BASH
"Fuck," Dad curses.
Yeah, Dad. Fuck.
I turn around quickly when I realize what they're doing.
Heat creeps down my cheeks with embarrassment.
I can't believe I've just witnessed what Dad and Mom are doing in his office. It isn't easy to be in this awkward situation. I grip the door handle when I hear my mom giggle.
"Bash, I'm sorry. I know we shouldn't be doing it here." Mom laughs at her own words.
I stay still.
"We're not having sex, Bash. You can turn around now." Dad finds everything is okay and normal after their son just caught them almost having sex.
I face them slowly just to make sure they are both dressed because when I entered moments ago, Mom's dress was zipped down her back, and Dad's shirt was unbuttoned while they were making out on the desk.
"Can't you at least lock the door before you start eating each other's face? Or at least tell me not to come?" I ask annoyingly and amused at the same time.
I can't believe they're doing that with an unlocked door, but I am happy that they're still in love.
I know they love each other very much. I never hear them fight about a third party involved.
I hope to have a married life like them when I settle down. I can't believe I just thought about it.
"Is that how you call it now, baby Bash? Eating each other's face?" Mom asks, recoating her lipstick while dad is fixing his tie.
I walk toward them, kissing Mom on her cheek and hugging Dad.
"Whatever. Thank God, I'm the one who entered. Or this is not the first time someone caught the both of you doing something here?" I watch, scrutinizing their reactions.
Mom smiles sheepishly.
"Oh, Jesus. Don't answer that." I raise a hand in surrender.
"Bash, I will let Kiara start her proper job next week. No arguments," Dad imposes.
"Dad, don't you think it's too early for her? She doesn't have any experience in her new position."
"She has proven herself, son. Don't you think you're too selfish?" Dad argues. Of course, what Dad says, everyone follows. No arguments. He's the boss, and my boss, too.
And I know I don't have the right, and I will end up following his order.
"I'm not selfish, Dad," I say defensively. "But I want an experienced employee on my team. She's a fresh grad."
"So do you."
"That's the point. I need a well-experienced because I am inexperienced too," I point out.
"You will learn, Bash. And so as she. She graduated Cum Laude from an exclusive university. Give her a chance, and I trust and believe in her," Dad says adamantly.
"Why so soon?"
"Why not?"
"Dad."
"Bash, listen to me, son. You can still talk to her, date her, be with her. She's only a floor away."
I blink repeatedly. I can't believe Dad is okay with me dating his employee- his best friend's daughter, who happens to be my best friend.
"That's not what I mean." It feels awkward all of a sudden.
"Then why are you against my decisions? I have already arranged for your post-grad. You two will go together on Thursdays and Fridays both for your masters. Mondays thru Wednesdays, you both will be at work."
My mouth hangs open. I sit on the empty chair like I have lost my strength and my hopes start crumbling down on my lap.
"Baby Bash, don't you agree with your dad's plan?" Mom is squeezing my hand.
I look at her, and I see her green eyes filled with concern.
"You will thank me later, son," Dad sits back on his chair.
I manage to nod with a small smile, though deep inside, I am against all of these.
I'm a grown man, and I wish he had waited for me to do it myself. I am capable of deciding what's right for me. But too late for that. He plans everything ahead of me.
I trudge back to my office.
Why this has to happen to me? How can I last for so long when she's with me every day? Does Dad think that's what I want?
If I follow my heart, that's exactly what I want, and there's no way I can run away from this.
Considering I just got my best friend back, I'm afraid I'm going to end up ruining it again.
"Bash, you okay?" Trinity asks cautiously.
I feel a hand on my arm. Even in my shirt and suit, I can still feel her warm touch as if skin to skin.
Everything starts to be difficult, and just being with Trinity in this office is torture for me already.
"Did you have your coffee?" I ask her as I sit down.
"No. I'm waiting for you."
I look at her as she takes a seat in front of my desk and looks at me with furrowed brows.
"You shouldn't have waited."
"Do you want hot coffee?"
I don't want hot coffee. You're way hotter. You can burn me just by looking at me that way.
I shake my head. I can't talk because it might slip what's in my head. I grab the muffin she offers. Our fingers touch. Shit. Why do I feel this way? I take a bite without looking at her.
"What's going on with you? Looks like you just lost millions."
"You'll be replaced," I simply say.
Her hands drop down her lap with the muffin still in her hand. Her shoulders droop.
"Tri, you're not fired."
"Then why am I being replaced?" she asks quickly, confused.
"Because you deserve a position."
She's quicker on her feet and grins. Excitement fills her wide eyes. What I am not expecting is her dancing.
Christ! She looks pretty even though she's like eight years old.
"Aren't you gonna ask your position?" I ask, and I can't help but smile at her. I am happy for her, truly.
"I don't care as long as I'm not gonna map the floor, Fourth," she replies and moves beside me as she wraps her arms around my neck. She presses her face on me like how she has done it many times before.
I freeze in my seat. That's the first time Trinity has called me Fourth since I came back.
My heart is pounding hard. I felt like this before, but this time, it's a million times stronger.
I can smell her. Her warm body awakens my unconscious senses.
"Thank you, Bash!"
"Thank Dad, Tri. Don't thank me."
She unhooks her arms around me and takes a few steps away. "You don't sound happy about your Dad's decisions, do you, Bash?"
My stomach churns sickly. "Like I can stop Dad, Tri." My reply comes out harsher.
"I'm not taking your position, am I? And you know that's impossible. Then, are you not happy for me?"
"That's not it, Tri." My thoughts scattered. I debate whether I should tell her or not.
"Then what's the problem? Do you want me to be your assistant for so long?" Her expression turns impatience.
"Of course not." I glare at her.
"Then what's wrong?" Panic invades her voice.
"You will be the new financial analyst." I sigh. Disappointment lingers.
"Really?" She seems so surprised, but I can see that she's pleased to hear that. That must be her dream position that's why she worked hard to prove to herself that she belongs to the company.
"Yes," I confirm silently.
"Wait. I'll be part of the financial department team. Yes!" She's so excited, and I nod glumly.
She suddenly realizes something. A smile fades from her beautiful face. "Don't you want me to be a part of it?"
"It's not like that, Trinity." My belly flips over. Jesus, I am going to ruin her moments.
"But why do I feel it's the case, Bash? Is it because I'm a new grad and I don't have much experience? But I have proven myself. I graduated with honors. I dedicated and spent most of my time as an intern just to be a part of this."
I take a deep breath, and she looks hurt, and now it's killing me. "Tri."
She raises her hand, shaking her head. An awkward silence hangs between us.
"I will not take that position anymore. If you want a well-experienced, I understand," she says quietly.
I feel a pang in my chest.
"And I resign. I quit."