How To Break The Rules (Harry Styles)

Lesson Three: Trust

“You are late!” Mrs. Hamilton said.

'How are you, Mariana? School must have been a huge weight lifted off your shoulders.'

'Yes, it was. I feel so relieved.'

'That's nice, why don't we begin with simple warm ups first'

But, no, I get scolded. I smile slightly but her expression remained stern. “I-I’m sorry, Mrs. Hamilton. My brother is ham—“

No, I can’t say my brother is hammered.

“My brother…left and I couldn’t drive.” I said. “Sixteen and you can’t drive? How unfortunate.”

You’re telling me.

“Sit down, lass, and let us begin. You’ve wasted enough time.” She said in an authoritative voice. I’m betting that she woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She’s moody but, usually, she’s calm about it.

She swipes her conductor from the counter and stands right in front of me. I set the cello between my legs and position the reed over the strings.

“One…Two…Three…”

I started and I forgot to tune my lovely cello that I rarely practiced during my free time. “That is horrible!” Mrs. Hamilton snapped. “Three summers and this is what you learn?” She asks in disbelief. I think that was rhetorical. “Never in my life have I encountered a student who has no will—“

“It’s just not tuned, Mrs. Hamilton.” I said. She composes herself and rests back on a seat. “Tune it, then. Quickly.” She demanded. I begin doing so. So many things are happening this morning. I finished tuning the instrument and once again position to playing. “Make it perfect this time. Your mother is the future senator, young lady. I expect a lot from you.”

What does being the daughter of a senator have to do with playing the cello?

“One, two, three…” She started, again.

I play it as she wanted it, this

Mrs. Hamilton didn’t talk much as the lesson went on. She only explained some variation of notes and its progression and all of that and I remember why I don’t practice cello at home. I mostly just played and she would shake her head and I’d have to repeat the whole piece from the beginning. Why did I even choose the cello? I could’ve gone for the violin.

Nah, Mari, you like this life, playing an instrument heavier than you. Besides, I might be the only one playing this instrument in this town or the only one actually tolerating it. Most people just play guitars.

Our session comes to an end and Mrs. Hamilton shoos me away, like, literally. “Shoo, Mariana, there will be another day to learn.” I’m not even sure if she said the last part in a good way.

Since the building stands in a crowded area, there are now cabs everywhere. Cheers to that.

I see Daniel walking down without a shirt. What the—

“Daniel!” I called, angrily.

 “Oh, hey, Mari.” He said, casually, just as he came closer. “Where were you?” I asked. I looked down to see a bottle in his hands. “You shoplifted?” I asked, disbelievingly. “I borrowed from Tracey.” He said, defensively. “Tracey doesn’t like you.” I inform him. “Well, at least to get rid of me, she lets me borrow money.” He said. “What are the chances of you paying her back?” He gave me a smug look. “You lose too much faith in me. You’re just like mom.” He said. “Let’s just get back home, please.” I said. I hailed a cab. “No, this is the first time I came out of that house in weeks.” He said.