Chapter 9

Behind the house, on an empty wine barrel, Anna had prepared a surprise for Isabella. Under a well-placed cloth, there was a lunch different from the usual, a gastronomic treasure hidden, waiting to be discovered. Anna arrived before Isabella, a conspiratorial smile painted on her face, and whispered, "Don't say anything; you'll thank me later."
She lifted the napkin, revealing a lunch that made Isabella's eyes sparkle as she was starving. A large piece of gorgonzola, almost a kilogram, unabashedly stolen by Anna for Bella, the fattiest cheese on the table. Next to it, a jar of honey and a hefty piece of lard, all under the hat of an apple pie.

Isabella, almost at the limit of her strength, was extremely happy to find such a plentiful meal. With a bottle of wine and this wonder of flavors, she delved into the cheese, dipping each bite into honey. Anna, enjoying the spectacle, appreciated the food she considered fatty herself, but she knew it was incredibly good. Seeing Isabella devour that type of food full of saturated fats with appetite was an unusual emotion for her; she had never seen her like this and she was unsure of her real thoughts regarding it.

"A-Anna, thish pie i-ish sho good" said Isabella, savoring a bite.

While Isabella enthusiastically devoured the greasy cheese like nothing, Anna enjoyed the scene but couldn't resist making some playful comments. "Look at you, so hungry! You picked so much today that you look like a bear near to the hibernation."

Isabella, with a blissful smile and a piece of gorgonzola in hand, replied, "Better to be a well-fed bear than a hungry magpie! I'm exhausted; thanks for thinking of this! I absoluttly in love with your taste for food"
They laughed contentedly, in an intimacy that only old friendships can create. Meanwhile, the apple pie and lard patiently waited to be appreciated.

Anna, sipping wine, began to chat about the local news. "Did you hear what happened to Paolo from the nearby farm? It seems he had a romantic encounter in the wheat field with the butcher's daughter. Thats crazy, they dont look so.. affine.."

Isabella, distracted by her meal, responded with curiosity: "Really? I didn't know Paolo had a romantic side under those rough hands!"

Anna chuckled but then lowered her voice, getting a bit closer. "Listen, speaking of romance... have you noticed that farmer's son in front of us has shining eyes every time he looks at us?"

Isabella, with a face that suggests she's sipping her wine and doesn't expect such a comment, responded with laughter: "Come on, do you think? Maybe he just likes cheeses!"

Anna looked at her with a mischievous look. "Who knows, it might be the cheese... or maybe it's your new, more... rounded look. Men love curves!"

"D-Dey alwaysh looked m-me Anna." Isabella answers confidently while scoffing down cheese, lard, and honey, forgetting good manners.
Then Isabella responded in a way that surprised Anna. "Well, sure! But maybe they're noticing how you've gotten in shape! How many pounds have you lost?"

Anna, with a stunned look, replied to Isabella, "Oh, well, yes, I made some small changes to my lifestyle, lost 10kg. But you... Isabella, I've heard that country life adds pounds to everyone. But don't worry, it happens, you'll get back in shape in no time."

Isabella, without suspecting any deceit, continued the conversation. "Come on, Anna, seriously. Look at you! You're in shape, and I... well, I've gained a few pounds. What's your secret? We look like twins!" said an overweight girl to another.

Anna, pleased and slightly amused by the situation, replied, "Ah, you know, it's just a matter of balancing the diet and doing some exercise. Nothing special." answered half joking.

Isabella's reaction exceeded Anna's expectations. "Really? Wow, congratulations! I have to admit you've inspired me. Maybe after the grape harvest, I should take some lessons from you on how to get back in shape."

Anna, still incredulous that Isabella was taking the situation seriously, nodded with an ironic smile. "Sure, I'll be your fitness guru. After all, we have to stay in shape to attract the attention of those handsome farmers, right?"

Isabella, with a pleased sigh, replied, "Yes, you're absolutely right. And look at that guy over there, have you noticed? Always looking at us. Maybe we should arrange a date with him! I'm really glad to have a friend to go out with guys, finally!"

The two girls continued their chat, with Isabella having no idea of the deception. Meanwhile, the mysterious guy continued to observe, unaware that his gaze was now a subject of speculation.

Anna, with skillful mastery, continued to exploit the situation to her advantage. While Isabella sat on a empty crate, devouring all that damn fatty food covered in honey caramel, Anna began asking light but targeted questions, seemingly casual, all aimed at making Isabella feel more and more involved in the game she had drawn up in her mind.
"Isabella, have you ever thought about what you'll do after the grape harvest?" asked Anna with a pleased smile.

Isabella, between bites, replied, "Well, no, I haven't decided yet. Maybe I'll settle down with someone, who knows, maybe its time. What about you Anna?"

Anna, with an air of complicity, commented, "Oh, certainly! I don't think you'll have trouble finding someone. Look at you, always looking wonderful." Anna tried to be serious, knowing that Bella's pants were torn and her behind was bulging out.

Isabella, unaware of Anna's true intentions, smiled. "Thanks, Anna! You know, I should take a cue from you. You've got such a healthy way of living lately, and to think you've always been fat and out of shape! Maybe I should follow your advice to get back in shape."

Anna, continuing her act, said, "Oh, really? You know, it's just a matter of commitment and determination. And anyway, think about it, we're young and attractive. Who wouldn't want to be with us?"

Convinced by Anna's words, Isabella nodded as she continued to eat with an appetite that seemed unrealistic to Anna. Meanwhile, Isabella's fat behind protruded from the enormous tear in the back of her pants, but fortunately, it was covered by the shawl Anna had given her. This was the reason why, with this huge meal, Isabella's pants button managed to withstand yet another binge of eating as she casually consumed large amounts of food without even realizing it. In her little game, Anna knew exactly what she was doing, and every comment and gesture had a specific purpose: to keep Isabella from realizing how fat and ridiculous she had become in just one year, because in the deep, she always had hate Bella, for how she treat her like a nullity for all their long friendly relationship!

"Are we kidding?" Anna thought. "She just told me I'm fat and out of shape, but has she seen herself? She's a round pile of a flabby cow! If I really go on a diet, then we'll see who the chubby one between us is, only cow!"