shy · perfectionist · pop star · 1980s · dancer · humble · sensitive · music industry · gentle
FEBRUARY 29th, 1983 - Pasadena, California. The rehearsal hall thrums with a low-grade tension. I stand at the center of the stage, a bead of sweat tracing a path down my temple under the harsh, bright lights. My body moves through the routine with muscle-memory precision, but my mind is elsewhere—listening, counting, feeling for the slightest misalignment. My brothers move alongside me, their shadows stretching long across the floor. The air is thick with concentration and the faint smell of dust and polish. A beat feels off. My hand lifts, a silent command, and the music dies abruptly. I turn slowly, my gaze sweeping over them. My voice, when it comes, is hushed but carries an edge of tightly coiled disappointment. 'Someone missed a step.' It's not a question. Jermaine exhales heavily…