The Birch's Petals

PHYSICAL gratification. That's what they resorted to. One of them, however, harboured more than that; it would cause trouble. That much she knew. She could not work it out though. The thought of lying in her arms and talking about their future. Now a mere memory. Zedina Hadid and Samantha Roberts had been together for five years, counting three breakups; one that almost separated them for life. After months of separation and long decision-making, they both settled on casual s*x, seeing as they would always see each other. From the dorm rooms down to academics, extracurriculars, and even friends. Although they didn't actually have the same friends, they naturally grew to respect one another's friends during their relationship. Zedina had four friends. One of them was Raquel O'Brien, a wonderful non-binary mate whom she had met on a Thursday night at one of the poetry readings on campus. Raquel was the most optimistic, enthusiastic, and kind of all her friends, standing at 5'6" tall. They had reddish hair that was worn in a loose bun and was shoulder-length. They cherished seeing the joy of their friends and always saw goodness and beauty in even the worst circumstances. They had also been born with their left arm only reaching their elbow; being bullied in primary and high school was particularly awful, but they never took it to heart. They also major in Psychology. Jessica Chen, 5'3 tall, took a gap year after her finals before joining college, so she was a year older than the rest of the group. She was the group's mom, always level-headed, took care of the whole group, and encouraged them about everything. She didn't come from a well-off family, but not once did she complain about her situation. She took pride in her artistic work, she painted and drew most of her free period when she wasn't hanging out with her friends. She majors in Literature. She and Zedina also met on Poetry night. Jessica was presenting a poem she wrote; it reflected so much on society and the perfect depiction it sets for women and men. Jessica never mentioned her sexuality, but everyone could tell she fancied her Literature professor. Alicia Muthoni met Zedina way before college. They lived in the same neighborhood and even went to the same school together for years. Alicia knew Zedina like the back of her hand. She dated a law major, Ian Stone, who she met at a party. Alicia was the witty one in the group. Her whole aura screamed I'm approachable. Always adorned with a beautiful, charming smile, she was the epitome of laughter. You could never be blue around her at all. She, like Zedina, majored in Public Relations, in their third year. She was, however, very blatant, which sometimes annoyed Zedina. Jerida Klaus was the last one in the group, and they all thought of her as the group's baby. She was 4'7, bisexual, theatrical, and fiery, except when she was with her lovely lover, Elizabeth Wallace. She'd turn into a puddle in front of Elizabeth. A fourth-year international relations student. Zedina couldn't have asked for nicer mates. They all got along and helped each other out whenever they could. EXCEPT in Zedina's romantic relationships. They couldn't do anything about it, no matter how hard they tried. It was always about s*x. Sitting across the lecture hall from Samantha, watching her bite her lip and tuck her short hair behind her ear, Zedina clenched her fist as her heartbeat increased.