Bashing Trinity

BASH

The chilly air wraps my skin as soon as I step out of my family’s private jet. I inhale deeply the smell of New York City—the city that never sleeps.

Welcome Back, Bash!

It’s good to be back!

The skyline buildings, the noises, the lights, and the New Yorkers—I miss all of them. I get inside of the black Rolls Royce of my Grandpa Mike. My stomach churns at the thought of being back.

When I think I get myself prepared for this, but I am wrong, and the anxiousness starts crawling in my skin. Now that I’m here, I want to go back to London and stay there for the rest of my entire life.

But I promised my family that once I finished college, I will be back—that’s one of the two reasons why I’m here.

“Welcome back, Sir Bash!” The family driver of early forties greets me with courtesy; he turns to me and nods from the driver seat. “I’m Edmund Russell. Your driver, Mr. Hughes.” He extends his hand, and I immediately grip it for a handshake.

“Thank you, Edmund. Please, call me Bash if you would like to stay as my driver.”

“Sure, Bash,” he says with hesitant, “when your family is not around,” he adds with a salute.

I chuckle. “Good. Now, let’s head home.”

“Yes, sir,” he replies with enthusiasm.

I glance at him one more time before I smile. I can’t help but amaze at the astounding city lights of array colors as we pass by, the colossal skyline buildings that stand tall from afar, the neon lights that flicker in different colors, and billboards flash with advertisements that blur through the car window.

My emotions start to swirl in my belly. There’s something about New York that you can’t find in any place in the world. It’s maybe because I still consider this my home?

New Yorkers are still busy even at this past midnight hour. Indeed this city never sleeps. The yellow cabs and the chaotic traffic remind me that I’m finally back in New York.

“Bash, your parents directed me to send you to your Penthouse, but first, I will drive you to Hughes’s mansion.” His deep voice bashes me out from my thoughts.

“Sure. Like you can say no to my dad.”

He chuckles, “That’s actually from Mrs. Hughes. Your mom, Bash.”

I roll my eyes. “Of course. Her baby boy is back.”

blame her, though. I’m her only son, and she almost died giving birth to me. She got into complications during the labor that resulted in her not getting pregnant again. Her doctors had to remove her uterus.

long flight, Edmund. I

“Sure,” he responses

lean my head back when Edmund plays a 90’s song. I can’t help but hum as the song plays softly

“Bash, are you sure you know how to braid?” Trinity asks, looking up at me. She’s sitting on the floor in her room while I’m on her pink bed. I start separating her tangled curly red hair into two sections, then twist up the second section, and secure it with a

don’t trust me, Tri? I watched it many times on YouTube. So you don’t have to worry. Lizzy won’t let me try it on her hair though,” I say,

it fast. You still have to help me choose my dress for the Prom.” She tilts her head to look at me.

down. “Stay still if you want me to finish this fast.” I try to

tiger!” She whines,

I laugh. “It was not strong, goldfish,” I say between laughs. I do the first braid perfectly. “Look at this, Tri. It’s perfect!” She

lights up. Her eyes glimmer as she looks at me. “It’s perfect, Bash. Thanks!”

***

tap my fingers on my knee. I forget to bring my Airpods with

emerges from the fitting room, wearing a baby blue ankle-length dress.

She smiles at me. “What do you think

I look at her without expression on my

Her shoulders slump.

color-blind,” I snap, rolling my eyes.

“But we like blue,” she insists.

a deep breath.

She cried and hid away from me for days until I apologized. I needed her to help me with my art classes. I’d rather choose her to help

something colorful. You have nice skin color,

glares. “I thought you hate my hair and my freckles, and my skin is translucent.”

Jenna, can you please help my girlfriend here.” I

“Choose a perfect dress for her?”

she has some idea. “I know what’s perfect for her. She got a beautiful skin with redhead and green

size fits

I think of her as a lesbian because she never dates anyone. Unlike me, I dated some girls, but I broke up with them when

the gym during their P.E class. I just finish practicing football

away from me. Not the other way around!” Trinity responds. Her face turns red with anger. She tells me she

tell you, ugly! He’s just waiting for the right time. That’s why I’m telling you now. Do you even have a date for prom? I bet nobody asks you yet, right?” Alesha pokes Trinity on her shoulder.

prom. That’s for brainless cheerleaders who want to

I

yells again. Students are already circling while

push two students to give me away. Alesha’s eyes widen when she notices my presence. Trinity doesn’t look at