Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Two
The Shaking of Foundations, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Two Update The call came in the dead of night. Joseph grabbed his cellphone. “This is Joseph Cantrell,” he said. The voice on the ot...
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Lion’s Den, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Two Update
Erik nearly tossed himself out of bed. Come Tuesday morning, he decided he had to resolve the situation between himself and Captain Golden. Getting a quick text from Kayleigh the night before, while it sounded hopeful, he quickly realized he was still mandated to not see her. This was wholly unacceptable. Wyvern Hall was roomy, but not so that they could avoid running into each other. Erik was attracted to Kayleigh in a way he couldn’t comprehend, fully. Were he a moth, she was the flame.
He got up, shaved for the second time this week, and otherwise made himself ready. Then he found himself pondering if he should simply walk down the hill, or ride his bike? Procrastinating wasn’t helpful, he surmised. Taking a deep breath, he hollered, “I’ll be back, I have a meeting.”
He passed a few pedestrians as they made their way up the hill to view the famous house he resided in, nodding and smiling as recognition registered on their faces. “Morning,” he uttered. He would have added a smile, but found he was simply too nervous for such.
He found Captain Drake on the front porch of the only other Victorian house in this city. Erik stood outside of their front gate for a moment, fighting the urge to flee. “May I come in,” he heard himself say.
“Suit yourself,” came Drake Golden’s clipped reply.
“Thank you, sir.” Erik climbed the steps to stand next to the officer. “I wanted very much to apologize for my egregious behavior and to ask if we might start again, sir. I don’t like being public enemy number one.”
“Go, on.”
“I am Erik James Cantrell, and I’m very pleased to meet you.” Erik offered his hand, to which Drake offered a salute. Erik knew better than to salute back.
“I’d like to say I’m pleased to meet you, but we both know that isn’t true.”
“Sir, I like Kayleigh very much. We’re friends. Trust me, please, in no way am I after hurting her. I’ll give you my own head should I ever hurt her. She means so much to me. May I please have your permission to date her? I promise I will guard her virtue at all costs.”
“What your equipment is malfunctioning? You don’t find her attractive?”
“Of course I do, very much. But I have resolved to not share such a gift until I’m married.”
“Huh, you’ve got more grit than I anticipated. What about all the women who throw themselves at you, fawning all over you, asking you to kiss them? How long do you think you can resist?”
“I have found hotel keys in my pocket upon occasion. I’ve never taken anyone up on their offer. I’m sixteen, and yes, I struggle who doesn’t? I firmly believe this is why we fast, as an exercise to resist temptation.”
“You know, Erik, Kayleigh was the smallest of the three. You know she’s a triplet, right?”
“She did mention it, yes. Identical.”
“Yes, she was so very tiny I could hold her in the palm of one hand. We nearly lost her, not once, but twice. She’s a scrapper, that one. Fought for every breath. She was baptized before the others for that very reason. And she’s a very Spiritual young woman. That’s why I look after her so hard. I can’t bear the thought of ever losing her, you see. She’s a rare jewel. A gem.”
“Thank you for that insight, sir. I do appreciate it. And I will reiterate, I will guard her with my very life, if need be. I think I may be falling in love with her, to be quite honest.”
Okay,” Drake said. “You’ve convinced me. But if you break her heart, I’ll send my entire battalion after you, skin you alive. Understood?”
“Aye, sir. And thank you!” I think.
All for now. Thanks for reading!
Eric handled that conversation so well! It really highlights his character.
