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.”

years, she treats me like a nine-year-old boy. I can’t blame her, though. I’m her only son, and she almost died giving birth

I had a long flight, Edmund. I hope we

responses shortly.

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

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,

don’t have to worry. Lizzy won’t let me try it on her hair though,” I say,

arms drape on my thighs. “I trust you, Bash. But make sure you do it fast. You still have to help me choose my

me to finish this fast.” I try

She whines, hitting me on my leg.

I say between laughs. I do the first braid perfectly. “Look at this, Tri. It’s perfect!”

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

***

tap my fingers on my knee. I forget to bring my Airpods with me, so I have to hum some songs in my

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

at me. “What do you think of this?”

expression on my face. I shake my head.

blue.” Her

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

“But we like blue,” she

take a deep breath.

bully her sometimes. Okay, maybe most of the time. She cried and hid away from me for days

nice skin color, your hair, and

hate my hair and my freckles,

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

a perfect dress for

for her. She got a beautiful skin with redhead and green eyes.” Ms. Jenna scans

The size fits for you,

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 I broke

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 as

responds. Her face turns

He’s just waiting for the right time. That’s why I’m telling you now. Do you even have a date for

for brainless cheerleaders who want to lose their

lips curve to smile. I can’t help but

loser of a maid!” Alesha yells again. Students

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