Stars Landing [Book 3]

Chapter 26 - Shift Things

"Who is ready for two glorious hours of Red Jensen?" Sera could feel the excitement rising from her toes. The VIP section was everything she needed it to be; an extravagant booth overlooking the entire stadium. It was giving her the perfect view of the main stage. Comfortable chairs were set up next to a private bar, where the Pen Pals were taking full advantage of the expensive beverages. For a group who claimed to have no interest in Red Jensen or his music, Sera was surprised to see them there.

The Canadian Tire Centre was dim with strobe lights flashing all over the extraordinary platform. A single mic was stationed in the middle, awaiting the prince of pop. That was all Red Jensen needed to entertain his adoring fans. The Red Wings were crowded on the gated floor seats, chanting their idol's name, and holding up signs of support. The rest of the audience had assigned seating, but that didn't stop them from cheering and screaming their lungs out.

"How amazing is this?" Sera rested her forearms over the golden railing, unable to contain her smile. Behind her, Rhea and Warren were sitting together, being adorable and gross. Christian, who was dressed gorgeously in a navy suit, was chatting up Tegan. She seemed indifferent about his presence, but Sera could see through her aloof expressions. She then focused on the only other single person in the booth. Marie Lu. Sera didn't know much about the girl, except that she was related to Christian, and had a thing for the suit-wearer. Who could blame her?

"Are you pumped or what?" Sera exclaimed.

Instead she got a polite nod.

"I cannot wait to hear him sing live!" Sera went on. "I have never been to one of his concerts, but heard his voice is so angelic it sends goosebumps down your arms and legs. That's how you distinguish a good singer from the mediocre ones. Take the Pen Pals for example." She turned to give them a once-over. "They are nowhere near as amazing as Red Jensen, wouldn't you agree?"

"I haven't heard either of their music," Marie confessed. "I'm just happy to be here instead of school for once. I really needed the break."

"Oh yeah?" Sera was intrigued. "What is going on at school? Is the workload getting to you? What are you studying?"

"Economics and a minor in Music," Marie replied. "Classical music...and yes the workload is starting to weigh down on me."

Sera nodded. "I have been there and done that. Economics and music are two very separate things, are you planning on opening your own music store some day?"

Marie's reply was short. "Maybe," she said. "Would you excuse me? I'm suddenly feeling really parched."

It seemed to be a heavy question for her, one that made her exhale deeply. Sera felt bad for being so enthusiastic about her future plans. "Go ahead," Sera dismissed her.

As if on cue, the concert commenced and the audience lost its mind. Sera included. Looking back, she expected Rhea and Tegan to be jumping with joy, but alas. Her friends were so occupied with their tedious romance, they weren't even bothering to take notice. Shaking her head, Sera overlooked their disinterest and joined the chants of support.

"Go Red! Go Red! Go Red! We love you! We love you! We do!"

The Pen Pals came into view and raised their brow at her. Sera was not going to apologize for being passionate, in fact, she was ready to tattle on the entire booth for being so casual about his concert. A few months ago, Rhea would have crossed oceans to see the 'love of her life', and now she couldn't even be bothered to watch his intro. It was so disrespectful.

The strobe lights started flashing faster, a giant screen show-casing Red's journey to stardom. 'I can't imagine myself doing anything else,' his voice boomed across the concert hall. A video of him walking down a dark alleyway with his signature guitar took over the screens. 'My love for music allows me to be vulnerable in front of my fans. It drives me and pushes me to work harder and be relentless. It's a part of who I am and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunities it has brought me.'