Chapter 41: No choice

After Kendrell dropped the call, he was sort of in disbelief. He couldn't believe his ears. THE Rollins Rivers wanted to have a one-on-one discussion with him! About what? Why? He wasn't even on his best attitude when they met in the elevator days ago. So, why?

Well, there was only one way to find out!

Kendrell picked his phone and called Malcolm straight away, but Malcolm did not take it, so Kendrell assumed he was busy, he didn't bother calling for the second time.

Although Ken and Malc didn't have an 'actual' conversation, they were sort of getting on the same page.

Malcolm, gave Kendrell space because he demanded it. Kendrell thought he actually needed space, but what he actually needed was someone by his side.

After Malcolm granted his request, Kendrell felt even more empty and lonely and then he realized his mistake. Out of frustration and emptiness, he called Malcolm to 'play chess' with him which Malcolm gladly did that evening.

So at that point, they both understood the importance of sticking together. Malcolm realized he didn't want to be ditched and rejected by someone who he actually cared about and Kendrell understood that he actually needed some one like Malcolm who cared for him by his side, so he does not feel even more dejected and empty than he already felt.

Kendrell could not say, however, that the thought of Malcolm betraying him in the future didn't cross his mind for once at least, but seeing Malcolm's effort, Kendrell decided to push that thought aside to the best of his ability.

Exhaling through his lips, Kendrell continued preparing for his meeting with Rollins which was later that evening.

_

* * * Rivers Group Headquarters * * *

" Let him in!" Said Rollins to his secretary.

" Please go in Mr Graham." She said tilting her head towards the door slightly, with a smile.

" Thank you." Kendrell said, with a cold expression. Kendrell sort of grew impassive as the days went by. He could easily pass as an inert individual from his demeanor, but he still had the sweetest and softest heart, that simply needed healing.

Exhaling, Kendrell proceeded to enter Rollins' office.

" Good day sir." Kendrell greeted.

" Mr Rollins, please have a seat." Rollins said with a bright look, gesturing Ken to sit opposite him.

" Thanks."

" So, I'm going to cut to the chase Mr Graham." Rollins said, this time with all seriousness while Kendrell maintained the look on his face.

" As you know, Ambrose Bauer mentioned you to me and I went on to make some further research about you. You're quite the catch I must say.'' Rollins commented. But Kendrell said nothing, so he continued,

" You've had a working experience at Dreams Constructions and I must say your record while the firm was up and running, is quite impressive, especially as a newly graduated engineer. As you know, Rivers Group is ahead of Ramsey and Sons in terms of structural contracts since the year began. And you know Spring is not over so I would like to hire you to be a part of a major project here in Hentritch, so we can maintain that streak." Rollins said, without beating around the bush.

" But regardless of your portfolio, you still have some tests and basic training to undergo." Rollins said. " That's if you accept my offer." he added.

Kendrell, despite repeatedly bracing himself up for the best or worst, could not put his feelings into words.

Rollins relaxed on the chair when he noticed all he just said melted the ice. He was really interested in involving Kendrell in his company's project. He saw a lot of potential in him.

But not wanting to sound so desperate, Kendrell cleared his throat before speaking.

" Well, I don't have a problem with your offer Mr. Rollins. Personally, I have so much respect and admiration for you and your firm but I just want to know, what's in it for me? and why offer me such a sought after job?'' Asked Kendrell.

But Rollins smiled before briefing him about it. It was rare and almost nearly impossible to have someone of Kendrell's status to be interested in the in and outs of an offer proposed by him. That was very daring but even more admirable to Rollins.

Now more than ever, he felt deliberate and optimistic about choosing Kendrell to be a part of the job in his engineering firm. Rivers Group needed someone like Kendrell and they most certainly will add him to their corner.

By the time they finished discussing, it was not a done deal yet because it was yet to be a pen to paper official agreement.

_

When Kendrell got home, he finally had a reason to smile for more than 3 seconds. It was such an amazing news, even if he acted like it wasn't in front of Rollins.

He first called his parents, who were always together. But that time, they were joined by their daughter, Ken's sister, Claire who was just like their mother Constance.

After the endless chattering, Kendrell eventually got to drop the call, thanks to his father Waylon who saved the day.

For the second time that day, he called Malcolm again, but he didn't respond so Kendrell sent a voicemail, asking Malcolm to call him back when he had the time to.

Kendrell didn't dim it fit to send a text, at least not for breaking a news like that.

But till it was 8:00 PM, Kendrell did not receive a call, not even a text message from Malcolm, which was unlike the Malc he knew.

Past 9:00 PM, Kendrell called again but no one took the call. Kendrell suddenly felt uneasy and that prompted him to send a text message. Then he called once again.

Almost immediately, the call was answered. Kendrell was about to sigh in relief when he heard Jade's' shaky voice over the phone.

" Kendrell" Malcolm's sister, Jade said in a whisper.

" Jady... what's the matter?" Kendrell asked, as he stood to his feet.

" It's.... it's my br.. brother." 18 year old Jade replied, blubbering.

" What happened to him?" Kendrell asked but got no reply.

" Answer me Jade, what happened to him?" Kendrell asked as he could hear his heart pulsating while Jade kept crying.

" Jade... Jade! what happened? please answer me" Kendrell pleaded.

" Malcolm...he...he w..he was attacked on his way to work." Jade managed to say.

" What?! " Kendrell exclaimed while he started growing weak, rapidly. "Jade I need you to calm down okay? What hospital was he admitted to? "

" S... St. Nicholas" Jade said.

" I don't want my brother to die Kendrell. I love him very much... I don't want to loose him" She said crying uncontrollably.

" He's not gonna die okay princess? Do you hear me? Nothing is gonna happen to him! I just need you to be strong for me. Promise me Jady" Kendrell said, while he was literally running to the door after finding the keys.

He dashed out of the house, before slamming the door like he was been chased by several gunmen. In no time, he got to the road and with his left hand, he started flagging down a cab.

" Do you hear me Jay?" Kendrell asked again.

" O.. okay" She replied, stuttering.

" Good girl. Now you have to be strong for mom and Kate okay? I'll be there soon." Kendrell said to Jade who unknowingly disconnected the call all thanks to her shaky fingers.

_

By the time Kendrell arrived, he met Jade and Lauryn pacing back and forth, except for Kate who was sitting motionless, absentmindedly staring into an empty space. All three of them looked like they cried for ages, especially Jade, Malcolm's little princess.

Turned out Malcolm was attacked on his way to work, alongside three others. But the cuts that led to blood loss in his body, didn't look like it happened in the morning.

It was so bad that Malcolm fell into a coma.

Now, Kendrell had his best friend to worry about, then Rollins' offer which was also on the table. Then, his wounded heart. Of course he wouldn't forget about that!

Kendrell made out time to be by Malcolm everyday, he couldn't even do otherwise. He was even thinking of ditching Rollins' offer, but after discussing with Lauryn, Malcolm's mother, since she was like a mother to him also, she encouraged him to accept it.

She was happy things were starting to fall in place for the young man.

It was too much for Kendrell. His ever bright, jovial best friend was lying on the hospital bed, looking pale and lifeless.

To think that Kendrell did the most in making him feel rejected was what pierced Ken's heart the most! He only called Malcolm a day before the accident and just the next day, life happened.

It was really difficult for Kendrell to accept the offer, but he had no choice. Besides he hoped that when Malcolm was out of coma, he was going to surprise him with the news.

According to the doctor, a week was the maximum period of time Malcolm was expected to 'sleep'. But then, a week passed and then another and Malcolm had not even moved a finger.

" Come on buddy, you gotta stop this. There's only so much that I can take. If you continue this rubbish act of yours, I might snap, please buddy, wake up." Kendrell always pleaded, with unspilled tears.

He didn't want to cry, not in front of his sleeping friend. But he got to do that when he was alone and on the road, on his way to a meeting or another.

Well, he didn't have a choice did he?