The Business Man's Son (Wattpad Version)

Don't repeat the past

Landon

I was sitting on my bed when Tyler walked into my room. I wondered what he wanted.

"Hey, I know that it's been tense between us," Tyler mentioned.

I looked at Tyler curiously.

"Sometimes, we chose a path, and that takes us to a place we shouldn't go. If we do go, make sure you never return to it," Tyler advised.

"What do you mean?" I asked, feeling confused.

Tyler smiled. "I knew my fate years ago. It's now catching up with me. I made my peace with it. Landon, don't follow my path. You have the chance to at a better life," Tyler answered.

I got off the bed and walked over to him. "Tyler, you will get sober, and when you do, come see me," I offered.

"Landon, I won't get better. There's a saying that the third time is the charm. Not this time," Tyler told me.

I looked at him and furrowed my brows.

"I will see you. Take care of yourself," Tyler said, walking towards the doorway. He stopped and looked at me. "I'm sorry that I let you go with me that night. When you hear what's coming, don't let it make you backslide. Promise me."

"I promise," I said, nodding.

Tyler smiled and left my room. The next thing I heard is a code over the intercom. I walked to the door to see people rushing around the center. What in the world?

I left my room and walked until I saw a crowd in another room. I pushed past everyone to see the paramedics working on Tyler. Then they stopped.

"Time of death is 10:15 pm," the paramedic announced.

I stood there, stunned. I watched as the paramedics put their stuff away and one left. A few minutes later, the paramedic returned with a black bag. We watched as they put Tyler's body into it and wheel it out of the room.

I never knew anyone that died. The feeling was a mixture of numbness and surreal. I stood there when I felt someone put there hand on my back and turned to see Laticia standing there.

"Let's talk," Laticia offered.

I nodded, and we went to a counseling room and talked about what happened. I sat in a chair next to Laticia's chair.

"I don't understand," I mumbled.

"Landon, I saw many people come through the front doors. While some people left, some didn't. Working the program and staying clean is the most difficult aspect of an addict," Laticia explained.

"Tyler told me this was his third time," I mentioned.

"Sometimes it is, but sometimes it isn't. It depends on the person," Laticia reasoned.

I sat there deep in thought. I didn't want to end up like Tyler. I know how easy it is to use and keep using it. Life gets stressful, and you take something to take the edge off. Then one day, the substance grips you, and you rely on it frequently. You never realize the damage that you're causing to your body or yourself.

Dancers aren't the only ones it happens to in life. Family people, business people, school kids, and more fall into the trap, whether it's a stimulant with caffeine or a depressant like alcohol. You learn a lot when you're in rehab. Besides the reason for using, you learn about yourself.

I craved the high and euphoric feeling that drugs offered. It altered my mind and created a person I didn't recognize. I blamed others for my choices, but I was wrong. I learned that some people care while others sabotage you, waiting for your downfall. I accept that I was and will always be an addict.