Michael's Story

Chapter 28

Trinity walked the length of the sidewalk. It was the first time she'd been out of the house since Eric was arrested. Then, confiding in her mother about what happened, Trinity's mother agreed to take her son for a few weeks while she gathered herself.

Dating was the last thing on Trinity's mind. Even with the abuse and manipulation, Eric was all Trinity knew. Insecurities brought on by herself and all the negative stuff Eric said kept her believing that no one else wanted her. Feeling ugly, undesirable, and worthless was normalized for Trinity.

Julian was the only person that ever made Trinity feel pretty. While Eric was on the run, Julian checked on her and ensured she was okay. Julian had even offered his help regularly, buying groceries and giving money to Trinity whenever she needed it.

Of course, Julian had kept this under wraps. Julian didn't want Michael to know that he'd developed a liking for Trinity. Julian visited Trinity nearly daily, so he knew that Trinity honestly didn't know Eric's whereabouts.

Opening her heart to Julian wasn't as hard as she wanted it to be. Trinity was afraid to be in another relationship. She couldn't afford to lose herself again. But Julian seemed to be the opposite of everything Eric was, and that was enough to keep her interested in him.

Trinity tried to fight her smile when she saw Julian walking toward her. But Julian didn't hide his smile. Instead, his face beamed as he approached her, taking her hand.

"I can't believe you walked over here." Julian led her to the benches in the courtyard.

"It was a straight shot. Plus, I needed to clear my head a little bit." Trinity tucked her smile.

They both sat down in sync, with Trinity sitting several inches away. Nervously, she stuffed her hands between her crossed legs. Slightly rocking, Trinity looked around the courtyard in a paranoid manner. Julian checked around them to see why Trinity was so paranoid.

"You know you're good with me, right?" Julian assured her, "I wouldn't do anything to you."

Trinity wanted to smile, but the fear inside her wouldn't let her. Instead, her eyes flew into her lap, and she shuffled her jaw. Julian scooted closer to Trinity, but it made her more uncomfortable. Julian held a hand up and then gave her some space.

"I like you, Julian, I do..." Trinity started.

"But?" Julian raised an eyebrow.

"I mean, I'm pretty much-damaged goods." Trinity looked at him.

Their attraction was as strong as the Earth's gravitational pull. Denial would never withstand the weight of their chemistry. Averting her eyes, Trinity tried to pay attention to anything other than Julian.

"Don't say that," Julian said.

Feeling Julian's stare burning into her, Trinity was forced to look at him again. Julian's eyes were persistent no matter how long Trinity went without glancing at him. Strangely, Trinity hated it. It was like Julian was staring at every single flaw in her.

Trinity rounded her shoulders, "You're handsome, have a lot going for yourself, and you got no kids. So don't waste your time on me."

"You came over here to tell me that?" Julian asked her.

"Pretty much." Trinity nodded.

As Trinity dropped her head again, Julian dipped his head to look into her eyes, "I don't need you to be anything other than yourself. If you're damaged goods, then I'm the junk man." Julian jested.

Trinity just looked at Julian. He moved in a little closer. Trinity blushed a little. When Trinity didn't react to him getting closer to her, he scooted even closer. Trinity bit into her lip, trying to disguise the smile that broke out on her face. Finally, Julian moved over again and was right next to Trinity.

"I'm not comfortable out here. You okay with coming to my place?" Trinity asked him.

"Yeah," Julian said.

Just then, Julian had an incoming call from Michael. He answered his phone, nodding as Michael told him he was out front and had an urgent message for him. Ending the call, Julian stood up and extended his hand to Trinity. She placed her hand in his, and they walked to the front.

"I just have to do something real quick." Julian peered at her.

Trinity okayed what he said. They came to the front of the building, and a luxury black car awaited Julian. Julian quickly approached the car and got inside. Trinity was on standby, waiting for Julian with her hand clasped to her arm.

Michael and Julian shook hands, as usual. However, Michael's calm demeanor was replaced by anxiousness. He seemed tense and on edge.

"I need you to be watching your back out here. We're hitting Alejo and Gerardo soon; I need you on your A game."

"Always," Julian said.

Suddenly, Michael saw someone standing a stone's throw away from the car. Julian looked behind him to Trinity and then back at Michael. Michael cut his eyes to Julian.

"Is that who I think it is?" Michael asked rhetorically.

"She's..." Julian stopped himself, taking in the expression of disappointment on Michael's face.

"This the type of shit you into?" Michael asked with suspicion.

"It's not even like that," said

Michael's expression changed to a sarcastic, dumbfounded, "You do remember who she just snitched on, right? I'm confused why you would even trust her."

"Eric was a piece of fucking shit. It's not the same." Julian defended her.

"Oh, it's different with you?" Michael asked sarcastically.

"It is," Julian replied.

"What happens if you cheat on her? Stop giving her attention? Or she wanna fuck with someone else 'cause she doesn't wanna be with your ass no more?" Michael asked.

Julian stumbled on his words, trying not to disclose too much of Trinity's personal information,

"I know shit that Eric did to her, Michael. I'm not dumb; I know what the fuck was going on between them."

"No, you know what the fuck SHE told you!" Michael argued.

"I saw the shit for myself!" Julian replied.

"She's a fucking snitch, Ju. And that shit looks bad for you."

"Does it?" Julian shot his eyes wide.

"How am I supposed to trust you if you fucking with this bitch!" Michael pointed in her direction.

"Watch your fucking mouth!" Julian glared at Michael.

The two shot daggers at each other. Michael felt slighted by Julian, and the worst part about it was that he needed Julian the most right now. Courage bucked Julian's chest, even though he'd grown to admire Michael. But Julian would always stand up for himself. That was something  Michael and Antonio indirectly taught him.

Michael reached over Julian to open the car door, "Get the fuck out of my car."

Julian sucked his teeth, shooting another look at Michael. Then, hesitantly, Julian exited the car and shut the door behind him. Turning to watch the car drive away, Julian stood before Trinity. Trinity stepped up and was at his side, taking his hand into hers.