According to Lauren ... as she began writing about Piper's blossoming relationship with the very hot Alex ... "I found a mouthpiece for my own desires and a glimmer of what my future could look like."
Enter Samira Wiley -- who plays Poussey. It's Lauren's new GF.
According to divorce docs, it's all very amicable. She gets her Lexus, her apartment and her sapphire engagement ring. He gets THE MAZDA hatchback.