The Checkered Life of Erik Cantrell

Chapter Fifteen: Rising from the Flame


Shortly after the fire in the basement/Panic room, Erik was nominated again for Best Song. Happily, nothing on the main or second floors had been destroyed. They went to Church Services Sunday morning, hung around for Coffee Hour to chat with their 'Church Family', which included several members of their biological families. He enjoyed an invigorating conversation with Colonel Drake Golden, his father-in-law, who was quick to help shore Erik up. "Trust in Him," he pointed upward. "Your family is safe and now you know what you need to do."
"Yes, I need to have the current house torn down, panic room and all and a new one built. And that's just what I'm going to do. It's far too creepy to stay in there, now. I wake at even the slightest sound. It's crazy. Even Kayleigh and the kids don't make it through the night."
"Your fans took that from you. You need to take it back. Own it, it belongs to you, Erik." Erik nodded and took a sip of his coffee.

Before the new place was completely finished, the Accolades rolled around. Erik went through what now had become a ritual for him. He came home from services and tinkered with his garden. They also decided having fresh honey would be nice, so the couple purchased a Bee Box. Erik decided to bond with the bees, since he had heard this would produce a higher quality honey in the long run. At first things went well, but before long, the bees decided to attack. So much for bonding. he sighed.

Happily, he wasn't allergic or he would have been a mess and unable to attend the Show. Although he was sore, he showered and otherwise made himself ready to go out. Thorne Bailey took a place on the floor near Erik's seat. Seemed he wanted to chat and check up on his friend. "So, I hear fame decided to bite back a bit," He began.
"Yeah, I was never worried about those guys, you know? Ayden and David. They showed up at the Dorm at Britechester-U almost on a daily basis. I even thought we were friends. I never once expected them to enter my home, leaving their calling cards all over the place. But most disturbing, is they left both a half-eaten cake and a plate of Ambrosia in my firstborn's bedroom. The child is only three."
"Oh, I don't blame you at all for the steps you took. We have an obligation as fathers to protect our kids. Tell me, is your son unharmed?"
"Thankfully, yes. He's still too young to understand the danger we all were in."
"Man, I'm sorry that happened to you."
"Thanks, Thorne. You're a good friend." As the Show got underway, they both refrained from further conversation.

"Tonight I have the honor to hand the Accolade for Best Song to Erik Cantrell. This makes his tenth Accolade! Come on over here, Erik, you deserve this."
A stunned Erik took up the trophy, clearly in awe he had won. "I am humbled and honored for this recognition. I've had such a week, you just don't know." When he could find his tongue again, he went on, "Thankfully, the fire was contained and we all got out without harm. I do believe I lost my wits, however. As in scared out of … I don't believe the insurance covers that, though." He tilted his head to the side, as if in deep thought. "All I can tell you is take stock of what you have. Be grateful for what you have. And don't take anything for granted. Ever. It could all be over in a minute. Take care everybody, I love you All." The audience clapped their hands creating a thunderous noise. After a moment, Erik bowed his head and left the 'staging area'. The host took the spot at the microphone.

"And tonight it is our privilege to honor yet another Cantrell. Louise Cantrell! For Artiste of the Year. What this Sim does with paint on a canvas is amazing. Striking." Louise Cantrell graciously accepted the award. Once the Show was over, Erik found his mother amid others congratulating her. He threw his arms around her and gave her a good squidge.
"Congratulations, Mom."
"Congratulations to you, too. Ten, I can't believe you. You are going to have to add on another room just to house all of your trophies!"

After a few months of living with relatives Erik, Kayleigh and their four Toddlers were ready to go home. Finally, Erik got word the new house was done. The couple took a walk through and made sure everything was to their satisfaction. Both wanted very much to no longer be a burden on their families. They rotated every month so as not to wear out their welcome. From Aaron's home to Joey's home, to Bree's castle, to the Golden's, to the senior Cantrell's. Erik was certain his poor children were totally confused. Everyday, he took them to check on their chickens and to weed and water the garden. And the bees. Erik now suited up to treat them for the mites they had developed. He knew he had to get over the irrational fear of the bonding experience. It was what it was. He liked being able to see how the new house was coming along. "Where's our house, Daddy?" Jamison asked, looking around.
"Don't worry, when the construction crew is done, we'll have a brand-new house to live in. All of our familiar things will be here, too."
"Where day, now?" Melody asked.
"In storage, except for your stuffed animals. Won't be too much longer, I promise."

One of the first nights they were there, Joey came to call.
"Come on in, Joe, let me give you what they used to call the nickel tour."
"I suppose now, it's called the credit tour."
Erik showed his brother the main floor. The kitchen, the dining room, the living room, and finally the kitchenette. then he took him upstairs to show him the layout. Several bedrooms, with at least three bathrooms. "Care for some tea?" Erik invited. The two headed back downstairs and settled in the kitchenette.
"Hey, thanks for the tour. The place is nice," Joey said. The doctor stayed for one cup of tea, before he gave his brother a hug and bid him good night.

After Joey left Erik decided to sit out in the Loggia for a bit. The covered patio allowed him to just sit and enjoy the night air, without getting rained upon. This was a very nice addition, the Contractor suggested. Erik was pleased.

Shortly after they moved in, they knew they were home when Erik's friends showed up in all of their naked splendor, along with his own personal Stan. At least she had the good taste to remain clothed.
The shock of it brought Kayleigh into labor and they also welcomed their fifth child, another son they named Peter.
"Welcome to the world, Peter!"