Chapter 5
During December, I was just focused on getting through the end. As much as I enjoyed Christmas and the holiday season, I really wanted this stupid bet to finally be over. I had reluctantly given up any hope that I would be able to feed Vanessa, but I took some small solace that I shouldnt clock in at a gain of more than 30 pounds.
As the month progressed, however, my confidence in that waned. Although there were no more feedings as intense as Thanksgiving, I was still eating a tremendous amount and could practically feel myself adding weight every single day.
Every morning I felt it as I got out of bed. Moving from a prone to sitting position was made increasingly difficult by the weighty roundness of my midsection. Getting to my feet involved more and more effort, grunting audibly as I pushed myself up. Once on my feet, I usually dug my knuckles into my lower back to relieve the tension from carrying around the heavy gut that seemed to stick out further and further.
And while she stayed true to her promise not to push me too far, Vanessa was relentless in her feedings. There didnt seem to be a single moment during the day that I wasnt either stuffed to the rafters or stuffing my face. As Christmas cookie season began I was eating so many cookies that I wondered if I could mutate into a real-life gingerbread man.
One day I was getting dressed and found that I couldnt quite pull my t-shirt down far enough to reach the waistband of my sweats. I scowled into our full length mirror as I tugged at it, but was interrupted by Vanessa coming up behind me and putting her arms around my middle.
Howya feeling? she asked.
Fat, I grumbled without thinking.
Her eyes gleamed at my admission. I gulped, trying to think of somewhat to take back that little slip of the tongue. Admitting it would only spur her on.
Mmm, feeling fat? Thats just about the hottest thing Ive ever heard, she said softly, pressing herself tighter against me and grabbing my belly in both hands. Wow, this is getting so heavy. It must really take it out of you lugging this big thing around all day.
I grunted as she kneaded my paunch, giggling as she lifted it up and dropped it to see it wobble a bit. Then her hands ventured up a bit.
And look at these, she crowed in delight. Are you bigger than me up top? Are they getting sensitive yet?
I shrugged her off irritably, but she just responded with a smack to my rear.
And that ass! she exclaimed. Darren honey, you are packing on the inches everywhere! Cmon down to the kitchen, breakfast is ready and you got me all excited now.
I sighed and followed her down, quite aware that a bit of my belly was hanging out from the bottom of my shirt. By the time breakfast ended, the shirt had retreated a few more inches and even my sweatpants felt tight.
I resolved not to admit out loud to her how fat and heavy I was feeling. One of the last things I wanted to do was give her more ammunition for her teasing.
However, it seemed that my single slip of the tongue had only whetted Vanessas appetite for more. She was constantly baiting me, asking me how I felt after a huge meal or as I struggled to button up a pair of pants. When I wouldnt respond, shed just answer for me, which really got under my skin.
So howya feeling? shed ask as I sprawled on the couch, my recently glutted belly jutting out.
Fine, Id grunt, stifling a belch.
I bet youre feeling so full that you cant even more, shed tease. So full that your sides ache, so bloated that youd need a crane to get you off that couch, so stuffed that I could bounce a quarter off that tight, swollen gut. I bet youre feeling massive, arent you? You must be feeling like a pregnant woman, watching your body grow and expand more each and every day.
I tried to ignore how accurate she was in her teasing, but it was no easy feat.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
One of the weirdest parts of the month, or maybe even the entire six months, occurred at our office Christmas party. My trips in to the office became more sporadic as my weight climbed, and I started to schedule my trips for Thursdays or Fridays since most of the other people liked to be home those days.
Most of the people I worked with were guys, and the majority of them probably wouldnt notice I had gained weight even if I doubled in size. I knew Julie would notice, however, so I really went out of my way to avoid her.
We ended up getting to the party a little more than fashionably late. Part of the delay was caused by an argument over what I should wear. Vanessa had picked out a pair of black slacks that were quite snug, and a blue button-down shirt that really highlighted my spherical gut. The whole outfit was really designed to show off my weight gain and I somewhat predictably took exception.
Vanessa won of course, citing the rules of the bet. By the time we got to the party it was in full swing. After we each got a drink, Vanessa wasted no time in guiding us to the buffet and loaded up a plate for me. For a while we mingled aimlessly and she re-filled my plate in between meeting all my co-workers.
I was starting to feel rather bloated and the buttons on my shirt were straining even more when I finally heard the voice I had been dreading.
Darren! There you are! Julie shouted. I was starting to think you werent coming!
Her shining eyes and flushed complexion made it pretty obvious that she had been drinking. I nervously introduced her to Vanessa, conscious all the while that Julies gaze kept drifting to my midsection.
Julie asked if we wanted to come sit with her at a table and Vanessa quickly agreed, giving me a smirk as she did so.
Once we were seated, Julie went to get us another round of drinks. As soon as she left, Vanessa turned to me with a grin and poked my side.
You little devil, she laughed. You never told me about Julie. Was she your little office flirting buddy? You must have loved coming in to see such a tasty little chubster.
No, shes just kind of a friend, I protested.
Its okay babe, I know youre faithful. I mean, look at you. Youve gone through this whole little deal we made and never cheated. Well, never successfully.
Just then Julie got back to the table with three fresh drinks.
Julie, I just love that dress, Vanessa gushed.
Oh, thanks, Julie replied. Its one of the few that fits.
Really? Vanessa asked casually, but I was too familiar with her to think that was just an off-the-cuff observation.
Yeah, this place aint good for the waistline, yknow, Julie giggled, glancing rather obviously in my direction. Too many temptations at home, I just eat all day it seems.
At least youre not the only one with that problem, Vanessa said, reaching over and poking my paunch.
Hey! I exclaimed.
Julie laughed uproariously.
Oh my gosh, I know, I couldnt believe it when I saw Darren walk in, she tittered. I guess marriage really agrees with him, huh?
Well you know what they say, Vanessa winked. The way to a mans heart is through his stomach. I just like to make sure my man is well fed.
Any more well fed and he might pop! Julie guffawed, then clapped a hand over her mouth. Oh my gosh, Im sorry Darren. I didnt mean to say that, you know, I meant that, Im so sorry . . .
Its okay, I sighed. I have definitely gained quite a bit of weight somehow. After the holidays Ill start working on losing some weight.
I didnt mean to say that, Julie stammered, her face even more flushed. You still look really handsome, I mean, a bit of extra weight can look good, yknow, who wants a super skinny guy, sure muscles are nice and, and . . . Ill shut up now.
Dont worry, I know exactly what you mean, Vanessa told her. I think Darren is hotter than ever, and I just love that he enjoys my cooking so much. Its like he just cant help himself, isnt that right?
I just nodded and ate my last meatball.
Looks like someone needs a refill, Vanessa observed, nodding toward my empty plate. Julie, can I grab you something as well?
Mmm, better not, Julie declined.
Oh come on, its a holiday party, Vanessa urged. Calories dont count here.
Alright, I wouldnt mind a bit more of that chicken wing dip, Julie relented. Ooh, and maybe some spring rolls.
Coming right up, promised Vanessa.
She swayed away, her tight bum shifting seductively in her snug skirt.
Look, Darren, Im sorry- Julie began.
Its okay, I cut her off, holding up a hand. Really, its fine.
Its just, I didnt expect you to be one of those guys who really packed it on after getting married, Julie insisted on explaining.
Yeah, me neither, I said ruefully, patting my substantial gut.
Is that why youve been avoiding me? Julie asked.
Um, ah, you see, I stammered, now suddenly on the spot.
Its okay, she said. I get it. Trust me, I do. I didnt go to my last high-school reunion because I was 40 pounds heavier and worried what people would say. But you should know that I really did mean it that youre still, well, youre a very attractive guy. I probably would never say this if I hadnt been drinking, but Ive always thought that and I certainly dont think any different now. Some people look good at a heavier weight and, well, I think youre one of those people.
I blinked, conflicted. I certainly wasnt going to tell her the real reason I had gained, but I had to say something.
Um, yeah, youre right, I admitted. I was avoiding you a bit because I had gained weight. I just, ah, didnt know what youd think.
Well, I think you seem very happy with Vanessa and I think thats great. Theres nothing wrong with, um, relaxing a bit when you get happy.
Just then Vanessa returned with two overloaded plates of food.
Guess I went a little overboard, she apologized with a laugh.
Wow, that looks amazing! Julie exclaimed, popping an onion ring in her mouth.
Sometimes I forget not everyone has Darrens appetite.
Oh please, Ive been doing this a lot longer than he has, Julie chuckled. Its cute that hes put on a little marriage weight but my friends call me the bottomless pit.
Well, well just have to see about that, Vanessa remarked, smirking at me.
For the next couple hours we just chatted at the table, entertaining Vanessa with some of our crazier work stories. She was up and down constantly, fetching us fresh drinks and plates of food whenever we ran out.
I was far from empty when we began, but the drinks helped sharpen my appetite and my capacity had been increased enough that I was still able to eat quite a bit. I have to say, though, I was quite impressed (and a bit turned on) that Julie was matching me bite for bite.
Against all expectations, we actually had a really fun time. Almost fun enough for me to be unaware of my constantly tightening belt. As the night wore on, both Julie and I began to flag. When Vanessa grabbed out plates for another round of refills Julie held up her hand.
Ooh, erp, no more, she begged off, pressing a fist to her mouth to stifle a belch. I just cant, Im going to pop.
If she wasnt, her dress was about to. The material was stretched to near-translucence around a very swollen belly. I was in no better shape, of course, my own belly hanging heavily over my belt and threatening to pop a few buttons.
Okay, Ill let you off lightly this time, Vanessa teased. But you really must come over for dinner sometime.
Sure, Id love that, puffed the very bloated blonde.
We all stood up, some easier than others, and said goodbye. When Vanessa hugged Julie I spied her hands lingering a bit on the chubby blondes waist. My hug with Julie was made a little awkward by our swollen bellies bumping into each other.
That was so much better than I could have ever anticipated, Vanessa remarked as we went out to the car. To watch the two of you stuffing your faces like that . . . mmm! She looked soooo bloated, poor thing. I thought that food baby might cause her dress to tear.
You just cant help yourself, can you?
No, I most certainly can not! And why would I want to? It was so funny seeing how she looked at you, she couldnt take her eyes off your gut!
Well, Im glad you had fun.
Oh cmon, you had fun too. And I am happy you have a good friend at work, you should stop avoiding her.
I will. Its just . . . you know, its weird. To have people see me like this.
I know, Vanessa replied. But you should get used to it. Some people are destined to be fatties, and I think you may be one of them!
Well see about that, I told her. Im in this for the long haul, dont think Im giving up already.
Oh, dont you worry. Im not letting up yet.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~