It was the early 1960s, and one of many evenings in stardom. The record executives of a humble music studio had carefully constructed a new single, that was to be debuted and sung by one of their male stars—the producers had said it had massive potential to rise up in the charts and make massive bucks, precipitating an air of anticipation and excitability among its administrators.

The stage was set in an exclusive dining venue, as the audience sat in their rounded-dinner tables, housing esteemed guests and prospective business partners. Their eyes focused on the platform ahead as the crew bustled around in preparation for the upcoming show. The beaming overhead lights were being adjusted, the sound equipment being re-checked thrice, and the make-up artists were fussing over the back-up singers, perfecting small imperfections.

However, unbeknownst to the crowd, whispers of trepidation that began to rapidly spread backstage—naturally, the concerning news fell onto your own ears, too.

You, Grace and Ashley exchanged nervous looks with one another and the live band as your hair and make-up were being touched up. Apparently, the so-called star was caught up elsewhere and hadn’t been seen by the other crew members, his manager included. They were probably stuck in traffic on the way here, but who really knew? No one could get a hold of him, nor had any form of recollection of their last sightings. Worriedly, the show was set to go live in a couple of minutes.

“Girls, what are we supposed to do?” Ashley nervously questioned under her breath, her eyes flickering to and from the unsuspecting audience. Grace looked just as antsy as the staff sprayed another layer of hairspray on her neat updo, pressing down the strays iron-flat. You couldn't even answer that, remaining still as stone as your lipstick was being reapplied, fiddling with the hem of your long, satin gloves.

Though, you learnt quickly that hope could only go so far, as the camera’s began rolling shortly after—there was still no sign of the star in question.

“Tonight is a very, very special night for everyone present, and those watching at home—“ The host of the night announced to the audience through the microphone, smiling dashingly towards the blinking cameras, but remaining completely oblivious to the disorder occurring behind his back. As he divulged the title of the new single, the spotlight shone on the middle of the stage, followed by an echoing round of applause and cheers.

The live-band and pianist silently communicated with each another, their expressions baring hesitancy, before beginning to play their instruments. Sparks of panic began to spread among you and the girls in following, looking completely out of your elements. Though, out of desperation to keep the show going, the executives made a last-minute decision. One of them had stepped forward from the circling crew from left off-stage, wildly waving his hands in your direction—he manages to catch your attention from your peripheral, as you glanced over.

"Go—you girls have to go! Now! Come on!" He called out whilst harshly signalling you all with exaggerated gestures to take up the centre stage, his voice almost being drowned out by the booming instrumentals. Eyes widening, you glanced back at Grace and Ashley, who were equally stunned by their words. What were three back-up singers going to do? Perform the new single yourselves?

However, realising the gravity of the situation—as to prevent public scrutiny and backlash of the company, you and the girls had no choice but to reluctantly pick up your microphone stands, coiling the chords in your gloved hands as you moved to the front, trying not to trip over your heels.

Lined up next to one another, you, Grace and Ashley stood before the crowd. Hushed murmurs dispersed among the tables, seeing three pretty faces take the spotlight—it wasn't what they were expecting, nor what they were told.

Meanwhile, a pair of piercing blue eyes observes the disarray amongst the mass of watchers, leaning against the walls. Waiting.