Cantrell: The Early Years

The Sweetheart’s Box, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three Update

All was quiet, the lights off but for the entry way, by the time Erik returned. Immediately, Brianna came out of her room, walked down the hallway and upon her return, said, “Why are you so dang late? And don’t you dare say the Show Ran long. We all watched it. She’s been waiting up all evening just to talk to you. Give her the courtesy of a conversation.” With a nod of her head, she said, “She’s just down the hall in the alcove.” Taking two steps back his hands raised, palms toward his sister, I may have labeled the wrong person Dragon Lady, ow.

“Mother, may I change my clothes, at least?”

“Just be quick about it. Don’t make things worse than they already are.” Shaking her head Brianna disappeared into her room. “Men,” he heard her exclaim.

Properly admonished, Erik quickly changed out of his suit, into more casual clothing. He walked down the corridor, past the Snack/Beverage bar. Seeing Kayleigh sitting there, wrenched his stomach. Pain mingled with his still strong feelings for her. He felt another song coming on but brushed it aside. She was just too important, right now. I love you, Kay-Kay. He took the armchair, folded his hands in his lap and gazed at her.

Battered and bruised, emotionally, all he wished to do was to roll back to Friday, if he could. As he redid the scenario is his mind, the words she said to him just before he left for the Show would have come tumbling at her mouth as she hugged his neck. All would be well. However, he did not own a starship that could greatly accelerate as it warped around the sun, rolling back time. He sat, waiting, instead. The silence was deafening.

Clearing his throat, he began, being mindful to keep his voice low, so as not to awaken anyone. The corner was reasonably private. “We’ve talked about what we both want out of life,” he said. Kayleigh nodded. “I got the definite impression we wanted many of the same things. So, I gotta know, or we can’t go forward. It’s as simple as that. You see, I told you how I feel based on those conversations having an inkling you felt the same way about me. Instead, you greeted me with silence. Your actions bely you words. So, I have to ask. Was any of it real?”

“Erik, please . . .” Kayleigh began to sob, her delicate face awash in her tears.

“Do you really love me, as you say now, or am I just a trophy for you? A status symbol, as it were.” Then he let out a heavy sigh. “I had thought, since we met ever so briefly as children, you would see me for me and not what others may imagine I am. I’m just not interested in that kind of shallow affection. I can get that from any number of my fangirls, and you know it.”

“Some of the fanboys, too.” Kayleigh whispered hoarsely. She scrubbed the tears from her face, and said, "I hurt you and I’m so very sorry. I didn’t mean to, not even for a minute,” she said, at long last, doing her best to squelch the endless stream of her pain. “Your plans scare me. You make your lists and mark things off as you achieve them. Are you really that mechanical? The lyrics in your songs say otherwise. You’re very deep. I don’t know . . . The love I feel for you is very real, since I was eleven.”


Glancing down at his folded hands, he said, “The only grandfather I have ever known is an admiral in Starfleet Command. He taught me the value of setting goals, writing them down, and to work hard to accomplish them. So far, it’s brought me a modicum of success.

“But what about love?”

Erik lifted his head to gaze directly into her eyes. “Oh, that one comes directly from the heart. On the cerebral side, I’m also learning it’s not only volatile it’s also uncertain and fragile. It can be killed. Please don’t murder what’s left of what I feel for you.”

Shaking her head in denial, she said, “I didn’t realize I’d pushed you to the brink, I’m so sorry,” At this, Kayleigh stood up, took him by the hand and led him toward the now empty study/game room. “Share my Romance Box?”

“Uh, I thought we both agreed to wait until marriage . . .”


“We did, Silly. I’m talking about chocolates. I’m told you have a penchant for chocolate, particularly in truffle form.”
“You were told right. I do,”



Taking out the box, Kayleigh offered it to him. “Oh, I get it. I’ve seen this in movies,” he said, taking one out to feed to her.”


“You’re turn,” she said, “now open wide.”




“Oops, Erik, you’re not supposed to let it drop like that.” Kayleigh frowned.
“I didn’t, you have to get it into my mouth, at least.”


“So, are we good?” she asked. “Are we okay, still an us? Please say yes.”
“If I can have one of those we are,” Erik said, grabbing one and popping it into his own mouth. “Um, pure decadence.”

“I love you so much,” she said, kissing him on the cheek. “I still need to know, what do we do now?”


“Do?” Erik looked perplexed for a moment, “Well, I can’t ask you to go steady, if that’s what you mean.”
“What, why not? You want me to see others?”

“That’s not at all what I said. You father is vehemently opposed to our going steady, is all. And that’s a problem.” Give me a minute to work on it.

Kayleigh groaned, “I am sick to death of his incessant meddling. I won’t be controlled. I won’t. This is my life. Do your parents tell you what and how to do it, for just about everything?

“No, actually, my mother is on the bohemian side, a free spirit, if you will. She very much wants us to become who we are, if that makes any kind of sense to you.”
“Oh, so you never had the urge to run away and stay away forever?”

“Not until Friday night. I just could never sort out where to go. People know my face.”
“Oh, Erik, I really did hurt you. I’m so very sorry. Forgive me?”
“Of course, come here. I love you so much,” he said, pulling her into a warm hug.


“I’m proud of us for working through this thing, together and quite on our own,” Kayleigh said. “I could get used to this independence thing.”
“Yeah, that’s a healthy relationship. I think we’re going to be okay.”
“I love you.”
“Me, too. Good night. Classes begin in the morning.”

Kayleigh was quick to pick up the little paper cups the truffles sat in. She tossed them into the incinerator trash can, so none would be the wiser. No rumor mill, here, nor so much as a snippet of evidence. Not on my Watch.


All for now. Thanks for reading!

he Never-ending Weekend, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three Update


Erik consulted his suddenly overloaded schedule. Sneaking off campus after his last class, he gave a concert, then headed over to Taygeta Studios to release his fifth album. The guys were all quick to clap him on the back over his latest nomination. Album of the Year. Grabbing a few hours of shut eye, he was quick to rise and conquer this last day of the second term. He was fast aware he had stepped outside of the time-continuum, as his life was on a full-tilt schedule, screaming along the rails of existence. Even their terms at university were accelerated. Five days per term, who does that to themselves?

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

After the last class of the day, the kids kept up the newly developed tradition of dining out. They went over to Willow Creek to Val’s Bar & Grille. There they got a table before the crowd followed.




Once again, just as their food was arriving, phones went off. Aaron, Erik, Kayleigh and Brianna all got A+s again. Joey, who managed to be late to class, came in with three A+s and one B, giving him a GPA of A. Not bad, but he fully regretted not checking in with the professor for that one class to make it up. Quickly, they signed up for a third term.





*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Saturday, they all turned their energy toward the pre-term work, seeking to get as much done as was humanly possible. Not forgetting the prom that evening. They danced, they ate, they voted, they chatted and had fun.





The evening was a long one. Erik was near exhaustion but rallied and got all of his work done. Slipping into bed, his mind raced. Tomorrow was make or break, for him. Church and then the Award Show. The competitive side of him wanted that fourth award, while the other side of him feared this would end his career. What would he do then? That’s when his father’s words came back to haunt him, about having a degree to fall back upon. . . and with that he slipped off to a fitful sleep. His ‘demons’ torturing him most of the night.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Come the morning, they all scurried off to church. Kayleigh stood with her family. Erik noticed she played with the chain around her neck, the ring safely tucked inside of her blouse. Back at the dorm, afterwards Erik, Kayleigh and Brianna sat in the TV room, watching a movie, hoping this would quell Erik’s anxiety, at least for the length of the movie. At last, the time came. Erik got himself ready. Remarkably calm, Kayleigh worried for him. “Wow, look at you. I like your choice of suit. Gives you a dapper look,” she said. Then gazing deeply into his eyes, said, “Hey, are you okay? You almost seem too calm.” To which Erik shrugged.



“Win or lose, either way it matters little. If I win, I could very well lose. If I lose, I will have one less trophy to polish, right? The upside is I still have you. That’s all that matters. You and me. Thank you for accepting my ring,” he whispered

“Erik,” she said, “You will always have me. I keep telling you, you’re stuck with me.” This got him to smile.
“Thank God for Superglue,” he said and then laughed, as he hugged her tight
“You better shuffle off to Buffalo, lest you be late,” Brianna said. “It’s already 5:57.”
“Gads, I gotta go,” he said, giving Kayleigh a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Break-a-leg, Babe."

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Louise was in the audience, Erik noticed upon arriving on the top floor. In the back corner was a Christmas tree. Here and there a few scattered wreaths and boughs, as well. As he settled into a seat near the front, he did his best to appear serene, while his stomach suddenly did flip-flops.



Gavin Driver took the microphone. “Tonight, we hand out the fourth of the General Category Awards. The Big Award, as it’s called. Much like Record of the Year, Album of the Year honors artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales, chart position, or critical reception.”


“The following have received this most prestigious of all nominations, Thorne Bailey, for his Dreams of Dreams; Erik Cantrell for his Notecards From the Edge; Sally Laurence for her A Bridesmaid Too Many; Manny Charles for his Nightworks; and finally, Catherine Gracie for her Rose Petals In My Tea.”

Tearing open the envelope, he read the card, then began to clap his hands, and said, “Tonight, we make history! Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s a Clean Sweep. The youngest ever recipient, at seventeen, to do so is Erik Cantrell, for his Notecards From the Edge! Congratulations, young man.”



“I am overwhelmed and grateful for this outstanding and unbelievable recognition. Again, I want to say thank you to my team over at Taygeta Studios. Ryan Ricks, my Record Producer; Toby Gleason, my Recording Engineer; Michael Perry and Richard Foreman, two of the very best Music Mixers that ever lived.”


“Please forgive me, I have to run. My Third term begins tomorrow. Good night, all.”




All for now. Thanks for reading.

2276, A Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three Update


Many of the Wyvern Hall residents, those staying on for another term and new arrivals, gathered into the TV room. Before too long the room was all but stuffed. Erik entered a tad late, having seen Brianna off. “Don’t forget to plant one on Kayleigh at midnight,” she admonished.

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Erik joked back. By the time he was back upstairs, finding Kayleigh in the crowd was difficult.


By the time he located her, trying to squeeze through the throng just to stand next to her was nearly impossible. “Hey,” he said, standing next to her at last

“Hey, did Bree get off okay?"
“Yeah, Dad was waiting for her at the curb.”
“I’m sorry she couldn’t stay long enough for New Year’s Eve.”

“The university has its rules. Graduates have only so many hours to clear out.”
“I suppose that’s to make room for the incoming students.”
Erik nodded. “It’s logical, and before you say it, no asking Dad to bend the rules wouldn’t be fair or right.”
“Sometimes, you’re such a stickler.”
“Would you have me any other way?”

“Oh, it’s midnight,” she said, just as Erik kissed her, long and hard. Frowning at him, once she pulled away, she said, “Just what was that all about? You’ll have them all talking for sure, now.”


“I’m just so very tired of having to keep us under wraps. It’s wearying.”
“Happy New Year, and good night. Church in the morning and you have the Show. Classes on Monday. I still have some prep work to complete.”

“Don’t remind me. I can’t wait until this grind is over. You know I’m only getting this degree to please my father. I already have a very successful career.” Kayleigh kissed him again, “Good night,” she said.
“Um, thank you, Ma’am, may I have another? I could get used to this.”
“Good night,” she said again. “I don’t think either one of us wants to ruin our GPAs, this late in the game.”

Hugging her lovingly, he kissed her on the cheek again. “Good night, my love.” Snickering, he walked down the hall to his room. Come the morning, all four struggled out of bed. The festivities of the night before coming home to roost. They made it to church, thankfully. Kayleigh stood with her family, Erik with his mother and little Adrian. “Wow, look how big you’ve gotten,” Erik said, taking him from his mother. Adrian smiled brightly at his big brother.

Spending some quality time with their families, Erik looked up to see Aaron tapping his wrist chronometer. “Guess it’s about that time,” Erik said, getting up from the table. He finished off the last sip of his coffee, then reaching over he tussled Adrian’s dark red hair. “See you next Sunday.”

Back at Wyvern Hall, the kids settled into finishing up their prep work. Erik hit the submit button on his final term paper, pleased as punch it was done. After he changed into the suit, he planned on wearing for tonight, he got straight to work on his last presentation board. Seeing the poor job he’d left it in, he nearly shuddered. “Let’s see how we can fix this,” he muttered to himself.


He got so caught up in his work, time slipped passed him, once again. Happily, Kayleigh was suddenly at his elbow. Normally, it was Brianna who was quick to remind him, knowing him as well as she did. In fact, she had texted Kayleigh. “Go tell Erik, it’s time for him to go.”
“Got a text,” she said. “Oh, that’s looking so good. And it’s time to ‘face the music’ as it were,”

“That time already?”
“Yeah, see?” She showed him the front of her cell phone. “Now, go get ‘em, Tiger and break-a-leg.”

Turning, he blew her a kiss.


Erik stepped into the top floor room of the PBP Studios Lounge. The lights were already dim. Being the first Sunday of the New Year, he noticed all of the Christmas decorations had been removed. Seemed the Academy was very much into the show business end of things. He took a seat in the first row, on the left and settled in until they got to the Music Category.

Smiling the Host took the microphone and gazed out at the audience. “For bringing such aural beauty to the ears of people around the Galaxy, the Best Song, Rock 'N' Roll Category goes to Erik Cantrell for his Early Morning Mist. Forty-six days on the top of the charts! I swear this guy is supercharged or something. Congratulations!”


Erik stood and tugged at the end of his jacket. Taking the stage, he picked up the award and held it high in the air. To You, O Lord.


Smiling, tentatively, he said, “And, here we are again. Seriously, we’re going to have to stop meeting like this, people are getting suspicious.”


“But, seriously, the inspiration behind this piece, the thing that prompted me to write it, was quite simply my very first experience with this phenomenon."


“No, it’s true. You see, I was born in space on transit to Vulcan where I lived for the first sixteen years of my life. I know, really? I’m all of seventeen, currently. Such an old man, I know. Back to Vulcan. I never actually saw a dewdrop cling to a blade of grass before. Walking to the chicken coop to collect the eggs early one morning I felt the moisture in the very gray sky tickle the skin on my face. A new sensation for me. Hence, a song was born.”


“I would like to thank my fans, whose steadfast devotion keeps me going. My parents, my many siblings, the crew over at Taygeta Studios. My thanks to Orion Entertainment, Limited. And of course, I thank the Starlight Academy for nominating Early Morning Mist for Best Song and to those who voted for it. Good night, All. I have to scoot out of here, I have prep work to complete, hopefully before tomorrow, which is the start of my final term at Britechester-U.”



All for now. Thanks for reading!

Graduation, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Three Update


The last class of the day for each of them ended. Being a solemn day on the calendar of their faith, they were unsure if they should go out to celebrate, as had been their tradition. The general consensus was to leave the celebration for the next day after graduation. They all piled back into Wyvern Hall, instead. As usual the place was busy. Erik was approached by a Paparazzo who wanted him to give her an exclusive on his upcoming World Tour. Shrugging, smiling he gave her the interview.



“Thank you, Erik. So it’s been said that Sunday you catch a flight to Europe to begin your long-awaited World Tour. What are your expectations?”



“I expect it to different. I have never done such a thing before. I will be on my own. I mean, completely on my own for really the very first time in my life. And, yeah, it’s a tad scary. But my fans have always been great. So, thank you.”



Once again cell phones went off. "Excuse me, please, I have to take this." Each of them were happy to learn they had kept pace with their individual GPAs. All A+s again. “Now, that’s the way to finish,” Joey chortled. His prospects of Med school looking really good, having pulled it back together for this last term. Joseph as he was wont to do, stopped into Wyvern Hall to commend the kids on their very fine grades.

“Erik, congratulations on your grades. You will be graduating Magna, with honors. I'm so very proud of you, son, but I have to say your decision not to stay the night with us, vexes your mother greatly. I’m not too pleased about it myself. Why not? You’re going to be gone for quite some time.”


“I figured as much. The fact of the matter is, midnight services will run well into the wee hours, with the feast afterwards. People are going to want to chat. I have a very long flight in the morning. — It’s just better if I skip the feast and go directly to the hotel, get as much sleep as I can. I have to be up extra early.”

“What about Kayleigh?”
“What about her?
“I think she’s trying to get your attention. Stay focused on what’s important, son.” Erik turned around to see Kayleigh gazing at him.

“Erik,” Kayleigh said, when she finally caught his eye. “Got a minute?” She asked, nodding toward the bathroom. The two headed in, but before they could get the doors locked another student barged her way in.

“What’s up?” Erik said.
“I just wanted to have a little time with you. Midnight services tomorrow, you’re leaving the next day, there’s so little time left. You will be staying for the feast, right?”



Erik gazed at her, drew her into him and held her tight as he whispered, “No.”


*~~*~~*~~*~~*







"One more for good luck," Kayleigh said. "I'm going to miss you so much."


When all was said and done, the group went back to Wyvern Hall to pack up so that they could move out promptly.



*~*~~*~~*~~*

They met Joseph, Louise and Brianna in Brindleton Bay for a celebratory lunch over at Millie’s Café. As large a group as they were, they were shown to the long table in the back corner, just off of the kitchen. “Oh, we’re all back together again. This feels so good,” Kayleigh said, as she sat down near the end of the table.






All too soon, their time at Britechester-U was ended. Kayleigh’s father picked her up from the cafe. Aaron and Joey went back to Del So Valley with their parents and Erik took a cab to his hotel for the night. “See you in church,” They greeted each other as they pealed away into smaller groups.


All for now. Thanks for reading.

IDIC, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Four Update


Brianna gazed out of the viewport, feeling the thrum of the engine beneath her booted feet. “It’s so dark,” she said as the space skiff landed ever so smoothly on the pad on the top of Mount Seleya, a knife gliding over butter. The only light, small circular lights set into the sand outlining the landing pad.

“Midnight,” Joseph Cantrell confirmed. “It’s essential nobody knows who you are, in order for the test to be valid. For now, you are strictly the Candidate.”

“Well, that’s not in the least bit impersonal. I do suppose it’s better than being known as the Anomaly, though.” As she watched out of the viewport, she noticed dark figures, barely seen, lining up in two rows, forming a corridor, of sorts.

“I’m sorry, honey. This entire road for you has been a hard one. I’m certain once this test is over things will become easier.”

“Easier? Daddy, you do know I’ve been accepted into the Starfleet Academy. It’s okay, I don’t expect easy. I’m unsure what God’s plans are for me, but there is a reason for all of this."

Joseph smiled at his daughter, draping an arm over her shoulders. “Come, it’s time to debark.” Before taking the ramp Brianna pulled the headpiece, which looked very much like a Mediaeval hood, over her head. The headdress completely swathed her head, much like ones worn before a hanging, her bundled blonde hair also concealed. Joseph took her by the elbow to guide her down the ramp. The short line of dark figures moved toward them, a light wind rippling the hems of their floor-length black robes.

They were greeted by members of the High Council and Clergy. Joseph held his hand up in the Vulcan, split finger greeting, bowing his head in respect, glad and more at ease to see Ambassador Sarek and his consort, Amanda, was among the welcoming party.

“We shall take it from here,” T’Pran said, as she greeted father and daughter. She took Brianna’s arm, escorting her up to the chamber in the High Tower. The stairs wound ever upward. The coolness of the interior was refreshing. Finally, they reached the top. Brianna could hear the heavy door squeal on its hinges as her former Governess opened the door. Leading the teen inside the doorway, T’Pran guided her over to a chair. “You may wish to take a seat. Things won’t be underway for an hour or so.” Watching for only a moment as Brianna found the arms on the chair to guide herself into the seat, T’Pran lit the incense in the molten rock carving on the dais.

The sweet, woody fragrance soon infused the room. Brianna had quite forgotten how calming it was. After a short time, T’Pran spoke, “You may remove the hood for now. It is time for you to change into appropriate clothing,” she said, opening a wardrobe and taking out a long, silken, white gown. “This should fit you well.” With a quick gesture, she bid Brianna come to her

Dutifully, the teenager walked across the ancient stone flooring to the corner of the large room. Sweeping the hair out of her face as she removed the hood. Quickly, she changed out of her pants and top, folding them as she removed them. Carefully, pulling the garment on over her head. Turning to face the ancient floor mirror, she watched as T’Pran then assisted with the ornate head-covering. Once the girl was properly outfitted, T’Pran sat in a chair in the corner of the room. Brianna’s emotions were more than palpable, to her dismay. Outright fear the strongest of them all.




"If I fail," the girl began.



"Thee hast demonstrated thy ability many times," T'Pran assured her. "Thee shalt not fail."


Brianna chewed on her lower lip; her worries not so easily assuaged. Having been dubbed the Anomaly. Today would be the proof of that status.

"But" she protested and was sharply cut off by a look from her governess as the Vulcan woman slowly blinked her eyes in warning.

"Thee hast time in which to still thyself," T'Pran suggested evenly, holding her open hand out gesturing to the molten rock carving resting on a raised dais in the corner of the room. Incense billowed forth from it, inviting tranquility of mind. Dropping her gaze respectfully, Brianna nodded.


"I beg forgiveness for my emotional display," the girl solemnly replied.  She did not move until T'Pran left the small chamber, nor attend to her meditation right away preferring to gaze out of the high, tower window, momentarily losing herself in the activity in the courtyard below, seen now as the sun lazily rose.  Vulcans, dressed in formal garb of ornately decorated headdresses signifying their individual Houses and long, flowing dark robes denoting their station, ambled about the cracked, parched grounds forming small groups.  Soon they would be lining up to begin the procession.  Brianna felt her stomach twist itself into knots.  In her nearly seventeen Earth years, she had never experienced excitement, nor anxiety, quite like this.

Her telepathic powers alone were not requirement enough, she had come to realize; An even, controlled temperament, brought about through training, was essential. At the moment, however, Brianna certainly had her doubts about that, her mind swimming, drowning in a tide of emotion. Where was her control, just now? Strangely, she had been rather anxious all week, brushing it off as anticipation, yet it was more than mere nerves, she felt . . .


Brianna drew in a deep, calming breath, attempting once again to gain control over herself. In this frenzied state it would only be too easy to give into the tumult inside of her, choking off the flow of her psychic signal, in turn rendering her quite blind, metaphysically speaking. She feared she would fail if she couldn't get herself back under control, bringing dishonor not only to herself and her family, but to T'Pran as well, such a failure lending itself to the notion she was merely mocking the ways of the Vulcan people, as some had purported. It was a thought she could not bear.


Training in the Vulcan Way for Brianna had been particularly grueling, a regular war of wills; hers against T'Pran's. The governess sought to harness the power of the child's mind, indeed her very soul, forcing Brianna to be more Vulcan in nature at times than the human she was. It had been an arduous task taking them both on a fifteen-and-a-half-year odyssey against a backdrop of mockery and bias. Brianna had proved to be incredibly human; stubborn, willful, impulsive.


There were those, not a few of them Ruling House members, who contended a human could never achieve the Discipline. Some even suggested T'Pran must be senile to consider it, and some who felt Outworlders should be kept apart from things Vulcan. These were known as purists, afraid all the contact with other planets and cultures would eventually strip Vulcan of its own culture, or at the very least dilute it beyond recognition, as if they hadn't fully accepted the tenants of IDIC. Despite these protests, and after more tears, ranting and anguish on Brianna’s part, the journey was at last at an end. T'Pran had slowly won out, teaching the girl at first to refrain from doing that which came so very easily to her and then how to control it.

Today, fully schooled if not a bit anxious, Brianna Cantrell stood ready for the Test. The K'Matra, her Rite of Passage. It would be threefold in nature. First, she would be judged by how well she could shield her thoughts from others. Secondly, by her ability to mindmeld, being asked to form a mental linking with another where they would literally become one mind able to feel each other's thoughts. The third test was shrouded in mystery, the conditions of which having been carefully shielded from her, set up covertly by the Vulcan Council of Elders. It was this test she feared the most, being judged in secret; not knowing what was expected of her.




Author's Note: This update was adapted from chapter one from my published fanfiction, Night Whisper's.