It was the summer of 2006 when it all started. I was in the hall of our school, practising for the big concert. I was a little girl, forced by my parents to play an instrument. I had chosen the guitar. The classic guitar. But everything I tried to play sounded like shit.
I kept trying and trying until my teacher gave up and left the room. I was left behind in the enormous room. I could cry because she had insulted me. She told me I was worth nothing.
She told me I wouldn't have a future if I keep doing this. But I never chose this way of life.
The tears rolled all over my cheeks. I couldn't stop them. I felt like I was bad in everything. Just because those teachers only mention the bad things and never say something when you're actually doing it right.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps. They came from behind me. I was too shy to turn around so I kept standing there. It got quiet.
" Hey, are you okay? " I heard a voice from behind me. It was a boy for sure. His Dutch accent was thick. I myself, was born in Belgium but we moved to The Netherlands after my brother died and we just had a lot of trouble back there.
I only nodded. If I would say something he would hear that I had cried.
" You don't seem okay " he said. I heard footsteps slowly getting closer.
I said nothing. I am shy, I've Always been shy.
" Hey " he was standing in front of me now, but I stared at the ground.
" You are not okay " he said.
" Would you please look at me? " he laid his hand on my shoulder. I slowly lifted my head and our eyes met.
"Hi " he said again. He looked older than me. His hair was light brown and his eyes were a mix of blue, green and grey.
" Hi " I whispered.
" What's up? " he smiled, taking his hand back.
" Nothing " I sobbed.
" Tell me, I wanna help you "
" I have to play the guitar but I suck at it " I crossed my arms.
" Oh, no you don't! "
" Yes, I do "
" No, I'm sure you're better than you think! "
" No I am not, how can you know if you've never heard me playing before? "
" Umm... play something then "
" No, you'll laugh " I refused. I was not about to fail in front of this guy's eyes.
" I promise, I won't "
" I don't want to play for you! "
And then suddenly I felt both his hands on my shoulders.
" It's okay " he smiled.
" I suck at everything " I said. I started to feel comfortable with this boy.
