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.”

like a nine-year-old boy. I can’t 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

go then. I had a long flight, Edmund. I hope we

responses shortly.

song. I can’t help but hum as the song plays

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 hair

don’t have to worry. Lizzy won’t let me try it on her hair though,” I say, separating the first section into three sections, then twist it and

make sure you do it fast. You still have to help me choose my dress for

me to finish this fast.” I try to be focused on what I am doing.

Easy there, tiger!” She whines, hitting me

laughs. I do the first braid perfectly. “Look at

she looks at me. “It’s perfect, Bash. Thanks!” she chirps, hugging my right leg.

***

been sitting patiently in the dress boutique for almost thirty minutes. Trinity has chosen three dresses she likes. I cross my legs and tap my fingers on my knee. I forget to bring my Airpods with me, so I

room, wearing

do you think of

at her without expression on my face.

“But it’s blue.” Her shoulders

color-blind,” I snap, rolling

blue,” she insists.

I take a deep breath.

Trinity can draw, I bribed her to help me draw and sketch. Since then, we started to get along. But I couldn’t help myself not to annoy and bully her sometimes. Okay, maybe most of the time. 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

nice skin color, your hair, and your eyes.”

hair and my freckles, and my

translucent. Ms. Jenna, can you please help my

a perfect dress for her?”

“I know what’s perfect for her. She got a beautiful skin with redhead and green eyes.” Ms.

“Put these on. The size fits for

as a lesbian because she never dates anyone. Unlike me, I

pathetic life!” That’s my girlfriend, Alesha yelling at Trinity in the gym during their P.E class. I just finish practicing football when I decide to talk to Trinity to teach her Calculus. I cross my arms over my chest as I

responds. Her face turns red with anger. She tells

why I’m telling you now. Do you even

dance or prom. That’s for brainless cheerleaders who

curve to smile. I can’t help but

because Bash chooses me over his loser of a maid!” Alesha yells again. Students are already circling while Trinity and Alesha are in

toward them and push two students to give me away. Alesha’s eyes widen when she notices my presence.