Chapter Twelve: The Best Medicine

“Erik, listen to me, Buddy. I know you've had it rough and your heart has been trampled on more than the average star. But, I just listened to your latest track. Kid, this one is big. It’s fabulous. I’m talking Award-worthy material, here. This is your very best work. Tragedy can do that to an artist. Did I say artist? I meant Artiste. I've booked you for a more intimate concert up at the Ruins. I've had a crew there setting things up. Tell me, you’ll be there. Seven in the evening on the 15th and I won’t take no for an answer. You need to snap out of this funk you’re in. Best remedy is to play before a live crowd, I’m tellin’ ya. Once you feel that audience …” Erik snapped off the recorded voice message. Dan Simms was a good agent but he was relentless. Erik was out of answers.

What was he to do? Having hired a private investigator hoping to track down Wesley’s family so that they could take his ashes off of Erik’s hands, none had turned up. Not only that but the ghost of Wesley past began to haunt the place, scaring his little nephews out of their wits. He, knew too, that Dan was correct. He couldn't continue to keep himself holed up and away from his fans, his work and everything else. It had been so long, in fact, that his little niece, T’Nia was walking already. Perhaps, a concert was just what he needed …

Before Erik had made up his mind, entirely, Kaitlyn Nye moved into the castle and his clever sister put them seated across from each other at the dining table. So far, she was everything his sister said she was. Beautiful, talented, interesting. Single. And she could sing. She was different from all the others he had dated. They did have a great deal in common. They had a fantastic time singing karaoke together. Their voices blended well. So well, it surprised him. They laughed together, they joked. They had a terrific time. And a thought tickled the edge of his consciousness that maybe they should become a duet? He also started having feelings he’d never experienced before. He fell asleep each night with her in this thoughts and when he awakened again, she was the first Sim he even thought of. Very strange. Erik found he wanted to know every little thing about her. It was time, he decided.

“Kaitlyn,” Erik said, late one afternoon. “Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner tonight? — That is, if you have no other plans.”
Kaitlyn’s face lit up as she smiled, her large blue eyes aglow. “Are you asking me out on a date, Sir?”
“Most definitely,” he smiled back. Walking over to her he took her by her arms.
“And just what should I be wearing to this dinner date?” Her smile was coy.
Erik drew her into him. “Something formal,” he said, playing her game.
“Chez Llama?”
“No, the Star Lounge in NewCrest.”
“Oh, do I need to be a star to get in?”
“No, that went bust for Chez Llama, so they've reverted back. No, this is called the Star Lounge, because sometimes they hire a professional to entertain the diners.”
“Well, that sounds nice. I’d love to.”

The two arrived at the restaurant. Kaitlyn very much admired the atmosphere of the place, the decor. “This place is lovely, I can’t wait to see what’s on the menu.” The host got them a table immediately and the two were seated on the mezzanine deck to the right of the stage. So far, so good, Erik thought, happy for the privacy of the moment. Glancing at the menu, once they had decided, Erik flagged over a waiter and placed their order.

“Very good, Sir,” the elderly Sim said. “I shall bring it just as soon as it’s ready.”

Once they were alone again, the couple talked on a large range of topics. Erik really wanted to get to know Kaitlyn and, as it seemed to him, she wanted to know as much about him, too. They were so wrapped up in their conversation, that Erik hardly noticed the young adult Sim who rushed up to their corner table.

“Oh, it is you,” she gushed. “You’re Erik Cantrell!” Suddenly colorful confetti bits rained down upon the couple. Erik glanced up at the Sim, then back at Kaitlyn who had an amused grin on her face.

Leaning over the table toward him Kaitlyn smiled as she said, “So, does this happen a lot?”
Erik drew in a breath and tilted his head from side to side. “Yeah. I’m very sorry.”

“Oh, don’t be, I think it’s cute. But shouldn't you,” Kaitlyn nodded toward the Sim who had withdrawn to stand between the two tables opposite.

Erik stood up, pulling his vest straight as he did so. “I’ll just sign an autograph, if you don’t mind.”

He was pleased to see Kaitlyn nod and smile. It was a refreshing attitude. She watched, patiently, as Erik took care of his fan. Unflappable, he thought. That was a good thing.

Had that been the only interruption, Erik would have considered the date a success. However, out of nowhere Marcelo Gary appeared. Kaitlyn was the one who noticed him first. “Oh, look, that chubby Sim is dressed just like you. And I mean, exactly like you, except for his hair. Is he trying to be you?”

Erik sighed. “That would be my most obsessed fan, Marcelo. I’m afraid he’s got a massive Sim-crush on me. Doesn't seem to matter how many times I thrust him away when he tries to plant one on me, he keeps coming back for more. At least he doesn't follow me home,” Erik said and then grew quiet.

Kaitlyn placed a hand over his. “Erik, I heard about the casualty in the backyard. Everybody seems to be blaming themselves for it. Spock for not upgrading that fireplace. Brianna for not insisting it be removed and you, too, because he was your Stan, I mean your fan.”

“I know. My agent says I need to get back out there. Play concerts, hold Meet & Greets. I just — I just think my ambition is what caused this. I had to be the Best, I had to be Well-Known. I needed to be a Star, but not just a Newcomer, a Global Superstar. This is my punishment for my unfettered Ego. I cost another Sim his life.”

“Stop right there,” Kaitlyn’s voice was firm. “You have a rare talent, you’re a musical genius. It’s not fair for you to keep it to yourself. Sims with that kind of endowment are obligated to share it with others. If you don’t then you’re being selfish.”

Erik gazed over at her in earnest. “Is that really how you see it? Or are you just telling me what you think I want to hear? Forgive me for being blunt, but I've been put through the mill and I’m all ground up over it.”

“I know you have and you are,” Kaitlyn said, squeezing his hand. “Your sister filled me in before she introduced us. You need to share your talent again. Get back out there and yes, I really do mean it.”


A smile tickled Erik’s lips as he sat back in his chair. Quickly taking his cell phone from his pocket, he texted his agent, accepting the booking offered.  “Okay. I've been booked for an Event not too many days from now. Would you care to attend?”
“I would love to.”
“Well, then, I would love to have you.”

Chapter Eleven: The Downside of Stardom

After yet another failed relationship, Erik was just about done with the whole dating thing. Being a Sim of Faith, he even toyed with the notion of joining a Monastery and becoming a Monk Priest. Yes, he would have to give up his secular music, but he could attempt what Tchaikovsky did, and write church music, equally fulfilling, perhaps even more so. He even played around with a few pieces to get a feel for it. Then he found himself in a bit of a funk and wrote what he felt was his biggest hit, yet. “Freeing Myself”. He’d yet to license it, but that would happen soon. Why those who govern his world put restrictions on just how many songs you could license in a certain time frame was insane to him. So, he waited. Sitting on the one he felt was the Big One. He could feel it in his bones.

One night after he got back home from a concert, his sister was all excited about something. “Erik,” she greeted him with a big hug, hanging out in the castle foyer for his return. “You’ll never guess whose coming to stay with us! Oh, I can’t wait for you to meet her.”

“Her? Are you trying to set me up again? Bree, need I remind you Alyse Bennett and I got nowhere. You set us up, too.”  

Brianna took a step back and narrowed her luminous blue eyes up at him. “I admitted that was a mistake ages ago. I didn't use my ‘intuition’ for lack of a better word, on the situation. This time it’s different. I know this Sim. She was my roommate back in University. Trust me, you’ll like her. Oh, I just can’t wait until you two meet. She’s perfect for you. She’s beautiful, she loves music. She comes from a good family —”

“Tell me,” Erik smirked. “Is she tall with dark hair, by chance?”

“What? No.”

“Then I’m not interested. The Romance Guru mentioned such a Sim was in my future. Tillie wasn't who he meant, as it turned out. No, Bree, I’m done. I’m just going to stick to my music, it’s what I do best.”

“But, but, Erik you've always wanted a family.”

He shrugged, “I've got all of you.”

With that he flashed his sister a wan smile and trudged up those three flights of stairs to his room in the Tower. 

The next day dawned brightly. Winter, it was still cold. Erik took a glimpse out of his bedroom window to see his Stan over by the outdoor fireplace. What was he doing? He appeared to be adding split logs to the adobe fireplace and then before Erik could get his window open, the plum thing was almost always sticking, to yell at the guy, ‘Stan’ lit the fire. 

“Oh, my gosh no. No!” Erik raced down the stone stairs, three full flights and ran around the castle to the backyard. As he feared the Sim had caught himself on fire! “Fire! Fire!” Erik hollered. Spock and Brianna ran out of the house to grab up their toddlers busy just yards away playing on their toddler gym. Seraj, ever ready for a game, evaded his father’s grasp. Erik snatched him up just as he neared the blazing fireplace and ran around the keep to safety. Erik grabbed the fire extinguisher and proceeded to apply it to the fire. Sadly, it was too late to save his fan. “No,” Erik sobbed, still applying the fire retardant to the out-of-control blaze. Several feet in front of the clay fireplace the grass was burnt. Scorched. He wondered if the blackened grass would ever be the same? 

From the direction of the kitchen, Grimmie approached, all dressed in dark gray, the hem of his robe disappearing in curling fingers of smoke. This entity gave Erik the creeps. He approached, cautiously and tried to plead with the being, again, to no avail. Wesley Weston was gone. Amidst his shock, he pulled out his cell phone and called the authorities. Finally, sirens blaring, the Fire Department, plus the Windenburg Police showed up.

“Hey, you’re Erik Cantrell,” one officer said, as he approached. “Whoa, that’s some barbecue you had going. What happened?”

“A fan with a penchant for hanging around got cold. He decided to light a fire in this fireplace. I tried to warn him, we hadn't had a chance to fire proof it yet, but I wasn't in time. By the time I got down here, I live up there,” Erik pointed to the fourth floor tower, “it was too late.” He handed over the spent fire extinguisher to the Fire Chief who walked up. 

Erik shook his blond head, “I tried to put it out but my little nephew got in the way, so I had to take him to safety, first. He’s only just two.”

“But you did try to save this fellow, right?” the police officer said, scribbling notes in a small black notebook.

“By the time I got back, Wesley was deceased.”

“You’re a doctor, too? How did you know he was dead?”

“Grimm,” Erik cleared his throat. “That is to say the Grim Reaper was here to do his job.”

“The what?” Both the officer and the Fire Chief chorused, giving each other a ‘yeah, right’ glance of disbelief.

"I tried to plead with him on behalf of Wesley, but all he wanted was my autograph."

“Sir,” the police officer said, taking Erik by the arm. “Perhaps we should take you down to the hospital.” He glanced over at the fireman and made a circle motion with his index finger by his own head. The Fireman nodded slowly and mouth the words, “Nut case.”

“No, really, I’m fine.” Erik gently wrested himself out of the officer's grasp.

He forgot that most Sims couldn't see the Grim Reaper. His family was ‘gifted’ with psychic abilities. Erik should never have ignored his nightmares. Well, the first one he took to heart. To date, he hadn't included his sister and brother-in-law in any of his Charity Events.

The second one he relegated to his possibly having “Cold Feet”. Yet, it still ended badly.

With tears welling up in his eyes, making them far more luminous than usual, Erik excused himself. “Do you have all that you need?”

“Yes, I believe so. Just be available for questioning.”

Erik nodded, trying to keep the contents in his stomach down. “Will do,” he said and went back inside. Who knew that his life-long dream of becoming a star would be the death of an innocent Sim? This shook Erik to his core. What was he supposed to do now?

Chapter Ten: Wedding Bells Ringing …

Erik bolted upright in bed, jolted awake by yet another nightmare. What was up with this ancient pile of stones he lived in? Sure, it was a magnificent old fortress, remodeled into a very comfortable abode and he in no way impugned his brother-in-law’s inheritance, but Erik also wasn't prone to such distressing nightly fantasies, either. This was twice since he moved in. He was all set to marry Tillie. The venue was booked, the engraved invitations all sent, the responses counted and the number turned over to the caterers. The mixologist hired, as well as a musician, which was odd, but Erik concurred that his doing the entertaining wasn't appropriate. All was ready for the big day. He just had to bide his time.

In his dream, everything that could go wrong, did. The people invited arrived, except for his parents, which was very strange. His three brothers were also curiously missing, although his two sisters-in-law showed up. That should have been his first clue that the event was staged in his unconscious and not a reality. One of the caterers was busy flirting with Erik, and sadly, his knees went soft as she stroked his cheek. Tillie, looking as beautiful as ever saw this, and was understandably upset. Seeing her jumping up and down in a tantrum, wedding gown and all was disconcerting and so very unlike her. Even when they dated her reaction to his fans’ ardor was sadness. Leila was the one who acted like a two year old. 

As soon as his breathing slowed to normal, Erik pulled himself out of his cushy, plush bed and headed into his private bathroom to shower and shave. Realizing today was the Day, made him think the dream was merely his ‘cold feet’ reaction. Then he laughed at himself. This is what he had wanted for so long. He finally found the One, so why should he succumb to such a  stereotype?  “Erik James Cantrell, you’re losing it, buddy,” he told his image in the mirror.

Once he was dressed, he headed downstairs to the kitchen for  a bite to eat. He had a gig come the late morning. Part of the double-bookings to accommodate his many fans, in a vast campaign to keep his status from slipping. Brianna was in the kitchen busily decorating the tiered cake for his wedding, she had baked last night.

“Hey, that smells and looks great!” Erik said, standing nearby, munching on a bowl of cold cereal. “Thanks, Sis.”
“Oh, you’re more than welcome. I’m just glad I could do this for you. Oh, where are you off to?”
“Gig.”
“Don’t’ forget the wedding is at five.”
Erik just grinned at his sister. “Not to worry, I had enough trouble reeling this one in, there’s no way I’m going to forget about tonight.”
Brianna put a hand on her hip and gave her older brother a look. “I just meant, give yourself enough time to change for the wedding. Besides, you may need to shave again by then. You know,” she gestured to her face around her chin. “Five o’clock shadow.”
“Shaving. Well, I could …” he smirked, stroking his smooth chin. “Unless I decide to grow one.”
Holding the decorator bag to the side of the cake, Brianna began to create the puffy swags out of the creamy white frosting. She stopped what she was doing to cast him a wary glance. “Grow one?”
“Yeah, a beard. You know like our Dad.”
“Huh, fine with me what you do, but what about Tillie?”
“Tillie, hm. Guess I should clear that one with her, eh?”
“Ah, … yeah. It’s the little things like that, that make for a good marriage. The last thing you need to do is rock the boat of matrimony just as you set sail on that sea.”
“See, that’s why it’s good I have a little sister like you.” Bending down, since Brianna was short, and Erik was over six feet tall, he gave her a peck on the cheek. Brianna slapped at his hand as he also tried to stick a finger in the icing, thinking her distracted.
“You can taste it later.” She frowned. “I don’t have time to redo it, now go.”

The day was hot. Erik was very glad the venue was an outdoor stage. What he didn't expect was the rush of Sims to join him on said stage. Dressed in his usual summer gig outfit, shorts a tee and his hat, he used his cell to ‘clock-in’ with the SimsRock Music Booking Company. Then he took up the microphone and proceeded to belt one out. Three hours later, the crowd still clapping and shouting for more, Erik who had already left the stage returned. He raised a hand at them, smiled and said, “One more for the road. I have another engagement this evening.” He then played a fan favorite.

By the time he reached Grayson Castle, Erik felt the heat of the late afternoon. Not only did he need that shave Brianna had teased him about, but he could use a nice cool shower, too. All was quiet when he walked inside the large, ancient Keep. He soon realized his identical twin nephews were fast asleep in their little toddler beds, so that they would be in a good humor come the wedding. The baby fast asleep in her bassinet. Erik quietly made his way up the additional two flights of stone stairs to his ‘suite’. He had a small anteroom where he kept his equipment just outside of his fourth floor bedroom. The bathroom was adjacent to the bedroom and couldn't be entered by any other means. He could enjoy total privacy. The Stan that hung around out back, not withstanding.

Taking his time in the shower, cooling down his body temperature, he was finally ready to dress and head down to the WeddingCastle. A tad ironic he thought, going from one castle to another. He was excited. He quickly donned his black tuxedo with the dark red cummerbund and bow tie, carefully removing it from the dry cleaner’s plastic. He sat on the edge of his bed to put on his black socks and the shiny Corfam black dress shoes. The one thing he found great about this castle, was how cool it was even in the summer. A bit drafty and cold in the winter, but all things in life were pretty much a give and take proposition.

Taking the stairs two at a time down to the second floor, he met his brother-in-law all dressed in his native formal wear and looking as sharp as Spock always did. His sister was equally decked out in her formal wear. A vision in teal. The two boys were very cute in their wee black suits, too. Shorts, jackets, itty bitty bow ties and all.
“Ah, there you are. My, don’t you cut a fine figure, Brother of mine.”
“Ah, yes, but your tie — Please allow me to help you with that,” Spock said, walking toward Erik to address the 'mess'.
“That bad, huh?”

Brianna just nodded her head as her husband fixed Erik’s less than straight bow tie. The five of them got into the pre- air conditioned limousine and headed over to Willow Creek and the WeddingCastle. Luckily traffic was light and they arrived there before much of the guests. Brianna was able to get the cake placed on the table set aside for it with it needing only a minimal amount of ‘repair’ work on the icing. The hired help all arrived on schedule.

At last, their parents and siblings arrived, along with the rest of the family and a few trusted close friends. Erik and Tillie thought it best to keep things as low-key as possible. They both had their agents and Tillie had an assistant and just a few friends from the office. Erik smiled and waved at them as they came in. Tillie hadn't arrived, yet, as far as he knew, although she had elected to spend the night with her assistant so the groom wouldn't see her in her gown until the wedding. She had to be just outside, he thought. Tillie was an orphan and had no family. Erik wondered if she could handle the extensive Cantrell Clan she was about to marry into.

After the nightmare Erik suffered, he was fully glad not to be hounded by fans and photographers, only having to pose for the traditional wedding type photos, or so he thought. Although, he did sign an autograph for one of the professionals they’d hired. An assistant to the Caterer. She was young, pretty and so very polite as she dared approach him. “Mister Cantrell,” she began. “I know this is probably not the time, but I was hoping, before the wedding got started, that is to say—” She hesitated, bit her lower lip and handed him a glossy photo of himself. “Would you be so kind as to sign this photo? It would mean the world to me, please. I love you so much. And later, there simply won’t be a moment.”

Smiling, as he took the photo and opened the pen she handed him, Erik began signing his autograph on the front of the photo, in the lower corner, as per his usual habit. At that very moment, the young adult  having lost her shyness, to Erik’s surprise, stroked his cheek, in a most flirty manner. Again, almost involuntarily, his knees went weak, just as in his dream. She was a pretty little thing… Suddenly, as if the nightmare was a harbinger, Tillie, who had just arrived in time to witness his abhorrent behavior, was jumping up and down throwing a massive fit.

Out of the corner of his eye, Erik saw the Birdcage veil attached to the vintage Pillbox cap she wore flapping slightly as she went airborne just to come back down again. Up and down and up and down, she must have jumped three times. When he got a good look at his bride, she was the epitome of beauty in her virginal white gown, her hair worn in an up do, her jewelry understated. What was that he just witnessed? Why? Apparently, he was no longer allowed to ‘play’ with his fans — because really, he was just playing, wasn't he? Of course, he loved Tillie, he told himself.

Not only that, but behind the bride the press came flooding in through the glass front doors of the wedding chapel. Cameras snapping, flashes blinding him. No sooner had the caterer’s hand left his cheek, the questions began. He knew they had caught all of it, or most of it on camera. He could see the headlines, now. “Erik Cantrell Flirts With the Help On Wedding Day.”  Humiliated, Erik was full of loathing at that very moment. Was this her secret revenge, or simply a cheap publicity stunt? Had she set him up? So much for their wedding being low-key. She’d brought a press-gaggle along. Rage filled his being starting at his toes and working its way all the way passed his glasses to the roots of his platinum blond hair. He needed to take a jog to clear his head, but not at this moment.

Just as quickly, he realized he couldn't live his life like this. Questioning if he even knew what love was, he realized, it was over. Any feelings he had for her were no longer. Murdered, as they were, by this callous stunt.

Taking Tillie by her gloved hand, he led her aside.
“Erik, what is it?” she said, giving him an innocent look. A timid smile playing on her full ruby lips.
Erik leaned down into her. “I’m very sorry, this isn't right.” He murmured, into her right ear. “I can’t do this. Please forgive me.”
“What? Erik, no. You can’t do this to me. It’ll be all over the pages!”

“Oh, no? Till, it’s already all over the pages. You brought them with you,” he gestured toward the group of news hounds swarming about the beleaguered couple again, even as he left her side to come stand in front of the wedding arch.

One shoved a microphone at him. Erik gently took it from her hand, “Do you mind?” he said, receiving a shrug from the reporter. Then holding the microphone to his face, he addressed the crowd of Sims before him. “I want to thank each and every one of you who came out today to help us celebrate our nuptials. The bride has informed me, however, that she simply can’t go through with it. I quite understand, I mean, look at me. Who can blame her, right?” Erik flashed the group a sardonic grin. “But I would ask you, please, since we have already taken up your evening, do stay and enjoy the food, the band, and some dancing. Thank you again. All of you, my family included. Good night.”

Erik handed the microphone back to the Paparazzi, from whom he borrowed it. She stood there, along with her colleagues, their collective jaws agape. With a quick movement, he slipped a finger into the bow tie to unleash it. Nodding at those behind him, he quietly and with as much dignity as he could muster, left the venue.

Chapter Nine: When It’s Right, You Just Know It

Another Love Day had rolled around and once again, Erik had no date. This wouldn't be so bad if the Gossip Magazines wouldn't poke so much fun at him. He really didn't appreciate it when they had a spread of him and Leila all over the inside of the National Simquirer, a painful reminder of a romance that was doomed from the start. Erik was humiliated. He also felt badly for Leila. As best he knew she was in another relationship. He wished her well.

He even got so desperate to find the right one, he consulted that peculiar wishing well out on the back of this ancient castle. He gave it a handsome fee, just for the privilege of asking a question and when things looked favorable, he made his request to find true love. He came away with an obscure message to impart that would leave his memory once used. He never could realize what it was.

Bad enough he kept making the wrong choices in women, but did the Press have to have such a field day at his expense? As he continued to scroll through the articles of the day, he was greatly surprised to see that Tillie, a Critic, had become a rising star. Erik rolled his eyes. But, it gave him a fresh idea. What would she do once hounded by autograph and Selfie seekers? Now, that she had her own fan base to consider, would she give him a break? Was that at least a path to understanding? A little tea and sympathy?

All Erik knew for sure is that he hated being alone. Especially on a day when most got together and went out to dinner, at least. Checking his cell phone, again, he recalled hearing that a certain chic restaurant had gone exclusive. The management had a shake-up and it was decided they would cater to the Elite among them, offering them fine dining without the hassles of fans and Paparazzi intruding in on their dining experience.

Finding it, he read all about their new policies. Only stars would be admitted. “Cool,” Erik said aloud. Looking through his contacts, he was happy to discover Tillie’s phone number was still there. Quickly, he clicked on the phone icon and placed a call.

“Hello?” came her tentative voice. Erik began to realize her phone number must have gone out of the web, just as his had done.

“Tillie,” he said into the phone. “It’s me, Erik. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” she returned. “Sorry, I keep getting these random calls and some aren't so nice.”

“I know, I've had a few of those, too. Say, I know it’s been awhile since we went out, but I hear you've made your way up the celebrity ladder. How’s fame treating you?”

“O … kay, I guess. Sometimes, it’s a bit of a hassle. No privacy." She hesitated. "Erik, I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am at how I acted. We fought so terribly the last time we were together. I said some really awful things. I now know why you are always so kind to your fans.  I mean, beyond that being your nature. You really are so sweet.”

“Thank you, Till, that means a lot to me. I was also calling to see if perhaps you’re still single, and if would like to go out with me again?”

“I would love to. At least you and I go back pre-stardom with me. What did you want to do?”

“I was thinking dinner. You've heard of the policy changes for Chez Llama, right?”

“Policy changes?”

“Celebrities only. I was thinking we could actually enjoy dining out again. Pre-fame for both of us.”

“Oh, Erik. I would love to.”

“Good. Okay, then I’ll pick you up around seven. Bye.” Erik ended the call and quickly made a reservation for two at seven pm. He felt very lucky, at this short notice, when the host confirmed his reservations. “Great, thank you,” he said, determining to give the wait staff an ample tip.

Dressed in their formal wear, the two walked into the restaurant. The wait staff were dignified, professional, and saw the couple over to a corner in the sunken portion of the dining 

room. There was only one who simply had to have his autograph. Erik smiled and appeased her.

The two sat across from each other and studied the menu. Erik grinned, “Order anything you like, the sky’s the limit.”

Tillie smiled at him. Erik studied her face. She was beautiful, successful, sweet. Why did he stop dating her? He couldn't really remember, but decided tonight was a new start. They talked and got to know each other all over again. Discussion ran the gamut, from fashion trends, music, celebrity and its inherent headaches. What they each wanted out of life.

“Yes, someday, I’d like a baby,” Tillie said, sipping at her glass of wine. “What about you?”

Erik smiled, nodded, and said, “I’m not content to just be Uncle Erik.” He took a bite of his dinner, then rested the fork on his plate. “My older brother has a boy, my younger sister has twin boys and now a baby girl. Joe and Astrid … not sure what they’re waiting on.” Erik sat back in his chair. “Except that he’s in Med School. And Adrian, Adrian is way too young. He’s just a kid.”

“Wow, you’re all spread out, aren't you.”

      “Dad was older when he married Mom and they didn't waste any time. The four of us came along one right after another. Then there’s Adrian. Just when it looked like it was going back to just Mom and Dad. Guess who paid them a visit?”

“The Stork,” she teased.

“You got it!” Erik laughed. “I thought my Dad was going to have a heart-attack when Mom gave him the Big News. I was in high school — this was right before I quit. Aaron had just graduated. Joey was a sophomore. Brianna just began high school.”

“Wait, you quit school? I didn't know that.” 

“I was already writing songs, publishing them, and receiving royalties. I saw no reason to take valuable time sitting in a boring class, having my poor eyes glaze over when I could be making money doing the thing I loved the most. Especially, when I began to get noticed. And yeah, I haven’t made it public. I’m sort of a role model, now. I've thought about going back to get my GED and then taking a few college courses, but … there’s that scheduling thing.” 

Tillie smiled at him, her eyes aglow. The candle at the center of the table was lit and the affect was romantic and very flattering. Erik stood up and took her hand. 

“Erik, what are you doing, the staff is watching.”

From out of his pocket, he pulled a piece of mistletoe, dangling it over their heads. “Are you game?” Tillie leaned in and they shared a very sweet kiss. 

Stepping back slightly, he suddenly presented her with a beautiful, perfect red rose. 

“A pretty rose for a pretty lady,” Erik said, before he suddenly went down on one knee.

Gazing up at her, he realized why he never could get her out of his head. “Tillie,” he began, as he slipped a hand into his suit pocket. “I love you. More than I have loved any other Sim in my life. My life has been an empty shell, despite all of the fame and the adoring fans. I need you. If you can stand all of the baggage that I come with, I have a question to ask of you.” For the life of him, later on, he couldn't remember a word of what he'd said beyond asking her to marry him.

Tillie swallowed several times, afraid her tears would start to flow and ruin her make-up. While the Paparazzi weren't let inside, they still hung around out on the sidewalk just waiting for a chance to snap that photo. In fact, she quickly looked out of the big window and was certain she saw one of them looking in at the two of them. “Ask your question,” she said. “The sharks outside are circling.”  

“Marry me?” he asked, holding the sparkling two-carat solitaire diamond in his fingers.



“Oh, Erik. Yes. Yes, I will marry you. That was the most romantic and sweetest proposal I've ever heard. I love you so much.” Erik slipped the ring onto her finger, and Tillie held her hand aloft admiring the way the lights in the room danced off of the multi-faceted surface.

Chapter Eight: Alone Again, Naturally

Erik spent a very restless night, tossing and turning and tossing some more. Sleep was evasive. It was moments like this he was sorry he never got himself a small television for up here. Snow had fallen again all night and the best way to a television was to go down a flight and across the parapet-lined roof to the ‘family room’. He did live in a renovated but rather ancient castle, after all.
He wasn't suffering from another break up, exactly, since he had never actually asked Tillie to be his girlfriend. In fact, they had only gone out together three times on ‘official dates’. They had managed, however to get romantic with each other, never going too far, thanks to the Paparazzi. That’s when he first saw a change in her. That’s when he saw shades of the Past come out to haunt him.

She would get a funny look on her face, almost hurt, in fact as if he belonged to her, exclusively. Sharing him was simply not an option. Other times, they just managed to show up at the same places. Erik had been invited to a dance hall in Windenburg where the Club would often meet. The evening was already late, almost spent. Several minutes after he’d gotten out on the dance floor, strutting his stuff, there she was. She came with another Sim friend.
Before too long they were standing alongside each other dancing and chatting about this and that. Erik took a moment to sign an autograph when asked. The fan was just a child, he wasn't going to say no. Although the thought crossed Erik’s mind were the child his he wouldn't be up this late, nor at a dance hall where they served adult beverages. But that was beside the point. He felt like he owed it to his fan base. Certainly the little boy was all excited. He’d made another Sim happy. Isn't that why they were here in this world? To make others happy? His fans were all good Sims, as many of them as he’d actually met. Why not sign a picture, a note pad, a scrap of paper for them? Snap a Selfie or two.

Being kind shouldn't hurt anybody. Erik was unharmed, himself. But, unfortunately, again there was collateral damage.
Erik could see it on Tillie’s beautiful face. The time spent was so very little, too. He was quick to pick up on their conversation, just where he believed she’d left off. But, it was no good. Erik knew she was far more mature than Leila had ever been. At least Tillie didn't throw her hands up in the air and stomp her foot like some toddler. The sadness in her visage really got to him. Erik ran his hands up and down her arms trying to calm her down. He spoke gently to her, trying to share her emotional burden. Nothing he did could fix it.
That’s when he began to grow uncomfortable himself. He was glad now, they hadn't officially become an item, so his family wouldn't ply him with questions as to whether or not he’d popped the question, yet and when he was likely to do so. Yes, Tillie was marriage material on so many levels. Just, perhaps, not for him. He was disinclined to give up his music.
Sadly, she brought up the issue of his career on the dance floor in front of several people. Yelling at him, giving him the what for. To strangers they must've sounded like some old married couple. Erik tried to explain things from his point of view, but it just ended up in a screaming match. What a lousy way to end a year, too.

Now, he wondered how he was going to bring in the New Year. As if his Agent sensed something was wrong, Erik got a phone call.
“Hey, yes I’m available,” Erik said into his cell phone. “You want me to play … where?
“Brindleton Bay Arena,” said the Agent.
“Wow, I really have made it, haven’t I? That place is huge.”
“So, you’ll do it? The gig is set for New Year’s Eve. I wasn't sure if you were busy.”
“Busy, ha,” Erik began to laugh, dabbing at the tears that edged out of the corner of his eyes. “Nah, I might have been, but things just fell apart. You’ll probably read all about it in the local rag mags at the supermarket. I’m afraid it was a bit of a public spectacle. You have no idea how you just threw me a life-ring. That place is brand spanking-new. I don’t think anybody’s even played there, yet.”

“Nope. You get that special privilege, Erik. It’s all for you.”
“Huh, you’re kidding me. This is all a joke. I mean, it has to be, right?”
“If anybody deserves the honor, son, it’s you. You know you’re my favorite client, right?”
“I knew I could count on you, Dan. You’re the best agent a Sim could have. Thank you, and Happy New Year.”

Chapter Seven: When Do You Know It's Real?

Erik threw himself back into his music. He wrote song lyrics, he mixed music. He did concerts. After a few months when his heart was no longer aching, which surprised him, he found himself ready to try dating again. One evening as he approached the venue for his latest gig, there among the usual gaggle of Sims, Paparazzi and fans, was a Sim. He didn't recall ever seeing her before, whereas many of the other faces were quite familiar.
Feeling unusually confident, the Superstar walked over to the rather beautiful Sim and introduced himself. This time, despite how his heart started racing at the sight of her, he decided to take the lessons he’d learned. Flirty isn't love. Erik learned her name was Tillie McMahon and that she worked for SimBeat. That was interesting, he decided. So, he asked a few more questions, trying to get to know her while noting that her hair was long, a light brown bordering on chestnut color and that her eyes were a pale shade of green. Besides being a lover of music, she was cheerful — this he could tell by her ready smile and how easily she laughed. And he also learned, she had a strong love of family.

They shared at least two things in common. This had Erik intrigued. He decided since tonight’s gig was set for the early evening, that perhaps he’d invite Tillie out for a bite to eat afterwards. Yes, it was high time he started dating again. Besides, he was very curious to know how she would handle his adoring fans.
Sitting in the booth at the restaurant, they had a very good conversation going that sometimes got very deep. Erik loved exchanging ideas with her and did his best, while not being rude to his fans, to keep his attention on his guest. After all, he’d invited her out to dine with him. Things went well and Erik asked her to go dancing with him, since the evening was still young. She agreed and off they went to the Pan European Discotheque in Windenburg. Although Erik did a fair share of flirting with Tillie all evening long, he’d held his tongue when it came to asking her outright to be his girlfriend. Slow was better, as he’d learned.

But the flirty was starting to take over. Taking Tillie with him to the basement floor, he convinced her to step into “his office” as he called the closet.

“No, come on, it’ll be fun,” he promised.
“The Paparazzi — we’ll end up in a rag mag.”
“Then we end up in a rag mag. Think of the story you could write.”
“Erik, I’m not that kind of reporter. I work on the ratings of hit songs. Not gossip.”
“Ah, the numbers games.”
“Yes.”
Tugging her gently by the hand, Erik smiled. “Are you going to talk numbers all night, or are you going to let me kiss you?”
“Erik,” Tillie blushed, glancing quickly over her shoulder as she reluctantly slipped into the closet with him. After several intense moments, the loud clacking of camera shutters could be heard, even through the closet door. Erik sighed. They had been found out. So, the two slowly left their not-so-private place to face the press. Answering a few questions, the couple fled the dance hall.

Erik was getting so popular, his booking agency had back-to-back gigs lined up to accommodate the ticket sales. The next day, he noticed something was up with Tillie when she met him at the huge stadium. He signed a few autographs and suddenly, she was sad. “Not again,” he sighed, his shoulders slumping. Wasn't there a Sim out there who would understand that his love for his fans wasn't the same kind of love as he may have for them? No wonder so many famous people break-up all of the time. Erik was disappointed. Tillie appeared to be so very mature, too. Certainly much more mature and sure of herself than Leila had ever been.

When the afternoon gig was over, he grabbed Tillie by the hand and the two went off to the Romance Festival. At least this time she was willing to drink some of that tasty Sakura tea with Erik. Warmed by the pink glow, Erik again approached the Romance Guru, Bradford Benner.
“I see you’re back,” Bradford said.
Erik gave him a sheepish grin. “Yeah. I am hoping you’ll bestow some romance wisdom upon me.”
“Of course, Friend. Let me see now,” the Guru looked upward, then held up his hand. “A life without love is not one worth living.”
Erik gazed at him blankly. “That’s it?” Bradford Benner merely shrugged his shoulders.
“Then, can you please tell me about my current relationship, if you would be so kind.”

Bradford paused for a moment, closing his eyes, his hands clasped together as if consulting a higher authority. Then he held up a finger. “Vibrations show a tall, dark stranger in your near future.”




“Okay, thank you.” Erik left the Guru feeling baffled. Did he mean Tillie? Or did he mean there was someone else coming along?