Chapter 10: A New Relationship

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

- Loa Tzu


When it was morning, the sun had risen, and the room was illuminated by the fresh morning sun. Marina begun to wake up, moaned with affection, stretching out her arm; hoping to find Laura laying next to her. Realizing that she was touching the sheets, she immediately opened up her eyes. Her sight was a blur, but was regaining its focus, and there she could see Laura in her jogging outfit with her hair in a long ponytail.

„Laura," whispered Marina. Laura turned her attention to Marina after tying the shoelace on her trainers.

„Yes Marina," responded Laura with a warm smile.

„I woke up without you next to me, I don't like it," whined Marina, masquerading a sad face.

„Marina," huffed Laura, smiling and walking up to the bed, „I'm sorry, I'm only going out for a jog." Laura ran her fingertips through Marina's hair acting like a brush and proposed, „Why don't you get some more sleep, you look so tired?"

Marina looked up at Laura who was looking down at her smiling. Marina requested, „Okay, but do you think the next time we sleep together you could still be relaxing next to me?"

„Sure," agreed Laura. She bent down to kiss Marina lovingly on the lips, take her hand and let it slide off hers and she exited to bedroom, still looking and smiling at Marina.

Marina lay on her back, gazing up at the blank lifeless ceiling, which helped Marina dream and reflect about yesterday; which she considered the happiest day of her life. Still overwhelmingly happy and content, she tried to get some sleep, but was unable to; because she was in a euphoric state of mind, which kept her eyes wide open. She drew her attention to the blinding sunlit window, and for the first time ever, Marina became accustomed to the sun and appreciated its beauty. If she could name the sun anything, it would be „Laura", she was the very thing that gave her life and energy to blossom into a pretty flower.

Where the sunlight radiated through the window, Marina stuck out her arm and opened up her palm, examining and scrutinizing the color the sunlight made her skin. She let her skin soak in the sun for a good few minutes, and would bask in the heat of the sun. The absence of Laura did not make Marina feel alone, she could lie in the sunshine all day long, and wait for her lover to come back to bed and kiss her.

All of a sudden without warning or any hint, Olivia entered the room informing, „Hey Laura, the new electric bill came throu…." Olivia turned her attention from the unfolded piece of paper to whom she saw in Laura's bed, which caused her to leave her sentence unfinished. Marina dragged the covers to her neck and curled up looking like a scared rabbit, with her eyes glancing back at Olivia. „Who are you? What are you doing in Laura's bed?" interrogated Olivia with scorn and spite on her face like a fox eyeing its prey.

„I..I… Laura and I were," stammered Marina, unable to give Olivia an explanation, who then turned her head to Laura's bedside table to see the empty beer bottles. Olivia angrily paced towards Marina, it made her even more frightened, she could feel cold shivers down her spine.

„Did you get Laura drunk and took advantage of her?" pried Olivia, pointing at the bottles.

„No I… we were," stammered Marina.

Olivia grabbed Marina by the wrist and dragged her out of bed with a violent tug, and looked her straight in the eyes, which was when she puckered her face and begun to recognized who it was she was rebuking. „Wait I know you," recognized Olivia, letting go of Marina's wrist and looked at her with scrutiny, "You're Marina, the one that's been harassing Laura." Marina pressed her lips together as tightly as she could and nodded to confirm Olivia's suspicion. „Tell me Marina, did you get Laura drunk and took advantage of her, yes or no?" snarled Olivia with her teeth together, drawing her face closer to Marina's. Marina was intimidated by how Olivia towered over her and was extorting her for an answer. „Answer me now," growled Olivia, grabbing Marina by the collar of the T-shirt.

„LET GO OF ME," cried Marina, tearing herself away from Olivia's grasp.

Olivia took small steps towards Marina and seethed, „Get out and do not come back, freaks like you aren't welcome."

Marina turned and fled the room in tears, blindly and desperately running to the front door. She fidgeted with the handle, jiggled and jerked the lock, trying to desperately open the door fearing that Olivia would appear behind her and unleash an assault. Finally Marina opened up the door and ran out into the stairway where she could feel the cold concrete with her bare feet. Olivia would appear at the doorway and slam the door, which caused Marina to jump out of her skin. She could also hear the lock click in place, which made the expulsion out of the house more traumatizing.

Marina stared at the thick wooden door, ruminating on what she endured. She staggered back and slumped herself on the cold concrete wall. She was already in tears with her hands over her wet eyes while slowly sinking to the floor, and continued to weep immensely. Her cries echoed in the desolate staircase and she could feel how cold she was, wearing only a T-shirt and panties.

Marina slammed her hands onto her head and begun to take hold of her hair, tempted to rip out her hair upon feeling humiliated and destroyed. Before she could use her strength to rip out her thick hair, Laura appeared at the bottom of the stairs seeing Marina in sight.

„Marina," called Laura, noticing Marina on top of the stairs with her fists clenched, about to ruin the hairstyle that took so much effort to stylize. „Marina wait, stop," cried out Laura with an outstretched arm, scurrying up the stairs, and leapt halfway up to the top.

Laura grabbed Marina by both her wrists and squeezed firmly to prevent her from pulling out her hair.

„Marina Marina Marina…please," begged Laura, looking concerned as she pulled Marina's hands away from her head. She rolled the hair bobble out of her hair, took Marina's hands, placed them on her head and implored, „Marina please, if you want to pull hair, pull my hair."

Marina immediately allayed her crying and looked at Laura with her hair down and her eyes closed, finding her fingers in Laura's silk, curly and glossy hair. Laura squeezed her lips together and closed her eyes expecting to feel pain if Marina was compelled to pull her hair.

„Laura I can't, I can't do it," sobbed Marina, slowly removing her hands from Laura's hair and resumed to shedding more tears.

„Marina don't," consoled Laura, cupping Marina's face with her hands and placed a long kiss on Marina's lips. When their lips were apart, Laura kept her face in close proximity with Marina's.

„Oh Laura, I feel so happy," whispered Marina, feeling comforted and at peace. Laura in return did not respond, she sunk her head down and begun to weep with her eyes closed. „Laura no, please," beseeched Marina, who took Laura's face, wrapped her lips around Laura's and kissed her avidly and passionately. They looked each other in the eyes and smiled, baring their teeth and treating themselves to another kiss, unable to find conclusion to their lust for each other's lips. Once they were able to control themselves and take a break from kissing, they kept their faces close to one another and commenced conversation.

„What happened Marina, why are you outside?" asked Laura with a curious frown.

„Olivia kicked me out, she thought I took advantage of you by getting you drunk," responded Marina.

„Oh Liv, must you always be this difficult?" tutted Laura, looking in the air pretending to speak to Olivia. „Come," commanded Laura helping Laura onto her feet, "We're going back inside." Laura held onto Marina's hand, unlocked the door and encouraged, „Remember, if Liv gives you a hard time, just let me know and I'll be right behind you."

„Thank you Laura, I'll try to be brave," said Marina, conveying assertiveness as she allowed herself to be let back in the flat.


Once Laura and Marina were back in the flat, they could hear the clanging and rattling of pans and other cookware. Still holding hands, they both walked into the kitchen and saw that both Isabel and Gustavo were in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Gustavo turned around after tying his apron and said, „Hey I hope you are both hungry for pancakes…." His sentence was disrupted when he saw Laura with the dark haired girl who accompanied her, who flinched after seeing another stranger, whose name and face she only knew. „Who's she?" questioned Gustavo, staring at the shy girl whose eyes were down on the empty floor. Isabel hearing her boyfriend imply that a stranger was in her house, caused her to look up while she was reading her book at the table.

„Hi Gus," greeted Laura, as she turned to look at Isabel still at the table, „Isabel" as Isabel remained seated staring at Marina. „This is Marina, say „Hi" Marina," requested Laura.

Marina looked up, waved and nervously mumbled, „Hi."

The room went dead silent, as both Gustavo and Isabel looked flabbergasted and tried to get words out of their gaping mouths. „That's Marina, what happened to her hoodie?" wondered Isabel, disbelieving this was the same girl who she recognized on her Facebook profile.

„Yeah it is, she had a makeover," revealed Laura.

„I see, new look, but still the same shy person," remarked Isabel.

„Where's Liv?" asked Laura, as coincidently Olivia entered the kitchen and was shocked to see Marina was back in the apartment. Olivia conveyed the same scorn and distrust towards Marina like before, it seemed she was about to get physical with her again, but seeing Laura by her side hindered her from doing so. „Liv, we need to talk," announced Laura with a stern tone of voice looking at Olivia in disapproval.

„Do you want us to leave you three alone," asked Gustavo.

„No it's okay, you can join in," responded Laura.

Laura and Marina sat next to each other at the table with Olivia and Gustavo sitting round the table too. Marina felt bullied with a group of four other people sitting at the table staring at her, but when she turned her attention to Laura, it calmed her nerves.

„Liv… why did you kick Marina out?" rebuked Laura, as Olivia tutted and rolled her eyes at Laura.

„Look I'm sorry okay, I didn't mean to overreact," explained Olivia, sounding distraught.

„I'm not the one you should be apologizing to you know," admonished Laura, glaring at Olivia.

Olivia turned her head to Marina and apologized, „Marina, I'm sorry... if you answered my question, I would have been easier on you."

„Shake hands you two," demanded Laura firmly. Instantly Olivia would throw out her outstretched hand, and Marina in response would slowly reach for it. Olivia grabbed Marina's fingers and firmly gripped them, as Marina let Olivia take control of her hand.

„I have one question about you and Marina," declared Olivia, as Laura looked at Olivia attentively, „Are you two really going out?"

The question sent shivers down Laura's spine. She was reluctant to answer the question straightaway, because she fretted it might change not only her friendship with Olivia and Isabel, but also her popularity around campus and on social media. This concern wasn't going to cloud Laura's judgement and perception of right and wrong, or even give in to peer pressure. She did not act suspicious in front of her friends, and act like she was attempting to lie on the spot, she looked at Marina squeezing her hands together looking nervous. She placed her hand on Marina's left hand and held her palm in hers, which eased Marina's tension on how Laura was going to answer Olivia's insistent question.

„We're seeing each other, I'm just unsure if I'm ready for a new relationship at the moment," answered Laura.

Olivia dropped her jaw and breathed in slowly and deep, looking shocked or even emotionally hurt from what she heard. It became suspicious that maybe Olivia was jealous that Marina has won Laura's heart and would be bonding with her.

„So you're a lesbian now," questioned Isabel.

Laura bit her lip and responded, „Well I'm bisexual."

„Did you tell your mum about this?" asked Gustavo.

Laura spontaneously confirmed, „I already did, she took it well."

„What will Tyler think if he heard about this?" pondered Isabel.

Laura suggested, „Maybe it's too early to tell him, besides nothing is official yet between Marina and I, it's just we need to time to explore each other and then come to conclusions."

„I know this is asking a lot, but do you think you could perhaps… you know, prove it?" demanded Olivia, looking suspicious and not entirely convinced.

Laura didn't react shocked by Olivia's demand for proof. Instead she smiled in approval and turned her head to face Marina who was doing the same, they both smiled and moved in to kiss. After a short kiss, they drew their lips apart and kept their faces within an inch of each other. They raised a smile on their faces, before they turned to look back at their audience, who expressed astonishment; finding it hard to believe what they just witnessed.

„Okay that's good enough for me," expressed Olivia, sounding convinced.

„Wow, that was unexpected, guess you two really are seeing each other… Anyway, I better get back to pancake making," said Gustavo, launching himself off the chair and tended to the cooking, while Olivia and Isabel fixed their eyes on Laura and Marina still holding hands expressing affection. „Oh great, I think I forgot baking powder," grumbled Gustavo, as he turned around and clasped his hands loudly, „Guess I'm going to have to go out and get some then wont I?"

Isabel shoved back her chair, making an unpleasant screech and insisted, „I'm coming too, you're always so forgetful when you go shopping."

„I am not," objected Gustavo.

„Yes you are, that's why you always get me to do the shopping," argued Isabel.

Gustavo and Isabel's arguing continued from the kitchen to the front door, where their voices faded into silence, leaving Olivia, Laura and Marina in the kitchen alone.

„I better get in the shower, I stink," said Laura, getting onto her feet.

Marina looked up, smiled and disagreed, „No you don't Laura."

Laura turned to look at Marina and replied, „Just been out for a run, got to be nice and fresh for breakfast." Before Laura left the kitchen and into the hallway, she turned back to look at both Olivia and Marina and quipped, „No fighting you two."

When Laura was in the bathroom and had locked the door, Olivia and Marina remained seated looking neutral at each other.

„So, it seems Laura has made her choice," acknowledged Olivia, hinting slight censure about her friend's choice.

„I'm sorry," apologized Marina.

„No Marina, don't apologize. I just hope whatever decision she makes, she will have made the right one," clarified Olivia.

„I can understand if you're protective of Laura, she is doing her best to please everyone, because she's so nice," accepted Marina.

Olivia glared at Marina and burrowed her eyes into Marina's and catechized, „Nice, just nice?…. too nice for her own good if you ask me… in fact, it almost got her killed."

Marina gasped and was in shock to hear that Laura had a near death experience, she inquired, „What do mean she almost got killed?"

Olivia didn't respond straight away, she just continued to fix her eyes on Marina. After feeling reluctant to disclose the secret with her, she leaned against the backrest of the chair, breathed out and revealed, „Okay I'll tell you… when Laura, Isabel and I were kids, out in the playground; this man in his car pulled over. I didn't notice it at first, because I was busy interacting with Isabel, but before we knew it; we saw Laura climb into the stranger's car and he drove off with her. From what we saw of him, we knew he wasn't her daddy or any relative of hers, and that was where we got worried and ran to Laura's house, and informed her mother that Laura got into another man's car. Of course Laura's mum immediately called the police and luckily they were able to catch him, and Laura was recovered unharmed. It wasn't until much later, when it was revealed that the man who almost abducted Laura, was a notorious child abductor who had killed a child before. It was obvious that Laura would more than likely have been killed if the circumstances turned out for the worse."

Marina went pale and started to shiver, piecing together the events in her head, which made her want to throw up. „Oh my… that's so terrible, I never knew," horrified Marina, as Olivia gulped, looked down at the table and nodded.

„From that moment on, Laura's mum would never let Laura out to play without her or her father accompanying her," divulged Olivia.

„I guess that's why you are so overprotective of her, is that right?" asked Marina.

Olivia again nodded and confirmed, „That's right, I may not have been that protective of Laura before. Isabel and I treated her as the odd one out and to be our personal slave, but after the trauma of almost losing her, I wanted to redeem myself by being Laura's big sister; and make sure that no one takes advantage of her kindness or harms her in anyway again."

Marina looked at the table trying to let her understanding of Olivia's overprotectiveness of Laura sink in, and responded, „I don't blame you Olivia, I would have done the same thing."

Olivia smiled at Marina, and this was the first time Marina had ever received a smile from Olivia.

„Glad you understand Marina," responded Olivia, placing her hand on Marina hand, which was placed on the table, „I will admit, you are a very pretty girl."

Marina raised a smile on her face, feeling touched by Olivia's compliment. „Thank you Olivia, so are you," thanked Marina, as Olivia would smile too, „You know, I can understand if you don't trust me, well at least not fully anyway."

„Well yeah, I don't know you well, so it's going to take time for me to trust you; but I do want to know what is with all that obscene content you have on your timeline?" asked Olivia with piercing eyes.

Marina tried to comprehend what Olivia asked her, but then understood what Olivia was referring to and explained, „It's long and complicated, it's best you ask Laura, she knows my secret life."

Olivia swallowed and accepted that the truth behind Marina will remain veiled until a later time. „Okay, but I have one thing to ask in regards to what's going on between you and Laura," inferred Olivia, as Marina gave her full attention. Olivia formed a stern facial expression, stressing firmly, „Don't manipulate Laura, because if you do, that's when I'll get involved; and it's not going to be pretty, got it?"

Marina stared passively, browbeaten by the harshness of Olivia's tone and facial expression, she nodded and vowed, „I promise, I will respect Laura's wishes."

Olivia paused, maintained her stern facial expression and approved, „Good girl, now get some pants on, we don't walk around and sit here in our panties."

Olivia got off the table without bestowing Marina another smile. She walked boldly out of the kitchen, leaving Marina the only one in the kitchen. Feeling lonely and isolated in the small desolate and dreary kitchen, Marina left too and destined towards Laura's room.


Once Marina was in the sunlit and balmy bedroom, she proceeded to get dressed in the clothes that Laura bought her yesterday. In the process of taking off her top, Laura walked into the room wearing a towel around her body and a towel turban on her head.

„Hey," whispered Laura with a smile. Marina rotated her body to face Laura, who took small steps towards the bed and sat down.

Marina worried and assumed, „I guess you want me to leave the room while you get dressed?"

Laura shook her head and bewildered, „Why? We're both female here, isn't it normal for women to be naked in the same room?"

Marina nodded and agreed, „I guess so, maybe I'm trying to be a gentlemen or gentle-lady if I may say so when it's unnecessary." The two chortled and Marina looked down at Laura's bare wet and glistening skin, which aroused her. Marina fixed her eyes on Laura, which Laura began to notice.

„You want to see me naked?" asked Laura in a soft delicate tone with a seductive smile on her face. Laura's offer to exhibit her naked body for the first time, caused Marina to shudder and tremble with excitement, feeling cold air in her lungs and her heart pumping. Marina responded without a verbal answer, but a swift nod, feeling too sexually excited to communicate with words.

Laura removes the turban from her head, and lets her damp curly hair down over her shoulders, while Marina slips off the panties she's wearing. Laura gets off the bed as Marina strips off the T-shirt, and Laura simultaneously removes the towel as the two flaunt their naked bodies. Marina was stunned and impressed by the sight of Laura's naked body, with how impeccable and serene her skin looked. She had perfectly rounded breasts with a large peach colored areola, and a small dappled nipple in the centre. Her belly was perfectly flat, with stomach muscles (v-shaped) jutting out and an inward belly button. This lascivious sight warmed Marina's blood, she could feel her own blood circulation as it rushed around her body, going in and out of her beating heart. Her breathing pattern diminished and dithered every time she exhaled.

Laura also glanced at Marina's naked body, which was pale like snow, but in the sunlight her skin glowed into a captivating reddish-peachy colour. Her breasts were small and modest, and she had a slim and slender figure, mainly because of her poor monotonous diet.

After examining each other's bodies from chest to toe, their eyes met one another, and they smiled with amusement and hilarity. They advanced towards each other to make physical contact. Marina gazed down at Laura's breasts, and slowly raised her hands towards the rounded supple, enticing pair.

„May I," asked Marina tensely. Laura threw her arms behind her back, hummed and nodded her head approvingly.

With Laura's consent, Marina stroked the side of Laura's breasts with the tips of her fingers, which made Laura giggle through her closed mouth. She gently squeezed the soft, limber and silky breasts and felt the hard nipples with her thumbs. This was the first time she had ever touched another female's breasts, and this new experience amazed and stimulated her.

„Wow Laura, these are amazing, they are more beautiful than I expected," adored Marina, continuing to bask in the pleasure of touching Laura's full grown breasts.

„It's your turn Marina," said Laura. Marina immediately halted, relaxed her arms and waited anxiously for Laura's hands to touch her breasts. Marina's nipples promptly went hard when Laura's hands were only an inch away from physical contact. When Laura's hands were on Marina's breasts, she felt really ticklish and giggled as breath exited out of her nose. Laura then gently massaged Marina's chest with her fingertips, creating an erogenous sensation in her body.

Laura eventually worked her fingers down to Marina's sides where her kidneys were, and Marina moved in closer and they both embraced, with their naked bodies pressed together. They had their arms around each other and their faces were close. The two kissed and caressed, until there was a loud knock on the door. Laura turned her head to the door and hinted that it was Gustavo, who usually knocked on the door unlike Olivia and Isabel.

„Pancakes are ready, come and get them," announced Gustavo, conveying his friendly and unique charisma.

„We're coming," affirmed Laura, as she turned back to Marina and smiled, „We should get dressed." Marina nodded and the two nimbly proceeded to get dressed. Marina got dressed in the clothes she wore yesterday, and Laura got dressed into some casual clothes she would normally wear in the house.


When the two were dressed and ready for breakfast, they went into the dining room where Isabel and Olivia were already seated at the table. Gustavo was occupied with the cooking and had the first pancake in the frying pan.

„How do you like your pancakes Marina?" asked Gustavo, fervently looking gingerly at Marina, which intimidated her a little.

„I.. never had pancakes before, I'm not sure how you make them," doubted Marina, maintaining eye contact with Gustavo.

„You want lemon juice, syrup, Nutella or powder sugar?" asked Gustavo.

After a moment's hesitation, Marina forcibly decided, „Just a pancake with a little sugar please."

Gustavo nodded right away and complied, „Coming right up" as he added powder sugar to Marina's pancake, hovered the frying pan over her plate, slid the pancake on; and brought it to her. Marina looked down at her pancake without picking up her cutlery, and Gustavo ordered, „Eat Marina, eat, cold pancake (tuts) not good."

Marina looked around at everyone sitting at the table looking at her, and she asked, „You sure you don't mind if I eat before you do?"

„Eat Marina, it's okay, we can wait for our pancakes," ensured Laura, placing her hand on Marina's.

While everyone else waited for Gustavo to serve them their pancakes, Marina begun to eat her pancake. The way she ate her pancake was bizarre, she cut the pancake into small pieces and put each piece in her mouth, before she ate another piece. Olivia found Marina's table manners awkward and embarrassing, she was tempted to eat hers in her bedroom.

When everyone had their first pancake and Gustavo made his own pancakes, they all engaged in conversation which mainly revolved around gossip around campus. One topic Gustavo brought up was the possibility that Kobe has the FBI on his tail for hacking into police records. Marina not being the center of attention in the social circle, begun to feel lonely, just as lonely as she was before she was allowed to sit with a group of people. She did not attempt to break in, because she didn't have anything relevant to say which could extend the subject. All she did was sit with her arms folded at the table and smile, even tried to laugh when everyone else did.

Olivia impulsively cut in when there was a moment of silence. She seized the opportunity to get clarification about Marina from Laura. „May I just butt in, I think Laura has something to share about Marina, in regards to her paranormal activity on her profile," hinted Olivia, looking at Laura with a stern expression. Laura acted puzzled trying to comprehend what Olivia meant, but then recalled what Olivia was referring to.

Laura turned to look at Marina who was looking on edge about Olivia's suspicions, and she gently squeezed Marina's hand and asked, „Marina, are you okay telling everyone about your special abilities?"

Marina went white as a sheet and her lip hung open, hesitating whether it would be a good idea to demonstrate her witchcraft. With a gentle nod, Laura nodded in response and turned to Marina's eventual audience and cautioned, „Okay just to warn you, you might be shocked what you are about to see."

Laura slowly removed her hand away from Marina's hand and pressed her back against her seat, while watching Marina perform her supernatural abilities. Marina gave herself time, as everyone around the table gazed at what they were about to see, which would more than likely disturb them.

Marina sat still with her eyes wide open, as she summoned a swarm of wasps that appeared behind her back, and swarmed around her buzzing loudly. This sight made Olivia slide her chair backwards and get on her feet. Isabel would cling onto Gustavo for protection, and Gustavo held his girlfriend close to his chest. Laura on the other hand remained seated and was calm, even when the wasps buzzed around her and were close to her face.

Marina did make the swarm of wasps disappear into obscurity. Her audience was calm and took time to let what they saw sink in. Olivia sat back on her chair and Gustavo released Isabel. They both stared at Marina, still baffled and unsure what to feel.

„Is that all you can do?" wondered Gustavo, curious to know if Marina has other abilities other than summon wasps and command them.

„Well I can also do this," revealed Marina. Olivia gripped the crucifix around her neck to brace the next spell Marina was about to conjure. Marina stuck out her arm and made a mirror behind Isabel and Gustavo appear on the wall. Isabel and Gustavo turned to see the creepy looking mirror hanging on the wall.

„Wow (nods) that's impressive," reacted Gustavo and watched it disappear into a swirl of smoke. Once Gustavo turned back to fix his eyes on Marina, who was conveying an expression of pride. „Anything else," asked Gustavo, inclined to know if Marina can perform more spells.

„Unfortunately these are the only spells I can conjure in the material realm, everything else I would have to carry out a ritual," explained Marina, which brought the room to remain silent, „Oh, and I can infiltrate people's dreams if I wanted to, even orchestrate them."

„Well you stay out of my dream Marina, no offense, but I don't think your idea of a dream wouldn't coincide with my idea of a dream," requested Olivia.

„No problem, I don't intend to dive into your dreams anytime soon," joked Marina, giving Olivia a smug smile.

„So… you're a witch aren't you?" asked Isabel without feeling unease.

„Well you can say that, but it doesn't mean I can ride a broom and fly," laughed Marina with a grin, hoping to make Isabel join in the laughter.

„Did you always have these abilities?" inquired Gustavo, showing more curiosity than he did before he was ready to believe Marina had supernatural abilities.

„Well yeah, it's long and complicated, even I'm trying to find out my origin; and what I'm destined for," uncovered Marina.

„How much do you know already about your origin?" asked Laura, determined to learn more.

„Well my family, my mum's side of the family anyway, has had connections with paganism or witchcraft; whatever you want to call it. Have you ever heard of Prussia?" asked Marina.

Everyone hesitated for a while before coming to conclusion and shaking their heads and Gustavo answered and guessed, „No, somewhere in Europe I guess."

„Well today it's North Poland, East-Prussia is now a province of Russia. Before Christianity became the dominant religion in Europe, paganism was practiced in many countries. Without going into too much historic detail, Prussia was inhabited by people who spoke their own language; but when Germans and Poles fought the inhabitants, they didn't only just abolish their religion, but also their language. From there on, they were given a new language and were forced to accept and follow Christianity. So to say the least, my ancestors were one of the old Prussians, who more than likely continued their old traditions and witchcraft, and brought it to the States," expounded Marina.

„Wow, that's a lot to take in, never was into history until now," bantered Gustavo giving a long whistle to express astonishment.

„What about your father? You never told me about him," inquired Laura.

„My mother I know more about, but as for my father, he was Kurdish apparently," revealed Marina.

„Mills? hmm, not a Kurdish name if you ask me," figured Gustavo, rotating his thumbs around one another.

„No, my adoptive parents go by the surname Mills, my surname was originally Nedifar," revealed Marina.

Gustavo nodded and clicked his tongue and reacted, „I see, you know, you should meet my friend Kobe; he's into all this supernatural shit you're into."

Marina blushed, shook her head and responded, „That sounds nice, but I'm not into the idea of dating boys."

„Oh no, not go out with him, you're seeing Laura. It's just you and him would really bond, he's also friends with Laura," suggested Gustavo.

„Oh okay, yeah I'll be happy to meet him sometime," considered Marina and Laura grabbed Marina's hand.

„Oh no he doesn't, you're my girl not his," quipped Laura, holding Marina's hand tight.

„Unless he's still not over you… you never know, he might still be holding out for you, or maybe he's finally open to other girls," mulled Olivia.

„I think he knows I'm single, so at least Tyler wont be going for his throat anytime soon!" wisecracked Laura without the name of her ex causing her to grieve. Maybe this was a sign that she was ready to move on from Tyler, and start enjoying her new life.


Marina's Diary 25th of October 2016

A new chapter had begun in my life, not only does it look like I've gained social acceptance, but also the possibility of romantic love. Originally I only wanted Laura to be my friend, but then eventually those feelings for her evolved into romantic feelings, and I could no longer deny them. When it seemed those feelings for her would jeopardize the friendship, a new hope emerged where my love for her would be requited, and we started seeing each other.

Every time Laura and I kissed, I was on top of the world, not just that, that was how I generally felt every time our lips touched. Kissing her lips gave me a sense of closure, where I could put my bitter past aside. I have done it, I was finally at peace with myself, I can now begin my new life with the girl I love. The future between her and I remains unwritten, and it's up to me how I'm going to make things work out between us. One thing is for certain, I'm going to devote my entire life to her and give her the love she deserves.

After having breakfast at Laura's flat, I did give Laura the space she wanted, and spent the remainder of my weekend at my dorm. There I listened to Genesis for the first time. I played the CDs that Laura's mum leant me, and that was where I discovered a new passion for someone else. Of course that wasn't to say that Laura is no longer the person I'm devoting my entire life to, but this new passion became another source of inspiration for me. This person was the lead singer of Genesis himself, Phil Collins.


Marina's Essay: Genesis, The Beginning Of A New Era

Phil Collins begun as the drummer for the band Genesis, but when the original singer Peter Gabriel left, he proclaimed himself to become the band's new lead-singer. The albums I listened to "A Trick of the Tail" and "Wind & Wuthering" were the first two albums, which begun Phil Collins' era of Genesis.

The first track on the album „Dance On A Volcano" did have a captivating intro, which inclined me to keep listening. Listening to the track's lyrics, I could relate them to my fear of being abandoned, and how I took that courageous step to try and befriend Laura; and woo her, even if those advances were risky and could sabotage the whole friendship.

„Entangled" had a slow and dreamy rhythm with deep soothing lyrics (pertaining to mental illness) and a great accoustic guitar line, with an eerie instrumental near the closing of the track.

„Squonk" was the first track on the album, which made me tap my fingers and bob my head in accordance to the catchy beat. I even loved the drum beat and the sound of the bass guitar that played in the intro, before a keyboard melody intervenes. Of course I knew that a squonk was a fearsome weeping creature from American folklore, who I often compared myself to. Again this was a track I could relate to, especially the closing lyrics:

All in all you are a very dying race

Placing trust upon a cruel world

You never had the things you thought you should've had

And you'll not get them now

And all the while in [Incomprehensible] time

Your tears are falling on the ground

Oh, no, no, no, no, no

„Mad Man Moon" was a slower track with lyrics, which made me think of how empty and dull my perspective of the world was, until I had experienced my moment of grace.

„Robbery, Assault and Battery" was where Phil Collins emphasizes his London accent and sings the song in a humorous, narrative and dictional style about the legal system, and how it's continously abused and perverted.

„Ripples" was another slow track, which seemed to relate to beauty, and how it fades as we get older. That was when I realized that you need to make the best of your youth before it's gone.

„A Trick of the Tail" was probably what I would define as the least rock sounding out of all the tracks, more of a pop song with such a captivating vibe.

„Los Endos" was the most instrumental track and the last track on the album, and it does go to show how they add in a reprise from „Dance On A Volcano" and „Squonk". The track also exploited the talents of the other members Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks. I loved how Steve and Mike blended their guitar style with some of the tracks, but Tony Banks' keyboard playing was a contribution I give the most credit for. I loved his wide variety of sounds with the keyboard and synthesizer, and how he implements them into each track.

The second Phil Collins Genesis album „Wind & Wuthering" had a more jaunty vibe with the opening track „Eleventh Earl of Mar", which compelled me to move my body while remaining seated. Of course I'm not going to go through each track on the album like I did with „A Trick of the Tail", because that was to explain in vivid detail detail how I got into Genesis. I will however give honorable mentions to tracks on the album, which I think need to be acknowledged.

„Your Own Special Way" I would deem as the most romantic track on the album, which always made me think of Laura, and how much I wanted to hold her.

Tracks such as „One for the Vine", „Wot Gorilla" and „All in a Mouse's Night" again demonstrated Tony Banks' amazing ability with the keyboard and sympathizer, applying intensity and accelerando to the notes he played.

„Afterglow" is another romantic track on the album, and a great conclusion to another great album by Genesis. I love how soothing and atmospheric the track is, and how it portrays love after death. If a loved one passes away, the widowed spouse will sense their deceased lover as they go on living, but long to feel their presence once more. If Laura or I were to pass away, one will walk the earth, and the other will watch from above; waiting for a reunion in the afterlife, where we will live forever in eternity.

You might be wondering if these were the albums that got me into Phil Collins, but in all honesty, these weren't the albums that distinguished or differentiated Phil Collins from the other members; and made him the icon he is today. It was the next two albums where I begun to understand Phil Collins and truly idolize him for the man he is.


Marina's Diary 30th of October 2016

My lonely days are over, now that I'm not only friends with Laura, but also her other acquaintances as well. Shortly after what I considered the best day of my life, I mustered the courage to add new people to my friends list on Facebook.

It didn't take long till I got a response from Caroline after I sent her my friend request, who became my second Facebook friend. Gustavo also responded to my friend request, and became my third Facebook friend, but as for Isabel; it took a while before she decided to accept my add. Olivia, who I suspected never liked me and I'm not sure if she ever will, hasn't responded to my friend request; and maybe it will take time or just never happen, and the relationship will always be toxic. I even decided to add Tyler as a friend on Facebook, and as I expected, he accepted my friend request and became my fifth Facebook friend. Maybe it was because the visit I paid him, we instantly connected and I helped him overcome his grievance after breaking up with Laura.

I also visited Sabrina's beautician page on Facebook, where I browsed and learnt more about cosmetics, and how to apply them. She also provided her contact details and the services she can provide on her page, which would prove useful should I ever need her advice in the future.


Marina's Essay: Pink Floyd, Which One's Pink?

There was that message Caroline gave, which I recall as „Shine On You Crazy Diamond". Only recently did I actually find out what it meant, and what she was referring to, which I will analyze in my next paragraph.

„Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is a rock classic by English rock band Pink Floyd, who I've never heard of until Caroline whispered that title into my ear, and I subsequently discovered the band. The song was dedicated to former lead singer, or what fans would regard as the original talent of Pink Floyd "Syd Barret". Syd Barret was known and respected to be a genius in the arts, and a very sociable guy, who would approach any stranger and introduce himself in a very friendly and ardent manner.

When the Pink Floyd's first album was released and their career took off, everything changed for Syd Barret and the band itself. Syd Barret's behavior would change, and he would get occasional mood swings. This would not only affect his social life, but also his music career, and his relationship with the band. Many fans debate that Syd's sudden mental breakdown was a result of an excessive drug intake, schizophrenia or the pressure of becoming famous.

Syd Barret would sometimes go on stage and give little to no performance, which infuriated the other band members. It got to the stage where they would even ditch Syd and perform a gig by themselves. Eventually Syd knew about his band members who were also his friends (before the band being formed), were purposely doing gigs without him, and as a result; he eventually agreed to part from the band.

„Shine On You Crazy Diamond" including the whole album „Wish You Were Here" was a tribute to Syd Barret, which narrated his descent into depression, madness and instability. In other words „Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is an idiom of the band saying „Snap out of it!" or „Get it together!", but the way I interpret it from Caroline's point of view is, „Be brave, and show the world what a rare diamond you are."

It goes to to show that the other members of Pink Floyd did hold fond memories for Syd, and dreamt that one day he would rejoin the band. Sadly that never did happen, and he stayed reclusive and distant from music until his death on the 7th of July 2006. Till this day, many Pink Floyd fans regard him as Pink Floyd himself.

My essay on Pink Floyd has truly opened up my eyes to get myself together and prove to Laura, Caroline and everyone else that I can shine like the diamond I am. I maybe crazy, but I know I can be as dazzling and alluring as a diamond should be.

I've been seclusive and shy most of my life, kind of like Syd Barret, but the only difference was he became that way. I cannot do what he did to his friends, let them down by behaving the way he did, but be supportive and reliable.


Marina's Diary 31st of October 2016

Today is Halloween, the season of witches and other things supernatural or superstitious. Laura has arranged a Halloween party round hers, with all her close friends including me participating. Unfortunately Tyler for some reason wasn't invited or just declined an invitation, understandable, he just needs more time to get over Laura. I helped decorating the house with Laura and Olivia, while Gustavo and Isabel prepared the snacks.

After 17:00 we got into our costumes: Olivia as Catwoman, Isabel as Magenta (from Rocky Horror Picture Show), Gustavo as Frodo Baggins, Laura as a witch and I as Medusa.

Laura's witch costume was basically a tight black, silk, long sleeved, long dress, which ran all the way down to her feet. She even wore a pointy witch's hat in order to complete the image. The tight dress truly showed her athletic figure, I could almost picture her naked again. Her make up was red nail varnish and ruby-red lipstick, which did make her look so sexy, I was compelled to kiss her again. Of course I knew that Laura and I were seeing each other, which didn't mean I could kiss her in front of an audience whenever I wanted.

My Medusa costume didn't look as authentic as I would have expected, I didn't put a makeshift wig of snakes on my head, which would have made my costume look so cheesy. Instead I had my hair in curls, as each curl would be made to look like a snake. Each curl was glossed and two tiny plastic hair-jewels were applied to the end to make it look like a snake was in my hair. Both Laura and Olivia worked together on my hairstyle, and did a very good job to make it look authentic as possible. For the rest of my costume I wore a tight black, sleeveless cocktail dress with a transparent pattern, and for make up, I wore purple nail varnish and purple lipstick.

When Gustavo saw me in my costume, he mistook me for Rita Repulsa from Mighty Morphan Power Rangers, which made me laugh with the way he reacted by being sarcastic and playful. I even laughed at his hilarious curly hair, which was obviously drenched in hairspray. He even held a plastic replica of the sword „Sting" which Frodo used on his quest, it even glowed blue with a button on the handle that could be pressed.

Kobe turned up around 17:30 dressed as Wolverine in a white vest and some metallic looking claws, and got into character, which made Laura laugh with amusement. He even drew his prosthetic claws next to Laura's belly, which made her flinch and laugh at the same time. Seeing Laura laugh and full of joy, made me smile and smitten with how frolicsome and mellow she is.

Through Laura did I meet Kobe (recognized him from Laura's birthday photo) for the first time, and I remember him looking at me with infatuation in his eyes. It was the same reaction I got from Isabel and Gustavo when they noticed my image change, the only difference was Kobe acted as if he was instantly attracted to me. He offered me his hand, but when I gave it to him, he held my fingers tight; drew my hand towards his mouth, and kissed it. I giggled and blushed when he did that, but I got the awkward feeling that he was trying to flirt with me or intend to make a move on me.

Our Halloween party commenced with a few games like candy corn relay race, charades and a horror trivia game. During the horror trivia game, I remember implying to everyone that Frankenstein is the name of the doctor, and not monster. They all acted with surprise (on the exception of Kobe) as they all assumed like most children did, that Frankenstein was the name of the monster. Kobe knowing that fact drew his eyes on me and smiled at the thought that him and I connect. He might be unaware from our first encounter that I am a lesbian, and I am devoted to Laura, which means I'm going to have to be wary around him; should he start flirting with me.

The highlight of the night, was a vision quest, which everyone willingly participated in. We sat in a circle around a bowl of burning herbs and other additives, and joined hands as we breathed in the essence that engulfed the room. Everyone had their own private vision quest as Laura and I would share one together, where we floated in a starlit sky environment. We held hands, we embraced and one moment we kissed, which felt real to the touch.

When we ended the vision quest and everyone woke up, everyone was impressed and grateful for the vision quest I granted them. Kobe was the most impressed and embraced me to show his gratitude, which made me feel a little bit uncomfortable, but I humored him and allowed him physical contact. Olivia was the only one that showed less enthusiasm, obviously indicating that she hasn't warmed up to me yet, but did smile at me briefly before reverting back to her cold facial expression.

We concluded the night by watching a horror film called „Ginger Snaps", which was about two sisters where one becomes a werewolf. During the film, Laura and I were sat next to each other as we did hold hands, especially during the tense moments of the film when Laura squeezed my hand. I even stroked the back of Laura's hand to help her relax and feel comfortable watching a horror film, which struck me as obvious that horror was not her favorite genre.

After watching the film, we were all tired and decided to go to bed. Kobe was offered the sofa to sleep on. I remember seeing Kobe embracing Laura with the look of affection, which hinted that he still had a crush on Laura. This did make me jealous to see another person, especially a man embrace my girl, but I did not interfere and just let them hug.

Afterwards Kobe embraced me, which I allowed him to do so for Laura's sake. When he released me, he invited me to hang out with him, which I graciously and without thought accepted his offer. Laura was proud to see that I'm making new friends, and even supported the idea that I have a private hangout with Kobe.

Before Laura stripped off her halloween costume, she attempted to wipe the red lipstick off her lips, and before she could; I stopped her from doing so. I was so enticed and inflamed to kiss her big lush, red lips. We kissed vehemently and intensely and when our lips separated, I could see the mess her lipstick made on my mouth, as it was smudged. She wiped my mouth clean, and I did the same to her, as her mouth was also smudged in her own lipstick. Afterwards when our mouths were clean, we kissed again and zealously smiled at each other. I will admit that it was one of the most epic kisses I ever bestowed on Laura, or even received from her, every kiss I would share from Laura was like being airborne; or on top of the world and looking down at creation.

We both got dressed for bed, got into bed and snuggled together tenderly, and talked about the fun we had that night. Laura even confessed to me that she's still a little disturbed about the horror film we watched, and I promised her she wont have nightmares tonight. Even though I hate to keep promises I can't guarantee to keep, I promised her just to calm her and help her sleep. Laura even called me her little dolly and told me to never leave her arms, and from that moment on, I never felt so loved and cherished in my life.

When we did wake up, I found Laura beside me, just what I wanted to see whenever I wake up. We stroked each other's hair, faces and arms. We talked about the previous night some more, and that none of us had experienced a nightmare on that night. I had accomplished my mission of preventing Laura having the nightmare she fretted, and that I fell asleep in her arms.


Laura's Diary 1st of November 2016

A new day to commence the new month, which initiates a new chapter in my life and how I want to take things to the next level. With each passing day from when I experienced the privileged life of being single again, I considered how I wanted to continue my relationship status from there on.

Mourning and stewing on the break up with Tyler, how we eventually got back on speaking terms again, but still decided to remain separated; I often considered if I want to get back together with him or not. I assessed all the positives, the negatives and the fun times we had together, which kept our relationship strong and passionate. This wasn't a sign that it was always going to be forever, and that there were going to be tensions, which could bring the relationship to an end; which it did of course.

Part of me is thankful that it did happen. I got the opportunity to be free from his controlling and overprotective behaviour, which I have for so long tolerated. It was kind of a relief as it must have happened for a reason, I didn't know it at first, but now I think I do; it was because of this one girl, Marina.

Marina has been the one person who completely changed my life, and if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have emotionally recovered from heartbreak sooner than I needed to. Even though she did steal a kiss from me, and was what caused the misunderstanding that sabotaged my relationship with Tyler, I couldn't hold her fully responsible or accountable for her selfish action.

How do I compare the way Tyler kisses me and the way Marina kisses me, or the frame of mood I'm in when I taste the lips of the opposite gender, or those of my own gender? I could always remember feeling Tyler's stubble when I kissed him, and of course the cologne he often wore. I even liked caressing his manly abs and other toned muscles, which he worked very hard to obtain.

When I kiss Marina, I do feel her smooth skin and wide curvy lips, and how she gives a certain tenderness when she kisses my lips; somewhat different than the way Tyler kisses me. Marina's style of kissing is more wild and aggressive, but delicate at the same time, kind of like a leaf blowing in the wind.

Kissing a woman feels different than kissing a man, of course men (a majority of them) have stubble and a strong odor, but physical oral contact with a women feels more natural and strangely more desirable. I was in no way embarrassed or uneased about kissing my own gender, in fact, I sensed more of a physical connection and better chemistry. Kissing a man was more like being dominated, but at the same time, it was a feeling of security and comfort. In the arms of a man, I was shielded by everything physical and emotional that could attack me, and make me yearn for a male's embrace. Only a male could serve as my white knight and be my guardian to protect a vulnerable person like me.

This was how I would describe my bisexuality and how I knew I was attracted to both genders, which has put me in a position where I am proud of my sexual orientation. When I came out to my mum as bisexual, I was relieved that my mum took it well, and our mother and daughter bond remained strong; maybe even stronger than ever.

Now that I was in a comfortable and aware of my sexual orientation, I made a life changing choice, which gender I wanted to date. Before I made that decision, I pursued a project, which would define all my hard work and earn my degree. The project I'll be working on I have applicably named „Project Werther", which I named it after the tragic romance novel „The Sorrows of Young Werther" by Wolfang Johann von Goethe. The story centers on a young lively and ambitious man named "Werther", who falls madly in love with a young attractive girl called Lotte (Aka Charlotte). Although they bond together well and become very close friends, Lotte is already in a relationship with someone else, which Werther was aware of the whole time. However, this does not end Werther's fixation on Lotte and strong desire to win her heart. Eventually it gets to the point where Lotte finds Werther's clinginess and advances inappropriate, and finally shuns him. Werther is driven to despair when he comes to conclusion he will never win Lotte's heart, and commits suicide.

The book did gain a lot of critical acclaim and popularity among many readers, but it also did spark a controversy known as „Werther-Effekt" or „Copycat Suicide". Many readers of the book would commit suicide. This led the book to be banned in Italy, Denmark and Leipzig, Germany.

There is no doubt that I could instantly compare Marina to Werther and myself to Lotte, regarding Marina's fixation, and how I tried to keep her at arm's length; when her keenness became too much.

The whole process of this project would be to monitor, analyze, assess and keep record of Marina's behavioral pattern, and hopefully alleviate her fixation on me. I would expect the final results to be where Marina can look after herself, gain confidence and build healthy friendships with others.

In regards to how I was going to take my relationship status with Marina, I asked myself if I was doing the right thing, involving my project with how I was going to take things with her. I looked at Marina who was sitting at the desk on her laptop looking occupied with her Facebook account.

Cogitating and cerebrating about the consequences that could follow if something was to backfire; I also comprehended the positives that could happen, should everything go according to plan.

The advice I received from my late father, my mother and my friends convinced and encouraged me to take chances in life, even if they could turn out for the worse. Looking at Marina on the her profile updating her info, I watched her changing her relationship status from „single" to „it's complicated". From that moment, I decided to take action and follow my heart.

„Marina, what do you think you're doing?" snapped Laura, glaring at Marina, which shocked her and made her jump out of her skin.

„Laura, I'm sorry… I set my realationship status to „it's complicated", I can change it back if you want," panicked Marina, feeling coerced by Laura's disapproval, turning back to the laptop to reverse her settings.

Laura slammed her diary shut, threw it aside, got off the bed and paced towards Marina. From behind, Laura took control of Marina's laptop and moved the cursor to the dropdown menu and opened up the options. She hovered the cursor over the „in a relationship" option and clicked it.

This action made Marina glow with joy, she gilded a smile and questioned, „You mean we are…?" Laura did not answer Marina's question and instead stood upright and gestured her hand at the screen, allowing Marina to type in a little box whom she's in a relationship with. Marina immediately with a surge of energy quickly typed in Laura's full name, and before she could save the changes, Laura cleared her throat and again hovered over Marina.

„Together," said Laura, taking Marina's mouse clicking hand and aligned her finger over Marina's.

„Okay," nodded Marina in approval, still elated by what was about to happen.

With the cursor over the „save changes" option, the two counted to three and clicked on the option that saved their updated information, and showed them to now be in a relationship.

„Oh my god Laura, I can't believe this, we are officially a couple," exulted Marina.

„We are indeed," confirmed Laura, moving herself forward to kiss Marina. The two enjoyed their romantic moment to celebrate the beginning of a new relationship. After they finished kissing, Laura kept her face close to Marina and whispered with a smile, „We're going to need some photos."

Marina frowned in confusion as Laura pointed at the screen with her head to show Marina that there is an option to post photos on the post. The two used the camera on the laptop and used a timer to take some shots of them kissing. Some of the photos would be them kissing on the lips, kissing each other on the cheek or just having their faces close together. When they browsed through the photos and decided which ones to keep, they added in the photos and saved changes to the post.

Minutes later they would get a notifications, which would be the first response. Clicking on it, it was revealed that Caroline liked the post and also posted a positive comment with a happy looking emoji. Laura shared the post and would get many notifications, coming from those that liked it, to those that were shocked to know that Laura is going out with a girl. Even some had comments expressing how surprised they were that Laura is bisexual.

Laura and Marina sat on the bed together and would read through all the responses they would get, until there was a pause from receiving notifications. They decided to pass the time by throwing themselves on the bed, kissing and caressing, disregarding the many responses on their post that would follow.

„I love you Laura," whispered Marina affectionately.

„I love you too Marina," responded Laura. Marina smiled upon hearing that Laura loves her too, and they resumed to kissing while the notifications kept coming in. It turned out that sooner than later, everyone around campus and the community will know of Laura and Marina as an official same sex couple.

To be continued...