The Checkered Life of Erik Cantrell

Chapter Three: An Interesting Twist

Despite it being a vacation from school, so far, the mean hot summer schedule was harder than Erik imagined it could be. Starting off with his very first nomination, which lead to a second nomination, to which he was quite pleased.

Before the end of the first week, Erik's focus took a very interesting turn. Suddenly, even though he was totally unconscious of it, his acting abilities busily simmering, erupted to the surface. The sensation that ran through him was unlike anything he'd ever experienced. Who was watching him so closely? And why?

After that came the invitations to take character parts in major movies. The scenes and the way movies were made intrigued him. The roles surprisingly meaty for this newcomer expected to pull off a rather dramatic solo-bit.

Erik spent a great deal of time down at the Taygeta Studios, churning out album after album. He only had one week of high school to go after the summer break and shortly thereafter the four eldest kids in the family would be off to Britechester-U. He had personal goals he set for himself. He wanted ten released with three in the can, to be released one for each Term to keep himself front and center. He understood his father's reasoning for him to go to university, in case something untoward should happen, scuttling his career, but at the same time, trying to keep him out-of-the-limelight all on its own could wreak havoc on his career. That's when he and Kayleigh came up with this plan. She was the perfect fit for him. So supportive.

At the Wake of Time was his sixth album, followed closely by Four Chords to Destiny. Redirected Future was album number eight. Behind the Veil was number Nine. And, finally, Just Erik, II his tenth album.

The kids all attempted to make the most of their vacation. Erik, if he wasn't calling to chat on the phone, certainly made a point to text Kayleigh every morning and then again in the evening, just to wish her a good night. In between it all, he also held concerts. Then came the third nomination. Erik was nearly quaking with the news. What if he should fail? What if his song wasn't selected as the Best? In order to keep himself from having a meltdown, he organized outings.

Dinner out at Giorgio's Italiano, with Kayleigh, where they talked a lot. Erik was always discovering new things about her. And, he was falling hopelessly in love. Sometimes, in the course of their deeper conversations, she would win a point in the discussion and just get up to emphasize it. He loved that about her, although sometimes it stung a bit, too.

Dropping her off back home, her sisters were there to act like the fans they were. Jumping up and down, putting their hands over their faces and attempting to gain his attention. At once point, he just gazed over at Sandi, waved and smiled, and then did the same with Astrid. Giggling when he did so. Erik stood still for a moment, keeping his eyes on Kayleigh's.

Finally, her sisters went back inside. Erik could say goodnight, almost in private. The Paparazzi all but tethered themselves to him. So, he gave her a kiss on the cheek, instead of the deeper kiss he craved. And why is the Paparazzi dressed just like me?

Sunday, after Church, they all decided to go bowling. Erik had some pent-up tension he needed to expel. What a joke that was. Nothing seemed to work. The four plus lanes were empty, but for some odd reason they couldn't get the girls to bowl with them. Then they were surrounded with cameras and whatnot. Erik decided to just go ahead and throw a ball. He hadn't bowled in so very long he was likely rusty. Not that he was very good in the first place.

Selecting a ball, Erik got on the lane, set the ball, and drew in a quiet breath. The room was very noisy. When he was ready, he took the steps while drawing his arm back to finally fling it from his hand down the lane. Not bad form, he decided.

PBP Studios was his next stop. All gussied up, showered and refreshed, Erik reminded himself to breathe deeply to help calm his churning emotions. Unlike the nightmares, the Host showed up and actually presented awards. Whew, one phaser blast dodged. To his complete astonishment, his name was announced for Best Song. By now, he almost had the statement memorized. He was three for three. Getting to his feet, he glanced around at his peers. Judith Ward smiled widely. Dirk Dreamer nodded, as did Thorne Bailey, whom he could now call his friend. Erik's head was in a fog, however. Nothing seemed real.

Until, that is, he was handed the still-heavy trophy. Just like the first time, Erik noticed his hands were a bit sweaty. He really had to fight to keep from dropping the heavy, glass and gold trophy. He smiled at the audience, stepped a bit closer to the mic and began his acceptance speech. The one he forgot to write, so he simply had to wing it. "I have to say, I'm shocked and humbled to be standing here again. It's almost embarrassing," he began. Glancing about the audience, he said, "Thank you for this Honor, again." Finally, he put his hand to his mouth and threw kisses at the attendees, making certain at one point to gaze directly into the TV camera. "Thank you, and good night, everyone."

The house seemed inordinately quiet upon his return. Taking a look around, he ended up checking the laundry room. He didn't know why but sometimes they liked to congregate in this room. "Erik," Brianna said, as he drew near, throwing her arms around his neck. "I'm so very proud of you." I knew you were going to win again," she said with a wink. She was so tiny, he noticed she was up on her toes, like a ballerina.
"Oh, you did, did you? And to think you said nothing." He smirked.
"Why would I spoil the moment for you? Part of the fun is the anticipation, right?"
"Yeah, so thanks for not spoiling it." He grinned.
And then they were joined by his mother and two of his brothers. "I brought you a sandwich," Louise said, as she squeezed her way passed her other two sons.
"Thanks, Mom, how did you know I was hungry?"
"A mother knows. I'm so very proud of you, son." she hugged her second child tightly.

"Hey, give us a chance to congratulate him, too, okay?" Joey said. Louise released Erik and Joey, nearly squeezed the life out of his older brother.
"Okay, same to you, bud," Aaron said. "I've known him longer." Joey stepped away and Aaron pulled Erik into a bear-hug. Again, Erik felt as if they were going to squeeze the life out of him."
"Thanks, but please don't break me," Erik stepped toward the door, in the sizeable room. "Anybody know where Dad is? Has Adrian gone to bed already?"
"Try the dining room. He's been working on that Scholarly paper that's due," Louise said.
"I love you guys, you know that, right?" Erik said, as he left the laundry room. Stepping into the archway between the kitchen and the Butler's Pantry, he spied his father, standing in the archway from the dining room. To Erik it almost felt like a showdown. "Hey, son, you're back. How did it go?"
"You didn't watch?" Erik couldn't keep the disappointment from his voice. His father looked chastened, for which the son regretted.
"No, I'm sorry, I had this darned paper. My boss has been all over me to finish it."
"I'm sorry, Dad. Did you get it done, at least?"
"Yes, finally, but by then the show was over. Guessing from the general hoopla I heard from the living room, that you won?"
"Yeah, by the grace of God, yeah."
"Come here, I love you so much, Erik. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of your accomplishments."
"I love you, too, Dad," Erik choked out, sounding like a sob, as his emotions bubbled forth. When did things get so hard between us?

Joseph gave his son another squeeze. "Sorry, I have to go give a final edit to the paper."
"Okay, but don't work too late," Erik grinned. "You have school in the morning."
"I bet you've been chomping at the bit to use that one on me," Joseph said. Erik just grinned.
"Hey, there you are, " Adrian said, as he entered the Butler's Pantry. "I heard you were home. Nice job. Say, my teacher asked me to do an interview with you if you won again. So, how does it feel?"
"You're teacher? School is out for Summer, Dude." Erik folded his arms over his chest, nodding his head.
"Okay, you caught me. I have a vlog. I thought it would be cool if I could interview you. So, how does it feel?"
"Grand, it feels grand."
"So, are the girls all chasing after you trying to tear your clothes off for a souvenir?"
"What? Where do you come up with this stuff? No, no they aren't, should they be? Do you think my career's in trouble?" then Erik burst into laughter. Adrian just frowned.
"No, I think you'll survive," he said, scribbling a quick note on a small electronic pad.
"Well, thank you very much for your confidence. I'm going to bed, now."