Keep calm, you'll find the right people for you.

-THEO

Caleb Parks' POV

Many men have been in my position, but the difference between us is that they would have been groaning and doing a dry hump, whereas I am trying not to die of laughter.

"Do you like it, rough baby?" Taryn pouted her lips at me and tried to look cute. And for a fleeting second, I saw her dart her eyes to someone besides me before bringing her eyes back to me.

"Not sure I do. Why don't I ask Jack for his preferences?" I say to wind her up a bit.

Her pout changed into a glare in seconds. If it had not been for the people around us and the loud music from the speakers, my corpse would have been the next disco ball.

"You're lucky I don't use my heels to give you a new hole in your body." She rolls her eyes, gets up from my lap, and sits beside me. She takes my drink and downs it without breaking eye contact.

Now to explain how we got here.

After Marcel gave me a record deal in his company, he made me go to college.

His exact words; 'Boy, you better your ass to college or you get it into a pair of thongs 'cause I am not...'

Okay, you get the picture. I went into college, got into the dorms, faced the usual college drama and made a few friends along the way.

The little spitfire that tried to add a new hole in my body was, Patrisha Taryn Alden. Let me warn you now, never and I mean never, call her by her first name. The only person that survived after calling her Patrisha, was the guy who Taryn glanced at while straddling me. The guy who thought that a club was the best place to celebrate our graduation from college since everyone would be too drunk to notice a musician in the room.

That guy, ladies and gentlemen, is Jack Guave. Jack and Taryn have had this on-and-off relationship since freshman year. With Jack being my roommate and Taryn being in most of my classes; and our neighbour in the dorms, I can say that I wake up to a new Telenovela where they are stars of just about every day.

"God...Taryn," Jack moans as the girl on his lap does wonders that I am not keen to find out.

I turn my attention to Taryn, who has taken her sixth shot of Vodka. The fire in her eyes was unmistakable, but the slight hurt was still there. You would have to be close to her to see it.

"I think you've had enough," I say, stopping Taryn from gulping her seventh while slipping a few notes into the stripper's hand.

"Hey!" Taryn scowls while Jack shoots a glare my way because I have stopped their fun. After staying with them these last few years, I am unfazed by them, especially the ominous angel beside me.

"I think it's time we head home," I say, getting up.

Taryn grumbled but stood up reluctantly. Up until now, it still amazes me that she can keep her alcohol down with her little frame.

"Caleb, dude, I thought we were supposed to loosen up tonight. We just got free from school and that damn teaching hospital." Jack whines while sitting down.

"I don't know, Jack. We might be free from that hospital, but that doesn't mean Caleb won't come to visit you when I stop your bloodline at you." I grip Taryn's waist before she could launch at Jack for like the twelfth time today.

"I don't know, Trish. You might be my roommate. After you survived the surgery of changing your voice box. Caused by you screaming my name too loud over and over and over and over..."

"Why you, little..." My grip on Taryn tightened as she made to jump on Jack once again.

I didn't miss the slight annoyance morphing Jack's face as he noticed where my hands were. Then he finally stood up from the chair.

He made to open his mouth, but I beat him to it, "I swear, dude, if you don't shut it. You will be the next patient on botched when I let Taryn go."

He raised his hands in mock surrender while Taryn called him every name under the sun.

During the car ride from the bar to the penthouse, she was still at it, but Jack had joined her when we walked in.

"And you can sleep on the couch till Marci's funeral!" Taryn sent a death glare at Jack as she marched towards the stairs, but he simply flipped it off and went into the kitchen to probably stuff his face with food.

"Why is it my funeral dictates this relationship every single time?" Marci chuckled as she looked at us.

Dressed in the usual emo nightwear, Marci had her hair in a neat French braid while she gave us her full attention.

I joined her on the big chair while she lifted Gail up and put her on the other side of the couch for me to sit. The movie that was playing on the television is now on mute. Not that I would blame her, Jack and Taryn's relationship is better than any movie alive.

"Why are you still up?" I drift my gaze to her.

"Because someone wanted a SpongeBob movie marathon and wouldn't take no for an answer." She playfully glared at Abigail, who was fast asleep.

"Right, how's Nate?" She quickly shot up from her seat and went to the stairs, "I'm going to check on Taryn." She called over her shoulders as she walked up the stairs.

I laugh silently to myself. After what Nate did on her tenth birthday, Marci never stops blushing whenever I bring his name up.

I pick up my little sister and take her to her room. After being in the music industry for about four years, I saved up some money and got this penthouse.

Sure Marcel was on my back to have a music room and gym in it, but there was a room for everyone. Jack, my best friend and manager. Taryn, my other best friend and Abigail's babysitter, Marci, prefers staying here at her dad's mansion because it's too quiet.

But I think we both know that if Nate turned up there, the shotgun sitting at the fireplace would be put to good use by Marcel.

Thing one and thing two also known as Jacob and Shawn were my personal guards and bouncers. I learnt that when you're famous, never go out unprotected unless you might be almost raped and ravished by your fans.

I open the door to a shiny pink and purple room; I place Abigail on her bed and tuck her in. She begins to squirm, so I sing her our favourite lullaby. She immediately calms down and starts sucking her thumb.

I grin. I switch on the night light and close the doors.

I make my way to my room because I am not ready to be caught in the crossfire of Jack and Taryn, especially when their relationship is in the off phase.

I strip down to my boxers and sit Indian-style on my window sill. My songbook and pencil in one hand. I look out the window and admire the shining lights above, gathering inspiration to write my next song.

The silence doesn't last long as I hear moans from a room down the hall that I try my best to avoid.

I knew it wouldn't last.

Since my inspiration won't get out tonight, I drop the book and pencil on the table and jump into my bed. The last thing I hear is,

'I will keep to that promise; your voice box has got to go.'

I am really thankful that Abigail's room is far away from here.

-

A heavy weight on my chest woke me up into the next day.

"Caleb, wake up! Wake up!"

I needed no psychic to tell me that Abigail was on her sugar rush; this early in the day. Again I really wonder what was I thinking when I made Taryn her personal babysitter.

Also, I might need a new rib; Gail just bruised mine while jumping on my bed with her shoes.

"I suggest you get up, or Abigail might get her to wish on wearing my heels to school today."

Taryn was never one to go back on her word. I was up faster than a crack of lightening.

Since I got up with such a jolt, Abigail's jumping ceased as she landed on me, which caused both of us to fall out of the bed. Sure I broke her fall, but my already bruised rib broke her shoe's fall.

I bit my lip enough to draw blood to stop the string of curse words begging to flow out.

Gail could not stop giggling as she found my pain-filled face quite amusing, while Taryn doubled over with laughter.

I threw a glare at her as her laughter only got louder.

The friends I keep.

"Alright, Gaily, let's get you some breakfast." Taryn helped Gail get off me and out the door, "Don't worry, Cally will be down soon." She called out as she closed the door.

"Is this where I say sorry?" She grinned at me as she rested on the closed bedroom door.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

I observed her feet clad in black socks while one of Jack's hoodies; adorned her body.

There was no stopping the evil grin that spread onto my face as I made myself stand up and lie back in bed, "I see your voice box is a safe sound. I wouldn't say the same for my ears, not to mention that of our neighbours'."

Her face instantly went darker; I couldn't tell if it was anger or embarrassment. Then it dawned on me that this might be my deathbed.

I could already picture my headstone,

CALEB PARKS.

Died from the glare of Patrisha Taryn Alden.

"As much as I would love to make a cocoon and stuff you in it, we have bigger problems." She said her face was returning back to its colour.

"Sure, what's up?"

"The ape I happened to have slept with may blow his top at me today." She said in a grim tone.

"You mean," I paused to feign shock, "He didn't go deep enough."

Immediately after that phrase left my mouth, a shoe landed on the headrest where my neck was a minute ago.

"I suggest you save the rest for later?" She cocked her head to the side while giving me a look that said, "I dare you."

I made that hand gesture of locking my mouth and throwing away the key. Her lips lifted into a satisfied smile.

"Good."

She pushed herself off the wall, came towards the bed and made herself comfortable beside me.

"My mom is dead." She said so plainly with no emotion in her voice, the smile long gone.

I turned to face her, but she didn't bat an eye; she just kept going.

"She died from a drug overdose, and my excuse of a dad was too busy sleeping with so many fucking people to notice. So I have to fly all the way back home to do the stupid customs my country makes us kids of the deceased do."

Out of reflex, I pulled her into a hug. She remained stiff in my arms. I looked into her dead eyes and saw that the shield she had built around herself was going back up.

There is really more to what meets the eye. Sure, Patrisha Taryn Alden behaved like a typical ghetto bitch. Heck, she's from Africa, Nigeria to be exact. She got a scholarship to school here and has had this brick wall that surrounds her right from the dawn of our meeting.

It took a while to break it, but together with Jack, we did it. Although, there are times that I feel that we never broke all the walls down.

I realized that her parents were such characters for their kids to end up like this.

And I said kids; Taryn's twin brother Terry was a replica of her, but his story is for another day.

"I honestly don't know what to do." She mumbled into my shoulder.

"You can let it out," She let out a snort, "Or you can keep it real as you put it and move on regardless."

She removes her head from my shoulder to glance up at me, "You sure that Gaily didn't step on your brain earlier?"

I let out a dry laugh at that, "You will have to tell that dimwit sooner or later."

She broke out of our hug and fiddled with the hem of the oversized sweater she wore, "I know. You do know that Jack is more hot-headed than an active volcano."

"Yes, but more active when he becomes some possessive Alpha."

A light glare covered her face as she turned towards me sharply, don't blame me. The only soundproof room in this place is my music room.

"Hey, Caleb," I turned to face her, "Ever heard me play the drums?"

Translation: Your bones will be the sticks while I turn your body into a set of drums.

I chuckled at her usual death threat.

Freshly showered, I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. My favourite emo sister was examining her black nails while reading a novel. Abigail had happy feet from me just walking in; I placed a light kiss on her forehead and grabbed an apple.

"Morning," Jack says as he walks in and lays out a bunch of documents, taking up most of the counter.

"Are you moving? Because if you are, this calls for a celebration."

Jacob hollers as he and Shawn walk in.

These two are more like extra brothers than bodyguards that Marcel hired them to be. When I say the opposite, I mean it. Whatever Jacob does, Shawn will do the exact opposite. The only thing that is the same about them; is their height and the bald cut they kept in their hair. Jacob was sporting a beard while Shawn's face was shaven clean.

Jack rolled his eyes at Jacob and said, "Marcel wants me to get us a lot of hotels booked down in neighbouring countries or towns." He pauses from reading a folder to look at me, "Also, you have a meeting with him later today. Then don't forget your visit to the orphanage." He takes a pen and begins signing.

"Okay." I take a big bite of my apple.

Taryn comes to put a band on Abigail's hair and hand her a lunch box. Then Jack dragged Taryn to his side and captured her lips.

"I missed you this morning." He breathed out when they broke out of the kiss.

"And I miss my breakfast," Jack said, cutting into their moment.

"Are you sure you missed it? I saw it inside the maid's mouth this morning with; that acorn-sized dignity of yours." Taryn remarked as she gave Shawn and Jacob side hugs, much to Jack's displeasure, pecked Abigail and Marci on the heads and kicked me in the shin.

Again I lose blood from my lips, and it's not even 8am.

"Are you going to be at the meeting, or is it going to be just me and Marcel?"

Jack threw his hand around Taryn's waist, "I'll be as early as I can." He let out a wolfish grin.

"Try and use protection, kids," Jacob called out as Abigail dragged us down the stairs, avoiding the usual press and getting into the uber heading to the school she and Marci attend.

"Caleb guess what?"

I turned to look at my sister, who was seated between Jacob and Shawn in the far back.

"My teacher said that Show and Tell are coming up, and she wants you to be our guest of honour."

In order words, she needs an excuse to drool over me. Honestly, not to sound cocky, but the last thing I need is extra girls drooling over me and not paying attention to the overactive kid that sat behind me. I simply nodded, doubting whether I would show up for it.

"Ooo, Can Mom and Dad come too?"

I looked away from her as I fought back some tears. I hate when she brings them up, it makes me feel awful that I couldn't help them that day.

"They'll be there as soon as they get back," Shawn replies to me while Jacob squeezes my shoulder.

"But they've been gone for years." Abigail nagged, "Can't they take a break from where they travelled to?"

"We're here." The driver announced, sparing us all from answering Abigail.

"Bye, Caleb." Abigail and Marci peck my cheek as they got out of the car. I looked at Jacob to follow them.

"Don't I get to give you a kiss?" He feigned hurt as he put his hand on his heart.

Shawn and I rolled our eyes at his antics. Shawn pushed him out of the car and closed the door.

"Wellington records," Shawn said while we both ignored the playful yet icy look that Jacob was shooting our way.

I was lost in my thoughts when we pulled up at Wellington records; we came out of the uber and stepped past the front door security and into the building.

As usual, the building was bursting with life; I received the greetings from the workers with a nod. Shawn and I made our way to Marcel's office.

I walked into my second-best Telenovela in the world. Sure Marcel was groping his wife on the table but in 3 2 1...

She broke the kiss and gave him a hard slap; I think I felt my jaw move with that one.

"Crazy has-been," She muttered as she made her way towards the door like a woman who caught her husband in a club with strippers.

Shawn and I parted ways for her to pass; she stopped to peek at me on the cheek and flipped Marcel off before walking out and slamming the door shut. Even though I have spent nearly a decade with these two people, I am still yet to grasp why she blows him hot and cold.

"You are in tune with the women in my family, Boy." Marcel rubs his now dark red face as he sits in his chair behind the table.

He types away on his keyboard and turns around so that the monitor is facing me. He motions for me to come closer.

"I have good news, Caleb. The locals love your hit single so much that I am ready to take the gamble on you going on a world tour."

I don't know when I sat down, but once those words left Marcel I got up and started a string of dance moves that I like to call my happy dance.

"You done?" Marcel quirks a brow when I pause from dancing. I take an over-exaggerated bow and sit back down.

"Good now to ensure your haters aren't too many; I think we should start out small." He gets up from his chair and begins rubbing his chin while observing the golden records placed on a wooden shelf behind me, "We leave for the Bahamas in a week and to get the word out, you have an interview with Ken from K-entertainment..."

Old habits die hard, "Wait isn't that the show where he literally grills upcoming and already made artists. He looks for fuck ups and...."

"Boy..." He rubbed the space between his eyebrows to lessen the wrinkles there. "Yes, actually it is. And..."

Before he could go on, Jack rushes into the room and sits beside me.

And not surprisingly, his white dress shirt is stained with lipstick in almost every corner; his tie is slacked, and let's not forget the just-got-out-of-bed-hair.

Marcel gave him a flat looked as he complimented, "Nice outfit Guave."

Jack looked down on his choice of clothing and met Marcel's look with a cheeky grin on his face. "Thank you."

"Meanwhile, Caleb, you will appear on K-entertainment by noon sharp."

"Okay, but can Abigail come along..." Yea, I am not ready to start listing reasons why a six-year-old should be allowed on set.

"No problem. Then speaking of kids..."

"I swear Trisha and I use protection every goddamn time." Jack immediately said.

Shawn and I burst into full-blown laughter; even Marcel could not keep the amusement off his face.

"I would even be surprised if you told me that you guys were having a kid. Now that's just a recipe for disaster."

Jack's cheeks were tinted a light shade of red from embarrassment.

"Boys, I know the bachelor life is sweet and all but don't you wanna have that lucky girl that you would one day worship the ground she walks on. Give her the respect she deserves when she puts up with your sorry asses every day."

Correct me if I'm wrong but did Marcel Wellington, the most famous producer in the country, a typical ghetto man who could pass off as Taryn's father, just give a mini-speech about settling down?!

"Caleb, I know having a family scares you, especially after what happened to yours," He pauses to cast a sad look while Jack gives my shoulder a squeeze, "But that doesn't mean you shouldn't pop that cherry of yours and....."

"Hold up! Did you just say Caleb should pop his cherry? Talk about pigs flying at least that's guaranteed to happen."

I would love to punch Jack in the face right now, but he's not wrong. The only girls in my life are Gail, Marci and Taryn. Two of them are taken while the last is my blood.

I am pulled out from my thoughts by Marcel, "Jack if you want it so much put a ring on it..."

"Oh oh oh," Que Jack's squeaky yet non-ear screeching voice.

I started laughing while Marcel looked to the heavens as if to beg for help.

When the details of my tour were finalized. Shawn, Jack and I went to the orphanage; the Parks' orphanage.

This is where my biological parents abandoned me and where Mr and Mrs Parks found me. Yes, I got bullied for not having a last name, being blonde, and singing in the shower. Safe to say, my self-esteem was used to being crushed for the first eleven years of my life.

But after I got adopted, things started to look up; I bought the orphanage home after my first concert last year; from a man named Mr Rogers. A sweet guy found love with a woman and moved to the Bahamas. The last time I heard from him was a few weeks ago; he now has three lovely kids and two dogs.

Back when I was a kid, the orphanage was run by a Chinese man who really didn't give a damn about what went on as long as no one was dead yet. When I was finally adopted was when Mr Rogers bought it over.

Over the years, I had it renovated, and now everything is in good shape.

Surprisingly Taryn is a huge fan of kids; I couldn't think of a better person to watch over Gail and help me handle the orphanage.

Immediately after we walked, Jack made a beeline to the office where Taryn would be. Shawn became a human playground as the kids started climbing and running between his legs.

A shy girl poked my leg while sucking her thumb. I picked her up and held her by my hip.

I smiled warmly, "How are you, Lucy?"

She removed her thumb from her mouth, "Good. Are you going to sing for us?"

I wasn't really feeling it, but I decided to. I dropped her back onto the floor and reached for the guitar I kept at the edge of the room. Before I could sit and start singing, I heard a door slam followed by yelling.

"Would you just listen to me?" Taryn shouted after a very furious Jack. He marched away from her in quick strides towards the exit. All the children had stopped the chatter, and all eyes were on them.

"Taryn, move out of my way." He said slowly; as she stood in front of him, successfully blocking his path.

Not to make a big deal or anything, but he only calls her that when he is extremely pissed. Despite their relationship being off-balance sometimes, his fuse is not that thin.

"Please just listen to me," Taryn said with tears on the bridge of her eyes.

He huffed. He held her waist, moved her out of his way then walked out. The tears were now streaming down her face as she marched back into the office and slammed it shut.

Can someone please tell me who I should meet first?