The Checkered Life of Erik Cantrell

Chapter Four: Misdirection, Disinformation or Just Plain Fake News, Part One

Erik Cantrell knew in his heart just who he wanted by his side for the rest of his life. He felt fortunate, too, that he met her so early. One never knew how long their stay on Earth was going to be, so cementing their relationship now, would give them that many more years. So, he invited his best girl out to the Star Club over in NewCrest. The place was rather High-End and his business was equal to that status.

The couple were seated on the mezzanine level in the back corner. Erik was pleased. Unfortunately, the location lent itself to high visibility at the same time. There was something nefarious in using the celebrity of Sims to further their business. It was what it was and so he shrugged. Sadly, it wasn't long before the two were no longer alone. The Paparazzi seemed to come right out of the woodwork. Like so many cockroaches ."You look wonderful, tonight," he told Kayleigh.
"Oh, you're so sweet, but I feel underdressed in this old rag."

Sitting there having their pictures taken, the endless flashes, an idea germinated in the Rock Star's mind. He wasn't about to allow this aspect of his fame to keep him from his purpose, nor to spoil any other special moments in his life. If only they would allow him to have a life. He did his best to pose for them, answer their questions, give interviews. He tried to be generous. Why couldn't they afford him the same courtesy?
At last, they withdrew. In the blink of an eye Kayleigh also changed her dress to a more formal gown. When and how did she do that ? Taking her by the hand, they stood next to the table. "I liked the other dress, but I like this one even more." And then he took her hand and kissed it.
"Erik, what are you up to? I can always tell when you have something on your mind, or up your sleeve."
"Oh, just a little token, really," he said. Standing there gazing at her, realizing jus how much he loved her and just how very beautiful she was, he slipped his right hand into his pants' pocket. Holding up a ring, he said, "Will you promise to marry me?" Kayleigh's large blue eyes got very wide.
"This looks like an awfully big rock for a Promise ring, don't you think?"
Crestfallen, Erik crinkled his brow. "Does this mean you're saying no?"
Kayleigh, leaned her head to one side, struggling against the grin that threatened to brighten up her entire face. Clearly, she was having a hard time to keep from giggling. "I didn't say that. Of course, I promise to marry you."
Erik noticeably relaxed. He handed her the ring, which she slipped onto her left ring finger.
"I love you," he murmured as he kissed her.
"I love you, too."

By the time they took their seat, not only was the Paparazzi near at hand, but his new friend Bryanti Cho was calling wildly to get their attention. This made Erik worry. "I know this moment is special to us, but for now I think we should keep things under wraps." He whispered to his date.
"Why?" Kayleigh said, dismissively. "Just because the rag mags, the Trends, will gobble this news up like a cat laps at milk? I have no idea of what you're talking about." She winked.

The summer was drawing to a close. Erik worked extra hard and now had enough music compiled for three more albums. As they had done in high school, the kids were all planning on taking the accelerated courses in Uni so that they could graduate in three terms. Just being promised to Kayleigh wasn't enough Erik was learning. Soon, he found himself anxious to get officially engaged and married. Before Uni. He realized they might draw fire from both sets of parents, but he had been doing some research. There was a residence, open to students. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, the seven of them could make it work. This way he and Kayleigh could begin their life together without being in the midst of strangers. So, he called her up and took her to Volpe Park in Henford-on-Bagley.

They barely got there and toasted themselves on their promised status. "I made certain not to wear the ring, like you said," Kayleigh began. "Those busybody Sims armed with cameras have been hanging around my parents' house, too. What are we going to do? I don't want them all up in our business. Should we have an argument, it will be all over the Trends and the news, for pity's sake. There's got to be something we can do about it."
Maybe there is something we can do about it," Erik replied.  Before, he could even get the ring box out of his jacket pocket, a group of fans and Paparazzi surrounded them. Bryanti Cho was among them, which made him wonder just what she was up to anyway? Leaving the box in his pocket, he grabbed up a small device, instead.
"Okay, Babe, I've got another place I wanted to show you. Come on," he said, taking her by the hand. With the click of a button on an electronic device, off they transported to the Ruins in Windenberg. At times like this Erik realized it was good to be rich.
"Ah, the Ruins, Erik, what are we doing here? It's so hot." Kayleigh fanned herself with her hands. It really was so arid, despite being near the bluffs overlooking the ocean.
"Trying to find a moment alone," he said.
"But you haven't answered my question," she said. "I'm about to evaporate from this heat."
"Patience, my Love, I want to know we're truly alone." and then he was down on a knee.
"Erik, we're already promised, what are you doing, now?"
"Asking you to marry me." Erik held up the ring, the diamond caught the sunlight and glittered all the more.
"Oh, my gosh, I can't believe it's even bigger than the Promise ring."
Erik gave her his best slow grin. "Bigger promise," he quipped. "So, what do you say? Shall we?" It was Kayleigh's turn to grin. She took the ring from his hand, and held it up, saying, "Well, I don't know, let's see if it fits, first," she teased. she immediately slipped it onto her left ring finger with ease. "Oh, look at that, it does."
Erik remained on his knee, "Well?" he prompted.
Again, she smiled widely, "Guess that means I should say Yes, yes, YES."
"You do know how to give a guy apoplexy, don't you?" Erik said, sweeping her off of her feet.
"You love it and you know it," she said, coyly.
"I love you," he said.

The more he thought about it, the more the idea niggling at the back of his head grew in strength. Sparked by her suggestion that an argument would spur news reports, the idea had a stranglehold on him. Maybe that was the answer to their dilemma? The only way he could conceive of throwing the press off the track of his and Kayleigh's relationship was to have them break up in public.
He could see where it could get tricky and difficult to pull off, but both of them had been in Drama class together and she was pretty good at it. The thing was to convince her that first of all, it was only an act to throw the hounds off of the scent and secondly, when the timing was right, they would confess to the ruse.

Erik spent a rather unsettled night, tossing and turning. Breaking things off in public would only work if they ceased to be seen together. This meant no outings, not even with their siblings. That was a hard thought. He was used to being in contact with her texting her twice daily, sometimes more often if there was no way they could even steal five minutes together. However, they would also have to curb that habit, too. Her phone had already been hacked, once. Wouldn't be at all convincing should they continue to text each other. He wanted their nuptials to be private. Even as patient as she had always been in regard to Erik's public, she expressed dismay most recently. Erik just wanted to give her all he could and to make her happy. He recalled reading or hearing somewhere the idiom, 'happy wife, happy life.'

Erik wondered just how Kayleigh would receive his solution to their problem. He took her out to the Spice Festival. "I think I have a solution to our problem. Please hear me out on this. If you don't agree, it's a non-starter," he began. And so he told her his plan. Her reaction was less than what he expected.
"You want to do what?" Erik strode off to the Swag Stall to help him cool off. She was really very angry at him. It smarted, too. He should have realized she wouldn't like it, he thought. Later, after he'd purchased the Spice T-shirts for them and changed into his, he tried his best to cajole her out of her disgruntled mood. It didn't work and Erik felt duly chastened.

But, on another occasion, they went to Henford-on-Bagley for the day. There was some property there he wanted to check out. They talked about having a house built so it was now just a question of where. They stopped by the Tavern and both were reminded of just how intrusive his Public really was. As the two talked one of the Sims who lived there abruptly put her arms around both of them intruding on their private conversation. This took them both aback. Kayleigh looked at Erik and he returned her gaze.
Reluctantly, she agreed. "Okay, what do you need me to do?" she asked, a heavy sigh escaping with her words.
"Just follow my lead," he said.

A few days later, he had another concert. "Follow me up onto the stage," he said. Kayleigh climbed the short stairs to stand near him on the platform. "Okay, here comes somebody. It's showtime. What are you doing," he suddenly roared, throwing his hands up into the air, in a mock rant, that sounded quite convincing. "This is my stage. I want you off of it!"
"Your stage. Mister Cantrell. You may be a Global Superstar and all, used to having your way all of the time. But, I'll have you know this is a Public Park. All are welcome!" Don't over do, it, Honey.
"Arrrrgh!" he said, putting his hands over his face. "You're a stubborn Sim. It's over. How many times do I have to tell you that? It was fun, it was real, but it's OVER."
"Humph!" she shot back.
"Yes. It's public property, but Orion Entertainment, Limited has leased the stage for today. So, it's not open-to-the-public, per se. Certainly, not the stage!"
Kayleigh's voice grew quieter, even in tone, as she said, "Don't tell me it's over, buster. I'll decided when it's over. And, I say, it's over as in I don't want to see you anymore. Got that? Good. Oh, and lose my phone number, okay."
Erik watched as she made her way off of the stage in a huff. Dang, you're better than I thought. --- Did we just break up?

Down among the audience two female fans were having an animated discussion.
"Did you just hear that? I don't think they realized the mic was live," The first one said.
"No, maybe not, but if she just dumped him, I'll be there to pick up the pieces."

Erik wandered over to the mic/karaoke rig. "Sorry about that, just a little domestic dispute. Don't worry, we'll be fine. No, really, it's all good."

After the concert Erik dashed off to a photoshoot, once he returned to the park he took care of the plates of Ambrosia his Obsessed fans had a tendency to leave around. Many of his fans were still at the park, so he was certain to put on his best pouty face and express Sadness to drive home the point.