Four weeks has passed since my accident and I can move around a lot better now. I still get twinges of pain, but at least I can walk by myself and Indi doesn’t have to do absolutely everything for me now. She’s been amazing and we’ve grown so much closer because we’ve been spending all of our time together. Sure we’ve had visitors and we’ve gone out visiting, but we’ve been inseparable and I honestly have no idea what I’m going to do when she goes back to work full time. She’s been called in a few times and she was very hesitant to leave, but I made her go making sure she knew I was fine. Even though once I felt so dizzy after she left I fell over in the bathroom and stayed on the floor for an hour before I could get up. I didn’t tell her though. I didn’t want to worry her, and what good would it do anyway? I was fine, I allowed my energy levels get depleted and wore myself out.

But today I’m excited because I haven’t been able to do anything musical for the last four weeks. Last week Rob said the we were going to start recording our new album ‘The Next Generation.’ Indi drove me to Oxfordshire a couple of times so we could practice. I got tired quickly and singing takes a lot out of me. I’m hoping in the studio I can take it at my pace and the other guys won’t get too angry with me being a little behind them in everything.

Ella has been the most supportive. She just wants me completely healed, she even said she was against us recording the album while I was still in recovery because she wants what’s best for me. But I said that Staked needs to get back out there, and recording while I’m recovering is the best bet. That way when I’m fully recovered we don’t have to stop to record an album. Annie was all for it, and I think she’s just excited to get into the recording studio. I know she loves me and I know she cares, but sometimes her emotions get the better of her and she thinks more about herself than anyone else. I’d rather record now than stop mid-tour to do it.

So Indi and I are on our way to Abbey Road to record in the same room my father and uncle recorded their first album. We’ve recorded a demo album, but it wasn’t done in a studio, so even though this is our second album to me, it’s like our first.

“Are you excited?” Indi asks as she pulls into the parking spot.

“Nervous as hell. What if my voice is shit now after all this?”

“Babe, having a splenectomy doesn’t affect your vocal cords,” she says and I huff and stay seated while she unbuckles her belt and goes to get out of the car. She turns back and looks at me.

“You coming?”

I sit still and internally panic as my heart jumps into my throat.

“Okay, what’s wrong?”

“What if this flops?”

“Babe, your singing is incredible. Why would it flop?”

“No, I mean what if the album flops? What if no one likes it? What if no one likes us?” I ask and she smiles at me and tilts her head exhaling.

“Seriously? The Caleb McCormack-Slade, the world’s most arrogant, cockiest, most self-assured arsehole is worried that no one is going to like it?” she asks and I slump my shoulders and sigh. “Caleb, there’s a reason you’re the world’s most arrogant, cockiest, most self-assured arsehole, it’s because you’re fucking good at it. No great. No fantastic, at what you do. You, Annie, Ella, Aston, and Chad make music that I never even dreamed could be a reality. You make sounds that make people want to dance, laugh, sing, cry and love. You move people with your words and you create masterpieces, Caleb. You are a true rock star. So stop sulking, and start acting like the fucking rock God we all know you are.”

“I fucking love you, you know that?”

“Yep, now get the fuck out of this car and sing to me, rock star.” She pulls away from me getting out of the car and walking around to my side. I chuckle then unbuckle my seat belt feeling better now she’s reminded me that I am good at what I do. Even though sometimes I can be cocky about it, maybe I have a reason to be, and I just have to remember that right now. Getting out of the car, I feel a new sense of self-worth that Indi’s words have flooded my veins with. Thank God for Indi, she really is my light in the dark.

“Right, let’s go,” she says taking my hand and walking with me toward the studio.

We walk inside and I’m instantly in awe. This place is legendary and knowing my dad and Colt recorded here, only makes this moment for me all the more special. We walk to the room where we’re meant to meet and as we walk in everyone is here, and I mean everyone. Mum, Dad, Colt, Lia, Johnny, Anna, Dingo, Sia, plus, of course, my band. It’s two generations of musical history right here in this room and I feel an overwhelming sense of pride as I take it in. They all turn and start clapping. I smile and furrow my brows wondering what the hell this is about.

“Welcome back to music, Caleb. We know it’s going to be slow going today, but we’re so glad that Staked can start to get back on track,” Rob says.

Indi walks me over to them all and I smile and nod feeling a little emotional. I look over at Dad, who’s grinning so brightly his cheeks must be hurting, and I can see the proud energy oozing from him.

“Shall we get started?” Rob asks.

I look over to my bandmates who are all looking at me and smiling waiting for direction. And right now, I couldn’t be happier. Music has been missing from my life during my recovery, and it’s felt a little empty. Even though Indi was with me the entire time, and that part of my life seems perfect now, something was missing. Being here now with Indi and having music as well, everything is back to its rightful place.

Today is going to rock it.

 

***

 

After laying down two tracks, I’m utterly exhausted. It’s taken all day and everyone says that it’s normal and it’s not taking any longer because of me constantly needing a break to recover, which is good. But who knows if they were just trying to ease my mind or not. Indi was supportive, but she was being such a nurse. Every time I would flinch or wince she’d stop production so she could check me over. Annie was getting sick of it and started getting snappy. Everyone else, however, thought it was cute the way Indi cared about me. I thought it was pretty darn cute too.

When I would have a little break, she’d come and talk to me about how perfect I was singing the chorus to the song and how it made her heart flutter. Hearing her say that made me so proud that I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Indi’s pleasure at hearing me sing only makes doing this even better if that’s possible. I love singing and singing with Indi here watching me, is like a dream come true. Now all we have to do is make this album sell, so we can perform at Wembley and I can sing live to her in the crowd like I promised when we were younger. I have every intention of keeping that promise to her one day.

We finish up for the day and Dad walks up to me while Lia is chatting to Indi. I smile at them because I know how much Lia adores Indi too. We all do, it’s hard not to.

“I’m proud of you,” Dad interrupts my thoughts.

“Thanks, Dad. I was pretty slow today, but the feeling of actually recording in the studio with the rest of the guys, and especially having all of Slayed here with us, well, it’s an honour and a privilege really,” I say and Dad laughs and gently slaps my back.

“No son, trust me, the honour is ours. Watching what you’ve become, the life you’ve created for yourself, besides this little mishap, is awe-inspiring,” he says. “It’s all a father could dream of. Caleb, you guys have a sound that is equal or better than what Slayed was like back in our day. Your sound is new and alive and if people don’t love it, I swear there’s something wrong. Because son, what you kids create is musical magic. I couldn’t be prouder of you,” he says and I purse my lips feeling slightly emotional from his words. I lean forward and embrace him tightly.

“I love you kid, and I know you’ve had some setbacks, but you’re turning your shit around. Make it count, Caleb. Make every second count,” he says letting me go and holding me at arm’s length.

“Thanks, Dad. You know I’ve never said this out loud or to anyone before.”

Dad tenses up. “Oh God here we go,” he teases.

“I’m glad you turned out to be my father,” I say.

I look at him and he looks at me and for the first time ever I notice his eyes well with tears. I smile and he takes a deep breath and nods his head causing a tear to slowly fall down his cheek. He quickly wipes it away like he’s scared someone will see.

“Well shit! What the hell am I meant to say to that?” He pulls me in for a hug. “I’m glad you’re my son, Caleb, and not my nephew. ‘Cause having you as a son was the best gift I’ve ever received,” he says and my heart lurches into my throat and my eyes well up this time.

“Bloody hell! What’s going on over here? Is it a mutual admiration society?” Dingo asks slapping Dad on the back hard. “You lovers confessing your undying love for each other or some shit?”

“No, just letting my son know how proud of him I am.”

“Well, all he did was get into a fight with a tree. In future, get into a fight with a bear-sized Dingo and then you can be proud of him. You know I wrestled that thing to the ground with my bare hands,” Dingo exclaims. Dad and I both roll our eyes and laugh as Dingo starts to recount the story of how he got his nickname for the ten-thousandth time.

After tuning out to Dingo’s story, Indi grabbed my hand and took me home. I was pretty much exhausted. We have to do it all again tomorrow, and for the next two weeks we’ll be recording, but right now I just want to go to bed and unwind with my woman. It’s been so long since I was able to touch Indi intimately and I’m starting to get antsy about it. I just want to feel her naked skin against mine. She won’t even sleep naked because she thinks it will inevitably lead to us not being able to control ourselves. Which, of course, she’s completely right, but still…

“Indi, baby, can we sleep naked tonight?” I call out while she’s in the en-suite putting on her nightly creams.

“No Caleb,” she says flatly.

“But I just want to feel your naked skin against mine. What if I promise not to make any moves on you?” I call out.

“No Caleb,” she calls back.

I huff and slide into bed with my joggers on. I hate wearing pants to bed. It’s so uncomfortable after sleeping naked for half your life.

“But what if I—”

“It’s not just you that can’t control yourself, Caleb, it’s me too. We can’t sleep naked because I will want to have sex too.”

I smile as my cock twitches in my pants. “Topless then?” I call out and I hear her chuckle.

“No, Caleb.”

I pout and rest on my back waiting for her to come into the room wearing her usual pyjamas. The ones where there’s no skin available to me at all except her hands and feet. She walks out of the en-suite turning off the lights leaving just her side light on.

“You look very relaxed,” she says and I smirk.

“I’d be more relaxed if you took your top off,” I reply. She scoffs and slides into bed next to me.

“You would not, you would be worked up and trying to think of a way to get my bottoms off as well. Not going to happen, Mr. It-still-hurts-when-I-laugh-or-cough-or-turn-the-wrong-way. What the hell do you think sex is going to do to you?”

“Relax me?” I tease and she shakes her head and sighs.

“We can try in a couple of weeks. I just want to make sure your wound is fully healed and for your muscles to recover. I’m thinking of you in this, Caleb. Trust me, I’m aching for you as much as you’re aching for me, but sometimes we just have to wait for things we want.”

“Yes ma’am,” I say as she nuzzles into my side.

“Can I just get one grope in to tide me over though?” I ask and she laughs and pushes her tits into my chest. I inwardly high five myself and bring my hand up and caress her breast. She feels perfect and I relax slightly at feeling her beneath my skin. And even though she has a top on, knowing I’m touching her makes me feel better. I feel closer to her like our connection is still there.

“I love you,” I say and she looks up at me as I massage her firmly.

“I love you, too,” she says and leans in kissing me stronger than she has in the past four weeks. It’s like she knows she doesn’t have to be so gentle with me anymore. I kiss her hard, and she opens her mouth for my tongue to collide with hers. They dance together in perfect sync like they never stopped, and as I massage her breast and kiss her strongly, I can’t help but get a little worked up. My cock starts to get hard, but I know this won’t go anywhere tonight. But this right here, is my little piece of paradise for this evening.

 

***

 

The two weeks flew by quickly and we finished recording the album. Then it was up to Rob and his team to make the album presentable and to perfect it for our release. We were able to do a photo shoot for the front cover too, and the cover of the album looks incredible. We’re all really surprised by how quickly this is all coming together. It’s amazing what you can do when you have the right team of people behind you.

Rob released the album and now it’s a waiting game to see if anyone likes it. It’s been seven weeks since my accident and I’m feeling more alive now. I’m on fewer painkillers and I can get around easily. I still have moments if I twist the wrong way or something, but otherwise I’m doing fine. I’ve had follow ups at the hospital and they think everything is healing nicely. Indi is starting to take on some shifts back at work, but only going back part time, so she can still take me around to the places where I need to be. I keep telling her that I’ll get Chad to do it, but she wants to and honestly, I’d rather her be with me than her be at work, because I feel so lost when she’s gone. But I guess she’ll go back to work full time at some stage, and we’ll have to move out of our perfect little Caleb and Indi bubble we’ve created for ourselves.

Indi had gone out for the day with Kenzi, shopping or something equally as boring. She dropped me off at Chad’s and we’re heading down to Oxfordshire to see if there’s any news on the album. It’s been out for three days, and I’ve been watching the charts to see it rising, but yesterday and today I’ve been too distracted with talks about possible shows Rob has lined up. Seems like there’s going to be quite a few coming up and I need to start preparing my body if that’s the case.

Chad pulls the car in through the gates of the manor and we pull up in Chad’s usual parking spot.

“Thanks for bringing me, mate.”

“Well, it’s a little far for you to walk and I didn’t want to wait for you to get here. So really, I’m doing myself a favour,” he answers. I roll my eyes and slap him on the back of his head. He laughs and we get out of the car. We walk up to the manor and Chad is fussing about with his hair more than usual and I furrow my brows watching him.

“You okay, dude?”

“Yeah, Ella’s gonna be here,” he says and I smile a great big smile and nod.

“Yeah, she lives here,” I say and he shakes his head like he’s just realised what he’s said.

“Shit, yeah, I mean the band is here and I want to make a good impression, you know, so everyone thinks I’m taking this seriously.”

“Do you actually know how to take anything seriously?”

“I happen to think the success of Staked is critical to our future, Caleb. I might seem like an airhead most of the time, but sometimes I like to just sit back and observe life. Sometimes observing others teaches you a lot about yourself,” he says and I raise an eyebrow at him and nod.

“Very insightful.”

“Yeah, read it in a fortune cookie last night,” he says making me laugh as he rings the doorbell.

“Afternoon boys, how was the drive?” Lia asks when she opens the door.

“Smelly,” I say and Chad laughs louder.

“Yeah, Chinese farts are the best,” he says and I shake my head and mouth ‘no’ making Lia laugh.

“Well, come through they’re all here,” she says.

We make our way down to the music room.

“Oh great, you’re here,” Rob says as we walk in and take a seat. “I have some very exciting news and I can’t wait to share with you all. Right, so I just had a phone call minutes before Caleb and Chad got here. I have it on record that ‘The Next Generation’ just hit platinum sales in Great Britain, the United States, Italy, Denmark, Germany and Australia,” he says. I sit stunned as my heart rate rapidly increases. It takes a moment for it to sink in, for all of us I think, because the room is deathly silent.

“Did you hear me, guys, you went platinum?” Rob says loudly standing up and throwing his hands in the air. I look over at Annie and a smile crosses her face so slowly. Then suddenly it hits me like a tidal wave and all the air is knocked from me. Annie’s eyes open wide and we both stand up at the same time and she screams as I run my hands through my hair. Annie starts running on the spot while Ella still sits there wide eyed and gawking. Aston jumps up and starts celebrating with Annie, and Chad walks over to Ella and sits down next to her unmoving body and wraps his arm around her shoulders. She looks up at him and her big blue eyes fill with tears as she starts to cry. I smile and Chad pulls her to him as they celebrate together. I pace the room with my hands on my head in utter bewilderment. We’ve sold over one million albums in multiple countries and it’s only been out three days. This is amazing, and right now my stomach is churning but in a good way.

Colt walks in to see us all celebrating and raises an eyebrow. “What’s up?” he asks.

I look at Annie and she looks at me, we both smile and yell in unison.

“Platinum baby!”