--fan2000
PART ONE: THE ULTERIOR MOTIVE
Karen Sterling was spending the afternoon shopping with her best friend, Nelly Costello. Not quite social misfits, they hung out with their usual circle of friends and purposely avoided the popular clique. Not that Ashley Major ever invited Karen to join her and her friends, despite the fact they had known each other since second grade. Karen and Nelly knew they just didn’t belong. It wasn’t because Karen and Nelly were chubby gals and Ashley’s company were slim sirens, but rather because the two friends found Ashley’s company to be highly superficial and abundantly arrogant.
Karen had a short blondish-brown mane that complimented her sweet face and a lovely 180-pound figure that was always nicely dressed. Nelly’s light brown hair was long and curly and her round face was quite pretty. At 195-pounds, Nelly wore plus size garments that showed off her womanly figure. The two friends had plenty of self-confidence and were brilliant as well. "You hungry yet?" Nelly asked as she held up a sweater to her body for size.
Karen slowly nodded, "Yeah, I could go for something to eat."
The friends made tracks to a trendy cafe located in the mall. "Guess who came into my dad’s bookstore last night?" Nelly asked as she nudged Karen in the ribs.
Karen smiled, "Tommy Lee Jones?"
Nelly stopped in her tracks, "What would Tommy Lee Jones be doing in my dad’s bookstore?"
Karen, always the smart aleck remarked, "I suppose he must read sometimes and your dad has a vast collection of old books. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that Tommy Lee Jones flew out from L.A. just to..."
Nelly interrupted her friend, "Randall Campbell, okay! Randy stopped by looking for a copy of Leaves of Grass." The girls continued on their trek to the cafe. "You do know Randy is hot and heavy for Jennifer Lang?" Jennifer Lang was one of Ashley’s best friends and perfectly fit in with her clique.
Nelly nodded, "Yeah, I guess. What does Randy even see in that narcissistic stick chick anyway?"
Karen informed her buddy, "She’s the type most guys fawn after. Supermodel body and beautiful face."
Nelly pouted, "It’s not fair, damn it. I’m attractive and bright, I’m working on an English Literature degree, and Jenny can’t even spell literature."
The gals reached the cafe as Karen politely told Nelly, "You’ll find your special guy one day and he’ll appreciate your beauty as well as your intellect."
Nelly tilted her head, "So it won’t happen between Randy and me?"
Karen walked into the cafe, "Not a chance."
The friends made themselves comfortable at a table in the cafe and were promptly waited on. Twenty minutes later as the gal’s were in the thick of their meal, none other then Ashley Majors and her entourage entered the cafe. Ashley had shoulder length black hair that was parted on the side and her facial features were of a unique beauty. A short young lady, standing at barely five feet three, Ashley had a voluptuous curvy figure. Due to her height, Ashley needed to watch her weight and was known to pack on the pounds rather easily. To keep her slender figure from inflating, Ashley was on a strict diet. Ashley was very popular with the guys, not only because of her looks, but also because of her outgoing, exuberant character. Though most of the guys who dated Ashley would drop her like a bad habit, once they discovered her to be pretentious and self-centered.
Along with Ashley was Monica Trident, Gem Astor and Jennifer Lang. Monica was an overly ambitious young lady who wanted to separate herself from her roots. She was attending Morianne Community College and hoped one day to enter law school. She despised her mother’s lack of education and felt embarrassed by her job at a fast food restaurant and her girth. Monica’s mother was a 320-pound couch potato who never opened a book. Monica worked very hard to distant herself from her mother’s behavior and lifestyle. Monica’s slim shapely figure was always dressed in trendy garments and her wavy brown mane was always set in a preppy hairstyle, unlike her mom who only dressed up if it fit the occasion. Gem Astor was a vivacious blond with an extremely attractive face and trim hourglass figure. Though Gem was in college, her mindset was in becoming a fashion model and she had the vibrant nature to pull it off. Gem would only associate with those she deemed beautiful with one exception, Shamus Gibson. Shamus was her best friend and she knew that he loved her, but she kept him at bay with long speeches about not wanting to ruin their friendship if the romance goes sour. The actually truth of the matter was Gem was attracted to cool guys who would spend wads of cash on her. Sure she liked Shamus, he was intelligent and good-natured, but a little nerdy and Gem didn’t want to travel down that path in romance. Jennifer Lang had an exquisite face perfectly framed by her gorgeous, long curly reddish-brown hair. Though Jennifer was a slender young lady, her face was mildly chubby with apple cheeks and a slight double chin. Jennifer was a slave to fashion and wore whatever was in style at the moment. Jennifer’s romance with Randall Campbell was an excellent match. Randall was just as conceited as his love and beyond superficial. Chicks fell for him like a ton of bricks due to his self-assured, nonchalant attitude and charm. Though he cheated on Jennifer countless times, she would always take him back.
Nelly immediately spotted the vixens entering the cafe and rolled her eyes, "Oh great, our friends have arrived."
Karen chuckled, "No big; it’s not high school where they used to tease us. Were adults now." Ashley’s company took to their table as Nelly watched. Karen tossed a French fry at her friend, "Eyes front and centered. Remember you’re here with me."
Nelly turned to her friend, "I hope they all order carbohydrates, especially Jenny." A wide smile appeared on Nelly’s face as she continued, "And it quickly turns into fat and the fat lands up in their butts."
Karen giggled, "Like that’s going to happen."
Nelly shrugged her shoulders, "I can wish, can’t I?"
Karen then noticed Ashley walking towards their table, "I think we’re in for a little visit."
Nelly twisted her head and looked, "Gosh, those jeans she’s wearing are so tight, if she put on an extra pound, they’d bust at the seams."
Ashley arrived at the table, a wide smile written across her beautiful face, "Hey Karen, hey Nelly, hear about the party Saturday night?"
The friends turned to each other, then back to Ashley. "No, why?" Karen asked. Ashley brushed back her bangs, "I thought you might want to come. It’s over at Kimberly Washington's house. Give me your number and I’ll call you later in the week with the details."
Karen was curious, "We don’t exactly socialize with each other, why the invitation?"
Ashley glanced over at the meal the girl’s were having and licked her lips, "I wish I could have cheeseburgers and fries. I only eat meat once a week and just ordered a salad and a turkey sandwich."
Karen cleared her throat, "That’s fine, but why invite us when we have never hung out?"
Nelly of course had her say, "Yeah, back in high school you were mean to us."
Ashley gently planted her hand upon Nelly’s shoulder. "That’s what? Two years ago, ancient history. I just thought you guys might want to partake in a little fun. I mean, so we’re not exactly friends, but we could be?"
Karen asked Nelly, "What do you think?"
Nelly sipped her diet cola, "It might be fun? Who knows, I might meet the man of my dreams?"
Karen seriously had her doubts, "I’m not sure their clique isn’t what we’re used too." Ashley pressed on, "All kinds of people will be there, even Shamus Gibson is going and he rarely goes to parties."
Karen folded her arms over her breasts. "I’ll think about it, okay?" Ashley reminded Karen that she needed her phone number and upon receiving it, left to join her friends. Karen asked Nelly, "Why would you want to hang out with those snobs anyway?"
Nelly giggled as she munched on a handful of fries, "Because Randy will be there."
Karen rolled her eyes. "You’re really smitten with the guy? But don’t forget Jenny will be there too."
Nelly nodded, "Yeah I know, but I’ll think of something to get his attention."
Karen thought it over on the way home from the mall and later phoned Nelly. "I guess it would be nice to meet new people and we can always leave if we’re not having a good time."
Nelly laughed, "Yeah, I don’t think everyone has such materialistic standards."
Thursday evening as Karen was studying, she received a phone call from Ashley. "Hey Karen, how’s it going?" Ashley asked in a voice full of enthusiasm.
Karen laid her pencil down, "Good. You’re calling about the party?"
Ashley acknowledged the question, "Sure am. It starts around seven and there’s going to be beer and plenty to eat. You need directions?"
Karen chewed on the tip of her pencil, "I know Kim’s place it’s on Taylor Street?"
Ashley remarked, "Yeah, so you’re coming?"
Karen rested her feet on chair and switched ears with the cordless, "Nelly and I will check it out."
Ashley giggled, "All right!"
Once off the phone Ashley made tracks to the kitchen and opened the fridge, "What shall I snack on?" Reaching for a slice of pie, her hand froze as she touched the plate. Ashley glanced over her thighs, snuggly dressed in her tight gray sweats, "I have to control these urges or my thighs will get too chunky." Instead she grabbed a peach, as she remarked with a giggle, "Then Ken Sterling won’t find me attractive."
Saturday night rolled around and Karen and Nelly looked too beautiful for words. Karen wore a light blue blouse and black slacks, while Nelly wore a black T-shirt and khaki slacks. Once at the party, Ashley promptly greeted the friends, "Hey! I’m glad you made it! Those slacks really compliment your figure Karen. Have you lost weight?"
Karen turned to Nelly, a confuse look upon her face, then back to Ashley, "No, but then again, I don’t weigh myself everyday."
Ashley giggled as she touched Karen’s shoulder, "You are so lucky Karen. If I didn’t weigh myself everyday, there would be so much more of me."
Nelly glanced over Ashley’s slender figure in a trendy pink top and form fitting black slacks, "Oh I can imagine you wouldn’t be wearing those tight slacks!"
Ashley bit her lip to hold back the catty remark on her mind and gave Nelly a phony smile. Monica walked over and joined in, "I see our new friends have arrived. Looking sharp ladies, that blouse looks perfect on you Karen."
Monica wore her hair up, set in a style that flattered her diamond shaped face and her slim figure was clad in a matching teal and purple top and skirt. Karen and Nelly stood there as the two vixens chattered about their wardrobes, dropping compliments like dimes in a box. After a few minutes Gem appeared, looking like a cover girl in a silver dress that drew attention to her buxom breasts and womanly hips. Gem as well went to extremes with the compliments then Ashley asked Gem if she wouldn’t mind escorting them to the refreshment table. Gem obliged and took the ladies over where the food and beer was being served. As Gem made small talk with Karen and Nelly, Shamus approached her. Shamus looked very casual but nice in a T-shirt and jeans, his hair slick back and a smile upon his face. "Hey Gem, we’re still going to the movies tomorrow?"
Gem slowly nodded and grinned, "Yeah we’re going, but remember it’s as friends."
Karen could tell by Shamus’s tone of voice and body language he was deeply in love with Gem. He was so happy just to be in her company. "Cool Gem, what time should I pick you up?"
Shamus opened a can of beer for Gem and handed it to her, as she replied, "Call me tomorrow afternoon, okay?"
Shamus shook his head, failing to see Gem checking out a guy across the room. Gem politely excused herself, but not before reminding Shamus, she needed a ride home. Shamus smiled as he agreed, then without his knowledge, Gem made tracks to the other man. Nelly smiled as she remarked to Shamus, "You really like Gem, uh?"
Shamus blushed, "Like isn’t a strong enough word for the way I feel about Gem."
Karen added her two cents worth; "You’re a very nice guy Shamus. Don’t let her take advantage of you."
Shamus helped himself to a potato chip, "Thanks for the advice, but I don’t mind. I’d do anything for Gem."
Nelly turned to Karen, "When did she acquire that nickname? I mean in grammar school she was Bertha, right?"
Shamus agreed and explained, "Gem hasn’t gone by Bertha in years. She thinks it’s a frumpy name, so she goes by Gem." Shamus smiled as he continued, "I think Gem suits her just fine and anyways, if she’s going to be a model, Gem has a better ring to it."
Karen nodded, "I guess, but don’t forget what I told you."
The party progressed and Karen and Nelly became separated. Karen was practically pinned to the wall as Ashley and Monica talked her ears off, while Nelly looked for a chance to speak with Randall. Nelly spotted Jennifer in her form fitting green top and navy blue slacks, munching on some junk food. Glancing over her shape, Nelly giggled at the thought of Jennifer blowing up like a balloon. "Of course that would never happen," Nelly thought to herself. Nelly smiled at the fact that since Jennifer was at the bouffant table; she might have a chance to speak with Randall. Moving quickly through the crowd, Nelly spotted Randall looking over a few CD’s. Making a beeline, Nelly approached him, "Hey, what's up?"
Randall glanced over to Nelly; "You’re the chick who works at the bookstore?"
A smile wrapped around Nelly’s face, "Uh-uh, yeah. It’s my dad’s store."
Randall nodded and his attention went back to the CD’s. Nelly tried to make conversation, "You bought Leaves of Grass I didn’t know you were into great literature?"
Randall didn’t even bother to look at Nelly, "I had to buy it for class I hate to read."
Nelly nodded, "What class is that?"
Randall’s eyes never left the CD’s, "What are you a cop?"
Nelly replied, "I was just trying to make a little conversation."
Randall looked up, yet glanced over Nelly’s shoulders, focusing on his significant other as she strolling his way. Jennifer strutted her body with her head in the air and a smile on her face. Nelly turned as Jennifer greeted her, "Trying to get me jealous by making time with my guy?"
Nelly shifted her body weight as she stood between the couple and leaned towards Jennifer; "I was just making conversation."
Jennifer giggled as her eyes exposed her malicious thoughts, "Like you weren’t flirting?"
Nelly blinked and looked to Randall, "No, not at all."
Randall moved in towards his gal, brushing Nelly a side, "Get real Jenny, like I’d actually go for this chick."
Jennifer glanced over Nelly’s fuller figure and smiled, "I can see why."
Over on the sofa Karen sat between Monica and Ashley, who talked her ears off. Ashley spoke about her own popularity and how she maintained her shape, giving Karen a few tips on how to drop ten pounds in five days. Monica brought up the latest fashions and her goals. Karen smiled through the conversation, like she was really interested. Fact was she was bored. As Monica brought up the standards for her ideal man, Karen interrupted her, "How’s your mom? Is she still working at Billy Bob’s?"
Billy Bob’s was a small fast food restaurant that was very popular among high school students, truckers and salesmen. Monica brushed off the question with a quick reply, "She’s okay."
As Monica continued about the traits her perfect guy would need to have, Karen brought up Monica’s mom again, "How long has she been working at Billy Bob’s?"
Monica rolled her eyes, "15-years, I guess."
Ashley noticed the uncomfortable look upon Monica’s face and to ease the tension politely asked, "Hey Monica, would you mind getting me another beer?"
Monica nodded her head and stood up, "Sure, fine."
Ashley smiled as she rubbed her thighs, "Make it a lite beer, you know have to watch those calories."
Monica giggled, "You and me both. I so don’t want to look like my mom!"
Monica walked away as Ashley moved in closer to Karen. "You have to excuse Monica when you bring up her mom. It’s like a hitting a raw nerve."
Karen tilted her head, "Why? Mrs. Trident is a lovely woman."
Ashley nodded, "Yeah I guess, but Monica is embarrassed by her lack of ambition and her size. I mean she’s obese."
Karen defended Mrs. Trident, "She’s kind to a fault and happy in her life. Her weight doesn’t seem to bother her, why should it bother Monica?"
Ashley remarked, "Like she could do something, like dieting?"
Karen was not one to be shy about her opinion; "Maybe she doesn’t want to diet. Ever think she’s comfortable about her size?"
Ashley giggled, "Yeah, like she really wants to look like a cow?"
Karen held her temper, "We both know dieting is never easy."
Ashley nodded, "Tell me about it, but Monica’s mom doesn’t even try. All she does is sit around the house stuffing her face."
Karen had enough of the conversation and stood up, "I think I need some air, you’ll excuse me won’t you?"
Ashley nodded and Karen stepped outside onto the front porch. Lighting a cigarette she discovered Jennifer and Randall in an embrace and roamed to the far end of the porch. The couple turned and looked to Karen, who bluntly remarked, "Go on and continue, I didn't mean to interrupt."
Jennifer walked over to Karen, "Do you have to smoke?"
Karen smugly replied, "It’s not like I’m on top of you."
Jennifer returned inside with Randall and after a few minutes Ashley appeared. "Hey Karen, I didn’t mean to get your undies in a bunch."
Karen looked off into the distance, "Forget about it. Anyways, I have an exam Monday so I think it’s better if I just went home and studied."
Ashley sipped her beer, "But it’s still early, can’t you study tomorrow."
Karen took a slow drag from her cigarette, not bothering to reply. Ashley positioned herself in front of Karen, her hand upon her hip, "I never though you were so sensitive about size?"
Karen looked at Ashley, "Yeah, well forget it."
A moment of silence filled the air before Ashley asked with a smile upon her face, "I’ve been meaning to ask, how’s your brother?"
"Ken? What about Ken?" Karen asked.
Ashley moved around the porch as she spoke, "I don’t know? I was just wondering how he was? If he is home from school? Is he seeing anyone?"
Karen smiled, "You like my brother?"
Ashley approached Karen. "I don’t really know him, other than seeing him at a party last November. We kind of hit it off, but I haven’t seen him since."
Karen mildly chuckled, "You think my brother is interested in you?"
Ashley nodded, "Why not? I’m not exactly a troll."
Karen made tracks to the door, "I agree Ashley, you’re not a troll, but give my brother some credit. There’s more to a woman then a slender body and cute face."
Once Karen entered the house, Ashley guzzled her beer, "Fat bitch."
Within a few minutes Karen found Nelly and both left the party without a word of goodbye.
Monday evening Karen and Nelly were at Billy Bob’s conversing over coffee. "So that’s why they invited us to the party. Ashley wanted to warm up to me because she’s hot for my brother," Karen told Nelly.
Nelly nodded, "I knew something didn’t add up."
Karen smiled, "I saw Gem this afternoon after class, she wanted to talk with me about Ashley, but I told her I had plans and didn’t have the time."
"Good for you. She probably wanted to smooth things over," Nelly replied. As the friends spoke Fern Whully approached them.
Fern was known to be nice and sweet young lady, but shy, lacking self-esteem. Her face was very pretty, but without any fashion sense dressed rather frumpy and her ash blond hair was always a mess. A heavy gal at almost 250-pounds, Fern mainly wore over size flannel shirts and sweats. "I overheard your conversation, might I join you?" Fern asked.
Karen nodded as she sipped her coffee, "Sure have a seat."
Upon sitting down, Fern spilled her guts, "Last week at school in the cafe I saw Monica and Jennifer talking."
Nelly took a long drag from her cigarette, "Yeah? This ought to be good."
Fern snickered, "I’m kind of invisible to their kind, so they were unaware I was listening."
Karen grinned, "Okay and?"
"They talked about Ashley wanting to use you, you know?"
Karen shook her head, "Like what Nelly and I was saying?"
Fern concurred, "Yeah, Ashley likes your brother Ken and thought you might put in a good word for her if she accepted you and Nelly into their clique."
Karen laughed, "So we were right."
Fern continued, "But they don’t like either of you. They both had some harsh comments. Something about the sow and her fat friend."
Nelly smiled; "I’m not surprised. Anything else?"
Fern thought it over then remarked, "Jennifer mentioned something Ashley said."
Karen asked, "What did Ashley say?"
Fern closed her eyes to focus then slowly replied, "Jenny mentioned Ashley saying, how could a cute guy have such a porky sister."
Nelly reached over to her coffee, "Thanks Fern. If we can ever do anything for you, just ask."
Karen eased back into her seat. "Ashley needs a wake up all. I never met a person so rude."
Nelly sipped her coffee, "Yeah, but forget it. What do you care what she thinks."
Karen nodded. "It just gets to me how naive Ashley is. I mean if she didn’t watch her weight, she’d be as heavy as me, if not heavier."
Nelly scratched her soft, plump waist, "I wish she could gain a ton of weight and be on the receiving side of such mean comments, but that’ll never happen."
Karen giggled, "Yeah, but we could wish."
PART TWO: REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED COLD
The weeks that transpired brought various developments. Ashley tried to contact Karen over the phone about her brother. When that failed, Jennifer and Gem were enlisted to phone Karen. When that didn’t work, Monica approached Karen in school to smooth things over, but that didn’t go as planned either. Nelly accidentally met Jennifer and Monica at the mall. Jennifer told Nelly that she was welcome to flirt with Randall any time she wanted then made a catty remark about Nelly being too much woman for him. Ashley eventually ran into Ken and they started dating. Karen had a falling out with Ken because she never told him that Ashley was interested in him. Karen couldn’t get used to the fact her brother fell for a chick based solely on her appearance. Nelly continued to be teased by Jennifer, Monica and Gem about her infatuation with Randall. Nelly just gave up on Randall, but went to him just to get Jennifer and company off her back. Randall treated Nelly cordially at first, but then turned on her, crudely remarking that heavy chicks were unappealing. Karen and Nelly found a sad looking Shamus sitting alone in a booth a Billy Bob’s. He told them Gem broke off plans to visit an art museum together to out with some preppy guy. Ashley began visiting Ken at home, which rode Karen’s last good nerve. Especially whenever Ken wasn’t near, Ashley would make rude comments about Karen’s appetite and girth. Karen would eventually bring this up with her brother, who would just ignore his sister, claiming that Karen was jealous.
"Why would I be jealous of Ashley? I’m just as attractive as she is?" Karen told Nelly as they spoke outside that chilly night in May.
Nelly smiled as she flicked away her cigarette, "Remember, your brother’s a guy. With guys it’s all visual."
Karen leaned up against her fence, "She had dinner with us the other night and I hated the way she looked at me. She made me feel so self-conscious."
Nelly adjusted her sweater, "Don’t let her get the better of you. You’ve never been self-conscious before."
Karen shook her head, "I know, but during dinner she declined a second helping of potatoes because she’s too insecure about her weight. Saying she’s not as confident with her body image as me. My family thought it was cute, but I know an insult when I hear one."
Nelly nodded as Karen began to walk inside; "I’ll see ya tomorrow Nelly."
"Wait a minute Karen, are you going to do anything important?" Nelly asked as she followed her friend.
Karen shrugged her shoulders, "Just take a shower and maybe watch a movie, why?"
Nelly tugged on Karen’s sleeve, "Take a drive with me to my house, I’ve something to show you."
Karen faced her friend, "I guess I can do that?"
As the pair drove to Nelly’s modest Chicago dwelling, Nelly went into detail, "Okay, you’re going to think I’m one card shy of 52, but I was cleaning out my dad’s store room yesterday and I found an old book. Don’t laugh, but it’s a book of magic spells, stuff like that." Karen listened as Nelly feverishly continued, "I found a spell that’ll change a person into the complete opposite of who they are, understand?"
The car stopped in the alley behind the house and as the friends walked into Nelly’s home, Karen couldn’t take the book seriously. "Do I need to remind you I’m a psychology major? A, people don’t change their behavior once it’s set and B, magic spells are bogus."
Nelly laughed, "It’s ten o’clock on a Friday night, you have anything better to do?"
Karen giggled, "No, but you can’t be serious?"
Nelly brought Karen down to her basement where upon a table was a Barbie doll, a hand mirror and a candle. "Just humor me, okay?"
Karen chuckled as she looked over the items, "We don’t have to dance around naked or anything, do we?"
Nelly playfully jabbed Karen’s upper arm, "Knock it off, I’m just following directions."
Nelly picked up the doll and handed it to Karen. "Look whose name I’ve written on the doll."
Karen smiled. "Ashley Majors, very cute."
Nelly shook her head as she smiled, "I wrote it in her shade of lipstick for added effect."
Karen giggled, "You don’t actually think this is going to work?"
Nelly lit the candle, "Come on, it’s something to do and I’m bored."
Karen went along with the gag and they read a loud from the old book without a title on the jacket. "Twist and turn, inside out, outside in, you have become the opposite of who you’ve been."
Karen looked to Nelly, "Okay, so now what happens?"
Nelly shrugged her shoulders, "Beats me? I thought the candle might be blown out or the mirror cracking...oh shit! Look at the doll!"
Karen covered her mouth as she looked at the now bloated Barbie doll that doubled in size. "It worked," Nelly said.
At that moment Ashley was laughing with Ken as they left a movie theater and were walking towards Ken’s car. For a brief second Ashley froze in her steps as her mind was reorganized. Ken noticed something odd because Ashley loosens her grip with his hand as she stopped laughing. "You okay Ashley?"
Ashley’s shoulder’s slumped and she nodded her head, "I’m okay...thanks for asking."
Ken opened the door for Ashley, "Want to grab a couple of burgers?"
Ashley was hungry, but she felt uncomfortable eating in front of a guy, "No…no…I don’t think so."
Once on the road Ashley sat as far away from Ken as possible with her legs and arms crossed, staring into space. Ken was a little concerned about Ashley’s strange behavior, "Are you sure everything’s okay?"
Ashley quickly shook her head. Ken proceeded to pat Ashley on her thigh and she jerked her knee up. The once out going Ashley was now shy and timid. Ken pulled up to Ashley’s driveway and parked his car, "You sure nothings bothering you?"
Ashley couldn’t make eye contact and with a soft tone of voice remarked, "No…Ken, I’m fine. Thank...thank you for the…the nice time."
The look of concern was upon Ken’s face as Ashley rolled up like a ball, pressing herself up against the car door as he went to kiss her goodnight. Ken shrugged his shoulders. "I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?"
Ashley nodded and Ken continued as they shook hands, "But if I offended you or something, please let me know, okay?"
Ashley felt self-conscious, she thought to herself, "Did I do something wrong?" She opened the car door, "Thanks…thanks again." Once inside her home she went directly into the kitchen and opened the fridge. Her hand glided over an orange and finally rested on an apple pie, which she quickly removed and devoured using her fingers. Ashley didn’t question her behavior; this was natural for her. After all, she was a compulsive overeater. Next up, Ashley removed a gallon of ice cream and ate from right out of the carton. She poured chocolate syrup down her throat and gobbled up a whole box of cookies. She drank a pint of milk, consumed a whole package of cheese and nibbled on some left over pizza. As Ashley ate her body and her life were rearranged.
No longer in her trendy outfit, Ashley’s body was clad in pink pajamas and her once shiny brown hair looked dull and oily. Her face became puffy as her cheeks inflated and her nose slightly widen with a cute ball of fat on the tip. A slight double chin emerged, which became thicker as she ate. In a matter of minutes Ashley went from 122 pounds to 155-pounds! Her body became flabby as her breasts increased in size. Her almost flat tummy began to bulge and her bubble butt expanded. Ashley removed another package of cheese and as she ate, her girth continued to inflate. Her hourglass figure completely disappeared as her weight reached 178-pounds. Her hips covered by a soft cocoon of fat spread out and rolls circled her thick waist. Ashley’s thighs became pudgy and lumpy as the weight claimed her body. Ashley’s face became rounder and rounder with extremely chubby cheeks and a double chin so big it obscured her neck. No longer of unique beauty, Ashley was mildly cute. Ashley’s weight finally reached 295-pounds and her butterball figure was soft and flabby. The seams of her pajamas dug deep into the fat of her thick waist and her enormous belly stretched the fabric. The pajama’s barely fit and a roll of flab hung out over her pajama bottoms. Ashley burped and then helped herself to jelly, which she ate from the jar using her fingers. She felt unusual for a brief second then considered all things normal.
She scratched her flabby belly, not minding that the jelly on her fingers stained her pajamas. Waddling to her room, Ashley’s belly jiggled and her colossal bubble butt bounced over beefy thunder thighs. Ashley’s room was littered with clothing scattered around the room and dishes and empty food cartons were piled on her nightstand and vanity. Her preppy wardrobe was exchanged for spandex slacks and over size T-shirts. Romance novels were thrown all over along with celebrity gossip magazines. Ashley removed a candy bar from out of her nightstand, which she ate as she shut off the lights and went to bed.
Karen and Nelly didn’t get a chance to see Ashley Majors until Monday afternoon at school. They spotted Ashley in the school cafe and Nelly turned to Karen, "Look at Ashley, she’s bigger then us!" Karen nodded, a little unhinged by Ashley’s 295-pound looking frumpy with her limp brown hair combed back held in place with a barrette. Her face though cute was extremely fat with huge chipmunk cheeks and a thick double chin that covered her entire neck. The outfit she wore didn’t flatter her huge butterball figure at all. A black T-Shirt, red matronly style sweater and nerdy looking gray and orange checked spandex slacks, which only helped to enhance the size of her enormous belly, and thick telephone pole like thighs. The friends approached Ashley who was eating a grilled cheese sandwich while reading a romance novel. The rest of her tray was filled with donuts, pudding, a tall glass of cola and potato chips. "Hi Ashley, how are you?" Karen nervously asked.
Ashley looked up at Karen with a smile upon her face, "Hi Karen, I’m okay."
Karen turned to Nelly who shrugged her shoulders. "Mind if we join you?" Karen politely asked.
Ashley nodded as she gobbled up the grilled cheese sandwich. Nelly left to grab a couple cups of coffee as Karen took a seat. Buzzing through small talk, Karen could tell Ashley wasn’t at all fazed by the metamorphosis; it was as if it was always this way. Karen noticed how Ashley’s big upper arms looked tightly wrapped in the sweater and how her large breasts laid upon her enormous belly. How her waist was almost wider then her hips and how the saddlebags of her humongous thunder thighs poured over her chair. Karen did most of talking; Ashley mainly nodded or spoke a few words in a soft tone of voice. Nelly rejoined the gals and as they continued to chat, Monica, Gem and Jennifer entered the cafe. Ashley became upset and nervously started to rub her belly.
Karen turned to Nelly then back to Ashley, "What’s up Ashley?"
Ashley glanced downwards. ‘Those mean girls are here."
The two friends looked to see Monica and crew taking a table off on the other side of the cafe. Ashley fidgeted with her sweater as Nelly asked, "I thought they were your friends?"
A look of curiosity captured Ashley’s pudgy face, "No....they’re mean...to me." Ashley then explained after she guzzled her cola, "This morning they teased me and Jennifer had this guy flirt with me."
Nelly blinked, "So a guy flirted with you, what’s the big deal?"
Karen turned to Nelly, "He made sport of her."
Nelly smiled as she nodded her head, "Oh yeah, that's different."
Ashley continued as she munched on the chips, "Yeah, Jenny laughed at me when I blushed. I felt so uncomfortable I wanted to hide."
Karen reached over and took Ashley by the hand, "Hey, no one has to right to make you this upset. You’re a nice…er…a very nice person Ashley, never forget it."
Nelly titled her head, "You’re afraid of guys?"
Karen looked at Nelly, "Knock it off will ya. She’s a little shy."
Nelly shrugged her shoulders, "I was just asking."
Ashley patted her thick thigh, "There are guys that I like but I can’t talk to them, I get so nervous."
Nelly needed to ask, "Oh yeah, like who?"
Ashley blushed as she slightly tilted her head, "Karen’s brother. But he would never find me attractive."
Karen sipped her coffee, brushed the bangs away from her eyes and leaned into her chair, her arms folded over her bust, "You actually like my brother?"
Ashley nodded with a wide grin upon her face, "Yeah, Ken is so hot." Ashley then pouted, "But he would never be interested in me."
Karen turned to Nelly, "Maybe we could help?"
Nelly blinked, "Help? Help Ashley hook up with your brother?"
Karen smiled, "Yeahhhh." Karen turned back to Ashley who was wiping off the pudding she spilled on her sweater, "All you need is to find some style. We can give you a makeover."
Ashley became excited, bouncing in her chair, "That would be so boss!"
Karen glanced over to the sour faced Nelly, "What do you think?"
Nelly sipped her coffee, "I guess."
As the three young ladies made tracks out the door, Jennifer remarked to Monica and Gem, "Look it’s the fat chicks club, Chicago chapter!"
Nelly was about to turn around and return the insult, but Karen grabbed hold of her waist and led her out the door. After parting company with Ashley, Nelly and Karen spoke outside. "You’re actually going to help Ashley out? Do I need to remind you she treated you like a jerk?"
Karen placed her hand on Nelly’s shoulder, "Yes I’m going to help her and you’re joining me in this project."
Nelly drew a breath, "Okay, sure. But why?"
Karen’s eyes revealed her regret, "I kind of feel sorry for Ashley now." Nelly smiled like a fox in the hen house and Karen asked, "What are you thinking?"
"I think maybe we can use the spell on those snotty chicks, what do you think?"
At first Karen though otherwise, "I’m not sure Nelly. I’m feeling bad enough as it is because of what we did to Ashley."
However, Monica walked out doors with her current boyfriend and snickered, "Look at those two. It’s only a matter of time until their fatter then my mom."
Karen quickly changed her mind, "Okay Nelly, you’re on!"
That night Karen and Nelly were in the basement with four Barbie dolls and two ken dolls. They decided to change Fern into a more self-confident woman and reverse the behaviors of Shamus and Randall as well.
PART THREE: LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER
When Monica climbed out of bed that morning she failed to notice that her wavy brown mane was no longer in her usual preppy hairstyle, but an inch shorter and straight. Dressed in a powder blue T-shirt and gray sweats, Monica walked into the kitchen and was greeted by her mom who was off to work. "No School this morning pumpkin?" her mother asked.
Monica rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she remarked, "School? No more school for me."
Monica reached into the fridge and grabbed a carton of milk, "Like who really gives a damn when Columbus discovered Ohio." Monica placed her hand over her flat tummy as she guzzled the milk from out of the carton. Upon burping, Monica asked her mom, "You think they might have an opening for me at Billy Bob’s?" As her mom told her that she would look into it, Monica’s flat tummy developed a pouch and her hips expanded. "Monica smiled as she hugged her mom, "Thanks."
Mrs. Trident tilted her head and glanced over at her daughter, who now had a noticeable potbelly and husky upper arms, "You look different Monica, but I can’t place it."
Monica giggled, "I feel fat?"
Mrs. Trident giggled, "I guess you’re taking after your father and me."
A decent 15-pounds was added to Monica’s body as her derriere pushed out and a slight double chin surfaced. Monica’s T-shirt partially exposed her potbelly as she cradled it in her hands. "Well I’ll never be as heavy as you mom." Monica giggled.
Mrs. Trident laughed and after kissing her daughter on the cheek, was off to work. As Monica yawned her belly became bigger as her waist became thicker. Reaching into the cabinet, Monica removed chocolate cake frosting and began to eat it with her fingers. Twenty-minute later Monica was lying on the sofa watching TV as she indulged in a variety of snack foods for breakfast. The remainder of the day Monica spent on the sofa in front of the TV, her weight increasing as she ate. When Mrs. Trident arrived home hours later, she found her 350-pound couch potato daughter lying on the sofa eating waffles. Monica’s pretty face was softer and fuller with chubby cheeks and a modest double chin. Her large upper arms were flabby and her breasts doubled in size. Her belly was huge, her waist thick and her hips wide. The lower part of her body was even bigger with a mammoth size rear that pushed outwards, then sunk over her obese thighs. Monica’s garments barely contained her girth, but what did she care? The new Monica forgot all about her trendy outfits and would wear the same tight, frumpy clothes for days at a time.
"Monica I’m going to order a pizza for dinner, is that all right with you?"
Monica giggled, "Yeah mom, just as long as you order two."
Monica rolled off the sofa and hugged her mom, who remarked, "I got you a job at Billy bob’s."
Monica smiled, "Oh great! When do I start!?"
PART FOUR: JENNIFER’S CHANGE OF VENUE
Jennifer just completed washing her hair as her mother asked, "Going off on a date?"
Jennifer smiled as she turned to her mother, "Not really a date. Randy is taking me shopping for a dress because mister cheap ass is finally taking me to a five star restaurant Friday night."
Mrs. Lang replied as Jennifer towel dried her hair, "You should go shopping more often, much of your wardrobe is kind of matronly looking."
Mrs. Lang left the bathroom and puzzled look paused upon Jennifer’s exquisite face, "Huh? Matronly? You usually tell me I’ve enough clothes and to take it easy with the shopping, what gives?"
Her mom called out from the living room, "What dear? Hang on, I’ll be there in a couple of minutes."
Jennifer returned to her long mane and as she began to comb it, blinked! Her hair was no longer reddish-brown but reddish-orange! Jennifer watched in shock as her golden tan vanished, replaced by milky-white skin with the hint of freckles covering her face, neck, shoulders and bust. Mrs. Lang returned to her daughter, who had a totally different question for her, "Mom do I look any different to you?"
Rubbing her chin, Mrs. Lang glanced over her daughter standing in her underwear and remarked, "You look the same to me sweetie."
Jennifer turned back to the mirror and squinted, "I think I look different?"
Mrs. Lang handed her daughter black frame eyeglasses with peach colored trim, "Put on your glasses honey and get a better look."
Jennifer placed on the glasses, "Since when have I worn glasses?"
Mrs. Lang replied as she walked out of the bathroom, " Since high school."
Jennifer just shrugged her shoulders and inspected her face in the mirror. Jennifer watched, as her mildly chubby face became completely circler in shape as her apple cheeks filled out and a thick double chin developed. Her bust size increased and her upper arms became soft, big and flabby. A pouch was added to her once trim tummy and a potbelly followed straining the fabric of her underwear. The potbelly grew bigger and bigger, protruding over her underwear as it generously expanded in size. Her waist became thicker with lumpy rolls of flab and her hips became immense in width. Her butt projected outwards as it went from small, medium, large, to colossal. Her slender shapely thighs became flabby and saddlebags quickly appeared. Within seconds her thighs doubled in size and continued to inflate as they became extremely thick and pudgy. Her mind went blank as her skills in fashion and cosmetics were removed, replaced by skills in cooking and housework. The added weight still worked on her body as her breasts barely fit her bra and her belly became even bigger. Jennifer’s face looked naturally pretty with her rosy red chipmunk cheeks and distinct double chin, perfectly framed by her sizzling red hair. Jennifer’s chunky thighs rubbed together as she walked to her room as her enormous belly shook in the air. Jennifer’s mom couldn’t help but comment about her daughter’s size, "Really Jen, shouldn’t you go on a diet?"
"Oh mom", Jennifer whined. "I hate dieting."
Mrs. Lang approached her 365-pound daughter; "Don’t you want to look nice so you can meet a nice boy?"
Jennifer smiled, "Mom, I want a guy to like me for me, not what I look like. Anyways, Randy’s coming over for lunch, remember?"
Mrs. Lang nodded, "Yeah sweetie, I remember. The kitchen is all yours."
The dress Jennifer selected was ivory in color, decorated with pink and red roses. It had a ruffle neckline and ruffles on its puffy short sleeves. It drew attention to her huge belly and capacious hindquarters that bounced as she moved. As Jennifer was making lunch, Randall arrived with a bouquet of flowers for his lady fair. However, Randall was a different young man, much different. His wavy hair was slicked back with an over abundance of conditioner and his face had plenty of acne. His body was lanky and dressed in a T-shirt with a picture of Britney Spears and jeans that were a little short. "Hello Jenny, you look beau...beayt...beayuti…beautiful," he stuttered in his advance nervousness.
Jennifer’s beefy arms jiggled as she gave Randall a hug, his face buried in her large breasts, which made him sweat. "These are...are...are for you, Jenny. Hope you like’em?"
Jennifer smelled the bouquet, "Oh you are too sweet, and I’m going to eat you up!" Jennifer then snorted as she giggled. "I hope you’re hungry man-o-mine," Jennifer cheerfully remarked as she blushed.
Randall shook his head, "Uh-uh, what are you making?"
Jennifer took Randall by the hand and tugged him along with her into the kitchen, "I made hot dogs, lima beans, macaroni and cheese and bacon." Jennifer pulled out a chair. "Sit here."
Randall sat down as Jennifer sat next to him and began fixing his plate. "Ah, Jenny princess, I don’t like lima beans."
Jennifer snapped back, "Well I made them so you’re going to eat them!"
The words that left Randall’s lips were the words he would utter the rest of his life, "Yes dear."
As they began eating, Jennifer asked, "What plans do you have for our future?"
Randall thought about it slowly, he didn’t want to be yelled at. "Well I think I can get a job at Sears right out of college...."
Jennifer interrupted Randall and sternly remarked, "Not good enough nerd boy, you’re going to become a pharmacist."
Randall whined, "Don’t call me that, okay?"
Jennifer just consumed her meal, talking as she ate, "I’m going to stay home and have lots of babies, so you better earn a good living."
"Yes dear", Randall remarked. Jennifer then added, "After lunch you can wash my car after you run to the store for some ice cream."
Randall shook his head, "Yes dear."
METAMORPHOSIS PART FIVE: GEM’S CHANGE OF HEART
Gem Astor strolled towards the college cafe, her vibrant mane dancing over her shoulders and her slender body wrapped in a pink dress that accented her curvaceous figure. Gem was going to have diet cola while she waited for Shamus to drive her home and as she entered the cafe, she noticed a vivacious young lady who seemed to look familiar. Her ash blond hair was long and wavy, flattering her beautiful face and the outfit she wore complimented her 280-pound full figure. Gem stopped the young lady to ask, "Do I know you?"
Cute dimples appeared in her chubby cheeks as she smiled, "Sure you do Bertha, I’m Fern Whully."
Gem meant to correct Fern about going by her nickname rather than her given name, but spaced out. Fern snapped her fingers, "Hello, earth to Bertha!"
Bertha blinked, "Oh I’m sorry Fern, what were you saying?"
Fern flipped her thick mane over her shoulders, "I can’t visit with ya now Bertha, I’m supposed to meet up with Byron Holmark and I’m running late." Fern tilted her head and added, "But we’ll do lunch later this week and I’ll see about helping you in your attire."
Bertha called out to Fern who was making tracks down the hall, "What’s wrong with my attire?"
Fern quickly turned around, "You dress way too frumpy! You’ll never make time with Shamus looking like that."
Bertha scratched her head and discovered that her hair was now barely shoulder length and set in a limp ponytail as her form fitting pink dress was replaced by a gray sweatshirt and brown spandex slacks! Bertha’s mind tried to understand what happen, "I didn’t look like this when I left the house?" Bertha’s face and body began to change shape. Her attractive facial features completed changed from cover girl beautiful to mildly pretty. Her oval shaped face became round as pudgy chipmunk cheeks replaced her high cheekbones and her nose became wide with a fat bump on the tip. A prominent doubled chin soon followed as her figure began to expand. Her upper arms became husky and her breasts increased to twice their size. Rolls began to roam around her thick flabby waist and her huge belly poured downwards as her hips spread extremely wide. Her butt pushed out as it enlarged, bouncing over her enormous thighs. Bertha’s blond hair sprouted brown roots and her face became even chubbier as she reached 355-pounds. Within minutes Bertha sat at her table waiting for Shamus as she devoured cheeseburgers, fries a chocolate shake and cookies. Shamus entered the cafe with the eyes of every female following him. His brown hair was styled and his body moved in a motion that sparkled with confidence. Wearing a black T-shirt and trendy jeans, Shamus looked very much the traditional American male. Bertha blushed as Shamus approached her, "I’ll be ready in a minute."
Shamus nodded his head and Bertha gobbled up the rest of her meal. Once finishing, Bertha slowly eased herself out of her chair as waves of fat rippled over her tubby figure. Adjusting her sweatshirt over her bulging belly, Bertha smiled at the man of her dreams, "Would you want to maybe check out a movie this afternoon?"
Shamus nodded his head, "Yeah okay. But first I have to stop over and see Karen Sterling."
Bertha blinked, "What for?"
Shamus acknowledged Bertha’s question, "I want to thank her for some advice and ask her out Saturday night."
Bertha’s head sunk, "But I thought maybe we could spend time together Saturday?"
Walking out of the cafe, Shamus wrapped his arm around Bertha’s thick waist as he pulled her body close to his, "Hey babe, you know I love you like a sister. But we’re buddies, please remember that. You’ll find the right guy someday."
Bertha felt down because she was smitten with Shamus, her love, who would for now on think of her only as a friend.
PART SIX: THINGS PROGRESS
Karen and Nelly did their best with Ashley and introduced her to Ken. However, Ken not at all interested in Ashley admitted his fondness for Nelly. Karen began seeing Shamus and a life long romance soon developed. As for Ashley, Monica, Jennifer and Bertha formerly known as Gem...
Ashley remained shy, timid and overweight, though excelling in college; she didn’t find true love until she reached her upper twenties. Monica became exactly like her mother and eventually married a pizza delivery guy and continues to work at Billy Bob’s. Jennifer married Randall and became a stay at mom as they had six children. Jennifer continued to get heavier with every child. Bertha became a journalist for a neighborhood newspaper and fell in love with a nice guy who worked at a grocery store. As the years went on, Karen and Nelly slowly befriended the four heavier gals and it was as if they’ve been friends forever.
FINIS