xlviii. CHILL ON THAT.
February 16, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Frankfurt, Germany.

@SEDONASTOE replied to your story ⃗
girlllllllll.

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—

Sedona hadn't slept this good in weeks.

Being on tour meant late nights, early flights, and a schedule so tight it barely left room to breathe. But now, with four whole days until the next concert stop, she was going to enjoy every minute of it.

She stretched in bed, exhaling deeply before finally checking the time—8:00 AM. Not too early, not too late. Perfect.

Rolling out of bed, she went through her morning routine at a leisurely pace, letting herself move slowly for once. When it was time to get dressed, she reached for the ultimate comfort fit—an oversized black-and-white Your Spirit graphic tee, a chunky knit cardigan with an abstract cow print, and a pair of loose-fitting black trousers that nearly swallowed her frame. Her black-and-white Vans completed the look, and she threw on a fanny pack slung low across her waist.

Her hair was tucked away in a bun since she wanted to be freed from it, and before stepping out of her room, she grabbed a pair of shades. No makeup, unless you count lip gloss as it, no effort—just vibes.

Monica was already in the suite's lounge area when Sedona strolled in, scrolling through emails on her phone with a cup of tea in her hand. She glanced up and snorted. "You look real cozy today."

"As I should," Sedona muttered, collapsing onto the couch.

Monica smirked before handing her an iPad. "Well, get a little less cozy. We got that Roc Nation call in ten minutes."

Sedona groaned, letting her head fall back against the couch. "Ugh. Can't they give me one day off?"

"Not when your album is two months away and you got Coachella on your plate," Monica quipped.

Sedona frowned, eyes still closed. "Wait, what?"

Monica side-eyed her, taking a slow sip of her tea before repeating, "Coachella. April 13th and 15th. You know, the one of the biggest festivals in the world? The one you agreed to headline for a night?"

Sedona shot up, eyes wide. "Shit. That completely slipped my mind."

"Clearly."

Sedona ran a hand down her face, mentally kicking herself. With the album, the tour, and everything in between, Coachella had gotten lost in the chaos.

"I need to get my setlist together," She muttered.

Monica shrugged. "Yeah, you do. But first, this meeting."

Sedona groaned again but grabbed the iPad, clicking into the Zoom link.

The sophomore album discussion had been a thing for the past few months. And while she was excited about it, nobody seemed to be letting her just be while she was still in the middle of touring.

Still, she knew the drill. Adjusting herself, she sat up straight and clicked into the Zoom link.

The screen filled with familiar faces—executives from Roc Nation, her A&R Kendra, and a few other team members.

"Sedona, Monica," Kendra greeted warmly, her box lighting up first. "Glad we could catch you today."

"Morning, everybody," Sedona greeted, forcing some energy into her voice.

Monica sat beside her, already poised and ready, her presence grounding Sedona as the call began.

"Alright, let's get into it," One of the executives started. "We wanted to touch base on the status of the album. We know you're still on tour, but we're looking at the bigger picture for the rollout. We're about two months out from the initial release date, and we need to know if we're sticking to that or making adjustments."

Sedona shifted, exhaling softly before responding. "The album is almost done. We're in the final mixing stages, I already shot a music video, and I'm still creating content for the visuals. I really wanna keep the release date where it is—April 20th. I don't wanna push it back unless we absolutely have to."

Kendra nodded. "I hear you, and honestly, I think we're in a good place. But the concern is making sure we don't overload you while you're still on tour."

"Yeah, we're balancing a lot right now," another team member chimed in. "We just want to make sure everything is aligned—the marketing, the rollout, the performances. We don't want you feeling stretched too thin."

Sedona pressed her lips together. She understood their concerns, but this was her album, her vision.

Monica, ever the mediator, jumped in smoothly. "I think if we keep everything structured the way it is now, we'll be fine. She's already handling content creation while on the road, and she's still actively engaging with fans. We don't wanna kill the momentum she's building."

Sedona nodded firmly. "Exactly. I know it's a lot, but I've got this. The album is coming together, and I really don't wanna delay it."

"Understood," Kendra said. "Now, let's talk about Coachella. Your set's on the 13th and 15th, and we'll need a rehearsal schedule locked in soon."

Sedona winced, still embarrassed that she had forgotten about it. "Yeah... about that," She started, rubbing her forehead. "I need to sit with my team and finalize my setlist first. But we'll get it done."

One of the executives chuckled. "We don't doubt that, but the sooner, the better. With an album release so close, your performance is going to be a major promotional moment."

"I got it," Sedona assured them. And she meant it. Sure, she'd momentarily let it slip her mind, but now that it was back on her radar, she'd be locked in.

There was a brief pause before Kendra smiled. "Alright, then. If you're confident, we'll keep it where it is. We'll just keep checking in and adjusting if needed."

Sedona let out a breath of relief. "Appreciate that."

The rest of the call went smoothly, touching on minor details before finally wrapping up. As soon as the meeting ended, Sedona tossed her phone onto the couch and groaned.

Monica gave her a knowing look. "You good?"

"I hate these calls," Sedona admitted, slumping into the cushions.

Monica chuckled. "You handled it well. And you got what you wanted, didn't you?"

Sedona exhaled, thinking about Kendrick's advice from a few days ago—Don't let this industry shake you. Stand on your shit.

Yeah. She was good.

Now, she just had to figure out how the hell she was going to balance Coachella, tour, and an album rollout without losing her damn mind.

—

After breakfast, Sedona, Monica, Kendrick, a few security members, and Dave decided to explore Frankfurt.

Bundled up in her baggy fit, she threw on a black L.A. cap, tucking her hair underneath to keep things lowkey. She had learned early on that blending in was her best option when she wanted to move freely.

They strolled through small streets lined with trinket shops, the chilly air crisp against her skin. Sedona held a mini camcorder in her hands, something she had been carrying around lately to capture little moments for memories. Every now and then, she'd pull it out to film the scenery—the cobblestone roads, the dimly lit cafés, Kendrick examining a random keychain like it was gold, Monica laughing at something Dave said.

At one point, she turned the camera towards herself.

"Live from Frankfurt," She whispered playfully, angling the lens towards Kendrick. "How you feelin'?"

Kendrick glanced at her, smirking. "Cold as hell, but we outside."

She giggled before flipping the camera back around, catching Monica as she held up a tiny snow globe.

"Oh, that's cute," Sedona commented, zooming in.

Monica grinned. "Might get it."

They continued weaving through the city, popping into different stores and just enjoying the freedom of an off day. No meetings, no performances—just living.

At some point, they stumbled into a tiny café, settling into a corner booth. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air, wrapping around them like a comforting hug. A soft jazz tune played in the background, blending with the quiet murmur of other patrons. 

Sedona set her camera down, stretching her arms above her head with a content sigh. Already, she felt lighter than she had that morning. 

Kendrick leaned in slightly, resting his forearms on the table. "You good?" 

She met his gaze and smiled. "Yeah. I really needed this." 

Kendrick studied her for a moment, then reached across the table, tugging playfully at the sleeve of her cardigan. "See? Told you. You work too much, baby." 

Sedona rolled her eyes, but her smile never wavered. "Somebody's gotta do it." 

Kendrick chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, but you don't gotta do it all at once. Ain't nobody rushing you but you." 

She sighed, drumming her fingers lightly against the camera. She knew he was right. "I know, I know. But you also know I don't like feeling stagnant." 

"That's 'cause you don't know how to sit still." 

She smirked. "And you do?" 

Kendrick shrugged, tracing lazy patterns onto the wooden table with his fingertip. "I know how to be present. And right now, you should be too." 

She let that sit for a second before nodding. "You right." 

A beat passed before she suddenly groaned, pressing her forehead against the table. "Shit." 

Kendrick frowned. "What?" 

She lifted her head, shaking it in disbelief. "I completely forgot about Coachella." 

Kendrick blinked. "What you mean?" 

"I mean, I'm performing in April, and it just slipped my mind. Like, completely." She exhaled, leaning back against the booth. "I was so caught up in the album, the tour, everything—I didn't even process it when they brought it up on the call earlier." 

Kendrick huffed a quiet laugh. "That's kinda a big thing to forget, D." 

She groaned again, covering her face for a moment before dropping her hands. "Last time I was at Coachella was in 2010. I was just in the crowd, high off the energy, watching artists I admired kill it onstage. And now? Now I'm one of them." 

Kendrick watched her, a slow smirk forming. "That's crazy." 

"Right?" She shook her head. "It just hit me. Like, really hit me. I'm about to be on that stage, performing my own music, in front of thousands of people." 

Kendrick leaned back, letting her process it. "How you feelin' about it?" 

Sedona exhaled deeply before a small smile tugged at her lips. "Nervous. Excited. All of it. But mostly? I'm ready." 

Kendrick grinned, reaching for her hand and giving it a small squeeze. "Yeah. You are." 

And for the first time in a while, she really felt it. She was present. She was good. 

—

As the night deepened and the chill in the air grew sharper, they found themselves wandering toward a McDonald's—the golden arches glowing bright against the darkened streets. 

Sedona perked up immediately. "Oh, we gotta go in. I been wanting to try McDonald's in different countries 'cause they got all the weird shit America don't."

Kendrick smirked, holding the door open for her. "This your lil' travel tradition now?"

She shrugged as she stepped inside, taking in the familiar yet slightly different interior. "Might be."

The menu board was the first thing that caught her eye, and as she scanned the options, something unexpected made her double-take. 

"They got greens hea?"

Her voice thickened with Southern drawl, the way she dragged out here making it sound like hea. 

Kendrick let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Say that again."

Sedona glanced at him, confused. "What?"

"Say it just like you said it."

She frowned before repeating, "They got greens hea?"

That time, Kendrick and Monica both snickered, exchanging a look. Even Dave, who had been scrolling through his phone, smirked. 

Sedona narrowed her eyes. "What?"

Kendrick leaned in slightly, that damn smirk growing. "You sound like you fresh outta Mississippi."

Monica nodded, grinning. "Nah, real country. Like you 'bout to ask for a side of cornbread."

Sedona sucked her teeth, shaking her head. "Y'all annoying."

Kendrick just chuckled, watching as she turned her attention back to the menu. 

She tapped a finger against the screen, scrolling through the options. "Damn, they really got everything. Look at this—curly fries? Ain't that some shit."

Kendrick peered over her shoulder, lips twitching. "McDonald's stepping up."

Sedona nodded, impressed. "I gotta try 'em now."

When it was her turn to order, she stuck to the basics—a Big Mac and curly fries. 

Kendrick went next, ordering a McChicken meal and a Sprite because according to him, McDonald's Sprite hit different no matter what country you were in. 

They took their trays and slid into a booth near the window, the warm glow of the restaurant a nice contrast to the cold outside. 

Sedona picked up a curly fry, examining it like it was some rare delicacy. "This don't even feel right. I ain't never seen McDonald's sell these before."

Kendrick watched her take a bite, amused. "And?"

She chewed slowly, pretending to think it over before nodding. "Yeah, these slap."

Kendrick smirked before unwrapping his McChicken. "See, this the shit you don't get to do when you always working. Just vibing in a foreign McDonald's at night."

Sedona met his gaze, the weight of his words settling in. He was right. She had been moving nonstop, barely taking time to just exist. 

She dipped another fry into her sauce, lips twitching. "You just tryna make this moment deep."

Kendrick took a sip of his Sprite, shaking his head. "Nah. Just saying, you deserve this."

Sedona glanced down at her tray, warmth spreading in her chest—not just from the food, but from the quiet understanding between them. 

She nudged his foot under the table. "You deserve this too, you know."

Kendrick smirked at her, but there was something softer in his eyes. Something she wasn't ready to name yet. 

Instead of saying anything else, they just ate, letting the night stretch on with easy conversation and the simple joy of being in the moment.

And for the first time in a while, she meant it.

—

The drive back to the hotel was supposed to be a chill ride, but the moment Sedona stepped into the sprinter, her energy shifted. 

Maybe it was the fact that she had finally relaxed for the first time in weeks, or maybe she was just running off the high of a good day, but her filter? Completely gone. 

Kendrick, Monica, Dave, and the security team settled into their usual spots as the driver pulled off. Sedona, however, flopped onto one of the plush seats and immediately sprawled out like she owned the place. 

She let out a dramatic sigh, arms stretched out as she blinked up at the ceiling. "Y'all ever just think about how weird time is? Like... technically, tomorrow already exists somewhere." 

Monica, scrolling through her phone, didn't even look up. "Oh boy." 

Dave smirked. "We lost her." 

Kendrick, sitting across from her, leaned back with his arms folded. "What are you talkin' 'bout?" 

Sedona sat up, fully invested in her nonsense now. "I'm serious," She said, eyes wide. "Think about it—like in Australia, it's already tomorrow. But we still in today. So, does that mean we're lowkey living in the past?" 

The sprinter went silent. 

Kendrick stared at her, then turned to Monica. "She always been like this?" 

Monica didn't even blink. "Absolutely." 

Sedona cackled, tucking her legs under her as she pointed at them. "Y'all just don't be thinking. That's the problem." 

Dave shook his head. "Nah, you just be over thinking." 

But Sedona wasn't done. "Okay, okay, what about this—who decided the alphabet was in that order? Like, why is 'A' first? Why not 'G'?" 

Kendrick pinched the bridge of his nose. "Here we go." 

"No, really! Like, who was like, 'Yeah, A gotta go first, then B, then C—'" 

Monica groaned. "Please shut up." 

Sedona snickered, then, as if her brain did a complete 180, she suddenly gasped and pointed at Kendrick. "Oh! And another thing—why do you always act like you ain't goofy too? You swear you so serious, but the other day I literally caught you making sound effects while you were putting your socks on." 

Kendrick's face twisted in disbelief. "Man, shut the hell up." 

Sedona howled, kicking her feet. "He was like this—" She mimicked him, pretending to pull a sock on while making an exaggerated fwip sound. "Then he did a whole lil' drumroll before putting on the other one!" 

The whole sprinter erupted in laughter, even the security team. 

Kendrick just shook his head, biting back a grin. "You deadass annoying. And that ain't even true." 

Sedona wiped fake tears from her eyes. "And yet, you tolerate it." 

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." 

Monica, still giggling, locked her phone and stretched. "I can't believe you brought up the alphabet out of all things. You really are a different breed." 

Sedona smirked, looking proud. "Thank you. I try."

As the laughter died down, she leaned into Kendrick's side, finally letting the last of the day's tension leave her body. He draped an arm over her shoulder, pulling her in as she murmured, "It was a good day." 

Kendrick kissed the side of her head. "Yeah. It was." 

And for once, Sedona didn't think about what was next. She just let herself exist. That until the radio soon began playing Mary J. Blige is when she started cutting loose.

The moment the first few words left Sedona's mouth, Kendrick already knew she was about to cut up.

She sat up straight, rolling her shoulders back like she was about to step onstage at Madison Square Garden. Then, with all the seriousness in the world, she cleared her throat, held up a finger, and said—

"I got this."

Kendrick exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. Here we go.

Sedona took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment, then began.

"Time on my hands..."

She held her chest like she was carrying the weight of a broken heart, swaying gently to the rhythm. The room could almost feel the heaviness of the moment.

"Since you been away, boy..."

Monica couldn't help but grin, nudging Dave. "Oh, she's really about to do this, huh?"

Dave chuckled, pulling out his phone, turning the flashlight on. "We need to set the mood for this one."

Monica laughed and followed suit, waving her phone in the air like she was at a concert, her voice rising with the melody. "Get 'em, Sedona!"

Sedona, fully immersed in the song, let the emotion pour out. She rocked side to side, her voice trembling with a delicate mix of sorrow and strength.

"I ain't got no plans..." She swayed slowly, gripping her cardigan as though it were the only thing keeping her together. "No no no nooo!"

Kendrick sighed, shaking his head. "She's really taking this seriously."

And just when he thought she might be done—

"And the sound of the rain..."

Sedona's voice soared. She wasn't just singing anymore. She was living the heartbreak, feeling every note as if it were her own. Monica joined in, harmonizing softly, adding a layer of intensity to the performance.

"Against my window paaane!"

"Okay, okay," Monica said, her voice full of playful drama. "I'm in. Let's go!"

The two of them sang together, their voices blending in perfect harmony. Monica added her own flair, moving with the rhythm, as Sedona took over again with all the passion she could muster.

"Is slowly, is slooowly drivin' me insaaaane, boy!"

By now, everyone was in it—Kendrick was leaning back with a smirk, his arms crossed, but even he couldn't deny the raw energy they were creating in that small space. Sedona's voice filled the room, heartfelt and rich with emotion. 

"Man, you killing it, Sedona," Monica said, her voice full of admiration as she added a little extra "woo!" on a high note.

Sedona kept going, letting the song carry her away, her breath steady but full of soul. She didn't need to perform—it was like she was telling her own story through the lyrics, no theatrics needed.

"Man, if this ain't the best version of this song," Kendrick muttered, smiling to himself as he watched Monica join in.

When the song began to wind down, Sedona let the final words float into the air. "I ain't got no plans... no no no nooo..." She let the last note hang, eyes still closed, catching her breath.

Monica clapped her hands, grinning. "That was everything."

Dave nodded, grinning widely. "Looks like Mary is gon' have to see you on this one."

Kendrick shook his head, but there was pride in his eyes. He pulled Sedona into his side. "You need to stop, seriously. You out here stealing the show."

Sedona smiled softly, leaning into him, her voice playful. "And yet... you still can't get enough."

He sighed dramatically, playing along. "Yeah, yeah."

As the sprinter rolled on, they continued to laugh, with the echoes of their impromptu performance still lingering in the air. A simple moment, but one they'd remember for a long time—a night filled with music, laughter, and good vibes.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Forty-eight.
— ０２／１２／２５
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A big, huge thank you to everyone who's spent their time reading, commenting, voting because we officially hit 20k reads. I still can't thank you guys enough and my heart is so full with gratitude. Also 20k is kinda insane like damn I'm being perceived this much omg. It's kinda nerve wracking but I'm not hating it. Once again thank you and may we continue.

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

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