yeah, Dad was waiting for her at the curb.”
“I’m sorry she couldn’t stay long enough for New Year’s Eve.”

“The university has its rules. Graduates have only so many hours to clear out.”
“I suppose that’s to make room for the incoming students.”
Erik nodded. “It’s logical, and before you say it, no asking Dad to bend the rules wouldn’t be fair or right.”
“Sometimes, you’re such a stickler.”
“Would you have me any other way?”

“Oh, it’s midnight,” she said, just as Erik kissed her, long and hard. Frowning at him, once she pulled away, she said, “Just what was that all about? You’ll have them all talking for sure, now.”

“I’m just so very tired of having to keep us under wraps. It’s wearying.”
“Happy New Year, and good night. Church in the morning and you have the Show. Classes on Monday. I still have some prep work to complete.”

“Don’t remind me. I can’t wait until this grind is over. You know I’m only getting this degree to please my father. I already have a very successful career.” Kayleigh kissed him again, “Good night,” she said.
“Um, thank you, Ma’am, may I have another? I could get used to this.”
“Good night,” she said again. “I don’t think either one of us wants to ruin our GPAs, this late in the game.”

Hugging her lovingly, he kissed her on the cheek again. “Good night, my love.” Snickering, he walked down the hall to his room. Come the morning, all four struggled out of bed. The festivities of the night before coming home to roost. They made it to church, thankfully. Kayleigh stood with her family, Erik with his mother and little Adrian. “Wow, look how big you’ve gotten,” Erik said, taking him from his mother. Adrian smiled brightly at his big brother.

Spending some quality time with their families, Erik looked up to see Aaron tapping his wrist chronometer. “Guess it’s about that time,” Erik said, getting up from the table. He finished off the last sip of his coffee, then reaching over he tussled Adrian’s dark red hair. “See you next Sunday.”

Back at Wyvern Hall, the kids settled into finishing up their prep work. Erik hit the submit button on his final term paper, pleased as punch it was done. After he changed into the suit he planned on wearing for tonight, he got straight to work on his last presentation board. Seeing the poor job he’d left it in, he nearly shuddered. “Let’s see how we can fix this,” he muttered to himself.

He got so caught up in his work, time slipped passed him, once again. Happily, Kayleigh was suddenly at his elbow. Normally, it was Brianna who was quick to remind him, knowing him as well as she did. In fact, she had texted Kayleigh. “Go tell Erik, it’s time for him to go.”
“Got a text,” she said. “Oh, that’s looking so good. And it’s time to ‘face the music’ as it were,”
“That time already?”
“Yeah, see?” She showed him the front of her cell phone. “Now, go get ‘em, Tiger and break-a-leg.”

Turning, he blew her a kiss.

Erik stepped into the top room of the PBP Studios Lounge. The lights were already dim. Being the first Sunday of the New Year, he noticed all of the Christmas decorations had been removed. Seemed the Academy was very much into the show business end of things. He took a seat in the first row, on the left and settled in until they got to the Music Category.

Smiling the Host took the microphone and gazed out at the audience. “For bringing such aural beauty to the ears of people around the Galaxy, the Best Song goes to Erik Cantrell for his Early Morning Mist. I swear this guy is supercharged or something. Congratulations!”Erik stood and tugged at the end of his jacket. Taking the stage, he picked up the award and held it high in the air. To You, O Lord.
Smiling, tentatively, he said, “And, here we are again. Seriously, we’re going to have to stop meeting like this, people are getting suspicious.”
“But, seriously, the inspiration behind this piece, the thing that prompted me to write it, was quite simply my very first experience with this phenomenon.”
“No, it’s true. You see, I was born in space on transit to Vulcan where I lived for the first sixteen years of my life. I know, really? I’m all of seventeen, currently. Such an old man, I know. Back to Vulcan. I never actually saw a dewdrop cling to a blade of grass before. Walking to the chicken coop to collect the eggs early one morning I felt the moisture in the very gray sky tickle the skin on my face. A new sensation for me. Hence, a song was born.”
“I would like to thank my fans, whose steadfast devotion keeps me going. My parents, my many siblings, the crew over at Taygeta Studios. My thanks to Orion Entertainment, Limited. And of course, I thank the Starlight Academy for nominating Early Morning Mist for Best Song and to those who voted for it. Good night, All. I have to scoot out of here, I have prep work to complete, hopefully before tomorrow, which is the start of my final term at Britechester-U.”

All for now. Thanks for reading!
- Ellupelluellu
  Hero
  6 days ago
  Happy New Year 2276 to Cantrell clan 🥂
  Congrats for yet another academy win 🤩
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    6 days ago
    Thank you. I couldn't just let him stand at the Big Four --- how could he earn all of that and then suddenly forget how to write a song, right?
- oolonglong
  Seasoned Hotshot
  6 days ago
  Congrats Eric on the award. The end is in sight for Eric, his brothers and Kayleigh!
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    6 days ago
    Thank you. Yes, they are drawing very near the end of the term.
- rosemow
  Hero
  7 days ago
  Congratulations to Erik on winning the award 🙂 It was lovely to read the inspiration behind him writing that song. The outfit that he wore is very nice and goes well with the stage background setting.
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    6 days ago
    Thank you, writing that up, it just seemed right for him to comment on it.
GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
10 days ago
When Things Must Come to an End, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three, Update

Brianna groaned. She had one last term paper to write. Why weren’t the words coming to her? She knew the subject. Getting up, she thought it best to grab a bite to eat from the mini fridge in their dorm. They were long into Advent, so peanut butter and jelly was going to have to suffice. Not her favorite food to be sure. She loathed how the peanut butter got stuck to the roof of her mouth and the bread trapped itself in her teeth. Milk was also banned for now, so she brewed up some tea.

Once she had sated her stomach, she brushed her teeth and got back to work on the dreaded term paper. This time the words began to flow, so quickly her fingers could barely keep up. When she read some of it back, she was both amused and dismayed at how some of the words were a conglomerate of two words. A symptom of her fingers’ apparent inability to keep up with her mind.

At what felt like days, finally her pre-term prep work was complete. This was her last term. She would go back home for a year and then she and her father would take the two-month journey back to Vulcan. One more test before she entered Starfleet Academy. Her future seemed to stare at her from a not-so-distant time.

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

Once classes began, the time flew by, as it had for these past two terms. Enjoying the company of her siblings, she was now wistful over her choice to complete her basic college education in just three accelerated terms. Parted from them for so much of her childhood, she came to realize just what fun they really could be. She would miss them, even more so, this time.

Before any of them knew it, Christmas hit. The dorm was lively, everybody in a party mood. The kids exchanged gifts. They would have gone home but for the fact their parents and baby brother decided to go on a tropical cruise. The kids made the best of it. They were all becoming rather independent to the point they discussed where they were going to live after graduation. Brianna didn’t have this worry. She would be living on base, at Starfleet Academy.

All too soon, the last day of the term arrived. Tests, homework to be handed in, and in general a bit of melancholy. They all felt it. Aaron took it upon himself to be the keeper of the monument down in the Circle.
Brianna’s grades were outstanding as she again had all A+s. She was to graduate Magna on Saturday. For tonight, as per their tradition, the five of them went out to dine.

She wrote up a speech, hoping she wouldn’t have to share her thoughts on graduating and life in the great expansion of the universe. Come Saturday, she rose and got herself ready. Graduation was at ten in the morning. Sadly, she could only invite two guests, as the stadium was only so large. Her parents were there, while the others spent the time doing prep work for their fourth and final term.

There wasn’t but a few hours after her graduation ceremony came to an end. She went back to the dorm to say her goodbyes. “Bree,” Kayleigh hailed as Erik’s sister walked into their room. “I thought you had left without saying goodbye.”
“Now, would I do that to my Bestie? Never.”
“Bree,” Erik said, as Brianna showed him pictures from her phone. “I will reiterate what I told you years ago. If you get into any trouble while at the Temple, you contact me. I’m giving you full permission. I’ll come and fetch you back.”

"Ah, Erik, you're still my favorite. I'm going to miss you the most."

“You’ve all been the greatest. Had I done this on my own, it would have been horribly lonely. I’m going to miss all of you so very much. I will contact you when I get to the Academy and let you know when I can communicate with the outside world. As for the k’Matra, I won’t be allowed to speak of that with Outworlders.”
“We’ll keep in touch,” Kayleigh said, her lip quivering. Reaching around her, Erik gave her a good squeeze.
“It’s all right, Babe, she’s going to be fine.”

All for now. Thanks for reading!
- oolonglong
  Seasoned Hotshot
  9 days ago
  Well done Brianna! It is no surprise that you finished early and with honors. The best part was getting to know you better and seeing you interact with your siblings.
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    8 days ago
    Thank you. Brianna is rather near and dear to my heart. She's my O/C in the Star Trek fanfiction I wrote. Once I finish up the schooling with her siblings and Kayleigh, I will move on to Part Four, which will be Brianna's experiences, primarily. (I've been careful to set up two separate saves, taking a copy of the pre-patch backup, so I can keep track, of both sides of the family, without messing up the time that never stops.)
- Ellupelluellu
  Hero
  9 days ago
  Congrats to Brianna 🤩
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    9 days ago
    Thank you.
- BlueSeaWaves
  Seasoned Ace
  9 days ago
  Congratulations Brianna 😃
  Good luck with the effort Aaron
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    9 days ago
    Thank you. The boys know well how to clean, having filled in for their mother during her bouts with sanity.
GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
14 days ago
The Never-ending Weekend, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three Update

Erik consulted his suddenly overloaded schedule. Sneaking off campus after his last class, he gave a concert, then headed over to Taygeta Studios to release his fifth album. The guys were all quick to clap him on the back over his latest nomination. Album of the Year. Grabbing a few hours of shut eye, he was quick to rise and conquer this last day of the second term. He was fast aware he had stepped outside of the time-continuum, as his life was on a full-tilt schedule, screaming along the rails of existence. Even their terms at university were accelerated. Five days per term, who does that to themselves?

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

After the last class of the day, the kids kept up the newly developed tradition of dining out. They went over to Willow Creek to Val’s Bar & Grille. There they got a table before the crowd followed.
Once again, just as their food was arriving, phones went off. Aaron, Erik, Kayleigh and Brianna all got A+s again. Joey, who managed to be late to class, came in with three A+s and one B, giving him a GPA of A. Not bad, but he fully regretted not checking in with the professor for that one class to make it up. Quickly, they signed up for a third term.

Saturday, they all turned their energy toward the pre-term work, seeking to get as much done as was humanly possible. Not forgetting the prom that evening. They danced, they ate, they voted, they chatted and had fun.
The evening was a long one. Erik was near exhaustion but rallied and got all of his work done. Slipping into bed, his mind raced. Tomorrow was make or break, for him. Church and then the Award Show. The competitive side of him wanted that fourth award, while the other side of him feared this would end his career. What would he do then? That’s when his father’s words came back to haunt him, about having a degree to fall back upon. . . and with that he slipped off to a fitful sleep. His ‘demons’ torturing him most of the night.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Come the morning, they all scurried off to church. Kayleigh stood with her family. Erik noticed she played with the chain around her neck, the ring safely tucked inside of her blouse. Back at the dorm, afterwards Erik, Kayleigh and Brianna sat in the TV room, watching a movie, hoping this would quell Erik’s anxiety, at least for the length of the movie. At last the time came. Erik got himself ready. Remarkably calm, Kayleigh worried for him. “Wow, look at you. I like your choice of suit. Gives you a dapper look,” she said. Then gazing deeply into his eyes, said, “Hey, are you okay? You almost seem too calm.” To which Erik shrugged.
“Win or lose, either way it matters little. If I win, I could very well lose. If I lose, I will have one less trophy to polish, right? The upside is I still have you. That’s all that matters. You and me. Thank you for accepting my ring,” he whispered

“Erik,” she said, “You will always have me. I keep telling you, you’re stuck with me.” This got him to smile.
“Thank God for Superglue,” he said and then laughed, as he hugged her tight.

“You better shuffle off to Buffalo, lest you be late,” Brianna said. “It’s already 5:57.”
“Gads, I gotta go,” he said, giving Kayleigh a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Break-a-leg, Babe.”

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

Louise was in the audience, Erik noticed upon arriving on the top floor. In the back corner was a Christmas tree. Here and there a few scattered wreaths and boughs, as well. As he settled into a seat near the front, he did his best to appear serene, while his stomach suddenly did flip-flops.Gavin Driver took the microphone. “Tonight, we hand out the fourth of the General Category Awards. The Big Award, as it’s called. Much like Record of the Year, Album of the Year honors artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales, chart position, or critical reception.”
“The following have received this most prestigious of all nominations, Thorne Bailey, for his Dreams of Dreams; Erik Cantrell for his Notecards From the Edge; Sally Laurence for her A Bridesmaid Too Many; Manny Charles for his Nightworks; and finally, Catherine Gracie for her Rose Petals In My Tea.”

Tearing open the envelope, he read the card, then began to clap his hands, and said, “Tonight, we make history! Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s a Clean Sweep. The youngest ever recipient, at seventeen, to do so is Erik Cantrell, for his Notecards From the Edge! Congratulations, young man.”
“I am overwhelmed and grateful for this outstanding and unbelievable recognition. Again, I want to say thank you to my team over at Taygeta Studios. Ryan Ricks, my Record Producer; Toby Gleason, my Recording Engineer; Michael Perry and Richard Foreman, two of the very best Music Mixers that ever lived.”
“Please forgive me, I have to run. My Third term begins tomorrow. Good night, All.”
All for now. Thanks for reading.
- BlueSeaWaves
  Seasoned Ace
  13 days ago
  Congrats on them both winning Prom Queen and Jester 😃 They both looked great in their matching outfits too.
  Congrats on the win Erik, but it's important for him to know should he not win one day it doesn't mean the end. Winning constantly can make some comfortable and it provides a way to work harder. There are more awards to win
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    13 days ago
    He was actually fearful that this win would end his career, not the loss. He's got a lot of teenage emotions going on right now. Nearly losing Kayleigh did a number on him.
- oolonglong
  Seasoned Hotshot
  13 days ago
  Congrats Eric and hang in there. It’s important to enjoy the moments of your life and not to rush through them!
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    13 days ago
    Erik says thank you. He'll keep your advice in mind. 🙂
- rosemow
  Hero
  14 days ago
  Congratulations to Erik winning the award and also to them all for their great A + study grades 🙂The prom pictures are lovely and it is great that Kayleigh was prom queen.
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    13 days ago
    The Prom royalty is so random. I'm just happy they both won. Made it fun.
GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
16 days 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.”

All for now, thanks for reading!
- Ellupelluellu
  Hero
  15 days ago
  Awww, cute moments with the ring 💗
  Also I loved that dinner at parents, nice fest 🤩
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    14 days ago
    Thank you. I normally send the kids over to dine on campus, but since the parents expect them every Sunday at church, it seemed fitting Thanksgiving should be celebrated together, as well. Kayleigh's mother has appeared on campus only once, and Drake called Kayleigh exactly once. Wondering what's up with that? LOL
- BlueSeaWaves
  Seasoned Ace
  15 days ago
  Glad the past is behind them,aw the promise rings ❤️ Don't worry Erik, she won't dump you, just don't do all that again 😵‍💫
- oolonglong
  Seasoned Hotshot
  16 days ago
  It’s so wonderful to see them both on the same page again. They so support and encourage each other so naturally when they aren’t caught in their head. I hope Kayleigh’s father doesn’t try and ruin it!
GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
21 days ago
My heartfelt thanks to all of your for your feedback!
GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
22 days ago
The Sweetheart’s Box, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three Update

All was quiet, the lights off but for the entry way, by the time Erik returned. Immediately, Brianna came out of her room, walked down the hallway and upon her return, said, “Why are you so dang late? And don’t you dare say the Show ran long. We all watched it. She’s been waiting up all evening just to talk to you. Give her the courtesy of a conversation.” With a nod of her head, she said, “She’s just down the hall in the alcove.” Taking two steps back his hands raised, palms toward his sister, I may have labeled the wrong person Dragon Lady, ow.

“Mother, may I change my clothes, at least?”
“Just be quick about it. Don’t make things worse than they already are.” Shaking her head Brianna disappeared into her room. “Men,” he heard her exclaim.

Properly admonished, Erik quickly changed out of his suit, into more casual clothing. He walked down the corridor, past the Snack/Beverage bar. Seeing Kayleigh sitting there, wrenched his stomach. Pain mingled with his still strong feelings for her. He felt another song coming on but brushed it aside. She was just too important, right now. I love you, Kay-Kay. He took the armchair, folded his hands in his lap and gazed at her.

Battered and bruised, emotionally, all he wished to do was to roll back to Friday, if he could. As he redid the scenario is his mind, the words she said to him just before he left for the Show would have come tumbling out of her mouth as she hugged his neck. All would be well. However, he did not own a starship that could greatly accelerate as it warped around the sun, rolling back time. He sat, waiting, instead. The silence was deafening.

Clearing his throat, he began, being mindful to keep his voice low, so as not to awaken anyone. The corner was reasonably private. “We’ve talked about what we both want out of life,” he said. Kayleigh nodded. “I got the definite impression we wanted many of the same things. So, I gotta know, or we can’t go forward. It’s as simple as that. You see, I told you how I feel based on those conversations having an inkling you felt the same way about me. Instead, you greeted me with silence. Your actions bely your words. So, I have to ask. Was any of it real?”

“Erik, please . . .” Kayleigh began to sob, her delicate face awash in her tears.

“Do you really love me, as you say now, or am I just a trophy for you? A status symbol, as it were.” Then he let out a heavy sigh. “I had thought, since we met ever so briefly as children, you would see me for me and not what others may imagine I am. I’m just not interested in that kind of shallow affection. I can get that from any number of my fangirls, and you know it.”

“Some of the fanboys, too.” Kayleigh whispered hoarsely. She scrubbed the tears from her face, and said, "I hurt you and I’m so very sorry. I didn’t mean to, not even for a minute,” she said, at long last, doing her best to squelch the endless stream of her pain. “Your plans scare me. You make your lists and mark things off as you achieve them. Are you really that mechanical? The lyrics in your songs say otherwise. You’re very deep. I don’t know . . . The love I feel for you is very real, since I was eleven.”

Glancing down at his folded hands, he said, “The only grandfather I have ever known is an admiral in Starfleet Command. He taught me the value of setting goals, writing them down, and to work hard to accomplish them. So far, it’s brought me a modicum of success.”

“But what about love?”

Erik lifted his head to gaze directly into her eyes. “Oh, that one comes directly from the heart. On the cerebral side, I’m also learning it’s not only volatile it’s also uncertain and fragile. It can be killed. Please don’t murder what’s left of what I feel for you.”

Shaking her head in denial, she said, “I didn’t realize I’d pushed you to the brink, I’m so sorry,” At this, Kayleigh stood up, took him by the hand and led him toward the now empty study/game room. “Share my Romance Box?”
“Uh, I thought we both agreed to wait until marriage . . .”
“We did, Silly. I’m talking about chocolates. I’m told you have a penchant for chocolate, particularly in truffle form.”
“You were told right. I do,”
Taking out the box, Kayleigh offered it to him. “Oh, I get it. I’ve seen this in movies,” he said, taking one out to feed to her.”

“You’re turn,” she said, “now open wide.”

“Oops, Erik, you’re not supposed to let it drop like that.” Kayleigh frowned.
“I didn’t, you have to get it into my mouth, at least.”
“So, are we good?” she asked. “Are we okay, still an us? Please say yes.”
“If I can have one of those we are,” Erik said, grabbing one and popping it into his own mouth. “Um, pure decadence.”
“I love you so much,” she said, kissing him on the cheek. “I still need to know, what do we do now?”
“Do?” Erik looked perplexed for a moment, “Well, I can’t ask you to go steady, if that’s what you mean.”
“What, why not? You want me to see others?”

“That’s not at all what I said. You father is vehemently opposed to our going steady, is all. And that’s a problem.” Give me a minute to work on it.

Kayleigh groaned, “I am sick to death of his incessant meddling. I won’t be controlled. I won’t. This is my life. Do your parents tell you what and how to do it, for just about everything?

“No, actually, my mother is on the bohemian side, a free spirit, if you will. She very much wants us to become who we are, if that makes any kind of sense to you.”
“Oh, so you never had the urge to run away and stay away forever?"
“Not until Friday night. I just could never sort out where to go. People know my face.”
“Oh, Erik, I really did hurt you. I’m so very sorry. Forgive me?”

“Of course, come here. I love you so much,” he said, pulling her into a warm hug.
“I’m proud of us for working through this thing, together and quite on our own,” Kayleigh said. “I could get used to this independence thing.”
“Yeah, that’s a healthy relationship. I think we’re going to be okay.”
“I love you.”
“Me, too. Good night. Classes begin in the morning.”

Kayleigh was quick to pick up the little paper cups the truffles sat in. She tossed them into the incinerator trash can, so none would be the wiser. No rumor mill, here, nor so much as a snippet of evidence. Not on my Watch.

All for now. Thanks for reading!
- Ellupelluellu
  Hero
  21 days ago
  GalacticGal wrote:
  “Uh, I thought we both agreed to wait until marriage . . .”
  
  “We did, Silly. I’m talking about chocolates. I’m told you have a penchant for chocolate, particularly in truffle form.”
  LOL, that mad me giggle 😋 Glad they sorted it out. Still , Erik, Im not a fan of yours right now , better shape up in future 😉
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    20 days ago
    Erik is just a sensitive person. It's part and parcel of his creativity. I hope you can forgive that fact that he's not perfect, by any stretch.
- BlueSeaWaves
  Seasoned Ace
  22 days ago
  So happy they talked, Sisters always there to fix things 😅 lol the chocolate truffle falling is perfect 😆
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    21 days ago
    This was my very first interaction with the Romance Box. LOL I didn't know what to expect. Her dropping it was hysterical. Makes me wonder if that's always the case.
- oolonglong
  Seasoned Hotshot
  22 days ago
  I’m so glad that they had this talk. I really feel that if Brianna hadn’t spoken to Eric first, he would still be stuck in his This allowed both Eric and Kayleigh to understand and feel some of what their partner was feeling.
GalacticGal
Seasoned Ace
23 days ago
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.
- BlueSeaWaves
  Seasoned Ace
  22 days ago
  Hope he listens to the mixologist, don't ruin what you got Erik 🥲
- rosemow
  Hero
  23 days ago
  I do hope that he will able to work through what he is feeling and that it will turn out well. This time may be what they both needed to realise their love for each other, and to help in their relationship ahead.
  It was great that Joseph was the guest host for the awards 🙂
  - GalacticGal
    Seasoned Ace
    17 days ago
    The Host is a random selection, I was rather pleased when I saw Erik's father show up for it. His mother was also in the audience. So nice for him.