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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A Big Deal, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Two Update [Final Part Two]
Erik slept for a good eleven hours before he emerged from the room he shared with his brothers. The others had already launched into various pursuits. All of the pre-Term prep completed, Kayleigh and Erik’s siblings enjoyed a game of Sabacc. Erik, his shoulder-length hair askew in many different directions, stuck his head into the room momentarily to greet them with the Holy day’s greeting, to which they all responded, accordingly. “Is there any coffee, by chance?” he asked.
“I’ll make a new pot,” Kayleigh offered, getting up.
“Thanks, I’d like that,” Erik said, as he disappeared into the bathroom. A few minutes later, looking far more like himself, his thick hair tamed once again, Erik grabbed a fresh cup of the special blend of coffee. Taking a sip, “This is great, thanks.”
The late afternoon air was warm for once. He invited Kayleigh to sit out on the front balcony bench to observe the clouds. “Something on your mind?” She asked after several quiet moments passed. Watching him carefully she said, “Would you like to talk about it?” More silence ensued before he said,
“What do you do when you find yourself at a crossroads?”
Kayleigh could tell by the sound of his voice, he was serious. “Crossroads? I don’t know what you mean.”
“How do you know when what you’ve desired for your whole life and is now unfolding before you, is the right path? That you haven’t made a serious mistake. A miscalculation?”
“Erik?” she said, gazing earnestly into his troubled face. “I thought being a musician is what you’ve always wanted to be, so what, exactly is the problem?”
“I love writing and playing my music for others, I enjoy performing, but this whole fame thing. The expectations others have put on me. I . . . I just don’t know about it.”
“Oh, honey, I was afraid this would happen. My father has infected you. There is nothing wrong with what you do. In fact, you have a God-given Gift, and I’m pretty certain that which God gives us, we’re supposed to share— So long as you don’t lose your head over it. So far you haven’t. When you win tonight, just know it’s your Gift that’s being honored. You are merely the vessel. Sorry if I sound preachy.”
“Those sharing this nomination are better than me. I stand in awe of what they do.”
“No, they’re not, that’s where you’re wrong. I admit you’re in very good company with the other nominees, true enough. They’re each very good in their own right, but there is something intangible about what you do that gives you an edge over them. Please don’t ever sell yourself short. I don’t know what it is, I just know your music speaks to my soul. I’m guessing others feel it, too.”
With that Erik perked right up. He even smiled. “See? This is why I love you,” Erik said, as he got off of the bench. “I have to get ready. It’s nearly five.”
For a long moment Kayleigh sat out on the bench. Had he just declared himself to her? Did she hear him right? Flooded with her own emotions, tears stabbed at her eyes. She stayed out on the balcony for a while longer, until she could come to grips with herself. Since he’d already said it, dare she speak her heart, too? After a time, she got up and changed her clothing into something that suited the warmth of the late afternoon.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Once Erik was all ready to go, he sought out Kayleigh once more. Taking her by the hand, and the waist, he held her, gazing into her eyes. He had it in mind to give her a suave kiss, when she suddenly said, “You’re shaking, are you okay? When did you eat last?”
“The Feast, last night. I can’t eat before these things —”
“I don’t like to see you in knots over this. Were you like this the first time?”
“Yeah, I’m afraid so. It’s far easier to sing before millions, than to speak before a large group,” Erik said.
“Do you have your speech?” She said. Erik let her go, reached into his jacket, a look of terror on his face.
“I forgot to write it!”
“It’s okay, Erik, just breathe.”
“Why don’t you come along? Just knowing you’re there . . .”
“That would be fatal, I’m afraid, and we both know it. Honey, you’ve got this. Listen to me, it’s okay, you’ve got this,” she said, gazing into his eyes. “Just speak from here,” she said, placing her hand over his chest. “That’s where the music and lyrics come from, trust me.”
“I don’t think it’s deserved, not by me. I stand in awe of the other four nominees.”
“Oh, no? All three of your albums have soared to the top in sales. We’re talking Gold-pressed Latinum. Feast on that one for a moment. Now, go get ‘em, Tiger.” Erik kissed her quick and stepped into the turbo-lift. From there he beamed himself over to Del Sol Valley.
Breathing slowly and evenly, he could use a Mindful Walk about now. Sadly, there was no time. So, letting out his breath quietly, he made his way up the very long staircase. This will have to do. Breath, Captain, breathe.
As he ascended and walked through the double glass doors, he found the next staircase just on the right. With Kayleigh’s reassuring words in his head, he squared his shoulders and took them one step at a time until he was finally at the top. Just stay focused.
Once in the room set up for the awards, Erik noticed how different it looked. There was still a stage behind a railing, but behind it were all kinds of trophies. Already the evening took on a different tone. Feeling the presence of his mother, if only imagined, and Kayleigh, too, he found a seat. His private torture descended to his belly, and he prayed he wouldn’t be sick.
Finally, all five nominees were listed. “And the winner for Best New Artist of the Year, 2275, is,” The Host tore at the stubborn envelope until the card inside slipped out and flitted to the stage floor. Gracefully, Megumi Ito retrieved it. Smiled, blushed and then read the results. “This year's recipient is none other than Erik Cantrell Congratulations!”
Standing up Erik gripped the hem of his jacket, giving it a tug to straighten it, then made his way through the roped off walkway that led to the small stage. Taking up the Accolade, he stood, eyes closed trying to center himself.
To You, O Lord.
“I am a vessel,” he quietly began. Clearing his throat, he spoke a tad louder, “I am honored to be counted among such talent as the other four nominees.”
“Forgive me, if I get all human on you. I grew up on Vulcan where a show of emotion is considered in poor taste. Sincerely, this is something I never even fantasized about. I am overwhelmed, humbled and oh, so very thankful for the chance to share my music the way I do. That’s what I want to do, write my songs and share them with all of you. I consider it a privilege to do so.”
“It is my hope I can live up to this auspicious honor, bestowed upon me this evening. Thank you to my wonderful Fans, whose constant support has raised me to this position. To my wonderful parents who did their utmost to nurture the talent they perceived in me. To my many siblings who put up with me, all of those years while I was discovering the guitar, piano but most especially the violin. I do believe I owe each of them a new set of eardrums. I do feel fortunate they each still talk to me.”
“Last but by no means, least, I want to thank the Starlight Academy for the nomination, the Committee for their votes. Taygeta Studios and Orion Entertainment, Limited, whose promotional concerts helps boost my record sales. One thing I have learned in this short time, is the artist isn’t alone. So many and so much goes into each song. Each album. I, by no means, stand here alone. This is for all on Team Erik. Most especially for a certain girl who is my rock. She knows who she is. Thank you, and good night.”
This is the end of Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Two. Stay tuned for Part Three.
All for now. Thank you for reading!
It was a very lovely acceptance speech 🙂 Congratulations to Erik on winning the award. Kayleigh is a very encouraging and caring support to him. They are a lovely couple.
Thank you so much. I have told the story about how the Sim, I renamed Kayleigh Golden, came into Erik's life. She was a walk-by Sim. The kind that doesn't get regenerated with a new game save. I quickly added her to his household in order to keep her. He has never connected with another Sim like he has her. She's a keeper, for certain.
Aw love Kayleigh being supportive as always, but its sweet to see ☺️ Congrats on the win Erik, no problems with showing emotion here 😁
Thank you so much.
Sorry for being late.. bit eyetroubles.
Oh the Gala lounge looks great! And congrats for the win 🤩
No worries, I consider the days I can actually see clearly to be good days. I feel your pain. I didn't design the lounge. I wanted a different PBP Studios Lounge than the one I had chosen, found this, instead. Then I went back to the other one . . . I had it in my head the venues had to be different, but then decided to allow it to be Starlight Accolades, since I found no good way to hand out something else. The four highest music awards: Song of the Year; Best New Artist; Best Record: Best Album will be the first Sundays of Spring, Summer; Fall and Winter. I may just have the first Sundays be for the normal Best Song, for Music. I'm not in my game, currently, to give you the name of who built that venue. I shall try to get back to you on that.
