Chapter 9

Saturday

The next morning, I awoke to bright sunshine streaming through the curtains. I stretched.

OUCH! Still terribly swollen, my belly aching.

I looked over to the clock…7 AM…too early…and Bryan was slumped in a chair near the window, covered in a blanket.

He must have sensed me peering at him even in his sleep because he stirred, stretched, and opened his bloodshot eyes. “You’re up early, an early-riser like me. How are you feeling? You were in pretty bad shape last night. I didn’t want to leave you in your condition.”

“I’m okay, just sore,” I lied.

He came over to examine my belly. I winced as he exerted slight pressure near my belly button. “Oh, I can see you’re just fine and dandy, Liz. You’re still swollen as a tick. You’re going to be in need of some TLC today. You need to give your digestive tract a long rest,” he said.

“You sound like a doctor,” I replied.

“I’ve gotten myself into this position enough times to know what to do,” he answered.

“Really?” I asked.

“Well, you don’t think I was born with a gut this size without stuffing myself on occasion,” he said, slapping his belly which quivered ever so slightly.

He ordered room service which came within thirty minutes – egg sandwich on a croissant for him and a large bowl of oatmeal with tea and a gallon sized bottled water for me. Bryan propped me up on a few pillows and spoon fed me, stopping every few mouthfuls with tea and then the water.

“You need to make sure you’re eating enough fiber and drinking enough water or you’ll be in more pain today. So, I want you to drink all of this by the time I get back,” Bryan instructed. “I’m going back to my hotel to shower, change, and I’ll be back with some provisions.”

“Bryan, that’s a gallon of water,” I observed.

“I’m sure you’ll be able to do it in two hours,” he said, kissing me on top of the head. “Sip away.”

I managed to drink most of the water and take a shower before he got back to my room. I was sprawled out on the bed with my waistband of my pants pulled down watching television. He walked in with a few brown paper bags in his arms.

“So, what have you brought me?” I asked.

“Some lunch for later, I’ll put in all in the mini frig and some movies. You need some extra care today, so I’ll keep you company,” he said having me choose from the selection of movies he brought me. “How is your belly? The truth, please.”

“I’m having some cramping here and there and still feel bloated,” I admitted.

“You may have a little gas. Hungry at all?” he asked.

“A touch,” I replied.

“Good, wouldn’t want that belly to totally disappear,” he smiled.

He went to the kitchen and heated up some broth and brought it out to me. He put a bunch of pillows under my head and back again and again spoon fed me the warming soup. I rested my arms behind my neck, watched TV, enjoying a belly rub in between. I was soon drowsy again. My stomach groaned and grumbled partly from still being hungry and partly from being filled with gas.

I begged for a bit more. But, he made me wait at least an hour in between the small meals he gave me, massaging my belly, helping to release the pressure. Then there was more water, more tea, some lightly buttered toast, more water, more broth…after awhile I felt waterlogged.

At lunch time, he served me an immense salad full of fresh fruit, a touch of goat cheese, nuts, sliced chicken, and lots of greens. I was able to eat this on my own. He is eating a 12-inch hero sandwich. I watched as his belly rounded out from the sandwich and the continued snacking during the day with me. After lunch, at two hour intervals I was given bran muffins and some more fruit. Dinner consisted of spaghetti for him and a plate of brown rice and vegetables that left me famished and hungry for more. My big belly screaming for sustence. He reminded me that he wanted me in good shape. He was taking me out tomorrow for a special surprise and my stomach needed to ready for it. He left early so that I could get a good night’s sleep and I had to promise that I wouldn’t eat another thing until I was picked up tomorrow. I promised, rather reluctantly.