At 11:59 // h.s

Chapter 18

-Harry-

"I feel like I could vomit," I stood backstage getting ready to audition.

"Mate, this is going to be broadcasted live all over the country. If you blow chunks, then they won't be able to edit it out." Niall is not very good at comforting.

"That makes me feel so much better," the sarcasm was clear in my tone.

"Ok look," he attempted a pep talk, "I know you're talented, you know you're talented, Grace knows you're talented, and fucking Simon Cowell knows you're talented. Now do you want all of America to know you're talented?"

"Well yea," I mumbled.

"Then go out there and show everyone how badass you are!" Niall threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. I chuckled.

This official looking lady carrying a clipboard rushed over, "You're on in 5!"

I could already hear the crowd roaring, which made me even more nervous.

What if I start walking out there and I trip? Then I'll be known as "That guy that fell on his face while walking on the stage."

What if I fuck up the lyrics to my own song? Then I'll be known as "That guy that can't even remember his own lyrics."

What if a-

My thoughts were interrupted by that same lady coming over and yelling, right in my ear I might add, "Your on!"

I shakily picked up my guitar and slowly started walking towards the middle of the stage.

As soon as I stepped out, the audience immediately started cheering. When I reached the center of the stage, I turned to face the judges. On the far right was Simon Cowell and to his left was- holy shit. It was Demi Lovato and Paula Abdul. I had no clue that they were judging. Now I'm 10 times more nervous.

I quickly searched the crowd, and I immediately relaxed when I saw Grace sitting on the front row, right behind Simon.

"Who might we have here?" Simon's voice rang throughout the speakers.

"I'm Harry Styles," I managed to say.

"And how old are you?" he tilted his head slightly to the side.

"20," I just awkwardly stood there.

"What will you be singing for us today?"

I was contemplating between singing a song I wrote or "Isn't She Lovely." I decided to just sing mine.

"A song I wrote called 'Through the Dark.'"

"Well have at it then," he smiled and leaned back in his chair.

I was shaking as I placed my hands on the guitar strings. I sang the first line and the crowd immediately began cheering. Throughout the song I got more and more confident. By the end, everyone in the audience was on their feet. I smiled as I held the last note.

The crowd roared with applause. I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding. Even the judges were on their feet. I literally couldn't stop smiling. You could tell me that my dog just died, but I would still keep smiling.

When the applause died down, Demi was the first to speak, "I'm speechless."

The crowd started cheering again, "That was literally so amazing that I have no words."

Holy fuck, Demi Lovato just said I was amazing. This feels so unreal.

"Thank you so much," I grinned.