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.”

giving birth to

flight, Edmund. I

responses

lean my head back when Edmund plays 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

let me try it on her hair though,” I say, separating the first section into three sections, then twist it and cross it as it is shown

“I trust you, Bash. But make sure you do it fast. You still have to help me choose my dress for the Prom.” She tilts her head to

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

She whines, hitting me on

first braid perfectly.

face lights up. Her eyes glimmer as she looks at me. “It’s perfect, Bash. Thanks!” she

***

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 have to hum some

from the fitting room, wearing a

me. “What do you think of

without expression on my face. I

it’s blue.” Her shoulders slump.

“Trinity, I’m not color-blind,” I snap, rolling my eyes.

we like blue,” she insists.

I take a deep breath.

I figured out 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 me than the art tutor that

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

thought you hate my hair and my freckles, and

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 ends up elbowing

perfect dress for her?”

beautiful skin with redhead and green eyes.” Ms. Jenna scans the dress

on. The 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,

“Stay away 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

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

you, ugly! He’s just waiting for the right time. That’s why I’m telling you now. Do you even have a date for prom? I bet nobody asks you yet, right?” Alesha pokes Trinity

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

lips curve to smile. I can’t help but chuckle.

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

my maid. I sprint toward them and push two students to