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.”

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

go then. I had a long flight,

responses shortly.

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

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

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, separating the

fast. You still

push her head down. “Stay still if you want me to finish this fast.” I try to be focused on what I am doing.

tiger!” She whines, hitting me on my

I do the first braid perfectly. “Look at this, Tri. It’s perfect!” She looks

she looks at me. “It’s

***

the dress boutique for almost thirty minutes. Trinity has chosen three dresses she likes. I cross my legs and tap my fingers on my

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

me. “What do you think of this?”

her without expression on my face.

blue.” Her shoulders slump.

“Trinity, I’m not color-blind,” I

like blue,” she insists.

I take a deep breath.

cried and hid away from me for days until

plain, Trinity. Try something colorful. You have nice skin color, your hair, and your

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

approaches us. “I said pale, and I did not say translucent. Ms. Jenna, can you please help my girlfriend here.” I stand up and wrap my arm around Trinity’s exposed shoulder. She

dress for her?”

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

The size fits for you, dear.”

never dates anyone. Unlike me, I dated some

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

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

That’s why I’m telling you now. Do you even

don’t go to that lousy dance or prom. That’s for brainless cheerleaders who want to

I can’t help but chuckle.

chooses me over his loser of a maid!” Alesha yells again. Students are

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