Chasing Soma by Amy Robyn Page B

There is the reason all the girls want him. He could probably even get up a girls skirt now if he wanted to. I never envied him though because the only person my body responds to is Sammy. I thought at one time that it had to be because it was forbidden. Though, as time goes by it has only grown in intensity and I no longer believe that is the reason.
    I walk over and sit down next to Trevor and start gathering my own flat rocks to skip across the water. We are quiet for a while as we enjoy the peace and tranquility that we have always had in our spot. I let the trickling sound soothe me as I breathe in the crisp air of winter. It is invigorating and comforting. This is one of the few constants in my life. This and my two best friends.
    “I know why you want to talk.” Trevor says as he throws another stone.
    “I saw the way you look at her too.” He says as he turns to look me in the eye, daring me to lie to him about it. I wouldn’t lie to him even if I could.
    “Yeah, I noticed that we both like her.” I look away as I says this. Here comes the hard part.
    “You know neither of us can be with her or we risk our friendship.” I tell him as a shudder works through me as though my body is revolting against the very idea of not pursuing Sammy.
    “I know but we will have to stay away from her then and I really hate doing that.” He says as I nod my head. I do not like it either but what choice do we have.
    “I don’t either but you know that we would end up fighting over her and it would ruin our friendship with each other and her too.” I tell him. We make a pact then and there that we will avoid her as much as we can. Unfortunately that also meant I wouldn’t have meals anymore at her grandmothers table. I would miss that nearly as much as I would miss her.
    I am going to miss the walks along the stream as we talked about nothing or everything. I will miss the way she smiles and how good she smells. I know what I am doing is right but that doesn’t make it any easier. I will keep you in my heart always. I think to myself as I look over at where her house is barely visible through the trees.

Chapter 3. 18 Years old. Trevor
    I sit in the place where my heart broke into a million pieces. I know that sounds like a pussy talking but it doesn’t change its truth. Yesterday, I saw them kissing. I saw his arms around her, under this very tree, as their lips moved against one another’s. We had agreed that neither could have her and yet he broke that promise the first chance he got. I have been in love with Sammy for as long as I can remember and agreeing to walk away, nearly destroyed me and it was all for nothing.
    I punch the tree again and the skin on my knuckle opens. Blood starts to flow down my hand. I shake it off and curse. I can’t get it out of my head. Stefan promised to stay away from her. Yes he is Stefan now because Step died yesterday. What would I have done in his place? My conscience says. Fuck. I would probably have kissed her. Damn it, I can’t even be mad at him.
    A twig snaps behind me and I turn to see her standing there looking at me and then down at my hand. A "V" forms in between her eyes with worry. I do not want her worry. I want her heart. I want her soul. I want her lips against mine as they had been with Step.
    “What’s the matter?” She asks so innocently and it pisses me off. How dare she ask me that?
    “Oh please you know I saw you kissing Step yesterday. Have you forgotten? You were right here and he was mauling you like an animal.” I know it’s an over exaggeration but the knife in my heart is still turning as my world has slipped off its axis.
    “Oh.” Is all she says? Oh. One word. One single fucking word. I take a step toward her. She doesn’t retreat. I am thankful for that. I reach out and run a finger down her soft cheek. She inhales sharply and takes my hand. She examines the damage to it. I am not feeling any pain. I am enthralled by her light touch. Her tongue