Cantrell: The Early Years
And So We Moved, a Cantrell: The Early Years Save “Lulu,” Joseph said. Seeing her frown at his chosen nickname for her, he began again, gently taking her by the shoulders. “Louise, I know you’re in ...
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Louise’s Descent, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Chapter ten
Louise found the absence of her youngest child unbearable. She spent much of her time painting as if she were on a strict commission and must get the paintings finished and sent off, yesterday. She hardly spoke to anyone; when she did it was in a sudden outburst of rage. A dirty sock left out of the washing machine, in error, was often something that set her off. Pretty soon, her sons, who had taken over such chores, scattered. “Erik, aren’t you going to find your brothers?”
“No, Mom, I think I’ll stay here and be with you, if that’s okay. May I give you a hug?”
Tears stood in her blue eyes. Erik struggled with his own emotions finally realizing what his sister had said to him. He had to find a way to stem the tide. Louise gave a weak smile and bent to hug him.
“Are you getting taller?” She said.
Erik shrugged, a small smirk on his face, “Maybe. Are you going to be all right? Is there something you need me to do?"
“Oh, son. You just continue being you.”
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
At other times, she found herself roaming the house randomly. Always to end up in the now vacant bedroom Brianna shared with her nanny. The room was kept exactly as it was left. Surprisingly as neat as a pin. In this manner, Brianna was very much like her mother. A place for everything, and everything in its place. Looking around she realized they should have changed out the wallpaper, at least. The decor was that of a baby’s.
Joseph found himself on the phone talking with the local, human Psychiatrist. He was glad to realize his efforts of support were just what the doctor ordered. Joseph also spent time talking with their new priest, Father Josiah. His entire world was also collapsing, but he could never let on to his wife. Instead, he borrowed some of the remnants he had from his fateful Mindmeld with S’Bina. The monks sought to shield him from her death, but learned she hadn’t gone so far as to lock them minds together; there was no Bondlink to be concerned over. Joseph wouldn’t experience the mind-wrenching pain of having their Bond savagely ripped apart, which could cause insanity, or death to the surviving Bondmate.
Thankfully, on this occasion, these remnants gave him the grace of suppressing his own emotions, that he may be strong for the sake of Louise and their sons, allowing him to continue being her knight in shining armor. Nor did he neglect their other children. Often, he spent time with his boys, making certain they were handling this family trauma.
Sitting together in their backyard, gathered around the table, they talked every day. Going over homework issues, making certain they knew what was going on, in a laundered-down version, equal to their level of maturity.
“I promise you; she’ll not be gone forever. I know your mother spouts off now and again, about how the Vulcans stole her baby girl, how they are going to use her as a test-rat because of her apparent mind-powers. It’s all nonsense. I’ve gone to see her at the Temple. Those Compti-calls we get are real, Bree is fine. The good news is, she’ll be coming back home very soon, too.”
“Well, that’s good, because Aaron is turning thirteen soon, and she is turning ten,” Erik said. “Do you think maybe Mom just needs a change of scenery? Like maybe Earth? She does keep saying she should never have left there.”
Joseph drew a hand over his red beard. “I don’t know. Maybe. But my job is here . . .Or maybe I should take a Sabbatical, for your mother’s sake. It’s a thought. A good thought, and so long as all six of us can go, it may be just what she needs. I will not leave this planet without Brianna, though, that much is certain. If we decide to do this, it will have to be after the Vulcans are satisfied, she has her Mind Powers in check.”
“What I want to know is, is Bree okay? I mean, sure, she looks and sounds fine, but is she just hiding the hurt?” Joey said. “I know her being gone makes me sad.”
“That’s very insightful for an eleven-year-old,” Joseph said. “We’ll have to see when she returns.”
*~~*~~~*~
Several weeks later, Louise was busy sorting through the mail, when she found a large official envelope addressed to her in the mail receptacle. She thought it strange, at first, but given the many ways criminals managed to hack through anything electronic, she realized it was of some import. Not waiting for her family to return for the day, she tore at the heavy paper envelope until she was able to remove the contents. A thick grade cardstock of a lovely blue-gray tint. It read:
Your presence is cordially requested
at the Tile Placement Ceremony on the Avenue of the Stars,
Del Sol Valley, Earth,
You are encouraged to select any empty space of your choosing.
The Ceremony will begin at Five o’clock PM.
We offer our Congratulations to
Global Superstar Louise Cantrell.
You have ascended to the top of the heap.
Cordially,
The Committee of the Starlight Academy
“Joseph,” she cried out once he crossed the threshold. “You’ll never guess— It’s something big, something I have worked toward. And we have to be there before five tonight.”
“We’re to pick up Bree?”
“No, although that would certainly make this all the more glorious.” Joseph continued to gaze at her, seeing almost joy in her eyes for the first time, since their daughter left; raising his eyebrows, hoping she’d continue. “And . . .”
“I get to place a tile – on the Avenue of the Stars.”
“Honey, Sweetheart, there is just no way we can get there by five tonight — Even with Warp speed it takes a Star-Schooner a couple of months. Are you certain they meant five tonight? Here, let me see,” he said, fearful she was delusional.
After scrutinizing the invitation, Joseph made a few Compti-calls. He explained their circumstances and they apologized for the misprint, leaving the date off of the invitation. “Okay, thank you for your understanding. I just didn’t wish for her to lose this opportunity.”
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Pulling a few more strings, T’Pau came through for him in the end. He loaded his entire family, all four children and his wife into their new Star-Schooner and made the trip to Earth.
When all was said and done, the couple took their children out to dinner at Pietro’s Bistro.
The return trip, with the family whole, did wonders for Louise. Parting for a second time, however, set Louise back. She was worse than before, plotting to break into the Temple and effectively kidnap her own child. Erik was the one who reported her plans to his dad. “I feel like a rat, a total snitch, but she’s getting a little scary. She even had a whole conversation about her planed break-in with the decal of the dragon on the wall in Bree’s room. That’s how I found out. Dad, she’s just not right. I’m scared for her.”
Throughout all of this, Louise painted. If things got tense, Louise painted. This became her release valve. While she painted the world was cutoff and she didn’t have to face reality; so absorbed in her work, as she got. This was her ‘out’. Joseph and the boys learned to just let her be, let her create and work her way through things, if she could. The boys and her husband, lit many a candle for her at church. She spoke with Father Josiah on many occasions. He often anointed her with Holy Oil, but did recommend Joseph get her to a doctor.
Aaron, during this time was maturing quickly, a sign his thirteenth birthday was drawing near. If only Louise could stop time . . .
All for now. Thanks for reading.
Teens!, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part One Chapter thirteen
Despite Louise’s Erratic bouts of paranoia, her talking to objects, or things just not there, she rose early to beat the heat and baked her Firstborn a cake. Turning thirteen was a milestone and should not be missed or overlooked. So, she labored over it, stirring the batter by hand, despite the nice mixer that stood on the counter and poured it into the pre-heated pan. Fanning herself, the day was already growing warm. Such was Vulcan. She hated it here and in her own mind couldn’t leave it soon enough.
Once the cake was ready, she placed the candles atop it. Soon her family, or what remained of it, would awaken and come downstairs. The sun was blazing. She mopped her brow with her forearm, straightened her clothing and made herself as presentable as possible. Soon her family found her out in the kitchen. “All right, Birthday Boy, step on up, blow out your candles, do the Twirly-thing and let’s make your entrance into a new segment of your life official, shall we?”
“Okay, Mom, if you insist.”
“I don’t think you have a choice,” Erik said.
“Don’t you dare start singing.”
“What, not even the ancient birthday song? Sheesh, what a joy-killer you are. Mister Gloomy-Gus.”“You know, if you two moved over there behind me somewhere, I could do something more than just dribble this ball,” Aaron said. Reluctantly, the two moved off to the side.
“Just don’t challenge me, you’ve got meters over me. I can’t get over just how tall you are. You’re only thirteen!”
“Dad says the Cantrell men are known for their height.”“I do hope he’s right about that. Did it hurt much growing so tall so fast? Am I going to need some liniment?”
“Erik, you know what? You’re still such a dork.”
Erik just shrugged. “That’s your opinion and you’re most certainly entitled to it.”
“See? That’s exactly why you’re such a dork. Don’t you ever fight for anything?”“I fight to get the chord right. I fight to get the lyric right. I fight to get the song right, okay?”
“I will die laughing if you ever make it in the Music World.”
“Shut up, unless you want me to plaster your face with your own birthday cake.” Aaron burst out laughing at that.
“If you can reach that high! What a dork.”*~~*~~*~~*~~*
The fact that Brianna was allowed over to help celebrate her brother’s milestone warmed her heart, but sadly the damage to Louise’s psyche had been done. Her Psychiatrist prescribed some medication for her to help quell the Erratic moments, so Joseph made certain she took them. Despite her complaints that she didn’t quite feel herself. “The doctor says over time, that odd sensation will abate.” He smiled as he handed her the tablet and a glass of water. He stood over her watching to be certain she actually ingested it.
“I don’t need a Keeper, Joseph,” she complained, placing the small orange tablet on her tongue.
“No, but you do need a friend. I’m here and I love you.”
Taking a swallow of her water, she opened her mouth wide so he could inspect it.
“Sometimes, you’re as difficult as the children. Now I know where they get it from.” He smiled beguilingly at her.*~~*~~~
*~Time swirled by as easily as the wind swept over the desert floor. Aaron turned fourteen, and it was now Erik’s birthday. Rather than try to beat the heat, Joseph suggested they go out to dine at Pietro’s Bistro. The couple had been there for Love Day and found it a nice place to dine. Again, Brianna was delivered into her family’s care. The bistro was just a short distance from the temple. “Erik,” she greeted him with a large smile and a loving hug.
“It’s Bug she’s back!” he laughed.
“Only for this evening, so don’t get too excited.”A waiter approached the six-top where the family was seated and Joseph quickly ordered a “Blue-Confetti cake, if you please.”
“Right away, sir.”
Once delivered to the table, the father diligently placed the candles and lit them. “Erik, time to step up.”“An adult size violin, Dad you’re amazing, thank you so much.’
“You can thank me by playing something for us.”*~~*~~~
*~All too soon Aaron reached the age of fifteen, Erik was fourteen, and Joey’s birthday was upon them. Again, the family opted to dine out. This time it was to the local Pizzeria, Old Oak Alcove Pizzeria, a reference to the fact their pizza was cooked over a wood fire. Joey had an uncommon penchant for this particular food. Shown to a nice six-top, Joseph ordered a cake and called Joey over to blow out the candles. Chocolate cake was the boy’s favorite. “As sad as this makes me, blow out your candles and do the Twirly-thing. Time has this rapid way of running roughshod right over us.”
Through all of this Joseph kept an eye on his sweet wife. Tears stood in her eyes and he knew just what she was thinking. Would their daughter be brought home for good, come the next year? And if so, just what would she be like, nearly a woman?
All for now. Thanks for reading!
- Decisions, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Final Chapter thirteenErik came home from Province High. Finishing up his second year, he sat down in the dining room to do his homework, as was his usual habit, when his cell phone suddenly went off. Curiously, it was Dr. Barker, the school’s principal. What did I do now without knowing I was doing it? Can I just get this done so I can work on my music, please. “Yes, sir, this is Erik Cantrell,” he said using his best cordial tone. “Ah, I can do what? Would you please repeat that, I’m not sure I heard you right. Okay, I have to consult my dad on that; is it okay if I get back to you on that? Yeah, thank you, sir.”Deciding to do his homework in the case his father wasn’t amenable to Dr. Barker’s suggestion, he finished up in record time. He had to perfect that riff. His heart was willing, he could hear it in his mind, yet is fingers didn’t always agree. He wriggled them hoping this exercise would help. “Oh, hey, Dad,” he said when Joseph took a seat next to him. “I didn’t hear you come in.”“I just thought I should check in with you. It’s been a minute. Are your hands bothering you?”“Only when they won’t do what my mind tells them to. Maybe it’s all this writing I have to do for school.”“Your grades are very impressive, I must say.”“Speaking of marks” Erik said. “I just got a call from the principal of my school. He says with my progress I can graduate early. I told him I had to talk to you first.”Joseph nodded and gazed at his second son. “What do you want to do?”“Honestly, I’m torn. I’d love to have the time to focus on my music . . .”“Go ahead and graduate early, then. I trust your instincts.”*~~*~~*~~*~~*Glancing out of the window, Louise watched as Brianna was dropped off at the front of their house. The girl rolled her luggage behind her and Louise heard as it thunked up each step. “She’s home! Brianna is home, luggage and all! Oh, she’s home! Everybody gather around her cake, come on! Come on, come on, what a glorious day! She’s home . . .”“Hey, Bug, it’s your turn to Twirl. Has it really been a whole year?”“How are you getting the grades you’re getting when you can’t even figure that one out?” She sniped.“Oh, ho, ho,” Erik grinned. “Did you learn that one from the Temple? Here, let me give High Priestess a call and see just what kind of curriculum they’re teaching. Go ahead and blow them out before the wax gets down into the frosting. Yuk. Oh, and by the way, the cake is over there.” He pointed to the cake on the counter.*~~*~~*~~*~~*"Well, Louise,” Joseph said, sipping at his tea. They were sitting in the living room, cuddling in the center of the sofa, lights low. The kids had all gone up to their rooms. The couple enjoyed a moment of privacy. "You got your wish. We now have a houseful of teenagers. Four of them. All teens.”“Yes, we have now stepped into another phase of parenthood. What were we thinking, having them so close together?” She took a sip of her tea, now grown tepid. “Yuk, it’s cold.”A light rapping brought the couple’s focus toward the staircase, as they jumped apart. Erik blushed a bit. “Mom Dad, sorry to interrupt. You act just like a couple of teens who just got caught by a parent,” he chuckled lightly. “It’s okay, I know how I got here. At any rate, I thought you might like to know that I made my decision.”“Oh?” his parents chorused.“Decision about what?” Louise wondered, aloud. “I swear nobody tells me anything in this house.”“Erik got an offer to graduate early. He sought my advice. And?” he gazed at his tall son. Erik edged out Aaron by fifty point eight millimeters. He was six foot two, if he was an inch.“I have contacted Dr. Barker and accepted his offer. I’m going back to bed now. And let you two enjoy your moment.” Smiling the youth took the stairs two at a time in his long gait.Louise’s smile was genuine. “Joey, may I remind you, you’re the one who insisted we have them so close together. What was your reasoning? Hm, let me see, something about your being older?”Joseph shrugged. “My father died when I was still a teen, and I was the oldest. I guess I was rather late in finding the right bride for myself and getting my family started. It’s all good. Our family is whole again, and we’ll make it work. I love you and them so very much. What could possibly go wrong . . .”All for now, thanks for reading!
[Author's Note: Please go from here over to Cantrell Chronicles Reset, Part One to continue this story. Many thanks!]
Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One | EA Forums - 13309676
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Ack, saying what could possibly go wrong, is just tempting fate!
I feel so bad for Louise! I hope the medicine helps and that Brianna can return to her family soon.
Keep reading to find out. Decisions is the next update.
A Brother’s Love, a Cantrell: TheEarly Years- Chapter eleven
[the missing update-- sorry no pictures]
The trip was stalled until the morning, giving the family enough time to adjust to this new dynamic. Louise spent much of her time painting, as she attempted to get a grip on her emotions. As far as Erik understood, that was the night she broke. Wandering up to the second floor of their house, in pursuit of his little sister, he found her sitting at the computer in what could only be described as a Loft, or better still a family area, since that is how it was used. Desk, chairs, game table.
“Listen, Bree, and I want you to hear me,” he began “If you get into any kind of trouble while you’re away, anything at all, I want to contact me. You know how to do that, you’ve done it before,” Erik said.
“I can’t do that. I’m supposed to learn how not to invade people’s thoughts. That’s the whole reason I’m leaving—”
Erik’s cheeks flushed red in his sudden ire. “It’s not an invasion,” he retorted. “I’m giving you permission. You had best start listening to what words are being said, you little twit. Don’t forget. Contact me and I’ll come and get you.”
For a moment Brianna started to cry and then she sealed it off. Erik just gazed at her, perplexed. “How did you do that? You’re turning into one of them.”
“Training in the Way.” she said. “It’s what T’Pran has been teaching me; how to control my emotions. We humans are far too emotional. T’Pran says we have to learn not to be controlled by them. They can lead us down the wrong path.”
Erik just nodded. “Oh, just be careful. And forgive me if I choose not to cut off what I’m feeling.” Brianna shrugged.
“It’s okay. You’re an artist, like Mommy, only you use music to express yourself. Nobody achieves the sounds from instruments the way you do. I love what you do. It’s positively genius.”
“Aw, go on, you’re just saying that. You should probably spend some of this time with Mom, she’s hurting really bad right now.”
“I know. I’ll go talk to her. Thanks for being here, Erik. I’ll let you in on a secret ---You’re my favorite.”
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Once Brianna learned she wasn’t leaving until morning, she made certain to say her goodbyes to her three older brothers. Joey, just older than she, then Aaron, the eldest and last but never least, she gave Erik the biggest hug of all.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
All ready for bed, Erik stole downstairs to find his mother. She stood in the middle of their living room, just staring. “Mom?” he said.
As if startled, she slowly gazed over at him. “Erik, what are you doing out of bed, son? You have school in the morning,” she said. Approaching her cautiously, he said,
“I just wanted to make sure you’re all right. You took a pretty hefty bombshell today.” Louise leaned down and gathered her son into her arms, lifting him up to his surprise. I’m too big he thought to himself, worried she would hurt herself just in lifting him.
“Oh, my sweet, sweet boy. My Angel baby. I’m okay. I think I might be okay,” she said, hugging him tightly. “I need to be okay for you and your brothers.” And then her voice broke. And Erik knew the truth of it then and there. She really wasn’t okay.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Very early the next morning, while it was yet dark outside, T’Pran gathered her Charge and their luggage to head on out to the Temple located on top of Mount Seleya where it actually snowed. Both Joseph and Louise were waiting for them in the living room. Joseph was first to gather up his little daughter into his arms. Clutching her to him he said, “Do you very best to learn the lessons you must so you can come home to us very soon.”
“I will, Daddy, I promise.”
Louise stepped up and hugged her daughter tight. “You are the baby girl I’ve always wanted. I love you so very much. Do as Daddy said, learn what you must and come home to us directly.”
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Taking a cab to the station, T’Pran and Brianna took the fastest rail in the entire universe to the top of Mount Seleya. Brianna got her very first glimpse of snow, smattered about here and there where it clung to the rock of the mountain. She was rather amazed none touched the Temple itself. “The grounds are heated from beneath by the hot springs just under the surface.”
“Vulcan has hot springs? How can that be? It’s so very arid.”
“All living beings require water. The All has seen to it. Come, we’re here,” T’Pran said, leading the child over to the gray-haired, ancient T’Lar. The child dutifully bent at the waist in deference to the woman’s high office.“So, here you are, the one I have heard so much about. A Human who can mindmeld. We’ll get you settled in, and your lessons will begin immediately after the Dawn.” T’Lar said.
All for now. Thanks for reading!The Pangs of Adolescence, A Cantrell: The Early Years- Chapter twelve
With his new glasses Erik quickly became an A student. He breezed through his homework in no time, just to take up an instrument and play. He practices all of the time and when he wasn't playing an instrument, he was busy singing his little heart out. From scales to voice warm-ups to actual songs, some of which he made up right on the spot.Aaron's grades improved, too, as his jealous nature prompted his competitive side into action There was no way he was going to allow his little brother to outshine him — on everything.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
As it was wont to do, time passed. Louise still wasn't herself, but she lit up whenever Brianna was allowed to reach her over their home Compti unit. It was good to see their only daughter looking healthy and actually happy, to Louise's chagrin. The girl was certainly flourishing under the Vulcan tutelage. She was also maturing, as were her sons.
Erik was near the end of the sixth grade, Aaron finishing his first year in Middle School. Change was in the air. Louise resented losing this time with her only daughter, but what could be done?
Their neighborhood also went through a few changes. Humans moving out and in.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
On this particular summer day her eldest two boys had gone out front, leaving Joey to play on the jungle gym by himself. All had finished their homework in record time. Joseph was due home any minute. She checked on the meal cooking on the stove top, gave it a stir and then went back to reviewing the mail.
Juggling his soccer ball, Aaron managed to keep the ball airborne for 216 times before it dropped. "Hah," he said to Erik. "Top that."
"I will if you can play a riff," he said, handing the red-haired boy his guitar.
"Why would I want to do that?"
"Why do you want me to juggle this ball?”
"Just to see if you can do it."
"Ditto. I betcha you can't even find the E-string.""You're on, you little creep." Aaron took up the guitar, which felt awkward in his hands. He set it down again, quickly.
"I'm not a creep. You're the one who's a creep," Erik shot back. He was about to rush his brother when Joseph walked up the path. "Alright, boys, what's it over this time? Let me guess, the new girl who just moved into the neighborhood?""A girl, ew arithmetic bugs, no way." Aaron said. Erik stared at his brother.
"Actually, I think she's very pretty." And then he sang, "She has long blonde hair and big blue eyes --- the moment I saw her I felt alive ---"
"Oh, brother! Shut up. Just shut up. You sing about just anything, you know. Girls, bugs. Life. And I'm sick of it. It's so annoying! Just like you. Dad, can I have my own room?"
"Sorry, no more rooms at the inn . . ."
"But what about Bree's old room?"
"I'm not giving her room away. It's not as if she's gone forever, just for a bit of time — you could try to get along with him, you know."
"He's a dork!"
"He was nothing but a dork and reminded me of a fork . . . all shiny and bright, with teeth. La la la la la la la."
"STOP IT"
Erik dissolved into giggles.
"Come along inside, boys. I'm certain dinner is ready by now." Joseph struggled to keep the mirth out of his voice. The way these two went at each other reminded him of his two middle brothers As hysterically funny then as it was now. The memory brought with it a certain pang. Michael, the third son, had recently passed away in a tragic transporter accident. But, boy, could you sling 'em.
While they sat around their dining table, Erik's mind wandered off as it was accustomed to doing. He kept thinking back on that day he and Aaron went to the park at the top of the cliff, not far from their old house. There were kids there, too, for a change. Erik saw a certain girl alone on the pirate ship, away from the others, looking forlorn. Feeling sorry for her, he decided to go talk to her . . .
~"Hi, my name is Erik. Erik Cantrell, and yours is?" The slender girl straightened up to gaze at him. Stare. It was more of a stare, as if she almost knew him, which was impossible. Then her porcelain cheeks suffused with crimson, and she narrowed her large blue eyes.
"Don't you dare try to make me love you, Erik Cantrell," The girl shrieked at him.
Nonplused, Erik shrugged his shoulders. "What? I just want to be your friend. You seem lonely," he said, concern gracing his young face. He took a step closer and noticed, to his chagrin, that for every step toward her, she took a step backward. "I'm not a monster," he said. "What's wrong with being friends?"
"'Cos you'll move . . ."
"My dad is the principal of the school here. We're not going anywhere anytime soon."
"I didn't mean you'll move I meant we'll move. We always move. I don't even get a chance to have a friend. And when I do . . . we move! I'm not even allowed to settle in. Can't you even imagine what that's like? Here one day, gone the next. I can't have friends. I'm not allowed. So, don't you make me love you. I don't want to love you. I'll just end up with a shattered heart. I can't do that again."
Erik took one last look back as he walked away, bewildered and feeling hurt. What he saw broke his heart. The girl was crying.~
Suddenly Erik drew himself up. "I said pass the butter, please," Aaron all but shouted.
"Keep your voice down at the table," Louise admonished. Far be it for her to be found wanting in the etiquette department.
"Oh, sorry, here," Erik said, passing the butter dish to Aaron.
"Just where were you, this time?"
"Just off remembering an encounter is all. It's nothing . . ." After he helped clean up the dinner dishes, Erik dashed upstairs and began writing lyrics for a song that would one day make him a household name.
All for now. Thanks for reading!
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