Chapter 8: Chapter 8

: The Next Big Thing

"Here's a list of beats to all the songs we have so far," Beats informed, showing them a list of songs on his computer. The songs stretched on and on in an endless stream, Justin was pretty sure they had all the instrumentals to any track he would come up with.

"How about that one?" Chris suggested, pointing at the screen, "it will blend very well with your voice."

"Yeah, it's slow," Justin replied as he glanced at the song Chris had chosen. He knew his voice suited more of slower rings but maybe that was because he had never tried anything faster.

"What do you think Beats?" Chris asked shifting his attention to him. He decided it was important to also get a professionals view on it Beats had probably watched many and artist come and go.

"I think it's perfect, slow songs attract a wider audience than faster ones," he advised, “but whatever suits you, you only have one chance at this."

"Alright then, no pressure,” Justin joked causing both Chris and Beats to chuckle, "Anyway, I think I'll do that one," Justin replied, agreeing with Chris' first suggestion.

"You sure?" Chris asked suddenly realizing this was Justin's only shot at this, and he was taking a chance on Chris' idea.

"Yeah man,” Justin replied reassuringly.

"Alright," Beats replied, “Get behind the screen," he ordered, putting on a pair of headsets.

The boys glanced up toward the door that lead behind the screen, Justin standing up, opening it. He made himself comfortable before the hanging mic and put on the soft headsets on.

Chris sat next to Beats on the other side but before they could start, the door opened and in walked Mr. Ryder.

Justin held his breath, a sudden nervous feeling settling deep within him as the man himself walked in.

This time he was wearing a red suit paired with sharp black shoes and a white handkerchief. He wore black top hat to top it all off and looked like a million bucks.

Way too rich for his next actions.

Surprisingly enough he gave Beats a fist bump and sat down between Chris and Beats. His body guards were standing right outside the door.

"Larry!" He called out to one of the huge body guards. Larry came in, his tall large frame almost completely blocking the door,

"Switch off my phone, I don't want any disturbances," he ordered with a quaint smile.

Luke nodded and took his position at the door.

"So what's grilling, Beats?" He asked casually, as if he and Beats were good friends.

"Actually sir, you're early, he hasn't even practiced. But he has chosen the song." Beats replied just as a shorter guy entered with standard recording equipment, he was allowed in by Mr. Ryder, "make sure the video is the best, Humphrey ," Mr. Ryder cautioned the guy who wore a white shirt and black jeans.

He tipped his hat to Mr. Ryder, while he still had a tooth pick in his mouth. Then went behind the screen toward Justin and prepared the camera for the shoot.

"Can he hear me?" Mr. Ryder asked looking at Justin.

"No sir, he can't unless you press that red button," he said pointing to the big red button on the equipment.

Mr. Ryder stood up and pressed the button then spoke into the mic in front of him, "Hey, son!" He said warmly.

"Hi sir."

"I know you haven't practiced, but if your performance is anything like I heard yesterday. Then there shouldn't be a problem. I dropped all I had to come and listen to you because I've put my money on you. You will be live in five minutes," he continued,

"Live?" Justin echoed remembering that Beats forgot to tell them that important detail,

"A live stream?" Chris whispered to Beats who nodded silently.

"The whole world will be watching you, so relax son, take a deep breath and just speak out your heart,

Oh and smile a little let the audience fall in love with those dimples... Break a leg," he finished sitting down.

He straightened his jacket and crossed his legs. Humphrey lifted the camera and begun,

"We are going live in 5,

4,

3,

2,

1

Action!" he motioned lifting and dropping his fingers one by one so Beats new when to start the music.

Justin took in a hurried deep breath trying to relax his beating heart and begun to sing, "

'You must think that I'm stupid

you must think that I'm a fool,'

He sung powerfully, his vocals absolutely flawless, his deep to soft unique voice breaking boundaries, hitting notes, directing words, capturing the tune, adding the spice, lowering the tempo and completely annihilating Sam Smith's 'Too Good At Goodbyes.'

Beats leaned over in awe, looking at Mr, Ryder "dang, he's really good, like very good," he complimented indulging in every word the boy sang.

Never had he ever heard that type of voice before, or the melody in which bewitched him.

Mr Ryder smiled, "No, he's unique and that's why he's here."

Justin reached the climax of the chorus,

'But every time hold me, the less that I cry,

And every time you leave me the quicker these tears dry,’

Justin stretched the words his voice drowning them in a splendor of talent. He took himself back to his past, all the good moments he shared with his brother, his voice cutting as the pain rolled in blending unimaginably with the words.

So good that even Humphrey stopped moving around him for a bit just to get a good listen to this heavenly voice.

The bodyguards even peeped inside just to grasp a peep of whose voice was touching their heart.

Beats sat there folding his arm, not even daring to blink. He was completely mesmerized. Chris was also watching enchanted beyond bounds and Mr. Ryder was nodding his head agreeing with every precious word that flowed out of Justin's mouth.

Then a body guard entered and brought a huge white iPad to Mr Ryder.

"Mr. Ryder switched on the tablet and he's eyes popped out as he looked at the video that was streaming live on YouTube... "Look at this he showed the both Chris and Beats, 2.8 million listeners are watching no 3mill, 3.5, 4, 5," he counted as the numbers kept increasing.

"Amazing!" Beats said as he looked, "six million have been reached in a matter of minutes, all over the world,” Mr Ryder continued eyeing Justin. His eyes sparkles as he's heart fluttered. This was it. Standing right before him.

The Next Big Thing.

"When he's done, we got to sign him," He whispered mostly to himself but Beats caught it, nodding in approval as he lay back in his seat, Justin smiling at them almost done,

'We don't stand a chance

it’s sad but it's true

I'm way too good at good byes,'

He ended magically, his voice racing with the music till the song finished.

Beats pressed the red button and the sound of Chris , Mr Ryder, Beats and even the body guards claps were heard, Justin smiled wildly showing his dimples and perfect white teeth,

"Were out in three, two, one, Cut!" Humphrey said softly,

"That's a wrap!" He shouted after he finished. "You were amazing man," he said giving Justin a manly hug ending it with a handshake and snap.

"Thanks bro, you were good too," Justin returned smiling and taking off his headsets.

Then he and Humphrey came out from behind the glass and approached his small audience in the studio,

"You were on fire man! That was lit!" Beats said giving him another manly hug which ended in a shake and snap.

"Bro, I got no words for you apart from, you murdered that track!" Chris congratulated giving him yet another hug.

"Mr. Ryder stood up and unbuttoned his jacket smiling, “I see I made the right choice, I've never seen such a performance since Ed Sheeran and he wasn't even this good," he said laughing,

"I don't know about the Ed thing, but Thank you sir," Justin replied.

"Good job," he said giving him the million dollar handshake, "by the way what's your name, son?" He asked his eyebrows furrowing.

“Justin Starion and this is Chris Owens, “he introduced for the third time.

Mr Ryder smiled at the both of them then repeated, "Justin Starion," as Humphrey jotted down his name,

"How about Justin Star," he said looking at Beats.

"Yeah, that sounds dope, then his followers or fans could be called the stars or superstars, they'll find a way.” he concluded

"Yeah write that down, I like it," Mr Ryder said turning back to Justin, "is that okay?"

"Yeah it's pretty good," Justin replied in accordance to the approval of Chris.

"Great! Follow me you got some papers to sign," he said as he begun to walk out the door.

"Papers?" Both Chris and Justin echoed watching as Mr Ryder walked away.

They followed him and much to their surprise Mr Ryder's body guards gave them both a fist bump and a smile before retaking their seriousness as they followed behind Mr Ryder down to the elevator.

They all entered, a tight fit with the guards, but they figured Mr. Ryder had to be protected at all times.

"Going to the top floor," Mr Ryder stated in a clear voice.

“Voice identified and command accepted, top floor, good afternoon Mr Ryder, “A female computerized voice replied,

"Good afternoon, Tammy," Mr. Ryder answered cheerfully.

Chris and Justin exchanged looks one more time in awe.

After a few minutes the elevator doors opened,

"Top Floor," the elevator voice informed as they walked into a big office with a sitting room bathroom and a large desk in front of them.

"Welcome boys to my….what is it you boys say these days?" He asked before turning back to them with a wide grin, "ah ha! Office crib," he said allowing them in. They all came out, eyes scamming around the monster of an office. Everything mostly was white.

"Take a seat," he motioned, sitting down on the comfy 18 thousand dollar per piece Sofa.

He smiled at them, "Would you like a beverage?"

"No were okay, thanks for the offer." Justin replied.

"Nonsense! After singing like that you need a cool beverage, Martin!" He said motioning to the other body guard.

"Bring the 2009 vintage nonalcoholic wine," he said.

Martin walked to the nearby bar and took out the bottle required with three glasses. He poured them each a glass.

They all got one and damn did that taste good. The old aged wide settled through them like kindness on a cold day.

Mr Ryder grinned, finally satisfied, “after that performance you just did. Capital records is willing to sign you," Justin and Chris looked at each other, Chris being smarter than Justin asked,

"Just like that?"

"Well we normally don't do this at all, the waiting list is...long but when I see what I want I get it and as you and I both know, Justin here is very talented and could be a huge asset. I am more than willing to invest in an asset I am a hundred percent assured of success unless maybe you have a doubt?"

"No, I do not," Justin quickly replied as Chris shook his head ferociously.

"Then you understand why I want this done this quickly."

Chris paused, eyeing Mr Ryder, "What are the terms of contract?" He asked.

Mr Ryder smiled, "you are smart, I like you," he complimented.

"Capital records will take care of you just like the other assets before you just as you've seen, your music, bookings, performances, tours and photo shoots etcetera, you'll will be getting an eighty twenty commission," he continued,

"Eighty twenty?" Justin asked, glancing at Chris.

"He means you'll be getting eighty percent of the money you make and Capital records will get the remaining twenty," Chris explained.

"Exactly!" Mr Ryder continued, "You’ll be provided with your own tour bus, body guards after the success of your first album, and if you become large enough like I'm sure you will even your own villa, cars, all on the house." Mr Ryder continued standing up.

"Is that possible?" Justin asked not able to believe his luck, his heart rattling inside him, begging his mind not to wake up from this dream.

"I'm Robin Ryder son, everything's possible, and you have seen this building right?" He asked smiling.

Justin nodded taking a quick look around

"It cost 1.5 billion dollars just the building without the equipment in it, and the one in Holly Wood cost 4 billion so I believe I could buy you a villa," he said smiling again.

Chris begun to whisper to Justin,

"Hold on, I'm not yet done," Mr Ryder intruded, "I'll be the one personally in charge of you, because I like you, and believe in you, I will personally make sure you collaborate with only the best and get the best gigs in America," he sat down, "and for you Chris,"

"Me?" Chris echoed, him? He didn't have any talent. Well not one he knew of.

"You didn't think I forgot you?" He said laughing, "you got a producers blood in you, Beats told me you chose the song, and I feel deep inside of me that you are meant for great things”

"Thank you," Chris replied quite surprised and shocked,

" for you I will personally mentor you and your benefits will be like that of Justin, you know, villa cars and all, but your success will be based on Justin's, as you can see boys there nothing here to discuss all you need to do is sign. "

He said sliding a document over to them, Martin and Larry brought them each pens.

They looked at the pens, they too looked expensive.

Chris and Justin looked at each other smiled then took the pens and signed. They looked up at Mr Ryder, "Welcome to Capital records boys!" He exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Mr. Ryder stood up and walked to his desk. He took two white boxes and gave one to both of them, "go ahead and open it,"

He collected the contract papers in exchange then he sat down again.

The boys timidly opened their boxes. Inside found the latest model of the iPhone.

Chris phone was black while Justin's white. They took them out smiling from ear to ear, "oh my god, these cost like a million bucks," Chris whispered, thrilled examining his new phone.

"That's why you both got to keep 'em well," Mr. Ryder replied grinning, "inside you'll find my contact number and I already have yours, always have these babies on and on you at all times. They got a tracking device, so that we could come and pick you up anytime you're needed here boys," he continued.

"Oh sir, I don't know what to say, thank you," Justin replied very happy.

Mr. Ryder only smiled "I said I'll take good care of you, I'm only fulfilling my promise, and by the way, I need to talk to your parents." Mr Ryder concluded, "there signatures must be on the contract to for it to be legal."

"Oh,” Justin and Chris replied at the same time. Justin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his face falling, "uh, we don't have any, we live at the orphanage."

Chris nodded in agreement, "The closest we have to a parent is Miss Janice, our guardian and the owner of the orphanage," Chris informed him.

"Oh," Mr Ryder replied lifting one eye brow up in surprise. He would have never guessed, “agh, well then, I imagine I'll be dropping by the orphanage later this week to talk to Miss......" he trailed off.

"Janice, Miss Janice,” Justin filled in.

"Yes her,” Mr Ryder deduced standing up and giving the boys a handshake,

"OK boys, I'll be seeing you two very soon," he said escorting them passed the bodyguards and to the elevator, he showed them inside, “The next time you boys come we need to put you in the system."

"System?" Chris asked.

"Yeah, so you can be authorized to use the elevator and a lot more other things, aint that right Tammy?" he asked

The computerized elevator replied, "Affirmative, Mr. Ryder. Anybody not listed in my system will be denied authorization to the elevator, high sound recording studios, offices and standard equipment," she educated.

Justin was surprised, "Well, that's Tammy for you, she's everywhere recording every conversation in this building, if there is any form of stealing in this building she can even contact the police and what else Tammy?"

"I can call the police, Fire Brigade and even order pizza," she replied in her female robotic tone.

"I like her already," Chris commented smiling.

"Thank you Sir," Tammy replied.

“Tammy take these gentlemen to the bottom floor please," Mr Ryder commanded.

"Command accepted, bottom floor.”

As the elevator closed the boys waved back to their new manager.

Tammy took them safely to the bottom floor. They walked out of the elevator and toward the main door out passing Lucy (the secretary's) desk.

"Hey boys!" she called out to them.

They turned and saw her beautiful face, "I hope I'll see you around," she said sweetly winking at Justin,

"You probably will," Justin replied smiling as they left the building.

They sat in the bus fiddling with their new phones, "if it was up to me, I'd never leave! Did you taste that wine, those comfortable chairs, Tammy and that girl," Chris began excitedly jabbing Justin,

"Which one?" Justin asked pretending to be innocent.

"Lucy," Chris retorted in a mocking tune, "she got it bad for you," he said laughing,

"What can I say? The girl knows class when she sees one," Justin said in the sexiest voice he could come up with, they both laughed.

By the time they reached the orphanage it was already getting dark, "Time passes fast when you’re in a heavenly place," Chris said flopping on his bed. After they had been scolded by Miss Janice for being out too late.

"Do you think Mr Ryder will call us soon?" Justin asked turning over.

"I hope so," Chris replied, "we signed the contract right? So I'm sure he'll get in touch," Chris reassured Justin, "I pray he does, you don't know how bad I want this, Chris," Justin replied staring up into the darkness.

"Don't worry bro, with your talent the sky isn't even the limit, because there are footprints on the moon. So you will achieve what you want. Mr Ryder knows that, that's why he wanted you so bad, so just chill. I guarantee you before the end of this week, he will call," Chris persuaded.

Justin turned over in the dark, “I trust you," he replied dozing off.

Chris smiled.

**

The next day, the boys had to be tutored by their teacher, (since they were home schooled) they did their chores and home work after like always.

The day past and there was no call from their manager but the boys still had hope.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and still no call. This time they begun to worry. Chris could see the disappointment in Justin's eyes. Then on a Friday morning.... it happened.

Justin had overslept again. He sat up in bed after a good night sleep, he yawned checking his watch, and it was already ten am.

He wondered why Chris had not woken him up at the usual eight O'clock. He stood up and searched the top bunk but Chris was nowhere to be seen. His eyes scanned around the room but there was still no sign of Chris.

Justin sighed, he was probably going to be punished for waking up so late and missing breakfast, the tutor must have already arrived and began teaching the others Justin thought or maybe the rapture had occurred and he was left behind, no that couldn't be it.

Chris was no less a Christian than he was he thought brushing that thought aside. They all went to church on Sundays and did bible studies. Not that it was the way to heaven but he knew where he stood in the religious sanction.

“Chris!" he muttered under his breath.

Oh well he'd have to face being late again. He stood up and headed toward the showers, grabbing his towel and toothbrush forcing his feet into his slippers.

As he came out of his room he heard clapping and voices murmuring. He followed them downstairs surprised that he could not see anyone. He moved closed toward the voices finding himself in the living room.

All the boys in the orphanage stood at the center huddled closely as if they were all busy looking at something, pressed in together watching intently.

"What’s going on?!" Justin asked climbing down the stairs, the boys looked up at the stairs breaking their gang.

Justin's eyes widened when in their midst he spotted Mr Ryder, Chris and Miss Janice. They were all smiling wildly as Justin descended down the stairs a round of applause was given to him. He looked down at the crowd confused at the applause, his mind in a gaze.

Justin noticed Mr Ryder's body guards at the open end of the living room, they were clapping too. He tried to hide his confusion but he was not successful as he walked into their midst still not sure of what was happening, heading to Miss Janice, Chris and Mr. Ryder.

Chris grabbed him and gave him a bro hug, "bro you did it!" he screamed, hitting his back in his form a back pat.

"Okay, okay, but I still don't understand what's happening," Justin replied still confused as all the boys kept congratulating him joyfully.

"This is what's happening," Mr Ryder continued showing him the laptop the boys and Miss Janice had been watching earlier. Justin looked at the laptop.

It was set on YouTube. A beautiful female presenter was on paused on screen as Mr Ryder tapped the video to play.

"Hello and Welcome to Holly Air, giving you the latest Hollywood gossip and what's trending on YouTube. My name is London Chyme coming to you straight from Hollywood.

A new world record has just been set when Capital Records released this video on their YouTube Chanel of their newest artist to sign in," she reported playing a snippet of Justin's performance in the studio.

"This young stars cover of 'Too Good at Goodbyes' version by Sam smith has had the greatest number of views ever recorded for a cover breaking the world record of 225 million views in just five days after the release.

People are more than mesmerized by the talent of this young star who goes by the name of 'Justin star' who is both fresh, young, extremely handsome and talented.

No further information has been given out by Capital Records about this Record Breaker, however we can't wait to see what the future has in store for this upcoming artist, his voice has touched many and YouTube has gone crazy with this viral video of the upcoming great whom many have dubbed as the Next Big Thing.

Rest assured, whatever makes this much noise on you tube is probably here to stay. Many other celebrities have also commented on the vast talent of Capital Records Newest artist and people can't help but wonder who this star is. In our opinion the boy has the full package, of talents and looks,” she said laughing gaily "One things for sure Capital Records is making history. In other news Beyoncé-" she trailed off as Mr. Ryder paused it,

“That’s just one of the channels, every other also has the same news, “Mr Ruder informed resting his hand on Justin's shoulder, "congratulations son, this is your entry to stardom."

Justin failed to think in that moment everything swirling around him and air if excitement and shock, his confused expression morphing to a smile then back to a blank expression trying to register if all this was true. If this was really happening to him.

He shook his head looking at Mr. Ryder then Chris and Miss Janice tearing up, "this is real?" He asked softly a smile appearing as they all nodded, he laughed suddenly breathing in and out still trying to process what just had happened.

Nearly 9 months ago he was at the verge of ruining his life and now he was on the verge of fulfilling his dreams.

"I can't believe this!" he yelled shaking his head,

"You better believe it bro, you're the next big thing!" Chris shouted and the boys in the orphanage agreed.

Tears filled Justin's eyes as he hugged Chris tightly, patting his back.

Mr. Ryder gave them a moment before speaking up, "We have to get you to the studio, you are wanted for a gig, that is where you will feature your first song, which means a lot of studio time for you," Justin stood looking at Miss Janice, soaring a glance at Chris.

How would she take all t "it’s okay," she said, " I've already talked to Mr Ryder and we've made an agreement for the both you, even though I am kind of DISAPPOINTED, " she said giving them a stern glare that made the boys cower, "you two signed a contract without informing me first, or getting a copy" she scolded glaring at him and Chris, as she handed them the copies.

Mr Ryder and some other boys chuckled,

“However, I took a good look at the Contracts, discussing a few things over with Mr. Ryder here, we came to some sort of uhmm….Understanding. The contracts have been tweaked so I suggest you look through them before signing them again, " she paused sighing as a smile crept on her face, " because these are your dreams and I'm not going to stop you, it's time you two spread your wings and fly."

Justin went up and hugged her, “You’re like the mother I never had," He whispered in her ear so only she could hear, she smiled and rubbed his back, blinking away tears. She always wished to be told that since she didn't have children of her own at the age of thirty four, still unmarried.

"Okay, but you need to spread your wings after you take a shower," she said pretending to gag and they both laughed.

"I don't know how to thank you ," Justin said turning to Mr Ryder, "no need," he replied, "I just saw talent and I thought it be a waste seeing it go down the drain," he said smiling at them.

"Okay so take a shower and we'll be waiting for you outside, don't be too long."

Justin nodded and raced up the stairs with Chris trailing shortly behind, Mr Ryder said his good byes to the other boys and Miss Janice before he headed out.

That was the fastest shower Justin had ever had in his life. He found Chris had already chosen the right swag for him to wear. He quickly dressed up and took both their phones and the two of them raced down the stairs again.

They burst out the door and stopped sharply, their mouths dropping in shock. There in front of them were two white Bugatti's, one in front of the black Limousine in the middle and the other behind, "oh my god," Chris shouted running his hand through his blond locks in complete shock.

"Sweet, sweet, mother of all rides! Somebody pinch me, I think I'm in one of my dreams!" Chris cried flabbergasted.

“If that's true then I'm having the same dream," Justin replied walking blindly toward the first Bugatti, feeling its smooth clean surface

"Boys, there will be plenty of time for car racing later, but now we got some business to do," Mr Ryder called out to them, he was leaning on the limousine.

One of the body guards, Larry was standing beside him.

"C'mon boys, we don't have all day," Larry opened the limo door for him. Justin and Chris followed.

The Limo was comfy and spacious and looked like it just came from the manufacturer, it smelled new, state of the art, standard leather seats with a bar inside it and cup holders, Mr Ryder looked at them as they sucked in the splendor of his Limo, he offered each of them a glass of juice, which they took greedily, "now this is the life," he said looking at them.