Shattered (ON HOLD)

Prologue

It was the 6th of January, 2010, I was 14 years old and I was supposed to play the piano in front of a large crowd for the first time in my life. I was so nervous at first, until my dad promised me that he would come and watch me perform; he would get him, mum and my little brother front row tickets, so that I could find them in the crowd easily.

It was 5 minutes until I was to go on stage and perform in front of hundreds of people. People I knew, people I was friends with, people I hated and complete strangers. To say I was a nervous wreck would be a total understatement. My palms were sweating, I was shaking and I couldn’t breathe properly. All I could think about was what would happen if I stuffed up? What if I choked? Forgot the words? Forgot which key came next?

“Now, please give a round of applause for 14 year old Hunter James, who will be playing the piano and singing Skinny Love by Bon Iver.” The lady on stage announced. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers.

All I can remember was walking on stage and looking out to the crowd, trying to find my father. My heart dropped as I realised he wasn’t there. However I did spot my mother and Dean, but they were always there. I was disappointed. Not just at my dad, but at me. I was disappointed at myself for letting myself believe that dad would actually come and watch me.

I sat down at the white grand piano, lifting the lid up, my hands shaking. I remember pressing down on the piano keys as I played, singing Skinny Love like I was supposed to, and tears running down my face. I remember towards the end of the song, my voice broke and gave away to the crowd that I was crying. After I had finished the song, I remember running off stage, past everyone back stage and straight to the girls’ room.

I will never forget that day. That was the day my life turned upside down.