Blank Space

5

The camera flashes, making it look like a dream. Sean and Karlie step out of the black Hackney cab arm-in-arm onto the streets of London. The red carpet sprawls out before them; a road flanked with paparazzi and journalists alike.

None of them paid much attention to Sean, but cameras consistently focused upon Karlie in her peach-pink satin dress which she had bought especially for the occasion. She waves to the photographers, embracing the celebrity lifestyle like a duck to the water.

Sean's eyes dart about the foyer. He cannot help but feel out of place in this landscape of fortune and fame. Fashion designers and producers pose with their champagne flutes on the glossy marble floor, wearing gleaming white grins. Sean and Karlie snake between them towards the main stage.

They pass the barriers and enter the secret world backstage. Models in extravagant costumes strut either side of them: metallic angels, urban sorority girls and exotic carnival dancers, stunningly beautiful in their individual ways. Sean marvels at their glowing tans and dazzling smiles. Karlie snaps her fingers in his face.

"Remember what you're here for, Sean." she scalds him.

Sean regains his composure and approaches one of the models dressed in a peculiar outfit of giant pink cotton balls. He introduces himself and Karlie as a pair of budding journalists and fashion enthusiasts. The model, named Lily Aldridge, willingly answers questions about the origins of her outfit, and her anticipation for the show.

"And are you excited to be working the catwalk alongside Taylor Swift?" Karlie adds.

"Of course!" Lily beams. "I'm a huge fan of Taylor and it's an honour to have her perform here!"

"Do you think she's still heartbroken over Noah Mills?" Sean interjects. "Do you think she's even ready to perform for the world?"

Karlie shakes her head as Lily's smile turns to a snarl. "To be honest, I don't think Taylor's love life is of any concern to journalists like you. And I highly doubt that a failed relationship would impact her career to the point of disappointing her fans."

Behind them, a crowd of models erupts into cheers and screams. Sean and Karlie turn to watch an elegant figure of black lace enter the room.

"In fact, she's here right now." Lily smiles and abandons the interview to join her colleagues.

In the flesh, Taylor is taller and more enchanting than ever imagined. Her classic red-lip look with cat-eyes automatically overshadows the attempts of the Victoria's Secret models as they coo over the pop star's arrival. Sean and Karlie observe from a distance as she merges into the buzz and excitement of the crowd and integrates effortless into the pack of gorgeous models.

"That's her alright." Karlie mutters. "Don't go all weak-at-the-knees before you interview her."

"You want me to interview her?" Sean gasps. "Now?"

"No time like the present." Karlie chimes and ushers him forward. "Good luck."

Sean stumbles into the gathering of models. The girls eye him up and down with narrow stares and curled lips. Sean's words fail him as the wolf pack wait to tear him apart.

"Can we help you?" a baby-faced blonde snarls.

"I-I was wondering if I could just have a word with Taylor..."

"Journalists are strictly forbidden backstage during pre-performance hours!" a chisel-cheeked brunette exclaims.

"And Taylor holds the right to decline any form of interview on or off the record!" a bushy-browed one adds.