C3 Health Issues

O'NEIL PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY, NEW YORK.

Ethan furrowed his brows as he turned the page of the document handed to him. "What is this about, Doctor Ben?" He asked the young man sitting in front of him.

Doctor Ben cleared his throat, "After you left the hospital yesterday, I had to check your report again, and I found out that your heart is getting weaker. If you don't take enough rest as desired, you might fall into cardiac arrest. As your personal doctor, it's my duty to warn you about such a disastrous condition."

"Is there any medication that can be taken to keep this away?" Ethan questioned. He hates being sick. It makes him feel like a weak person; he has always been known to counter any form of ailment coming his way.

"I know your philosophy, sir. But if we would preserve your life, you need time away from all the pressures of work and not burden yourself. This is the time you need actual rest, and that can include going on a vacation while taking your meds."

"What doctor recommends vacation?"

"A doctor who knows what's best for his patient," Ben affirmed.

"Listen, Ben. I know you are very good at what you do. But, I don't think it's time for me to take a break yet. Your father understood this when he was alive. I need you to work with me on this."

"Why are you so hell-bent on putting your life on the line? What are you so worried about?"

Ethan inhaled, he never thought his health would be in the way of his plans. It had seemed like the perfect way out when the idea came to him. His intention was to work until he clocked eighty; by then, Dante would be in his early thirties. And he would be able to take over the company then.

Ben leaned back into the chair, observing the older man as the wheels turned in his head. "I believe there is more to this. If you don't see it as a form of disrespect, I would like it if you share what the problem is with me. Probably, we can work it out."

"The thing is, my heir doesn't seem to be interested in taking over the company. What makes the situation worse is, he lives a reckless lifestyle. I am worried he might not want to leave all of it behind and come home. So, if I can hold on for another five years. He would be more matured then, willing to make a better life for himself, and might have settled down with a woman of his choice." Ethan said, feeling relieved to finally let it out.

Covering his mouth, Ben tried to hold back his laughter. "Please tell me you are just pulling my legs?"

Ethan looked offended, "do I look like a joke to you?"

"I understand your intention, but it's not enough to stake your health. If you don't let him take control now, he would have regrets later and blame himself for not being here when you needed him the most." Ben sighed, standing up. "I will send your report to your email; please don't hesitate to live for yourself. I will be in touch."

The silence was deafening. Ethan felt stupid after recounting the conversation. Dante's father was only twenty-four when he started handling the company. He threw his head to the back, inhaling deeply; guilt weighed on him. Kingston had despised him before his death, saying Ethan had saddled him with too many responsibilities at such a young age.

The both of them never really got along, Kingston was only dedicated to the company because of the promise he made to his dying mother. He had always wanted to be a tourist and explore different countries. Ethan couldn't deal with the thought of his only son wandering around the world, while there is a major business for him to handle at home.

Ethan had threatened to cut him off and deprive him of his inheritance if he refused to do as told. As the years passed, Kingston seemed to adjust to everything, especially when he married one of the pharmacists in the company, Cathy. They worked hard until their unfortunate death. But Ethan never got a chance to tell Kingston how sorry he was for killing his dream.

The past experience had prompted him to let Dante be and not force the company on him. He feels with time, Dante would see reasons to return home and take his place. However, it would be unfair to have his entire hard work thrown to the wind or have people who are undeserving enjoy its proceeds. O'Niel Pharmaceuticals was a dream Ethan and his late wife, Briana had built with the hope of passing it on to their children. However, things didn't really play out as they wished. Briana couldn't birth any more children after Kingston. They had to succumb to faith, hoping he would continue the legacy.

Staring hard at his phone screen, Ethan cleared his throat severally, wishing he didn't have to resort to the strategy he was about to use. The line rang for a while before the call came on.

"How is my favorite grandpops doing?" Dante's silly voice bellowed from the receiver. He sounded drunk.

Ethan shook his head in disappointment, "isn't it too soon to be drunk at this time?"

He snickered, "come on, grandpa. I have only had a few glasses, my eyes are as clear as day. I'm nothing near drunk."

"The actual phase of being drunk is denying you are drunk."

"You have got jokes."

"When are you coming home, Dante?"

"To do what exactly, grandpa?"

"To take over the company, of course. I'm getting old, and it's not like I have any other person to take care of the company."

"You look really fit. I am sure you can hold on to it for some time."

Ethan remained quiet, trying to suppress his anger. He was never an easy person to deal with, but having Dante as a grandson made him soften a little. "Stop playing around, young man. I am not so fit anymore, and the doctor has advised I take some rest."

"But, grandpa. I am not ready yet."

"Until when will you be? Is it when I die? You might as well get called soon that I have passed on."

Dante chuckled, "you have been joking a whole lot since the beginning of this call. Can you stop with them? They aren't really funny."

"This is no joke, Dante."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm dying!" Ethan announced in the coolest voice he could muster.

***********************

DANTE’S HOUSE, LOS ANGELES.

Spitting out the entire content in his mouth, Dante wiped at his lips hurriedly. "What are you talking about, grandpa? Can you stop pulling my legs, please?" He yelled into the phone.

Ethan inhaled gently, "Dante, I wish I can hold on a bit longer. But it's quite unfortunate that I can't. I need you to come back home. If you don't believe me, you can call Doctor Ben to affirm it."

"Grandpa?" Dante called out In a shaky voice, but the old man had hung up on him.

"What's going on?" Shawn inquired.

Gripping his head, Dante pushed the laptop and bottle of vodka in front of him away. His grandfather would never pull such a stunt with him. The both of them might argue a lot, but Ethan O'Niel has never been the type to seek attention.

"Why are you looking dazed, man? What did you hear?" His friend asked again.

"Give me a minute." He replied, tapping on his phone. Dante searched for the family doctor's line, Doctor Ben.

He picked on the first ring, "Dante! How are you doing? I have been expecting your call."

"I'm fine, Doc. Can you tell me exactly what is going on with my grandfather? Is he really dying?"

"Calm down, Dante. He would soon if care is not taken. Listen, your grandfather has been working all his life; he needs to rest. And since you are the only one he has, you need to be there for him. If you truly love him, I don't think standing by him now is too much to ask. I have sent his medical report to both of your mails. I hope you would have a change of thought. It's nice talking to you after such a long while, Dante. I have to go now; there is a patient waiting in line." Ben said, hanging up.

Dante bit hard on his lip, pulling at his hair. "My grandfather's health is derailing." He finally answered Shawn's question.

"Oh, sorry about that man." Shawn said. "What do you intend to do now?"

He exhaled, "I don't know. It's not like I plan to leave LA soon. I thought I could live it out till I feel ready enough to get burdened with that large amount of work. Now it seems like I don't even have much choice."

"You are one lucky bastard, Dante. If I were you, I wouldn't think twice before returning home." Shawn mused, pouring himself a glass of vodka. "Cheers?"

Dante scoffed, "were you even listening at all?"

The door opened, letting in Aiden. He looked worn out. "Why are you both looking like that?" He asked, throwing himself into the couch.

"Our billionaire friend here is set to take over his grandfather's business." Shawn announced, sounding excited.

"Hmm, nice." Aiden responded, absentmindedly.

Licking his lips, Dante looked towards his more sensible friend, Aiden. He could tell something was wrong with him. But, Aiden is the type of person who doesn't like to spill his tea to just anyone.

"You okay?" He inquired.

Aiden nodded, thinning his lips. "Yes, sorry for crashing in on you. Just thought I could take some solace here."

Dante waved a hand, "you know you are always welcome." They all stayed quiet, each person lost in their thoughts.

Shawn hiccuped loudly, "I don't seem to understand the gloomy state of you both. I really can't stand your moods; I will head out real quick, see you both later."

"Does he ever get tired? Shawn seems to have nothing to worry about." Aiden mused under his breath after Shawn left.

"You do know he doesn't let things bother him for too long." Sitting up, Dante clasped his hands together, staring hard at Aiden. "Do you intend to stay quiet on what's wrong with you? And I won't accept your usual story of being okay. I need the truth."

Aiden scratched the back of his neck, letting out a nervous chuckle. "I lost my job."

"What? How did that happen?"

"The company has been experiencing some issues lately; turns out the chairman got involved in some kind of fraud, and the government has put a lock on it." Aiden sniffed, "do you know what makes it worse, Dante? I took out a loan for my mum's chemotherapy, even though her days were numbered. I just couldn't help seeing her in pain, and I calmed myself with the thought that I would pay back with time. My student loan too is still hanging. Now, I don't even have any means of paying back. I might as well end my sad life."

Dante's eyes glazed. Aiden was one of the few good friends he had met in college. He is extremely brilliant; they weren't in the same department as he was studying accounting. However, he had saved Dante from being humiliated at a coffee shop because he had lost his wallet unknowingly to him. They had stayed glued to each other ever since. Despite their opposing lives, they still understand each other and get along well.

"Why didn't you tell me about the loans? I asked you Aiden if you needed my help before your mum died. You told me you got it. I thought we were brothers?"

Aiden bowed his head. He feels ashamed having to get handouts from his friend every time. That had prompted him to keep his present worries hidden from him. "I'm sorry, Dante. I just wanted to be a man of my own and not leech off you. I still don't know how to pay you back for everything you did for me in college. I would have dropped out if you weren't there for me. You have done enough."

Dante felt hurt at Aiden's words, even though he does act like an asshole most times. He cares a whole lot about Aiden. And it worries him that his friend keeps so much away from him. Thinking on what to do, Dante chewed on his lips. If not for anything, he has to return to New York for the sake of his grandfather and Aiden. That way he can secure a good spot for Aiden in the company, considering how competent and efficient Aiden is. Dante has no doubt the company finances would run smoothly under his supervision.

He grinned, "Nah, I am just getting started. I was thinking hard over it before now, but I have finally reached a conclusion. I am going back to New York, and you, my friend, are coming with me. But first, we need to sort out your bills."

Aiden's eyes popped out of their sockets. "Why do I need to come to New York with you?"

"To get a job and a better life, man. My grandfather has asked me to come back home and take over the company," Dante explained.

"Do you mean what you just said now?" He asked again.

Laughing, Dante stood up. "Yes, my friend. Let's rule New York together!"

Teary-eyed, Aiden felt short of words. He pulled Dante into a tight embrace, feeling extremely grateful. "I promise to pay you back."

Dante chuckled, "do that by remaining my best friend till the end." He grinned, hugging him back. Taking a deep breath, he made a mental note to make the best of his return home.