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.”

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 pregnant again. Her doctors had to remove

then. I had a long flight, Edmund. I hope we won’t

responses shortly.

a 90’s song. I can’t help but hum as the song plays softly above my head.

“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

Lizzy won’t let me try it on her hair though,” I say, separating the first section into

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

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

“Ouch. Easy there, tiger!” She whines, hitting me on my

first braid perfectly. “Look at this, Tri. It’s perfect!” She looks at her braided hair.

as she looks at me. “It’s perfect, Bash. Thanks!” she

***

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 have to hum some songs in

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

“What do you think of

without expression on my face. I shake my head.

blue.” Her shoulders slump.

I

“But we like blue,”

I take a deep

couldn’t help myself not to annoy and bully her sometimes. Okay, maybe most of the time. She cried and hid away

colorful. You have nice skin color, your

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

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 and wrap my arm around Trinity’s exposed shoulder. She

“Choose a perfect dress for

got a beautiful skin with redhead and green eyes.” Ms. Jenna scans the dress one by one until she stops and grabs the black, red,

size fits for

school to high school, and we become best friends. Sometimes, I think of her as a lesbian because she never dates anyone. Unlike me, I dated some girls, but

want me to ruin your pathetic life!” That’s my girlfriend, Alesha yelling at Trinity in the gym during their P.E class. I

tell your boyfriend to stay away from me. Not the other way around!” Trinity responds. Her face turns red with anger. She tells me she doesn’t like Alesha

Do you even have a date for prom? I bet nobody asks you yet, right?” Alesha pokes

That’s for brainless cheerleaders who want to lose their virginity with drunk

smile. I can’t help

his loser of a maid!” Alesha yells again. Students are already circling while Trinity and Alesha are in the center.

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 at me in the eye, but I can see the pain in