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.”

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

go then. I had a long flight, Edmund.

“Sure,” he responses shortly.

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

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

me try it on her hair though,” I say, separating the first section into three

it fast. You still have

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

there, tiger!” She whines, hitting me on my leg.

braid perfectly. “Look at this, Tri. It’s perfect!”

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

***

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 have

wearing a

“What do you think of this?”

expression on my face. I shake

Her

not color-blind,” I

blue,” she insists.

I take a deep breath.

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.

nice skin

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

I laugh 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 up

perfect dress for

up like she has some idea. “I know what’s perfect for her. She got a beautiful skin with redhead and green eyes.” Ms. Jenna scans the dress one by one until she stops and grabs the black,

size fits for

Sometimes, 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 they started

from Bash, Ugly 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 decide to talk to Trinity to teach her Calculus. I cross my arms over my chest

other way around!” Trinity responds. Her face turns red with anger. She tells me she doesn’t like Alesha since I started dating

now. Do you even have a date for prom? I bet nobody asks you yet, right?” Alesha pokes Trinity on her shoulder.

or prom. That’s for brainless cheerleaders who want

smile. I

“You’re just jealous because Bash chooses me over his loser of a maid!” Alesha yells again. Students

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