Chapter Fourteen: When Emotions Run High

Spending time with Kaitlyn, the days slipped by until Erik realized tonight was his Concert Event at the Ruins. Nervous, for some strange reason, he took an extra long shower, shaved his face carefully and then took out his suits he generally wore for his concerts. None of them seemed quite right. The weather report was bleak. Cold, followed by more cold. Normally, he liked to plan ahead, but this time he decided to just wing it. This was Kaitlyn’s influence on him, he realized. She could be so carefree at times. Unless a microphone was thrust into her face, he smiled. She did just fine at her public karaoke debut, despite her trepidation. Erik really had pulled a prank on her, but she rose above it and surprised him mightily. Unshakably calm. He liked that about her.

Brianna ran around getting her three toddlers fed, bathed and otherwise ready for the sitter. She and her husband along with Kaitlyn were VIPs. The rest of his family, parents and siblings plus his two sisters-in-law were expected there, too. It was a big night. Almost as big as his first concert. He felt strange having not done a sound-check, but decided not to be nit-picky about it.

Finally, the hour had come. The four of them piled into the limo to head over to the Ancient Ruins. Erik was curious as to just how a concert could be staged there and was anxious to see the set-up. He was very pleased with what he saw. It was truly an intimate arrangement. His microphone/amplifier combination was resting on a weather-resistant carpet so there would be no risk of a shock, should the weather turn wet on them. Stage lights were placed around the perimeter. His light oracles were also there. He enjoyed the light show they gave off.

Decorative cement benches formed a half-circle.

The weather Sim hadn't lied, Erik discovered as soon as he got to the site. He wore his thick ski-jacket and knit cap and gloves. He went to remove the jacket, unzipping it but quickly changed his mind. There was a light but cold breeze coming off of the ocean. Wouldn't do for him to try to sing through chattering teeth. He left his outerwear in place.

Pretty soon, his VIPs arrived. After he checked in with the SimsRock-Music Booking Company, ‘clocking in’ as it were, Erik stood before the microphone. He gazed around at all the people, family and friends mostly. Then he saw Kaitlyn. She looked especially lovely tonight. Clearing his throat briefly, he said, “Welcome tonight. I’m so very glad you came out here in this cold to see me. This type of concert is new to me, but we’ll discover together if it’s workable. Again, thank you, I appreciate you’re having come. Let’s get started!”

With a flip of a switch on the unit, Erik belted out song after song after song. Pretty soon the makeshift stadium filled to capacity as more Sims flooded the small area. The Paparazzi was there, too. Odd, how quickly word spread among them. He’d only invited one as a VIP. But, they were something he was used to. Familiar. It wasn't long before Erik felt normal again. As if he’d been released from his self-inflicted prison. This was right. This is what he was meant to do. Kaitlyn had called it correctly. He needed to share this God-given talent with others.

Just after his first set, a Paparazzi called out for an exclusive interview. Erik grinned, nodded and stood there before the entire audience answering her questions. Amused that she called it exclusive when there were several Sims in on the content of discourse. No matter. He finished the conversation and began another set. The fans were appreciative, Erik was on a natural high from the experience. There was just something about filling one’s lungs with cold salt air that left him inspired.

Before the night was over, he called Kaitlyn over to him. “Are you ready for this?” he asked.

“Ready for what?” she said, dubious.

“Well, you didn't think karaoke was your only calling, did you? This is your public debut.” He winked.

“Not funny, Mister.”

“Not meant to be, Miss. Don’t worry, I’ll cover for you.”

“I know, I know I’m singing in the shower.”

“If we don’t start singing and wrapping this up we may well be singing in a shower.”

Just after midnight the concert came to an end. Erik did quite a few encores. He and Kaitlyn did an encore together, as well. They arrived back at Grayson Castle. The night air was crisp. Instead of heading inside immediately, as Brianna did to check on her children, Erik, Kaitlyn and Spock hung around just outside of the gate. Again, Erik didn't wish for the evening to end. He felt relieved. He felt free. Renewed. 

Holding onto Kaitlyn’s hand, he got down on a knee. Glancing at his brother-in-law, Spock gave Erik a look of caution. Erik dug in his outer coat pocket. Finding it, he held up the two-carat Amethyst, it’s light lilac color glistening in the starlight. “Kaitie,” he began. “You mean the world to me. I’m happy being, just knowing you’re here. You’re my best friend. Before I met you I didn't even understand what love is. But you have shown me what I felt for others wasn't really love at all. And I know that I truly love you.  I would be honored and proud if you would consent to be my wife.”

Kaitlyn took the ring he held out to her and slipped it onto her left ring finger and then held her hand up to watch it sparkle and shine. “Erik, I love you, too. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. I thought you’d never ask.”

“So … I take that to be a yes?”
“Yes!” With that she jumped into his arms. Spock patted Erik on the shoulder as he made his way inside the gate.
“I hope this goes better than the last time,” Spock murmured.