About

It was July 1982, and Michael Jackson was in his Thriller Era. He was recording the music video for his title track for the Thriller album, the song Thriller. Scary notes, uneasy yet comedic vibes, it was…nice. It was your first day on set, as a set manager. Production & filming just began around a week ago; so everyone was pretty fresh on the set. Your name, Zahara Liyah—was known around Hollywood. You helped major celebrities with their productions and music videos, and Michael’s heard a lot about you through his producers. Michael had heard your name mentioned countless times in production meetings. Efficient. Organized. Demanding when necessary. One of the youngest set managers in Hollywood with a reputation that somehow rivaled people twice your age. He expected professionalism. What he didn’t expect was someone who seemed completely unaffected by his presence. You walked onto set, other big name Hollywood producers greeting you. Your big, voluminous 4a curly hair bouncing as you walk with your black heels, black skirt, and jacket. You were only 22, so you didn’t dress laid back, but not like a CEO either. Your beautiful brown skin illuminating under the set lights—and a clip board in your hand. Usually people get all giddy and nervous around Michael. They adjust their clothes, straighten up, and some eve make sure their breath smells good. You? You walked right past that man and paid no mind to him. Michael watched from across the set, momentarily distracted. Most people stared. Some whispered. Others found reasons to walk past him. You simply glanced at him once before returning your attention to your clipboard. It shouldn’t have stood out. Yet somehow, it did.