Jenna-Louise Coleman - by Id with Aftershow (~BBW, Romance, ~Sex, ~SWG)

[The Id]

~BBW, Romance, ~Sex, ~SWG - A British soap star packs on the pounds and changes her life in ways she never expected.

Jenna-Louise Coleman
By Id
With Aftershow

[Author's Note: It was only through discussion with Aftershow that I became aware of the beautiful Miss Coleman, and it is with his help that this story approaches something close to realistically representing British society, which I do not live in, nor have I ever truly experienced. This story would not have been possible without his assistance, consultation, and ideas. I hope that my skills have done his vision justice.

As a note to most readers, all of the dress sizes here are United Kingdom sizes, which differ from American sizes. Simply subtract two from a given size to get the US equivalent.

This project has exceeded my wildest expectations on the composition end. It has been an incredible pleasure to write and I sincerely hope you will enjoy it as much as I continue to do.]

In the hierarchy of British primetime soap operas, there is the well-established EastEnders on BBC and the venerable Coronation Street (or Corrie for short) on ITV, both of which easily pull down some of the highest ratings for their respective channels. The two are in constant competition with one another for the title of top British soap opera, often sparing at the BAFTAs for Best Continuing Drama (Britain’s top award for the best soap opera).

And then there is Emmerdale, also of ITV, the third most popular soap in Britain, which is about the trials and tribulations of the populace of a hamlet of the same name. The series has a devoted following, but has always fallen short of its sister Corrie. One of Emmerdale’s bright young starlets was Jenna-Louise Coleman, who played Jasmine Thomas. Jenna, as she was usually called, largely flew under the radar when it came to popularity, often playing second fiddle to more prominent characters. However, many people who followed the show weren’t sure why Jenna didn’t get more screen time. After all, she was a very good actress, having won the part without ever having gone to acting school, a real rarity in acting. Many viewers were stunned that the producers didn’t better utilize a girl with Jenna’s beauty.

It was true, Jenna was a stunning woman. She was fair skinned, but Jenna benefited from a beautiful tan that made her look quite gorgeous. Jenna had straight brown hair that beautifully framed her face with its striking features and soft, rosy cheeks often complimented by her winning smile. Chestnut eyes glistened on either side of a cute nose. Jenna was a slim girl, but she had an impressive bust that the producers were smart enough to showcase not infrequently, which caused many of Emmerdale’s male viewers to salivate every time Jenna appeared on the telly. Jenna’s weight had occasionally yo-yoed up and down, but it usually worked itself out in short order. Luckily, nobody in the press, tabloids, or blogs ever seemed to notice, probably because Jenna stayed away from the limelight and wasn’t seen in public unless required for publicity. Recently, Jenna had probably been in the best shape of her life and the producers had made sure that Jenna’s figure was showcased for fullest effect (and greatest ratings, even if she wasn’t one of their stars).

Every once in a while, they’d make Jenna’s character the center of a major plotline, but afterwards she’d go quiet again and receive generally little work. It was just when Jenna was transitioning from the end of a major plot to a down period that Jenna was dumped by her former costar and subsequent boyfriend, Karl Davies. Jenna had been surprised by Karl telling her a few days ago that he’d lost the spark in their relationship and thought it would be best that they each went their own ways with no hard feelings. She’d really liked Karl and was disappointed that it hadn’t worked out, but she was taking it rather well.

“Yeah, Abs, I’m really sad it’s over, but you know, when it’s over, it’s over,” Jenna said over the phone to her best friend, Abigail Rhodes, while waiting for her scenes on the set. Their parents were good friends and Jenna and Abby had known each other from an early age. Jenna was absent mindedly nibbling at a cheese and cracker platter that had been brought on set for the cast and crew as she talked. “And, to top it all off, I just finished my major story arc. I’m not going to have anything to do around here for at least a month, at best.”

“Yeah, how horrible it must be for the rich and famous. You’re getting paid thousands of pounds to sit around and do a scene or two a day. What a rough life that is. I’m so glad I don’t have to quit my job working a juice bar at barely better than minimum wage to do something as hard as that,” Abby replied sarcastically.

“Oh get over it. At least you can go to the store without worrying that somebody’s going to accost you and start a mob,” Jenna said as she deftly plucked a chocolate chip cookie from the table.

“Come on Jenna,” Abby said, “Like that ever happens. Barely anybody recognizes you off set. If you were on Corrie that might be a different story.”

“Still, I’m going to be bored out of my skull and you know how I get after a break up,” Jenna said morosely.

“Fine,” Abby said with a sigh, “I’ll come over tonight and we’ll have some fun, just you and me. I’ll grab a movie or something and bring it over and we can have some fun together.”

“I’ll bring the booze,” Jenna said.

“You know it,” Abby said.

“I think they’re calling me for a scene. See you tonight,” Jenna said.

“See you later love,” Abby said before hanging up.

Jenna shoved the unfinished remains of a cheese spread on a cracker into her mouth, brushed off her luscious lips and then hurried to get on set.

***

At the end of the day, Jenna returned to her modest flat in Leeds, where the show was filmed. It was a spacious and modern, but simple, apartment. Though Jenna could have afforded much more (like her costars who lived in absolute luxury), Jenna had been instilled with a sense of financial responsibility by her parents. There was no guarantee how long she might be on Emmerdale (after all, soaps were rather notoriously for suddenly killing off characters for good drama), so she tried not to live too opulently, prudently investing a good portion of her income just in case she should hit hard times.

Jenna opened the door and found Abby already inside. They each had the other’s spare keys in case one happened to get locked out, so Jenna wasn’t surprised to find that her friend had let herself in. Abby was a slender girl, though not overly so. Most people who met her considered her cute, but not everyone. She certainly fell short of being considered generally attractive like Jenna was. Still, the blonde haired, green eyed, fair skinned girl was vivacious and fun loving, which endeared her to many people. Though many other people would have dumped Abby upon becoming famous in favor of acquiring new hip friends, Jenna never thought of doing such a thing to the girl she’d known since childhood.

“Hey love,” Jenna said as she threw her coat and purse on a chair by the door.

“Evening,” Abby said. She was arraying various confections on the island in the kitchen, “Precisely what do you eat? I’ve been looking in the cupboards and you’ve got almost nothing in there.”

“Then you didn’t look very hard. The fridge alone is full,” Jenna said.

“Yeah, sure. Vegetables, soup, healthy stuff.” Abby waved her hand. “You have absolutely no snacks in here.”

“That’s the last thing I need to keep on hand Abs. If I put on weight again I’m afraid the producers are going to notice and get mad at me. I enjoy working the show and people in the industry are beginning to notice me. With luck I might get on a serious project soon.”

“I think you really overestimate their powers of perception. Besides, nothing happened the last time your weight went up,” Abby said.

“Yeah, because I worked so hard to lose it before anyone else noticed. I think beyond the costume department nobody but you and I knew about it,” Jenna said as she opened a cabinet that held all of her liquor, “Pick your poison.” Jenna kept a healthy collection of alcohol on hand, and she was pretty handy with all of it. Before her big break with Emmerdale Jenna had worked in a bar and had gotten the hang of various drinks, which she’d occasionally whip up with a bit of flair to impress guests.

“Whatever you’re in the mood for. You’re the one looking to relax and forget tonight,” Abby replied with a shrug.

Jenna pulled out a bottle of Merlot and grabbed a couple of wine glasses. “So, what’d you get?”

“Well, for starters, I thought a nice light film might be the best thing for you tonight, so I brought Finding Nemo.”

“Yay!” Jenna squealed. Even though it was a kid’s movie, Jenna really liked it, especially when she just wanted to watch a movie to take her mind off of things.

“And it’s a good thing I brought a lot of cookies, crisps, and some ice cream otherwise this evening would go horribly. How are we supposed to have a girl’s night in when there isn’t any sinful food around here?” Abby asked.

“That’s why I keep you around Abs,” Jenna said. She handed Abby a glass of wine. “Cheers.”

“Cheers dear,” Abby replied and they both sipped their wine. Abby waited for a moment. “So, you going to hold it in much longer or…?”

Jenna raised her eyebrows in confusion. “Hmmmm?”

“You haven’t gotten emotional about the break up yet. Every time I come over after you break up with a guy you always get upset, especially when you really liked him like you did with Karl,” Abby said.

“Oh Abs, that’s not going to happen this time. Like I told you earlier, when one person isn’t in love with the other anymore, then the relationship is over, regardless of how the other person feels. It’s really for the best,” Jenna said as she moved to her couch, “Really. I mean now I can just relax and not have to worry about keeping up a relationship. It’s…it’s…oh God…” and with that Jenna started crying.

Abby hurried to the couch and hugged Jenna, putting Jenna’s wine glass on the coffee table before Jenna spilled it all over the carpet. That being done, Abby guided Jenna onto the couch where the pair hugged and Jenna cried not because she had truly been in love with Karl, but because she had cared for him, and now he was gone.

“It…it just hurts…so much…” Jenna said between sobs.

“I know,” Abby said rubbing Jenna’s back as they clung to one another.

“And things were going so well and then…then he dumped me,” Jenna said, gasping for breath between sobs so she could talk.

After a proper amount of crying, Abby pulled apart from Jenna and held her by the shoulders. “Jenna-Louise Coleman, you and I have known each other for most of our lives and you and I both know that any man who does not see your inherent beauty and quality is a total idiot and aught to be taken into an alley and beaten, right?”

Jenna sniffled and wiped her nose. “Right.”

“And you and I are going to watch Finding Nemo, eat junk food, have fun, and put this all behind us, all right?”

“Okay,” Jenna said as she dabbed at her eyes.

“Jenna, look at me.” Jenna obeyed. “What’s my name?”

“Abigail Rhodes.”

“And what do people usually call me?”

“Abby.”

“Which makes me…”

“Abby Rhodes.” Jenna smiled a bit and laughed as she wiped her eyes. It was a lame joke (and Abby was always exasperated when someone else made a joke about it, especially a guy trying to hit on her), but whenever Jenna was really down, it never failed to bring her back to herself after she’d gotten a good crying out of her system.

“And you’re Jenna-Louise Coleman and my best friend, so go get dressed,” Abby said.

“Yes Mum,” Jenna said sticking her tongue out.

Jenna got up from the couch and went to her bedroom to change out of her clothes from the set. She took off her blouse revealing her trim torso with its flat stomach and proud breasts supported by her lacy white bra. Jenna slipped out of her trousers and wantonly threw them on her bed. She nimbly darted to her dresser and bent over, subtly stretching her underwear across her firm butt. Rummaging about in the bottom drawer of the dresser, Jenna pulled out a pair of gray sweatpants which she drew up over her lithe, healthy thighs (which Jenna, like many women, always thought could be a bit slimmer). Jenna hurried over to her closet and pulled out a bright tangerine Blackpool FC sweatshirt and pulled it over her head. She pulled a pair of socks on to keep her feet warm. Going to the mirror, Jenna pulled her straight hair back into a ponytail.

Surveying herself in the mirror, Jenna smiled. Wearing sweats didn’t flatter her figure at all. However, that was part of what tonight was about. With Abby, Jenna didn’t have to be perfect. She could wear clothing that didn’t flatter her figure without having to worry about what other people would think or having pictures taken of her in the press. Being a public figure meant she always had to look good, even if she wasn’t a major star. None of that applied with Abby, with whom she could wear a garish, bright orange sweatshirt and unflattering gray sweatpants, eat all sorts of horrible food, watch a kid’s movie, and be as silly as she wanted. In all honesty, Jenna probably would have gone insane from the pressure of feeling to always be perfect if it hadn’t been for nights like this with Abby.

When she came out of the bedroom, Abby had already changed into a similar outfit of sweats. “You look lovely dear,” Abby said as she cued up the DVD.

“Oh yeah. The tabloids would love to get their hands on a couple pictures of me like this,” Jenna said, “The sweats have to add at least ten pounds.”

“More like fifteen,” Abby said, “And since you’re already so fat…” Abby pulled out a bag bearing the logo of Cadbury’s.

“Oh my word!” Jenna squealed with delight, “I haven’t had any Cadbury’s in ages!”

“Well desperate times call for desperate measures,” Abby said, tossing Jenna a Crème Egg, “Cheers love.”

Jenna eagerly unwrapped the egg and bit in. The hard chocolate shell resisted for a moment before giving way to the creamy, sugary inside, a chocolate swirl of goodness. Jenna’s eyes closed as she savored the rich chocolate on her tongue. The next bite was tricky as she had to try and keep from getting the crème all over the place. The sugary filling dominated the second bite and overwhelmed her senses. The final bite was an equal mix of hard chocolate shell and gooey crème. “Abs, if you were a guy I’d totally have sex with you right now for bringing me that.”

Finishing off her own egg, Abby said, “If only all Britain knew the way to the heart of Jenna-Louise Coleman was so easy. Cadbury stores would sell out in an instant. But I can see the commercial now…” Abby took out a bar of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk and posed. “‘I’m Jenna-Louise Coleman and nothing turns me on like Cadbury’s. It’s better than sex!’”

“Oh shove off and give me a bar so we can start the movie,” Jenna said throwing herself on the couch.

Abby hurried over herself bringing an armful of tasty treats for the pair to share. They started the movie and thus began a night of indulgence of guilty pleasures of kid’s movies, not having to worry about looking good, and eating everything that was bad for you.

***

The next morning, Jenna woke up to an enchanting smell. She was still in her tangerine Blackpool sweatshirt, having sleepily stumbled into bed after the movie and a couple glasses of wine last night. Not caring how mussed her hair was, Jenna followed her nose through the apartment to the kitchen.

“Good morning sleepy head,” Abby said, wearing an apron as she flipped an egg. She’d spent the night on Jenna’s couch, which was just as comfortable as Abby’s bed at her flat. “You’ve got to get headed out for work and you’re not leaving this apartment without a good breakfast.”

“Yes Mum,” Jenna said, still not fully awake, “That smells delicious.”

“That’s because you haven’t been eating breakfast, have you Jenna-Louise?”

“I do too eat breakfast!”

“Like what?”

“I have a couple slices of toast every morning.”

“That wouldn’t feed a five year old,” Abby said as she slid the egg onto a plate with richly buttered toast that she then handed to Jenna, “This however is the sort of breakfast for a soap star.”

“Thanks Abs, it smells and—tastes delicious,” Jenna said after she had a bite of the egg, “Maybe I should have you over more often. Do you clean and do the shopping too?”

“You know you could hire a housekeeper to do this sort of thing for you, Jenna,” Abby said as she poured Jenna a glass of orange juice.

“But they cost money and you’re free,” Jenna said through her egg.

“Oh the things I do for you dear,” Abby said giving Jenna a kiss on the cheek.

“No really, this is great. I haven’t had a breakfast like this in a long time,” Jenna said.

“First it’s Cadbury’s, now it’s breakfast. What else are you missing out on that everybody else knows about? You do use soap, right?” Abby said.

“Behind my ears and everything.”

“You’d better get dressed soon or you’ll be late.”

Jenna looked at the clock. “I don’t see why I have to get there so early when I’m barely going to be in a scene today. I might have one line today.”

“And I don’t see why I have to go work at a stupid juice bar serving pimply teenagers all day long either, but occasionally I’m surprised by a cute boy showing up, which generally makes my day,” Abby replied, “So stop complaining and get dressed young lady.”

“Yes Mum,” Jenna sighed as she headed to her bedroom to get ready for the day.

***

Though she’d just be changing when she got there, Jenna still took the time to dress nicely for going onto the set. It made her feel better about herself and more professional. Today she wore a tight v-neck sweater (which nicely showcased her bust) and a pair of khaki pants. As she expected, Jenna found that after wardrobe and make up, she had plenty of downtime on her hands since she only had one simple scene to do that day. She basically just had to be in the background of the shot while other people talked, looking like she was chatting with one of her costars.

Another exciting day in the life of a rich and famous star, Jenna thought with some chagrin as she grabbed a cheese danish from one of the catered tables.

“Jenna!” Quickly gulping down her bite of danish and placing it down on a napkin, Jenna turned to find one of the producers approaching with a tall black haired man. “Martin, I’m sure you know Jenna-Louise Coleman. She plays—”

“Jasmine Thomas, yes, I’m quite familiar with your work here, Miss Coleman,” the man said extending his hand.

“Well, thank you,” Jenna said shaking the man’s hand, “And you are—?”

“This is Martin Swift, new writer,” the producer explained, “Just came on board today. We’re hoping he’ll give the series a bit of an extra appeal, isn’t that right Martin?”

“Mr. Richardson! You’re needed immediately in wardrobe!” an intern said running up.

“Excuse me, I’ll have to leave you two to yourself,” the producer said, running off to diffuse whatever new emergency had cropped up.

Jenna and Martin awkwardly looked at one another for a moment, suddenly being left alone with very little introduction. As an actress, Jenna was a bit quicker on her feet than Martin. “So what brings you to Emmerdale, Mr. Swift?”

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to work with an excellent crew on a very well established show,” Martin said.

“Which you and I both know means it’s steady work, a paycheck, and intellectually tepid,” Jenna said. She smiled. “Don’t worry, half of us feel that way about it. Some of the old timers take it much more seriously, but lots of us are just building up the resume and making a name for ourselves.”

“That does about sum it up. Still, I did choose to come to Emmerdale. I could have worked Corrie,” Martin said.

Jenna nearly spit out her glass of water. “You could have done Corrie and instead you chose to come here? Why on earth did you do that? They’ve got to pay even the writers better on Corrie!”

“They do, but not so much when you’re starting on the ground floor. Frankly I think that Emmerdale’s a better show,” Martin said.

“How kind of you to say so,” Jenna said as she nibbled at her danish, “Really though, you don’t need to kiss up to us, least of all me. We’re all pretty nice around here, even to a new guy.”

“No, really, this show is going places. The storylines are solid for a soap and the characters are really poised to take off, especially your’s.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere Mr. Swift,” Jenna said with a wag of her finger.

“Martin, please. Mr. Swift is my father.”

“All right Martin, but there’s something you’re not telling me about your decision to come here. What is it?”

Martin considered for a moment. “All right Miss Coleman—”

“If you’re Martin, I’m Jenna.”

“Okay Jenna. I’ll tell you what. You promise to keep it under wraps and I’ll tell you.”

“Deal.”

“I was able to negotiate what I consider highly favorable terms in my deal. I get a considerable bonus if the show wins a BAFTA and a very generous raise if we overtake EastEnders in the ratings, plus greater creative control than most of the other writers and more writing if I want it. If the show doesn’t do either, well let’s just say I’m not going to be buying a new car anytime soon,” Martin said.

“I’m sorry to say you got the short end of the stick there,” Jenna said apologetically.

“Why’s that?”

“Because neither of those things are ever going to happen,” Jenna said as she reached for an apple.

“You don’t have too much faith in yourself then,” Martin said offhandedly.

Jenna looked up. “What do you mean by that?”

“The rest of the writing crew has assigned me most of your writing, among other duties.”

“Once again, I can’t help but say you’ve been shorted Mr…., Martin,” Jenna said before biting into the crisp apple, “I’m a secondary character at best. I only get plotlines every once in a while, and not very good ones. Just sensational stuff like lesbian kisses and all that.”

“Even secondary characters, if properly utilized, can be stars,” Martin said.

Before Jenna could reply to that, Mr. Richardson returned. “Ah, right where I left you, Martin. I trust you and Jenna have been getting to know one another?”

“Indeed,” Martin said.

“Well, we really must be going now. Don’t want to stress the actors out, do we?”

“Hardly. A pleasure, Miss Coleman,” Martin said as they parted.

“Quite, Mr. Swift,” Jenna said with a teasing smile. She liked this new writer. He looked like he might be fun to have around. Quite fun indeed, Jenna thought as she bit into a donut.

[The Id]

“Wow Abs, this whole breakfast thing is like the greatest idea in the world,” Jenna said as she fried some eggs.

“But really Jenna, do you have to call me this early in the morning? Not all of us have to be up at…6:12 in the morning…now I know why they pay actors so much. You have to keep ungodly hours,” Abby said groggily into her phone.

“I’ll buy you dinner tonight, all right? They said I have to get to the studio extra early. They want to discuss my new plotline with me,” Jenna said excitedly, “I’m so glad I won’t just be sitting around anymore. I bet they thought up something really great for me.”

“Dinner, great, lovely. Talk about it then,” Abby said hanging up on Jenna.

Jenna put down her phone. “Fine then,” she said to no one in particular.

Ever since Abby had made Jenna breakfast after their girls’ night in one month ago, she’d discovered that eating in the morning vastly improved her outlook on life. She was cheery to people on set, felt better about herself, and just generally felt warm and fuzzy inside. As a result, she’d immediately begun having an egg or two with toast every morning. Well, at least that’s what she started with.

Pretty soon Jenna was having at least two eggs, three pieces of toast with butter, a very tall glass of orange juice, waffles with syrup and sometimes even a bagel with cream cheese if she felt particularly famished from the night before. To watch Jenna bustling about the kitchen getting all this ready was nothing short of incredible because somehow it all was finished at the same time, allowing Jenna to enjoy quite the delectable spread each morning. Though Jenna never thought of it, didn’t it make sense that the more breakfast she had, the better she’d feel that day?

All of this totally neglected the fact that for the last month Jenna had been basically been doing nothing on the set. Whenever she wasn’t in front of a camera, Jenna would meander over to the caterer’s tables and pick at the spread there, nibbling at a muffin here, a cookie there, or whatever was generally on hand. In fact, though Jenna hadn’t realized it, about all she was doing on set was eating bits and pieces of various things as she went.

This was why as Jenna bustled around the apartment in sweats, not yet having changed to go into work, her 5’2” frame looked a little fuller than usual. She’d gained 8 pounds, which brought her up from a respectable weight of 126 (to which she owed quite a deal to the impressive breasts she carried) to 134, which tested the limits of her size 8. Granted, she’d always been a fuller size 8, but still, they were beginning to grow a little tight on her. Most of her new weight was settled squarely in her belly, which now jiggled just a bit as she moved around the kitchen putting the finishing touches on her breakfast. Already the swirl of smells was intoxicating and Jenna sighed with expectation. She absolutely couldn’t wait to dig in.

Twenty minutes later, she had polished off her entire breakfast, feeling rather satisfied. It occurred to her that perhaps she should start making bacon in the morning. It would go so wonderfully with the eggs. Jenna put bacon down on her shopping list for the next time she went to the market. After taking care of the dishes, Jenna got changed for the studio. She found her jeans to be a little more restrictive than she remembered, and it was not without a bit of tugging that Jenna was able to get them all the way up.

Have I put on weight? Jenna thought, looking at herself in the mirror. She had to admit she looked a little fuller. Guess I’ll have to watch myself, won’t I? Nothing to be done about it now, I’ve got to get to work or else I’ll be late.

Upon arriving at the studio, Jenna went straight to her dressing room to go through wardrobe and makeup, in that order. Today she was wearing a light blue top (that naturally showed off a fair amount of cleavage) and black trousers. Wardrobe had brought her size 8 trousers and as Jenna fastened the button, she found them to be excruciatingly tight. She undid the button and sighed with relief. This would never do.

Jenna picked up the internal phone. “Wardrobe please. Hi Kelly, Jenna Coleman here. Can you bring by some size 10 trousers? Thanks so much.”

About five minutes later there was a knock on the door. “It’s Kelly, dear,” came a voice through the door. “Come in,” Jenna said, wearing only her blouse and briefs.

An older woman, Kelly from wardrobe, slipped through the door with a pair of black pants. “Hi Jenna, nice to see you again,” Kelly said, “I hear they’re starting your new storyline today.”

“Yeah, got to look my best,” Jenna said. In front of anyone else she might have pulled on a pair of sweatpants, but Jenna was always in various states of undress in front of wardrobe and thus it wasn’t odd, especially since wardrobe always sent a woman. “Thanks for bringing me the pants. You know, it’s just…”

“No need to explain dear,” Kelly said as she handed the trousers to Jenna, “At least you’re not like some of your costars.”

“What do you mean?” Jenna asked as she pulled on the pants, which slid up her thighs much easier now. The size 10 felt much better around her waist.

“Well, I don’t like to be a gossip, but let’s just say that we’re always bringing various sizes, usually larger, to women on set,” Kelly replied, “At least you don’t freak out about it like they do. It’s nice to have someone in the business who’s not so obsessive about their weight.”

“Well, I’ll admit I’d prefer not to be in the situation, but at the same time there’s not much I can do about it for the moment, is there?” Jenna said, “You might want to make sure they send size 10 for a few more weeks. One doesn’t slim down overnight you know.”

“I do indeed dear. I’ll see to it,” Kelly said as she departed.

After make up was through, Jenna called to say she was ready to see Martin to discuss the new storyline. She hadn’t seen the writer at all in the last couple weeks, and the word was he’d been pulling all-nighters lately. Jenna could only think that this meant he was cooking up some great plot for her.

A gentle rap on the door announced Martin’s presence and Jenna let him into the dressing room. “Nice to see you again,” Jenna greeted him.

“You too, Jenna,” Martin said quickly and perhaps a little abashedly, as he hurried inside. Looking down and away from Jenna, he handed her a bunch of papers. “Today’s script.”

Jenna reviewed the script quickly, her eyes running over the pages as Martin sat down. On the third page she looked up and exclaimed, “What! You’ve got to be kidding me!”

“I wish I wasn’t,” Martin said dejectedly.

“Miles? Miles! He’s all wrong for Jasmine! They shouldn’t get together! This is a disaster!” Jenna said, storming about her dressing room.

Miles Worthington was a character who’d been introduced on the show in the last few weeks. Though the actor who played him, Nick Malden, was a nice guy, Miles was a total bad boy. On the show, he’d nearly thrown the entire village into chaos with his cavalier attitude and lack of morals. It had really added a sense of drama to the show, and now the script was calling for Jasmine to become romantically involved with Miles.

“Is this your idea?” Jenna said, waving the script in front of Martin.

“No way! I absolutely agree with you,” Martin said as he put his head in his hands, “But the other writers were adamant about it. They think Jasmine should get with Miles when she’s the last character who’d go for him. Not only will it destroy her credibility as a character, there are other characters who are swooning over him and would fit much better with him, personality and plot wise. It’s not the right move at all.”

Jenna threw herself into a chair. “I wish I didn’t have a plotline if this is what they want to give me.”

Martin looked at Jenna for a moment, obviously running over something in his head. “I have an idea.”

“Well what is it? It can’t be any worse than this.”

“It’s a very dangerous idea because if it doesn’t work then I’m probably going to be fired.”

“What do you mean?” Jenna said leaning forward.

“Well, it’s my idea so I’ll take the blame for it if it doesn’t work. However, I think we might be able to use the situation to our advantage.”

Jenna paused for a moment. “Go on.”

***

“You know Jasmine, I’ve been roaming around Europe for years, hitting up every major city there is in search of the right woman for me…and to think that I’ve found her right here, back home in Emmerdale…” Nick Malden said, on set with Jenna with the cameras rolling around them, “…it’s like a dream come true.”

“Miles, I—I—” Jenna said.

“No, don’t say a word. Just let the moment take over,” Nick said, interrupting Jenna, his lips drawing closer to hers. This was where she had to make her decision. And when Jenna thought about it, it was really a very easy one.

Jenna sharply drew back from Nick and slapped him across the face. His look of surprise was genuine, rather than an act, for he truly believed he was going to kiss Jenna. In fact, the entire crew had similar looks of surprise on their face, except for Martin Swift who was nervously watching.

The producers, looking on from the sound proof editing room were flabbergasted.

“What! She just slapped him!” the director, Frank Sterling, yelled, “She wasn’t supposed to do that!”

One of the producers, Dorothy Michaels, keeping her head on straight, saw that Jenna was still delivering her lines. “Keep rolling. I want to see what she does with this.”

“Are you out of your mind? She’s off script and we’re wasting film?” the director said.

“Shhhh!” Dorothy said, listening in.

“How dare you try and come in here and treat me like…like some tart!” Jenna said, perfectly outraged, “I don’t know sort of girls you met when you were drunkenly cavorting across Europe having one night stands in every hamlet you come to, but I do know that I’m not one of them! Maybe you have half the other girls in this village mooning over you, but not me. Not me. If you know what’s good for you, you won’t ever, and I mean ever come near me again. Good day.”

“But—” Nick said, genuinely confused.

“I said good day!” Jenna said and with that whirled around and stalked off.

“Cut!”

The producers, the director, and the writers who happened to be around (save Martin who was holding his distance) all burst onto the set, their various voices turning into a cacophony.

“What do you think you were doing there?”

“What was that all about? ”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Can somebody please get me a very strong drink right now?”

“Quiet!” Frank shouted, which silenced everyone. “Jenna, you were supposed to kiss him, not leave a handprint on his face.”

“I know sir, but it just wasn’t right. Jasmine and Miles are absolutely wrong for one another and—” Jenna said.

“I don’t care. You are supposed to deliver the lines written for you, not write your own on the spot. You’re an actress, not a writer,” Frank said crossly.

“She was,” Martin said from behind them all, nervously steadying a cup of coffee in his hand.

Everyone turned around and looked at him. “What are you talking about Martin?” Frank asked.

“I wrote that sequence and told her to do it,” Martin replied, “So if you’ve got something to say, you’d better say it to me.”

The director stalked over, fuming. “You have no right to be making executive decisions like this. I—”

“All right, both of you, my office, right now,” Dorothy Michaels said, interrupting, “And don’t go anywhere, Jenna.”

The director and Martin followed the producer and Jenna wandered over to the caterer’s table and began to nervously munch on some chocolate chip cookies. She didn’t want Martin to lose his job, but he’d been the one who told her to do it.

“Look, I’m convinced that if they see you slap him and tell him off rather than kiss him, they’re going to like it. I’ve already written an alternative plot where you and Miles are at each other’s throats and it’ll be much better for both your characters in the long run. If we can just show them that you can be nasty to him, I think they’ll go for it,” Martin had explained in the dressing room as Jenna went over an alternate script he’d been working on late at night.

“I don’t want to get you fired though,” Jenna had said.

“Look, don’t worry about me. I can find another job if need be. Besides, if they’re not going to listen to my ideas, then I don’t want to work here at all,” Martin said, “Let’s just give it a try. I swear I’m not going to hang you out to dry.”

“I believe you Martin. I’ll give it my best,” Jenna had said and with that they sealed their compact. Now Jenna was nervously waiting to find out if Martin’s intuition had been right.

“Gutsy move,” Nick said, coming up to Jenna, snapping her back to the here and now.

Jenna went red. “Nick, sorry. I probably should have told you but, well, I—”

“Don’t worry about it. I’d love to see what my face looked like after that,” Nick said.

“I have to admit that it was all I could do to keep from laughing. You were so surprised,” Jenna said with a smile.

“I’ve got to say that I admire you for your courage. It takes a lot of guts to go off script like that,” Nick said, “You have my respect for it.”

Jenna blinked. “Oh, wow, thanks. That wasn’t exactly what I was expecting to hear from anybody today.”

Nick shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe it’d be better if our characters didn’t get together. I’d have a lot of fun for the two of us to be sparring. In character, that is.”

“Oh yeah, it’d be loads of fun.”

“Jenna!” one of the interns said, running up to her, “Dorothy wants to see you.”

Jenna looked at Nick. “See you later.”

“Good luck,” Nick said as Jenna hurried after the intern.

She stepped into Dorothy Michaels office and found that Martin was there with Frank.

“Have a seat, Jenna,” Dorothy said, motioning to a chair. Jenna meekly sat down. “Is it true that Martin approached you with this idea of disregarding the script and trying out his alternate idea?”

“Yes,” Jenna said.

“Why did you go along with it?”

“Because the original script is completely preposterous,” Jenna said, “Before Mr. Swift even said anything, I was stunned that anybody realistically thought that Jasmine should get together with Miles. It’s absurd and—”

“This is just what I’m talking about,” Frank said interrupting, “A supporting actress and a writer with no credits to his name are second guessing some of the best writers in the industry. Are we really—”

“Frank, shut your mouth before I shut it for you,” Dorothy said hostilely, and then turned to Jenna with a calmer demeanor, “Please continue.”

“Well, as I was saying, Jasmine would never fall for a bad boy like Miles. She prefers gentlemen, not…well, for lack of a better term, libertines, if you will. I just can’t see this happening. That’s why when Mr. Swift presented me with an alternative script he’d written, I decided to give it a try.”

“So this wasn’t just Martin pressuring you to give his idea a shot, was it?”

Jenna looked at Martin. “No, it wasn’t. To be honest, I wanted to give this a try myself.”

“There you have it. We’ve got the beginnings of a mutiny on our hands,” Frank said throwing his hands in the air.

“Frank, for the last time, shut up!” Dorothy ordered, her voice raising.

“If I might, Ms. Michaels,” Martin said from his position leaning against a credenza.

“Please,” Dorothy said sitting back in her chair.

Martin came forward and handed her a set of pages. “This is my alternative storyline that has Jasmine and Miles at odds with one another. I’ve already rewritten the next week’s scripts to make sure we don’t lose any production time. It has great potential for intricate plots with a lot of drama involved by exploiting their differences as characters. Miles is already well established as a womanizer who lacks morals and Jasmine in the last few months has had the foundation laid to become a strong female character who is self-motivated. Granted, I think everyone in this room will admit that she’s been relegated to purely sensational storylines in the past. Still, Jasmine has been emerging as a stronger female character as a result of her tribulations. I think that people will not only believe it, but love it. If we go through with Jasmine and Miles becoming a couple, it will destroy all credibility in her character, and likely the show as well.”

“That’s absurd. This show has been on the air for over thirty years. One character decision, even if it is bad, will not bring the show down,” Frank protested.

Dorothy simply glared and Frank fell back sullenly. She reviewed the proposal Martin had given her and was silent for a few minutes. Dorothy put the proposal down and turned to Jenna. “From what Martin has written here, a lot of this rests on you, Jenna. You have to convince the audience that you’re a modern woman who’s, to put it quite bluntly, not going to take any nonsense from Miles. You have to be combative while still being alluring, attractive and feisty. It’s a tall order. Do you think you can do this?”

Jenna was silent for a moment. “I think I can. To be perfectly honest, I’ve been waiting for a real role like this, Ms. Michaels. I think I can do this.”

“Jenna, I don’t want to hear ‘I think’. I want to know if you can.”

“I can and I will, Ms. Michaels,” Jenna said confidently.

She sat back. “All right. We’re using your storyline Martin.”

“You have got to be kidding!” Frank shouted.

“Frank, you’ve had your say and I’ve thought it through. They’re right this time,” Dorothy said.

“But the other writers rejected this idea! They’ve been churning out great plotlines for us for years!”

“And we haven’t won a BAFTA in years,” Dorothy said, “I think it’s time to shake things up.”

“But—”

“Get out and get back to your job,” Dorothy said, pointing at the door. Frank left, shooting Jenna and Martin a searing look as he left. They both moved to follow him out when they were called back by Dorothy.

Once the door had shut, Dorothy said, “This is your official tongue lashing. Never go behind my back and do something like this again. If you do, I will have to fire you. That being said, if you get any crap over this from Frank or anyone else, you let me know.”

“Thank you Ms. Michaels,” Martin and Jenna said.

“One more thing,” Dorothy said, “You had better make this work or else all three of us are going to get nailed to the wall. If we fall any further behind EastEnders I’m going to get heat from the studio and heads will roll. So get to work.”

Jenna and Martin murmured their thanks and hurried out to get back to work. Dorothy sat back in her chair and arched her fingers. This is crazy, but it just might turn out all right, Dorothy thought.

***

“The fillet steak with a baked potato with sour cream, butter, and chives. Salad with bleu cheese dressing,” Jenna said handing her menu to the waiter.

“The petite cut or full?” the waiter asked.

“Full,” Jenna replied.

“Many thanks, madam,” the waiter said withdrawing.

Abby raised her wine glass. “To your new storyline.”

“And to being pretty damn lucky I didn’t get fired!” Jenna concurred as they clinked glasses.

True to her word, Jenna had taken Abby out for dinner to celebrate the beginning of her new storyline. The fact that it had taken such an unexpected, and pleasant turn, caused Jenna to immediately put in reservations at one of Leeds’ best steak houses and told Abby to meet her there for dinner. The pair rarely ate out at such high-end places, and on her own Abby would never be able to afford it, but Jenna occasionally splurged on a good meal if it was a special occasion.

“I’ll say,” Abby said, “That took guts. How did you muster up the courage to do it?”

“Well, it wasn’t easy, but I realized that if I just went along with things, I’d basically be condemning myself to being a sensational character nobody would ever take seriously. If I kept with Emmerdale like that, then I’d just get my stereotyped as some floozy rather than as a serious actress,” Jenna said, “It just wouldn’t have been worth it in the long run. If they had fired me, I’ve got enough money I would have had some breathing room to find new work if I’d had to. I’ve established myself in the acting community and I think that if I had to I could find another job.”

Abby shook her head. “It’s just incredible if you ask me. I’m surprised that the producer, Michael Dorcy—”

“Dorothy Michaels,” Jenna corrected.

“Yeah, whatever, I’m surprised she went along with it. I mean, how often does that happen?”

“I’ve never seen it happen on Emmerdale. I just wonder what Martin said before I got there.”

Further conversation was forestalled by the arrival of their salads. Jenna, hungry from a long day of work, finished hers while Abby left about a third, thinking ahead to her large steak. The steaks arrived shortly after the salads were cleared away and both Jenna and Abby found them to absolutely explode with deliciousness in every bite. Chatting between mouthfuls, Jenna barely noticed that she once again cleared her plate. Abby, on the other hand, had to have half of her steak boxed up for her.

“Would you like to get some dessert?” Jenna asked, surveying the dessert menu.

Abby looked incredulously at Jenna. “You’re still hungry?”

“Dessert just sounds so good right now…” Jenna said, not even realizing she wasn’t really answering Abby’s question.

“No thanks,” Abby said, “I feel like I’m about to burst.”

“All right, I’ll pass then,” Jenna said. She paid the bill for them both and they headed their separate ways for the evening after Abby gave Jenna a final congratulatory hug. Jenna drove back to her flat and, without much thinking, she grabbed some ice cream from the freezer, turned on the TV, and zoned out, tired from the excitement of the day.

***

When the new Jasmine-Miles storyline premiered a month later, Emmerdale’s fans were pleasantly surprised with a newly spunky and confident Jasmine. In fact, very few people noticed that she’d put on any weight at all (even with the fact that the camera adds ten pounds). As the storyline progressed, the show began to slowly gain in viewers, which may or may not have been due to Jenna’s growing role on the show. After all, the entire writing team seemed to be hitting its stride and all of the plots were better than they had been in quite some time.

This did not escape the notice of an entertainment writer of The Times, who published an article one Sunday on the front page of the Entertainment section that declared “EMMERDALE: THE BEST SOAP YOU’RE NOT WATCHING”.

“Can you believe it?” Abby said excitedly over the phone to Jenna that Sunday, “This is incredible!”

“Abs, you know I don’t read the reviews. If they’re good I only get full of myself, if they’re bad I just get dejected. I prefer just to do my job regardless of what they’re saying,” Jenna said as she fixed herself a sandwich for lunch.

“But you should hear what they’re saying about you!” Abby protested.

“Don’t even start, Abigail Rhodes, or I will hang up this phone,” Jenna said sternly.

“Fine, but it’s all they’ll be talking about on set tomorrow, I guarantee you that.”

And it was. “Though it has been easy to take Emmerdale for granted,” one of the crew was reading aloud to everyone, “as ITV’s ‘other soap’, if they continue to give us entertainment of this caliber, one day Emmerdale might be the soap that everybody’s trying to beat.’”

Everyone cheered. Jenna was trying not to pay too much attention, snacking at the caterer’s table. The cheese danish was especially good today.

“While this is obviously exciting for everyone, I’d like to urge you not to let this all go to your head,” Frank said, addressing the cast and crew since he had the opportunity to do so, “We’ve still got another month and a half before BAFTA nominations come out and there’s a lot of work to be done before then. So let’s just really focus in and maybe with luck we’ll be a strong contender this year. I’m confident if we all give our best effort we stand a good chance of winning this year.”

Everyone dispersed and Martin wandered over to Jenna. They’d gotten to know each other better as a result of their shared ordeal in getting the new storyline through. “I’m sure you were pleased to hear that The Times is now a fan of your work,” Martin said.

“Are they? I wasn’t paying attention,” Jenna said as she spread some cheese on a cracker.

“They were positively glowing,” Martin affirmed.

“Well, they’re just critics. I try not to pay much attention to them. I just do my job,” Jenna said with a shrug, “Speaking of which, I need to get review my lines for today. Can’t allow myself to do injustice to good writing, can I?”

“Oh, definitely not,” Martin said with a smirk.

As Jenna sauntered off, Martin did a bit of a double take. Did Jenna’s ass fill out the seat of her pants a bit more fully than he remembered? Did she look a little thicker around the midsection than when he’d first joined the crew? And were her thighs less toned? He couldn’t be sure. When he did look at Jenna’s physique, he rarely got further than her impressive bosom. Maybe it was just his imagination. After all, Jenna didn’t look bad…just a little…full.

In actuality, Jenna now weighed 140 pounds. She’d been kept busy with more work on the show, but all the snacking of the previous month was now habitual for Jenna. It had become a totally thoughtless action. Her size 10s were now standard and they no longer fit loosely on her. Jenna didn’t even realize that she’d gained six pounds in the last month. She’d been so busy with all the work on Emmerdale that she didn’t even think of taking the time to weigh herself these days. In her defense, Jenna had never felt better about the way that her life was going. Emmerdale was really giving her fulfilling work right now, and that helped her outlook on life quite a bit.

It was three weeks (and another six pounds) later when Kelly from wardrobe when delivering a costume caught Jenna in her underwear and became the first person on the set to realize how chunky their rising star was getting. Jenna’s breasts were beginning to strain her 34D bra more than a bit. Jenna’s formerly flat stomach now had a small tummy that was threatening to burst into being not-so-small in the near future. Her hips were stretching her briefs and her butt was definitely softer and rounder. Jenna’s thighs were full, luscious, and inviting. Though Jenna’s face was still its usual cute self, her cheeks were slightly chubbier than before.

“Oh!” Kelly said involuntarily as she took this scene in.

“What?” Jenna asked concernedly, “Are you all right?”

“Just you’re looking a little fuller dear,” Kelly said good naturedly.

Jenna looked at herself in the mirror. “Am I? I haven’t really noticed at all.”

“Just a smidge dear,” Kelly said, “Been snacking a bit lately?”

“Only here and there,” Jenna said, which was completely untrue.

“Don’t worry about it. We’ve dealt with this before. We know how to dress you so you look your best,” Kelly said giving Jenna a kind pat on her tummy.

Jenna smiled. “Thanks so much Kelly.”

“My pleasure dear,” Kelly said, withdrawing, mentally adding, It’s just nice to deal with someone who doesn’t fly off the handle if she’s put on a bit of weight.

[The Id]

“They’re about to announce the nominees!”

Jenna rushed over to the small telly everyone was clustered around. Today the BAFTA nominees for television came out. Everyone was abuzz because they’d just reached the Continuing Drama category.

“Quiet down! I can’t hear!” someone shouted over the din.

Everyone quieted in enough time to hear, “The nominees are Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale—”

The cast erupted in cheers. Several people hugged one another impulsively and there were high fives all around. Even Jenna was enthused about the nomination, even though Emmerdale was regularly nominated. She instinctively looked for Martin, who was exchanging excited handshakes with the rest of the writers. She shuffled her way through the crowd, giving and receiving congratulations on all sides.

“I guess you weren’t as crazy as I thought, Mr. Swift,” Jenna said shaking Martin’s hand.

“Well we haven’t won it yet,” Martin said, “but at least we’re in the running. It’s a lot harder to win if you’re not nominated.”

Jenna smiled. “I’ll say.” She paused. “I don’t know if this is the right moment, but I suppose now is as good a time as any. I don’t think I ever properly thanked you for…you know, giving me good writing for a change.”

“It’s my job,” Martin said.

“No, you really believed in me and that means a lot to me,” Jenna said, “Thank you.”

“And thank you for giving me something worth believing in for a change,” Martin replied.

The pair’s moment was broken up by a group of Jenna’s costars who were eager to congratulate as many people as they could, and the pair were swept up into the general revelry.

***

One month later, Jenna was sitting on her couch wearing her Blackpool FC sweatshirt eating Cadbury’s chocolate watching the BAFTAs on the telly. She’d had the option of going, but since she wasn’t nominated for anything, she thought it was best if she just stayed at home. Though she did go to awards shows when it was warranted, more often than not she preferred to just skip the hassle. It took so long to go through the process of getting your hair done, getting dressed, and then getting to the event and going through the pomp and show of the red carpet that Jenna avoided it when she could.

As a result, she’d decided to just bed down in her comfiest clothes with some Cadbury’s (now a quite common resident in her pantry) to watch from home. Whenever Jenna got back from work, she usually slipped into something with an elastic waist, which was much gentler on her bulging belly than the stiffer waistbands of the pants she wore to work. Her other trousers weren’t uncomfortable, per se, just somewhat restrictive. Even though on set Kelly had made sure they were dressing Jenna to downplay her size, she was beginning to find that her size 10s were getting tight. However, Jenna was often too busy with her lines or other things on set to really notice it at all.

She was wearing tangerine socks to keep her toes warm. They were probably the ugliest thing in her wardrobe, even uglier than her tangerine Blackpool sweatshirt. They were so ugly that she didn’t even wear her tangerine socks when she went to Blackpool games. But when it came to being home alone watching TV and keeping her feet warm, Jenna loved her tangerine socks.

Jenna bit into a Dairy Milk bar and the smooth chocolate glid over her tongue. Chocolate had become more and more a part of Jenna’s diet since the initial pig out with Abby, and the effects were certainly beginning to show. Jenna now weighed in at 148 pounds, though she only thought that she had only put on “a couple pounds” in the past few months. Already blessed with a pair of beautiful melons for breasts, most of Jenna’s weight gain had been concentrated in her hips and thighs, giving her a distinct hourglass shape. Her belly hadn’t missed out on the action, now a definite pot belly that was present at all times. Jenna’s face was still rather slim, which had prevented her from getting too much attention for her new girth. Still, more and more people on set were beginning to notice, and Abby was well aware that her best friend was now rather chubby. However, nobody on Emmerdale who did notice thought they had any business bringing it up to Jenna. Abby was too good a friend to get down on Jenna for her weight. If Jenna was happy about herself, then Abby was happy for her.

Jenna had only been paying half attention to the award show, but now the Continuing Drama Award was being announced and she suddenly got nervous and excited. Emmerdale was a long shot to win because the critics had been raving about EastEnders all year, or so everybody else told Jenna since she didn’t pay attention to these things. Still, Jenna hoped that somehow they just might pull it out. She drew her knees up to her chest and listened expectantly.

“And the winner for Best Continuing Drama is…” here the presenter fumbled with the envelope as he tried to open it, “…Emmerdale!”

Jenna was so surprised she gave a shout. Immediately her cell phone was ringing. It was Abby.

“Oh my Jenna - did you in a hundred years see this coming?" Abby said on the other end.

“I know! I don’t believe it! We won!” Jenna said. She was jumping up and down in the middle of her living room, more excited than she’d been since she got her role on Emmerdale. Her impressive breasts were bouncing wildly with the rest of her body following suit, though to a lesser degree.

The producers were now accepting their statuettes and making their obligatory thank yous. Jenna and Abby both went silent as they listened. Much to their mutual surprise, Dorothy Michaels had the last word after the other producers had gone through verbose speeches. “There are so many people to thank, but really this BAFTA is thanks to the hard work of Martin Swift and Jenna Coleman. You guys are the reason this happened.”

Jenna’s mouth dropped open and Abby began screaming again. “I don’t believe it! She mentioned you! She mentioned you specifically!”

Jenna fell back onto her couch, out of breath both from jumping around in excitement and now being stunningly mentioned by name out of the entire cast. Her cell phone suddenly began registering other incoming calls, most likely other family and friends wanting to congratulate her.

“Wow,” was all the flabbergasted starlet could say.

***

To celebrate their BAFTA win, the show’s producers rented out one of Leeds’ best restaurants that catered to corporate events and invited everyone. It was a relatively formal affair, though not overly so. However, everyone generally wanted to dress up and have a nice time out to celebrate their success.

Jenna was no exception, and she had selected a satiny blue dress with a low cut in the front and two long slits up the legs for the event. Slipping into this stunning blue number was a bit of an issue for Jenna though, for the dress was something that had been hanging in her closet for a while and was designed to fit a woman of smaller dimensions. Though, when all was said and done, it wasn’t too tight, it definitely showed off all of her curves—those in front, those in back, and those in every direction. Since it had taken longer than expected to get dressed, Jenna had to hurry down to be on time. As a result, Jenna didn’t take a good, long look at herself in the mirror before leaving the apartment.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, she was immediately greeted by people and began to work her way through the crowd. It was at this moment that the cast and crew of Emmerdale realized that Jenna-Louise Coleman truly had gained serious weight. Her breasts, already on conspicuous display with the low cut of the front of her dress, filled with every breath, surging gently upwards, pressing together. Her belly could be clearly seen, taut against the blue fabric of the dress, a smooth convex curve. Jenna’s hips flared out and swayed sexily from side to side as she moved through the crowd exchanging congratulations and thanks. Her butt jiggled with each step and the outline of her lacy black briefs could nearly be seen stretched across her rump. As Jenna moved, the long, daring slits on each side of her dress revealed not slim, lithe thighs but full, smooth, soft thighs. There were a few quiet murmurs, but most people decided to keep their opinions to themselves, especially on a celebratory occasion like this.

Jenna went to the bar and was about to order when from next to her came, “Champagne for the lady.”

Turning, Jenna found Martin Swift looking particularly sharp in a black suit. “Well, well, congratulations are definitely in order, Mr. Swift. Were you as surprised as I was at being mentioned by Dorothy?”

“Honest answer? I just about had a heart attack,” Martin said as he handed a glass of champagne to Jenna, “Here’s to our BAFTA and to an open bar!”

“Cheers!” Jenna said as they clinked glasses together and drank. “So decided what you’re using that bonus on?”

“Well, I must admit I’ve been going by the Aston Martin dealership with a bit of a glint in my eye lately, but I don’t think that Shannon would appreciate it.”

All of a sudden—and much to her surprise—Jenna’s stomach dropped. “Shannon?”

“Yes. Shannon, dear, meet Jenna,” Martin said, introducing the woman on his left, a svelte redhead in the ubiquitous little black dress, “Jenna, this is my fiancee Shannon Rourke.”

“A pleasure to meet you,” Shannon said extending her hand, which Jenna shook, “Martin has said so much about you. He’s always saying that it’s a pleasure to write for you, that you have a wonderful work ethic and are vastly underrated and underappreciated.”

“Well, thank you,” Jenna said, “Martin is a wonderful guy to work with as well. If it wasn’t for him I don’t think we would have even been nominated this year.”

Shannon squeezed Martin’s arm. “Well, I’m just really proud of Martin. It’s about time some of his hard work paid off.”

“So, since it doesn’t sound like you guys will be getting an Aston, what are you going to do with the money?” Jenna asked, sipping her champagne.

“For the moment it’s going to be put aside,” Martin said, “It’ll help pay for our wedding and then a down payment for a house.”

“Sounds like a wonderful plan. I wish you both the best of luck,” Jenna said, somehow not truly feeling so, “You make a wonderful couple. Good to see you both. I should really circulate.”

“Once again, a pleasure to meet you,” Shannon said.

“See you around Jenna,” Martin said.

As Jenna moved off, she found her head almost spinning. Why had finding out Martin been engaged shaken her like this? Did she actually have some sort of feelings for him? Sure, they’d worked closely, but that shouldn’t mean she was attracted to him. Then again, he was one of the few people who had really believed in her and given her a chance. Maybe Jenna had become a little more attached to him than she’d thought.

Well no use thinking about that now, Jenna thought, morosely and somewhat bitterly, He’s obviously found someone, so there’s no use in being anything more than friends with him, which is all you’ve ever been with him anyways. Just get your mind—

“Jenna, glad to see you made it,” Dorothy Michaels said, coming up to Jenna.

“Ms. Michaels!” Jenna said, “I just—”

“Please, Dorothy. No need to stand on formality at a party,” Dorothy said smiling.

“Dorothy, all right. My parents really appreciated you mentioning me in your speech like that. It really meant a lot to them, and to me. I’ve been getting calls non-stop from all my friends since then.”

Dorothy waved her hand. “It was really the least I could have done. You and Martin have really been instrumental in getting this show turned around.”

“That’s a bit of an exaggeration I’m sure,” Jenna said, blushing a bit.

“Hardly. Your move with Martin caused me to realize that the show needed some shaking up. I lit a fire under the other writers and we’ve always had a good cast, they just needed some better material to work with,” Dorothy said, “I doubt any of this would have happened without the two of you.”

“Well, I still think that you’re being too complimentary, but thank you all the same,” Jenna said, “Thank you for believing in me.”

“It turns out to it was trust well placed. I’ve spoken with Martin and we really think that this is going to be a wonderful springboard for Jasmine to become a larger part of the show and a more serious character. We think that Jasmine can really be representative of a modern, self-confident woman who can stand for herself. Martin’s still working out the details, but it’s definitely something that we’re working on.”

“That’s wonderful!” Jenna said, “I know I can really make Jasmine take off as a character and be a positive addition to the show.”

“Good, because we should be experiencing a major ratings spike as a result of the BAFTA win. With luck we’ll retain most of those viewers and I think Jasmine will be key in capturing a younger demographic. Keep up the good work and we might yet catch up with EastEnders!” Dorothy said.

“I’ll do my best!” Jenna said enthusiastically.

“That’s what I like to hear. Now go have fun tonight,” Dorothy said, deftly picking off some hors d’oeuvres from a passing plate and handing one to Jenna, “The food here is just to die for.”

“I’ll say!” Jenna chimed in as she bit into the hors d’oeuvres.

***

Emmerdale had already been experiencing a gradual gain in ratings ever since The Times review, but its surprise win at the BAFTAs caused a sharp spike in viewers. It even surpassed EastEnders for a couple weeks before falling down into the third place spot again. However, Emmerdale was now much closer in the ratings race than it had been previously. The buzz on the set was that if things went well they might permanently take over the second spot.

As a result, everyone on the show was going into overdrive to make sure that they were continuing to churn out their best work from the interns to the major stars. If you walked into the writers’ offices you could see steam coming out of their ears as they furiously pounded their keyboards. Frank was so energetic about his directing he sometimes got red in the face from his intensity. Even Jenna was getting so spirited in her acting that some of her costars were visibly taken aback by her passion.

However, this also meant that some people were approaching a burn out factor. Emmerdale had been in high gear for months on end and that took a toll on people. Even though nobody wanted to let up for fear they might lose their momentum and their chance to overtake EastEnders, the producers decided that a series of staggered holidays (with pay, no less) where they were most needed would be the best idea for the cast and crew to make sure that everybody stayed at the top of their game.

Jenna was one of the first people to get a vacation. “We’d really like to thank you for giving the show your all,” Dorothy said to Jenna one day after filming, “It’s really pushed everyone to do their best, which has brought us to where we are today. In addition to the upcoming week off everybody’s getting, we’re going to give you another two weeks.”

“Thank you!” Jenna exclaimed.

“We’ve already written into tomorrow’s shooting script that Jasmine’s going deep undercover for a story, so there won’t be any problem there. It’ll work out very well I think,” Dorothy said.

“Though I love working here, I won’t admit I’ll be glad to get the rest!” Jenna said.

“Make sure you enjoy it,” Dorothy said as Jenna gave her a hug, “Come back well rested and ready to go.”

“Absolutely!” Jenna said and she excitedly scampered off.

What Dorothy didn’t know was that the other producers had strongly urged Jenna be one of the first people to take vacation because they thought Jenna needed to drop some weight. The last time her weight had gone up, she’d been given a couple weeks off and, without being asked, had come back to the show thinner and trimmer. The last thing the producers wanted right now was a cow ruining their quest to beat EastEnders in the ratings, and that was just what they feared was going to happen if Jenna didn’t slim down.

Somebody really should have mentioned that to Jenna before she went on her holiday.

***

“Three weeks holiday!” Jenna said excitedly to Abby over the phone that night.

“That’s awesome Jenna! What are you going to do with all that time?” Abby said.

“Sleep for about an entire week,” Jenna said as she sat down to a hearty pasta dinner she had made for herself, “I love the fact that the show’s clicking right now, but I absolutely need this break.”

“I think a celebration is in order the moment you get on holiday,” Abby said.

“Definitely. Got any ideas?” Jenna said before she devoured a huge forkful of pasta with part of a meatball.

“How about we drive down to Manchester, get a hotel room, and go out clubbing for a couple nights and meet some hot university boys?” Abby proposed.

“That sounds great!” Jenna said, “We’ll leave as soon as I finish shooting Friday, all right?”

“I’ll take off work early and we’ll get this weekend started in style!” Abby said.

“Manchester better be ready because they’re not even going to know what hit them!” Jenna said.

After the two hung up after a few more logistical details, Jenna turned back with relish to her dinner. Though shooting had been difficult lately, it only meant that the first thing Jenna was apt to do when she got home was zone out and watch the telly while she snacked because she was so tired. The two activities were now firmly linked together for Jenna. Besides all the snacking she was doing, she also had large meals whenever she could, which helped to add pounds to her frame. Jenna was now clocking in at 156 pounds and she’d since abandoned her size 10 clothing long ago for the much more comfortable size 12. Jenna was also starting to favor elastic waists in her clothes more and more because they gave her added comfort and helped to prolong the life of her trousers.

Jenna didn’t give much impression of being thin anymore. Her upper arms were starting to carry some extra weight and her thighs were filling out even further into soft, luxurious expanses of gentle flesh. Jenna’s breasts, still her crowning glory, had grown to another size, which had forced her to replace all of her bras with a new larger size. Beneath her massive mammaries was a respectable belly that couldn’t really be called a potbelly anymore. Jenna’s cute tummy jiggled when she moved and had no compunction about growling to demand more food whenever it wanted it. However, this only happened occasionally—Jenna needed no prompting to keep herself well fed.

Jenna’s hips continued to grow outward and her bubble butt was quickly become a true fat ass, sticking out behind her intoxicatingly. Jenna was still dressing nicely for work, and as a result showed off her curves. Costuming had done their best, but it was no longer possible to hide Jenna’s weight gain on the show. However, if the fans noticed, they hadn’t tuned out yet. At the moment, Jenna was in her comfiest sweats. She’d had to buy larger clothing even for lounging around the house. Jenna even filled out her sweats with her thunder thighs and when Jenna didn’t wear sweatshirts, her shirts clung to every roll of her body. Jenna was conscious that she’d “put on a few”, since she’d had to move up to size 12, but nothing in her mind registered her true size. Her glances in the mirror were usually hurried in the morning as she rushed to work after her sizable breakfast and they failed to afford her enough of a look to truly take herself in. Jenna usually zoned out during makeup. Besides, nobody had told Jenna directly that she was fat, so the thought just didn’t enter into her head.

Right now, as she munched on delicious pasta smothered in parmesan cheese and sauce with tasty meatballs, the only thought Jenna had on the subject of clubbing was, I’ve got to make sure I’ve got some good clothes for clubbing!

***

Jenna and Abby sauntered into a hip bar in Manchester. As they were headed over in the cab to the bar from the hotel, Jenna suddenly worried that she might be recognized while she was there and there could be a scene.

“Oh come on Jenna, you worry too much. It’s always too dark in these sorts of places to get a good look at anyone,” Abby said to calm her friend down, mentally adding, Besides, I don’t think anyone would expect Jenna-Louise Coleman to be as heavy as you are. Abby wasn’t knocking Jenna’s weight when she thought this, but simply being realistic about the situation. Jenna could be 200 pounds or more and Abby would still be her best friend.

Upon getting to the club, Jenna and Abby sauntered inside and surveyed the scene. They were both wearing skirts that showed off their legs (though Jenna had much more leg, especially around the thighs, to showcase than Abby did) and cute high heels (which short Jenna desperately needed). Abby was wearing a tight green top that showed off her svelte frame. Jenna on the other hand chose a shiny blue halter top that showed off plenty of her soft shoulders and more than enough inviting cleavage. Clubbing clothes are not intended to hide one’s weight and Jenna’s didn’t. Case and point was the fact that Jenna’s short skirt showed off her lusciously large thighs. Her top clung tightly to ever curve, especially those of her belly. Though it was dark inside the club, it wasn’t dark enough to hide Jenna’s size.

Jenna and Abby warmed up by having a couple drinks at the bar. Abby went with rum and coke while Jenna knocked back a couple vodka and tonics. This got them both pleasantly tipsy. They were about to order a third round when the bartender came over and put down drinks in front of them.

“Compliments of the gentlemen over there,” the bartender said, pointing to a couple men leaning against the bar across from them.

The two girls looked inquisitively their benefactors, who happened to look rather close to their age. The first was dark haired, rather handsome and was probably the only guy in the place wearing a suit—a rather sharp one at that. The second guy was dressed more casually, but still appropriately for clubbing. He was trim, but not lanky, and had brown hair. Jenna thought he was rather enticingly good looking.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Jenna said as she smiled and waved the men over.

“I’ll fight you for the suit,” Abby said.

“No need,” Jenna said with a small smile.

“Good evening, ladies,” the casually dressed man said.

“And to what do we owe this most unexpected, but welcome, pleasure?” Jenna said with a mischievous smile that was half the work of the alcohol.

“Is it not appropriate for a couple men to buy some beautiful women a perfectly innocent round?” the man in the suit said, coming up next to Abby.

“Hey, you’re not British!” Abby exclaimed upon hearing his accent.

“You have me. For better or worse, I’m American. Allow me to introduce myself: Fred Stinson,” the man in the suit said extending his hand, “And allow me to introduce my gracious host—”

“James Eaton,” the other man said.

“I’m Abby,” Abby said, purposefully withholding her last name to avoid the usual joke.

“And I’m Jenna. The pleasure is all ours, boys,” Jenna said with a smile before she giggled a bit.

“Oh, trust me, it’s not,” Fred said with a smile. Abby involuntarily giggled herself. “My dear, would you care to settle a bet I have with my friend James here?”

“Absolutely,” Abby said, batting her eyelashes.

“I bet him £20 that you’re the sort of girl who likes dancing. Care to help me win that bet?”

“Absolutely!” Abby said.

“Pay up!” Fred said triumphantly. James rolled his eyes and pulled out a £20 note, which Fred plucked from James’s fingers.

As this exchange took place, Abby said in Jenna’s ear, “I trust you can take care of your handsome friend?”

“With pleasure,” Jenna replied.

Abby finished her drink and then headed with Fred to the dance floor, Jenna turned back to James and said, “So, do you always buy strange women drinks?”

“Only if the lady in question is particularly stunning,” James said.

Jenna wagged her finger. “Flattery will get you everywhere—I mean, nowhere, Mr. Eaton,” Jenna said with a big grin.

“That’s what I’m counting on,” James replied with a smile of his own.

“You know, I just realized something,” Jenna said as he third drink started to kick in, “Your name and my name both start with the letter J. That’s funny!”

“Well what do you know, they do,” James said, as if the coincidence had just occurred to him as well, “I guess it’s a sign.”

“Oh yes,” Jenna said seriously, “Obviously we were destined to meet one another tonight.”

“Actually, I was thinking it means we should both hit the dance floor now so we can show Fred and Abby what dancing looks like.”

“I thought you’d never ask!” Jenna said.

The pair made their way to the dance floor and began to get down. The music pounded furiously, giving the dancers a good beat. Though it had been a long time since Jenna had last danced, she remembered that the first rule of dancing was letting your inhibitions go and then everything else followed. And that was exactly what happened. Before long Jenna and James were dirty dancing their hearts out, who was running his hands slowly and sensually over the beautiful brunette’s body. Jenna closed her eyes and abandoned herself to the joy of dancing. James was in a state of ecstasy as Jenna’s butt ground into his crotch rhythmically, resulting in the expected arousal. James pulled Jenna’s hips closer in, causing Jenna to smile. She leaned her head back and yelled over the music, “You sure know how to show a girl a good time!”

“I was just about to say the same thing about you,” James yelled back.

As the two continued to grind it out, James looked over and saw that Fred and Abby seemed to be enjoying themselves in similar fashion. Above Abby’s head Fred gave James a head nod, which James returned with a wink.

All four twenty-somethings thought to themselves, This evening couldn’t be going any better.

[The Id]

The next morning, Jenna woke up with a hang over. In the twin bed next to her, Abby was groaning, screwing her eyes shut.

“I don’t wanna get up,” Abby said.

“Uhhhh-huhhh,” Jenna muttered, “How much did I have to drink last night?”

“I might still be drunk,” Abby said.

“I doubt it,” Jenna said as she rolled out of bed and staggered to the bathroom, “but it’s been known to happen.” She had somehow gotten changed into a pair of pajamas that looked to be one of the few remnants of Jenna’s size 10 wardrobe. The pajama top strained at the buttons and Jenna’s knockers firmly tested the limit of the cloth. The bottom was so tight across Jenna’s rump that there was actually a small valley formed between her two butt cheeks. Jenna’s thighs so tightly filled out the legs of the pajama bottoms that they looked like sausages. There was even a small gap between the two garments at Jenna’s midriff, revealing her soft, full belly.

“How’d you enjoy Jim—”

“James. At least I think that’s what his name was.”

“James, yeah. Have fun with him?”

“Loads. You like Fred?”

“He was incredible. I vaguely remember actually talking to him and he was really cool…I think anyways,” Abby put her head under a pillow, “I’ll remember better in like four hours I swear.”

Jenna stuck her head out of the bathroom as she brushed her teeth. “Oh come on! This is our vacation? We’re going to take Mancheter by storm! Different guys every night! We can’t paint the town red if we stay inside our hotel room!”

Abby rolled over and looked at the clock on the bedside table. “It’s only—what?” Abby’s cell phone was vibrating. She picked it up. “Hello? Fred!”

Jenna poked her head out again in surprise. “Fred!”

“Yeah, it was nice meeting you too,” Abby said putting her finger to her lips, “Say Fred, how did you get my number?…Oh well if I gave it to you that makes so much more sense….What?…Well let me find out. Jenna’s such a heavy sleeper I’ll have to wake her.” Abby covered the cell phone receiver and said to Jenna. “Remember that whole ‘different guy every night’ thing? Well Fred and James want to meet us for coffee.”

Jenna rolled her eyes. “Come on! We’re not going to let the first guys we meet pin us down!”

“I think I really like Fred. Do it for me Jenna.”

“We’ll find you someone cuter tonight,” Jenna said.

“Fred says they know this great hangover cure involving coffee.”

“We’ll be there,” Jenna said immediately.

“Hi, Fred, Jenna’s a bit groggy right now,” Abby said over the phone, “She’s going to take a while to get up, but we’d love to meet you. Where do you guys want to meet?…All right, we’ll take a cab and meet you there. It’s not far from where our hotel….What do you mean you know?…I told you where we’re staying?…Really?…Well, we’ll be there as quickly as we can. See you soon.”

“How much did you drink last night Abs? I wonder what else you told him,” Jenna said as she started the shower.

“Who can say? For all I know I told him my life story last night,” Abby said as she pulled herself out of bed.

Jenna had by this point undressed and stepped into the shower, the hot water cascading over her body. “I’m sure you didn’t let slip too much. You know how I get when I’m drunk. I tend to get a little silly. It’s a miracle that James even wants to see me again.”

“Silly doesn’t even come close, love. You start throwing yourself at the first cute boy you see,” Abby said.

“And James <I]was[/i] cute…” Jenna murmured to herself. She unconsciously began to caress her body, remembering James, as she let the firm shower of water massage her soft, tan skin. Jenna’s breasts swayed as she moved around in the shower, water running off her nipples in streams. Her butt bounced as she maneuvered around the shower. Jenna’s belly undulated as she soaped her body, still thinking about last night with James. Jenna continued by lathering her thighs, causing them to jiggle in the process. Because her thoughts were focused on James and seeing him again, she didn’t realize that she was having to reach a little further to soap everything as she showered, that it was harder to bend over to reach her ankles than it had been, or that she grunted when she bent over as her belly bunched up into a distinct rolls. Everything was just so warm and pleasurable…

Five minutes later, Jenna emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel. “All yours.”

Abby, who was in a similar state of undress whisked past Jenna. “Took you long enough. At this rate they’re going to think we’re not coming,” Abby mumbled crossly.

Jenna’s jaw dropped as Abby shut the bathroom door. She knew Abby well enough to pick up on the undertones of all her moods. “Uh-oh! You’ve fallen for a guy after one night! Apparently prim and proper Abigail Rhodes is still in Leeds and I’m in Manchester with her twin sister who’s a wild girl! Do you always get this way when you go on holiday?”

Abby threw open the door with the shower running behind her, no longer covered by a towel. Jenna herself had dropped her towel as she began getting dressed as well. The contrast could not be starker. On the one hand you had lithe, willowy Abby and then there was curvaceous, buxom, hefty Jenna. Both were beautiful, but each in very different ways.

“I’ll have you know that I do not get this way whenever I leave Leeds, thank you very much!” Abby said indignantly, “Do you think I’m a tart or something like that?”

“No need to get so cross,” Jenna said as she pulled on clean black underwear, “I’ve just never seen you like this before.”

Abby’s eyes roamed about looking at the floor. She ran one hand through her flaxen hair. “I…I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I barely know this guy, an American no less, and for some reason I can’t wait to see him again.”

Abby looked at Jenna and stammered, “I don’t know why, but I…I’ve got to see him again. I don’t expect you to understand—”

“Abby, you’re my best friend. You don’t need to explain yourself to me. If you want to see Fred again, that’s fine with me. I’ll keep James entertained for you to work your magic on Fred,” Jenna said. She’d put a black bra on to give her mammoth gazongas proper support. coming over and giving her friend a hug, “Go get yourself cleaned up so we can meet the boys. Who knows, maybe this weekend might be a smashing success after all if we play our cards right?”

***

Twenty minutes later Jenna and Abby walked through the door of a low key coffee shop. They scanned the crowd and found James and Fred. While James was dressed rather casually, Fred was still wearing a suit, but definitely a different one from the night before. They appeared to be in a rather heated argument. As they were walking up to the table, James noticed their approach and the two ended their verbal altercation. They both stood and warmly greeted the ladies.

“My my,” Fred said, surveying them both as all four sat, “It’s not often that girls you meet at a club are better looking in daylight.”

“The same goes for boys,” Abby said with a smile, taking particular effort to direct her comments towards Fred.

“It looked like the two of you were having a bit of a row when we came in,” Jenna said.

“Oh it was nothing,” James said with a wave of the hand.

“It didn’t seem like it was nothing,” Jenna pressed.

As the exchange happened, Fred caught the attention of a waitress and held up two fingers and motioned to their table. The waitress nodded and withdrew. Fred then turned back to the conversation. “James and I were just arguing about which of us was luckier.”

“Luckier?” Abby said, “What do you mean?”

“Yeah. See, James got to dance with Jenna and I got to dance with you,” Fred said to Abby, “Therefore, I told James that I was luckier than he was.”

“Awww…that’s so sweet!” Abby said.

The waitress came over and put a cup of iced coffee in front of Jenna and Abby. “Ladies, please enjoy what I like to call the ‘Sober-up-cino’, guaranteed to sober you up and taste delicious at the same time.”

James leaned over and whispered to Jenna. “It’s just a regular frappucino, but I’ve got to admit that it tastes great coming off a hangover.”

As Jenna sipped at the cool coffee with a hint of caramel she nodded her head in agreement. “I think he’s onto something. If I’d only known this little secret I might have let myself go more often,” Jenna said, smiling sweetly at James. He was soooo cute. Just because Jenna was going to bat for Abby didn’t mean she couldn’t have fun with James.

“So you don’t go clubbing often?” James inquired.

“Hardly. We’re here on holiday from Leeds,” Jenna said.

“Well Manchester has great nightlife as I think you discovered last night,” James said.

“Oh definitely,” Jenna said, “Quite…exciting, if you ask me.” She was pretty sure that James would catch her meaning.

“When did you get in town?” James said.

“Last night. We threw our bags into our hotel room and headed straight to the club…I think you know the rest,” Jenna said.

“Indeed. So what are your plans for your stay?”

“Nothing much…hit the club scene and meet some cute boys,” Jenna said.

“So, how’s that going for you?”

“Mission accomplished,” Jenna said and winked.

James didn’t have an immediate reply to that, and was forestalled from making one as Fred cut into their conversation. “Sorry to interrupt, but isn’t there a decision that needs to be made soon?”

“Oh, yes!” James said, “I don’t know if you ladies had plans for today, but Fred hasn’t ever been to a football game and I’ve got some tickets for the Man U game today. We were wondering if you might be interested in joining us.”

“That’d be lovely! What do you say Jenna?” Abby exclaimed.

“Sure! I love football, but haven’t been able to get to a game in ages,” Jenna said.

“You never go see The Whites?” James asked.

“See this is what I don’t understand about the whole football thing. You call your teams names like the ‘The Whites’? That’s so boring. I mean, no self-respecting team in America would call themselves that,” Fred said to Abby.

“And we’re supposed to take the Red Sox seriously?” Abby retorted, “That’s not much better! They’re socks! That’s not fearsome! You don’t even spell it right!”

Before Fred, who was obviously put out by this heresy, could reply, James cut in, “Names aside, you guys are in for the game?”

“Absolutely. How much time do we have?” Jenna said.

“Enough time for lunch if we leave now,” James said.

“Let’s go!” Jenna said.

***

James knew of a pub near Old Trafford that was nearly bulging at the seems with Manchester United fans. The quartet squeezed in and were able to indulge in good pub grub and a couple pints a piece before they proceeded to the stadium. They chatted over the din and got to know each other better since conversation hadn’t been on anybody’s mind the night before at the club.

Naturally, Jenna and Abby were eager to learn more about the suit-wearing American. “Where in America are you from?” Jenna asked.

“California, the Bay Area. San Francisco Bay, that is,” Fred said.

“Neat!” Abby said, “What do you do?”

“Oh, I work in Silicon Valley,” Fred said importantly.

The girls were suitably impressed. “How exciting.”

“It’s a living,” Fred said with a shrug.

“So how did you meet James?” Jenna asked.

“Oh it’s really not a good story,” James said quickly.

“I’m glad you asked!” Fred said, disregarding James’s comment, “We met in a bar in Toronto.”

“Toronto, Canada?” Abby asked before finishing off her first pint.

“Of course. And let me tell you, that was an awesome night,” Fred said, as he signaled for another pint for Abby, “And it all started with—”

“So Jenna, what do you do?” James said, cutting in to prevent Fred’s story from going any further.

“Oh, me?” Jenna said, somewhat concernedly. She didn’t want to say that she was Jenna-Louise Coleman, British soap star, semi-celebrity. For some reason, Jenna didn’t think it would be a good idea to bring that up. “I’m an actress.” It was the truth, though certainly not the whole story.

“So’s my sister,” Fred said, “I’m always hearing about how hard it is to get steady work. She’s trying to make it on Broadway right now.”

“Yeah…it can be rough,” Jenna said, “But what about you James? What do you do?”

“I work in investment banking, sort of paying my dues right now, working my way up the ladder, you know,” James said, “It’s not a bad way to make a living.”

“And precisely what is it that you do do, Abby?” Fred asked grandiloquently.

“Oh, well, I…uh…I work at a juice bar,” Abby said, somewhat abashedly, “It’s not very exciting, but it’s a living.”

“Is that like making smoothies?” Fred inquired further.

“Yeah,” Abby replied.

“You must be kidding. I love smoothies,” Fred said, “Especially ones with strawberries.”

“Oh strawberries are always the best,” Abby confirmed.

The conversation continued on pleasantly for the remainder of their delicious lunch. Jenna enjoyed a particularly tasty club sandwich that went very well with her Carlsberg. She made it a point to compliment James on his choice of establishment several times over the course of the meal.

After they left the pub, Jenna said, “I apologize for Abby and I not being properly appareled for the event. We would have worn some good red and black to fit the bill.”

Fred (who had worn a red, black, and white striped tie to look extra sharp at the mach) said, “That’s easily fixed.” He stopped at the nearest street vendor and bought them both trendy hoodies. “Now you’re right Manchester United fans.”

“Fred, it’s Man U,” James corrected.

“Whatever,” Fred said, more interested in helping Abby into her hoodie.

Jenna and Abby were surprised at how good the seats were when they got to the stadium—in fact they were excellent.

“I know a guy,” Fred said enigmatically when asked how he got such awesome seats, “He was really apologetic that he couldn’t get us something in the boxes.”

Jenna and Abby looked at Fred. “Who exactly is this guy you know?” Jenna asked.

“A guy,” Fred said, refusing to elaborate further, “There’s always a guy.”

The game was a pretty good one for United, resulting in a win. James hailed a taxi to take the girls back to their hotel. “Wonderful to see you again, ladies,” James said as he opened the door for the Jenna and Abby.

“Likewise,” Jenna said.

“Have any plans for tonight?” Fred asked.

“We’re open to suggestions,” Abby said sweetly.

“We were going to hit up Okay Awesome tonight. You in?” James asked.

“What’s Okay Awesome?” Abby asked.

“Only the hottest new club in Manchester,” James said, “We—”

“Know a guy?” Jenna finished.

“Yeah. Great guy too,” Fred said.

“We’d love to join you,” Jenna said.

“Sounds good,” James, “When should we meet you there?”

“How about 10?” Abby said.

“Peachy,” Fred said before closing the taxi door.

As the taxi sped off, Jenna said to Abby, “Seems like we’ve hooked ourselves a couple of catches here. We’re getting good football seats and into great clubs. Doesn’t get much better than that.”

“And they’re cute too,” Abby said with great satisfaction.

***

Okay Awesome was a pretty swank club, attested to by the fact that there was a line around the block. They rendezvoused with James and Fred outside the club and then headed inside, their names on the list allowing them access. Inside, they headed straight to the bar to get a drink to start the evening off right before dancing. The two couples bumped and ground to their heart’s content on the dance floor in the sea of couples. Jenna’s ass gyrated and jiggled as she fell into the rhythm of the music, abandoning herself to the pleasure of dancing. If anything, Jenna enjoyed herself more than she had the night before, and by all appearances James seemed to as well.

At one point, Jenna caught sight of Abby and Fred, who, as they danced, were kissing rather passionately. The sight surprised Jenna more than a bit. Abby wasn’t exactly the sort of girl to be so forward, but then again Abby did seem to have fallen hard for Fred as far as Jenna could tell. Still, Jenna was happy that Abby was enjoying herself.

Fred was due to leave on Tuesday, so Abby and Jenna agreed to stay in Manchester until then. Abby had obviously taken a shine to Fred, and the feeling seemed to be mutual. The girls met up with the boys on Sunday and took a trip out to the country for a picnic lunch (which Jenna found absolutely delicious). That night, Fred arranged for theater tickets. Beforehand, they went to a dinner at one of Manchester’s finest upscale restaurants. Everyone made sure to dress nicely (though it seemed Fred wore a suit regardless of the event) and as a result they all looked very nice. Jenna wore a little black dress that made her look not-so-little. In fact, the dress was especially tight around her belly and hips. The hem was midway down her thigh, revealing of plenty of plump thigh. Naturally the décolletage of Jenna’s dress revealed just enough luscious breast to be acceptable but still tantalizing. In fact, the dress was probably a little too small in the chest as Jenna’s breasts were pressed together a little more than they should have been.

The seafood dinner was excellent, and Jenna enjoyed the conversation and company so much she barely realized how much she ate over the course of the evening. With the appetizer, salad, bread and butter, salmon, and sides, Jenna had quite a bit of food, so much so that her belly was straining her dress a bit after she had finished the main course. To top it all off, James insisted that they order dessert. Jenna selected a decadent triple chocolate cake that was as heavenly as it sounded.

Monday the four went shopping, which was vastly more interesting for the girls than it was for the boys. However, James and Fred enjoyed being able to spend time with Jenna and Abby and didn’t complain or sulk at all (even if Fred did nip off once or twice while Abby was in the changing room). The girls picked up some new outfits that were very trendy. Jenna found that size 12 was a little tighter than she remembered, but still a very good fit on the whole. Most of the clothing she tried on was far from form fitting, but almost all of it failed to hide all of Jenna’s new curves. It certainly wasn’t to Jenna’s detriment, for the starlet positively shined when dressing in fashion. The worst thing she could have done was attempt to hide her figure with baggy clothing or sweats. All of her purchases looked very good on her and everyone remarked that they thought she had excellent taste in clothing.

That night they all headed to a bar for some low-key drinks to end their collective holiday. The two couples separated inside the bar to have some degree of privacy as they chatted with each other.

“I hope you’ve enjoyed Manchester,” James said.

“Oh, this wasn’t my first time here,” Jenna said, “but it was definitely my best.”

“I’m flattered.”

“Maybe you should come up to Leeds some time.”

“That sounds like it could be fun. What is there to do in Leeds?”

“Oh loads. There’s—”

“Sorry to interrupt, but can I talk with you James?” Fred said, cutting into the conversation suddenly. It usually wasn’t his way to be so abrupt.

James looked at Jenna with a slight look of frustration. “Yeah, what is it?”

“Can we speak privately?” Fred said.

“Sure,” James said, standing, “I’ll be right back.”

Jenna discreetly observed the pair as they spoke in the corner. After listening to Fred, James looked more than slightly disgruntled. Fred continued what appeared to be some sort of a plea before James seemed to relent, which made Fred rather thankful.

When James returned, Jenna asked, “So what was all that about?”

“Hold on a second and you’re going to find out,” James said, motioning towards Fred and Abby.

Jenna watched as Abby grabbed her purse and left the bar with Fred. “Where are they going?”

“My apartment. Fred has the spare key,” James said.

“So you mean they’re going to…”

“I’m sleeping on my couch tonight,” James replied.

“I suppose since it’s his last night on this side of the pond I shouldn’t blame them,” Jenna said, “So what are we going to do tonight?”

“Well, if you don’t mind, maybe we could have another drink or two and just talk, you know,” James said.

“That sounds wonderful,” Jenna said with a smile.

After getting another drink, James said, “You know, if you don’t mind, I would like to come up to Leeds some time.”

“Then you should,” Jenna said, “I’d love to have you. I’ve basically got the next three weeks off and I don’t have any plans.”

James paused for a moment before he said, “There’s something I should probably tell you, though.”

“What?”

“Well, see, it’s like this…” James said, and proceeded to tell Jenna most of the following story.

***

“Eaton, you and I are going to take this town by storm,” Fred said as they walked into one of Manchester’s more happening bars, “This night is going to be legendary.”

“Yeah, whatever you say,” James said, “I just don’t want this to be another New York, all right?”

“What are you talking about? New York was awesome! Don’t you remember the redheads? That was awesome,” Fred said, “but this is going to be legendary. This is your hometown, my friend! We are going to do this one in style!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” James said, “Take a look at that.”

James directed Fred’s attention across the bar to a couple of girls who were chatting with one another. “And it appears you have selected the targets for this evening,” Fred said.

“Check out the brunette. I’ve never seen anybody so gorgeous before. Look at that rack…” James said, “I’ll take her and you take the blonde.”

“Dude, she’s totally out of your league. You take the blonde and I’ll take the brunette,” Fred said.

“No way, I saw her first,” James said.

“If you just want to get shot down, fine,” Fred replied and then stole another glance at the two women, “Now that I take a better look, I’d definitely say that the blonde is better.”

“There you go, we’ll both be happy. Now let’s go.”

“Hold it there partner,” Fred said, grabbing James’s arm, “Friends don’t let friends hit on hot women without a proper plan.”

“And I assume you have a plan?”

“Usually I make it up as I go along, but just for you I’ve got a plan,” Fred said. He took out his wallet and gave James £20. “You and I just made a bet that the blonde likes to dance. You’ll give that back to me right after I win the bet.”

“Whoa, why the blonde? Shouldn’t I show off like that with the brunette?”

“Focus James! Focus!” Fred said, snapping his fingers in James’s face, “It’s Nash’s theory on governing dynamics.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” James said with more than a little confusion.

“Didn’t you see A Beautiful Mind? Come on!” Fred sighed. “Okay, so what I do is I hit on the blonde first and go dancing with her. That leaves you alone with the brunette and she’ll have to go with you because her friend’s already taken.”

James considered the plan for a moment. “You know, you’re crazy, but somehow that makes sense.”

“Ah, but that’s just the trick James. You have to be a little crazy to get your foot in the door,” Fred said, waving the bartender over.

“What’ll it be gents?” the bartender asked.

“See those two ladies over there? Would you be so kind as to refill their drinks on our behalf?” Fred said, handing the bartender a £10 note, “Be so kind as to let them know whose doing it was.”

“No problem,” the bartender said.

“Now all we do is wait for them to look our way and then we’ll play it cool and we’ll be on our way.”

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before the drinks were delivered and the brunette waved them over from across the way.

“Showtime, James” Fred said.

“Here goes nothing,” James said as they headed over.

***

“The next morning, Fred thought we should do the same thing where he went after her so you’d be set up with me. That’s why he called Abby rather than me calling you. Though, it didn’t take long for him to take a shine to Abby in her own right and, well, now they’re headed back to my apartment,” James finished.

“Then you’re not going to believe this,” Jenna said, “Abby was really into Fred from the start. I was coming along with her to help her get together with him.”

James smacked his forehead. “Yikes! Sounds like we were going in circles the entire time.”

“Oh, no, not entirely,” Jenna said hurriedly, “Though I liked you from the first, I have to say that Abby dragging me along caused me to get to know you better. And I liked what I found.”

A bit of color rose into James’s cheeks. “Thanks…I like you a lot too Jenna.”

“Yeah…about that…there’s something I need to tell you too…” Jenna said with some embarrassment, “My name’s not just Jenna. It’s Jenna-Louise. Jenna-Louise Coleman and I’m not a starving actress in Leeds. I’m actually on Emmerdale.”

“Excuse me? Emmerdale the soap?”

“Yeah, I play Jasmine Thomas,” Jenna said, “I probably should have told you in the beginning, but…I don’t know why I didn’t, but I just thought that maybe you’d look at me differently if you knew I was on the telly, even if I’m not exactly a star. People treat you differently when you’re famous and I when I met you I didn’t want to be different. I just wanted to dance with you, and then get to know you.” Jenna put her hand on James. “And I really like you James. I do. You’ve got every right to be mad at me for not being upfront with you so I hope you can forgive me.”

James was quiet for a moment before saying, “So I’ve been seeing a soap star all this time and had no idea?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow, Fred was right when he told me I was punching above my weight,” James said.

“No, he couldn’t have been more wrong,” Jenna said as she gently squeezed James’s hand, “You’re one of the nicest people I’ve met in a long time. Being an actress, you don’t meet very many genuinely nice people.”

James blushed. “I think that’s one of the nicest things a girl’s ever said to me.”

“Then I’m the lucky one for noticing,” Jenna said.

“Come on, let me walk you back to your hotel, it’s not far,” James said, “It’s a nice evening out and I can’t think of anything I’d enjoy more.”

“Neither can I.”

They left the pub and stepped outside into the cool air. James instinctively took Jenna’s hand as they walked down the street. It had been a long time since Jenna had had her hand held, and she now realized how much she missed that. They didn’t say much as they walked, but rather enjoyed being with another. Soon enough they had arrived at Jenna’s hotel.

“You know, I’ve got an extra bed tonight,” Jenna said, “It’s probably a lot more comfortable than your couch.”

“I bet it is,” James said.

“Why don’t you come up?” Jenna said putting one hand gently on James’s cheek.

“You don’t know how inviting that sounds right now,” James said as Jenna’s heart began to beat faster, “but I’ve haven’t even known you for three days. That’s moving a bit fast for me, lovely as you are.”

“It’s not too fast for Fred,” Jenna said.

“Fred’s not going to be able to drive to Leeds to see Abby whenever he wants. I think he’s entitled to some leniency,” James said.

“So does this mean you’re going to be driving to Leeds in the near future?” Jenna asked.

“You won’t be able to keep me away,” James said.

Their faces drew close together and in a flash they kissed. Jenna moved her hand behind James’s head as her other hand around his waist as James wrapped his arms around Jenna’s body. They pulled apart briefly.

“You sure you won’t come up tonight?” Jenna asked.

“Not tonight, later…what would my Mum say if she ever heard?” James said with the hint of a smile.

Jenna smiled with hope. “You know I’m going to be insufferable until then.”

“I think I’ll enjoy it,” James said.

They kissed again before pulling apart for good.

“I assume you’re taking Fred to the airport tomorrow?” Jenna asked.

“Yeah, want me to drop Abby off on the way?” James said.

“Actually, pick me up, would you? I’d like to see him off with you and her. Maybe we can get breakfast afterwards.”

“I like it,” James said, “See you tomorrow morning around 10 or so.”

“See you then. Sweet dreams,” Jenna said.

“Same to you,” James said as Jenna headed inside the hotel.

Jenna knew precisely what she’d be dreaming about that night.

[The Id]

“Please say you’ll call.”

“Every day.”

“How about you just don’t leave?”

“I wish I didn’t have to.”

“When will I see you again?”

“Soon, I promise.”

“I’m going to miss you so much.”

Abby and Fred had been locked in an embrace for the last couple minutes as James and Jenna looked on from a respectful distance. At this rate Fred was going to be in danger of not getting through security and customs in enough time to catch his plane if he wasn’t careful.

“I have to go now,” Fred said.

“Don’t,” Abby replied.

“If only I could.”

Fred reluctantly pulled away from Abby. He shook hands with Jenna and James, thanking them both for a wonderful time. He gave Abby a last kiss before he picked up his bag and headed through the security checkpoint. The three Brits stood, Jenna with one arm around Abby, and watched and waved at Fred as he gave a final wave from the last point he could still see them.

Abby was very quiet as they headed to breakfast. Jenna and James tried to be upbeat, but to no avail. It was only during the drive back to Leeds, after Jenna had been forced to say her own farewells to James, that Abby started crying. Jenna empathized with Abby as she was feeling an emptiness herself now that she was separated from James. She could only imagine what Abby felt. James was a drive away, Fred was thousands of miles away.

Over the next week, Abby was on the phone to Fred late at night (which was in the early afternoon for him) and they’d talk for nearly an hour every night. After they hung up, Abby tended to get somewhat despondent and Jenna would do her best to try and buoy her friend’s feelings. They even gathered a couple times at Jenna’s apartment to watch movies and eat snacks to keep Abby’s mind busy. Now it was Jenna who was doing most of the comforting for Abby, rather than the other way around. That’s how they relationship had often been: one would help the other when they had bad times and they’d make sure to enjoy the good times with one another.

Jenna was calling James herself a fair amount, largely to schedule his trip to Leeds next weekend. Jenna was overjoyed to see him when he arrived and she showed him all over the town. They took in Leeds’ happening musical scene at a few different clubs on Friday and Saturday nights. On Saturday the couple went to some of the museums in Leeds that Jenna never really took the time to go to, even though she lived in the city. That night they had a very romantic dinner at one of Leeds’ finest restaurants. Jenna wore her black dress again, which if anything looked even tighter than the last time she wore it to dinner with James in Manchester. Her thighs in particular seemed to bulge a little more than they had previously. On Sunday they took a drive out into the country for a tea at one of the beautiful country estates near Leeds. After that, James had to depart, and Jenna said she’d make sure that she came down to Manchester to see him again soon.

It should be noted that Jenna’s dinners out with James had added a few pounds to her frame, and her lazy lifestyle while she was on holiday was only further contributing to her continued expansion. Her size 12s were now beginning to become a little too tight, and Jenna’s weight had reached 164 pounds. Since she was on holiday, Jenna didn’t always dress to her usual standards for work. This meant that she was wearing more sweats or clothing with elastic waists around her flat, which helped to relieve some of the stress on her growing tummy and hips. The fact that Jenna was so short made it so that she looked larger than her weight might suggest. As she sat watching the telly, munching on some crisps, her belly bunched up into a couple distinct rolls above the waistband of her sweats, which she was wearing around her waist—though it was becoming harder and harder to find. In fact, she’d even had to get herself a new Blackpool sweatshirt because the old one, which she’d had since she’d been in high school, was now too small. Jenna’s upper arms now had plenty of wobble to them, which matched her dual soft, jiggling thighs. Since returning from Manchester, Jenna had finally broken down to buy another set of new bras for herself, which were much more comfortable.

When Jenna went out, polite people considered her plump. Those who lacked the delicate refinement of tact simply thought she was plump. Little did these people know they were assessing Jenna-Louise Coleman, whose latest storyline was playing out that very night on the telly. This was Jenna-Louise Coleman who was quickly becoming, unbeknownst to her, one of the more popular British soap stars. The blogs were buzzing about how people could have so easily overlooked this talented young actress.

Right now, though, Britain’s brightest rising star was more than happy to stay at home in her comfy sweats and watch anything a sappy chick flick on TV as she munched on her now plentiful stock of fattening goodies.

***

“I’m going to America!” Abby said excitedly to Jenna when they met for lunch the following week.

“Get out!” Jenna said, astonished.

“Fred bought me a ticket using some reward travel. I’m going to go to San Francisco and spend five days with Fred! He’s going to show me everything! I can’t wait! I want to go pack right now!” Abby said.

“That’s wonderful Abs!” Jenna said, giving her best friend a hug, “You’ll have to tell me all about it!”

“I’m going to take oodles of pictures,” Abby assured her, “The best part is that Fred’s told me I can stay at his place rather than get a hotel room.”

“You’re a naughty little girl, Abigail Rhodes,” Jenna scolded Abby, “What is your Mum going to say when she finds out?”

“Oh I already told her about Fred. She doesn’t think I should get so excited about an American boy who was just here on holiday, but she’s going to be blown away when she finds out about this,” Abby said.

“So you’re going to be the first one of us to go to America! And California no less! I’m so jealous. It’s going to be raining for the next month while it’s probably sunny there,” Jenna said.

“Hopefully. Fred says it can rain a lot in the Bay Area, as he calls it. It all depends on what sort of a day it is,” Abby said, “I hope you don’t mind this is going to cut in on our time together during your holiday. I feel badly about leaving you here.”

“It’s not like you’ll be leaving me all alone,” Jenna said, “I might go down to Manchester again to spend time with James.”

“Well, actually I had an idea about that. I thought maybe you aught to take a holiday abroad yourself,” Abby said, “You’ve got the money for it and I bet James would be game for it. A cruise could be quite fun.”

“Really? I’ve never done a cruise before,” Jenna said.

“A friend of mine was just saying how she went on one and it was one of the best holidays she’d ever taken,” Abby said, “I hear there are some great cruises in the Mediterranean that take you through Italy or Greece.”

“I’ve always wanted to go to Italy,” Jenna said, “You know, now that you mention it, warm weather vacation does sound rather fun.”

“Not to mention romantic,” Abby said giving Jenna a nudge with her elbow.

Jenna blushed. “Just because you and Fred are in heat doesn’t mean it’s all I’m ] thinking about.”

“Sure it isn’t,” Abby said, and to a certain degree she was right. Though Jenna wasn’t going to admit it even to her best friend, she was growing more and more sexually attracted to James. On his visit to Leeds on their last night she’d almost gone weak in the knees with desire, but had managed to hold herself together.

Later that day Jenna got on her computer and began looking into cruises as she snacked on some crackers and cheese. She found a very nice seven day cruise that went through the French Riveria and then down the western Italian coast before sailing back to Barcelona. She called James that night and proposed the idea to him, which he absolutely loved. She made the reservation for the next week being able to get a decent price since it was a last minute reservation and the cruise line wanted to fill every room if they could, even if it meant a discount price. Jenna met James in Manchester a few days later to fly out to Barcelona where they boarded their cruise ship.

In discussing the booking, the pair had decided that they should share a cabin. Jenna was excited at the prospect, but she still colored when she suggested it on the phone to James. Though it was completely unnecessary, Jenna had decided to splurge on a cabin with a balcony. There was plenty to do on the ship, and plenty of places that you could watch the sea and shoreline go by, but Jenna thought there might be moments when they’d appreciate being able to do so in private.

After the beginning formalities, James and Jenna dove right into the many things to do onboard the ship. The first thing was dinner. Never having been on a cruise before, Jenna was surprised by the quality of the food. Furthermore, when the waiter asked if she’d enjoyed her more than generous helping of steak and she replied in the affirmative, Jenna was stunned to be asked whether she wanted another one. It was then that she learned that not only was all food onboard the ship included as part of their fee, but guests were allowed to have as much as they wanted, any time they wanted. Room service was totally free as well. Immediately Jenna’s mouth watered.

“I’d love another steak, thank you,” Jenna said.

From that moment until when they stepped off the boat in Barcelona after a week’s cruising, Jenna’s appetite was fully unleashed. The fact that unlimited portions were sanctioned as perfectly normal flipped a switch inside Jenna. Moreover, the fact that other people took full advantage of this only further reinforced the acceptability of this behavior. Some of James and Jenna’s tablemates for dinner, who didn’t seem to show signs of overindulgence in the slightest, unabashedly ordered every appetizer to start a meal or steak, salmon, and chicken all at the same time. Therefore, when Jenna ordered two desserts after her second steak, there was nothing out of the ordinary about that. To be able to indulge herself publicly without having to worry about looking bad felt wonderful. It wasn’t like she had to worry about the press taking pictures of her, and she only encountered a few Emmerdale fans, who Jenna was more than happy to take a picture with and complimented her on her acting.

“We watch Emmerdale every night,” a couple of girls just younger than Jenna said when they recognized her coming back from dinner, “We’re always so disappointed when you’re not on.”

This was really the first praise that Jenna had received about her work since the BAFTAs. She made it a point to not draw attention to herself in public if she went shopping, and when she did make a rare appearance at some sort of benefit or public function, Jenna never took any compliments seriously. She viewed her industry as one large mutual appreciation society, which was one of the things she abhorred about it. However, to hear from regular Brits that they really enjoyed her work was actually touching. Jenna thanked them profusely for their kind words before they parted.

Once Jenna and James were well out of earshot, one of the girls said, “She doesn’t look that big on the telly, does she?”

“What are you talking about? She looked just fine to me! I was surprised at how short she really is!”

Upon reaching their cabin, James said to Jenna, “Wow, that was actually pretty neat.”

“You’re telling me!” Jenna said as she threw herself on the bed, more than somewhat full from her large dinner.

“People always come up to you and tell you that they adore your work?” James asked.

“That’s the first time it’s happened in ages,” Jenna said.

“I hardly believe that,” James said, “You know, I watched the show this past week.”

“And what did you think?”

“That Jasmine Thomas is an interesting girl. I think I might be falling for her,” James said as he sat down next to Jenna.

“You don’t say,” Jenna said as she drew closer to James.

“Yeah, I mean she’s pretty smart, nice and sassy…hot too,” James said.

“You know, a girl could get jealous listening to all that,” Jenna said just before their lips met.

The two shared a particularly long kiss with one another, their arms wrapping around each other. Jenna pulled James down onto the bed on top of her as they kissed. Their breathing started to become heavier. Jenna’s fingers began to undo the buttons on James’s shirt.

“Jenna,” James said between kisses, “is this going where I think it’s going?”

“If by that you mean sex, then yes,” Jenna replied as she finished the last button.

“I should really punish you for playing hard to get all this time and now being so willing to jump in the sack now that we’re out of Britain,” James said, extricating himself from Jenna to facilitate the process, throwing his shirt into a corner of the cabin.

“Looking at you and restraining myself has been punishment enough,” Jenna said as she pulled off her own shirt, revealing her flabby abdomen and her massive rack supported by her black bra, “When you came to Leeds—” here Jenna planted a series of kisses all over James’s strong, rugged shoulders, “—I was so turned on I was just about ready to jump you in public a couple times.”

“Doesn’t count,” James said as he unbuttoned Jenna’s trousers as she lay on the bed and jerked them down, revealing her curvy hips encased in lacy black underwear and her jiggling thighs, “I’ve been going nuts just thinking about you. I’ve had trouble concentrating at work. Oh Jenna!” James began to kiss his way down Jenna’s body, clad only in black satin underwear.

Jenna wantonly kicked her trousers off the end of her feet and clutched the sheets of the bed as James’s lips passed her tubby tummy and worked their way down her right thigh. She gasped as she was suddenly hit by a wave of pleasure from James’s gentle, but impassioned, kisses on her body. Jenna shut her eyes, depriving herself of one sense to more acutely feel the others. She’d never experienced anything like this. When James finished with her big toe, Jenna sat up, her belly bunching up into rolls, and nearly threw herself at James. Breathing heavily, she furiously undid his zipper and pulled his trousers down, leaving him only in his boxers. After doing so, she unhooked her bra and tossed it into the corner.

It was now James’s turn to gasp as he took in the full majesty of Jenna’s glorious breasts. They were soft—and perhaps even larger than they appeared when clothed—swaying enticingly as Jenna fell back onto the bed, one finger naughtily inviting James to come closer. James needed no second invitation. He immediately threw himself on Jenna and grabbed Jenna’s breasts, which sent him into sheer ecstasy. His fingers played over her hard nipples, which was just as pleasurable for Jenna as it was for James. Jenna for her part ran her hands over James’s bare back, her finger nails lightly raising goose bumps on his back.

“You have no idea how nice that feels,” James said as he kissed Jenna’s neck.

“Ditto,” Jenna sighed as James ran his hands over her entire torso, eventually drifting down to play with the waistband of her briefs. This only further fueled Jenna’s passion. “You gonna take those off or am I going to have to do it for you?”

“I thought I’d let you sweat it out a little bit,” James said with an impish grin as he kissed Jenna’s ear.

“Oh so that’s how it’s going to be, is it?” Jenna said. She moved her fingers down James’s back to the waist of his boxers and gently slipped the tips of her fingers underneath them, moving one hand down each side of James’s body until she reached the front of James’s body, at which point she moved her hands in deeper and began to stroke James’s erect member, which surged at her gentle touch.

“Oh man,” James groaned, “Oh Jenna, Jenna…”

Jenna didn’t need to hear anything more, she pulled her hands out and yanked James’s boxers down as far as she could. He finished the job and then jerked Jenna’s panties off her as best her could, revealing her moist womanhood nestled between her smooth, bulging thighs.

After taking the proper precautionary measures, James lowered himself onto Jenna. “James, do me one favor,” Jenna said breathlessly.

“What?”

“Rock my world.”

As James entered her, Jenna gasped and grabbed him harder, her fingers digging into his back. He gently began to thrust, back and forth, quickly falling into a rhythm. Jenna was filled with pleasure with each renewed thrust, which caused her body to jiggle anew. Their bodies slid against one another, Jenna’s acting like a heavenly cushion for James’s. A thin film of sweat began to materialize on both partners, their bodies literally on fire with passion.

“Oh James, oh James, give it to me,” Jenna said as her flabby arms jiggled as she held tight to her man.

James was all too eager to be obedient. His movements began to pick up speed and the pleasure increased for both. “Oh Jenna, I feel…I feel like I’ve been waiting for this my entire life.”

“I know, baby, I know. Oh wow…” Jenna said, panting and failing to find words. She clutched James tighter, somewhat afraid she might be actually scratching his back, but unable to do anything else.

Jenna’s breasts bounced and jiggled hypnotically as her body rocked, drawing James further and further in. Entranced, James reached out with his hands and took the glorious jiggling mounds in his hands. Jenna moaned at his strong touch.

“James, don’t hold back. Take me, take me. I’m your’s, everything,” Jenna said, her breath coming more rapidly than before.

Now James was pumping away at fever pitch. Jenna felt like her body was melting into James. Every thrust felt like it would blow her world to pieces. And yet all the while she wanted to scream, “More, more, more!” Never had Jenna felt more like a woman before. Jenna threw her chubby, jiggling arms off James to clutch and twist the sheets between her fingers, only to throw them back around her love not too long after. Jenna was pulled in every direction by the pleasure as her body bounced against James’s.

James’s hands had been going all over Jenna’s body at a breakneck speed, only taking a moment’s rest for a pleasurable squeeze of flesh. James could have hardly controlled his hands if he’d wanted to. One second they’d be taking in a handful of Jenna’s hips and then the next they’d be squishing ample belly fat. “Jenna, Jenna, you’re so beautiful,” James said.

The simple sentence shot Jenna into a whole new sphere of bliss. “Tell me more,” she breathed.

“You’re the woman I’ve dreamed of for so many years. I didn’t know it was you, but all this time, I’ve been waiting for you,” James said.

Jenna felt herself beginning to reach elysian rapture. They were now both sweating profusely with passion, which only added to the intensity of their love making. The more intense Jenna’s euphoria, the more she felt like she was beginning to sink into some primordial state. Speech was now entirely beyond Jenna. She only grunted in absolute pleasure. She felt like she could barely breathe. James appeared to experience much the same. If he retained any powers of conversation, he wasn’t exercising them.

All of a sudden, Jenna started to moan as she hit that hyperborean realm of felicity. She felt herself moving closer and closer to climaxing. Now her body fell into rhythm with the frenzied thrusts of James, their bodies like waves crashing upon a beach, each time a new eruption of pleasure unlike the last. Faster and faster their bodies slammed together. Jenna began gasping and she pulled herself closer to James and then, in an instant, Jenna gave a scream as she erupted into paradise. Her body bucked wildly as waves of pleasure washed over her entire body, emanating out from her womanhood. For Jenna, it seemed like the orgasm lasted forever. It swallowed up her entire being, so much so that she only dimly recognized that James was experiencing his own climactic moment. When the pleasure finally subsided, Jenna fell panting back onto the bed, limp, unable to move. James’s frame crashed on top of her shortly there after. Neither had words. They could only just gasp for air. Eventually James rolled over onto the bed next to Jenna.

She didn’t know how long she lay there, but eventually Jenna looked over at James as her mouth hung open, panting. James took her hand and held it lovingly. His touch seemed to revive her and she pulled herself closer to him. His body still felt like it was on fire, and Jenna wordlessly nuzzled closer to the warm, strong, manly hunk next to her. The last thing she remembered was his arms twisting around her body, protecting and safe.
***

The next morning Jenna slowly awoke to find herself intertwined with James. She smiled happily to herself and retreated further into James’s body, closing her eyes again.

“Good morning, sleepy head,” James said, kissing the back of Jenna’s neck gently.

“Good morning yourself,” Jenna said, “How did you sleep?”

“Like I always dreamed about,” James said.

Jenna rolled over to look at James. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, it’s just that I’ve always dreamed of going to sleep with a beautiful woman in my arms,” James said, “And now it’s actually happened.”

Jenna smiled. “That’s sweet.”

“It’s true.”

“Then let’s go back to sleep,” Jenna said turning back over with a smile, “I like being in bed with you. You make me feel so safe.”

James played with Jenna’s hair. “That may be, but we’ve got to get up soon.”

“No we don’t. We’re on holiday,” Jenna said.

“But today we’re going to Monte Carlo. We’ve got to get breakfast and get dressed.”

“Five more minutes,” Jenna said, pulling the covers tighter across her plump form.

“And we have to take a shower,” James said softly next to Jenna’s ears, which perked up immediately, “I was thinking we should try and be all environmental and save water by showering together.”

Jenna smiled and rolled over on top of James. “You are incorrigible.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

The pair extricated themselves from the tangle of sheets and got out of bed. James handed Jenna the room service menu for breakfast. “Best put an order in now so it’s ready when we get out of the shower. Put me down for some eggs and toast with orange juice,” James said.

“Maybe we’d better wait. We could be a while in there you know,” Jenna said coyly.

“I’ll get the door if that’s the case,” James said.

Jenna called in their order, giving James’s and her own of French toast and orange juice with a side of fruit. When she finished, James had already heated up the shower and stepped in herself. It was a small shower, but neither minded as it brought their bodies into constant contact. They soaped one another up, using the opportunity to further explore one another in greater detail. James looked behind Jenna at her bouncy butt.

“Now there’s something I didn’t get to see much of last night,” James said, giving Jenna’s ass a squeeze.

“I think you two met before back when we were dancing,” Jenna said. She turned around and briefly gyrated her hips against James’s to reinforce her point.

“It’s a pleasure to renew the acquaintance,” James said before giving Jenna a kiss on the side of her wet face.

As the soaped one another up, their touch was gentle, caressing one another’s skin. James drew his hands across Jenna’s flabby folds tantalizingly, giving just enough pressure to be gentle yet convey his desire. Jenna slowly kissed James across the shoulders as she moved her soapy hands all over James’s body. After they’d both finished, they stood under the warm water and allowed themselves to be doused, luxuriating in the water’s warmth, as well as each other’s.

Breakfast arrived soon after they finished their shower and they ate in the terry cloth robes provided with their cabin. Breakfast was just as delicious as dinner had been. Afterwards they got dressed for heading to their first port of call. Jenna wore a bright sunny dress that showed plenty of cleavage and clung to her curves while James chose a polo shirt and some shorts since it was wonderful out that day.

They got on shore at Nice, but were taken to Monte Carlo with a group shortly thereafter, where they enjoyed popping into horribly expensive shops, getting as good a look as they could at the upscale casinos (as they were woefully underdressed for admittance), strolling along the waterfront, and enjoying a delicious seafood lunch. By then it was time to head back to the ship and dinner was imminent.

Once again, the quality of the meal was impeccable. Jenna’s roasted chicken was amazing and the lemon meringue pie was so good she had another piece and a half. Rather than go straight back to their cabin, they strolled to one of the observation decks and enjoyed looking at the vast expanse of the sea at night, sitting together arm in arm. They had a couple glasses of wine and chatted, enjoying one another’s presence and their vacation. After that, they headed back to their cabin and James had barely drawn the bolt before Jenna threw herself at him, kissing him passionately.

[The Id]

It’s true what they say: all you do on a cruise is sleep and eat. Jenna did both exquisitely. She gave free reign to her two greatest passions: her love for James and her love of good food. It was a holiday, after all. If you didn’t indulge yourself, what was the point?

In between indulgences, she and James had a lot of fun. Often while the ship was still at sea Jenna would put on a bikini and lounge around the pool with a drink in hand, taking a dip in the pool every once in a while to cool off. It was simply luxurious for Jenna to lay in the sun and soak up some rays after the cold, drizzly weather in Leeds that she’d been subject to for the last few months. She also knew that James enjoyed the sight of her in a bikini. Jenna liked the fact that she could feel James look at her jiggling butt whenever she’d walk to the pool or the bar.

Jenna was certainly a sight in her bikini. Her large bouncing breasts were a bit too big for her bikini top, which pressed them together enticingly. Beneath them, her belly jutted out in front of her hanging over the top of her bikini bottoms a bit, swaying as Jenna moved. Her butt cheeks peeked out from the bottom of her bikini just a bit. Jenna’s thighs thundered as she walked, the space between them now so small that it was nonexistent. Jenna’s hair often fanned out around her head like a halo as she lay on one of the deck chairs, her eyes hidden behind large sun glasses. Her cheeks were now definitely showing signs of her expansion as they’d grown chubbier. It lent Jenna’s face a certain adorable quality that couldn’t be denied. In fact, though Jenna was undeniably big (chunky, plump, and fat were all words used by those who observed her poolside), she was also undeniably cute, so much so that no one turned their nose up at Jenna at all. Rather, people were charmed to make her acquaintance.

The cruise ship stopped at Genoa, Rome, Naples, and Palermo before returning to Barcelona. James and Jenna explored each city in turn, discovering its treasures with joy. They had some of the best Italian food that Jenna had ever had in her life, always served such large portions that Jenna was taken aback by their size (though she never had any leftovers at all). Jenna also discovered the joy of gelato. No matter where they were, Jenna would always stop for gelato, trying a new flavor each time.

At night, Jenna and James sometimes went to one of the clubs on board the cruise ship for drinks and dancing. Jenna had brought some of her clubbing clothes with her for the trip knowing full well she’d have the occasion to wear them. If they stayed out late, the pair usually just fell into bed and slept soundly until the morning alarm went off, usually heralding another port of call to explore.

After a few days, Jenna found her size 12 bikini to be a little uncomfortable. In the rush to get ready for the trip, she’d bought new bikinis and had gotten some size 14s along with her size 12s. She’d been in such a rush to get everything in order that she hadn’t even had the time to try them on and brought them along to see how they went. Only trying the size 12 earlier, she’d gone with that because the fit was good, if a bit snug. Now she tried on the larger size and immediately found it to be much more comfortable and that began a shift of Jenna’s wardrobe to size 14. Though the number was slightly troubling, Jenna figured that she’d just put on a couple pounds during her holiday that she’d work off when she got back to Leeds.

The cruise ended in a formal dinner for which everyone dressed to the nines. James had brought a suit along for the occasion and Jenna thought he looked sharp in it. “Fred’s got nothing on you when it comes to wearing suits,” Jenna said upon surveying him.

Jenna wore a nice blue dress that showed plenty of curves. It was a size 12 and snug was not the word for how it fit Jenna. Form fitting came closer to the reality of the situation. No roll was hidden by the shimmering fabric of the dress. The outline of Jenna’s bra could be clearly made out against the back of the dress and had she not been wearing a thong that evening the outline of her underwear would have been visible as well. Jenna’s chunky thighs seemingly exploded out from under the hem of the dress. Each butt cheek pressed tightly against the back of the dress, clearly jiggling as Jenna walked. And still, Jenna was cheery as always, seemingly unaware of how her dress showcased her new size. Jenna had noticed how tight the dress was when she struggled to get into it in the cabin. However, such was the result of “a little snacking on holiday” as Jenna thought of it. It was nothing to be worried about. She’d just drop the weight back in Leeds.

Both James and Jenna were somewhat sad that their holiday had to end as they flew back to Manchester, though they had plenty of wonderful memories from it. Jenna had to start filming again the next week, and James promised that he’d come visit her in Leeds soon.

“How can you expect me to stay away now?” James asked.

“I’ll still miss you,” Jenna said when they parted.

“I’ll miss you too, but I thought maybe the drive back might be a bit more tolerable if I got you something,” James said, handing Jenna a bunch of Cadbury’s chocolate bars.

“How sweet of you!” Jenna exclaimed. She gave James a kiss on the cheek. “How did you know I liked Cadbury’s? I don’t think I ever mentioned it, did I?”

“Well, let’s just say a little bird told me,” James said.

“Abs! That little devil. I’ll have to pass all sorts of secrets onto Fred now,” Jenna said.

“When was Abby going over to see him?”

“She left before we did, so she should be back in Leeds already. I think she got back a couple days ago or so,” Jenna said.

“Please send my regards to her, and thank her again for that little tip,” James said.

“You can be sure I’ll thank her for it!” Jenna said as she hugged James. They remained in their embrace for quite some time. “I had a wonderful time with you,” Jenna said somewhat mournfully, “I’m sorry it has to end.”

“It’s not over. It’s like I’m on holiday whenever I’m with you,” James said.

“Awww…that’s so sweet! I feel the same way,” Jenna said.

“I’ll come see you in Leeds soon.”

“I’ll be waiting for you.”

The drive back to Leeds was indeed a slightly somber one for Jenna, but once she got back (having eaten just about all of the Cadbury’s on the trip), she called Abby, who came over immediately to Jenna’s flat so she could her all about the cruise.

“My you look wonderful!” Abby said as she burst through the door, “You got a wonderful tan!”

“Really? Thanks! James and I did lay out in the sun quite a bit, I have to say. And look at you! You look like you certainly had fun in America. What’s this?” Jenna said, pointing to a teal sweatshirt that Abby was wearing.

“James took me to an ice hockey game in San Jose!” Abby said excitedly, “Have you ever seen ice hockey before?”

“Never,” Jenna admitted honestly.

“It’s just as good as football, and they just have fights randomly! It’s so fast and exciting! James got me a Sharks sweatshirt when we went,” Abby said, twirling around, “And it’s so scenic in California!”

Abby told all about California and Fred. He met her at the airport with flowers, which, rather than just giving them to Abby, Fred put into her hair after the famous Scott Mackenzie song. While Abby was there, they went to the Golden Gate Bridge, shopping in San Francisco, walking along the Pacific Ocean, driving to Napa Valley, going to Monterrey to the aquarium, attending an American university football game, and even taking a day trip out to Las Vegas. Jenna in turn related all of the particulars of her cruise and all of the ports of call, which Abby thought was wonderful.

“It sounds like it was great. What was the best part?” Abby asked.

Jenna considered for a moment. “I’d have to say the part I liked best was the bed.”

“The bed?”

“I certainly spent a lot of time in it,” Jenna said coyly.

“You didn’t!” Abby said.

“We did,” Jenna said, blushing slightly.

“Good for you! I should say I enjoyed staying at Fred’s flat while I was there,” Abby said.

“I can only imagine,” Jenna said with a smirk.

“I don’t like your disapproving undertones there,” Abby said, “I’d like to think I don’t have a hypocrite for my best friend.”

“You don’t. I’m glad that things went so well for you with Fred,” Jenna said, “but where does this leave you now?”

Abby sighed. “That’s a good question. We both like each other, but there’s no way we can keep going back and forth.”

Jenna didn’t say anything. “Are either of you thinking of moving?”

“Yes,” Abby said, “but we don’t know whether we’re ready for that and if we are who should do it. I’ve got less professional ties here than Fred does there, but I don’t want to just up and leave you and all my family. And while Fred mentioned that he could find a job out here if he wanted to, I’d hate to pull him away from his home because he obviously has a nice life in America.” Abby sighed. “As much as I like Fred, I wish it hadn’t happened like this.”

“I know,” Jenna said giving Abby a hug, “and I’m sorry. I wish I could be of more help to you, but I don’t know what the right answer is.”

“Thanks,” Abby said, “Something will happen, I’m sure it will.”

***

Later that week, Jenna got a call from Martin Swift, who asked if he could meet her at her flat to get her up to speed on what had happened in the show since she’d been gone and to discuss how they were going to reintegrate her return into the storyline. Jenna thought that would be wonderful and they agreed to meet the Saturday before Jenna’s return.

What Jenna didn’t know was that Emmerdale’s producers (excepting Dorothy Michaels, who was still in the dark on this matter) had asked Martin, who they knew to be on good terms with Jenna, to go see Jenna and ascertain whether she’d lost any of the weight she’d been carrying before her holiday. As predicted, Emmerdale was now giving a very serious challenge in the ratings to EastEnders and the producers wanted to make sure that their shot at overtaking their rival wasn’t ruined by some tubby starlet. Martin reluctantly agreed, feeling somewhat uneasy about being called on to do reconnaissance on Jenna.

When Jenna opened the door of her flat, Martin’s jaw actually dropped. Jenna, who had now totally converted her wardrobe to size 14, was downright fat. Her body was stilling bouncing somewhat from having run to the door, especially her colossal boobs. Jenna’s waist was nearly impossible to locate between her burgeoning, flabby belly and her wide hips. Her humongous thighs now met as Jenna stood in the doorway. Jenna’s upper arms wobbled as she held the door open. There was even the barest hint of a double chin. Her avoirdupois was simply astounding. As Jenna took in Martin’s face, the smile on her own chubby countenance also fell.

“Martin, what’s wrong?” Jenna said, ushering him inside.

“It’s…well…can I have a drink?” Martin said, as he took a seat, trying to compose himself.

“Absolutely. A glass of wine?” Jenna said, hurrying over to her kitchen, her body bouncing along with her.

“Straight scotch if you would,” Martin said.

Jenna grabbed her bottle and a couple of tumblers with ice and brought them over. Martin immediately poured some scotch and downed it before he poured another one.

Jenna patiently waited for some sort of elaboration from Martin, but got none. “Martin, what is it?”

Martin gathered as much courage as he could muster before speaking. “Well, Jenna, it’s just that I didn’t expect to see you like this.”

Jenna knitted her brow. “What do you mean?” Jenna asked.

“Isn’t it rather obvious?” Martin said, somewhat surprised.

“No. What’s wrong with me?” Jenna said, becoming worried and uncomfortable.

“It’s…it’s your weight, Jenna,” Martin said, biting the bullet.

“My weight!” Jenna exclaimed.

“Yeah,” Martin said, “I mean, that was one of the driving reasons the producers gave you a holiday. So you could lose it.” Jenna’s face didn’t show any guilt on this point. She didn’t even look like she understood. “Didn’t somebody tell you all this?”

“Nobody told me anything of the sort!” Jenna said. She got up and hurried to her bathroom.

“Jenna, where are you going?” Martin called after her.

“This is impossible. I’m going to weigh myself,” Jenna shouted back.

Martin shook his head and immediately poured himself another drink. He knew how this was going to go. Sure enough, fifteen seconds later Martin heard a scream.

“No! Howe can this be? I’m 171 pounds!” Jenna cried from the bathroom.

Martin cringed. It was worse than he’d thought.

Jenna came back into the living room, tears already running down her face. “Martin, how did this happen? I mean, how did I not notice? I mean, I’m wearing a size 14 after all! But I don’t understand how I’m this fat!”

“Look Jenna, it’s—”

“I’m probably going to be fired when I show up on Monday,” Jenna sobbed as she threw herself on the couch next to Martin, “I can’t get another job with this weight. Nobody will hire a fat pig like me. I’m finished! What am I going to do?”

“Jenna, Jenna,” Martin said, embracing her, “Look, calm down.”

“Easy for you to say! They’re not going to sack you! As if they cared what writers looked like,” Jenna cried into Martin’s shoulder.

She did have a point, but Martin was thinking on his feet. “Look, this isn’t the end of the world.”

“Yes it is!”

Seeing no other way, Martin decided to tell a white lie, “Jenna, there’s a back up plan.”

“Huh?” Jenna said, looking up, “What do you mean?”

“Well, in the event you didn’t lose the weight, I’d thought up a way that we could work it into Jasmine’s plot line,” Martin said, “I’m still working on the details, and I have to talk to the others about it, but we’ve got you covered. You’re not going to get fired.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

“Well, you didn’t exactly calm down long enough for that,” Martin said.

“Fair enough,” Jenna said, wiping her eyes.

“Jenna, do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

“Then trust me when I say this will work out. I promise. Show up at the usual time on Monday and everything will be fine,” Martin said.

“Okay,” Jenna said.

“I need to get going now. Rest up and see you bright and early Monday,” Martin said as he stood.

“All right. See you then,” Jenna said feebly as she saw Martin to the door.

Once Martin had left the building, he made a call on his cell phone. “Hello, Dorothy?…It’s Martin. I’m horribly sorry to bother you on a Saturday like this…no, really, I feel horrible. Can I see you right now? We have a bit of a situation on our hands.”

***

Jenna resisted the urge to drown her sorrows in snacks and chocolate. It was a very strong urge, but she knew that was the last thing she needed to do right now. However, she did indulge in another good cry on her couch. How could she have let this happen to herself? Eventually, Jenna came to the conclusion that there was no use feeling sorry for herself. She needed to start fixing the situation.

After drying her eyes, Jenna went to the kitchen and systematically pulled every snack she could find off the shelves, throwing them into a box (well, actually two boxes as it turned out) that she taped up and hid away in a closet. That would eliminate any temptation to idly snack. Furthermore, she began to draw up simple menus for the next week to reduce her intake of food.

Jenna then proceeded to her closet to find her old workout clothes. One look was all that Jenna needed to tell it wasn’t even worth her time to try them on. She headed out and sheepishly bought some size 14 workout clothes, though she decided to put off actually working out to the next day. That way it’d be a totally fresh start, a new routine.

After a simple one egg breakfast with toast, Jenna changed into her workout clothes. The tight material left little to the imagination, and Jenna was now acutely aware of how big she was. The clingy spandex pants did nothing to flatter or conceal the size of Jenna’s wobbly ass nor her thunder thighs—both of which seemingly stretched the spandex to its limit, especially across Jenna’s expansive butt. However, Jenna felt that maybe that would spur her to work harder to lose the weight. Besides, her building had an exercise center in it, so it wasn’t like she’d be going out in public in these clothes. That would be a whole different story. The spandex reached all the way down to her knees, leaving her chubby calves out in full view. She wore a sports bra, knowing full well how much her enormous jugs would bounce otherwise. Jenna had on a tanktop, which was perhaps a shade too small for her. It showcased the flabby roll around her midsection as well as Jenna’s titanic breasts, leaving her fleshy upper arms in full view. Jenna pulled her hair back into a ponytail to keep it out of her way during the workout.

Jenna decided to start off by doing fifteen minutes on a stationary bike. She figured it would be a good way to get started as it wasn’t too physically intensive but still allowed her to burn calories. After the said fifteen minutes were up, Jenna had worked up a pretty good sweat, which was showing up on her forehead as well as in patches on her shirt. Jenna was surprised precisely how winded she was after such a short workout. However, she decided to press on all the same.

Not much point in quitting now when I’m probably burning the most calories, Jenna thought to herself as she got onto an elliptical machine.

Jenna quickly found that the elliptical trainer made the stationary bike feel like a walk in the park. It definitely engaged much more of her body in working out than the bike had, which really only worked her legs. As Jenna moved her arms back and forth, the fat on her upper arms wobbled back and forth violently. Her cheeks puffed up as she panted from so much exertion, her lips parted ever so slightly, huffing and puffing. With every move, Jenna’s breasts bounced to such an extent that the casual onlooker would doubt whether she was wearing a sports bra. Behind her, Jenna’s ass undulated seductively as she worked the elliptical machine.

After about ten minutes of work, Jenna began to guzzle water until she had gone through everything in her bottle. By that point, sweat was running down Jenna’s face, thoroughly drenching her. Jenna figured she’d probably done enough for one day and got off the machine. She had to just sit on a bench to catch her breath before she could even think about going back to her apartment. Jenna was surprised by how out of breath she was after not even half an hour of working out. Though she’d never been a fanatic about exercise, she’d easily been able to go on a treadmill or an elliptical machine for at least that time without any problem. Had she really let herself go so far as to be unable to do the barest workout without feeling like she was going to collapse from exhaustion?

Jenna trudged back to her apartment, only to be surprised by finding Abby inside.

“Hi Jenna!” Abby said happily.

“Hey Abs,” Jenna said somewhat dejectedly, still sweating from her workout and feeling icky.

“Look who I found in the lobby!” Abby said.

James stepped out from behind a corner, smiling with a bouquet of flowers in hand. Jenna was absolutely mortified. The last thing she wanted was for James to see her like this—fat and sweaty. She must look like an absolutely disgusting fat pig right now. Before James could even open his mouth, Jenna burst into tears and ran to her bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

Abby and James looked at each other. “I swear I don’t usually have that effect on women,” James said.

“What’s up with her?” Abby asked.

“Beats me,” James said, putting the bouquet on the kitchen counter, “I’m going to try and talk to her, see what’s up.”

“I’ll be out here if you need backup,” Abby said as she set about to find a vase for the flowers.

James gently tapped on the bedroom door. “Go away!” came the muffled voice of Jenna.

“Jenna, it’s James. Can I come in?”

“No! Just leave!”

“Jenna—”

“Go away!”

James opened the door in defiance of Jenna’s wishes. Jenna was laying on her belly on her bed, crying into the sheets. Her ass looked like a veritable mountain inside the tight confines of the spandex pants. It swayed to and fro as Jenna’s body shook from her sobs. James gently closed the door behind him. He gingerly sat down on the bed next to Jenna and gently put his arms around her. Jenna tried to shake him off.

“Just leave me alone!” Jenna said angrily through her tears, struggling against James.

“Jenna, what’s wrong?” James said.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Jenna said, sitting up, “Just look at me!”

“What? It looks like you just got back from working out. What’s wrong with that?” James said.

“Look at how fat I am! I weigh 171 pounds! I’ve gained nearly fifty pounds!” Jenna exclaimed, “I’m disgusting!” She pulled up her belly and grabbed it, flesh oozing between her fingers. “Look at this! I’m probably going to get fired from my job tomorrow. Nobody’s going to hire a fat actress like me. I’ll probably wind up working at a juice bar with Abby or something like that, some has-been who no one will remember. I don’t even know how this happened to me. If I could figure out where I went wrong I might be able to feel guilty or something, but apparently I just wantonly shovel food in my mouth without even thinking! God, I’m such an ugly cow!”

Jenna fell back on the bed and started crying again. James had never had to respond to a tirade like that before and simply sat next to Jenna, trying to figure out what to say. After some consideration he softly said, “I don’t think you’re ugly.” Jenna didn’t hear him over her own sobs. “Jenna, you’re not ugly,” James said again, this time louder.

Jenna looked up and was able to stop crying long enough to croak out, “What?”

“Jenna, you’re not ugly. Look, don’t take this the wrong way, but when I met you in the bar with Fred, you weren’t exactly a stick when it came to size. And it’s not like I hadn’t noticed you’d gotten…a little rounder,” James said, trying to choose his words as carefully as possible to keep from reigniting the situation, “But that doesn’t mean I love you less. Jenna, you’re a wonderful woman. You’re bright, vivacious, and fun to be around. And all that makes you beautiful.”

“Yeah, whatever. Beauty isn’t skin deep. That’s just something you say to a fat girl like me to make her feel better. Well most fat girls don’t have careers as actresses on the telly that they have to worry about,” Jenna said bitterly, “I couldn’t work out for more than half an hour James. Half an hour! I’m so fat and disgusting I can’t do the simplest work out!”

“Well it takes time to get back into that sort of thing Jenna. And what says they’ll fire you? That’s not a given,” James said.

“Sure, Martin said they won’t fire me, but I know they will,” Jenna said, tears threatening to burst forth again.

“Didn’t you tell me that Martin was the guy who thought up that daring scene change that worked out really well a while back?”

“Yeah.”

“Well he’s probably got some really good idea this time too,” James said, putting one hand on Jenna’s shoulder, “I don’t think they’re going to fire you.”

“How do you know that?” Jenna asked.

“Because if they fire you they’ll lose all their viewers. Especially me,” James said.

“That’s not funny,” Jenna said, shrugging James’s hand off her shoulder.

James sighed. “Jenna, I mean it when I said you’re not ugly, and not just because you’re a wonderful person too. You are beautiful.”

“Stop trying to make me feel better,” Jenna said.

“You are!” James said, exasperated, “How many times am I going to have to tell you that before you believe me? You don’t have to weigh 120 pounds to be beautiful!”

“Then tell me how this is beautiful,” Jenna said crossly, pointing to her belly.

“Well…in general it’s…well, it’s really soft,” James said as he gently put his hands on Jenna’s belly and began to massage it gently, “and I like how it feels in my hands. When we have sex, it sort of jiggles a bit against me, and it feels nice.”

“And what about these?” Jenna said, jabbing a finger into her thighs.

“Ummm…well, I could show you if you sat on my lap,” James said. Jenna looked at James with a half-confused, half-uncertain look, but slowly sat on his lap sidesaddle fashion, linking her arms behind his back so as to stay on. “See, when you sit on me, they feel really warm and soft and inviting. I just want to reach out and massage your thighs gently.” With one hand, James began doing just that.

“How about my butt?” Jenna said, her voice now softer, lacking the harsh inquiry that had characterized it earlier.

“That’s easy. ‘I like big butts and I cannot lie.’ Need I say anything more?”

Jenna began to lean in closer to James. “And how about these?” Jenna arched her back to thrust her breasts out in front of her.

“Words cannot describe my passionate feelings on that subject,” James said, leaning in close to Jenna.

Their lips locked and after a bit they broke apart. “So you really mean it? You find all this beautiful?” Jenna said, still uncertain by the sound of her voice.

“Jenna, I think you’re as beautiful as you were when I first saw you. I’d find you beautiful if you weighed 110 pounds or 210 pounds. It doesn’t matter to me what your weight is. It matters to me that I get to spend time with you because you’re such a wonderful person. And above all, I want you to be happy. If you’d be really be happier weighing 120 pounds or something like that, then I’ll be behind you all the way. But too often people seem to be so obsessed about reaching some mythical weight that they aren’t really happy,” James said.

“And if I told you that you were making me really turned on right now…?”

“I’d say there’s one too many people in this apartment right now,” James said, sliding Jenna off his lap. He opened the door and called to Abby, who was keeping a respectful distance in the kitchen, “Hey Abby, can’t a guy and a girl get some privacy around here?”

“Oh!” Abby said, catching James’s drift. She quickly gathered her things and bolted out the door.

When James turned back, Jenna was laying back on her bed. Slamming the door behind him, he launched himself onto the bed and the pair eagerly began tearing the other’s clothes off.

After everything was said and done and Jenna lay next to James in bed, after catching her breath, Jenna said, “That was without question the best sex I have ever had in my life.”

“You’re telling me,” James said, panting, “And yet all I want to do right now is try to set a new record.”

Jenna looked over and smiled at him before rolling on top of him. “I knew there was a reason why I love you so much.”

[The Id]

Monday morning, Jenna nervously showed up at the studio to get ready for her first day back on the job. After she’d gone through wardrobe and makeup, Martin came in to deliver the day’s script and brief the anxious Jenna.

“So, what’s the plan?” Jenna asked.

“Well, let me fill you in on the conversation I had with Dorothy after I saw you,” Martin said and then proceeded to relate the following to Jenna…

***

“Martin, what’s going on?” Dorothy said as she let Martin into her well furnished home.

“Once again, I’m so sorry to disturb—” Martin said as he took his coat off.

“Just cut to the chase Martin,” Dorothy said, doing away with the pleasantries.

“Jenna didn’t lose the weight over her holiday,” Martin said.

“What do you mean?” Dorothy said, confused.

“My God, didn’t they tell you too?” Martin said, and then proceeded to fill Dorothy in on her associates’ reason for giving Jenna a holiday and his recent discovery. Dorothy simply sat listening, silent, until he’d finished.

“I am going to kill them,” Dorothy said without anger, but still sounding quite irritated.

“If I may, you said to come to you first with any new ideas, rather than doing anything behind your back,” Martin said, “I have a solution I think could fix this problem.”

“I’m all ears.”

“What if we used this as an opportunity to try and break some stereotypes. The vast majority of actors on the telly are far from representative of what real people look like. Why not use the fact we’ve already turned Jasmine into a very strong, empowered character and couple it with the fact that she’s not exactly the ideal weight? The average British woman is over 143 pounds and—”

“How big is Jenna?” Dorothy asked pointedly.

Martin hesitated for a moment. “Well…171 pounds when I saw her.”

Dorothy rubbed her eyes. “This is indeed a problem.”

“But we could send a startling message to women throughout Britain that it’s all right to be somewhat overweight by having such a strong character, someone who people can look up to, rather than feeling bad because they don’t conform to some ‘ideal’ body image,” Martin said, “To put someone more like the everyday Brit on the telly—”

“Martin, people don’t watch the telly to see everyday people. They watch the telly to see beautiful people. There’s a reason that we hire good looking men and women as actors,” Dorothy said, “What you’re proposing here is completely against the logic of the entire industry, perhaps even common sense.”

“But more and more we’re hearing that movies and shows aren’t realistic in their representation of society, and the few people we get who aren’t beautiful aren’t portrayed as being as good natured side kicks at best and the butt of jokes at worst,” Martin pressed, “Look, you can’t have missed how there have been a steady flow of editorials about how today’s youth is pressured to conform to the images they see on the telly, not the least of which is body image. Why don’t we give the public what they want and be unashamed about it?”

“The other producers have a point. We’re so close to beating EastEnders. You’ve got a very hefty pay raise at stake here. Are you ready to risk losing that for a fat girl?”

“I am, and I’ll tell you why. Corrie couldn’t do this. EastEnders can’t do this. People have their expectations with both shows. Emmerdale has less baggage because we haven’t been as popular. We can push the envelope and the studio will go along with it because we’re the upstart crow. Why not make Emmerdale the soap that pushes the limits from plots to social issues? People will begin watching because you never know what you’ll see next. And if one week that includes having a fat actress who’s portrayed favorably and confidently, why not?” Martin said.

Dorothy considered for a moment. “My business sense tells me you’re wrong,” Dorothy said, “but my intuition says you’re right. My intuition told me you were right about the Jasmine-Miles storyline and it paid off. How long will it take you to rewrite Monday’s shooting script?”

“I’ll have it done by tomorrow evening, without fail,” Martin promised.

“Then get writing. I’ll call the other producers and tell them how it’s going to be,” Dorothy said, standing, “One last question: will Jenna be able to handle this?”

“Yes. She’s a professional,” Martin said simply.

“All right, see you Monday. I’ll call you if there are any developments,” Dorothy said as she saw Martin out. After that, she returned to her den where her husband was sitting reading The Times.

“What was that all about, dear?” he asked his wife.

“Just another day at the office,” Dorothy said, “and another reason why I wonder I ever got into this business.”

***

“So, let me get this straight,” Jenna said, after listening to all this, “We’re going to say that it’s okay that I’m fat?”

“Basically,” Martin said, “I’m going to be honest, this is all predicated on your acting skills. If you don’t come across as confident and strong, this isn’t going to work. Do you think you can do it?”

Jenna was silent for a moment. “I don’t know. I mean, to be honest Martin, all of what you’re describing is the last thing that I feel right now. For me, it’s a big deal that I’m not a nervous wreck right now.”

Martin took Jenna by the shoulders. “Jenna, I’ve seen actresses give some of the best performances of their lives on the worst days of their lives. I know you can do it. Today can be the day when everybody looks up and says, ‘Damn, look at Jenna-Louise Coleman. She’s really good.’”

“All right, I’ll do it,” Jenna said.

“Here’s today’s script I’ll be out there watching and cheering for you,” Martin said, handing Jenna her lines.

Jenna immediately started reviewing them and as Martin walked out of Jenna’s dressing room he thought, Don’t prove me wrong Jenna, for both our sakes.

***

“Excuse me, what was that?” Jenna said as the cameras rolled on the set of the Emmerdale village pub, The Woolpack.

“I think you heard me just fine,” Charley Webb said, in character as Debbie Dingle, “I said that it certainly looks like you enjoyed you big undercover assignment.”

“And just what do you mean by that?” Jenna asked, squaring up with Charley.

“I don’t really think I need to say much more. Pretty obvious isn’t it?” Charley said, dancing around the issue.

“What? Afraid to lay your cards on the table?”

Charley hemmed and hawed for a moment. “Well, it doesn’t take a genius to notice that you’ve packed on the pounds. Or has it been a while since you last looked in a mirror?” Charley said bitingly.

“And what’s so wrong with that?” Jenna asked without malice.

“Huh? What’s wrong with that? You’re fat Jasmine! That’s what’s wrong! Are you really that dense? You’ve totally let yourself go. You’re so ugly now! And to think you once looked pretty good,” Charley scoffed.

Jenna drew herself up. This was it. “You know what Debbie? I’m sorry you think that. I’m sorry that you look at me and see something ugly. I’m sorry for every woman who looks at herself or someone else and sees ‘just a fat girl’ and thinks they’re ugly. You know why? Because I’m happy with how I look. Just because I’m not a size 8 or a size 10 doesn’t mean I’m not beautiful. Sure, I might not look like a model or some movie star, but who looks like that? I mean, the average British woman weighs over 140 pounds right now.”

“Looks like you’re bringing up the average then,” Charley said disdainfully.

“And so what if I am? What’s so wrong about being big Debbie? Maybe deep down you feel threatened by the idea that maybe, just maybe, you don’t have to be thin to be beautiful, and that scares you and so many other girls,” Jenna said pointedly.

“Ha! If anything I’ve got one less competitor when it comes to boys,” Charley retorted.

“Yeah, well a guy who doesn’t like me for who I am isn’t anyone I’ve got the slightest interest in,” Jenna said, “You can think whatever you like about me and my weight, but don’t think you’re going to make me miserable. I’ll leave that to you as you count calories at every meal.” With that, Jenna stood up and stormed out of the bar and cut was called.

From off stage, she looked at Martin, who gave her a thumbs up. Jenna smiled. Maybe this just would work.

***

Though wardrobe had done its best to make Jenna look as slim as possible, even when they were acknowledging her show in the plots on the show, there was no hiding Jenna’s size on the telly. When the newer fatter Jenna showed up on the telly, audience reactions were mixed. Some people were appalled at how large Jenna-Louise Coleman had gotten. Others were surprised that ITV even let her on camera. Some people didn’t care one way or the other, but they were largely in the minority. A lot of viewers thought it was refreshing to see a “real woman” on the telly for once. A good number of viewers weren’t quite sure what to make of the fact that the buxom brunette was now bursting at the seams, but had to admit that she still was rather cute all the same.

In fact, the issue became so pervasive among Emmerdale fans, most of them couldn’t talk about anything else, whether at home, at work, or in public. As a result, the show began to gain in viewers who wanted to see precisely what the hubbub was all about. The Guardian picked up the story after a couple days, the headline reading: EMMERDALE’S “BIG” STAR? Though the article largely showcased opposing reactions to Jenna’s new size, it seemed to have a decidedly positive air towards Jenna’s weight gain. Eventually magazine pieces began popping up discussing the “scandal”, as some called it, on the set of Emmerdale. One review said that it was “high time that somebody woke up and started showing real women on the telly, even if according to averages Miss Coleman is somewhat above the mean.” Another article stated that, “Though the producers have refused to comment on Coleman’s weight, they can hardly be pleased with the situation.”

In reality, the producers—after nervously biting their nails while they waited for the first episode with the fattened Jenna to air—couldn’t be happier with the result. More people were watching Emmerdale than ever before. Ratings were through the roof. They’d finally overtaken EastEnders, and it looked like it could be for good. No one breathed bigger sighs of relief and then cheers for joy than Martin, who had seen his paycheck take a significant hike as outlined by his contract, and Dorothy. Their gamble had caught the attention of the executives at ITV, who’d hesitatingly agreed that the filmed episodes should air, but if the show suffered that Jenna would have to be fired. Now that ratings were sky high, the executives had given the green light to continue the current plot with Jasmine as a strong, plump female character.

Jenna herself was thrilled by the success of the new storyline. Not only did she no longer have to worry about her weight, but the fact that Jasmine was climbing in popularity had garnered her plenty of attention within the entertainment industry. At the same time, Jenna knew that she could well be locked into Emmerdale if she’d been typecast as a “fat actress” from here on out. Most producers and directors weren’t as forgiving as Dorothy, and that really limited her options. As a result, Jenna wasn’t going to kill the golden goose any time soon. Besides, she’s been encouraged to have fun with the part, so Jenna had made sure to still be as sexy as possible while still continuing to be an assertive, positive character. In all honesty, Jenna was having a lot of fun playing Jasmine these days.

In her personal life, her relationship with James only became more intense as time went on. His total acceptance of her, no matter what her size, had deepened the bond between them. Jenna and James were constantly traveling back and forth between their respective cities to see each other and they always had fun with each other, no matter what they wound up doing with each other. Clubbing was just as fun as sitting watching a movie at home with each other.

Once after a particularly bad day on the set after flubbing lines twice, being stuck in particularly bad traffic, Jenna felt really depressed walking into her empty apartment. She was arrested by a feeling of acute loneliness that gripped her heart. Jenna immediately called James and asked him to come over because she was feeling really down. Ordinarily, she would have felt badly about doing that on such short notice, but not this night. James rushed to Leeds without a second thought.

When he arrived, he took Jenna in his arms before he even shut the door. “Hey there,” James said, “I’m sorry you had a bad day.”

“Thanks,” Jenna said as she allowed herself to melt into James’s embrace, “I feel badly I made you come up here on such short notice.”

“Don’t. It’s never a bother to come see you. You could call me at three in the morning and I’d still come as fast as I could,” James said. After shutting the door, they moved to Jenna’s couch where they sat with their arms around one another. Jenna held tightly to her boyfriend. “So, do you want to talk?”

“I just feel so badly about it when I screw up my lines. I mean, it’s my job and the shooting schedule is so tight on a soap that I feel like I let everybody down when I mess up,” Jenna said, fighting back tears, “I mean, it’s not like anybody ever says anything, but it feels like they’re thinking it. Maybe it’s just me, but I just feel so horrible. And then traffic coming home was so jammed that I couldn’t unwind. It kept me on edge the whole way home. When I walked in here, I just got so alone that I wanted to cry and I just felt like I had to see you.”

James caressed Jenna as her plump body pressed up against him. “It’s okay. We all have bad days, but I bet your’s are much worse than mine being so famous.”

“There’s so much pressure, you know,” Jenna said as she dug her head into James’s shoulder.

“I know. When you really like what you do, you care a lot. It means you’re a good person Jenna,” James said.

“I thought that I wouldn’t have bad days anymore. Ever since I met you, my life has been wonderful. It’s everything I ever wanted.”

“There are always bad days. When they come along, the best thing to do is just see your friends and let them be there for you.”

“Thank you for being here for me,” Jenna said softly.

“I know what you’re feeling right now.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I’ve felt very alone for a lot of my life. I’ve walked into an empty flat all too often in my life. It hurts to be alone. It’s the worst thing in the world. If you’re alone too much, you begin to doubt if you’ll ever find someone. I was at that point when Fred showed up and basically dragged me out of my flat to go out clubbing with him. That’s when I met you.” James paused. “Meeting you is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Jenna couldn’t say anything because she thought she was going to cry if she opened her mouth. When she finally thought she could talk she said, “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me. Really.”

“I mean it,” James said, “Just know that I’d do anything for you, Jenna.”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

“Then stay with me tonight.”

He did.

***

James’s attitude towards Jenna’s weight had caused her to relax her eating habits once more. She didn’t eat all the time, but she didn’t deny herself either. As a result, Jenna soon found that her size 14 pants were becoming tight, and this time she didn’t simply brush off the circumstance, but talked with James about it.

“I’m really concerned about it,” Jenna said, having switched into sweatpants for the sake of comfort while sitting at home with James.

“Why?” James asked as Jenna sat down next to him. He put his arm around her as they talked.

“Because I don’t want to buy size 16s. I just feel like that’s a little too big. I mean, I know that size 14 isn’t exactly petite, but I think there aught to be a limit,” Jenna said, sorting through her feelings.

“So you don’t feel good about the idea of having to go up another size?” James said.

“Yeah,” Jenna replied.

“So are you saying you’d like to lose some weight?” James inquired further.

“Well, maybe. I don’t know. Maybe just a little, not a lot, you know,” Jenna said, wavering back and forth.

“All right, I’ll help,” James said, giving Jenna a kiss on the forehead.

James was true to his word. Though Jenna didn’t go onto a drastic diet or work out for hours on end, she did sort of watch some of what she ate, bringing her weight back down to a range where her size 14s were plenty comfortable. She worked out no more than half an hour two or three times a week to help the process. As a result, Jenna felt a lot better about herself and was very positive in her outlook on life.

During this time, Abby and Fred had continued to grapple with their distance relationship. Neither had the ability to travel to see the other, and the strain was beginning to show. As much as they liked one another, things were beginning to turn south. Abby was lamenting such to Jenna one day at Jenna’s flat while James was visiting. He’d popped out to grab some quick dinner and Abby had taken the opportunity to have a bit of a girl chat with her best friend.

“It’s not fair!” Abby said, her frustration with the situation bubbling to the surface, “I finally meet a decent guy and we’re separated by thousands of miles!”

“I know it’s been hard, Abs,” Jenna said, hugging her friend, drawing Abby close to her ample bosom, “I’m sorry. You don’t deserve this at all.”

Just then James burst through the door with a couple bags of food in hand. He was flush in the face. “You guys aren’t going to believe it.”

“What?” Jenna said as she and Abby pulled apart.

“I just—” James started, but then Abby’s cell phone started ringing.

“It’s Fred,” Abby said, “Hold on a second James…Hi Fred…what?…Yeah, I’m at Jenna’s…James is here too…What?…Speaker phone? Okay.” Abby put the phone down on the counter after switching it to speaker phone.

“I’m glad I was able to catch all of you. I just got out of a meeting and I just found out they accepted my application I put in to transfer to Manchester!” Fred said.

Everyone rejoiced at the news. Jenna and James both hugged Abby, who was beside herself with tears of joy. When everything subsided, Fred explained that his trip was actually part of the set up for his company doing some extensive work with another firm in Manchester. With this knowledge in hand, he had applied, based on his previous dealings in Manchester, to be a part of the group that would be operating on a temporary basis in Britain. After what had felt like ages, they’d finally accepted his application and would be paying most of his costs of living in Manchester and all his travel costs as part of the deal. After all, they understood “what a sacrifice he was making for the company and it was the least they could do to show their appreciation for his dedication.” Abby couldn’t believe that her beloved would only be a short drive away in only two weeks time.

Jenna got a bottle of champagne she’d been keeping for a special occasion and poured glasses for everyone after Fred had hung up so they could toast the news.

“Before we do, there’s something else that I aught to mention,” James said, taking a newspaper out of one of his bags. He opened it up and showed it to Jenna and Abby. “You’ve been nominated for Best Actress and Sexiest Female at the British Soap Awards!”

Jenna was absolutely beside herself. Two nominations! That was impossible! It was so rare than anyone ever got nominated for both. “I don’t believe it!” Jenna said, seizing the paper to confirm the news. It was true enough, but Jenna was still in total disbelief.

“That’s great Jenna!” Abby said, now doubly excited.

“I’m nominated!” Jenna said, still in shock.

“And you’re going to win too,” James said, “I just know it.” He picked up his glass of champagne and handed the girls each one. “Here’s to Jenna’s nominations and Fred’s imminent arrival!”

“I’ll drink to that!” Abby said.

After they all did, Jenna said, “I suppose there’s one more piece of news to tell.”

“What’s that?” James asked.

“I caught a weather report today. I think hell froze over this morning,” Jenna said with a smile.

“Oh shove off!” Abby said with a laugh.

[The Id]

“I can’t believe that you convinced me to do this,” James said into Jenna’s ear.

“Come on, admit it. You’re having fun,” Jenna replied in likewise fashion.

“Yeah, it’s just a bit weird you know. I’m not a star like everybody else,” James said.

“But you look so good in a tuxedo,” Jenna said with a smile.

They were on the red carpet at the British Soap Awards held at the BBC Television Centre. Jenna had convinced James come with her to the event since it was a big night for her. He had reluctantly agreed, somewhat unsure of rubbing elbows with the British soap industry’s biggest stars. Twice now during interviews on the red carpet Jenna had been asked who her new beau was, and James blushed as Jenna introduced him to all Britain for the first time, even though he hadn’t been on camera with her. Though Jenna didn’t want to embarrass James too much, she did hint once or twice at how happy she was with him.

Jenna was wearing a dark blue evening dress with that did its best to minimize her size. Though Jenna knew she was going to look fat no matter what she wore, she still wanted to try and look a little sleeker. The cut of the dress naturally drew attention to her always impressive breasts and the high waist on the dress also helped the matter. No matter what Jenna was undeniably plump regardless of what angle you caught her at. Still, the majority of those on the red carpet seemed to think she looked rather good on the whole, even if she was a bit chubby. At the moment, Jenna was engaged in her third interview of the promenade down the red carpet.

“Jenna, it’s quite a big night for Emmerdale in terms of nominations. Were you surprised to be nominated twice?” the reporter asked.

“Absolutely, and I can’t even take the credit for it. It’s only the wonderful writing that I’ve been blessed with that has gotten me even this far,” Jenna said.

“Let’s get to the question that everyone wants to hear the answer to, Jenna. What’s been your reaction to the press flurry in the past months regarding the fact that the producers have placed you so prominently in Emmerdale despite the fact that you’ve obviously gained a lot of weight since you started with the show?”

“Honestly, I was a bit nervous about the situation, but the support I’ve received from everyone on Emmerdale has been overwhelming,” Jenna said, “This only goes to show how progressive the show is in terms of the social issues it deals with and the drive to be relevant in society today.”

“And how do you respond to the editorials that say that the producers should fire you and find someone who weighs less?”

“My only comment to that is that I’m glad the producers don’t feel that way,” Jenna said before moving on.

After signing autographs for fans (of which there were many), Jenna finally got inside and found James again, who had connected with Martin Swift. The pair were sharing a drink in the lobby.

“Ah, finished with the circus Jenna?” Martin said as she came up to them.

“Yes, thank God,” Jenna said, “Thanks for keeping James company while I had to go through all that, Martin.”

“My pleasure. I can usually get through the fray without having too much trouble. Nobody ever pays attention to writers, even when they’re nominated,” Martin said with a smirk, “Besides, it was my pleasure to get to know James here. You really should be scolded for keeping him a secret from the rest of us. I’ve had a lovely time chatting with him.”

“Martin is too kind,” James said, “It’s been a long time since I’ve conversed with someone who can turn a phrase like him. It’s a true pleasure to speak with someone who actually can articulate the English language like it was meant to be spoken.”

“Such is the product of too much time spent reading in university and not enough time getting drunk,” Martin said, “It’s quite sad really.”

“Not that sad, dear,” Shannon Rourke said, coming up to the group, “After all, we did met in the library, not a bar.”

“True enough. Shannon, I believe you’ve met Jenna Coleman before. This is her boyfriend, James Eaton,” Martin said to introduce his fiancée.

“A pleasure to meet you,” Shannon said, “If I might be so bold, you’re a lovely couple. How did you meet?”

“In a bar,” Jenna said with a smile, which gave Shannon a good laugh.

The quartet continued chatting about various topics until it was time for everyone to take their seats for the show itself. They had spread out the various important awards throughout the show, and one of the first to be announced was Best Actress. Jenna had already confided in James that she wasn’t too sure of her chances, especially since she wasn’t always a main character. James, having watched Jenna on the telly, felt that she had an excellent chance of winning, but that only made her heart flutter more as they read through the nominees.

Jenna held James’s hand tightly as they opened the envelope containing the winner’s name, her heart beating fast, daring to hope that perhaps she might just win.

“And the winner is, Jenna-Louise Coleman.”

Jenna nearly fainted as the thunderous applause started, concentrated around her in the other members of the cast and crew of Emmerdale. It took her a moment before she could stand. James hugged her and Jenna proceeded to the podium in a state of shock that was beginning to mingle with elation. As she went down the aisle, everyone from the show was clapping her on the back and embracing her.

After receiving her statuette, Jenna leaned into the microphone, “Oh my goodness, I don’t believe this. To give you an idea what I thought about my chances, I didn’t even write a speech, so to everyone I’m about to forget, please forgive me, I still love you.” This drew a laugh from the audience. “First and foremost are Martin Swift and Dorothy Michaels who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Without the entire cast of the show, I wouldn’t be standing here today, so this is just as much your’s as it is mine. Thank you to everyone else who was nominated with me. I have such deep respect for all of you and your work. To everyone who voted, thank you so much. And most of all, thank you, dear.” She looked right at James in the audience. “I wouldn’t be here without you.” On that final note, Jenna blew James a kiss before proceeding offstage.

Jenna was then brought to the area where the press got their first opportunity for pictures and interviews with all of the winners. The flashes from the cameras were so dazzling, coupled with the barrage of questions, that had Jenna not been so euphoric, she would have become completely disoriented.

“Jenna, how do you feel?”

“I feel so honored to have won. It really means so much to me as an actress.”

“Does this come as a total surprise?”

“Absolutely. Everyone else nominated gives such amazing performances day in and day out that I feel like we should all have one of these.”

“Where do you see yourself going from here Jenna?”

“Back to work Monday morning to continue to do what I love.”

“Do you think that winning Best Actress diminishes your chances of getting Sexiest Female?”

“I really can’t say. Once again, there are so many gorgeous women who I’ve been nominated with that everyone has a good shot of winning.”

After a few more questions, the next winner was coming out and Jenna went back to her seat to watch the rest of the awards and be there for her castmates who were also nominated. James kissed her when she came back during a break for commercials.

“Congratulations honey,” James said, “But where’s the award?”

“They’re holding it for me for now. Don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere,” Jenna said, “I just know where I’m going to put it too.”

“I’m so happy for you,” James said, “And I’m proud of you too.”

Jenna blushed. “Thank you,” she said before giving James a kiss.

The rest of the awards went on, and Emmerdale had picked up another win before they reached Sexiest Female. Since she’d already won Best Actress, Jenna really doubted that she’d get Sexiest Female as well. Nobody had ever won both, though a several had been nominated in both categories. Still, she couldn’t help but hope that perhaps she might win this one as well. Once again, she anxiously clutched James’s hand in the interlude before they announced the winner.

“And the winner is…Jenna-Louise Coleman, Emmerdale.”

Jenna was if anything more shocked than before. She and James hugged as the entire Emmerdale contingent stood and congratulated her many of her female costars, including those who had been nominated with her, giving her warm embraces. Jenna walked down the aisles to a standing ovation from the entire theater to mark her accomplishment. She had one hand to her mouth in utter disbelief.

When she got to the podium and accepted her statuette, Jenna said, “They say lightning never strikes twice, but apparently not tonight. I’m thinking I should go buy a lottery ticket now.” A few people laughed. “Really though, I can’t believe this. I really can’t. Being nominated with so many other beautiful women is an honor itself.” Jenna started to tear up a bit. “You have no idea how much this means to me. I can’t even begin to express my thanks to all of you right now. Mum and Dad, sorry I forgot you the first time around. Without you I wouldn’t be here right now. Thank you all so so much.” She blew a final departing kiss to James before heading off the stage, dabbing at the tears in her eyes.

Jenna barely had time to compose herself before she faced the press again. On her way to meet the reporters they brought Jenna her Best Actress award to show off both for the photographers. Jenna’s tears of joy had now faded away into sheer elation. Upon stepping in front of the collected photographers and reporters, Jenna beamed exultantly as she held her awards up above her head as the light bulbs flashed seemingly endlessly. The plump brunette, who could now certainly be called a star, was radiant, very much looking like the Sexiest Female in British Soaps, fat as she was.

“Jenna, how does it feel to be the first woman to win Best Actress and Sexiest Female in the same year?”

“I can barely describe it. To say I’m thrilled is an understatement.”

“Which win was more surprising for you?”

“I didn’t really think much of my chances for either considering the caliber of my fellow nominees. That being said, it’s such an honor to win both. To be recognized for excellence as an actress is a huge honor, and what woman wouldn’t want to be voted one of the sexiest women on the telly?”

After a collective laugh, the reporter doggedly continued, “But which did you think you had the least shot at?”

Jenna paused for a moment and decided to be honest. “Sexiest Female. After all, I think everybody, including the voters, are aware that I was the heaviest nominee tonight when it came to weight. To still be voted as Sexiest Female just goes to show everyone that beauty isn’t about fitting into a size 10 dress. I’d like to hope that this is not just a win for me, but a win for every woman in Britain too.”

“Now that you’ve won both awards, does that change your future professional plans at all?”

“Hardly. I’ll go to work Monday and keep shooting,” Jenna said, “I love working on Emmerdale. It’s such a privilege to work with a wonderful cast with inspired writing like we get day in and day out.”

After another few questions, Jenna returned to her seat to watch the remainder of the show. The suspense of the evening wasn’t over for her as Emmerdale was nominated for Best Soap, which the show had never won in the history of the British Soap Awards. Eventually the climax of the evening came. Everyone from Emmerdale held hands as best they could as they nervously waited for the winner. Jenna’s palms were sweaty as she held Charley’s, her heart beating quickly.

“And the winner is Emmerdale.”

The entire cast jumped up and down, Jenna included. She was positively ecstatic, jumping up and down as she and Charley hugged, her entire plump body bouncing along with her. The entire cast went up to the stage as the audience applauded. Dorothy was the one to accept the award on behalf of the show.

“You know, a number of years ago when a friend of mine found out that I was going to be working Emmerdale, she said to me, ‘That’s wonderful Dorothy, but at the same time I’m sorry to hear it.’ Somewhat confused, I asked her why she was sorry and she said, ‘Well, it’s just a shame that someone with your talents won’t ever get any awards since Coronation Street and EastEnders always win.’ Well, looks like she was wrong.” A number of the audience, and the entire cast behind her, cheered. “There are so many people to thank…everyone standing behind me, the entire cast, my fellow producers, the writers, the entire cast that gives us excellent support day in and day out. They make us all look good and this is as much their award as it is that of everyone on this stage tonight.” The cast applauded heartily, but briefly. “I’d also like to commend all the other shows nominated tonight. I have to admit that I watch you all not just to see what you’re doing, but because you all give incredible performances every night. To have won this award tonight after such a year of incredible performances by all the other nominees is a true honor. Thank you all.”

The show being over, the entire cast of Emmerdale went out to face the press collectively, overflowing with joy. All of the award winners of the night took a picture together with their statuettes, totaling seven in number, the most that Emmerdale had ever won, including a Best Storyline award for Martin Swift. The picture of all seven gleaming silver awards would grace the cover of the Entertainment section in The Times, and most other major papers, the next day under the headline: EMMERDALE’S SEVEN HEAVEN.

For Jenna-Louise Coleman, it was seventh heaven indeed.

***

The entire cast and their significant others went to one of the after show party at one of London’s premiere nightclubs. Jenna and James headed back to their hotel before they joined the bash. Jenna had brought a different dress for the afterparty that was less of an evening gown and a bit more of a tasteful outfit for a celebratory night. Jenna slipped out of her blue evening gown and threw it over a chair. As she stood in only her underwear, James came up from behind and put his arms around her.

“Have I told you congratulations yet?” James said.

Jenna smiled and turned her chubby cheeked face to look at James. “Yes, but you can say it again.”

“Congratulations dear.”

Jenna took James’s face in her hands and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks. I hope you’re not sore I didn’t mention you by name to all Britain. I wasn’t sure you’d like it.”

“Well, it just means that the guys at the office aren’t going to be asking me if they can hook them up with your costars,” James said with a smile.

Jenna laughed and said, “Awww. Well next time I’ll mention you so your Mum and Dad will be proud and everybody will be jealous.”

“Sounds good. I can only hope there’s more where those came from,” James said, gesturing with one hand to the dual awards on the table, his arms still around his beautiful, plump girlfriend

“Don’t count on it. I think I just got lucky this year,” Jenna said and then glanced at the clock. “You know, there’s something I’ve always wanted to do…”

“Anything for the lady of the hour,” James said.

She turned around in James’s arms. “‘Well, I won a BSA sex,’” Jenna said with a mischievous smile, “I’m told it’s incredible.”

“I wouldn’t know…” James said as his lips drew close to Jenna’s.

“We should really rectify the situation…” Jenna replied right before they kissed. As they kissed, Jenna undid James’s bowtie before she undid her bra, allowing her mammoth hooters to swing free, jiggling with the rest of her tubby body. It didn’t take much longer for James to get the rest of his formal wear off and then the two fell back on the hotel bed together as their bodies, heated with passion, began to blur together.

Thirty minutes later they stepped into the hired car to take them to the after show party. James was wearing his tuxedo again, though on Jenna’s advice he’d left the bowtie undone to give him a bit of a cavalier air. She was wearing a trendy black dress a little more fitting for the party attitude that would prevail for the remainder of the evening, especially among the Emmerdale contingent. The dress was actually rather form fitting and showed off plenty of Jenna’s rolls and curves. Jenna usually would have thought twice about going to a public event like this in something that so obviously displayed all of her features. However, Jenna was rather euphoric now that she’d just been voted the sexiest woman on British soaps. She figured she could wear whatever she wanted and she’d look great.

The afterparty was a private event, but Jenna and James had to go through one final appearance for the photographers on their way in before they were able to truly relax. Once inside the club, Jenna was immediately greeted by several congratulators. She was already becoming accustomed to the continuous praise now being showered upon her, so much so that she barely noticed from whom a pair of particularly warm congratulations came.

“Fred! Abs!” Jenna exclaimed, “How did you get here?”

“Oh I—” Fred started.

“Let me guess,” Jenna interrupted, “You know a guy, right?”

“How did you know?” Fred said as he embraced Jenna, “But more importantly, what a night for my favorite British soap star!”

“Thank you Fred,” Jenna said, “I didn’t know you were going to be down in London for this!”

“Well, we weren’t planning on it, but Fred insisted,” Abby said as she hugged Jenna, “I’m so glad we could be here to celebrate with you!”

“You have no idea how much it touches me that you two could be here. That makes tonight perfect,” Jenna said.

“I do try,” Fred said with a grin.

“Let me go get a couple drinks since it looks like you guys have already got a start on,” Jenna said.

“Only if you allow me to pay your tab tonight,” Fred replied.

“That’s quite nice of you. Too bad it’s an open bar,” Jenna said.

“That’s right!” Fred said, as if suddenly realizing the fact, “Well I’m still paying it all the same.”

“I would have won a BSA long ago if I knew people were going to start paying my bar tab,” Jenna said.

“Actually it’s standing practice. I always pay the tab for the sexiest female in the room,” Fred stated.

“Excuse me?” Abby said indignantly, “You just shot your chances for tonight to hell!”

“Oh come on Abby. She’s got an award. Do you want one too? I can arrange for that,” Fred protested as Jenna headed to the bar to get a drink for her and James. After ordering she happened to see Charley Webb a bit down the bar from her, looking rather glum.

“Hey Charley,” Jenna said.

“Hi Jenna. Congrats again,” Charley said without much enthusiasm.

“You all right Charley? You seem awful down in the mouth for a party with an open bar,” Jenna said with a smile. Charley did know how to party it up, so it was odd that she should seem so down in the mouth.

“It’s nothing.”

“It doesn’t seem like it. We’re mates, aren’t we? You can tell me.”

“No I can’t,” Charley said crossly.

“Charley,” Jenna insisted sternly.

“Fine!” Charley exclaimed, “I just don’t understand how you could win Sexiest Female over the rest of us!”

Jenna knitted her brow. “What are you talking about?”

“Come on Jenna,” Charley said, “Look at yourself? You’re fat! Fat girls aren’t supposed to win Sexiest Female! I wouldn’t have minded losing to Roxanne or something like that, but you? Christ! What’s the world come to?”

With that Charley took her drink and stormed off, leaving Jenna standing there as she watched her costar walk away to the closest gaggle of men to begin plying her charms. Honestly, if Jenna could have taken a look at herself she probably would have agreed with Charley. Her dress was tight in all the right places and loose…well, nowhere. In fact, the rolls around Jenna’s midsection were clearly visible to even the most casual glance, doubly so if she sat down. Her cleavage surged up in the low cut of the dress. The short hem of the dress bared plenty of thick thigh and all of her plump calves. Jenna’s bare upper arms wobbled every time she moved her arm. And yet still, people would call her at least cute, if not good looking. But how many men would have hit on her that night if she hadn’t attended the party with James? Probably not as many as Charley was going to get tonight, but then again, no one can say for sure.

After getting the drinks, Jenna headed back to James, Fred, and Abby just in time to hear Fred exclaim, “Oh my God! Is that Rosamund Pike?”

“What?” Abby said, looking around confusedly.

“I think it is! Let’s go meet her!” Fred said, dragging Abby along.

Jenna handed James his drink and said, “Who’s Rosamund Pike?”

“She was in a Bond movie, I think,” James said, “Fred’s a big fan. If Judi Dench were here he’d probably have a heart attack.”

“Oh,” Jenna said taking a sip of her drink.

“Is anything wrong?” James asked, sensing something amiss in Jenna’s brevity.

“No, why do you ask?” Jenna said with a smile to dispel James’s worries.

It didn’t work. “Because I know you too well. What’s up?”

“It’s nothing. I ran into Charley at the bar. She was just upset she didn’t win Sexiest Female.”

“Was she mad at you?”

“A bit. I think she might have had a few to drink,” Jenna said.

“So are you okay?” James asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Jenna said, “You know…this is a club, right?”

“Last I checked.”

“Then there aught to be some dancing to be had, don’t you think?”

“Let’s hope! People are still arriving, so hopefully someone will get the party started soon,” James said.

“In that case, we aught to have a few drinks to get our groove on in the meantime,” Jenna said with a smile.

Jenna certainly had a few drinks that evening as she received congratulations from all sides. All of a sudden she was being sought out by some of the most famous names in British soaps and television, all of which praised her to high heavens. A few producers discreetly slipped her their cards and urged her to give them a call so they could “do lunch” sometime. Jenna was flattered by the fact she’d suddenly been catapulted into an elite echelon of the industry. At the same time, she knew that it was only temporary and probably wouldn’t even last a year until somebody else won. That was just the way the industry worked. Though she’d build up a network just in case, she had no intention of leaving Emmerdale where she was well liked and supported by the producers.

Eventually, as Jenna and James had hoped, dancing got underway. The participants were, for the most part, young and beautiful soap stars. As Fred surveyed the scene with Abby, his mouth actually dropped.

“I have been to plenty rocking parties in my days, but this is the hottest party I have ever been to. And I mean that in terms of the party and the women here,” Fred said in awe.

“Your chances for any action tonight keep getting slimmer and slimmer,” Abby said crossly.

“You didn’t let me finish! It’s because you’re here! Come on sweetheart, they’ve got nothing on you! Really!” Fred insisted.

Meanwhile, Jenna and James were bumping and grinding. Jenna had enough in her to make her more than a little tipsy, and the resulting lack of inhibition caused her skill at dancing to go up dramatically. The way she gyrated her hips put pop stars to shame. The fact she now carried so much junk in her trunk only made the experience better for her—not to mention James. The two of them moved so well together that they attracted plenty of approving nods from those around them.

“You know, they should give out a BSA for sexiest dancer,” James said to Jenna.

“I think it’s part of Sexiest Female,” Jenna replied.

“Guess someone’s been paying attention when we’ve gone clubbing,” James replied, “And I think we’re getting a head start on next year.”

“Mmmm…then let’s make sure to get a good head start,” Jenna said with a smile.

As they ground their hips together, all of Jenna’s 175 pound body jiggled. Each roll bounced to the beat of the music. Her thighs thundered together and the fat on her upper arms flailed. Jenna’s ample breasts bounced so much that it almost seemed like they were going to jump right out of her dress (and James almost wished that it happened). The harder Jenna ground into James, the further into ecstasy Jenna ascended, which was to say nothing of James.

It was the beginning of a very long night.

***

When Jenna returned to work on Monday, her dressing room was completely filled with flowers and gifts from well wishers, congratulating her on her dual wins. Jenna could barely navigate around the humongous bouquets and had to have most of them taken out just so make up and wardrobe could get into the room to get her ready for the day’s shoot.

Jenna was sifting through the various cards she’d gotten, curious to know who’d sent her all these flowers, when a knock came on the door.

“Come in,” Jenna said sweetly.

The door opened slowly and Charley popped her head in. Jenna suddenly blushed. The fact that she was surrounded by the equivalent of three flower stands probably didn’t help things between them considering what Charley had said the last time they’d talked at the afterparty. “Can I come in?” Charley asked.

“Yeah, sure, sorry about all this,” Jenna said, “It was all here when I got here and I can barely move around. I mean—”

“Look, Jenna, it’s all right,” Charley said, “I just wanted to apologize for how I acted at the club. It was totally uncalled for. I had no right to have a go at you like that. Some of the things I said were incredibly rude and insensitive. I was just mad, you know. I felt so badly afterwards because you didn’t deserve any of what I said. You’re a very good looking woman, Jenna, and you deserved to win. I don’t think I ever told you this, but all my guy friends have been asking me if they can meet you. Apparently you’ve become quite a sensation among the blokes. Sometimes it all just builds up and I ”

“Oh! Well, thank you. But it’s all right, I know you didn’t mean it, Charley,” Jenna said.

“Yeah, well I said it all the same, and I feel awful about it. I had to apologize or else I would have felt horrible about myself,” Charley said.

“Well I forgive you,” Jenna said giving her costar a hug, “Besides, you’d had a few and we all say things that we don’t mean with a couple in us.”

“I wasn’t that drunk, Jenna,” Charley insisted.

“You were on your way,” Jenna said with a wink, “Besides, it wasn’t like you were totally wrong, I am carrying a bit of weight. Frankly I was as surprised as you when I won. I never thought a girl that weighed more than 120 pounds would be voted Sexiest Female to be perfectly honest.”

“But you were Jenna, so don’t worry about it! You’re the sexiest woman on British soaps!” Charley said, drawing Jenna to the mirror, “You turn heads on set and everywhere you go. Trust me, I know. Guys like a woman with some nice curves. Don’t you dare try to demean yourself by talking like that.”

“Well, I do have some nice curves these days and I’ve been pretty happy with things lately…” Jenna said.

“And isn’t that what matters? Now come on, we’re expected on set soon,” Charley said.

“Charley?” Jenna said.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for stopping by.”

Charley smiled. “Still friends?”

“Still friends. I’ll be out soon.”

“Catch you there,” Charley said, darting out the door.

Jenna surveyed her curvaceous form in the mirror, turning to look at herself from various angles. “What a fox you are, Jenna-Louise. Time to go knock ‘em dead.”

With that, Jenna skipped out of her dressing room and headed for the day’s scenes, her body jiggled with every step.

[The Id]

Now that Jenna had been voted the Sexiest Female in British Soaps, she didn’t even think about her weight. This led to increased indulgences on set and around her flat, and pretty soon Jenna found she was having trouble getting the button in on her trousers. No matter how she tugged, she couldn’t quite seem to bridge the distance. Jenna grunted as she gave another pull, but to no avail.

“Jenna, you all right in there?” James said from outside. They were supposed to go out for a nice dinner tonight.

“Yes…just…fine,” Jenna said, straining to fit into the pants. Already her wobbling thighs tested the seams of the black trousers. Her luscious rump filled the seat of the pants to full capacity. Jenna was even sucking her belly in, but that only made the gap between button and hole ever more tantalizingly close—and yet so far away.

“You sure dear? It sounds like you’re…” James thought better of finishing with “having trouble in there” and instead went with, “…a bit out of breath. Can I help?”

Jenna considered for a moment. It might be easier if she got James to help, but at the same time she was more than slightly uneasy about letting James to see her in this state. Of course, the easiest thing to do would be to just try another pair of trousers, or maybe go for a skirt—but nothing said that something else would fit better. Besides, these trousers went so well with her shirt, and she liked them both so much…

Jenna looked from the door to her undone trousers. “Umm…I’m…uh…I…I need a bit of help in here.”

James poked his head through the door. “What’s the problem honey?”

“Well…” Jenna blushed hard, feeling rather embarrassed, “I can’t…I can’t get my trousers buttoned.”

“Oh.” James wasn’t exactly sure what he should do in this situation. “So…how can I help?”

“Well, maybe you could give it a try?” Jenna said abashedly.

“Okay.” James came up to Jenna and took each flap and gave a tug, but was unable to get them to meet.

“Hold on. I’ve got to suck in if you’re going to have any chance,” Jenna said and then held her breath. James was no better able to get the trousers buttoned than Jenna had been. She let out her breath when James gave up.

“Well, umm…what should we do now?” James said, just as embarrassed as Jenna.

Jenna sat down dejectedly on her bed. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll have to try something else.” She sighed. “And I so liked these pants.”

“Do you want to try something else on? Maybe these just have a smaller fit?” James said, sitting down next Jenna and putting his arm around her.

Jenna looked at the clock. “Oh that’s lovely. We’re going to miss our reservation even if we left now, and we certainly can’t do that,” Jenna said, gesturing to her pants.

“Then why don’t I order in some Chinese or something?” James said giving Jenna a squeeze, “It’ll be nice. We can watch a movie or something.”

“But you came all the way here and we were going to do a nice dinner,” Jenna said, somewhat upset with the situation, “I feel so badly. I mean, you’re dressed up and looking so nice and here I am, fat little Jenna who can’t fit into her pants.”

“No, no, no,” James said, putting one finger on her lips, “You’re my pretty little Jenna who’s my girlfriend, and that’s all that matters. Eat in Chinese with you is better than the finest dinner with the Queen.”

“Awww…thanks James,” Jenna said as she put her arm around him, “But seriously, aren’t you getting a little frustrated with all of this?”

“All what?”

“Well, me and how tubby I’ve been.”

“What are you talking about Jenna?” James said, confused.

“You must be getting tired of all me and my weight, aren’t you?”

“Jenna, what is there to be tired of? This is the first time that anything’s happened. There hasn’t been anything that’s been the slightest inconvenience before now.”

“But don’t you wish I wasn’t so…chubby? I mean—”

“No Jenna, no I don’t. The only thing I want is for you to be happy, because I’m happy whenever I’m with you. It doesn’t matter how much you weigh because you’re still beautiful. Haven’t we been over this before?” James said.

“Yeah, but…”

“No buts. This is the way it is. That’s just all there is to it,” James said, “Besides, if you weren’t so chubby I couldn’t do this.” James gave Jenna a quick poke in her belly.

“Hey!” Jenna said as she jumped back a bit, “What’s that for?”

“Nothing, it’s just fun,” James said jabbing forward with his finger again.

“Stop that!” James didn’t heed Jenna, continuing his pursuit across the bed. “I’m warning you James Eaton!”

“Oh, you’re warning me, are you?” James said, the two of them sprawled half way across the bed, “Well then, it seems that the gloves are just going to have to come off then.” James immediately dove onto Jenna and began to tickle her.

“Ha ha ha…stop that!…Ha ha!” Jenna laughed as James mercilessly persecuted her. She twisted and jerked around as James tickled her, which began to pull her unbuttoned trousers down around her hips.

Eventually James let up, laying on top of Jenna. “So you really don’t think I’m some lazy, fat, disgusting slob?” Jenna asked.

“No. And I never will. Promise,” James replied.

The pair looked into each other’s eyes and then kissed one another hard. When they pulled apart Jenna said, “You know, you look good in those clothes, but I think you’d look even better out of them.”

“And since these pants are giving you trouble, you might as well take them off,” James replied and the pair began to frantically throw off their clothing until they were naked. Jenna’s body was a soft, jiggling expanse of eager and willing flesh.

“Come on James,” Jenna said, squirming on her bed in anticipation with a devilish smile on her face, “There’s plenty of me here for you to enjoy, so come and get me.”

Twenty minutes later in a haze of ecstasy James called for Chinese food, still catching his breath and confusing the person on the other end of the line, and then fell back on the bed as Jenna wrapped her arms around him, her bare breasts pressed against his body. The feeling was still exhilarating even though James enjoyed the pleasure of Jenna’s massive boobs quite often.

“You’re absolutely right dear,” Jenna said, breathing heavily, “I’d take Chinese food in with you over some nice dinner out any day of the week. In fact, we should get Chinese food more often.”

“You got it,” James said, giving Jenna a kiss on the forehead.

“One more thing,” Jenna said, looking up at James from where she was laying her head against his shoulder, “I do want to lose some of this weight. I didn’t like finding my size 14s tight before, and I don’t like not being able to fit into them now.”

“Okay. If you really want to, that’s fine.”

“Would you go to the gym with me every once in a while?” Jenna asked, “You know, not all that often. It’ll just help me go more often. It’d be good for me.”

“That’s a really long way for me to go just to go to the gym with you. I mean, you’ve got one in your building. It shouldn’t be all that hard for you to find the time, should it?” James said.

“Tell you what,” Jenna said, tracing one finger along James’s chest, “How about every time you go the gym with me, since we’ll be all hot and sweaty and disgusting anyways, we get to take a nice warm shower together? Maybe after we get even hotter and sweatier?” Jenna smiled.

“Now that’s more worth my time,” James said with a smile.

***

Jenna really did want to lose some weight. But she also wanted to be able to keep up her eating habits. She’d come to really enjoy the epicurean delight of indulging herself with chocolate, sweets, large portions, and simply not caring about what she ate. She figured that maybe by watching herself every once in a while, a meal or two here and there, and working out every once in a while that’d work well. She hadn’t gained weight quickly since she’d last backed off the last time that her size 14s had become tight she’d encountered last time around.

In reality, this began a cycle that Jenna would experience many times over. She would reach the limit of her size 14 trousers and would become concerned about her weight. She’d watch what she ate—to a certain degree—and exercise a bit until her size 14s weren’t tight anymore. She usually continued her regimen for a while longer after that point, sometimes a few days, other times until her size 14s were loose and she could actually squeeze into her size 12s (it was rare that this ever happened, but it did from time to time).

As they started what was the second round of a cycle that would become quite familiar, James showed up the following weekend to go with Jenna to the modest gym in her building. Jenna had dug out her old size 14 workout clothes from the first time around and found that they fit a bit tighter than she remembered. Jenna had a definite muffin top from the elastic waistband cutting into her thick, fleshy waist. The tank top didn’t quite reach all the way down to the top of the spandex pants, which tightly contained all of Jenna’s wobbling hips and thighs. Underneath the tank top, the outline of Jenna’s sports bra could clearly be made out cutting into the fat on her back. In the front, Jenna’s hooters were squeezed together by the confines of the bra. Jenna noticed all of this as she surveyed herself in the mirror as she put her hair into a ponytail. She grabbed her belly flab and hoped that perhaps she’d put a bit of a dent in it soon that so her size 14s wouldn’t be as tight. Her entire wardrobe was now a little constricting, and she could tell that costuming at the studio had already moved her into a size 16 due to the fact that all of her trousers there were much more comfortable than her own clothing.

Once they got to the gym, James decided to stretch Jenna out. While she was somewhat flexible, she wasn’t totally so, but she could tell that James enjoyed working her body as he stretched her. That being done, he set Jenna to work on one of the elliptical machines. It wasn’t long before she’d worked up another good sweat, only about seven minutes in. Already she was breathing heavily while James next to her looked to be barely pushing himself while working harder than her.

“James, do you—phew—do this often?” Jenna asked in between deep breaths as she kept working, her humongous breasts bouncing in front of her despite the tight sports bra.

“A few times a week, why, dear?” James said, looking over at Jenna. He’d been glancing at her quite a bit. Those bouncing breasts were a sight that he couldn’t tear himself away from, no matter how hard he tried.

“Because—you look like—you’re not even straining—yourself while I’m—about ready to have—a heart attack,” Jenna puffed.

“The first couple times are always tough,” James said, stopping momentarily to give Jenna a kiss on her chubby, moistened cheek, “Besides, you’re the one who wants to lose the weight.”

“Yeah, I always—come up with—great ideas,” Jenna mumbled as she kept working.

Twelve minutes later Jenna couldn’t take anymore and stopped, nearly falling off the elliptical machine in exhaustion, panting. James had just now begun to work up a decent sweat himself, but stopped as Jenna hung over a water fountain to quench her thirst.

“Are we done now?” Jenna said as she caught her breath.

“We’ll take it easy on your first day,” James said.

Jenna didn’t mention that this wasn’t her first day at the gym. She’d actually stopped in a couple times during the week, but she didn’t seem to be making any progress at all. “Besides, the sooner we finish here, the sooner we can see about getting out of these sweaty, sticky clothes…” Jenna said suggestively as she ran one hand along James’s chest.

“Just one more thing,” James said, “And don’t be a naughty girl who doesn’t want to do her exercises or else I’m going to have to punish you.”

“That’s the part I like best,” Jenna said archly.

“…with extra exercise.”

“Well, maybe not the best,” Jenna said crossing her arms.

“Come on,” James said with a laugh, “Since you’re so tired, let’s do some sit ups.”

Jenna was seriously regretting ever involving James in this process. She would have gone back to her apartment long ago if it hadn’t been for him. Though she did want to lose the weight, it was just so inconvenient to have to work this hard to do it. Jenna resignedly got down on the floor and bent her knees to get into proper form. James knelt down on her feet.

“Are you really going to watch me do sit ups?” Jenna said.

“Yes. And keep your feet on the ground so you don’t cheat,” James said, “Besides I can count for you.”

“If I didn’t know better I’d think you didn’t trust me,” Jenna said.

“Just get going. Sooner you do them, the sooner we can go back to your flat,” James said, “Let’s try twenty or so to start.”

“All right,” Jenna sighed.

She dutifully began to pull herself up, fingers intertwined behind her head. As she struggled forward to sit up, her large tummy crunched up into several distinct rolls, making it hard for her make it all the way up.

“Come on, a bit further,” James encouraged Jenna, who hadn’t quite reached her flabby, spandex encased thighs.

“It’s…not as easy…as it looks,” Jenna said as she inched forward.

“You can do it,” James said.

Jenna threw herself forward and finally completed one full sit up. Just before she fell back, James gave her a quick peck on the lips.

“What was that?” Jenna asked.

“Your reward for doing a sit up,” James said, “Now come on, nineteen more.”

“Well in that case…” Jenna said and began to do her sit ups with renewed effort.

It didn’t get any easier for Jenna, despite the incentive. Soon enough her belly and back were beginning to burn with each renewed effort. Jenna was getting red in the face from all of the work and sweating just as much as she had been on the elliptical machine. James actually felt really badly for Jenna because of the fact that she was obviously having a hard time of it. After Jenna’s fourteenth sit up, at which point the soap star fell back panting, James decided that enough was enough for today, for which Jenna was infinitely grateful. James helped his sweaty girlfriend to her feet and they slowly made their way back to Jenna’s flat.

“So, was I a good girl today?” Jenna said when they got back to her apartment.

“Yes, a very good girl,” James said as they made their way to the bedroom, “except you didn’t do all your sit ups.”

Jenna pouted. “Oh dear, how bad of me. What are we going to do about that?”

“Well, you did get full marks for effort…” James said, as he pulled Jenna close to him. They kissed and wrapped their arms around one another.

“And you get full marks for your oral presentation, Mr. Eaton,” Jenna said when they slowly pulled apart, “Now, let’s see how you handle the body of the issue at hand, shall we?”

“I think you’ll find I’m rather forceful in making my points,” James said with a smirk.

“I hope you take the time to elaborate extensively,” Jenna said as she pulled her sweat drenched tank top off and threw it in the corner. She peeled her tight spandex pants off and then shimmied out of her underwear.

“I have every intention of going into great depth,” James replied as he finished undressing.

“Going to give me the thrust of the idea, are you?” Jenna replied coyly.

“That’s the plan.”

Double entendres exhausted, Jenna maneuvered on top of James and the pair began to fall into a rhythm with one another in short order. Her corpulent body bounced with each thrust by James in every area. Words can hardly describe the sight, but her large breasts seemed to taunt gravity every time they bounced. Just watching her mammoth gazongas, covered in a thin film of sweat, sent James into a state of nirvana that rivaled the physical pleasure he was indulging in. In fact, James was having to restrain himself from ending this heavenly delight too soon.

However, it has been said that no one can live in paradise, and accordingly the couple’s transcendental state came to an end. Jenna collapsed onto James with decent force, somewhat knocking the air out of James (though in all honesty he’d been rather breathless during the entire event).

“Are you okay?” Jenna asked worriedly, trying to get her own breath back, “I’m sorry.”

“Just fine,” James said. He put his arms around Jenna. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I have to say Mr. Eaton, you made a very excellent presentation. I don’t think you missed any of the important points,” Jenna said, mock seriously.

“Why thank you. I suppose you don’t need me to recapitulate any of my points, do you?” James asked.

“Your oral arguments could use some restating,” Jenna said before kissing James.

After a bit of that, James said, “You know, we’re both pretty icky from having worked out today. Maybe we aught to take that shower you promised me.”

Jenna rolled off James. “Sounds grand. I’ll warm it up.”

They soon scampered into the shower and began to enjoy lathering the other’s body up as they cleaned off. Jenna enjoyed getting her hands on all parts of James that it took her a moment to realize how much James seemed to be enjoying doing the same to her. In fact, she noticed that he was giving her little squeezes, especially around her belly, hips, butt, and thighs. This was to say nothing of how he fondled her breasts, but that was to be expected.

“Seems like you’re having fun there,” Jenna said as she scrubbed James’s chest.

“You bet I am,” James said, giving Jenna’s luscious rump a good squeeze.

“Almost too much fun…” Jenna said, “Why James Eaton, do you like me with all this extra weight?”

“No. I mean yes! Well, I like you Jenna,” James said, “And…well, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit it, but it’s pretty fun to get to squeeze and grab you all over.” He proceeded to underscore his point by doing just that to her butt, which happened to be closest at hand. “If I’d known this long ago, I might have actually dated some of those cute chubby girls at my university.”

“But then they would have stolen your heart and what would have happened to me?” Jenna said giving James puppy dog eyes.

“Oh, they would have been passing fads, one night stands. You’re the only girl for me Jenna, and maybe we wouldn’t have met in that club on that night, but somehow fate would have brought us together,” James said.

“Aww…thanks. I love you too James,” Jenna said, hugging her man.

“You took the words right out of my mouth,” James said, hugging her back.

“Oh, one more thing dear,” Jenna said.

“Yeah?”

“I still feel a little dirty. You’d better see about cleaning me up again from head to toe,” Jenna said with a smile.

“My pleasure,” James replied with a big grin.

***

Over the next few months, Jenna and James’s relationship grew deeper and stronger. Jenna lost enough weight that her size 14s fit comfortably once more. She went to the gym at least once a week and worked up “a good sweat”, as she termed it, before going back to her flat. However, a workout for Jenna was barely breaking a sweat for most people. However, to a small degree it helped to retard the inevitable process of gaining all the weight back.

Work on Emmerdale was going well, and Jenna was certainly getting all sorts of meaty storylines these days that she could really sink her teeth into. She was now quite a popular character on the show and one of the most visible faces of Emmerdale. Fan websites were springing up all over the place totally devoted to Jenna. To promote the show, Jenna did a lot of interviews on shows and for magazines. She even did a photo shoot for the cover of Cosmopolitan along with a feature interview. In fact, Jenna’s publicist was much busier these days now that she was an outright star. Part of Jenna would have preferred to have just remained in anonymity, but at the same time she was glad she’d finally made her mark in television. She was getting offers for stage acting, other television shows, and even a couple movie deals. For the moment, she was staying put where she was.

A definite downside to Jenna’s newfound popularity was that she had to be more careful when she went out. The press was beginning to follow her around a bit. If it had been regular reporters, that would have been fine. Unfortunately, they weren’t. They were paparazzi, looking for some horribly embarrassing picture of Jenna so they could sell their rags. Though they were mainly just hanging around Leeds, she’d spotted them when she was bopping around in Manchester with James. Luckily, they left her alone during her daily routine, only coming out when she hit up clubs or social events. Still, it was highly inconvenient, and Jenna hated to drag James through all of this with her. She even left places before him, taking a cab, just to save him all the trouble.

As time went on and her dual BSAs became a further and further memory, the paparazzi attention died off, as did the numerous offers to do other projects. Jenna knew that her fame would be fleeting, but she was pleased to note that she retained her fan following, who helped to prop up ratings, keeping Emmerdale ahead of EastEnders.

Summer had rolled around and Jenna proposed that James go with her to Blackpool so that James could finally meet her parents and they could spend some nice time on the beach together. James readily agreed and they drove out to the coast.

Upon arriving at Mr. and Mrs. Coleman’s modest home, James was warmly welcomed, having heard quite a bit about him through their daughter. Both James and Jenna were relieved that he was well received, for both had fretted that he might make the wrong impression. In reality, these were quite idle fears as James made a good impression as a nice guy with whoever he met. In fact, James rather liked Jenna’s parents and really enjoyed talking with them, especially when they started telling stories about their daughter’s childhood. Jenna was greatly embarrassed by some of them, but she took it in stride for the most part as just being what parents are apt to do to their children. Jenna also made sure to pass along a bit of news about Abby and her romance with Fred, since both of her parents had a fondness for Jenna’s childhood friend, and how she was getting along.

Jenna offered to help her mother with the dishes and the pair chatted a bit in the kitchen. “I’m so glad that you met a nice boy like James. He certainly seems smart, and he’s definitely cute,” Mrs. Coleman said conspiratorially.

“Mother!” Jenna said, shocked.

“What? It’s true. And he’s just crazy about you, I can tell. I’m very happy for you Jenna,” Mrs. Coleman said.

“Thanks Mum,” Jenna said as she dried off a plate.

“By the way, you look absolutely wonderful,” Mrs. Coleman said, “I’m glad you’re taking good care of yourself.”

“Perhaps too good care sometimes,” Jenna said, unconsciously tugging her blouse down.

“Whatever do you mean dear?”

“I’ve put on quite a bit of weight lately,” Jenna said, color rising to her cheeks. Though she’d always told her mother about her problems, it didn’t mean she was proud of them.

“Nonsense dear. You look lovely,” Mrs. Coleman said, surveying her daughter.

“Well, maybe I do, but I’ve still put on more than a few pounds,” Jenna said.

“Has James said anything about it?”

“Only that he doesn’t care one way or the other and wants me to be happy.”

“Well then what are you making a fuss about? The only reason we girls keep our shape is to impress the boys, even once we’re married. So if he doesn’t care, don’t worry about it,” Mrs. Coleman said giving her daughter a pat on the shoulder, “Just be happy with him.”

“All right Mum. You haven’t been wrong yet,” Jenna said.

“Oh, I’m sure I’ve been wrong, but you’re too nice to tell me so. Trust me though, I’m not wrong on this one,” Mrs. Coleman said. She looked out into the dining room to find James and her husband gone. “I knew the two of them would scurry off somewhere. Probably having a drink or something and talking about football or something like that. So, I know you said that Abby’s boyfriend is pretty serious but do you think that they might…”

“Get engaged?” Jenna said. She’d never really thought about it before. “The fact he’s only over here temporarily is a bit of a problem. I don’t know if Fred would move out here or if Abby would move to America. I mean, that’s such a long way away from her home. She’d never even been until a few months ago. But they seem to be so madly in love with one another.”

“Well, they’ll figure it all out. Abby’s a smart girl with a good head on her shoulders. She’ll make the right choice.”

“I know. I just hope that she’ll stay here, whatever happens. I’d hate to lose her,” Jenna said as she dried a pan.

“It’s not like she’d die if she went to America,” Mrs. Coleman scolded, “And with email it’s so easy to keep in touch with people these days. You were the one who taught me that.”

“Yeah, but I’d miss not being able to spend time with her. She’s always there for me when I need her,” Jenna sighed, “I don’t know how I’d get by without her.”

“Jenna-Louise!” Mrs. Coleman said exasperatedly, “Did you save all your complaining just for me or have you been this down-in-the-mouth with everybody lately?”

“Just for you Mum,” Jenna said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

“I’m glad to hear you’re not this petulant with your friends for their sake,” Mrs. Coleman said, “Think before you answer this question: how often do you go to James when you’re having a bad day?”

Jenna gave the matter some thought. “A lot, I’d say.”

“And how often do you call Abby when you’re having a bad day?”

Jenna thought again. “Not that much, now that I really think about it.”

“That’s what happens when you fall in love with someone. They’re like your best friend…except more,” Mrs. Coleman said, “So even if Abby goes off to America, I think that you’ll be all right.”

Jenna nodded. “I guess you’re right. Thanks for the talk Mum, I really appreciate it.”

“I’m your mother Jenna. You know I’m always good for a decent talk,” Mrs. Coleman said.

“Still, all the same I really appreciate it,” Jenna said, giving her mother a hug.

“Well you’re welcome. Now help me with this pie, Jenna. Maybe I’ll finally teach you how to make a good pie while you’re here Jenna. Men are suckers for good dessert,” Mrs. Coleman said.

Jenna inhaled deeply through her nose. “They’re not the only ones!”

[The Id]

The next day James and Jenna got a decent start on the day and headed off for the shore with a lunch that Mrs. Coleman made for them so they could enjoy their day. It was a nice day when they got to the beach but not yet too crowded. Jenna and James selected a decent spot and staked a claim with towels and a beach umbrella.

James peeled off his shirt, revealing his well sculpted chest, which Jenna enjoyed so much. He kicked off his shoes and lay back on his towel.

“It’s been so long since I’ve gone to the beach,” James said as he enjoyed the sun on his body, “I haven’t been in years. I bet you loved growing up here as a kid. Probably took your bike down to the beach with your friends whenever you wanted.”

“Yeah, but we were always tired of the tourists. It was a hassle sometimes,” Jenna said as she pulled her trousers down. Though she’d been somewhat uncertain about it, but James had told her that she’d look fine in a bikini. Accordingly, Jenna had worn one since she knew James would like it. It was bright blue and left very little to the imagination. The dual triangles that made up the top barely contained all of her titanic tits, which were tantalizingly full and round. There was plenty of luscious, soft breast flesh on display for anyone who cared to look, and many did. Jenna noted with pleasure what an effect they had on the immediate male population (and James was just as proud that he was dating the girl who had a such a gorgeous rack). However, some of the utter disbelief that was collectively expressed by those around her might have had to do with the rest of Jenna as well. All of her billowing belly rolls were clearly visible to the entire beach, jiggling as Jenna moved, bunching up when she bent over. Her bare thighs wobbled in the sunlight, more often than not brushing together a bit when she walked. Jenna’s bikini bottom was comprised of two triangles that appeared to be strung together. Her hips surged against the thin string, which cut into her flabby hips. In the front, Jenna’s filled the bikini with a nice curve, though not as much as her ass did. Her magnificent rump strained against her bikini. A little bit of each cheek hung out from the bottom of the bikini, jiggling as she moved.

Jenna put on a pair of large sunglasses and lay down next to James. “So are you happy I went with the bikini?” Jenna asked.

“Exceedingly.” James gave her a quick kiss. “You look lovely.”

“Thanks,” Jenna said with a big smile.

They lay on the beach, sunbathing for a bit before they decided to open up the lunch that Mrs. Coleman had made for them. It consisted of a couple sandwiches, a small cooler with a few cans of soda, home made cookies, and some crisps. Jenna definitely had more of the snacks than James did, but he certainly didn’t complain—if he even noticed. After that, they decided to go splash around a bit in the water and had a fun time doing so. They stayed all the way until the sunset and watched it in each other’s arms.

“Thanks for coming with me and meeting the family,” Jenna said as the sun went down.

“You have very nice parents. It was a pleasure,” James said.

“Does this mean I’m going to meet your parents soon?” Jenna asked.

“Eventually. You don’t have to worry though, they already like you,” James replied.

“You’ve been telling them all sorts of really nice things about me, haven’t you? Now when they meet me they’ll be disappointed,” Jenna said, pretending to scold James.

“Hardly. Besides your name, I’ve barely told them anything about you,” James said.

“Then why do they like me so much?” Jenna asked.

“Because they already knew you from watching Emmerdale,” James said.

“No!” Jenna exclaimed.

“They’re big fans,” James said.

“Oh this’ll be so embarrassing!” Jenna said.

“They thought that it was just wonderful I was dating Jasmine Thomas. My Mum thinks that I couldn’t have found a better girl since you’re so pretty and smart on the telly,” James continued.

Jenna hid her face in her hands. “Please don’t say your parents actually think I’m like Jasmine. I mean, there were the lesbian kisses and the sleeping around and—”

“My parents are a little smarter than that. But they do think you’re a very nice, smart girl, which is absolutely true. I guarantee you won’t disappoint them,” James said ruffling Jenna’s hair a bit, “Speaking of parents, your’s are probably wondering where we are right now. They might be afraid that I’m doing horrible things to you right now.”

“If they knew half of what we do together I think they’d be shocked,” Jenna said giving James a shove, “but you’re right. Let’s go so we can be back for dinner.”

***

“All right, great Jenna. I’ll set up the interview for next week,” Jenna’s publicist said. Jenna had stopped by her office to deal with a few matters and generally touch base.

“Anything else?” Jenna asked.

“Nothing that you need concern yourself with,” the publicist said.

“Then there is something else,” Jenna said.

“Just some pictures that showed up in a rag. Nothing major like that.”

Jenna knitted her brow. “What sort of pictures?” she asked warily.

“Just some really bad bikini pictures. They’re not even you,” the publicist said in an offhand manner.

Jenna’s heart beat faster. “Do you have them, by chance, do you?”

“Yeah, if you like.” The publicist tossed a cheap tabloid across the desk to Jenna.

She looked at the pictures and stifled a yelp. They were of her on the beach when she’d gone with James the past weekend. That was the same bright blue bikini she’d been wearing. Those were her sunglasses. That was her. And she looked incredibly fat. “Oh my God.”

“I know, they actually printed photos that bad,” the publicist said in an offhand manner, “You’d think that they would try for something that at least looked like you if you squinted.”

“No…these pictures are of me,” Jenna said in utter disbelief.

The publicist took the tabloid back and looked at it. “Really? It doesn’t look like you at all. I mean, the sunglasses make it hard to tell and you’re not that fat.”

Jenna colored. “I was at the beach this past weekend wearing that bikini.”

“Oh. Well, don’t worry, nobody ever takes these things seriously anyways. Don’t worry about it.”

Jenna was actually rather rattled by the pictures. She looked absolutely enormous! Did she really look that fat? God, she looked like a blimp! Jenna called James the moment she got back to her flat.

“Have you seen it? I was on the cover and everything!” Jenna said, mortified, “I look like a cow! A hippo!”

“Jenna, calm down. Even the publicist said you can barely tell it’s you,” James said over the phone.

“Yeah, but I know it’s me! And I look like a fat little pig!” Jenna wailed.

“I haven’t even seen them. I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“But they are. They’re horrible.”

“Do you want me to go out and buy one so I can tell you what I think?”

“No. That would only encourage them,” Jenna said.

“And you worrying about it would only play right into their hands. They just love making a scandal where there’s nothing. If you let it get to you, then you’re letting them win,” James said.

“Well…you do have a point…” Jenna admitted.

“So stop worrying about it, Jenna. You looked lovely at the beach. I really enjoyed the time we had together and this doesn’t diminish that at all,” James said.

“But I didn’t even think that anyone was following me anymore. It sort of scares me that we can’t go to the beach without having to worry about people taking pictures of me. I don’t want to have to subject you to that,” Jenna said.

“You said that they were bad pictures, right? It was probably just some guy with a camera who recognized you and took some pictures he tried to sell to a tabloid later. And even if people are taking pictures of the two of us, I don’t care. There’s nobody I’d rather have a picture taken with than you, no matter what you’re not wearing,” James said.

“Awww…that’s sweet of you James,” Jenna said.

“It’s the truth. By the way, Fred said that he’s going to Leeds this weekend and I’m welcome to join him on the drive,” James said.

“That’d be lovely. How’s Fred doing these days driving on the left side of the road?” Jenna asked.

“Seems to finally have the hang of it. Didn’t even come close to hitting a pedestrian this week, or so he says. Heaven help him when he goes back to America.”

“Feel like catching dinner when you get here? Or did Fred have an idea for a double date or something?” Jenna asked.

“No, sounded like he and Abby were doing their own thing, but he thought maybe we’d meet up for drinks after dinner or something like that. What do you want to do for dinner?” James asked.

“Anything’s good. How about Italian? I’ve had a hankering for that lately.”

“Then it’s a plan. I can’t wait.”

“Me too,” Jenna said excitedly.

***

That weekend, after a highly satisfying chicken parmesan, Jenna and James went to one of the nicer bars in Leeds to meet Abby and Fred. The latter pair hadn’t arrived yet, so Jenna and James indulged in a drink while they waited.

“So, did you enjoy dessert?” James asked.

“Oh it was divine,” Jenna said, “I’m a sucker for a good triple chocolate cake. And it was very good tonight.”

“I’m glad.” James paused for a moment. “Say, there’s been something I’ve been thinking about asking you.”

“What’s up?” Jenna said.

“Well, I really like you Jenna—”

“I know, I really like you too.” Jenna said with a smile.

“What I mean to say is, well, I love you Jenna,” James said.

“I love you too dear,” Jenna replied.

“And I’ve been thinking that we see each other so much, and I live so far away that…well, I’ve been considering maybe quitting my job and finding another one in Leeds so I could be close to you,” James said.

“Really?” Jenna said, stunned.

“I realize you can’t really move because the studio’s here in Leeds, but I can do my work anywhere. I mean, there’s an office for my company in Leeds, but I don’t know if they’ll transfer me, but if they don’t I can find other work,” James said. He took Jenna’s hands in his. “All I know is that I love you too much to keep living so far away from you, Jenna-Louise.”

“Does this mean you’d like to…to move in together?” Jenna asked hesitantly, but at the same time exhilarated by what the answer could be.

“Well, I thought we could try it—” James said.

“Oh James!” Jenna threw her arms around him in a huge hug, “That would be wonderful!”

James breathed a sigh of relief as he hugged Jenna back. “I’m glad you think so, rather than being freaked out about it.”

“No, it’s a great idea!” Jenna said, and promptly kissed James square on the mouth. When she pulled back, she heard a gentle cough. She and James looked over and found Abby and Fred standing there awkwardly. She instinctively jumped back from James, even though she knew that Abby and Fred understood.

“We interrupting something?” Abby asked.

“No, nothing. We just have some wonderful news,” Jenna said with a bright smile.

“That’s funny, so do we,” Fred said.

“Well let’s hear it,” James said.

“No, you guys go first,” Abby replied.

“Okay,” Jenna said, “James and I are going to move into together!”

Abby and Fred immediately fell to congratulating James and Jenna on such a momentous step. Fred immediately ordered drinks all around for everyone to celebrate. “That’s awesome. I’m so happy for both of you,” Fred said, “You two are a great couple. You so should move in together. It’s perfect.”

“Well, we’ll probably have to get used to living with each other all the time, but I bet we’ll get along just fine,” Jenna said as she squeezed James’s hand, “But you guys said you had news. What is it?”

“Oh, yeah, we have news, don’t we?” Fred said.

Abby hit her hand against her head. “I nearly forgot in all the excitement! Do you want to tell them or should I?”

“How about we tell them together?” Fred suggested.

“Sounds lovely,” Abby said.

They both took a deep breath and then exclaimed, “We’re getting married!”

James and Jenna’s jaws dropped. “You’re getting married and you told us to go first?!” Jenna said, astounded.

“Well, you guys seemed really excited,” Fred said, “We didn’t want to—”

“Oh who cares, congratulations!” James said as he hugged Abby, “I’m so happy for both of you!”

Now it was James and Jenna who were clamoring to buy drinks for everybody, and it was a miracle that a minor melee did not break out over who would be footing the tab that night as everyone was so intent on treating everybody else. However, it did work itself out in the end with a grand toast of “To each other! Long may we prosper!”

“So when’s the wedding?” Jenna asked excitedly.

“We just got engaged silly! We haven’t set a wedding date yet. We’re not even sure where we’re going to have the wedding yet. But you two are more than invited! In fact…” Abby blushed a bit, “I’ve already made up my mind. I’d like you to be my maid of honor, Jenna.”

“Really?” Jenna exclaimed, “Of course Abby! You’re my best friend!”

As Jenna and Abby hugged, Fred casually said to James, “Dude, up for best man?”

“Of course. I’ll throw you a killer stag night,” James said as he clinked glasses with Fred.

“No strippers,” Fred insisted.

“Done,” James agreed.

The rest of the evening was spent excitedly talking about both couple’s plans for the future, admiring Abby’s engagement ring, and everybody getting hammered to celebrate the occasion.

In fact, the next morning Jenna woke up in her bed with James and was so hung over that she said, “James, can you refresh my memory? Are Abby and Fred getting married? And are we moving in together?”

“I think so,” James said groggily.

“Great. Then I’m not crazy,” Jenna said, and she promptly fell back to sleep.

***

It was a month and a half later when James finally moved in with Jenna. As it turned out his company was able to transfer him to Leeds, but were very apologetic about the whole process. “We know you’re really taking one for the team,” his boss had told him, “We’re not going to forget your dedication to the company.”

“It’ll be tough, but I think I might make it through,” James had replied, declining to mention he was elated to move from Manchester to Leeds, where his heart now truly lay.

It did take some adjusting for Jenna and James to live with each other, which came from adjusting to the mundane habits of the other, integrating their furniture and décor, and realizing that they weren’t dreaming, that it was real. For the first month, Jenna’s heart still fluttered when she groggily awoke in the morning and discovered James in the bed next to her. Sometimes James would already be awake and looking at Jenna in such a way that she knew that the sentiment was mutual. Needless to say, James and Jenna had sex more often now that they were living together, and neither could complain that quality decreased as quantity increased.

Jenna found that one of the biggest perks to living with James was that he was actually a rather proficient cook. He often volunteered to make dinner, especially when Jenna was particularly tired from a busy day on set. On such days, Jenna’s appetite was quite voracious and she’d always have seconds after very large firsts. Jenna also truly appreciated James’s ability, having dated some men in the past who’d cooked for her, but had been no good at it. She’d politely eaten up and stomached some pretty horrible dishes in the past, but she never complained about anything James made. He even broadened her eating horizons a bit.

“How is it that you’re not married right now?” Jenna said one night as she did the dishes with James.

He colored. “Well, I…”

“Oh, no!” Jenna said realizing he probably thought she was talking about why they weren’t engaged when Abby and Fred were. She hastily added, “That’s not what I meant. I just meant why aren’t you married to someone else because you’re such a catch. Not why aren’t we married. I’m sorry. Please don’t think that I’m impatient or anything.” Mentally, Jenna was cursing herself, What were you thinking? You couldn’t have said something worse if you’d tried!

James let loose a sigh of relief. “I wasn’t exactly sure what I was supposed to say to a question like that anyways.”

“No no no, that’s not it at all,” Jenna said, hurrying over to James, “I’m very happy with where we are right now. It was just a badly worded question. I’m sorry. I know that I can’t take it back, but I wish I could.”

“It’s okay. But since the topic has been brought up, how do you feel about us right now? I mean, Fred and Abby are going to get married in less than four months and we both met at the same time…” James said, unable to finish.

“We are where we are and that has nothing to do with Fred and Abby. We’re doing fine right now. How do you feel about things?” Jenna asked. She didn’t want to say anything that might make the situation worse.

“You haven’t answered the question,” James said.

“I wish you wouldn’t put me on the spot. I don’t want to say the wrong thing and just get into deeper trouble,” Jenna said worriedly, turning away and wringing her hands.

“If you say what you feel, it’s not the wrong thing. That’s how you feel and we should be able to tell one another what we’re feeling…even if it might not be exactly what the other person feels,” James said.

Jenna was silent. She turned back around to face James. “I love you James. I love you more than anyone else in the world. But I don’t know if I’m ready to…to get married to you. It just seems like we haven’t known each other long enough to consider marriage. I mean…honestly the idea scares me. Spending my entire life with someone else is terrifying, James,” Jenna said, “but it’s also beautiful at the same time. And all I know is that if I was going to spend the rest of my life with someone else, it would be with you. But I don’t want to rush into it either. Let’s just take it in its own time and everything will work itself out. I mean, we’re living together, aren’t we? That’s more than Fred and Abby can say about themselves right now, and they’re engaged. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that…gosh I don’t know what. But when it’s the right time, it’s the right time. I don’t feel like I’m making any sense right now.”

“I know how you feel. I love you too Jenna and I think right now we’ve got a good thing going. So let’s just leave it be for right now,” James said.

“I agree wholeheartedly,” Jenna said, giving James a hug and a kiss, “Sorry.”

“Nothing for you to be sorry about,” James said.

“Still, I’m sorry,” Jenna said, “But what I was trying to say originally was that I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to have you for my boyfriend. I mean, you’ve got everything.”

“I think you’re a little too kind,” James replied.

“No, really. You’re an excellent cook, you’re handsome, you’re extremely good in bed—” James blushed profusely, “—you sometimes bring me breakfast in bed on the weekends, you don’t complain when I want to stay in and watch a chick flick, you like spooning, you’re smart…what else? Oh! You have the most wonderful eyes that I could look into all day…” Jenna said, beginning to fall into said eyes.

“You’re much too kind. I could say the same thing about you. You’re a soap star, beautiful, intelligent, caring, fun-loving, sweet, and the sexiest female in Britain. You look good without make up on—”

“Oh don’t tease!” Jenna said as a blush crossed her face, only proving James’s point.

“You do. You’re the a great kisser and you give the best hugs. You’re patient, kind, and when you hold my hand you make my heart beat three times as fast. When I put my arm around you, I never want to let go. You have a mouth that was made to be kissed. Every time I wake up in the morning and I see you, I think I must be dreaming. You always have time for me when I’ve had a bad day in the office. And most importantly, you make me feel whole,” James said.

They instinctually kissed one another and then stood there for a moment. In unison they said, “Let’s go.” Before they’d reached the bedroom, each was already half undressed.

[The Id]

There was also another effect of James’s new residence with Jenna. She was slowly putting on weight again. Initially, however, Jenna had purposefully restrained herself from indulging her appetite. This was not primarily due to concerns about her weight, but rather the fact that she was now living with James meant that all of her daily habits were now on full display for him. Even though she ate heartily when they went out to dinner on dates, Jenna still felt somewhat self-conscious about eating like that all the time around James. He’d probably think that I’m a pig if he always saw me eating so much, Jenna thought.

“Would you like some more?” James would ask.

“No,” Jenna would say with an unintended hint of unhappiness in her voice, meekly clearing her plate. At first James thought that Jenna was just down for some reason, but then he realized it was only around meals that she’d act this way. His puzzlement continued for a week until he happened to come home early from the market one day and found Jenna eating a cookie. When she noticed James, Jenna hastily tried to hide the bag of cookies from view and scarf down the one she had been eating.

“Hi dear,” James said.

“Hi,” Jenna said bashfully.

“Grabbing a snack?” James asked innocently.

“A small one…”

“I’ve noticed you seem somewhat unhappy at meals. Is something wrong with my cooking?” James asked.

“No! I love it!” Jenna said quickly, “You cook better than me.”

“So what’s up?”

Jenna was silent for a moment. She didn’t know what to say.

“Jenna, we’re living together. You and I should be able to talk about things. I really doubt that what you have to say is going to change my opinion of you,” James said.

“It’s just that I…I didn’t want to eat too much at meals. I thought that you’d think I was a pig or something like that.”

James smiled. “Jenna, there’s no reason for you to be starving yourself. I wouldn’t be here if I thought you were a pig. Besides, I sort of expect you to have a healthy appetite.” James gave his girlfriend’s large gut a good squeeze to emphasize his point. “You shouldn’t starve yourself, especially not because you’re afraid of what I might think, especially on my account. So promise me you’re not going to go hungry for me, all right? I’ll take it as an insult to my skills as a cook.”

“Okay, I promise,” Jenna said with a smile.

“That’s a good girl. Now I’ll have to make an extra big dinner tonight since you’ve been fasting lately,” James said.

And with that Jenna gave free rein to her appetite. Though she didn’t gorge herself at every meal, she didn’t deny herself in the slightest, regardless of whether it was a formal meal or a snack. Jenna’s gain was retarded by the fact that she and James made it to the gym in the building, usually twice a week, to work up a good sweat. However, the parade of tasty dishes was too much for Jenna’s frame to resist. Bit by bit Jenna added to her pleasingly plump frame.

One of the greatest culprits of her expansion with James around was egg in a basket. It had always been Jenna’s favorite breakfast dish because of its perfect combination of toast and egg. As a little girl she’d always been excited when her mother made it for her, and she had dubbed it “eggy in a basket”. James happened to be particularly good at making it—especially the flipping part—and a couple servings was enough to make Jenna very happy. He occasionally got up early when she had to go into the studio to make it, but more often than not it was a weekend treat. Jenna would sit on the counter in her pajamas and eagerly watch him, much like she’d done as a young girl when her mother made it.

“I haven’t had this in years,” Jenna said the first time she bit into toast and egg, “This makes me feel like a kid again.”

“I’d never had it until I was at university,” James said, “but one of my roommates made it for me before a big exam and it was one of the best things I’d ever had. I had no idea you liked it, otherwise I would have made it for you before when you slept over in Manchester.”

One morning, after a particularly top notch serving egg in a basket, Jenna had to hurry off to meet Abby. A date for the wedding had finally been set and now all of the preparations were being made. Abby and Fred had decided that it would be best to have the wedding in the UK since they were both currently over here and it would be easier to make arrangements that way. Fred only had family who were coming over (he’d shrewdly invited plenty of others, knowing none of them would be able to make it but would still send wedding presents all the same), and he’d told them to take a vacation after the wedding to make the airfare worthwhile, whereas Abby had loads of family, plus some old friends like Jenna and her family.

It was to be a relatively simple wedding in Leeds and even though Abby was eschewing a formal wedding party, Jenna was the maid of honor and still had to be fitted for a bridesmaid dress. The wedding was in a month and they had to give plenty of time just in case any alterations needed to be made. Abby had selected an off white bridesmaid dress, which Jenna was thankful didn’t look too awful, as bridesmaid dresses had a tendency do to. Jenna had been part of the decision making process and had steered Abby away from a lavender dress that she hadn’t been too keen on having to wear. When Jenna got to the dress shop, Abby was already there being fitted for her own dress.

“We can help you all the same though. Just need to take a few measurements here and there to make sure it’s a good fit,” the saleswoman said, leading Jenna to a back room where they could have some privacy. It had been quite some time since Jenna had any measurements taken, and she was somewhat scared of what they’d be.

Jenna got undressed to just her bra and panties and the saleswoman immediately began to take down various measurements with her tape measure. The entire process made Jenna highly self conscious of her size. The tape measure stretched down her leg, up the inside of her leg, around her body in various places cutting into her fat, made Jenna squirm a bit. The saleswoman put the tape measure around Jenna’s large and impressive bust.

“That’s 44 inches there. Wish I had your luck, dear,” the saleswoman said, making a note of the number.

“Thanks,” Jenna said, unsure of what else to say.

The tape measure then tightened itself around Jenna’s not-so petite waist. Jenna’s plump frame even strained against the tape measure like it did the waistband of her underwear.

“Let’s see, what do we have here?” The saleswoman pulled the tape measure tighter. “Looks like 33 inches.”

A moment later the tape measure was snaking around Jenna’s round hips. Jenna feared this measurement the most for some reason. All of a sudden she felt rather rotund below the equator of her body with the tape measure wrapped around her.

“Hmmm…44 inches here too,” the saleswoman said, “Nice and symmetrical. Let me see if we’ve got something already set for you.” She hurried off leaving Jenna alone in nothing but her underwear.

Jenna sat down on a stool and wrapped her arms around herself, feeling rather cold. She also felt rather fat. “44”-33”-44”,” Jenna muttered to herself. It was the first time in a quite a while since she’d had such concrete measurements with which to view herself. It only made Jenna feel all the fatter for them.

She stood up and looked at herself in the full length mirror in the fitting room. Her breasts, supported by her sturdy white bra, jutted out proudly from her chest with their soft, inviting flesh. Below them was her tubby tummy. To even call it a tummy rang hollow for Jenna. It wasn’t a belly. It was a full blown gut. It was certainly big enough, hanging over the waistband of her underwear, swaying from side to side if she moved. Her hips looked as wide as a bus tire in the mirror. She turned around and looked at her ass. It thrust itself out, demanding attention as it jiggled behind her. Jenna couldn’t even begin to guess how far out it stuck behind her. Her butt seemed absolutely enormous to her. She’d never been bootylicious before. Had she been like this the entire time and not known it? But did she look all that bad in the first place? I mean, she was the Sexiest Female on British Soaps. Didn’t that mean she looked just fine?

Jenna turned back around and took her straight brown hair and pulled it over one shoulder. She looked at her face in the mirror. Her cheeks were definitely chubbier than she remembered them. But even that didn’t diminish how dark and beautiful her brown eyes were. Jenna smiled, just to see what she looked like. Her sparkling white teeth seemed to light up the entire mirror. Jenna looked at her entire body again. She was definitely fat. That was an objective fact. But she wasn’t ugly either. James was always telling her she was beautiful. Maybe he was right. And she’d never had a stronger fan base than she did now. It wasn’t like her life was collapsing—quite the opposite in fact. Things had never been better. Perhaps she really was gorgeous…

“Here we are,” the saleswoman said, “It’s a bit big, but I think we can have it taken in so it’ll fit perfectly for you by the wedding.”

The dress was definitely loose on Jenna. In fact, if she hadn’t been holding it up, Jenna felt like the dress might have fallen right off her. The saleswoman deftly began to pin the dress in all the right places to prepare it for being properly altered to fit Jenna. When she was finished, it fit well. Jenna surveyed herself in the mirror. She actually looked rather good in it. The dress was very simple. It was strapless (though Jenna was wearing a regular bra which detracted from the effect for the moment) and allowed her a little bit of cleavage without having too much to be inappropriate. The dress flowed beautifully, and Jenna thought she didn’t look too fat in it. An impartial observer who felt obligated to speak her mind would have said Jenna most certainly looked fat in it, but nobody in the room compelled to say so it didn’t matter.

“Your friend is waiting outside. She’d like to see how you look,” the saleswoman said, “Just be careful of all those pins.”

“Okay,” Jenna said, gingerly walking out to where Abby was arrayed in her wedding dress and looking extremely good. “Oh Abby! You look wonderful! Fred’s going to love you!”

“That’s to say nothing of yourself Jenna! You look marvelous!” Abby exclaimed. Abby did look quite good. She’d gone simpler rather than more complicated and it fit her very well. Jenna was actually surprised at how good Abby looked.

“But not quite as good as you,” Jenna replied.

“I don’t know…maybe we should put you in the lavender dress we looked at so everybody knows who’s the bride,” Abby said looking at Jenna.

Jenna chuckled. “How do you like your dress? Do you feel like a princess?”

“Oh, absolutely!” Abby said looking at herself in one of the mirrors, “I don’t know if I’ve ever looked so good in my life! I look so pretty I almost want to cry.”

“Just wait until you get your hair done and everything,” Jenna said, standing behind Abby, “Fred will go nuts.”

“Speaking of which, think I should go with curls with this?” Abby asked.

“No…what about that hairdo where you curl your hair at the end. You’d look like a 40s movie star or something like that. Maybe like Lauren Bacall,” Jenna suggested.

Abby wasn’t totally sold on it. She grabbed her hair and sighed. It was wavy light blonde hair that with her green eyes made Abby beautiful, but right now she wished she had different hair. “I don’t know. I’d have to straighten it all, and that’d take forever,” she sighed.

Jenna considered for a moment. “Maybe we should do it up. That could look pretty.”

“Maybe,” Abby said uncertainly.

“You could just wear it down like it is now. You look nice as it is,” Jenna said.

“I can’t just do that,” Abby said exasperatedly.

“Well, we’d have a little something done so it looked extra special, but I really do think that you have nice hair as it is,” Jenna said, “When we were in school I used to be so jealous of you. I got lousy straight hair and you got beautiful wavy hair.”

“No you weren’t,” Abby said, “I’d die to have straight hair like you! It’s so pretty!”

“Which is precisely what my mother taught me all along. She said, ‘Jenna, somebody else in this world really wants straight hair just as much as you want wavy hair. So be thankful for what you have and enjoy it.’ So I did, but I still sometimes wish I had your hair. I guess the moral of the story is that you have wonderful hair and you could just wear it down and you’ll look amazing,” Jenna said.

“Well, maybe you’re right,” Abby said arranging her hair a little bit.

“Besides, you’re wearing the prettiest dress I’ve ever seen. You’re going to look beautiful no matter what you do with your hair,” Jenna said.

“Yeah, but I want everything to be perfect,” Abby said.

“Honey, weddings are never perfect. We’re going to give it our darnedest, but something’s going to go wrong and if it winds up being that you can’t find a hairstyle that is stunning, we’ll consider that perfect enough,” Jenna said.

Abby went back to her reflection. “Maybe I will try it down…Fred always says he really likes my hair anyways…”

“We’ll figure out just how we want to do it later. We should get out of these dresses right now,” Jenna said, “Especially because I feel like I’m going to fall out of this at any moment!”

***

When Jenna was getting ready for the wedding a month later, she certainly did not feel the same way. The alterations had been made to the dress and it was now too tight if anything else. She was struggling to get into it. Jenna figured the woman must have erred on the size of smaller than larger when measuring. While the thought was somewhat flattering, it didn’t help the current situation at all.

In reality, the woman had taken accurate measurements of Jenna when she’d gone in a month ago. Jenna had just gotten bigger. All of her extra portions and snacking with James around had really caught up with her and—though she didn’t care to admit it—Jenna was now precariously testing her entire size 14 wardrobe. If she’d been less stubborn about the situation, she probably would have bought a few size 16s for the sake of comfort, but Jenna had instead just reverted to a lot of clothing that used elastic waists. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option for her tailored bridesmaid dress.

Jenna had gone earlier in the day to get her hair done with Abby and then hurried home to do her make up and get changed. James had spent most of the morning out with Fred to keep his nerves in check.

“Does the groom have cold feet?” Jenna had asked the night before James headed off to the bachelor party.

“Yes and no. I know he wants to get married to Abby, but Fred was never the sort of guy you thought would ever settle down with a woman,” James said, “The fact that he’s getting married is still a bit intimidating for him. He just needs someone to calm him down a bit. Don’t girls do this sort of thing all the time?”

“Well usually it involves shopping, chocolate, or getting drunk, but the idea’s the same,” Jenna said.

“I’ll be back in enough time to get changed and get you,” James promised.

Jenna had intended to be almost ready to go when James got back to their flat, but the reality of the situation fell well short of Jenna’s expectation. When Fred walked into their bedroom, Jenna was still trying to tug the dress up around her wide hips. Each tug caused her breasts to jump and jiggle, but it didn’t look like Jenna was getting anywhere. She wasn’t pulling too hard for fear of damaging the dress.

As James took in the situation, Jenna looked at him with a plea for help in her face. “I can’t get into it!” she cried.

“Well, let me see what I can do,” James said, rushing to his girlfriend’s aid.

“They must have made the adjustments too small or something,” Jenna said helplessly.

“We’ll make this work, don’t worry baby,” James said as he began to gently pull the dress up in various areas bit by bit. After seven minutes the dress was up and over Jenna’s hips, which looked like it was going to be about half the battle. James went to zip the dress up and found that it got stuck about half way up.

“Give it a good tug,” Jenna suggested.

“I am,” James said.

“Pull harder?” Jenna said for lack of anything else to suggest.

“I’d rather not ruin the zipper on a rented bridesmaid dress,” James said, “Can you see about sucking in any?”

“All right,” Jenna replied and did as she was asked. It caused her chest to swell a bit, but did lessen the pressure a little bit. James was able to inch the zipper higher, but not all the way.

“Jenna, can you see about holding the back of this as close together as you possibly can?” James asked.

Jenna did so and after a few decent tugs he was finally able to get the zipper all the way up. The dress was still in a precarious state. Jenna’s hips stretched the dress seemingly just short of its limits. Nowhere was this more pronounced than her butt, around which the fabric of the dress was truly stretched across her derrière. Her belly pressed against the fabric in a way that couldn’t be missed. One could even make out a roll or two through her dress.

“You look wonderful. Now let me get dressed and we’ll go,” James said, hurrying to get his suit.

“I don’t know if I’m going to be able to sit down,” Jenna said as she smoothed the dress out.

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that,” James said as he threw a shirt on, “Just make sure you don’t try anything too daring on the dance floor today, okay? This is a wedding after all.”

“I think I should lay off dessert too just to be safe,” Jenna said.

“I really doubt that one piece of wedding cake is going to cause that dress to burst,” James said, “Just don’t move the wrong way too quickly.”

The wedding itself was a simple affair and it went well. Abby looked stunning in her wedding dress and Fred was quite sharp himself. Jenna did indeed pale in comparison to the bride in every respect, and the fact that she looked quite heavy in her dress was readily apparent to everyone in attendance. However, nobody made a snide remark about it. In fact, most people said that Jenna looked rather nice. The worst thing anybody said was that she “carried her weight well”, which was still a compliment.

Like their wedding, Fred and Abby had made their reception pretty low key as well. There was the traditional cake cutting, speeches (Jenna made a pretty good one), and some dancing as well. Jenna and James had pooled their resources together to get the newly weds very nice stemware, which the bride and groom later said were greatly appreciated. Jenna did have two pieces of wedding cake in addition to the dinner served at the reception. It was a delicious chocolate raspberry cake. It was so sinful that it tasted all the better to Jenna for it.

Abby and Jenna embraced before she and Fred left for their honeymoon. “Thank you so much for everything Jenna. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you,” Abby said.

“Get going Abs. You have a honeymoon to go on!” Jenna said.

“I’ll tell you all about it when I get back,” Abby said.

Jenna and James watched the pair drive off, waving with the other guests. As Abby blew a farewell kiss to them all, Jenna said to James, “All right, you’ve been tightlipped about where they’re going.”

“Yeah. You would have ruined the surprise,” James said.

“Well I can’t exactly tell her now, can I? So tell me!” Jenna said impatiently and eagerly.

“Fred’s taking her to Italy for a week,” James said.

“Oh how lovely! Are they going all over?” Jenna said.

“Yep. Fred considered the cruise like we did, but he decided instead to make their own way through the country,” James said.

“They’re going to have a wonderful time!” Jenna said with a sigh, “It makes me think of how nice our cruise was.”

“I don’t think that they’ll have as much fun as we did,” James said, “Certainly not going to break our record.”

“James Eaton! How could you even allude to such a thing!” Jenna exclaimed with mock anger, “And at a wedding no less! My parents are here!”

“They’re nowhere near us,” James said.

“Well let’s go find them and say good bye. We should get home. This dress is killing me,” Jenna said.

***

Jenna and James successfully got her plump body out of the bridesmaid dress without doing it any harm, though the dress had certainly cut into Jenna’s body in various places, leaving red marks on around her body. For the remainder of the weekend she wore the comfiest clothing she could after having been so uncomfortably constrained by the bridesmaid dress during the wedding and reception.

It was barely a week later that James and Jenna had brought in particularly delicious Thai food and were sitting at home watching the telly. Jenna had worn a pair of nice trousers to the studio that day and hadn’t bothered to change out of them when she got home. The pair were both reclining on the couch as they ate. Jenna was beginning to notice that her belly was experiencing acute pressure from the too small size 14 trousers, but shrugged it off. Jenna didn’t pay much attention to the stress that her poor trousers were under. The seams were definitely tested in every area by her meaty thighs, ample rump, and widening waist.

After a particularly tasty bite, Jenna leaned forward to go for a glass of wine when she and James both heard a POP! and looked down in just enough time to see the button of Jenna’s trousers fly across the room, bounce off the telly, and then come to a rest on the carpet. Jenna looked with open mouth from the button to her trousers as her belly, finally finding relief, inched the zipper down a bit as it expanded to its full size. Jenna then proceeded to burst into tears, which caused James to immediately comfort her by putting his arms around her.

“I don’t believe it! I’m so fat that I just popped a button!” Jenna sobbed.

“It’s all right Jenna,” James said as he hugged her.

“No it’s not! I can’t fit into size 14 trousers!” Jenna said, “I’m a huge cow!”

“That’s not true. You look wonderful Jenna,” James said.

“You’re my boyfriend. You have to tell me that,” Jenna said.

“No, if somebody was your boyfriend, he’d tell you the truth,” James replied, “Has anybody said anything to you about being…” He stopped short, unsure of the best way to finish that sentence without making Jenna feel worse.

“Go ahead. You can say it. About being fat,” Jenna said, falling into another bout of tears.

Somewhat embarrassed, James continued, “Has anyone said anything to you about being fat lately? Well, said anything negative anyways.”

“No,” Jenna mumbled.

“So then what’s wrong with it?” James asked.

“It’s not that! It’s the fact I just burst a button on size 14 trousers!” Jenna exclaimed, “This is out of control James!”

“Well, if this upsets you so much, we can see about going to the gym a little more often,” James suggested.

“Okay,” Jenna sniffed.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Yeah.”

“Why is size 14 such a big deal for you? I mean, you told me that you used to be a size 8. I would have thought you would have flipped out when you hit size 10 or 12, but you’ve never said anything about this being an issue before size 14, after we’d met,” James asked, “What’s going to make you so much happier about being a size 14?”

Jenna thought about it for a moment. “I don’t know. It just seems like there’s got to be a limit. If there isn’t then who knows how big I’ll get if I’m not careful. I mean, sure it’s all right that I’m a size 14, but if I was to get much bigger I doubt that the producers would stand for it. Even after winning my BSAs it feels like they’re not entirely sure about keeping me on the show. But I just don’t want to be so fat!”

“But you are Jenna! That’s who you are. There’s nothing wrong with being who you are and that goes for your physical appearance as well as your intrinsic qualities. Why should you be ashamed of who you are?” James persisted.

“I’m not,” Jenna said, “I’ve accepted that I’m not a thin girl anymore, and that’s in large part due to you. You’ve never said a bad word about me being fat. You’ve liked me for me, and that’s meant to so much to me. The fact that you’ve been in my life has been such a benefit to me that I can’t tell you enough. That being said, I’m also not an obese girl. I don’t want to be. I’m all right being fat. I’ve come to terms with that.”

“Have you?” James interrupted.

Jenna was silent for a moment. “Yes, I have. For the most part anyways. But there’s still a limit to what I’m all right with. I don’t have to fit into size 8 again, but I do want to fit into size 14.”

“Is fitting into a dress size, any dress size, really going to have that sort of an impact on your happiness, Jenna? Is that even mentally healthy? Shouldn’t you just be happy the way you are?” James asked, “Besides, we keep going through this cycle. Your size 14s get tight and you want to go on a diet until they fit again. Maybe you’re supposed to be a size 16 Jenna.”

Jenna was beginning to get frustrated. Not because she was mad, but because James was raising points that she hadn’t really considered before—and ones that made sense, and yet on a different level she didn’t think they were right. “I think I need a drink dear,” Jenna said standing. Her trousers fell just a bit now that they were no longer buttoned, revealing a bit of Jenna’s underwear. She quickly caught them before they could be too revealing. “I think I’d better go change into some different pants first.”

“Please do,” James said, “I’ll make the drink.”

In no time at all, Jenna came out wearing comfy sweatpants that fit her much better and James handed her a drink. They sat down again and continued their conversation.

“Okay, so where were we?” Jenna asked after taking a sip.

“That I want you to be happy, and I don’t want you to be always fretting about whether or not you fit into a certain pair of trousers,” James said, “It’s just not good, Jenna. You could spend your entire life worrying about that and you might never be happy. Will any of this really make you happier?”

“Look James, you have a very valid point. But I still feel like there should be a limit. I want to feel like I’m healthy and in control and for some reason I don’t feel that way if I can’t fit into size 14 trousers. I know, I know, it’s just a number,” Jenna said to forestall James, “but it means something to me.”

James didn’t say anything, but just sighed. “Well, where does this leave us then?”

Jenna too paused and thought. “All right, how about this: I promise you right here and now that I will never allow my weight to detract from or diminish my happiness, no matter how much I weigh. That being said, if I feel that my weight needs to be reined in, I will exercise and diet as much as I like until I think it’s acceptable again.”

“Does this include abstaining from complaining about your weight?” James asked.

“Yes. I’ll be free to mention it as much as I like, but never negatively,” Jenna replied.

“And for your sake will you get some larger pants so you’re at least comfortable?” James implored.

“Sure. They’ll only be temporary anyways,” Jenna agreed.

“And you absolutely promise to all of this?”

“On a stack of Bibles if you’ve got one,” Jenna affirmed.

“What happens if you break your promise?” James asked.

“Good question. Got any ideas?”

“How about I get to berate you for breaking your promise and force you to be happy?” James said, “Either that or you get subjected to a decent spanking.”

Jenna considered the options for a moment. “Unfortunately I don’t know that the latter would be a sufficient deterrent, so we’ll have to go with the first one.”

“Sounds good,” James said. They shook on their honor to seal the deal and then kissed for good measure as well.

“I just have one question for you James,” Jenna said.

“What?”

“Is it me, or do I cry about things way too much? I mean, it seems like whenever something goes wrong I just burst into tears. You must be rather sick of your weepy girlfriend. All the guys must give you a hard time about it.”

“Never! Don’t worry about it Jenna. We all need a good cry every once in a while. Besides, I actually enjoy being here for you when things are rough. It makes me feel like your knight in shining armor since there aren’t any dragons around these days,” James said.

“You’ve never cried in front of me,” Jenna responded.

James thought about it for a moment. “No, I don’t think I have.”

“That means I never get to feel like I’m your noble princess who is privileged to see her gallant knight’s moments of weakness in which she can empathize with him,” Jenna said.

“So you’re saying that you’d appreciate it if I was to cry in front of you a little more?”

“Only if you feel like crying, my handsome knight,” Jenna said with a smile.

“As you wish, my lady,” James replied.

[The Id]

The next day Jenna went out and reluctantly bought size 16 trousers with James under the full understanding that they were only a temporary measure. After having done so, Jenna embarked on a strict exercise regimen that eventually brought her weight back down to 176 pounds and a very comfortable size 14 fit. True to her word, she didn’t bemoan her weight or get down on herself for being a size 16. In fact, ever since her pledge, Jenna had seemed to be the happiest she’d been since she’d won her BSAs. James and Jenna were also having a lot more sex as well. According to James, it was his way of helping to contribute to the weight loss effort. “After all, it’s got to burn calories, right? It’s also a hell of a lot more fun than working out,” he said to Jenna once while they were cuddling after they’d finished.

Jenna and James continued to go out and about with Abby and Fred, who were absolutely thrilled to be married to each other. Abby had moved out of her flat in Leeds after the wedding to live with Fred in Manchester due to his job obligations. Though James and Jenna didn’t want to ask them for fear of broaching a potentially touchy issue, they were both unsure whether Fred was going to permanently settle in Britain or whether Abby was going to uproot herself and go to America.

It was two months after they returned from their honeymoon that the four were having dinner in Manchester that Fred and Abby informed them that they’d decided to go to America. Fred really liked living in the United Kingdom, but his assignment in Manchester had only been a temporary position and he was reaching the end of it. Professionally, it would be better for him to go back to America. He had a nice home in the Bay Area and, after a lot of talk and debate, the married couple had decided it would be best to go to America, even though it would be hard for Abby. Still, Fred had to admit he’d grown somewhat attached to living in Britain, especially because of his friendship with James and Jenna.

One month later, James and Jenna saw Fred and Abby off at the airport with Abby’s parents who’d made the drive from Leeds. Jenna and Abby had a long last hug, during which the best friends cried profusely. Even Fred and James were somewhat emotional in their farewells. Abby promised they’d come back to visit when she could, and Jenna said she’d try to come out and see her in America some time. Jenna and James kept their eyes on their friends as long as they could until they were lost from sight.

Suddenly deprived of their best friends, James and Jenna took the next couple weeks pretty hard. Jenna cried a lot, and Fred wasn’t immune from some tears here and there either. They kept in contact via email and sporadic phone calls when they could. Abby took some time to adjust to life in California, though she couldn’t say enough about how beautiful the weather was. Jenna tried to keep her mind off of Abby by baking whenever she got despondent, and that meant she had enough brownies, cookies, muffins, cakes, and pies to feed the entire cast and crew of Emmerdale. Needless to say, the majority of these treats found their way into Jenna’s belly.

In due time Jenna and James regained some degree of normality and their lives continued. Though they didn’t forget Fred and Abby by any means, they stopped sulking and missing out on all of the wonderful things there was to do as a young couple. So, in all, James and Jenna were happy once more, and due in large part to one another.

One day they decided to make dinner together. Jenna hadn’t had time to change out of her nice clothes from the studio. She was wearing a burgundy blouse that buttoned down the front. Each of those buttons were strained by Jenna’s girth, which pressed in every direction against her blouse. The top couple buttons were undone now that she was at home, affording James a pleasant view of plenty of soft, smooth breast flesh. Jenna’s meaty midsection bounced and jiggled as she bustled around the kitchen. Her black trousers were taut against her rump, especially when she bent over to put the chicken parmesan in the oven. Jenna’s hips swayed sexily from side to side as she walked and her thighs wobbled invitingly. Jenna had come to enjoy cooking quite a bit under the direction of James, who’d shown her a few tricks. As a result, she had a big smile on her face as she moved around the kitchen, pushing her chubby cheeks up. Her brown hair flowed freely over her shoulders and down her back and her dark brown eyes sparkled.

“You know Jenna, I don’t think I ever told you, but I was sort of nervous about moving in with you,” James said.

“Were you?” Jenna asked absent mindedly as she cleaned up a bit now that the majority of the cooking had been done.

“Yeah, but I’ve actually really enjoyed it,” James said.

“So have I,” Jenna said, “I’m really glad we did.”

“In fact, I’ve loved living with you,” James said.

“Me too,” Jenna said as she washed her hands.

“But there’s only one thing I love more. And that’s you,” James said.

“Awww…that’s sweet of you,” Jenna said, drying her hands off.

“Jenna, I love you so so much. More than I can describe, so maybe this will help me come close to telling you how much.” James dropped to one knee and took out a box with a shining ring. Jenna gasped and her hands flew to her mouth. “Jenna-Louise Coleman, will you marry me?”

“Yes! Yes! Of course I will James Eaton!” Jenna said eagerly. Still breathless, James put the ring on her finger and the pair enjoyed the best kiss of their life.

And they then proceeded to have sex on the kitchen floor in just enough time to still be able to take the chicken parmesan out before it burnt.

***

Jenna hadn’t thought she could be happier, but being engaged to James seemingly had made her so. Life was absolutely incredible for her now. After informing her parents of the good news, Jenna was immediately beset by her mother with all sorts of questions about the wedding. Not having thought that far ahead, Jenna was overwhelmed. Ultimately, like Abby, she opted to keep it a quiet affair, but this was more to keep it out of the public eye since she was something of a celebrity. Though her popularity had returned to a normal level long ago, she was still a well known name in British soaps and Jenna knew that a high profile wedding would bring more press—and stress—than she ever wanted.

Abby was overjoyed when Jenna called her later that day to relay the good news. Abby promised that she and Fred would come out for the wedding, no matter when it was or how much it cost. “I am not missing my best friend’s wedding!” Abby vowed.

Try as she might, Jenna couldn’t make the wedding as small as she liked. Not only were there family and friends, she did have to invite a lot of people associated with Emmerdale. While not everybody was invited, a good amount were and that necessarily inflated the numbers in attendance. Though it was quite exciting to make all of the arrangements for the wedding, which Jenna had decided to have in Blackpool rather than Leeds, it was tiring as well. Jenna was running around doing various things whenever she wasn’t at the studio. She also developed a voracious appetite. More often than not she and James got takeout because neither of them had time to cook as they got everything ready for the big day. In other circumstances, Jenna would have gained weight rapidly, but being on her feet all day helped to keep her weight somewhat in check. However, she was still slowly piling the weight on.

When Jenna was fitted for her wedding dress, she made a special point of noting her weight on the scale that night. She was bound and determined not to repeat her bridesmaid dress debacle. Luckily, the week before the wedding she found that she was only a few pounds off of the mark and when she tried her dress on it fit well, if perhaps snugly.

The big day rolled around and Jenna, arrayed in white, processed down the aisle. Her wedding dress was beautiful and flowing—and it wound up not leaving much to the imagination either. Her belly rolls were evident, if not well defined, around her midsection. Her bare upper arms shook slightly with each step down the aisle. Jenna’s glorious breasts were round, luscious, and inviting in their lacy confines. The wide smile on Jenna’s chubby face was dazzling. Jenna’s hair was done in full, lush curls that went well on her. As James viewed his bride he had to exercise more than a modicum of self-restraint.

The reception, needless to say, had one of the best dinners that could be found. Though Jenna and James had to greet the various guests, all of whom wanted to congratulate them both and wish them many happy years to come, Jenna still made time to savor the delicious dishes that they’d so painstakingly selected. Jenna had gone through the “torture” of eating several meals before she’d found one that was perfect for her wedding. And speaking of cake, the white lemon wedding cake was so scrumptious that Abby even told Jenna privately it was better than her wedding cake, but just barely. As it turned out there was quite a bit leftover cake that was boxed and given to the bride and groom for whatever use they saw fit. Already having reveled in the utter delight of two pieces herself, Jenna couldn’t wait to have some more later.

As the newly wed couple drove off in a hired car, they looked out the back window and waved at their family, friends, and coworkers who saw them off from the reception hall. “So, where to from here?” Jenna asked eagerly.

“Do you really want to know before we get there?” James said with a smile, “It’d ruin the surprise.”

“Yes! I’ve had to wait for months to find out where we’re going and now that we’re married I’m legally entitled to know,” Jenna said.

“Well, Mrs. Eaton—”

“Say that again,” Jenna said with a sigh.

“Mrs. Eaton.”

“I almost can’t believe it’s true,” Jenna said.

“Believe it, because you and I are headed to the Caribbean,” James said, betraying his own excitement at their honeymoon, “We’re going to hit the Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Antigua, Martinique…I can barely remember them all!”

“Really? Really! We’re going to the Caribbean!” Jenna said excitedly.

“I don’t think I’m allowed to lie to my wife about these things, am I?” James said.

The last thing that the wedding guests saw before the car turned the bend was Jenna tackle James in a giant hug.

***

The honeymoon was absolutely lovely. Jenna and James spent over a week island hopping from one lush locale to the next. James had seen to it that everything was the finest it could possibly be. Though Jenna worried about the expense at points, James told her, “It’s our honeymoon. If we’re not going to be lavish now, when will we be? Besides, it’s been a good year for the both of us. I think we deserve it.”

Jenna had a blast indulging in every culinary delight that the Caribbean had to offer. The seafood was some of the best she’d ever had in her life. Quite often Jenna would end a meal saying, “I’m soooo full!” The couple took plenty of pictures at all sorts of beautiful spots and were unashamed about announcing that they were Mr. & Mrs. James Eaton. James and Jenna also caught a bit of island fever during their holiday, for it seemed that every night when they’d go to bed, they could barely keep their hands off one another. It was a wonderful honeymoon that surpassed both their expectations.

When Jenna returned to work at Emmerdale, Martin Swift came to see her before they started shooting.

“Martin! Oh thank you so much for the lovely table linens! We haven’t gotten around to thank you cards yet, but we’re going to,” Jenna said.

“I’m glad you liked it Jenna. I know it’s not fancy, but Shannon and I thought you’d appreciate it,” Martin said. He had tied the knot a few months ago himself and knew what a newly wedded couple truly appreciated in gifts. “There was something I wanted to tell you, before everybody else hears about it.”

“What?” Jenna asked.

“I’m leaving Emmerdale next month,” Martin said.

Jenna’s heart sunk. “No! You can’t leave! You’ve been one of the best writers we’ve ever had, certainly the best since I’ve been here. You’re the reason that I won my BSAs.”

“You’re too kind Jenna. You did wonderful things with my writing that surely contributed to my own recent awards. However, let’s face it—I never really wanted to work soaps for the rest of my life. It’s fun writing because it can be a little more over the top than other shows, but it’s not totally fulfilling for me,” Martin said.

“But you said yourself that you came to Emmerdale because it was going places. You turned down Corrrie,” Jenna said, “The show’s the second best soap in Britain now. We may even overtake Corrie if we keep it up, and everybody thinks we will.”

“You’re right. I took this job because I saw potential in Emmerdale for it to grow. Now everybody sees that and they’ve begun adding new writers who are just as good as I am, if not better. I helped get the show to where it is now. They’ll take the show into the future,” Martin said.

Jenna sat down. She was beginning to tear up a bit and was trying to fight the urge to cry. It wasn’t just that she didn’t want to cry in front of Martin, but there was also the practical consideration that she didn’t want to mess her make up again since they were due to start shooting soon. She grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes in an attempt to preempt her tears. “I, I don’t know what I’m going to do without you Martin,” Jenna said.

“Well, there was one more thing I wanted to talk to you about,” Martin said, “I’m not exactly going to be unemployed when I leave. Quite to the contrary…”

Jenna was all ears.

***

“You have no case, Miss Eden. The law is clearly in our favor.”

Jenna, dressed in professional business attire sat back and put her cup of tea down, from which she had been calmly sipping. She stood and buttoned the top button of her suit jacket. “Between you and me, Mr. Rochester, as attorneys, you are probably right. However, I believe your legal analysis has neglected to mention one thing.”

“And that would be?” the actor across from her inquired with raised eyebrows.

“That I am a good attorney. A very good attorney. Perhaps not strictly legally speaking, but I represent my client’s interests extremely well,” Jenna said, “I’m sure you took a look at the names on the door when you came in, didn’t you?”

The actor scoffed. “Please. If you’re trying to insinuate that Alice Foley can be a force at trial, that’s a bluff I’m willing to call. Everyone knows that she’s past her prime, barely even argues cases anymore. She lets others do it for her these days while she’s second chair, which is the most she’d do in this instance.”

“You have forgotten one thing. Alice Foley is a legend in this city. She’s a near celebrity. And when Alice Foley shows up in a court room, she brings cameras, which will be rolling for the entire trial. There’s one thing that I happen to be very good at, and that’s making a scene. It looks quite good on the telly, I must say, especially when I make my stirring closing argument that clinches the case in dramatic fashion. Won’t it just be wonderful when your client, a major auto manufacturer, is dragged before those cameras and accused of total negligence in their product design? I mean, in the best case scenario, you’ll win the case—which could always happen, anything can—but you’ll probably lose millions of pounds in other business that will more than offset any judgment against you. It’ll take a major ad campaign, once again costing in the millions of pounds, before consumers even consider buying a car from you again. More likely though, you’ll lose this case because your client is a huge corporation and my client is a poor man who was assured that your autos were completely safe and lost his wife in a tragic accident. He’s sympathetic, you’re not. But heaven forbid that the public should actually find out that you cut corners all the time when it comes to safety, just so you can deliver them an affordable car. Never mind the fact that you may not get out of it alive.

“Ah, but here’s the kicker. This has all the makings of a major scandal. Luckily for us, we’ve got four offices in Britain alone, two in America, one in Toronto, and another in Tokyo, which makes us perfectly positioned for this sort of class action litigation. And when that happens, do you really think your client is retain you? Why, they’re going to dump you for the fanciest law firm they can find, one who can intimidate a jury because it’s got just as many names on the door as we do, if not more. And then you’re going to have lost your biggest client and you get fired by the partners for your incompetence. That’ll make you so strapped for cash that you’ll have to sell your very nice imported car in a last ditch attempt to keep your home. Wonder if you’ll buy one of your client’s deathtraps? It might be the only thing you can afford by then.”

There was a pause and then someone called cut and everyone relaxed now that the cameras had stopped rolling. “Great work there Jenna,” the director said, “Way to really bring your A game for that.”

“Thanks very much. That one just rolled beautifully,” Jenna said.

Jenna now played Katherine Eden, an attorney at the fictional law office of Foley, Ball & MacLeod on a new drama called Barristers, which Martin Swift had gotten backing from ITV to launch after he left Emmerdale. Katherine was a sharp, attractive lawyer, with a flair for the eye-catching when it came to practicing law, who wasn’t afraid to engage in sexually-charged banter with her coworkers—or anybody, for that matter. Jenna had been paired with the legendary Helen Mirren, who played senior partner and legal legend Alice Foley and shared a deep friendship with Katherine. Maggie Smith was also on the cast, though not regularly, as Eleanor MacLeod, the somewhat uptight managing partner. James Callis played Donald Kimball, a hotshot attorney out of Oxford Law who’d recently been made partner. Donald frequently made overtures towards Katherine, which were almost always deflected with a smart remark that put him in his place. A stellar supporting cast of aspiring actors made up the rest of the cast, which gave the show a strong ensemble.

Critics raved about Barristers. Some called it “the smartest show on the telly today”. Its witty banter had caused it to stand out from other similar dramas in the timeslot, and strong promotion by ITV also helped to bring viewers in. As a result, the show had a strong viewership, also had but not a huge one, and Martin was just fine that. After all, it allowed him to engage a lot of pressing issues that it couldn’t have even come close to touching had it been more popular. However, everyone in the industry was saying that Martin’s work on Emmerdale paled in comparison to what he was doing on Barristers. Dorothy Michaels had also gotten wind of Martin’s new project and decided the time had come to jump ship. It was Dorothy who truly gotten the studio interested in the project, and their support meant the money to make the high profile castings of Mirren and Smith that had garnered the early attention of critics and viewers alike.

This is to say nothing of Jenna-Louise Coleman (who had kept her maiden name only as a stage name as she was now legally Jenna-Louise Eaton) and her reception in a new role. As Katherine Eden, she was being heralded as one of the best actresses in British television drama. Critics praised the quirky, but heartfelt, relationship between Alice, the respected legal legend whose star was beginning to fall, and Katherine, whose star was alternately on the rise as she used sometimes unconventional methods, as the core of the show. Viewers and critics alike praised Jenna for playing a smart, witty, quirky, sarcastic lawyer who still maintained more than a degree of compassion. It was far from her role as Jasmine Thomas, yet Jenna thrived in it.

In her personal life, things couldn’t be better. Jenna was still able to keep a large degree of privacy despite the fact she’d successfully moved into dramas and out of soaps. They’d moved out of Jenna’s flat in the city of Leeds and into a nice house in a pleasant suburb as part of their married life together. This meant that Jenna now had to get a gym membership and it was no longer as convenient for her to get out and exercise as she might have liked. However, she still did exercise on a regular, if not frequent, basis. Still, Jenna was just a bit heavier than she had been living in an apartment.

Jenna and James were starting to think about beginning a family together. Abby and Fred had already sent word over that they were expecting their first child, and that gave their friends a bit of an itch to get started themselves. With Jenna’s generous salary on Barristers, along with James’s own paycheck, they certainly had the money to do so. However, Jenna did want to be a true mother to her children, rather than a distant figure who was always off at the studio while a nanny tended her children. Though they were sure that they wanted a family, James and Jenna wanted to make sure they weren’t running into anything without having given the matter enough thought to have some sort of a plan. Still, this problem didn’t intrude upon their happiness a bit. These were the sorts of issues that one faced as part of life and there was a certain satisfaction that Jenna and James both felt at tackling them together. It made them feel like they were truly building a life together.

Jenna had also kept to her promise to James. Not once had she allowed herself to be unhappy because of her weight. Though Jenna did occasionally comment that it was time to get working at the gym again because her trousers were becoming tight, she didn’t complain about it (though she did occasionally slip and complain about how tiring it was to work out sometimes). Though she’d touched size 16 a couple times since their initial pact, each time she brought herself back to size 14 without getting down on herself due to her weight. Jenna truly had come to know that one’s happiness shouldn’t be tied to one’s dress size, even if there were limits. The most important thing was to be happy with who she was rather than wishing she was someone she wasn’t, whether that be in terms of weight, personality, appearance, talents, or anything at all. To do so would only blind her to her own good fortune in life, for it was a truly wonderful life. Even if her stardom and money was stripped away, Jenna still thought she would have been blessed. She had James and they loved one another.

And that was all that mattered.

[The Id]

“Welcome back to the show everyone,” Michael Parkinson, long time British talk show host, said, “Last night were this year’s BAFTAs and one of the biggest stories was Barristers, one of the year’s new dramas that took home Best Drama and Best Actress. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m thrilled to present, in her first post-win interview, Miss Jenna-Louise Coleman.”

Jenna came out onto the stage and waved to the audience before, embracing Parky as he was popularly known. She also had her BAFTA with her to show everyone and placed it on the desk that Parkinson sat behind as she took a seat.

“Welcome to the show Jenna,” Parkinson said.

“It’s a pleasure to be here,” Jenna replied.

“Before we begin, can I ask a favor of you?” Michael asked.

“Of course.”

“Can I touch your BAFTA?” The audience chuckled. “No, seriously, it’s been much too long since I won mine and your’s is much prettier. I mean, it’s half the reason I came out of retirement.”

“Oh, do,” Jenna said, “I think all the girls get the pretty ones.”

As the audience chuckled a bit. Parkinson picked up the statuette and posed with it. “Now, will all BAFTA voters take note of how good I look with this for next year?” The audience laughed and cheered. “I bet it’ll look good on your mantel. I don’t think it’s going to be alone, is it?”

“It’s got a couple cousins to join as well,” Jenna affirmed.

Michael handed the award back. “You’ve been quite decorated in recent years, haven’t you?”

“I have been, and I feel so incredibly honored every time I win one of these things. If I keep it up, I’m going to be broke though,” Jenna said.

“This I must hear,” the talk show host said interestedly.

“Well, my husband and I always make a bet every time I get nominated for something. He always thinks that I’m going to win and I never do, so last night I had to fork £50 over to him,” Jenna said. The audience laughed a bit.

“Really though, is it getting to be a case of, ‘Honey, I’ve got another award. We’re going to have to put this one in the guest bedroom’?”

“Well, it’s only my third win in two years, so I can honestly say that the novelty hasn’t worn off yet, but I’ve been thinking of giving a couple to my Mum to give her something to brag about when her friends come over,” Jenna said.

“Now, if you don’t mind, let’s show everyone a clip from last night when you received your award,” Parkinson said.

The picture cut away to footage from the night before. “And the winner is…Jenna-Louise Coleman, Barristers,” the presenter said. The audience cheered as a visible surprised Jenna was embraced by her husband and then walked in a state of shock to receive her award as the theme music to the show played.

After receiving the statuette, Jenna looked at it and said, “This is simply stunning. I mean, I feel like that girl in school who everybody hates because she keeps winning everything and doesn’t let anybody else have a chance.” This drew a few laughs. “But really, I was nominated with truly great actresses and I can only imagine that it was a tight race. I have to thank Martin Swift, the man who has believed in me from the moment we met and without whose incredible writing I wouldn’t be here today. I swear he’s worn out three keyboards in one season alone. Dorothy Michaels also deserves thanks for not only bringing Barristers into being, but also putting together an astounding cast and crew, all of whom frankly make me look good. And then there’s you honey. I love you so much.” Jenna blew James a kiss and then the clip ended.

There was some polite applause from the in studio audience once the clip had finished. “You’ve always thanked Martin Swift and Dorothy Michaels in your acceptance speeches. Have they really had that much of an influence on your work?” Parkinson asked.

“Well, regarding Dorothy, this goes back a few years to when she thanked me when Emmerdale won Best Continuing Drama in her speech. My Mum and Dad were so pleasantly surprised by it that they made me promise if I ever won anything on Emmerdale, I had to thank Dorothy for being so nice as to mention me, so I’m sort of obligated,” Jenna said. Once again, this drew a bit of a laugh. “Seriously though, Dorothy Michaels runs one of the tightest ships I’ve ever seen. She really goes to bat for us with the studio for the show when they start to raise their eyebrows. Honestly, we wouldn’t be able to do half the things that viewers love if Dorothy wasn’t telling the studio that it would go over well. She’s got such a good sense of what the public wants to see that it’s almost uncanny. Occasionally she talks us out of our enthusiasm, and it’s always for our own good.”

“And how about Martin Swift, the lead writer and series creator?”

“Where to begin! Martin has one of the sharpest wits I’ve ever encountered,” Jenna said, “He’s so quick too. Someone will make an offhand comment on the set and he’ll have a clever reply before anybody else can even process it. He’s also got his finger on what the big issues in our society are and the way he skillfully integrates them into storylines is masterful.”

“If I may move to a slightly touchy topic, your recent series of wins hasn’t been universally popular,” Michael said, “Many of these attacks have been against your weight. One wrote, and I quote, ‘Coleman is an overweight pig who has only been the darling of the liberal entertainment industry because they can point to her as proof of their supposedly enlightened view on what is a “healthy” body image, when in reality they are promoting obesity and providing our children with a negative role model. While she may indeed be gifted with wonderful acting skills, it is still incumbent upon us to lift up positive role models for our youth to emulate.’ What do you have to say in response to that, Jenna?”

Jenna didn’t hesitate at all. “First of all, I’m sorry that person feels that way. To start with, I’d simply like to refute the entire assumption that I’ve won my awards because I happen to embody some ‘liberal attitude’. Let me tell you something, Michael. The entertainment industry is all about image. If I were getting started today, there’s no way that I could land a major role at all. The fact that I don’t adhere to certain narrowly defined standards of beauty in terms of my weight has only made it more amazing that I’ve won the awards that I have. While I would like to think it’s indicative of freer thinking in general regarding what is beautiful, I am very confident that I won because of my acting skill, not because I was fat.”

“So you freely admit that you’re overweight?” Parkinson said, somewhat surprised that Jenna had just called herself fat.

“Yeah.” Jenna shrugged as if it was pretty obvious that she would. “Just look at me. I mean, isn’t it pretty clear? Let’s call a spade a spade. I’m fat. And that doesn’t automatically mean that I’m not healthy. I’m told by my doctors that while I carry more weight than current medical standards say I ‘should’, I’m otherwise healthy. Health is not determined by one’s dress size. Furthermore,” Jenna said pressing her point, “the review that you cited recommended that we should be holding up better role models for today’s children, and by that I assume he meant thinner ones. Many of those women who the reviewer probably had in mind are probably starving themselves to death, which I dare say no one will argue is healthy for you. Oh, and that’s if they’re not indulging themselves in dissolute behaviors that I would never want to teach my children. I would much rather we give our children role models who show them that their happiness is not dependent on the number on the scale, but rather accepting who they are and being happy with that. Now, that being said, I agree that there can be health issues that can arise from carrying too much weight. I’m not saying that there aren’t limits, but what I am saying is that if you work out on a regular basis, like I do, and eat well, then there’s nothing wrong with being bigger than the woman next door. Everybody should, regardless of their weight, be happy with who they are in every respect, rather than wish that they were someone they aren’t.”

Jenna, having finished saying her piece, was met by particularly robust applause. “Well, I must say that’s one of the most eloquently put statements I’ve heard on the subject in quite some time,” Parkinson said, “Now, you referenced your children. I believe you became a mother not too long ago?”

“Yes, my husband and I have been blessed with a beautiful daughter, Samantha,” Jenna said.

“What are you going to tell her on this subject?”

“We’ve already decided that the most important thing is that she be happy with who she is, regardless of whether she’s fat or thin. Right now, she seems to be happy enough, so I think it’s working,” Jenna said.

“If she’s half as beautiful as her mother, she’ll be a real cutie, I’m sure. Thanks very much for joining us today Jenna,” Parkinson said, shaking her hand, “We’ll be right back folks after a quick break.”

***

James, Jenna, and little two-year-old Samantha (who they usually called Sam since she seemed to like it more), were eagerly waiting at the Manchester airport for Abby and Fred, who were coming back to Britain for the first time since James and Jenna had been married. It had been over three years. Jenna and James had gone out to California once to be shown around by their friends, which had been quite fun. However, Abby dearly wanted to see her old friends and family and they’d decided to come and stay with James and Jenna in Leeds for a nice week long vacation.

It was with great excitement that Jenna first spied Abby coming through customs and out into the concourse. The two ran to meet each other and hugged. Fred was right behind her with his own daughter, Nicole, who was a bit older than Sam. He warmly embraced James.

“Nicole, this is your Uncle James and Aunt Jenna. Aunt Jenna and I were very good friends when we were girls,” Abby said, stooping to pick up her daughter, “And this is your cousin Samantha. Can you say Samantha?”

“‘Mantha,” Nicole said.

“We’re still working on it,” Fred said.

“Can you say hello to your Uncle Fred and Aunt Abby?” James asked Samantha, who he was holding up. Samantha just pointed at Fred and giggled. “Yeah, she talks when she feels like it, which doesn’t appear to be right now.”

“Well I’ve no doubt she’s going to sound just as good as her mother when she gets going,” Fred said, giving Jenna a hug, “We’ve been keeping tabs on you. Congratulations again. Two BAFTAs in three years is something else.” It was true. Just a couple months ago Jenna had taken home her second Best Actress BAFTA in her third season on Barristers.

“Thanks, good to see you too Fred,” Jenna said.

“We only wish we weren’t so far away,” Abby said after hugging James, “I keep telling you to come out to Hollywood. You’d make a big splash there, I just know it.”

“I’ll think about it if they ever stop Barristers, but that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen any time soon,” Jenna said, “You look wonderful Abs! There is something different about you…I just can’t place it.”

Abby looked knowingly at Fred. “I told you she’d know,” Abby said, “The fact is that I’ve put on about 15 pounds since you guys visited. You know how good all the food is over in America. That and having a kid adds a few pounds to you as well.” Abby was right, she was definitely looking chubbier, though not overly so. Her new weight was uniformly spread throughout her body, though most evident around her midsection. Still, she looked great. In fact, she looked a bit more mature in a good way than when Jenna had been hitting the town with her, and it fit her well.

“Don’t I know it,” Jenna said, rubbing her belly a bit. She’d put on a few pounds that she still hadn’t been able to shake after Samantha was born. Jenna was still fatly beautiful. She was currently at a pleasant weight of 179 pounds. Her size 14s were beginning to become tight again, and Jenna knew it would be time to hit the gym again—just not until after Fred and Abby had gone back to America. Her beautiful breasts were still attention getting in any crowd, and her hips had enough sway to them to draw equally lustful gazes. Her thighs now gently rubbed together on a regular basis as she bustled around the house. Jenna’s potbelly was usually prominent beneath all her shirts and most of her trousers gave her a definite muffin top. All in all, she was quite a pleasingly plump girl.

“Speaking of which…” Abby said. She rummaged around in her bag and pulled out a box of See’s Candies, a California specialty, and gave it to Jenna. “I seem to recall you took to these quite well when you visited and thought you might appreciate it if I smuggled some into the country for you.”

“Yeah, I know a guy,” Fred said with a wink.

“Actually I think I know him better than you do, dear,” Abby said, giving her tummy a bit of a pat.

Jenna eagerly received the box. “Oooh! Thank you so much Abs! I guess I should admit that there’s an entire basket of Cadbury waiting for you at our place,” Jenna said, “I figured you might miss it.”

“You know me too well, Jenna,” Abby said with a smile that communicated how much she was looking forward to digging into the basket.

“Welcome back to Britain guys,” James said to provide a formal welcome for his old friends.

“Can I just break the ice and say that I’m starved?” Abby said.

Jenna smiled. She found she was rather hungry herself. “I couldn’t have said it better.”

[Armadillojellybeans]

Interesting, especially since I also have no interpretation of british society, it was a very informative window, as well as an amazing story, way to go...I wish I had more hands, so I could give it four thumbs up, for realz...

p.s. can not wait for the next Lynn my friend, I lose sleep at night awaiting the day that work of art arrives in these fabulous forums

~The Admiral

[brucejedi]

Way to go, Id, on another great story!

[comperic2003]

You are my favorite author by far.

[The Id]

Originally Posted by Armadillojellybeans

Interesting, especially since I also have no interpretation of british society, it was a very informative window, as well as an amazing story, way to go...I wish I had more hands, so I could give it four thumbs up, for realz...

p.s. can not wait for the next Lynn my friend, I lose sleep at night awaiting the day that work of art arrives in these fabulous forums

~The Admiral

Four thumbs up! Sweet! That means you'll tell a friend right?

Seriously though, thank you. And go get some sleep! Can't have you reading stories bleary eyed, can we?

Originally Posted by brucejedi

Way to go, Id, on another great story!

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Originally Posted by comperic2003

You are my favorite author by far.

That is a compliment of great magnitude, and for it I thank you. I am flattered that my works resonate with others. It is truly a wonderful feeling.

[samster]

As a resident of Yorkshire and very close to the real Emmerdale location I have to say I love this story. Really great stuff and thanks a million for writing. Speaking as a Yorkshireman you do a great job! Truly excellent and I love your work.

[The Id]

A high compliment indeed! Thank Aftershow for getting a lot of the little details right. I would have been completely lost had I not had his help. He's familiar with the area and helped guide me to give an authentic feel, though in reading the first installment of his Katie series, I think I still sound very American in comparison!

Still, I'm glad you found it authentic and enjoyed it!

[samster]

As I said in the PM your great skill is you help the reader really picture the character AND feel their emotions. Thats a heck of a skill!

As for the authenticity its modern Yorkshire which is good to read. Most people (who are not from Yorkshire) just create and old fashioned environment but I can just picture Jenna and Abby out and about in Leeds.

Samster

[None]

Another fantastic story Id, can't wait for whatever you do next.

[The Id]

Originally Posted by None

Another fantastic story Id, can't wait for whatever you do next.

Thank you very much! Not sure when the next Lynn is coming out (especially now that I have had an unexpected, and rather unhappy, event crop up in the near future that I must attend), but it'll be here when it is indeed out! Glad you enjoyed the story!

[None]

Originally Posted by The Id

Thank you very much! Not sure when the next Lynn is coming out (especially now that I have had an unexpected, and rather unhappy, event crop up in the near future that I must attend), but it'll be here when it is indeed out! Glad you enjoyed the story!

No problem, take your time, the quality is certainly worth the wait. Plus, I can't really complain about a long wait because it has taken me month to finish my crappy story that no one cares about, I can't imagine what it'd be like to have to write stories that actually have fans.

[Supermax1200]

Absolutely great writing! If you are not a professional writer you should consider it...

[The Id]

Originally Posted by Supermax1200

Absolutely great writing! If you are not a professional writer you should consider it...

Thank you! It's a career I'd love to pursue, but it's a market that's tough to make one's way in as a steady job. If I get the right break, then I'll seize it. Still, glad you enjoyed the work!