i. WELCOME BACK.
January 2, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Los Angeles, California.

Two women, one standing proudly at the height of 5'6 while the other stood at 5'4 stepped off of the private jet after their nine-hour flight from Jamaica to California. One in particular baby blue Converse sneakers made contact with the solid ground beneath her, taking a few moments to observe the sudden and not-so-new scenery and absorb the atmosphere that surrounded her.

"Welcome to Los Angeles!" A sign to their left greets which only furthered the reality of Sedona realizing that they were now officially back in the U.S. The city of dreams, bidding careers, and Hollywood. Most certainly a far cry from her barren home in Dallas, Texas. One she hadn't seen in over two years and at this point might just sell it.

To Sedona, everything about the city felt different—unnerving, even. The winter air was thick and balmy a huge difference from Jamaica's sunny essence which she knew would affect her skin sooner than later; there was a refreshing and homely feel about the island as a whole that made her feel very welcomed, it felt great to head back to that side of her. Her mother's side. The sun over there seemed to shine brighter but at the same time wouldn't give her sunburn she'd soon regret forgetting to wear sunscreen. Everything about Jamaica was an improvement of what she'd grown accustomed to in her home country, and god knows how much she wanted to stay longer but had to face the music and that was—ironically her career.

"Sedona," The shorter woman said as she looked up at her client—a working relationship that turned into a sisterly figure from her two-inch height advantage the latter on her, "We gotta go before so you can get ready for the party later on tonight."

Snapping out of her awe and fit of staring, Sedona nodded. "Right... the party." She looked around once more before starting to stroll alongside her manager. "Who's this party for again?... everything after last night feels like a blur."

For the past three months, Sedona packed up a bag and along with her manager Monica took an impromptu vacation to Jamaica. Sedona didn't let the public know about her whereabouts, and the only thing she told Roc Nation was that she'd be going away for personal reasons and to announce the cancellation of festivals she was set to perform at. It brought a wave of disappointment, especially with how she knew how her fans would react but for the sake of her health mentally she needed that trip.

While in Jamaica, Sedona took the opportunity to visit her grandmother, someone whom she considered to be like a second mom to her, and spend her days down at the beach where she ended up getting a tan, swimming at the waterfall, dinners with family members she hadn't seen in years and with that took the essence that is the island and keep it close to her.

She also did what Dr. Garcia recommended for her to do which was write down every and anything that happened and with that she steadily found herself writing down songs. And with a camera, she captured a lot of moments that she was sure enough to keep close to her.

"It's a New Year's party for TDE... you've been formally invited via email so it'll be in your best interest to attend. But, only if you want to." Monica paused for a moment as her eyes shifted up to the sky, the feeling of jet lag was soon taking over, "Almost everybody on the label is going to be there, so it'll be interesting, to say the least."

Sedona shook her head. "More than interesting." She looked over at her manager with a radiant smile coming across her face. "I haven't been to a label-oriented party in three months," She chuckled, "We shall see how long I'll last before my social battery says otherwise."

Sensing some reluctance in her words, Monica directed her attention yet again to Sedona. "Don't think of this party as a business venture, just have fun." She explained to the twenty-seven-year-old. "For the past five years you've been working your ass off up until now where you've finally given yourself the break that you earned—"

"The blogs say otherwise," Sedona muttered, tearing her eyes away from the scenery around her and to the ground that inevitably her inner emotions. No matter what there will always be this voice in her mind that tells her that things won't always be in her favor. And she knows that. "I don't mean to sound like a selfish bitch but damn they make it hard to appreciate life."

"The blogs are the same one who's getting paid by using your name. You're the reason why their bills are paid." Reminds Monica. "They're just another trail that is this life, so you can either walk over them or let them walk over you."

"Realest shit I needed to hear." Nods Sedona as their chauffeur opened the back door of the limousine in front of them. "I'm already missing the beach, the food, my people." She crouched down, and climbed into the chauffeured vehicle, scooting across the cushioned seats to make space for Monica.

With the new year now here, Sedona will admit that she's a little bit more grounded and honest to herself especially when it comes to that little voice in her head like all people that had her questioning the choices and idealistic approach towards it. Out of all the critics in the world, she's her biggest critic. Though her accolades made her appear as though she was on top of the world, she had always been considered small amongst giants like Beyoncé and Rihanna. It also didn't help that she was on the label of one's husband and the label mate of the other. But it's the year 2018, she was about to delve further deeper into life and all that came with it and was starting to proudly say that she didn't have time for the bull let alone anyone's bull. Sedona was an artist in her true right and that is all that mattered.

As her thoughts about her career and love for music slowly consumed her, the limousine door closed and she found herself and Monica continuing their journey together, traveling further into the somewhat suffocating bubble that is Los Angeles.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter One.
— １２／１６／２４
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Being consistent with the updates because I know most people won't and I have faith in this book.

Thoughts on the chapter!

Stay tuned for the next chapter, & til next time!
- shea