Never Looking Back

So It Goes, It Seems

(TRIGGER WARNING: Drug mention/ drug use mention/ drug addiction mention/ rehab mention.)

It's a lovely, warm Saturday in May, and Sherman and I are just sitting in the house, watching TV. I'm alnost three months pregnant, and I'm quite happy. As I stare at the cheesy show on the TV, the phone begins to ring. Quickly, I look at Sherman and nod my head before picking up the phone. "Hello?" I say. Then, I hear Carlo's familiar voice say "Hey, Alyssa. Listen, I need to tell you something." With a hint of curiosity and slight worry, I ask Carlo "What is it, man?" I hear Carlo give a somewhat sad-sounding exhale. He then says "Listen, Alyssa. Dion was admitted to rehab this morning." Oh my god. What for? Why?

My jaw drops, and I ask "Why did Dion get admitted to rehab?" "He's been struggling with a heroin addiction for a while, darling. Just recently, right as both of our groups' versions of "Where or When" began their move up to the top of the charts, the addiction began to worsen," Carlo replies. I'm trying so damn hard to hold back my tears, but I feel a single tear slide down my face. Sadly, I say, "Oh my god. Does this mean Dion was doing heroin when him and I were a thing and when the Belmonts and the Teenagers were on the Dick Clark Show?" "Yes, my darling. I'm so sorry, Alyssa. Truly, I'm sorry," Carlo says, sighing. Sadly, I respond "Keep me updated, please" before hanging up the phone. Concerned, Sherman looks over at me and says "That must have had to do with Dion. One of the Belmonts must have called." Sadly nodding my head, I reply "Yes, it was Carlo who called. Dion's not in the Belmonts anymore, Sherman. He left to go to rehab for a heroin addiction." Sherman's eyes widen and he says "Holy fuck. Oh my god. Alyssa, does this mean Dion was-" I cut Sherman off by responding "Yes, he was on drugs while him and I were together. According to Carlo, it just recently began to worsen- to be specific, it worsened just around the time the Teenagers and Belmonts appeared on the Dick Clark show to sing "Where or When." I'm so sad, Sherman." Dion... Oh my god.

Later in the afternoon, I'm sitting down at the table in the kitchen, penning lyrics to a new song. "Hey, darling. What are ya writing?" Sherman asks, walking into the kitchen. Looking up, I reply, "It's a new song, and I'm calling it "What's On Your Mind." I want Joe, along with you and I, to have lead vocals. As of right now, I have Joe singing the first verse and me singing the second verse. I'll have your verse written shortly, babe!" Grinning, I stand up and kiss Sherman. Sherman smiles, saying "Oh, Alyssa, you have such a way with songwriting!" "Thanks, Shermie. I love you so damn much," I respond. I'm still stunned over the news about Dion. He has an addiction, which means he had the addiction while him and I were together last year.