Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Two

Erik stepped inside, nodded at his sister and walked toward Kayleigh sitting at the desk by her chosen bunk. “May I interrupt you or is this a bad time?” he asked.

 

Gazing up at him, her eyes smiled. “Your timing is great. I just finished a draft of my term paper, and I could use a break.”

“Hungry? If it’s all right, would you like to plan a date for us?”

“Oh, okay. Let’s go somewhere where we can grab a quick bite to eat, have a drink, maybe, and chat.”

“Sounds good, because I do need to have that chat. I’m so very confused,” Erik added.

 

“Yes, I did promise we would talk about — things.”

 

They headed out of the room, and Erik, seeing the TV room was empty, guided her to just inside. He then presented her with a beautiful red rose. Only bothered a little by his sister’s sudden appearance in the room. “I was just hoping to watch a bit of TV to clear my head,” she said. “I thought you two were going out.”

 

“We are,” Erik said, looking to Kayleigh, “Where to?”

“Hm,” she said. “Oh, I know, how about we go to the Karaoke Bar where we rediscovered each other? We can grab a bite to eat, have a drink, and talk.”

 

“Sounds good. Are you ready to go, now?”

“Yes, if we wait too much longer, our studies will have to be put aside. I don’t think I can do two late nights in a row.”

"Me, either,” Erik said, turning to Brianna, he said, “Bree, do me a favor and let our brothers know Kayleigh and I are going out for a bit. We’ll be back before too long.”

 

“Oh, that’s right, it’s Love Day. Have subdued fun, given the Holy day that it is.”

“Well, you just made certain of that, didn’t you.” Looking over at Kayleigh, he said, “I keep forgetting she spent time at the Vulcan Temple.”

“Wow, I didn’t know that. Why?” Kayleigh suddenly said.

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

The two took a taxi to NewCrest. They got a seat at the bar and began their date. Laughing and talking, Erik ordered them up each a glass of Van Haute Estate Meloire which as it turned out Kayleigh liked, too.

They sat at the bar, briefly, when Erik said, “I’m dying to know how you got your father to relent. That one phone call to me after he left my house made you sound so defeated.”

"I was. His attitude was the same for much of the week. I finally cornered him and told him my deal was still on the table and that he should do me the courtesy of saying Yay or nay to my face, instead of how he stormed out of my room. I only had that day to register for my classes. Oddly, he blinked and then said, ‘go ahead and register. But if you two screw up again, I would be pulled from the university so fast my head would spin.’”

 

“So, we have rules to abide by? Is that it?”

“Oh, yes. Daddy is daddy. I don’t ever expect him to change. He fully believes that since my parents were crowned during their wedding, that he is the King of his Household. "

“He’s a very interesting person, you father. Very literal. Yes, the husband is the head of the household, but the wife is also a general. They are to discuss things, agree, and then he gives the direction the family is supposed to take. Can’t have two generals shouting out orders, after all, that would really get confusing.”

 

“Don’t I know it.” Kayleigh took a sip of her Meloire. “I have to keep my grades up at all costs, and I’m not to become distracted by your fame. One more photo and it’s bye-bye Britechester-U for me. He’ll yank me out.”

“Understood,” Erik said, nodding. 

“So,” Kayleigh said, “how was your day? And my goodness does this drink give me a funny sense of euphoria. Does it do that you, too?”

 

The two talked of a variety of topics, getting to know each other, which is what Kayleigh hoped to achieve when she set the date up. Needless to say, they had a great date. Legendary. Laughing, hugging, kissing, and discussing deep thoughts; their attraction for each other only grew. Erik knew she was the One. Kayleigh was beginning to realize she wanted and needed Erik in her life.

 

“How’s your drink, do you need another one?”

“No, I think I’m good."

Before too long, Erik got a worried look. “I don’t believe it,” he said.

“Believe what?”

“Don’t look now, but to your left is my mom.”

“What? Do you think she’s been sent to spy on us?”

“I doubt it, how would she know we went out, or where we came?”

“Stranger things have occurred. I don’t put anything passed my father. It’s like he has his ways, you know?”

“The way my mother stood up to him the other night, I highly doubt he could make her an ally so easily. But I think a change of venue just may be in order? What do you say?”

“Sure, where to?”

 

“Back to the dorm, that way we can study together, at least.”

“Okay, that sounds good. I have the rest of my book work, still."

 

When the two headed for the door, they were surprised that Louise was already there.”

“Mom?”

"Oh,” Louise said, “how long have you two been here?”

“For a little longer than you sat two chairs down from us at the bar,” Erik said. “I love you, but Mom, we’re both old enough to be in university, I think we should be allowed a moment alone when we go out. Which, by the way, I have permission from Captain Golden to date his daughter. Yes,” he said when she gave him a surprised expression. “I had a serious discussion with the man last Monday. We got it all hammered out, so to speak. I’ll only be skinned by his battalion if I hurt Kayleigh in any way. So, you see? It’s all good.”

“I’m calling your grandfather . . .”

“No, Mom, please. We’ve got it handled.”

 

 

More to come . . .