Cantrell: The Middle Years, Part Two

When the Year Ends With a Bang, a Cantrell: The Middle Years, Update-1

Erik woke up with a strong thirst to get back to things he used to do. He did wonder if Jamison’s decision had anything to do with it. He quickly realized his situation wasn’t even close to what his eldest son just went through. No, he had a desire to go back to making nectar, and to care for their little filly, the way he always used to care for their horses. Back to the sheer joy of writing his music, recording it and building an album.  He was also acutely aware of just how much time he let escape. If he wanted to compete for Album of the Year, he had to release the work no later than the Quaver, come the first Sunday in Spring.

Can’t submit something that’s not even made. While Erik was enjoying the time spent with his family, he was only too aware of how the balance had swung in the opposite direction. No wonder this past birthday hit him so hard. Crawling out of bed, he discovered he had a concert and a photoshoot to attend.  How to work laying down fifteen tracks and packaging an album in between. I wonder. He also had another task he wished to not postpone.

Putting himself into turbo mode as only Erik Cantrell could, he showered, dressed and got to stomping some grapes in the upper floor of the stables. “I’m off,” he hollered as he walked through the back door on his way to the front door. “Got a full docket.”
“Don’t forget tonight is New Year’s Eve,” Kayleigh said, with a wave.  Finding her out front, Erik quickly fed the filly, Gab’s Glory, on his way out to Taygeta Studios.

The recording went really well, to Erik’s joy. The music flowed through him and there was no need to redo, to everyone’s surprise and delight. “Hey, good to know Erik one and done is back.” Michael Perry, one of the two Sound Mixers said.
“What are you saying to me?” Erik quipped. “Just spit it out, man.”

“Music’s been great, but you haven’t seemed up to par, yourself, lately.”
“Yeah, I know,” Erik said, nodding. “But I do believe I’ve turned a corner on that. I know it’s going to be okay, at least.”

Erik went home, briefly to have the photoshoot take place at his home. This had a tendency to make it happen much faster, he quickly realized.

To his pleasure and surprise, this was also a one and done situation. Taking off from there he kept his appointment. He entered the parlor and was taken immediately to a chair near the back of the establishment, which afforded a certain amount of privacy.  This particular shop, Sheer Madness, catered mostly to celebrities. “So, Mr. Cantrell, what can I do for you today?” Miriam said, as she placed the protective apron under his neck, fastening it before she began to examine his hair. “Your hair isn’t overly long; your ends look quite healthy. So, what’s up?” Miriam said with a smile.

“I’m actually here for a haircut. I’d like it shorter, if you please.”
“Okay, but first, we have this nice little device that will allow you to “try on” the haircuts before I use the sheers on your hair. Unless you already have an idea of what you want.”
“No, actually. Let’s try on some styles, if you will. It’s been a decade or two since I’ve had a regular haircut.”

“No, actually. Let’s try on some styles, if you will. It’s been a decade or two since I’ve had a regular haircut.” Miriam reach for a small remote control and the mirror winked on, loading the desired program.

“Here’s number one. Do you like it?”

"What I really need is some feedback and I want you to be brutally honest. My hair has always been my signature look, as you know.”
Miriam’s forehead knotted up just a bit. She slowly shook her head. “No, it’s just not you.”
“Next.”

“Next.”

“Oh, no, that’s not even me,” Erik laughed. “Next.” they went through the next four in rapid fire.

Erik began to laugh “Now, that last one looks like the style my teen twin sons chose. “No. I am not after recovering my youth. I’m quite content being me.”

“Looks too close to how my sister-in-law wears her hair... Next one, please."

“Now, that’s closer only a tad too short.”

“Okay, try this one out.” 

“Hm, problem I see with that one is the temptation to just let it grow out a bit.”
“I have two more. Then we’ll just have to wing it.”

“Reminds me of a priest.”
“Are you sure you’re even ready to cut off your hair?”
“I never said I wasn’t picky,” Erik smiled. “Do you have something a little longer than number nine?”
“Oh, yes, this just came in. Designer is Thady Riley. Here you go, what do you think?”

“That’s it. I like it. I mean I really like it.”
“Oh, good, because it’s totally you, sir.”
“Snip away, Madame, I have a concert and a party to throw.”

Erik stood on the stage, his hat worn for warmth, not to shield the new haircut, although, admittedly his head felt lighter.

By the time Erik got home again, the party was in full swing. “Erik, there you are,” Kayleigh said, as he entered the dining room. “Your hair is short, what happened?”
“Got it cut.” He shrugged.

“It took all day long to cut your hair? I don’t believe you. You knew we had plans—”
 Erik grasped her upper arms gently, gazing into her big blue eyes. “No, I laid down fifteen tracks for an album, packaged it, so I just need to release I — very soon, lest I take myself out of the running.”

“Oh,” she said, as he gathered her into his arms, hearing the chime of the clock as it struck midnight.
“Happy New Year,” he breathed as his lips met hers.

At that moment a strong whoosh met their ears. Everybody turned toward the bar, as it suddenly was on fire. “What is going on here,” Kayleigh moaned.

Erik just stood there, staring, “Not again.” Happy New Year. I do hope 2287 proves better than this start, anyway.

All for now, thanks for reading!