Free Second Chance 3: Ask Me Again 3: David's Story by Theresa Hodge Page B

remembered.”
    “Thank you, Chad,” I said not really knowing what else to say to him. He had a tired, drawn expression stamped on his once handsome face. He looked like he had battled a storm and came out of it on the other side tossed around and beaten up.
    “What do you want to talk to me about, Chad?”
    “What I have to say to you isn’t easy for me Maddie, but I owe it to you after leaving you the way I did.” He took a deep breath and let it go with a whooshing sound. “I had a drug problem when I was dating you. I hid it well for a long time, but my parent’s found out about it near the end. I got into some trouble with some guys owing them money. I got knocked up by those guys and got a couple of broken ribs among other things. Someone found me in a back alley and I winded up in the hospital.”
    I sat there in disbelief and listened to Chad’s story. How did I not know he had a drug problem, I silently questioned myself. How did his family not even know?
    “I had to come clean with my family, after the incident. A lot of money was involved,” he continued. “My family forced me into rehab. I was too shame and afraid to tell you what was going on. I made my family promise not to let you know what was going on. They kept their word.”
    “Why couldn’t you trust me to let me know what was going on with you? I thought we weren’t just a couple. I thought we were also friends.”
    “I just couldn’t tell you. It took everything in me just to come clean about it now. Forgive me, Maddie.”
    “I am no longer angry at you, Chad. I admit that I hated you when you left me during the most painful time in my life. Now, I understand and I am so sorry that you got caught up with drugs the way you did. How are you doing now?” I asked, concerned.
    “Every day I wake up, it’s a struggle to stay clean. Some days are worse than others, but I maintain. I go regularly to my meetings and I have a great support system in place. I am thankful for that,” he said. “I had to learn new habits and avoid situations that trigger my cravings. Basically, I had to learn and am still learning a new way of life. I have to take one day at a time.”
    I reached across the table to give his hand a reassuring squeeze. I am glad that you finally received the help you need. I will pray for your strength to continue your fight and for your strength. I know with endurance you will win this battle, because I believe in you,” I said believing in his full recovery.
    “Thank you Maddie. I really did love you.”
    “I loved you too,” I said meaning it. The love that I had for Chad was the love I had for a friend. I realized that as we sat across from each other. David had taught me the true meaning of real love between a man and a woman. I never felt that with Chad.
    Monica chose that moment to return. Chad and I both stood. I embraced him warmly and wished him well. I knew he would have a long road in front of him, but I knew that he would triumphant in the end.
     
    Chapter 16
     
    Madelyn
     
     
    “Happy birthday to me, Mama,” I sang out in my empty bedroom upon awakening. “I turn the big 3-0 today and I still miss you Mama with every breath that I breathe. I am finally going to be alright though. David is seeing to that. I wish you could have met him, Mama. You would love him as much as I do. I know you are looking down on us with a smile on your face. I am so happy, Mama,” I continued in the one-sided conversation in my bedroom.
    I tossed aside my bed covers and stood. I yawned and stretched before padding to the bathroom on bare feet to relieve myself before going to the sink to wash my hands and face. I had a full day ahead. David called me the night before, after Monica dropped me off at home from our fun evening. He requested me to be ready by five o’clock this evening. He requested me to wear something nice, but that’s all the information he would give me before he said good night. I had a beautiful dress to