lxiii. WHAT A WEEK. (pt.1)
March 14, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Los Angeles, California.

The remainder of Sedona's week was exactly what she needed: a chance to recharge and simply be. After the whirlwind of traveling, performing, and the emotional highs and lows of the past few weeks, it felt good to just exist without a packed schedule. She spent her days lost in the rhythm of her pole routines, muscles burning deliciously as she perfected new tricks. The familiar pull and sway of her body brought a sense of freedom she hadn't realized she'd missed. It was her sanctuary, her therapy, and for hours on end, she let the world fall away as she danced to her favorite playlists. 

When she wasn't tangled up in pole tricks or stretching out sore limbs, she was spending time with her girls. SZA and Jasmine were her rocks, grounding her in laughter and genuine friendship. They lounged around her living room, binge-watching trash TV, screaming at plot twists, and throwing popcorn at the screen when characters made stupid decisions. Other times, they were sprawled out on her balcony, sipping on iced teas as they gossiped, swapping stories, and catching up on everything they'd missed in each other's lives. 

The upcoming week was set to be just as eventful but in a different way. Sedona was excited about her cameo in SZA's Broken Clocks music video. Filming took place at a makeshift summer camp, and she was cast as one of the counselors, decked out in a retro camp shirt, shorts, and tube socks that made her feel like she'd stepped into a time capsule. It was directed by Dave Free, and SZA had co-directed, her creative vision clear in every shot. 

The day was filled with familiar faces, from Isaiah Rashad to Ab-Soul and his girlfriend, Yaris Sanchez, as well as Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q. The only one missing was Kendrick, but she knew he had his own schedule to keep him busy. Still, being back in this circle reminded her of how everything had started—just a group of talented people, driven by creativity and love for music. 

The set was alive with energy and laughter. At one point, Sedona had gotten too close to the edge of the outdoor set and almost tumbled into a ditch, saved at the last second by Jay Rock's quick reflexes. "You good, clumsy?" He teased, earning a playful shove from her as she laughed off her embarrassment. 

During a break, she and Isaiah found themselves deep in a debate over which Three 6 Mafia song was the greatest. Their voices grew louder as they passionately defended their choices, hands gesturing wildly as they tried to sway the other. From across the set, Schoolboy Q's voice cut through the noise, dripping with playful mockery, "Look at these country ass bumpkins over here!" 

They both turned to him, feigning offense before bursting into laughter, realizing how ridiculous they must've looked arguing over old-school Southern rap. The playful banter continued, with the crew joining in, the air thick with nostalgia and joy. 

The day flew by in a blur of takes, laughter, and inside jokes. It felt good to reconnect, to be surrounded by people who'd been there from the start, who knew the real her beyond the headlines and spotlight. 

During one scene, they piled into an old, beat-up van, laughter and chatter echoing off the metal walls. Sedona found herself climbing up to sit on the roof, her legs dangling over the side as she leaned back, soaking in the sun. Beside her, Amber struck a pose, her arms thrown out dramatically as if she were on the cover of a vintage teen magazine.

Dave Free stood below, his camera poised, waiting for the perfect shot. Sedona grinned down at him, striking her own over-the-top pose with one hand on her hip and the other thrown over her forehead, a look of exaggerated distress on her face. "Make sure you get my good side, Dave!" She shouted, her voice dripping with playful drama.

Dave laughed, adjusting the focus on his camera. "Girl, all your sides good. Just don't fall off that roof tryin' to be cute."

Sedona tossed her head back, her curls bouncing as she laughed. "Don't play me, Free! I'm graceful!"

"Yeah, graceful right into that ditch earlier," Jay Rock called from inside the van, earning a round of laughter from everyone.

Sedona stuck her tongue out at him, unbothered by his teasing. "Keep talkin' and I'll tell them about you trippin' over that tree root."

"Man, that root was comin' for me! It was out for blood," Jay Rock defended, his expression so serious it made everyone laugh harder.

Dave captured it all, his camera clicking as he caught the candid joy radiating from the group. Sedona turned back to him, striking another exaggerated pose, this time pretending to swoon like an old Hollywood starlet. "Get my good side!" She repeated, her voice high and dramatic.

Dave shook his head, his laughter muffled by the camera. "You a damn fool, Sedona."

"And don't you forget it," She shot back, her eyes sparkling as she held the pose for another beat before collapsing into giggles.

SZA looked up from her spot by the van, shaking her head with an amused smile. "Y'all play too much."

Sedona grinned, her laughter fading into a soft, contented sigh. "Nah... we just know how to have a good time."

And for a moment, everything felt beautifully, perfectly normal.

The day was winding down, and the final scene for SZA's Broken Clocks music video was ready to be filmed. The atmosphere on set shifted, the carefree summer camp vibe replaced by the gritty reality of adulthood. The makeshift camp disappeared, and they were now at a strip club, the neon lights casting a dim, moody glow.

This scene was different—darker, more grounded. It was meant to show the harshness of reality after the dream-like escape of summer camp. SZA would wake up on the bathroom floor, her head pounding from being knocked out by another dancer. The sound of King's Dead thumped through the club, the bass vibrating through the walls.

Sedona leaned against the bathroom stall door, her arms crossed as she watched the scene unfold. She was playing one of the dancers, her hair slicked back into a high ponytail, gold hoops gleaming under the fluorescent lights. Her makeup was smudged just enough to look believable, and she wore a cropped hoodie over her skimpy costume, looking every bit the part of a fed-up dancer just trying to get through her shift.

From the other side of the door, the girl who had knocked SZA out was still talking shit, her voice loud and obnoxious. Sedona rolled her eyes, her annoyance palpable as she finally snapped, "Shut the fuck up!" Her tone was sharp, unbothered like she was used to this kind of drama.

SZA groaned, finally coming to as she sat up, confusion clouding her eyes. She looked around the dingy bathroom, the dream of summer camp fading into memory as she faced the harshness of her reality. Sage was there, along with Amber who was trying to help her to her feet.

The scene cuts to the group sitting on the curb outside the strip club, the neon sign buzzing behind them. The air was thick with the smell of cigarettes and the faint hum of traffic. Sedona sat next to SZA, her arms crossed as she shook her head, still processing the chaos that had just unfolded.

She looked at the others, her expression a mix of disbelief and irritation. "All I'm tryna figure out is how I got fired... all I did was pull the bitch back." Her voice was exasperated, but there was humor in her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips.

SZA laughed, leaning back against the curb. "Girl, you know how they be."

Sage shook her head, her curls bouncing. "Yeah, but they ain't have to fire you like that. You was just tryin' to break it up."

Sedona scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. "Exactly! I'm the peacemaker, and they wanna make an example outta me. That's some bullshit."

The group dissolved into laughter, the tension easing as they shared the absurdity of the night. The camera pulled back, capturing the image of them huddled together on the curb, a group of women navigating life's chaos the only way they knew how—together.

Dave called, "Cut!" but the laughter continued, the line between acting and reality blurring as they fell into their own rhythm. Sedona felt a warmth spread through her, a familiar comfort in being surrounded by people who understood her, who saw her for who she really was.

She looked over at SZA, who was wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. "You stupid as hell, D."

Sedona grinned, bumping her shoulder playfully. "Nah, just tellin' the truth."

And as the crew started packing up, the weight of the day's work settling in, Sedona realized she wouldn't trade this for anything.

—

But now, as she sat on her couch with her legs curled beneath her, the reality of the upcoming week settled in. Coachella was around the corner, and her setlist stared back at her from her notebook, a mixture of old favorites and new hits she couldn't wait to perform. It was her first time headlining, a milestone she'd dreamed of for years. 

Her fingers traced the titles, mentally arranging the transitions, imagining the crowd's reaction to each song. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, the familiar mix of excitement and nerves building as the weight of what was coming hit her. 

Sedona took a deep breath, letting herself feel every bit of it—the anticipation, the pressure, the joy. This was her moment, her dream unfolding before her eyes. And she was ready.

Sedona stared at her setlist one last time before snapping a picture and sending it off to Monica. Within seconds, she responded with fire emojis and an enthusiastic, "This is going to be iconic!" Smiling to herself, she forwarded it to her A&R, Kendra, who immediately replied with praise and a few minor suggestions. Satisfied, Sedona tossed her phone aside, stretching her limbs as she sank deeper into the couch.

Her eyes drifted to the ceiling, mind wandering as she absentmindedly twirled a strand of hair between her fingers. She wondered what Kendrick was doing right now. Sure, they'd been texting and calling each other regularly, but it wasn't the same as seeing him, feeling his presence. Her heart tightened just thinking about him, a familiar ache she'd grown accustomed to.

Without fully realizing it, she grabbed her phone and called him. He picked up almost immediately, his voice warm and familiar. They talked about everything and nothing, laughter and playful teasing lacing their conversation. But she didn't have to say anything for him to know what was really on her mind.

"I'll be over in a minute," He said, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument.

Sedona's heart did a little flip. "You don't have to—"

"I want to," Kendrick interrupted, his voice softening. "See you in twenty."

Her face broke into a giddy smile, her chest warming at his words. "Okay... see you soon." She ended the call, still grinning as she tried to contain her excitement.

True to his word, Kendrick was at her front door in less than twenty minutes. Sedona barely waited for the second knock before swinging the door open, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. He was dressed casually—sweatpants, a hoodie, and his signature sneakers—yet he looked better than ever.

They exchanged a brief hug, the kind that was longer than friendly but shorter than passionate, both trying to play it cool. Sedona led him to the living room, her silk shorts hugging her in all the right places, the loose tank top falling just below her waist. Kendrick's eyes couldn't help but drift downward, his gaze lingering as she walked in front of him.

"I can feel you staring," She teased, glancing over her shoulder with a knowing smirk.

Kendrick leaned against the wall, his expression smug. "Ain't my fault you walking around lookin' like that."

She rolled her eyes, a playful scoff escaping her lips. "You're ridiculous."

He shrugged, unbothered. "I have to be."

Sedona fought back a smile as she plopped down on the couch, patting the seat beside her. Kendrick joined her, settling in as she flipped through streaming options until they landed on a show they both liked. For a while, they watched in comfortable silence, leaning into each other, sharing little laughs and commentary.

After a while, Sedona turned to him. "You hungry?"

Kendrick shook his head. "Nah, I'm good."

She stood up anyway, hands on her hips as she looked down at him. "You sure? I make a mean grilled cheese. Like, Gordon Ramsay-worthy."

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, you braggin' now?"

"I'm serious! My method is next level," She said, her voice full of pride. "It's all about the type of cheese and the way you butter the bread. And I use mayo, not butter. It makes it extra crispy."

Kendrick's eyes widened, impressed. "Alright, you talkin' big game. Show me what you got then."

Sedona grinned, disappearing into the kitchen. Even though he said he wasn't hungry, she knew he wouldn't resist once he saw her creation. And she was right—when she brought over the golden, perfectly melted sandwich, Kendrick's mouth practically watered. He took a bite, his eyes widening as he chewed.

"Damn, this is fire," He admitted, his voice muffled as he took another bite. "Okay, I see you."

"Told you," She said smugly, settling back beside him. They continued watching TV, their bodies instinctively curling into each other as they ate. Her head rested on his shoulder, his arm draped over hers as they melted into the cushions.

Sedona's fingers began to trace along his jawline, her acrylic nails gliding softly over his skin. Kendrick's eyes fluttered closed, a low hum of appreciation rumbling from his chest. She smiled, watching the way his face softened under her touch, his features relaxed and vulnerable. It was moments like these that made her heart ache with a sweet, heavy love.

After a while, Kendrick's voice broke the comfortable silence. "You know we still gotta do that cooking for each other thing."

Sedona chuckled, her fingers still caressing his face. "True. But don't be mad when I out-cook you."

Kendrick's eyes opened, his gaze locking onto hers with playful defiance. "Oh, it's like that? You really talkin' all this smack?"

She grinned, leaning in closer, their faces just inches apart. "I back it up too. Just wait."

Their eyes held, a spark passing between them, charged and electric. Kendrick's gaze dropped to her lips, his hand tightening around her waist. For a second, neither of them moved, the air thick with unspoken tension.

Then, Kendrick leaned back, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he smirked. "A'ight then. We'll see."

Sedona's mouth fell open in mock offense. "Oh, you're just gonna leave me hanging like that?"

He shrugged, feigning innocence. "I mean... you said you like a challenge, right?"

She narrowed her eyes, unable to hide her smile. "You're lucky you're cute."

Kendrick leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head as he grinned. "I know."

Sedona shook her head, her laughter echoing through the room. She should've known better than to play this game with him. After all, two could play, but only one could win. And Kendrick Lamar was never one to back down from a challenge.

—

The conversation flowed easily as they lounged on the couch, Sedona nestled comfortably against Kendrick's side. The TV played in the background, but neither of them paid it any mind, too wrapped up in each other's words.

Eventually, the topic shifted to parents and family, a subject that always made Sedona a little sentimental. She sighed, her fingers tracing absent patterns on Kendrick's hand. "You know... I really admire what my parents had."

Kendrick glanced down at her, his eyes softening. "Yeah?"

A nostalgic smile spread across her face, her eyes growing distant as she dove into the past. "Yeah. They were... inseparable. Met back in '89. My mom was nineteen, a sophomore at Spelman. They were having their annual homecoming, and you know how that is—folks from all over come through. My dad just so happened to be there too, on break from the Navy."

She laughed softly, the sound tinged with affection. "From what I've heard, it was one of those cheesy movie moments. They locked eyes across the room at one of the parties, and something just... clicked. But my mom wasn't an easy catch. She wasn't playing those games. My dad had to work for it."

Kendrick's lips twitched into a grin. "Bet he was persistent, huh?"

"Oh, absolutely," Sedona confirmed, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "He pulled out all the stops. Took her to a Janet Jackson concert because she was her biggest fan. That was his secret weapon."

"Smart man," Kendrick said, nodding in approval. "I respect it."

Sedona's smile grew, her voice softening. "A year later, they got married. And not long after that... I came into the picture." She hesitated, her fingers stilling on his hand. "It wasn't easy for them, you know? My dad was away a lot, serving, and my mom was holding down the fort. Being so young and figuring it all out. But they made it work. Through everything, they stuck together. I admire that. The love they had... it was real. They loved each other fiercely." Her voice cracked, and she quickly cleared her throat, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall. "Twenty-six years of marriage is crazy when you think about it."

Kendrick watched her carefully, noticing the way her eyes shimmered, a hint of longing in her gaze. "It truly is. What they had was rare."

"And is," She admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's ironic is that I even have a copy of their wedding tape. Not the original, though—Mom will never let that out of her sight."

Kendrick's eyes softened, his arm tightening around her shoulders. "That's beautiful, D."

She leaned her head against his shoulder, her voice contemplative. "I think that's why I want... us... to be different. Why I'm so serious about us doing this the right way. I want something like they had. Something real. Something that lasts."

Kendrick was silent for a moment, his fingers brushing along her arm. "I want that too. With you."

Sedona's breath caught, her heart fluttering as his words settled between them. She turned to look at him, her eyes searching his. "For real?"

"For real," He confirmed, his gaze unwavering. "I ain't just here for the moment. I'm here for the long run. Whatever that looks like."

Sedona's eyes softened, her fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on Kendrick's chest. "I miss him... my dad," She admitted quietly, her voice wavering. "It's been two years, and sometimes it feels like yesterday."

Kendrick's gaze softened, his arm tightening around her. "I didn't know..."

"It's because I try not to talk about it." She sighed, her eyes glistening as she looked down, her hair falling slightly to shield her face. "Cancer," She whispered. "He fought hard, but... it took him. Some days, I still can't believe he's gone."

Kendrick's fingers traced soothing patterns along her back. "I'm sure he'd be proud of you. Of everything you've accomplished."

A small, tearful smile touched her lips. "I hope so."

"It was hard on all of us, but... it hit Zeke the hardest," She continued, her voice softer now. "He was fourteen when Dad died. And at that age... the importance of having a father is bigger than ever. I mean, he was just starting high school, trying to figure out who he is, who he wants to be... and his hero was gone." Her voice cracked, and she quickly cleared her throat, forcing herself to keep going. "I tried my best to be there for him, to fill in the gaps where I could... but it's not the same. It'll never be the same."

Kendrick's fingers traced soothing patterns along her back. "That's a lot to carry on your own. But I'm sure Zeke knows how much you're there for him."

"I hope so," She whispered, her voice trembling. "He puts on a brave face, tries to act all tough... but I see it. The way his eyes dim whenever Dad's name comes up, the way he looks around at other kids with their fathers... he misses him. We both do." She let out a shaky breath, her shoulders sagging. "I just... I worry about him. About who he's gonna become without Dad's guidance."

Kendrick's grip tightened, his eyes full of empathy. "You're doing everything you can. And that's enough. I never met your dad, but... from the way you talk about him, it sounds like he raised two strong kids. Zeke's gonna be alright. He's got you."

I just... I wish he was still here. For Zeke... for my mom... for me."

Kendrick's fingers ran gently through her hair, his voice low and steady. "He's still here... in you, in Zeke... in the love he left behind. That doesn't go away."

Sedona closed her eyes, letting his words sink in. "You're right. I know you're right... it just hurts."

"I know," he murmured, his lips brushing against her forehead. "But you're not alone. You've got me... and you've got your family."

A tear slipped down her cheek, but this time she didn't wipe it away. She just let herself feel—let herself grieve, let herself be vulnerable. And for the first time in a long time, she didn't feel the need to be strong. Not with Kendrick holding her.

A small, grateful smile eventually formed on her lips. "You always know what to say, huh?"

Kendrick grinned. "I try."

They eventually fell into a comfortable silence, the weight of her memories lingering between them. It was moments like these that made her grateful for Kendrick's presence—the way he listened without judgment, the way he just knew when to be silent.

After a while, she let out a deep breath, her body sinking further into his embrace. "I don't talk about him much. It still hurts. But... I wanted you to know."

Kendrick pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I'm glad you shared that with me."

Sedona nestled closer, letting his warmth chase away the chill of her grief. "Thanks for being here... for listening."

"Always," He whispered, his voice steady and comforting. "I'm not going anywhere."

Sedona smiled, her chest warming as she nestled closer to him. They sat like that for a while, tangled up in each other, words no longer necessary. But eventually, the conversation picked up again, flowing easily as they shared stories and dreams, laughter and whispers.

Kendrick's eyes flicked to the TV, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched Hercules try to prove himself to Zeus. "You know, Hades is kinda funny for a villain," He commented, his fingers absentmindedly running through Sedona's curls. "I mean, the guy's out here cracking jokes while plotting world domination. Gotta respect the multitasking." 

Sedona giggled, her voice muffled against his chest. "You would find the villain funny," She teased, her eyes growing heavy as she cuddled closer. "You know, when I was younger, I wanted to be Meg. I thought she was so cool... all sassy and independent." 

Kendrick chuckled, his chest vibrating beneath her. "I can see that. You definitely got that same 'I don't need nobody' energy." He looked down, a playful glint in his eyes. "But you know she folded for Hercules, right? Just like how you be folding for me." 

Sedona's head shot up, her eyes narrowing as she lightly smacked his chest. "Boy, shut up! I don't fold for nobody." 

"Uh-huh, keep lying to yourself," Kendrick teased, his dimples deepening. "I remember somebody making me a gourmet grilled cheese just because I looked hungry." 

Sedona's face warmed, and she quickly looked away. "Whatever. I was just being nice." 

"Yeah, alright," Kendrick drawled, his eyes back on the screen as he tried to hide his grin. 

They fell into a comfortable silence, the movie continuing as they huddled together beneath the blanket. Sedona's head was nestled against his chest, his heartbeat a steady, soothing rhythm beneath her ear. She sighed contentedly, her eyes growing heavier with each passing moment. 

Before her drowsiness fully took over, she suddenly pushed herself up, her eyes locking on Kendrick. "Wait... hold up. I almost forgot." 

Kendrick looked at her, his brow arching in confusion. "What?" 

Sedona pointed at his head. "You are not about to fall asleep on my couch without a bonnet on. I didn't spend all that time braiding your hair just for yo' ass to mess it up." 

Kendrick's eyes widened, a laugh escaping him. "You serious?" 

"Dead serious," She replied, already standing up to retrieve one of her silk bonnets. She returned, holding it out to him. "Put it on." 

Kendrick shook his head, his shoulders shaking with laughter. "You're something else, you know that?" 

"And you're not about to ruin my hard work," Sedona shot back, her eyes daring him to challenge her. 

With a dramatic sigh, Kendrick took the bonnet and slipped it on, adjusting it until it fit snugly. "Happy now?" 

Sedona's face broke into a satisfied grin. "Very." She settled back against his chest, snuggling into his warmth as her eyes drifted shut. "Now you're bonnet approved." 

Kendrick laughed, his arm wrapping around her waist as he pulled her closer. "You're ridiculous." 

"Yeah, but you like it," She murmured sleepily, her voice muffled against his chest. 

"Can't argue with that," He admitted, his fingers resuming their gentle tracing along her back. 

They watched the rest of the movie in peaceful silence, Kendrick occasionally making comments about the animation or quoting lines under his breath. Sedona's responses became softer and softer until they eventually stopped altogether. 

Kendrick glanced down, a smile tugging at his lips as he realized she'd fallen asleep. Her face was relaxed, her features softened in slumber as she held onto him, her fingers curled against his shirt. Her breathing was slow and steady, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. 

He shifted slightly, attempting to get up without waking her, but before he could even move an inch, she mumbled, her voice small and sleepy, "Stay... warm... you smell nice..." Her arms tightened around him, her face nuzzling against his chest as she hugged him closer. 

Kendrick froze, his heart skipping a beat as he looked down at her, his expression softening. He sighed, a resigned smile forming on his lips as he sank back into the couch, his arms wrapping securely around her. "Alright, alright... I'm staying," He whispered, his fingers lightly brushing over a curl that peeked from underneath her bonnet. Eventually, he tucked it back in.

The movie played on, long forgotten as Kendrick held her close, his eyes drifting shut as her warmth and presence pulled him into a peaceful sleep. The world outside didn't matter—nothing did. Not when he was right where he wanted to be. 

And for the rest of the night, they stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, their hearts beating in sync as they dreamed together.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Sixty-three.
— ０２／２６／２５
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#Plotting.

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