Read Ace's Fall for Free Online Page B

even
remember what the guy said, it had to be something bad for me to
react that way. I was taken to the hospital just as a precaution
until the drugs were out of my system. I went to jail for a couple
of days, only until Zee decided if he wanted to press charges or
not. During those two days I began to go through withdrawal. I
decided at that point that I never wanted to feel that way again so
rehab was really my only option.
    Rehab wasn’t exactly smooth at first but
eventually I began wanting to fix myself. Bettering myself for the
band was my ultimate goal, and I worked my ass off every day trying
to get better. When I was going through withdrawal I didn’t think I
would survive. I thought that my time was up and I was going to
succumb to the healing process rather than the drug. The irony
isn’t lost on me.
    I shake the memories from my head and take a
deep breath before asking Bill the question I’ve been dreading “Was
it the band’s decision or the record label?” I have to know. I’ve
known these guys since I was thirteen.
    “ I’m not really at liberty to say,”
Bill answers reluctantly.
    “ You guys are royally fucking me over
right now. It’s the least you could do. Answer. The. Question,” I
growl. I stop pacing and take a deep breath trying to hold myself
together.
    He sighs. “Listen, the guys were given the
option to stay with the label with an increase in pay as long as
they dropped you, or keep you and go to a different label. At this
point I don’t think I have to tell you what they chose. You’re a
liability that no big label wants take on. Look, I’m sorry it
happened like this. Really, I am. I hope to see you do great things
in the future, but it’s not going to be with this band or this
label. Good luck to you.” With that, he hangs up without even a
goodbye.
    I throw my phone not caring what it crashes
into and then roughly rake my fingers through my hair. “DAMN IT!” I
punch the nearest wall sending my fist through the drywall. My
brother’s going to be pissed considering it’s his house I’m staying
in, but right now I could care less.
    I can’t stay in this house—I feel like I’m
going to suffocate. When I feel this impending doom over my head I
know the chance of a relapse increases. My career and well-being
can’t afford that right now. I have to get away.
    I snatch my wallet and iPod off the
nightstand, grab my guitar off the bed, and head out of the room. I
walk down the hall and into the kitchen where my brother sits at
the breakfast bar on his laptop typing away.
    Since I’m on an extended visit without my
own car I ask, “Where are your car keys? I need to borrow your
car.” I make an attempt to sound calm but my voice shakes with
frustration. If anyone can see through my façade, Nate can.
    “ What’s wrong? What happened to your
hand? I thought I heard noise back there, but I thought you were
trying out a new style of music.” His mouth lifts into a side smirk
but his joke falls flat. My current state of mind isn’t absorbing
jokes at the moment.
    “ I can’t talk about it right now. I
just need to get out before I do something stupid.” Which is the
truth. Already, my past addictions are starting to taunt me. They
sound more appealing by the second, and I have to try to run from
them. The only thing that can take the urge away is music. If that
doesn’t do the trick, I don’t know what will.
    He releases a breath. “Okay man, do you want
me to come with you?”
    “ No, I need to be alone. I’ll talk
when I get back.” I’m already pissed, but I’m trying to hold back
so it doesn’t seem like I’m taking it out on Nate. He means well,
but the ground beneath my feet is crumbling, and I have to try to
figure out how to stop it.
    He hesitates. “You know if you need me, I’m
here.”
    He reaches in his pocket to grab his keys
and then he hands them to me. “Whatever it is, it’s not worth a
relapse. Take a step back to get yourself