x. HALFTIME SPECIAL. (pt. 1)
January 8, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Atlanta, Georgia.

The day was cold but clear as Sedona stepped into Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, her breath visible in the crisp January air. The stadium loomed around her, a modern marvel of steel and glass, humming with the early activity of stagehands and sound engineers preparing for the College Football Playoff National Championship. After a long flight back to her hometown, she was more than ready to settle into the rehearsals. Singing the national anthem in front of a massive audience was a nerve-wracking honor, but Sedona had grown accustomed to such high-pressure moments.

Still, today felt different. Atlanta wasn't just another city—it was home. And this stage, this moment, felt monumental. As she clutched her thermos of hot tea, wrapped in a thick jacket, she found herself smiling at the thought of singing in the same city where she had performed in church choirs as a child.

It was around 10 a.m., and the stadium buzzed with activity. The sound of microphones being tested echoed in the air as Sedona made her way toward the main stage. She glanced around, her eyes taking in the enormous LED screen, the sprawling stage set-up for the halftime performance, and the clusters of people bustling about.

"Sedona!" Monica, her ever-efficient manager, jogged up to her with a clipboard in hand. "You ready to rehearse? They're going to run you through the anthem first, and then you'll have some downtime."

Sedona nodded, taking a sip of her tea. "Ready as I'll ever be. I just hope my voice holds up after that plane ride."

Monica gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You've got this. It's your hometown—if anyone can nail this, it's you."

As Sedona walked toward the microphone set up in the middle of the field, she spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye. Dressed warmly in all block, his braids tied back in a loose bun, Kendrick Lamar stood a few feet away, chatting with someone from his team. Sedona froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat.

Despite it being a week since their rather eventful introduction at the party, that interaction had left a lasting impression. There was something about him—his calm presence, his sharp wit, the way he seemed so effortlessly grounded despite his massive success. And now, here he was, performing at the same event.

As if sensing her gaze, Kendrick looked up and caught her eye. A slow smile spread across his face as he nodded in her direction. Sedona felt a flush of warmth rise to her face. Hopefully that gave her some warmth.

"Well, well," He said, walking over to her with a relaxed stride. "If it isn't the national anthem queen herself."

Sedona laughed, her breath fogging in the cold air. "I don't know about 'queen,' but I'll take it. What about you, Mr. Halftime Show? No pressure or anything."

Kendrick chuckled, his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie. "Nah, no pressure. Just gotta keep the energy up for a few million people watching at home. Easy, right?"

"Piece of cake," Sedona teased, her smile widening.

For a moment, they stood there, the energy of the bustling stadium fading into the background as they focused on each other.

"So, Atlanta," Kendrick said, tilting his head slightly. "Let me guess, this is home for you, huh?"

"Born and raised," Sedona said proudly. "What about you? First time in the city?"

"Nah, I've been through a few times. But this is different," Kendrick admitted. "Big stage, big game. . . I suppose it feels like a moment, you know?"

Sedona nodded, her gaze softening. "Yeah, it does. Feels like one of those 'pinch-me' moments. Like, how did we get here?"

"Talent," Kendrick said simply, his voice steady. "Hard work. You earned this, Sedona."

She looked at him, momentarily caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. "Thanks," She said quietly.

Kendrick's smile was small but warm. "Just calling it like I see it."

Before the conversation could continue, a voice called out from the direction of the stage. "Kendrick! We need you for soundcheck!"

Kendrick glanced over his shoulder, then back at Sedona. "Looks like they're calling me. You got rehearsal soon?"

"In a minute," She said, holding up her thermos. "Just warming up my voice."

"Cool," Kendrick said, taking a step back. "Guess I'll catch you later, Sedona."

"Later, Kendrick," Sedona shot back, her grin returning.

As Kendrick walked away, Sedona couldn't help but watch him go, a faint smile lingering on her lips. There was something about him—something magnetic and disarming all at once. Shaking her head, she took another sip of her tea and turned her focus back to the task at hand.

Rehearsal went smoothly, though Sedona couldn't help but replay her conversation with Kendrick in the back of her mind. His words, his smile, the ease with which he carried himself—it all lingered, like a melody she couldn't shake.

By the time she finished her run-through of the anthem, Monica was waiting with her phone in hand. "Great job," Monica said, scrolling through her email. "You've got a couple of hours before the show. Want to grab some lunch?"

Sedona hesitated, glancing back toward the stage where Kendrick had been earlier. "Actually, I think I'm going to hang out here for a bit. Just soak it all in."

Monica raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "Alright. I'll be in the lounge if you need me."

As the stadium quieted down, Sedona found herself wandering toward the edge of the entrance, where she could see the Atlanta skyline through the open roof. The city she loved, the city that had shaped her, stretched out before her like a promise.

And somewhere in the distance, Kendrick's voice carried through the air as he rehearsed his set. Sedona closed her eyes, letting the sound wash over her, and smiled.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Ten.
— １２／２７／２４
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Kinda feeling sick so I wanted to drop this before I enter an even deeper funk than I'm already in.

Should the next chapter be written in Kendrick's POV or just keep it how it is and continue with the actual chapter? There will be either two or one more part of this.

Thoughts on the chapter? And what do you expect for the next one?

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