?? Next to your side ??

EPISODE ONE

Silence had engulfed the place for a while and grandma who was the center of attraction decided to break the silence herself since she started brought it in the first place.

“I realized the path you had chosen would definitely affect the company in the nearest future and I wasn’t gonna let that happen....”she continued while Kendrick and his mom watched and listened. “Around that time I visited the Cruz with your grandpa and that was when I noticed their daughter’s business minded...she was helping her father in his office at that time....I saw her capabilities and I wasn’t wrong...she’s now managing her father’s big company and soon would be CEO...so would you Kendrick....I couldn’t find anyone good but her....I hope you understand....this was and it’s still my wish and decision.....your grandpa just supported it cause it was and I know it would be the best choice I have ever made...I hope you understand me Kendrick.” Grandma said so pleadingly.

Kendrick sat quietly,looking at grandma stranded. Grandma has raised him up to where he was today.she had made sure his dreams come true and now he was living it.Grandma had never enquired any favor from him except this,the most difficult favor ever. He left his eyes off grandma to the floor while grandma and his mom watched. He didn’t want to rush into making any decision,he had to sleep on it. He sighed and then looking up at grandma who in return had her pleading look still on. He sighed again,somehow nervous.

“Kendrick..?”Grandma called softly,looking questionably at him as if she wanted ask ”so what had you decided.”

“Grandma...”Kendrick paused trying not to sound nervous.

“Yes?” Grandma responded.Mrs Alicia impatiently spoke.

“What’s it Kendrick...speak up!”

“Alicia!...Grandma snapped. Kendrick eyed her weirdly. He did not liked his mom and that was because she had been too strict on him since his infancy and wanted to go on now he was a grown up.

“Learn patience Alicia...the kid has his rights.” Grandma rebuked her.

“Rights?..huh...you’ve pampered him so much and now he sees it as you’re asking for a favor when it’s not.” Mrs Alicia spoke annoyed at Kendrick’s delay.

“ So what... doesn’t it look bad to ask a favor of my grandson?... if you know you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen!”

“Mom...”

“Just leave!” Grandma ordered frowningly without a look at her. Mrs Alicia frowned Little.she didn’t want to leave and with that she knew what was to be done.

“I’m sorry Mom.” She apologized and grandma’s frown melted slowly.

“Hm...”muttered Grandma and then turning smilingly at Kendrick she asked.” My boy...what did you wanted to say huh?”

“Is that what you want the best?” He asked grandma back and she nodded in answer.

“Can I think about it grandma?” He requested.

“Think?... Yes dear boy...you can but you have to give me an answer this evening ok?” She told.

“Ok....can I excuse myself grandma?”

Kendrick asked.

“Sure my boy..”

Kendrick raised up and then with a last frown at his mom walked towards the stairway. After he was out of sight grandma face Mrs Alicia.

“Alicia....you think you can use force on a grown up like that huh....I wonder if allowing him to call you mom is a good.”

“Mom..”Mrs Alicia muttered.

“Kendrick doesn’t hate you Alicia....you just piss him off...like you with us sometimes.” Grandma said no without another word left leaving Mrs Alicia embarrassed.

????

“Laura....how do you do?” Grandma’s voice spoke into the phone.

“Mrs Nara....I’m great...you?” Mrs Laura returned.

“Fine.”responded Grandma.

“What a pleasant call...to what do l own this surprise call?”

“Well...I just call to tell you to be to ready....cause soon there’s gonna be an engagement.” Announced Grandma.

“Like seriously!....Mrs Laura expressed into the phone happily.”Has Kendrick made up his mind now?”

“Not exactly....but I know he will.”

“I...I don’t understand Mrs Nara.”

“No need to understand but just be rest assured of what I’ve told you.”

“Mrs Nara..”Mrs Laura sounded worried and confused when she mentioned the name.

“I know you’re worried and confused of what I’m saying but to make it short...your daughter would definitely be in my family....Laura I will never forget the promise I made to your late husband.” Grandma reminded her and someway Mrs Laura felt relaxed.

“Thank you Mrs Nara....you’re the mother I never got.”

“Don’t worry Laura I will treat Lily just like I do with Kendrick....be rest assured.”

“I know....thank you.”

“No need...ok now I will hang up now...express my greetings to Lily please.”

“She will hear of it.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

“Was that the lady Lee Martin.?” Lily’s voice came from the living room adjoining the bedroom and Mrs Laura waited until she entered the bedroom where Mrs Laura was seat on an armchair closed to the bedside table,Lily neared her and sat on the bed facing her.”

“Yes..that was her...she called to let me know that soon you would get engage to Kendrick.”Mrs Laura said with delight while Lily made a usual face.

“But....but I thought...I thought Kendrick was against it...how..?” Lily asked slightly confused.

“Yes....but eventually he has accepted!!” Mrs Laura lied but Lily was too sharp to be escaped. She gave her mom a distrust look.

“I’m saying the truth dear.”

“But I haven’t say anything mom...unless..?”

“Unless what?”

“Mom...I may not know Kendrick well but if there’s one thing about him that you and I know...is that Kendrick has his taste of girls and I’m way far from those category of girls.”

“But sweetheart....well I know that about Kendrick but....”

“But what mom?...why are you insisting on this marriage?....what’re you hiding from me mom?...tell me...why this marriage?” Lily quizzed upset.

“ Sweetheart...you’re not that young babe again...you need to start your own life..away from me...with someone who will love and protect you Lily...I”

“And do you think arranging a marriage would sound good to me?...mom...I’m 21 years old.....I can decide for myself and besides I’m young.” Lily said sounding hurt.

“I know I shouldn’t decide for you but...”

“The but is what I don’t understand mom...what but?”

“Kendrick would soon be the CEO of their family company just as you will take over ours but in our case you’re already into the business whereas Kendrick doesn’t know how to manage a business...Mrs Nara thinks you’re the perfect for him....she chose you among the thousands....and it was Ken Lee Martin’s wish too...may his soul rest in peace.”

“”Wishes??...Lily paused for a minute for a breath and when she was ready to talk she sounded emotionally confused.

“Mom... I don’t know why you are doing this but whatever the reason is I hope this marriage isn’t the solution.”

When Lily said that Mrs Laura looked sad for a while. She felt tears trying to form her eyes so she looked down to avoid Lily’s eyes.

“Is it because Kendrick is a player that’s why you don’t want this marriage?”She asked her daughter.

“Mom...”

“Don’t be if that’s what bothering you....I know Kendrick is a player...I know you want to say it but you unsure how it would sound but you’re right....he is but love conquers all...once you learn to love him...you will get adjust to the situation and something good might come from it...Lily...you wouldn’t understand why I want you to marry Kendrick but know one thing he isn’t as bad as you have pictured him.” Mrs Laura told and for a while Lily kept silent and then suddenly buried her face in her palms.

“Oh mom....I’m confused.”

“Don’t be...come here...Mrs Laura rose and walked to her side.She held her up and then gave her a warm embrace.

“Marry Kendrick dear....and you will never regret.” She whispered into her daughter’s ears.

“Oh mom...I hope I will not regret just as you’re saying.”

“I assure you.” Returned Mrs Laura and then Lily hugged her tightly as an afraid baby would do.

????

“Hey rockstar ...man...what’s up?” Sky,Kendrick’s best friend asked on the phone.

“Cool man...what of you?” Kendrick asked in a dull voice.

“ Hey man...why do you sound so dull?”

“This arranged marriage is driving me nuts..”

“ Wait....Kendrick man....I don’t understand why you haven’t decided yet when it’s so simple.”

“You say it’s simple because it isn’t you Sky.”

“I know man but...this isn’t something to sleep on...the girl is super hot...I mean look at her huge hips...she’s beautiful..sexy and on top of all...a business minded...you wouldn’t have problem running your family business.”

“Man...”

“Kenny... “Sky called him the name he usually call him. “I’m your friend....I wouldn’t want negativity for you...but this girl...this girl is super hot.” Sky kept expressing while Kendrick stood on the phone almost getting annoyed.

“Enough Sky....you know me way much better than anyone else...marriage comes with a lot of stuff...commitment...sacrifice..”

“Wait....you can’t do that because you’re a bad boy.....”

“Aside that...I don’t have feelings for her Sky.”

“Listen man....when you marry her and learns to accept she’s your wife....you will learn to know and love her.”

“Yes... here comes the love god..”

“I’m telling you the truth man...I’ve met her once and she’s a kind person...you haven’t gotten no devil man.”

“Sky..”

“Accept...she can be a great impart on your music man...I tell you.”

Sky told and for a moment he stayed quiet in his own thoughts.

“Man are you there?”

“Yeah...I even skipped supper because grandma gave tonight to decide.”

“ And what’re you waiting for...what’s your decision?” Sky asked.

“Well...it’s grandma’s biggest wish for to accept it so..”

“Yes!!...I knew it!...I’m gonna be a best man.” Sky said so dreamingly. Kendrick grinned into the phone.

“Stop it man..well l...” A knock at his front door interrupted him.

“Hold on man..”He said to Sky. “Who’s it?”

“Dear boy...is me.” Grandma’s voice sang.

“Hey man...it’s my granny...let me call you later.”

“Sure.” And then they both hang up. Kendrick walked to the door.

“Grandma...”He mentioned but made me an odd look when he saw his mom aside his grandma.

“Hey dear boy...how are you?” His grandma enquired.

“Good grandma..you?” He replied and asked without a look at his mom,only his eyes fixed on grandma.

“Good to hear...you skipped supper today..why?”

“I was ...I wasn’t hungry.” His told but his eyes betrayed him.

“Don’t lie dear...you were...it’s just the fact that you haven’t decided yet and you thought I would ask,right?”

“I have decided.” He said sharply and made the two women alarmed and attentive.

“What’s your decision.”Grandma asked but Kendrick kept silence.

“My boy..? Grandma looked questionably at him while Mrs Alicia grew almost impatient.

“I will....I will not..” He paused deliberately trying to keep the two women in suspense.

“What dear?” Grandma asked.

“I will...I will marry her.”He said and slowly grandma’s face delighted.

“Really dear boy.” Grandma happily said and then grabbed him in a warm embrace.

“Thank you my boy....you don’t know how i’m feeling now...thank you dear.” Grandma expressed. He managed a smile back but when his face met his mom smiling he frown slowly but that did not stop Mrs Alicia from expressing her delight in his decision.

“Thank you my boy..you’ve made grandma so proud.” Grandma said after she parted from him with a teary eyes.

“ Grandma....are you crying?” He asked after he noticed it.

“No...it’s just tears of joy.” Grandma said and then Kendrick hugged her once again.

“Grandma....I did this for you and no one else....so force your tears to dry up.” He said and grandma nodded in return. Kendrick turned his head to look at his mom and saw her teary also.For the first time his mom looked emotional. Mrs Alicia had always appeared strict and strong and so it wasn’t usual for her to look emotional. While he hugged grandma and gazed at her mom’s face,the woman turned away from her son’s gaze.

“Um...excuse me..” She said softly and then without a word from anyone she left hastily towards the corridor leading to her own room. Grandma and Kendrick parted again and stared after her until she was out of sight.

“ I know Alicia is very happy but she can’t expressed it before you...thank you my boy.” Grandma expressed again and Kendrick could say nothing but smiled back.

“I will leave now....I need to inform the Cruz....goodnight my dear.”

“Goodnight grandma.” Kendrick muttered and then watched as grandma also left for her chamber. He heaved a deep gulp of air before going back into his own room.

????

“I’m almost close to accomplishing what you wished my love.” Mrs Alicia stared at her husband’s portrait on the wall.

“He thinks bad of me...he sees me as a witch in his life....I know I was too strict on him but if I hadn’t do that....he would have been pampered too....forgive me for not raising him up on my own my love...I had no choice cause he despised me...I’m so sorry.” Mrs Alicia said in tears still gazing at the late Lewis Gray’s portrait.

???

“Sweetheart!!!” Mrs Laura called excitedly but loudly as she burst into Lily’s living room where stood her daughter near the bookshelf.

“Mom...what’s the fuss about?” Lily asked and moved from the bookshelf to her mom’s side.

“Ok....” Mrs Laura was almost out of breath.

“ Relax and take a breath....what’s it?” Lily asked amidst grin.

“Kendrick has acc..” Mrs Laura paused as she remembered she had lied to Lily earlier about Kendrick having accepted the proposal already.

“Mom...Kendrick has done what?” Lily asked sounding curious.” Has he disagreed with the proposal?” Lily asked smilingly.

“Um...I mean your engagement day plus wedding has been fixed.” Announced Mrs Laura excitedly.

“ Huh....so fast...what’s the rush?...I mean why?” Lily quizzed shockingly and disappointed.

“Well..sit first..” Mrs Laura sat down on the couch nearest to her and her daughter joined her too.

“ According to Mrs Nara their company needs a CEO as soon as possible as she would be soon retiring soon after the wedding...so she didn’t want to waste time..that’s why she has fixed both the engagement and wedding date.”

“ But...gosh!” Lily heaved.

“Sweetheart it’s good...I mean the same would apply to you since I’m also retiring right after your honeymoon...what a coincidence huh?” Mrs Laura said and then Lily grinned suddenly

“I know this is a coincidence mom..it’s planned.” Lily said laughing softly but inside she was more than just irritated.

“You can say that but all I know is that..it’s a coincidence.” Returned Mrs Laura casually. Lily stared at with a light frown but Mrs Laura ignored completely.

“I will take my leave now..”Mrs Laura said and rose up. Lily gazed as her mom got to the door.

“And oh one thing....tomorrow we will visit the Cruz for your engagement.” She informed and Lily glared shockingly.

“Mom!!” She sang.

“Don’t worry....your engagement dress and everything is already here...we got ourselves prepared.” Mrs Laura said as if teasing her daughter and then did not even wait for another “ Mom!!!” she opened the door and slammed it behind her.Lily kept gazing at the empty door frowningly.

????

“Lanny....Lanny...Lanny..” Vince kept calling as she descended down the stairs.

“Careful you don’t fall Vince.” Lanny cautioned at the hall but Vince kept her paces still quick and almost slipped before Lanny.

“Vince...” Lanny gave a stern look.

“I’m sorry darling...but you really need to see this.” Vince said and showed her phone.

“What?” Lanny asked.

“Relax...” Vince said and then started to click on her phone as if looking for something. Lanny waited but Vince kept clicking.

“Vince??” Her voice sounded pretty much annoyed.

“ Where is it?” Vince muttered.

“What huh!” Lanny questioned this time really annoyed.

“ Oh yes...here it is..”

“Show me already!!” Lanny lashed out impatiently.

“Here..” Vince showed her something on her phone and for a while Lanny stood frozen.

“He’s getting married.” She muttered with a surprise look.

“ I’m sorry Lanny...but I felt you should know.” Vince said feeling sorry for Lanny.

“He used me Vince...He used me...something I never expected any man to do..he did it and now he’s getting married and oh his engagement is even tomorrow.” Lanny said hurtfully.

“Bastard!!...bastard!!”She suddenly screamed tearfully. He used me...that bastard used me Vince..” Lanny cried out painfully. “ I thought he loved me...but he was just using me.”

“Calm down girl...” Vince tried to sound comforting but Lanny had passed that.

“Vince..h..he used me!!..he used me!!” She kept repeating it in tears. She sat down slowly on the couch she was sitting on earlier. Vince sat down near her and pulled her into a hug.

“Calm down girl...he’s a despicable human being..how dare he!” Vince shot,sorry for friend.

“Kendrick used me Vince...he...he..he said he loved me..but he was only using me...I was only a rag in his life.”

“No lanny....you’re not a rag..he is a fool to use you..it’s your own fault Lanny.. I tried warning you but you wouldn’t listen to me...what made you think he would love you when he had already dump those of his class and fame... a model like you...I told you.” When Vince said that Lanny cried more.

“I’m so stupid Vince...I should have listened to you but I was so in love...Kendrick is such a description of a perfect guy...handsome more than a beauty but...he..he’s just a user..I’m so stupid.”

“You’re not stupid Lanny...it’s love...I understand but it’s good this happened or else you wouldn’t have have known the real him.” Vince said so harshly.

“Oh Vince..” Lanny cried like a baby.

“It’s ok girl....Vince stroked her back softly.

“ How happy he’s gonna be tomorrow... that bastard!” Vince shot angrily. Lanny parted suddenly from the hug and looked at Vince’s face with her face drowned with tears.

“Go with me to the engagement tomorrow.” Lanny requested.

“No...no way...no way we’re going to that engagement..girl are you sane?...look at what he has done to you and you’re...girl I’m not giving in.” Vince refused.

“Please Vince...just this one favor... I just want to have one talk with him and I promise after that I will not mention him.” Pleaded Lanny. Vince looked at her a a moment.

“Just this once..promised.”Vince said.

“Promised.” Returned Lanny.

“Ok then.” Vince accepted.

“Thanks.” Lanny said and laid her head on Vince’s laps.

“Stop the tears girl or I will not go with you.” Vince said as she heard Lanny sobbing.

“I can’t Vince.. it’s painful..” Lanny said and Vince could say no more.

????

“Congratulations man.”Sky said as he stood near him.

“Thanks man.” He returned.

“Hey soon to be Mr” A familiar voice said behind them. They turned to see who it was.

“Gena.” Kendrick mentioned as he saw her.

“Hi...”Gena said to both of them.

“Hi Gena..sup” Sky inquired.

“I’m here...” She said funnily and they all burst into a short laughter.

“You came too?” Kendrick said surprised.

“ What...you thought I would not....I came as soon as I heard it....and besides it went trending on social media last night or why would all your celebrity friends would be here....it’s not awards night sweetheart.”Gena joked.

“Thanks for coming.” Kendrick happily expressed.

“Well though we had a painful break up...you’re still someone dear to me.” Gena said and Kendrick smiled little. He had dated Gena Lukewarm his fellow celebrity though the relationship had been lovely, it did not last for long. Gena had cheated and made Kendrick felt miserable and at the end broke up with her though Kendrick never made this public he just kept a friendship bond between them.

“Now tell me you weren’t dating her secretly?” Gena asked.

“Who?” Kendrick enquired slightly confused.

“Lily Cruz of course.”

“Oh...well..” Kendrick just shrugged.

“Oh you’re such a bad boy...well anyway I’m glad you chose a girl like her...she’s so cool just a huge business minded but on top of all a beautiful lady..good choice Ken.” Remarked Gena.

“Thanks.” Kendrick said. “And I’m glad you came.”

“Cut it...besides I’m not your only ex that came...I saw that model you went out with recently...Lanny lurks..” informed Gena.

“Lanny is here?..where?” Quizzed Kendrick surprised.

“Yes...I saw her with that skinny bones friend of her at the bar.”

“Thanks Gena...wait here with Sky...I will be back soon.” He said and walked away leaving the two staring after him confusingly.

????

“You’re looking so beautiful Lily...I’m just so teary now.” Anita complimented.

“C’mon...well thank you for the compliment...you’re not looking bad yourself.”Lily also remarked.

“Thanks too.”said Anita.

“I’m so grateful that you’re also going to get married too...you teased me and shay....now it would be our turn to tease you.” Anita said teasingly.

“Haha....oh talking about Shay..where’s he huh?”

“I should have told you earlier...he couldn’t make it today...he had to travel on a business trip but..he will surely make it for the wedding,that’s my promise.”Anita said assuringly.

“Ok....if you mean it.”Lily said.

“Of course I mean it.” Anita returned and Lily nodded with a smile.

“Lily right?” A lady asked walking up to them.

“Yes please.” Lily said with a nod.” Can I help you?”

“Yes...can you come with me please?” The lady requested.

“ What for if I may ask?” Anita chipped in.

“Oh nothing...just want to let her know something...well you can come along...I don’t mean no harm to her.” The lady said and Anita looked at Lily who nodded.

“Shall we leave now please?”She asked and they both nodded and followed behind her as she took the lead. She led them out of the house to the the car park of the Lee Martins.

“ What’re we doing here lady ?” Anita asked in an impolite way and with unease.

“Anita..”Lily eyes her to keep calm.”do you want to talk about Miss?” Lily asked more calmed than ever.

“ I asked her to bring you here Miss Cruz...” A voice replied and then got out of the black car they stood besides.

“Lanny Lurks?” Anita mentioned almost in a whisper.

“You know her? Lily asked Anita.

“Yeah...well apparently...this is the last girl Kendrick was seen going out with.” Anita told.

“Oh ok..” Lily murmured somehow feeling a sense of jealousy which she did not know where it was coming from.” How may I help you please?”

“I want to tell you the real nature of the man you’re going to marry.” Lanny told.

“Kendrick??” Anita and Lily called out in unison.”What about him?”

“He’s my boyfriend.” Revealed Lanny and the created a moment of shock for Lily and her friend.

“Boyfriend.....” Anita softly said moving her head slowly towards Lily.

“I know I shouldn’t have come out here to say this but I was shock when I saw the news of him getting married to you soon and the engagement today??....we never broke up.”Lanny told,her eyes telling it all. Lily gazed at her without a word.

“You’re Lying Lanny Lurks....I don’t believe you.”Anita blurted...how dare you huh!” Anita shot and raised a hand but Lily interrupted.

“Don’t Anita.....we don’t know whether it’s the truth or not...the only one who can justify is him...”Lily stated clearly and firmly. Anita looked widely at her face.

“Lily..”

Lily made a long face to prevent Anita from talking. Anita glared disgustingly at Lanny.

????

“ Claire...you’ve seen Lanny Lurks here.” Kendrick asked a fellow celebrity.

“No...I haven’t and congratulations Kendrick.” Claire congratulated.

“Thanks Claire.” Returned Kendrick with a light smile.

“You’re welcome.” Claire also returned and Kendrick left hurriedly. As he made his way through the guest looking around along,Kiara,one of the maids approached him.

“Sir..”

“Yes Kiara..”

“Sir...I saw a lady leading Miss Lily out of the house...now Old Lady Nara is wants to see her but she’s no where to be found.” Reported Kiara.

“You say a lady led her out?.” Kendrick queried and Kiara nodded.

“Yes Sir...I saw them.”

“Who was this lady?...could it Lanny?..Kendrick quizzed himself in thoughts.

“Where did they go?”

“I saw her lead them out through the front.” Kiara told.

“Ok...tell my grandma I will bring Lily to her soon ok?”

“Ok Sir.”

With that Kiara left and Kendrick walked towards the front door.

????

“I tell you Miss...I will never lie to you....everything I just said can be verify by Kendrick himself and you can decide.” Lanny said.

“What decision does she...”

“What can be verify by me Lanny?” Kendrick’s voice interrupted sternly from the left direction and everyone turned sharply. Kendrick looked at Lily who gave him a long face. He neared them with a cold eyes toward Lanny.

“What did you told my fiancée?” Kendrick’s voice grew hoarse. When he say that Lily’s long face melted slowly into a surprise one. Anita smiled.

“Fiancée....huh really?... Kendrick you didn’t broke up with me..you never did...so it’s means I’m still your girlfriend.” Lanny said trying to neared.

“Don’t even think about it! “He warned and Lanny stopped instantly. He looked at her with a fierce eyes. “ You said we never broke up?...then what did I say when I caught you cheating with that bastard!!”Kendrick snapped furiously scaring all of them.

“You cheated Lanny....you never told me that.” Vince shot shockingly. Lanny stood fidgeting embarrassingly.

“You didn’t say anything Kendrick...you just walked out angrily.” Lanny cried suddenly.

“You expected me to have say something Lanny.” Kendrick said nonchalantly.” “I hate you that moment and now I do...I gave you all the love I shunned my previous relationships....I was seriously with you dammit!!” Kendrick lashed out exposed his pain.

“I’m so sorry please Kendrick....I’m so sorry.” Lanny pleaded heavily in tears.

“Sorry...you’re the only you can say...do you know what I went through...you know what that’s a pass now...I’ve moved on and as you can see...I will be getting married to a new love.” He said looking at Lily who looked surprised.

“No!!..”Lanny fell onto his feet and held his legs.

“No Kendrick...you can’t do this to me...no please.”

“Lanny stop it you’re embarrassing yourself.” Vince tried to dragged her from him but Lanny tightly held onto his legs and Kendrick was having enough already so he bent and picked her up and Vince let go of her.

“Stop the tears ...” Kendrick said.

“You...you’ve forgiven me...you...you taking me back.”

“I’m a human Lanny...no need to hold grudges against you....I had loved you before so I will do what’s right and that’s to forgive you...so I forgive you.” Kendrick spoke candidly.

“So...will you take me back ?” Lanny asked desperately. Kendrick looked at her for a while and then letting go suddenly of her he spoke.

“No.”

Lanny broke into a uncontrollable tears and Vince held her comfortingly.

“Stop it Lanny...you’ve embarrassed yourself enough already.” Vince disappointedly said.

“Let’s go back...grandma’s looking for you.” Kendrick said to Lily and then held her hand and then hand in hand they turned to leave.

“Kendrick....don’t leave me....please!!!!” Cried Lanny.