The Checkered Life of Erik Cantrell

Chapter Nine: Complications


News spreads quickly when you live in close quarters. Just as Kayleigh learned at the end of their First Term in Uni, her medical status was keeping her from registering for the second Term, she also learned the others didn’t wish to have her study from home. If she was being forced to leave, then they were all leaving. This was devastating. Each one had goals for their future that required a degree. Kayleigh struggled with her sense of guilt. None would budge from their decision, despite her pleas.

Once this was made known, Joey, majoring in Biology, was quick to ask, “What business is it of theirs if a student has a medical condition. Why should that matter?”
“Joey,” Erik stood up. “Kayleigh’s pregnant.”
“What? Wait, when?”
“Just recently. She’s only about two months along, by her doctor’s calculations, that is. But the Administration says the school has no provisions for proper care required for this condition.”
“Condition. Did they actually use that antiquated term? Sheesh, this is so —”
“Discriminatory,” Aaron said. He was studying History so he could pursue a career in law.
“It may also be premature,” Erik sighed. “She’s been having some problems. She keeps feeling as if huge amounts of Adrenalin is coursing through her body. I had to rush her to the emergency ward late last night.”
“Oh,” Joey said, “I’m so sorry.”
“The baby’s okay, so far. But the doctor spoke guardedly.”

Just as the seven were on their way back to their respective parents’ home, Kayleigh had some serious cramping. Again, Erik rushed her to the emergency ward. He paced the floor while the doctor examined his wife. Erik knew the minute the doctor came to fetch him from the Private Waiting Room. The doctor’s expression said it all. “Mr. Cantrell, I am so sorry. There was no saving the baby. Your wife is going to be just fine and as soon as her number count returns to normal, feel free to try again.”

The young married couple wasn’t the only one struggling. Both Joey and Aaron, Trainees for the Britechester-U Soccer Team, had suffered two horrendous losses in two consecutive weeks. Their coach was not a happy Sim. Three consecutive wins in the beginning of the season, just wasn’t enough for him. He was a hard Sim to please. He also hated losing. This left both the young adults wondering if his job was on the line or something?

Unfortunately, Aaron was late, twice for two different practice sessions, in the same week. The fact that he was doing his daily homework just didn’t fly as an adequate excuse. Aaron received a yellow card. Two more and he was off of the Team. Twice already, he had been kicked off the field in the middle of a game. Once for an injury that Aaron was willing to play through despite the pain, and the second time for mouthing off at what he perceived was an injustice. He really didn't like the Coach. The feeling was mutual, and it showed.

While Erik and Kayleigh were busy dealing with their situation, Joey and Astrid were growing close, and so was Aaron and Sandi. Each couple was spending more and more time together, their strong friendships flourishing into something far deeper.

Once home the Cantrell kids talked with Joseph Cantrell, Sr., who was the Head of Registration at Britechester-U. “I’m sorry, I can’t change the rules for my own kids. How would that look?”
“So, what do we do, now? Throw away a perfect Term? We all got straight A pluses," Aaron said. “And it wasn’t easy.”
“Why don’t you simply register for that Second Term?” Joseph said. “There’s no longer a situation to hamper you’re going back. Especially with those fantastic grades. Talk it over,” he advised. “Let me know what you plan on doing.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, son.” Erik nodded.

The next morning all seven of the Students went out to Millie's Café for brunch. Seated around the long, rectangular table in the corner by the kitchen, they began an earnest discussion as to what comes next. “Well, I think we should all go back,” Kayleigh said, without push-back, to her relief.
“Yeah, she’s right,” Astrid and Sandi chorused.
"Are you sure you're up to it, Kayleigh?" Sandi said, a look of concern gracing her pretty face.
"I'll be fine," Kayleigh promised.

“Well, that will mean Joey and I spend the evenings at practice.”
“But I thought you disliked the Coach,” Sandi said, glancing over at Aaron, who kept his gaze on his plate as he scooted the eggs around with his fork. When he failed to speak, Joey filled the silence.
“We do,” he returned. “The problem being with our scholarships, we’re obligated to be on the Soccer Team —”
“Or risk losing the scholarship,” Erik said. “They’ve got you over a barrel, you know.”
“Ah, it’s not so bad,” Joey said. “I like playing.”
“Yeah, me, too,” Aaron said, finally taking a bite of his breakfast. “Coach is just going to have to deal with this powerhouse.” Aaron gestured to Joey and himself.

This time, they managed to move into Wyvern Hall. Provisions had been made for the married couple to have a double bed in the front corner room. One of the single beds was moved to the back corner room on the same side of the building. The other was placed into storage. All in all, this left room for three dorm-mates. Kayleigh was still a little shaky on her feet. She walked rather slowly and just crossing the room made her exhausted. She just made provisions to rise earlier than she would normally, and head to class earlier so as to not be late. After just a few weeks, she was back to her old self.

Erik licensed another new song during this second Term. Again, he received a nomination, almost immediately. He also released the second album package he had ready to go.

Sitting in the end seat of the second row, as was his usual place, he sat contemplating his life. His wife, his lost baby, wondering just what it would have been like to take care of an infant and keep up with his schooling. The thought made him a bit melancholy. He was certain both he and Kayleigh would have been drowning, however. Deep into these thoughts, Thorne Bailey was nudging him in the ribs. “Hey, you just won Best Song, Bud. this is your seventh, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I believe it is."
"Congratulations.”
"Thank you, that means a lot."
"You okay?"
"Yeah. I will be."

Erik said a quick, silent prayer for strength and to also clear his head. He just won again. Focusing on more positive thoughts, he stood at the microphone, accepted the award and then paid silent homage to his Lord. Glory to You. then he smiled and gaze at the audience. "I am very honored for this astounding recognition. Thank you." Once the applause died away, he continued his speech, "As you all know I just began my second term at Britechester-U. Stressful, very stressful."

Again the applause was generous. Erik nearly blushed. "You see, you get good grades in the first term, and they expect you to just keep it up. No room for failure, late papers, or bad test scores. But, I get invited to come to the Starlight Accolades and you're all so very kind to bestow upon me this honor. I am without words. Thank you, All."
With that he held up the trophy, to another round of applause. He was beginning to think he could do no wrong, thoughts he shut off, quickly.
"Thank you and good night, I have homework to do."