The Checkered Life of Erik Cantrell

Chapter Twenty-Four: Blessed


Somehow, amidst the chaos his life had become, Erik managed to find his 'corner' and continued to write music. This was about the only time he found a sense of peace. This was his 'escape'. He bought himself a Digi-keyboard and decided to test it out. He was instantly inspired and wrote a song he called, "Daybreak".

He spent time one on one with his kids. Getting to know them better. He had a wonderful conversation with Melody, his eldest daughter. Eldest simply for the fact she was born minutes before Harmony. He took the family out to breakfast on Saturday morning. The conversation around the table was lively. Erik genuinely liked his children. They were bright, vivacious and thoughtful. He found them interesting little Sims. He loved each of them profoundly. More than he expected to, in fact.

After breakfast, they all took a swim together in the family pool. Erik smeared the cream over his scar as directed by his doctor. Sun was the enemy. The cream made his scar, itch, so he didn't like using it. It was much easier if he just stayed out of the sun. This was a family moment, so he joined them in the pool, despite his discomfort.

He also worked with the ones interested in learning music. He found himself explaining music theory to Andrew, fearing it was way over the child's head. But Andrew asked some very good questions, so maybe he was 'getting' it.

In the afternoon, Cadence got out of yet another round of Time-Out to take her piano lesson. "Cadence, Cadence, Cadence, what am I going to do with you?" Erik asked.
"Teach me the piano, please," she said.
"Okay, since you've asked so very nicely. Take a seat and we'll get started."

Moments into her tickling the ivories Erik fought to keep from cringing. This one needed a bit more direction. "Remember your timing. Count with me, one, two, three, four. I wish I knew what happened to my Metronome."

After the lesson, Erik took to the piano bench and reaffirmed how the piece was supposed to sound. Having put the polishing touches on his latest written song, Erik wasted no time to have it licensed.

Just as quickly, he got word back that once again his song was nominated for an award. The following Sunday had arrived. He took his wife and children to church, then enjoyed Coffee Hour with family and friends, although his six children instigated a huge game of tag with the other children in the parish. At one point, Cadence leading the way, they ran in from outside, a whole string of Child Sims to weave and bob in between the adults, cups of hot coffee in hand. Erik's stomach lurched. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa," he cried, loudly, the hot coffee sploshing from his cup onto his fingers. The children stopped to gaze at him. "You have a very nice play yard, go find it," he said, pointing to the door.

Once home, the jitters were doubled as a result. Since he wasn't to expose his scar to direct sunlight, Erik chose another way to help calm the pre-show jitters he was prone to suffering. He didn't need to sit there scratching his face all the evening long. He filled the jet-tub in the Master Bath, applied a mask that was supposed to have healing properties for the scar tissue and came highly recommended by his Dermatologist. At least it didn't make him itch. Next Erik added the muscle-soothing soak, set the timer on his phone, because when he managed to relax, he almost always fell asleep. Then stepping into the luxurious water, he popped the freshly cut cucumber circles over his eyes. The jets churning the water into bubbles was a very nice addition. In no time, he could feel himself relax. Before he knew it, the alarm went off. Erik scrambled out of the tub.

Erik was a clothes horse. He loved getting all spiffed up and looking fine. So, it was of no surprise when he donned a brand new red tuxedo for the event. He beamed into the PBP's hovercraft-lot. He received a chorus of cheers and shouts from fans and one Paparazzi who shouted, "Erik, over here!" He accommodated all of them. A wave, here, a smile there. It felt good to be loved and he felt blessed beyond words.

At last he went inside. Just in time, as it turned out. He no sooner took his seat, when "For his latest venture into the aural realm, the winner of tonight's Best Song, goes to …Erik Cantrell!"
Erik wide awake this time, got up from his seat, nodded at those cheering in the audience. He arrived at the microphone and reached for the trophy. Picking up the Accolade, he stood silently for a moment, eyes closed. "This is amazing. I'm amazed and grateful and humbled. Thank you." Drawing in a calming breath, he continued giving his speech, "Thank you first of all to my fans, to Taygeta Studios. To Orion Entertainment, Limited, for all of the support along the way of my career. From the moment you noticed me, you've had my back, shown me the way to go and held me up when I began to falter." He held the trophy and gestured to the audience. "I would like to dedicate this to Ayden Vinton, who froze to death just outside of my house, trying to catch a glimpse of me. I miss you, Buddy." Before the room grew too quiet, he went on. "To all of my fans, I would like to say, if you're going to come to my house, and you're most welcome to do so, please, please, please, wear weather appropriate clothing. I'm not always home and it could be awhile before you see me. I love you All, and don't wish for anyone else to suffer a fate similar to poor Ayden. He was a good guy. I really liked him."
The audience roared their appreciation. "Thank you. All of you for this great, great honor. Good night. Kids go to bed!"

When Erik arrived home again, he placed his trophy among the rest of them and stood back to just gaze at his achievement. He felt truly blessed.