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.”

only son, and she almost died giving birth

flight, Edmund. I hope we won’t stay long.”

“Sure,” he responses shortly.

I lean my head back when Edmund plays a 90’s song. I can’t help

her pink bed. I start separating her tangled curly red hair into two sections, then twist up the second section, and secure

it on her hair though,” I say, separating

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

you want me to finish this fast.” I try to be

tiger!” She whines, hitting me

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

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

***

dresses she likes. I cross my legs and tap my fingers on my knee. I forget to

the fitting room, wearing a

She smiles at me. “What do you think of

her without expression on

Her shoulders slump.

I’m not color-blind,” I snap,

blue,” she insists.

I take a

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

“It’s plain, Trinity. Try something colorful. You have nice skin color, your hair, and your

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

on my seat as the sales lady approaches us. “I said pale, and I did not say translucent. Ms. Jenna, can you please help my girlfriend here.” I stand

perfect dress for her?”

beautiful skin with redhead and green eyes.” Ms. Jenna scans the dress one by one until she stops

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

Kiara. If you don’t want me to ruin your 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

face turns red with

time. That’s why I’m telling you now. Do you even have a date for prom? I bet

lousy dance or prom. That’s for brainless cheerleaders who want to lose their virginity

My lips curve to smile. I can’t help

a maid!” Alesha yells again. Students are already circling while Trinity and Alesha are in

and Trinity is my best friend and not my maid. I sprint toward them and push two students to give me away. Alesha’s eyes widen when she notices my presence. Trinity doesn’t look