Zubaida woke up, in the middle of the night, to the sound of hissing and moaning coming from the general direction of Patricia and Kristen's bed.

She left her makeshift bed, a sleeping bag rolled out on the floor, to check if any of her friends were hurt. She groped her way in the darkness to find the switch and flicked it on, bathing the room in light.

Zubaida froze at the scene before her, unable to comprehend that this was actually happening.

Kristen and Patricia were tangled to each other, completely cloth less, in a very inappropriate position.

"Join us." Patricia beckoned Zubaida, invitingly. Her voice was husky and eyes shameless.

For full two minutes Zubaida stayed rooted to her spot, too stunned to move. Her mind and body were clashing, each wanting its own way.

Slowly Zubaida moved towards the bed...

..................
The first sight Zubaida had upon entering the apartment after finishing her duties at the library, was of Mary and some white guy plopped on the couch, with her hands around his neck.

Zubaida pretended not seeing them and tried passing by unnoticed.
"Hey Sweetheart, what's the hurry?" Said a male voice from behind her.
"Hi." Zubaida said ,turning around.

The man was on his feet. He covered the distance between them in a single stride.
"I'm Travis." He said with a smile, extending his right hand to Zubaida.
"Zubaida." She said, taking his hand.

Travis startled Zubaida by bringing her hand closer to his mouth and lightly brushing his lips against her knuckles.
"It is a pleasure meeting you, would love to have this honor again... soon." He said, sending a shiver down Zubaida's spine.

...................
"Is it halal°?" Zubaida asked dubiously, holding a burger in her hands.
"No, it's chicken." Lucy replied, not getting Zubaida's question.

It was Saturday and all the friends were gathered at Megan's place for a lazy afternoon.

"What I mean is, if the chicken was not slaughtered by a Muslim in the name of Allah, I can not eat it." Zubaida tried explaining.
"Well, obviously it was made by God and besides it's yummy." Patricia chimed in.
"And juicy." Kristen added, with a wink aimed at Zubaida.

Zubaida felt her cheeks flush with warmth and timidly lowered her eyes.

...................
°Halal: It refers to any object or an action permissible to use or engage in, according to Islamic law. The term covers not only food and drink but also all matters of daily life.