Page 4 of I Don't Want You Back

Chapter 1

“Yes ma’am, I’m on my way now,” Landon said before he disconnected the call.

He blew out a breath of frustration as he made a detour and headed to his oldest son’s school. Lance was only ten years old, but he was becoming a handful already. He had never given Landon any problems, but that all changed once Malia left. It had been a little over a year since she’d been gone, and she and Landon were officially divorced. The first few months were hard on them all, but Landon had to be strong for his sons. He was severely depressed, and he halted the plans on getting their house built. His grandmother had to talk him off the ledge a few times, but he bounced back like it was nothing.

Malia was worse than he thought she’d be and the kids barely saw her. She always made promises that she didn’t keep and that was the worst part of it all. Their oldest son, Lance, had started acting out because of their family problems and he was always fighting with someone. He was transferring his hatred towards his mother onto other students and he had major anger issues. Lennox, their youngest son, was the total opposite. He loved his mother and he believed every word that she said. There were many nights that he refused to go to sleep because he was waiting for her to pick him up like she promised. It got to a point where Landon wouldn’t even tell them anything that Malia said. He was tired of her lying to them and leaving him to clean up the mess.

“I’m Landon Reynolds. I’m here to get my son, Lance,” Landon said to the secretary when he walked into the front office of the school.

Lance had gotten into so many fights the year before, that the private school that he and Lennox attended didn’t allow him to come back the following year. He was sent to a school for troubled children, even though he was the smartest one in his class. His behavior was the thing that did it.

“Thanks for coming Mr. Reynolds. Lance is across the hall speaking with the disciplinarian, but Mrs. Jennings is waiting for you in her office,” she said, referring to the principal.

Lance followed, as she led him to an office that he had become very familiar with. School had only been in session for three months and he’d lost count of how many times he’d been called down there. The receptionist knocked on the door before opening it and ushering him inside. She pointed to a chair for him to sit down before she left him and the principal alone.

“I’m sorry that I have to keep calling you down here Mr. Reynolds, but I’m really concerned with Lance’s behavior,” Mrs. Jennings said once he was seated.

“That makes two of us. This is all new to me too, Mrs. Jennings. Lance has never given me these kinds of problems before,” Landon honestly replied.

He wanted to say before his mother left, but he kept that part of the story to himself. Mrs. Jennings knew all about their family issues because Landon was very forthcoming with her from the beginning. Her heart went out to the troubled child and she wanted to do everything she could to help him.

“I honestly think he needs to speak with someone,” Mrs. Jennings replied.

“Speak to someone like who?” Landon questioned.

“A professional counselor. Someone outside of the school. Usually, with children Lance’s age, we would refer them to our local boys and girls club. I don’t think that would work for him though. You’re a very active part of his life, so a mentoring program isn’t the answer. I think he needs an unbiased adult who he can open up to and vent if necessary,” Ms. Jennings suggested.

“I’m willing to do whatever I have to do to get him back on track. I really want to pull off my belt and beat his ass, but I’m trying to be patient. This behavior didn’t start until Malia left. He’s hurting, and I guess this is his way of acting out,” Landon replied.

“I agree, but we’re going to do everything that we can to get him right. Lance is one of the smartest boys in this school and I know that he comes from a good background. He’s in fifth grade, but functioning on a seventh-grade level. I don’t want those kinds of smarts to go to waste. We might be looking at the next black president.” Mrs. Jennings smiled.

“How many days is he suspended for?” Landon asked.

“I’m not suspending him this time. I’ve made him an appointment to see a behavioral specialist next Saturday. I’ve heard nothing but great things about this counselor and I think it would be good for Lance. Here is the address and time of his appointment,” Mrs. Jennings said while handing him the information.

“Thank you, Mrs. Jennings, for everything. I really appreciate all the support you’ve given me since Lance started here,” Landon replied.

“You’re a good man Landon and a great father. I wish we had more like you in the world. You let me know if there is anything else that I can do to help. You can bring Lance back tomorrow, but have a talk with him about that temper. He told me that he gets it from you, but I find that hard to believe.” Mrs. Jennings smiled.

“Looks are deceiving Mrs. Jennings. I grew up faster than I wanted to when my boys came, but I had anger issues worse than his,” Landon admitted as he stood to his feet.

He sympathized with his son because he understood his frustrations. He was around Lance’s age when he was abandoned by his mother and that shit hurt, especially because no child deserved it. Landon walked across the hall to get his son before going outside to his car.

“I’m sorry dad. I tried to walk away, but the other boy kept talking,” Lance said as soon as he and his father were alone.

“This shit is getting old bruh. I’m trying to be patient, but that’s wearing thin too. I’m out here busting my ass to make sure that you and your brother are straight, and this is the thanks I get. I had to leave work to come down here for this bullshit,” Landon fussed.

His son didn’t know, but he left from work all the time just because. Their work was mostly done by a computer and Landon checked his emails right from his phone. He remembered when he worked nights. He would be home in bed with Malia and his kids while he was still on the clock. He and his co-workers had an understanding and they all did the same thing. They were salaried, and they did their jobs properly. Landon was making so much money with his commercial office rentals that he’d been thinking about resigning. That would have been a stupid move, considering he was making six figures for basically doing nothing.

“I’m sorry dad. I promise it won’t happen again,” Lance swore.

“You say that shit every time I have to come here Lance. Do you want to go live with Cora? You know she’s been asking and I’m thinking about taking her up on her offer,” Landon threatened.

“Dad, no! Please, don’t make me go live with my grandma. Her entire house smells like coffee and peppermints!” Lance yelled, making his father laugh.

Landon would die before he let his boys go live with anyone else. Malia’s mother helped him out a lot, but she always offered to take them in to live with her. She didn’t condone what her daughter had done, and she made sure to let her know it.

“You and Lennox begged me to go through with getting our house built and I did that. Everything that y’all wanted me to put in it is there. I don’t know what else I can do to satisfy you, bruh,” Landon replied.

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