Ghostly-Spectre
Active Member
Case Study (BBW, WG, Nerd) by Ghostly-Spectre aka Mytransformations
Prologue: Change Prescribed
Who can tell me whats so special about the noble gasses? Ms. Darkin, the frizzy haired science teacher asked her high school class. She gazed around the room, only to meet the familiar sight of glazed over eyes and blank expressions. Finally, and reluctantly, her star pupil raised her hand.
Yes, once again, Elizabeth? Ms. Darkin said with a smile.
Nobel gasses have a full shelf of valence electrons, Elizabeth started in a soft, quiet voce. That means that its very difficult for them to bond and form molecules with other atoms.
Correct, as usual, Ms. Darkin said. They are not predisposed to give or to take electrons, so the interaction that causes bonding is all but impossible. Nobel gasses are the outcasts of the atomic table, in that sense.
The bell rang, and the students could not run fast enough out of the room. Ms. Darkin moved quickly, so that she could have a word with Elizabeth before she left.
I was hoping, the teacher started quickly, that I could get you to sign up for the county science fair again this year.
Last year was fun, but I dont think so, Elizabeth said in her usual quiet voice. She hated to disappoint others, but her mind was made up.
But, why? You are my star pupil. Heck, youre my only good student! I guess thats my fault for deciding to be a science teacher in a town like this Ms. Darkins voice trailed off.
Some of the other students have given me flack for being, you know, too into science. They say its nerdy. And, at my Bible study group, someone quoted Martin Luther by saying Reason is the Devils harlot, Elizabeth offered. I think my parents would be happier if I just focused on my cheerleading and left this stuff alone. Im sorry, Elizabeth finished, not able to make eye contact. The teacher nodded solemnly, and without saying another word, the thin, blonde, high school senior quietly walked out of the room.
Ms. Darkin let out a long sigh. She knew that this was inevitable in a town like Meadow Falls, Idaho. It was a small town, full of small minds, and in such places science was never appreciated.
Elizabeth, she knew, was a perfect good girl. She was pretty and popular generally, and would be more so if it wasnt for her association with science geekiness. But what was all that worth? Would the world be better off if she was intellectually shallow, married early, with a bunch of kids? Or, would things be better if the planet had another great scientist to solve the big problems or our time?
It wasnt a difficult choice for Ms. Darkin to make. And, if Elizabeth couldnt see the path ahead, she could always have an intervention. With the advances in understanding the human genome, just about anything could be achieved with the right type of DNA cocktail.
She had been working on something new lately. It was untested, but there was no time like the present
Chapter One: Initial Exposure
The next day, Elizabeths routine was quite usual. She woke up early and organized everything in her backpack, made her bed meticulously, and showed and shaved her legs and underarms. She applied a heavy dose of makeup to her already stunning diamond shaped facial features, and ate breakfast. To avoid gaining weight, she measured out exactly seventeen cornflakes, and an eighth of a cup of skim milk.
On the way out the door, she gave her mom and dad a kiss on the cheek, and her two parents smiled as their perfect daughter walked out the door to school.
During P.E., she practiced cheerleading with the other girls. She wasnt as vivacious as Jillian, the head cheerleader, but she certainly felt comfortable in her crowd. She did notice that while she was slender all around, Jillian had the same body type but inexplicably bigger breasts, and that made her a bit more popular with the boys. There were rumors that her rich dad had paid for her to get implants, but Elizabeth was never the type to believe in rumors. She just figured her friend had more luck with her genetics.
She and Jillian painted each others fingernails in the locker room after class, as was their normal custom.
During lunch, she attended her Bible study group. The fact that it was held only during lunch and after school helped skirt rules about religion in public schools. The guest lecturer talked about the evils of the theory of evolution. Elizabeth responded as she typically did, by putting her head down and quietly listening.
When it came time for Ms. Darkins science class, Elizabeth made a point of refusing to answer any questions posed to the class. After a few queries went unanswered, the teacher announced that the class would be learning how to create artificial sweeteners as a science experiment. The experiment went uneventfully for Elizabeth, who finished before the rest of the class.
Dont drink anything until I check it. I wouldnt want anything to happen do you if youve mixed it wrong. I know its tempting to taste, but please wait, Ms. Darkin warned.
Each of the students had a beaker full of a bubbly green mixture, with various degrees of color and carbonation. Ms. Darkin nodded approvingly at each of them, until she arrived at Elizabeths.
Oh, no no no, she said. That one wont do. But I dont want you to miss out on tasting the drink. Here, have one that I mixed at my desk, the teacher said as she replaced Elizabeths beaker with her own.
What did I do wrong? I dont understand, Elizabeth asked in a soft voice.
I cant go into all of that now, the teacher answered hastily. Now everyone she continued, raising her voice, bottoms up.
Elizabeth felt a little ashamed at having made mistake, even though she had no desire to stand out in class. She felt no desire to taste the drink, but everyone else was raising the beaker to her lips, and she didnt want to be the only one not partaking. With reticence, she lifted the beaker to her lips and swallowed.
To her surprise, it did not taste like the diet soda she often had a lunch. Instead, it was incredibly sweet, so much so that it almost hurt. She considered spitting the drink out, but didnt want to draw attention to herself by doing something generally perceived as gross and unseemly. As she swallowed it down, she noticed that the cloying sweetness seemed to fade, and was replaced by a warm, pleasant feeling. It started in her stomach and seemed to spread throughout the rest of her body.
Elizabeth swallowed down the rest of the drink, which now tasted completely fine, and went home without giving the experiment another thought.
Chapter Two: Twenty Hours after Exposure
The next day, Elizabeth slept in past her alarm, which was extremely unusual for her. Thrown off from her usual routine, she barely had time to get dressed and toss everything into her backpack. She still managed to slather on some makeup, but skipped her shower. Though her stomach growled with unusual intensity, she skipped her traditional meager breakfast altogether.
Waking up this late? I dont deserve to eat, Elizabeth, ever the perfectionist, thought to herself. She quickly tied her hair back in a ponytail, lacking the time for her elaborate hair curling, and then ran out the door.
She felt distracted throughout P.E., and performed her cheerleading moves only halfheartedly. As she made her way to Bible study during lunch, her stomach growled again, and this time, she felt compelled to acquiesce to its demands. She turned around and headed to the cafeteria. Within a few moments, her orange plastic lunch tray was brimming with generous portions of macaroni and cheese, pizza, and greasy looking breadsticks. She also grabbed a mini carton of whole milk.
Elizabeth was used to being hungry, but she found that it was an impulse that she could ignore fairly easily. Today, though, she felt downright ravenous. She wasnt sure if it was because she had skipped her minuscule morning meal, but she couldnt remember the last time she was this starved.
She sat by herself, in the hope that nobody would see her, and then she started eating. Elizabeth eagerly wolfed down her food, barely bothering to chew. Some of the orange cheese from the macaroni smeared on her lips and cheeks as she noisily gulped it down. When she was thirsty, she reached for the milk, tore it open, and started to chug it down, ignoring the straw on her plate. Despite some of the milk splashing out of her mouth, she continued to pour the cold, frothy beverage down her throat until it was empty. After the flow of milk stopped, she opened her mouth wide and shook the carton over her face, hoping to get every last drop. Her stomach felt stretched and bloated, but surprisingly, it felt good to feel so full. She undid the top button of her jeans, and let her ordinarily flat tummy poof out.
She let out a small burp, and noticed a few people had turned around to gawk at the spectacle. Horrifically embarrassed, she stormed out of the cafeteria as fast as she could. On the way out of the hall, she bumped into Ms. Darkin.
Oh, hello Elizabeth, the teacher began. Have you thought anymore about signing up for the science fair?
I I Elizabeth hesitated. She no longer felt the resistance she did yesterday, but she knew shed be too busy for everything. I think it might conflict with my cheerleading, Im sorry.
No need to apologize, I understand, Ms. Darkin replied, a knowing smile breaking across her face. Just let me know if you have second thoughts, alright?
Elizabeth hastily nodded.
Chapter Three: Thirty Days after Exposure
Three alarms went off simultaneously, rousing a groggy Elizabeth from her deep slumber. She had learned from repeated experience sleeping in that she needed more and more help maintaining a regular sleep schedule. When she did finally pull herself out of bed, she didnt bother to remake it, leaving her sheets and blankets in a tangled mess. She stuffed whatever papers and books she could find into her messy backpack, and headed to the bathroom.
Elizabeth had started taken pains to avoid looking at herself in the mirror, since what she saw increasingly distressed her. Despite her best efforts to regain control of her dietary regimen, she had continued to fall off of the wagon over the past month. When she didnt splurge on cafeteria food at school, shed sneak down into her familys kitchen at night and stuff herself full of that nights cold leftovers. The food wasnt always tasty, but she longed for that sated, full feeling and did whatever she could to get it. A few times, when she was worried her family would notice how much food was missing, she left the refrigerator door open and left discarded food scraps on the floor so she could blame the family dog. Though Sparky wasnt allowed to sleep inside the house anymore, she was sure her parents doubted her story, for their daughter was clearly gaining weight.
Elizabeth gazed at her reflection reluctantly and surveyed the damage. Her face was clearly puffier and slightly greasier looking. Her trademark diamond shaped cheeks were fading behind a soft layer of fat, and the beginnings of a double chin had begun. Elizabeths shoulders were a little rounder and wider, and her upper arms looked a tad huskier.
One bright spot was that her small breasts had finally filled out considerably. Her chest would likely give even Jillian a run for her money now. Sadly, her tummy had grown even more, and soft looking potbelly threatened to stick out even further than her bust. Below that, her hips and thighs had widened, and her butt strained against every pair of pants she owned.
Elizabeth let out a long sigh and stepped into the shower. Her hair seemed to be darker that was usual. She had heard of childrens blonde hair darkening as they got older, but had thought that at 18, she was past that possibility. As she vigorously rubbed the shampoo into her scalp, she noticed her chubbier body jiggle slightly.
She dried herself off, and not feeling the need to put on any makeup, put her hair into a ponytail and dressed in the baggiest clothes she owned. She trudged downstairs, and poured herself some cereal. These days, she used a full bowl of flakes instead of measuring out a tiny handful. When her parents werent looking, shed substitute the skim milk for half & half, with delicious results.
Honey, her Mom said with a nervous tenor to her voice. We need to have a little talk.
Not now, Elizabeth said through a mouthful of breakfast, Im running late.
Alright, her Mom replied defensively. But you cant put us off forever. We are your parents, and we want to help you with whatever is going on, no matter what it is, ok?
Elizabeth gave her Mom a long hug, but then ran out the door without saying another word. She herself didnt know what was going on, or why.
During cheerleading practice, it was increasingly obvious that Elizabeth was no longer keeping up. In addition to being noticeably heavier than she had been just a month ago, she seemed to get winded more easily. Furthermore, her coordination had suffered. On two occasions, she performed a step off rhythm. One of these missteps caused someone to almost fall during an aerial move.
As disturbing as these changes were to Elizabeth, she found herself oddly unmotivated to try to keep up the pace. A short while ago, being on the squad was both fun, and a symbol of her status at school. Now, all the jumping and shouting seemed like such a waste of time. Why do all this hard work just to provide moral support to a bunch of football players, who were in turn wasting their time smashing into each other? Why not put this effort into making education cool? Why were the cheerleaders, and not the kids on the honor roll, the cool kids anyway?
Elizabeth, the coach began at the end of the session. We have to
Yeah, yeah, we have to talk. Im off the squad, right? Elizabeth cut the coach off, using a cynical tone that surprised even her. The coach, used to the quiet, go along to get along Elizabeth, blanched with surprise.
While that was what I was going to say, Elizabeth, Im surprised by your cavalier attitude about this. Ill let you back on if you shape up. Please, let me know if anything is going on, the coach lowered her voice before continuing, like if these changes are because youre pregnant.
What? Elizabeth replied with indignation.
I want to respect the privacy of the other girls, but let me say that you wouldnt be the first pregnant teenager this year, the coach said, continuing to whisper.
Look, being a cheerleader isnt the end all be all of human existence. Im fine and I dont need this, Elizabeth spat, her ears burning.
Well, if thats the way you feel the coach said with a sigh. The rest of the girls made their way to the locker room to change.
What went on with you and the coach back there? Jillian asked her, once inside. Were you just pissed because she cut you from the squad?
Yeah, I guess so, Elizabeth replied. I dont know what came over me. I never act like that. Im so glad its nail painting day, Jillian. I really could use a pick me up.
Yeah, about that, Jillian began as she pealed off her cheerleading outfit, revealing her lithe, flawless physique. If you want to let yourself go to hell, thats fine. But dont expect me to come along for the ride.
But, I thought we were best friends, Elizabeth said, her lip quivering.
We totally were, you know, past tense, Jillian replied with a sneering tone, as she gazed at Elizabeths pudgy body, which strained against the tight cheerleading uniform. But come on, youd do the same thing to me if the situation was reversed. Ive got an image to maintain.
Why? Elizabeth let the existential question hang in the air for several moments. Jillian, too stunned for an answer, merely muttered whatever under her breath and walked away.
Though she had called Jillian her best friend moments ago, this certainly wasnt their first big fight. In the past, though, Elizabeth had always chased her friend down, begging forgiveness, which she always received. She had always assumed that Jillian was an overly sensitive person, and that she needed to be extra careful of her friends delicate feelings.
Now, though, that sense of understanding and forgiveness that had come so naturally to her was gone. Instead, she felt nothing but suspicion for her friends motives. Had she staged her previous tiffs, just as a way to show her who was the boss? And was she really so concerned with appearing cool that shed cut out her best friend over appearance issues? If so, she certainly wasnt much of a friend to begin with. Elizabeth slammed her locker shut, feeling angry and betrayed.
Elizabeth opted to head to Bible study during lunch instead of the cafeteria, not wanting to risk running into Jillian. In the past, quietly listening to the words of the Gospel was always a soothing and relaxing activity for her, and she relished the thought of getting a moments peace on such a difficult day.
The youth organizer read from Genesis, which was common. She had heard the story many times: God had made everything, a snake tricked Eve into eating an apple, and everything went downhill from there. In the past, Elizabeth had accepted this story without giving it a second though. Now, though, she felt questions forcing themselves into her mind and onto her lips.
I have a question, Elizabeth began, trying to be as respectful as possible. Why did God place the tree in the garden if he didnt want man to eat from it? The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. And, she added, Gods all knowing, right? He knew what would happen in the garden before he created Adam and Eve. If he knew theyd disobey and cause the fall of mankind, why was he so mad about it?
Those are some good questions, Elizabeth, the youth leader replied, But, as Christians, we have to accept whats in the Bible as a matter of faith. God works in mysterious ways.
Thats another thing, Elizabeth countered. Why do we have to accept the Bible on faith? I mean, couldnt I just say, you have to accept the Koran on faith, and if it doesnt make sense to you, then Allah works in mysterious ways? Or Thor, or Zues, for that matter?
The silence was gone, replaced with hushed, concerned whispering noises. In a secular world, were just animals. We need the morality of Jesus to help by the guiding light in peoples hearts, Elizabeth, was the reply.
I have two problems with that, Elizabeth said, her increasingly strident tone shocking her and the rest of the girls. One, youre presenting a false dichotomy of Christianity vs. no belief in anything. Two, largely secular countries like Japan and Sweden have lower crime rates than the US, and within the US, states that are less religious tend to have lower crime rates. So Bible-based morality isnt motivating people to be good. The evidence shows the opposite.
Elizabeth, if thats how you feel, you should leave, was the reply.
Fine, she said, and made her way for the door. By the way, human beings are animals. Its called the theory of evolution. Look it up. Theres more evidence supporting it than the theory of gravity, she shouted on the way out.
When the day ended and Elizabeth found herself in Ms. Darkins science class, she had no trouble putting her hand up and answering every question, even when the eyes of the rest of the class were trained on her. After the bell rang, the frizzy haired science teacher walked up to Elizabeth.
Let me guess, Elizabeth said with a snapping tone of voice. Youre asking me to sign up for the science fair for the millionth time?
Flustered, Ms. Darkin stammered for a moment.
I accept! Elizabeth exclaimed, and gave her teacher a bear hug.
You dont usually tell jokes like that, Ms. Darkin said, a little startled.
Ive been in kind of a funk lately, Elizabeth began. She was about to apologize, which was her general habit when she did anything that was out of the ordinary, but it occurred to her that she had no reason to do it. If someone had a problem with her, that was their problem, she decided.
Before she arrived home, she decided to stop at a grocery store. She received a modest allowance from her parents, which she was used to spending on makeup. She hadnt worn that in a while, so she figured she ought to divert those funds to snacks.
No more raiding the fridge at midnight for me, she said to herself as she stuffed her cart full of junk food. Red licorice, 2 liters of soda, and mini cinnamon rolls made their way into her cart, along with potato chips and sour gummy bears.
When she arrived home, her parents were waiting for her.
Elizabeth, her father began sternly, your mother and I received some disturbing phone calls.
Is it true that youre off the cheerleading squad, Elizabeth? And did you really raise that big fuss during Bible study? her mother asked, her voice strained and tight.
Yeah, Elizabeth replied, nonchalantly.
Whats going on? Youre not acting like the daughter I know, her father growled.
Elizabeth paused. It was a good question she had changed her behavior pretty radically, and there was no apparent explanation.
I dont know, she said thoughtfully after a long pause. She knew that, had she been warned how her life was going to change a month ago, she would have been as horrified as her parents must feel now, perhaps even more so. From her current perspective, though, she couldnt bring herself to feel upset about it. What had happened to her today, though it was upsetting, seemed entirely natural for a girl like her. What really perplexed her was why she had ever joined the cheerleading squad and Bible study to begin with. What had she been thinking?
Youre not going to get off that easy, Elizabeth, her father said menacingly. Were your parents, and were not going to just sit by while something awful happens to our only child. We want you to turn out right
Elizabeth suddenly had an answer to the question she had just posed herself. She had become a cheerleader and a bible study member because her parents had wanted her to. She had been desperate to be a perfect child, to be whatever they need her to be. Now, she only felt resentment that they had asked her in the first place.
Things are going to be different from now on, Elizabeth promised, talking with a new determination that was alien to her. Im going to my room and I want to be left alone. Bags of food in hand, she marched upstairs.
Her parents, shocked at this surprising behavior from their daughter, let her be. In her room, Elizabeth started to eat and drink. She chugged down the soda, and chewed potato chips until her jaw was practically numb. Her stomach grew increasingly round and large, but she didnt mind. She rubbed the softening flesh with one hand as she laid back in bed and relaxed. All that mattered was that she was becoming full and happy, and the heavy feeling in her gut gave her a warm glow.
Hours later, stickiness from the sour gummy bears coated her fingers, and cinnamon sugar from the rolls fell all over. It showered her bed, her carpet, and even her clothes. A few grains landed fell into her growing cleavage. She didnt notice as she drifted off to sleep.
Prologue: Change Prescribed
Who can tell me whats so special about the noble gasses? Ms. Darkin, the frizzy haired science teacher asked her high school class. She gazed around the room, only to meet the familiar sight of glazed over eyes and blank expressions. Finally, and reluctantly, her star pupil raised her hand.
Yes, once again, Elizabeth? Ms. Darkin said with a smile.
Nobel gasses have a full shelf of valence electrons, Elizabeth started in a soft, quiet voce. That means that its very difficult for them to bond and form molecules with other atoms.
Correct, as usual, Ms. Darkin said. They are not predisposed to give or to take electrons, so the interaction that causes bonding is all but impossible. Nobel gasses are the outcasts of the atomic table, in that sense.
The bell rang, and the students could not run fast enough out of the room. Ms. Darkin moved quickly, so that she could have a word with Elizabeth before she left.
I was hoping, the teacher started quickly, that I could get you to sign up for the county science fair again this year.
Last year was fun, but I dont think so, Elizabeth said in her usual quiet voice. She hated to disappoint others, but her mind was made up.
But, why? You are my star pupil. Heck, youre my only good student! I guess thats my fault for deciding to be a science teacher in a town like this Ms. Darkins voice trailed off.
Some of the other students have given me flack for being, you know, too into science. They say its nerdy. And, at my Bible study group, someone quoted Martin Luther by saying Reason is the Devils harlot, Elizabeth offered. I think my parents would be happier if I just focused on my cheerleading and left this stuff alone. Im sorry, Elizabeth finished, not able to make eye contact. The teacher nodded solemnly, and without saying another word, the thin, blonde, high school senior quietly walked out of the room.
Ms. Darkin let out a long sigh. She knew that this was inevitable in a town like Meadow Falls, Idaho. It was a small town, full of small minds, and in such places science was never appreciated.
Elizabeth, she knew, was a perfect good girl. She was pretty and popular generally, and would be more so if it wasnt for her association with science geekiness. But what was all that worth? Would the world be better off if she was intellectually shallow, married early, with a bunch of kids? Or, would things be better if the planet had another great scientist to solve the big problems or our time?
It wasnt a difficult choice for Ms. Darkin to make. And, if Elizabeth couldnt see the path ahead, she could always have an intervention. With the advances in understanding the human genome, just about anything could be achieved with the right type of DNA cocktail.
She had been working on something new lately. It was untested, but there was no time like the present
Chapter One: Initial Exposure
The next day, Elizabeths routine was quite usual. She woke up early and organized everything in her backpack, made her bed meticulously, and showed and shaved her legs and underarms. She applied a heavy dose of makeup to her already stunning diamond shaped facial features, and ate breakfast. To avoid gaining weight, she measured out exactly seventeen cornflakes, and an eighth of a cup of skim milk.
On the way out the door, she gave her mom and dad a kiss on the cheek, and her two parents smiled as their perfect daughter walked out the door to school.
During P.E., she practiced cheerleading with the other girls. She wasnt as vivacious as Jillian, the head cheerleader, but she certainly felt comfortable in her crowd. She did notice that while she was slender all around, Jillian had the same body type but inexplicably bigger breasts, and that made her a bit more popular with the boys. There were rumors that her rich dad had paid for her to get implants, but Elizabeth was never the type to believe in rumors. She just figured her friend had more luck with her genetics.
She and Jillian painted each others fingernails in the locker room after class, as was their normal custom.
During lunch, she attended her Bible study group. The fact that it was held only during lunch and after school helped skirt rules about religion in public schools. The guest lecturer talked about the evils of the theory of evolution. Elizabeth responded as she typically did, by putting her head down and quietly listening.
When it came time for Ms. Darkins science class, Elizabeth made a point of refusing to answer any questions posed to the class. After a few queries went unanswered, the teacher announced that the class would be learning how to create artificial sweeteners as a science experiment. The experiment went uneventfully for Elizabeth, who finished before the rest of the class.
Dont drink anything until I check it. I wouldnt want anything to happen do you if youve mixed it wrong. I know its tempting to taste, but please wait, Ms. Darkin warned.
Each of the students had a beaker full of a bubbly green mixture, with various degrees of color and carbonation. Ms. Darkin nodded approvingly at each of them, until she arrived at Elizabeths.
Oh, no no no, she said. That one wont do. But I dont want you to miss out on tasting the drink. Here, have one that I mixed at my desk, the teacher said as she replaced Elizabeths beaker with her own.
What did I do wrong? I dont understand, Elizabeth asked in a soft voice.
I cant go into all of that now, the teacher answered hastily. Now everyone she continued, raising her voice, bottoms up.
Elizabeth felt a little ashamed at having made mistake, even though she had no desire to stand out in class. She felt no desire to taste the drink, but everyone else was raising the beaker to her lips, and she didnt want to be the only one not partaking. With reticence, she lifted the beaker to her lips and swallowed.
To her surprise, it did not taste like the diet soda she often had a lunch. Instead, it was incredibly sweet, so much so that it almost hurt. She considered spitting the drink out, but didnt want to draw attention to herself by doing something generally perceived as gross and unseemly. As she swallowed it down, she noticed that the cloying sweetness seemed to fade, and was replaced by a warm, pleasant feeling. It started in her stomach and seemed to spread throughout the rest of her body.
Elizabeth swallowed down the rest of the drink, which now tasted completely fine, and went home without giving the experiment another thought.
Chapter Two: Twenty Hours after Exposure
The next day, Elizabeth slept in past her alarm, which was extremely unusual for her. Thrown off from her usual routine, she barely had time to get dressed and toss everything into her backpack. She still managed to slather on some makeup, but skipped her shower. Though her stomach growled with unusual intensity, she skipped her traditional meager breakfast altogether.
Waking up this late? I dont deserve to eat, Elizabeth, ever the perfectionist, thought to herself. She quickly tied her hair back in a ponytail, lacking the time for her elaborate hair curling, and then ran out the door.
She felt distracted throughout P.E., and performed her cheerleading moves only halfheartedly. As she made her way to Bible study during lunch, her stomach growled again, and this time, she felt compelled to acquiesce to its demands. She turned around and headed to the cafeteria. Within a few moments, her orange plastic lunch tray was brimming with generous portions of macaroni and cheese, pizza, and greasy looking breadsticks. She also grabbed a mini carton of whole milk.
Elizabeth was used to being hungry, but she found that it was an impulse that she could ignore fairly easily. Today, though, she felt downright ravenous. She wasnt sure if it was because she had skipped her minuscule morning meal, but she couldnt remember the last time she was this starved.
She sat by herself, in the hope that nobody would see her, and then she started eating. Elizabeth eagerly wolfed down her food, barely bothering to chew. Some of the orange cheese from the macaroni smeared on her lips and cheeks as she noisily gulped it down. When she was thirsty, she reached for the milk, tore it open, and started to chug it down, ignoring the straw on her plate. Despite some of the milk splashing out of her mouth, she continued to pour the cold, frothy beverage down her throat until it was empty. After the flow of milk stopped, she opened her mouth wide and shook the carton over her face, hoping to get every last drop. Her stomach felt stretched and bloated, but surprisingly, it felt good to feel so full. She undid the top button of her jeans, and let her ordinarily flat tummy poof out.
She let out a small burp, and noticed a few people had turned around to gawk at the spectacle. Horrifically embarrassed, she stormed out of the cafeteria as fast as she could. On the way out of the hall, she bumped into Ms. Darkin.
Oh, hello Elizabeth, the teacher began. Have you thought anymore about signing up for the science fair?
I I Elizabeth hesitated. She no longer felt the resistance she did yesterday, but she knew shed be too busy for everything. I think it might conflict with my cheerleading, Im sorry.
No need to apologize, I understand, Ms. Darkin replied, a knowing smile breaking across her face. Just let me know if you have second thoughts, alright?
Elizabeth hastily nodded.
Chapter Three: Thirty Days after Exposure
Three alarms went off simultaneously, rousing a groggy Elizabeth from her deep slumber. She had learned from repeated experience sleeping in that she needed more and more help maintaining a regular sleep schedule. When she did finally pull herself out of bed, she didnt bother to remake it, leaving her sheets and blankets in a tangled mess. She stuffed whatever papers and books she could find into her messy backpack, and headed to the bathroom.
Elizabeth had started taken pains to avoid looking at herself in the mirror, since what she saw increasingly distressed her. Despite her best efforts to regain control of her dietary regimen, she had continued to fall off of the wagon over the past month. When she didnt splurge on cafeteria food at school, shed sneak down into her familys kitchen at night and stuff herself full of that nights cold leftovers. The food wasnt always tasty, but she longed for that sated, full feeling and did whatever she could to get it. A few times, when she was worried her family would notice how much food was missing, she left the refrigerator door open and left discarded food scraps on the floor so she could blame the family dog. Though Sparky wasnt allowed to sleep inside the house anymore, she was sure her parents doubted her story, for their daughter was clearly gaining weight.
Elizabeth gazed at her reflection reluctantly and surveyed the damage. Her face was clearly puffier and slightly greasier looking. Her trademark diamond shaped cheeks were fading behind a soft layer of fat, and the beginnings of a double chin had begun. Elizabeths shoulders were a little rounder and wider, and her upper arms looked a tad huskier.
One bright spot was that her small breasts had finally filled out considerably. Her chest would likely give even Jillian a run for her money now. Sadly, her tummy had grown even more, and soft looking potbelly threatened to stick out even further than her bust. Below that, her hips and thighs had widened, and her butt strained against every pair of pants she owned.
Elizabeth let out a long sigh and stepped into the shower. Her hair seemed to be darker that was usual. She had heard of childrens blonde hair darkening as they got older, but had thought that at 18, she was past that possibility. As she vigorously rubbed the shampoo into her scalp, she noticed her chubbier body jiggle slightly.
She dried herself off, and not feeling the need to put on any makeup, put her hair into a ponytail and dressed in the baggiest clothes she owned. She trudged downstairs, and poured herself some cereal. These days, she used a full bowl of flakes instead of measuring out a tiny handful. When her parents werent looking, shed substitute the skim milk for half & half, with delicious results.
Honey, her Mom said with a nervous tenor to her voice. We need to have a little talk.
Not now, Elizabeth said through a mouthful of breakfast, Im running late.
Alright, her Mom replied defensively. But you cant put us off forever. We are your parents, and we want to help you with whatever is going on, no matter what it is, ok?
Elizabeth gave her Mom a long hug, but then ran out the door without saying another word. She herself didnt know what was going on, or why.
During cheerleading practice, it was increasingly obvious that Elizabeth was no longer keeping up. In addition to being noticeably heavier than she had been just a month ago, she seemed to get winded more easily. Furthermore, her coordination had suffered. On two occasions, she performed a step off rhythm. One of these missteps caused someone to almost fall during an aerial move.
As disturbing as these changes were to Elizabeth, she found herself oddly unmotivated to try to keep up the pace. A short while ago, being on the squad was both fun, and a symbol of her status at school. Now, all the jumping and shouting seemed like such a waste of time. Why do all this hard work just to provide moral support to a bunch of football players, who were in turn wasting their time smashing into each other? Why not put this effort into making education cool? Why were the cheerleaders, and not the kids on the honor roll, the cool kids anyway?
Elizabeth, the coach began at the end of the session. We have to
Yeah, yeah, we have to talk. Im off the squad, right? Elizabeth cut the coach off, using a cynical tone that surprised even her. The coach, used to the quiet, go along to get along Elizabeth, blanched with surprise.
While that was what I was going to say, Elizabeth, Im surprised by your cavalier attitude about this. Ill let you back on if you shape up. Please, let me know if anything is going on, the coach lowered her voice before continuing, like if these changes are because youre pregnant.
What? Elizabeth replied with indignation.
I want to respect the privacy of the other girls, but let me say that you wouldnt be the first pregnant teenager this year, the coach said, continuing to whisper.
Look, being a cheerleader isnt the end all be all of human existence. Im fine and I dont need this, Elizabeth spat, her ears burning.
Well, if thats the way you feel the coach said with a sigh. The rest of the girls made their way to the locker room to change.
What went on with you and the coach back there? Jillian asked her, once inside. Were you just pissed because she cut you from the squad?
Yeah, I guess so, Elizabeth replied. I dont know what came over me. I never act like that. Im so glad its nail painting day, Jillian. I really could use a pick me up.
Yeah, about that, Jillian began as she pealed off her cheerleading outfit, revealing her lithe, flawless physique. If you want to let yourself go to hell, thats fine. But dont expect me to come along for the ride.
But, I thought we were best friends, Elizabeth said, her lip quivering.
We totally were, you know, past tense, Jillian replied with a sneering tone, as she gazed at Elizabeths pudgy body, which strained against the tight cheerleading uniform. But come on, youd do the same thing to me if the situation was reversed. Ive got an image to maintain.
Why? Elizabeth let the existential question hang in the air for several moments. Jillian, too stunned for an answer, merely muttered whatever under her breath and walked away.
Though she had called Jillian her best friend moments ago, this certainly wasnt their first big fight. In the past, though, Elizabeth had always chased her friend down, begging forgiveness, which she always received. She had always assumed that Jillian was an overly sensitive person, and that she needed to be extra careful of her friends delicate feelings.
Now, though, that sense of understanding and forgiveness that had come so naturally to her was gone. Instead, she felt nothing but suspicion for her friends motives. Had she staged her previous tiffs, just as a way to show her who was the boss? And was she really so concerned with appearing cool that shed cut out her best friend over appearance issues? If so, she certainly wasnt much of a friend to begin with. Elizabeth slammed her locker shut, feeling angry and betrayed.
Elizabeth opted to head to Bible study during lunch instead of the cafeteria, not wanting to risk running into Jillian. In the past, quietly listening to the words of the Gospel was always a soothing and relaxing activity for her, and she relished the thought of getting a moments peace on such a difficult day.
The youth organizer read from Genesis, which was common. She had heard the story many times: God had made everything, a snake tricked Eve into eating an apple, and everything went downhill from there. In the past, Elizabeth had accepted this story without giving it a second though. Now, though, she felt questions forcing themselves into her mind and onto her lips.
I have a question, Elizabeth began, trying to be as respectful as possible. Why did God place the tree in the garden if he didnt want man to eat from it? The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. And, she added, Gods all knowing, right? He knew what would happen in the garden before he created Adam and Eve. If he knew theyd disobey and cause the fall of mankind, why was he so mad about it?
Those are some good questions, Elizabeth, the youth leader replied, But, as Christians, we have to accept whats in the Bible as a matter of faith. God works in mysterious ways.
Thats another thing, Elizabeth countered. Why do we have to accept the Bible on faith? I mean, couldnt I just say, you have to accept the Koran on faith, and if it doesnt make sense to you, then Allah works in mysterious ways? Or Thor, or Zues, for that matter?
The silence was gone, replaced with hushed, concerned whispering noises. In a secular world, were just animals. We need the morality of Jesus to help by the guiding light in peoples hearts, Elizabeth, was the reply.
I have two problems with that, Elizabeth said, her increasingly strident tone shocking her and the rest of the girls. One, youre presenting a false dichotomy of Christianity vs. no belief in anything. Two, largely secular countries like Japan and Sweden have lower crime rates than the US, and within the US, states that are less religious tend to have lower crime rates. So Bible-based morality isnt motivating people to be good. The evidence shows the opposite.
Elizabeth, if thats how you feel, you should leave, was the reply.
Fine, she said, and made her way for the door. By the way, human beings are animals. Its called the theory of evolution. Look it up. Theres more evidence supporting it than the theory of gravity, she shouted on the way out.
When the day ended and Elizabeth found herself in Ms. Darkins science class, she had no trouble putting her hand up and answering every question, even when the eyes of the rest of the class were trained on her. After the bell rang, the frizzy haired science teacher walked up to Elizabeth.
Let me guess, Elizabeth said with a snapping tone of voice. Youre asking me to sign up for the science fair for the millionth time?
Flustered, Ms. Darkin stammered for a moment.
I accept! Elizabeth exclaimed, and gave her teacher a bear hug.
You dont usually tell jokes like that, Ms. Darkin said, a little startled.
Ive been in kind of a funk lately, Elizabeth began. She was about to apologize, which was her general habit when she did anything that was out of the ordinary, but it occurred to her that she had no reason to do it. If someone had a problem with her, that was their problem, she decided.
Before she arrived home, she decided to stop at a grocery store. She received a modest allowance from her parents, which she was used to spending on makeup. She hadnt worn that in a while, so she figured she ought to divert those funds to snacks.
No more raiding the fridge at midnight for me, she said to herself as she stuffed her cart full of junk food. Red licorice, 2 liters of soda, and mini cinnamon rolls made their way into her cart, along with potato chips and sour gummy bears.
When she arrived home, her parents were waiting for her.
Elizabeth, her father began sternly, your mother and I received some disturbing phone calls.
Is it true that youre off the cheerleading squad, Elizabeth? And did you really raise that big fuss during Bible study? her mother asked, her voice strained and tight.
Yeah, Elizabeth replied, nonchalantly.
Whats going on? Youre not acting like the daughter I know, her father growled.
Elizabeth paused. It was a good question she had changed her behavior pretty radically, and there was no apparent explanation.
I dont know, she said thoughtfully after a long pause. She knew that, had she been warned how her life was going to change a month ago, she would have been as horrified as her parents must feel now, perhaps even more so. From her current perspective, though, she couldnt bring herself to feel upset about it. What had happened to her today, though it was upsetting, seemed entirely natural for a girl like her. What really perplexed her was why she had ever joined the cheerleading squad and Bible study to begin with. What had she been thinking?
Youre not going to get off that easy, Elizabeth, her father said menacingly. Were your parents, and were not going to just sit by while something awful happens to our only child. We want you to turn out right
Elizabeth suddenly had an answer to the question she had just posed herself. She had become a cheerleader and a bible study member because her parents had wanted her to. She had been desperate to be a perfect child, to be whatever they need her to be. Now, she only felt resentment that they had asked her in the first place.
Things are going to be different from now on, Elizabeth promised, talking with a new determination that was alien to her. Im going to my room and I want to be left alone. Bags of food in hand, she marched upstairs.
Her parents, shocked at this surprising behavior from their daughter, let her be. In her room, Elizabeth started to eat and drink. She chugged down the soda, and chewed potato chips until her jaw was practically numb. Her stomach grew increasingly round and large, but she didnt mind. She rubbed the softening flesh with one hand as she laid back in bed and relaxed. All that mattered was that she was becoming full and happy, and the heavy feeling in her gut gave her a warm glow.
Hours later, stickiness from the sour gummy bears coated her fingers, and cinnamon sugar from the rolls fell all over. It showered her bed, her carpet, and even her clothes. A few grains landed fell into her growing cleavage. She didnt notice as she drifted off to sleep.
