Broken Rules

🎶 She's a beautiful princess tangled

and in her own world is a beautiful room

filled with music and lost in the rhythm

anyone wanna tell me why I feel lost?

cause this beauty and everything seems like a beautiful mystery 🎶

I sang staring at the wall behind the grand piano. A hand rested on my shoulder from behind and gently squeezed. She was here to scold me again for focusing too much on music, remind me of how I will remain safe if I only do as she says. My eyes shut close and I let out a sigh in exhaustion.

I dropped my fingers from the keys and reached for her hand. "You're home"

She held my hand and pulled me up, dragging me out the music room. I trailed behind her prepping for the the scolding and lecturing ahead.

She pulled me into my bedroom and stopped in front of the mirror. It was silent but I could hear her loudly while we both stared at our reflection in the mirror.

"You hurt my feelings with your recent disobedience" she said. I looked away from the sadness in her eyes, one that has taken over the sparkles I use to see.

"I'm sorry mum"

she let go and walked out.

I turned back to the mirror and stared more deeply at my reflection, tears gathering in my eyes like a cloudy weather threatening to pour.

I unwrapped my hair and it fell freely to my feet as I let out a sigh of relief

My manners! Little about myself, well all I know...

I'm pretty Brooks, 19 years old and graduated from high school a year ago. I live with my mum and younger sister Angelica. I wouldn't say we're rich except living in a 12 bedroom mansion and having a Mum that has her own finance company counts as being rich.

Born with a floor-length golden crystalline hair that mom is so against me cutting.

My deep sea blue eyes is a beauty I'm still yet to understand, my eyelashes are full and lengthy.

full lips and an extremely beautiful face and this is my story..

At my early age I was declared most beautiful child by some man-made record whatever

I unconsciously became a public figure without any difficulties, well only in my neighborhood.

My physical appearance doesn't excite me as much as singing does. Everyday I bless the heavens for such a gift, a melody as beautiful as my voice and the power and happiness I feel whenever I sing.

Mum is against a lot of things in my life and sadly music is one of them.

she tells me bad things about the male creatures and warns me not to talk or look at any. She sent me to a convent school, restricts my knowledge of Men and monitors my internet usage. I'm supposed to be an adult by law but that's the government's problem not mum's.

She hates me singing and going out and painfully all these rules are applicable to just me while my sister is free as a bird. I live something as close to a prisoner under my mother's overly watchful eyes. Atleast prisoners are on loop to why they're being restricted.

A knock on the door and Angelica walked in squealing with a dress held against her chest.

" Look Pretty, Mum got me this designer dress I've always wanted and it's a customized piece, isn't it gorgeous?"

she asked twirling with the denim dress.

"It's beautiful" I gave a little smile. Angelica is everything I hope to be, she's only told to act right and get good grades whereas I have a whole book of do's and don'ts. I have rules to live by, a mother to always listen to and a guide to my dressing and appearance.

I can buy as many clothes as I please but they're specifications I must follow. She loves me, she loves us just the same and I know it but sometimes I can't help feeling otherwise.

I looked away and tried walking away but tripped on my hair

"Ouch!"

Can I say I hate my life cause I really do.

It's frustrating with all the rules I have to live with and a ridiculous long hair.

"Hey, you good?"

Angelica asked helping me up. I nodded at her. She looked at me sadly and touched my cheek

"You had an argument with Mum, didn't you? What was it about this time?"

I turned my face from her and looked down

"You should go talk to her, I'm sure she's probably calm now"

I knocked on the door twice but she didn't respond. I went in, she sat on the bed with her back facing me.

"Go back to your room, we'll talk tomorrow" she said

I closed my eyes for a second and turned to leave, I stopped and walked a little more into the room.

"I said go back to your room Pretty"

"I'm mad at you too Mum, I'm mad at my life, I'm mad and sick of all the rules I have to live by. I'm tired of living for you rather than myself Mum"

I said with a shaky voice, I could feel all my nerves cracking

The door opened and closed behind Angelica

"I love singing..." I stopped and took a breathe

".. music! Is my life and it's the only thing I truly know. I want to go out Mum, I want to explore the world and meet new people. Please Mum let me go to the musical college I'm tired of living like this. it sucks! "

I hollowed with gush of my emotions. I could hear her sniff and I know she was crying. Why is she so adamant? What is so difficult about letting a child live her dreams, isn't that every parent's wish?.

She wiped her face, stood up and walked to us, I glanced at Angelica.

She took my hand caressing them, she brought my hands to her lips and kissed. I felt wetness

She looked up at me and smiled

"I love you so much. I love you both so much and I live for that reason" she placed her right hand on my left cheek

"All I do is for your protection Pretty, I'm scared of losing you, I'll be devastated if anything happens to you try understand me. You're a unique being"

she said calmly but sadly, her eyes read it all with those tears but I still couldn't lay my head on it. One minute it's starting to make sense but it really doesn't.

"I will do just fine. what are you so scared of all the time?"

I asked.

She looked sideways and took few steps backwards. She turned and walked away slowly

"Men! Those dangerous creatures and the omen within them"

her mood had changed suddenly and it was something I wasn't new to. She always talked about them with so much disdain. I once thought it was because of her hatred for my Father but as I grew older I realized it was more than that especially in regards to me because she isn't as displeased with the thought of Angelica associating with them

Those creatures,

Men are of evil and full of disastrous omen as Mum always told me.

I grew up with her reminding me every ticking second.

"What is it about this set of 'creatures?' beside they've done nothing bad to us, we can't cancel them because of our father. A man we didn't even grow up to know"

Mum said he walked out of our lives while she was still pregnant with Angelica. I don't remember anything about him and no pictures to look at. Whenever I asked Mum for pictures or details about him she shoves it. Growing up I would lots of letters waiting and praying for them to come back home but I guess I grew pass that.

"Don't ever say that, Don't you dare try defend them. Pretty, they're your end stay away from them"

she yelled

My end?

"Mum, what do you mean?" Angelica asked walking to her

"Okay you'll go to the Musical College but only on one condition"

she said and I jumped up in excitement.

Mum has always been against me going to my college choice and that's why I took a gap year cause I didn't want to go to medical school like she wanted.

It's a medical school that trains just female aspirants to support women. Not that it was any of my concern what gender they trained.

"Really Mum?!" I squealed and jumped on her happily. The last time I was this happy was when mum allowed me go on a road trip with some of my friends from high school. It was the last because we ended up getting into an accident. Katherine lost control of the brakes and drove into a shady looking flower store. We sustained minor injuries but Mum didn't take it so lightly.

"You'll promise to stay away from boys and keep to yourself, is that clear?"

I couldn't care less about them at this point, going to college to study music is more exciting.

Staying away has been a part of my life, I don't know anything of What they're like except their physical appearance and maybe from the internet and friends at school and to be honest, there are no lyrics to them.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!. I promise mum"

I replied and hugged Angelica too.

This wouldn't be hard right? I'm use to it after all.

The car stopped right in front of the hostel block as I stared in awe. Students moved around clinging to their bags, books and guitars. Some moved in pairs and some alone in and out of the huge entrance door.

Some laid on the field chatting, reading, doing one activity or the other but no one seemed to be idle. I've never seen anything like it, not even in highschool. In highschool we moved around like we were parading for the mayor, we had time for everything but not enough time to galavant around for personal business.

Angelica was beside me and our mum next to her and they were staring at me including the chauffeur, waiting for me to step out.

I sent a little smile and stepped out of the car.

I assisted in taking out my bags

I turned to Mum, she placed her hand on my face, tears rolled down her cheeks

"Please dear don't fail me, please don't break your promise to Mummy"

she cried.

I raised my hand and wiped it with my thumb

"I promise Mum, I'll stay away from them at all cost" I replied and she nodded in a smile.

I hugged her tightly. It wasn't the first time I was going away to live in an hostel but this time it felt different. Just like Mum I was scared too, new people, new environment miles away from home

I was dressed in carton brown cargo pants, a white turtleneck sweater and a pair of air force sneakers.

I tied up my hair and slightly covered my face with a scarf yet people still starred as I walked by.

We finally located my room.....163

I could hear musical instruments playing. I inserted the key into the keyhole and the door opened.

walked in and two young girls about my age sat on their beds humming and playing the violin respectively.

They turned to look at us

"Welcome"

the girl in a red wavy hair said smiling. She was beautiful with very fair skin and round eyes, dressed in a set of lounge wear. The one playing the violin had dark curly hair, brown skin and almond eyes. Her lips were very plump with high cheekbones that complicated her jawlines perfectly.

"Thank you" I replied. They waved at Mum and Angelica. Mum gave them a warm smile while Angelica waved back.

It was time for them to leave now after properly examining the room and making sure I didn't need anything.

"Always remember Pretty, you're not allowed to...."

mum was saying but I cut her off

"..talk to boys, go close to them or even look at them"

I completed and she smiled.

I kissed them goodbye

"Angelica take care of Mum okay?"

"You take care of yourself, I love you!" she said,

I kissed her and waved them as the car drove off.

I went back inside and met with the girls still singing, I sat on my bed to rest for a while before I start unpacking.

The room was big with three not so well sized beds and a wardrobe for each person. There was a huge painting of Aretha Franklin and some musical aesthetic decors.

I looked at the other end and saw different instruments, I smiled.

"Sweetheart,what's your name?" the girl with dark hair asked dropping the violin at the corner.

"Pretty" I replied and she smiled

"Thanks, you're stunning yourself"

she said. I smiled

"Pretty, my name is Pretty Brooks"

I answered and they both looked at each other and back at me weirdly,

I took off the scarf and put it aside

"Oh my goodness!"

"Pretty indeed, girl you're gorg-ous"

"I'm Ehi nd she's Patty"

the dark haired said and I smiled and shook hands with them. They gave me a fill in on school and a little about themselves. They already seemed like so much fun and sweetness

I unpacked with the help of Ehi and Patty and in a few hours I was settled in.

There was a kitchen and also a nice bathroom.

I was really hungry, Mum suggested we stopped by to have lunch on our way but I was too excited to get here

Patty was in the kitchen so I waited for her to be done so I prepare myself something to eat. I packed some snacks from home, I would eat that instead and go to bed.

"Food's served!" She yelled walking out the kitchen with a tray containing three plates of food.

" Here's yours pretty" she handed me a plate too and I nodded a

"Thank you,thought we prepare our own meals "

I asked to clear my curiosity

"I suppose but here in room 163 we cook for each other, good?"

Ehi smiled.

"I totally do" I replied

we exchanged chuckles and started eating. The meal was good, pasta is not my favorite but it was really good. Back home, the chef hardly prepared it.

We finished eating and I offered to do the dishes

Afterwards we talked about different things. I've been only in the company of Angelica, Mum and the house staff for over a year so talking to new people felt good.

"I miss Jason already" Patty said dreamily with a grinning smile

"Who's Jason?" I asked

"my boyfriend!" she responded. A boyfriend? She has a boyfriend? Mum would readily behead me if I even as much go close let alone form relations.

"I'm here for two things, music and Of course Zayn Huston, my dream man"

Ehi added closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around her body. She fell on the floor dramatically describing his features. Patty rolled her eyes and I laughed quietly.

"What about you Pretty?" patty questioned

"I don't go near them, Mum is against it"

I replied

"I couldn't blame her, you're so pretty and boys are silly. Except my Zayn of course"

"and my Jason and my brother, actually my brother is silly too" Patty added and we laughed

I expected the room to be quiet after a while but Patty is very chatty and Ehi knows how to keep up.

"I can't wait for classes to resume fully" Ehi said.

"You mean you can't wait to see Zayn Houston" Patty teased

She shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

"Do you have a car?"

I raised my head and they were staring at me

"I do but I'm not allowed to drive, Mum thinks it's dangerous" I told them

They nodded. I smiled meekly

They don't seem bad at all and I can't wait to start afresh tomorrow.

I woke up feeling enthusiastic, I could barely have a proper sleep last night because of the excitement. I felt a bit nervous thinking about how and if I would be able to fit in, adapt to all the new changes.

I slipped in blue baggy jeans and a beige long sleeves top. I wrapped up my hair in a tight chignon bun and tucked the falling strands behind my ears

I placed a scarf over my head and wrapped it around myself,I learnt to do that from the convent. I'm not particularly religious and we weren't pressured back in the convent but we were taught to be good people and have faith in humanity. I walked back to the room from the bathroom, they girls were dressed and packing up ready to leave.

"What's with the scarf? Are you wanted by the cops?" Patty questioned and we laughed

She had on a pair of skinny jeans and a little top that exposed her belly button.

"with a face like that you shouldn't hide a single part of it"

Ehi added. She wore a sleeveless black dress that stopped a little above her knee and a denim jacket.

I picked my bag, hung it on my shoulder and headed for the door

"I don't want any attentions" I replied.

"so true, even with half your face covered you're still the most beautiful"

Ehi said and I smiled.

"Who's excited for a First day?!" Patty yelled excitedly throwing her hands over our shoulders

"me!!"

we chorused and laughed walking and jumping out the door. Everyone was heading out of the hostel, not really everyone but a lot of people. It was a bit crowded at the reception and some hung around the field just outside the building. Patty and Ehi said class halls aren't too far and it was walkable.

Patty just hoped one of us had a car. Mum got me my own car on my seventeen birthday and I was only allowed to drive within the neighborhood. One day I drove a lot far to grab macdonald and she called, apparently the car had a tracker. Not that I went out a lot anyway

The hallways were filled with young people, everyone was busy singing, humming and doing music. I got some stares and some were kind to wave though tmi felt uncomfortable walking pass boys.

"Imagine what happens when you take off that scarf"

Patty whispered and I smiled. "You'll be the new queen bee on campus" she added.

The last thing I want is attention but they say talent and success draws attention your way.

First Class was the introductory class, is basically for first year students.

We sat down in the class waiting for the instructor.

I tried not to pay any attention and Just smiled at Patty who sat by my left and Ehi beside her. A girl with pixie cut sat beside me, she was focused on her phone and quietly chewing gum.

The door opened and a young girl in black long wavy hair walked in, she had on a mini leather skirt, a cute looking top and a leather jacket to match her skirt.

A pair of boots just like the one Angelica ordered days back.

She had a pretty face and she looked really familiar, wait! Isn't she...

Oh my goodness! Sophia Greece, she's the popular singer and my role model, I love her so much. She's so young and talented, Angelica and I listen to her songs a lot.

She smiled to the class dropping her laptop on the desk

"Welcome First Year!"

she said and the class replied in unison

"Thank you sophy"

She chuckled

"It's your First Class in BFM college and it's your introduction class. Here it is all about passion so always remember that you're..... "

she stopped and gestured the class

"Born For Music!"

the class completed and all I did was stare at her.

"I love sophy so much"

Ehi squealed. The class ended a while ago and the girls were showing me around school. They came earlier and took a tour already. The buildings were very modern and beautiful. Some had the shapes of musical instruments, my favourite was the talent hall built like a piano

"And she's so beautiful" Patty added

"Yeah! The most beautiful girl in BFM college"

"Look beside you" Patty said referring to me.

Ehi turned to look at me

"to be honest Pretty, are you from this planet? You're unreal"

I laughed

"don't be silly girls let's go get something to eat I'm starving" I said and dragged them along.

We lost our way cause the school is really big and each of us forgot our maps. Ehi was so sure she knew the way

"We should ask someone for directions" I said and looked around for someone nice to ask.

A guy walked pass me, I looked away for a girl

"Hey!"

we turned to the sound of the voice, Sophia Greece?

She walked to us and smiling

"You three were in my class earlier right?" she asked and we nodded.

"you three are very beautiful" she complimented. We looked at each other and back at her. The girls looked very excited

"You're stunning Sophy" Patty reached to kiss her cheeks.

"It's you right? Your picture are trending on the school's community group and you are the topic of today" she gave a little laugh and tucked her hair.

My picture? I didn't realize people now have rights to take random pictures of someone without permission. What am I now? Queen Bey?

"I'm Sophia as you probably already know, and you are?" she asked.

"I'm Patty, Ehi and Pretty " Patty replied and her smile turned to confusion

"Pretty? That's your name?" she questioned and I nodded

"Pretty Brooks" I responded and she smiled.

"Suits you best. I guess you're looking for the cafeteria, come with me"

she said and we followed her. We were far from finding our way on our own, thanks to Sophia we did.

We were eating in the cafeteria and Sophia asked to treat us to lunch.

she's really humble and friendly, so free, seems easy going and funny too.

"Why do you have a scarf around your face?" Sophia asked calming down from a laugh.

I stopped laughing

"Nothing much, the attention is giving me so much anxiety as it is" I responded

she nodded in a smile, she's really pretty. She has beautiful hazel eyes, slender nose and pouty lips. Her wavy black fell on her upper back.

"Your name suits you perfectly" she added and I smiled.

She brought out her phone

"Can I have a selfie with you girls?" she asked trying to make puppy eyes, I love her!

We took the pictures, they were very beautiful.

"So friends?" she asked.

We nodded giggling. She continued eating and chatting and it was really fun to be around them.

She left later on and after a few classes we were back to our hostel.

Mum called and we talked for long with her reminding me of the boys

Ehi prepared dinner, we ate then had a few lessons with the musical instruments based on our assignments.

We sat down together on Patty's bed chatting about everything and nothing.

"Have you seen the comments on Sophie's post?"

Ehi asked showing it to us.

It was the picture she took with us and a lot of the comments were about me

"Wow first day in college and someone is already a star" Patty said and we laughed.

"Let's go to bed girls, it's another day tomorrow" I climbed down from Patty's bed and jumped on mine.

We laid down and pulled the blanket over ourselves giggling like little kids.

"I miss my boyfriend" Patty cried after a while of silence and we burst out laughing.

We were seated in class, our first class ended and for the next class we are to come with a lyric to a self composed song.

"Girls I left my song behind "

I whispered to them amidst the noisy class, girls singing, people playing musical instruments while others chatted loudly.

"OK let's quickly go get it before the next instructor comes in" Ehi said standing up

"It's fine, I'll just go alone so I'll be quick"

I replied

"You sure?"

Patty asked and I nodded and ran along quickly,

the next class is just in 5 minutes and the hostel is a little far from. I hastened up my pace, got it and hurried back

Running through the hallways about to make a turn I bumped into a huge body

"Ouch!"

I cried hitting my butt hard against the floor

I looked up and my eyes met with him, a boy?not today please

He looked down at me and simply walked away.

I got myself up and turned to look at him, he was far off already, so fast? Mum's right they're strange!. I didn't expect him or needed him to apologize or help me up.. I bent down and picked up my stuff. I looked at my phone and it was a little broken on the upper screen.

I stopped at the class door to catch my breath then opened the door.

I heard the instructor talking and it was very quiet so tried to sneak in but that didn't go well.

"Excuse me miss" his voice echoed the room. I stopped and turned, I stood holding my hands behind and looking at the pair of sneakers I wore, I had just noticed the detailed style of the sneakers

So he's an instructor here and couldn't even say sorry earlier in the hallway.

"Why are you late to my class?" he questioned. What is he playing at?

I slowly looked up at him, our eyes met and I quickly looked away.

His hands tucked into his pockets and he looked young so I guess he's a scholar senior student like Sophy.

I stood still without saying anything. In highschool we only had female teachers and house mistresses of course except a few other labour staff, I believe I didn't need any form of association with them. But here it's something I can't avoid unless of course I write an open letter telling how my Mum doesn't want me associating with men and I can't disobey her so they must all assist me in that regard. Ridiculous!

I have never spoken to one before anyway. Except the now pretty lady cashier at the mall will not be too offended if I refer to him as one

" I asked a question miss " he said looking at me with a poker face, his voice really muscular

I just walked to my desk and sat in between Patty and Ehi.

I could see the surprise in everybody's face including the girls.

He stopped staring at me and turned back to the class

"So where did we stop? Someone should come out and sing their composed song as said in the handout"

he said and a girl came out to sing, her voice was nice and so was the lyrics

which she ended with a dedication to the Rude Instructor.

Several other girls came out to sing and they all dedicated it to him,

what is it about this male? Jezzz!

Everyone had done theirs and it was me left,

I stood up and walked out the class ready to sing....

"We will Stop here today class" he said and dismissed the class.

What? But I haven't done mine, he walked out and students followed.

I walked back to the desk

"What happened there Pretty?" Patty asked packing up her books.

"Yes Pretty what happened, why didn't you explain yourself earlier, you just kept Zayn Huston silent "

Ehi added stressing the Zayn Huston, so that's him.

He's the guy Ehi keeps talking about

I nodded

"Nothing, he was rude"

"ugh?" they chorused

"What do you mean by that?" Uriel asked giving me a confused face.

"It's Just that I've never spoken to boys before and I promised mum not to"

I said and they gave each other a look.

"Pretty did you hit your head somewhere?"

Patty asked touching my temples. I glared at her

"wait! Are you damn serious?"

Ehi questioned looking extremely shocked, Patty's lips fell.

"Let's just go girls, I'm really hungry now considering that hectic class"

I said and started walking.

We walked into the crowded cafeteria, stood looking for a table to sit, the hall was really crowded.

"It's so crowded in here today"

I said looking around

"yeah! My mind is crowded of thoughts of you too " Patty said

"Come on girls, let that be" I replied sorting for space with my eyes

"Hello girls" I heard and turned, a smile escaped my lips, Sophia?.

"Come over here" she said and we walked to her

"Hey Sophia!" I said and waved.

"I've been looking for you three, come sit with me "

she said in a bright smile, she has really nice teeth.

"Thanks"

Ehi said and we got seated.

She called a waiter and we placed our order

We'll pay for our lunch today" I said,

she smiled

"I know".

Our order was served in a jiffy and I thanked the waiter.

"Meet my baby Zayn Huston"

Sophia said when a guy walked in and sat beside her. He kissed her cheeks and she held his arm to herself.

"Hey Zayn! I'm Ehi"

Ehi said blushing hard and grinning from ear to ear.

He smiled lightly at her

"Hi, I'm Patty"

Patty introduced herself too, while I just ate My meal, the tacos was very good

They all looked at me waiting for me to say something

he looked at me eagerly.

"Baby this is Pretty, Pretty Brooks, she's the one I told you about"

Sophia said and I smiled at her.

Baby? I can't believe this rude guy is Sophia's boyfriend, how sad.