chapter 3

The weight gain didn't go unnoticed by the rest of Willow Tree Lane. Christy and Janet were well known for their little cottage industry. The other wives had snickered about their weight gain that came with the business. They snickered a little less when they realized the girls were making good money out of it. Then they noticed that the girls' husbands grew new round bellies, and seemed awfully happy about it. Naturally, the other wives came around for chit chat. Christy and Janet knew what the other wives were obviously curious about, and decided to bring it right out into the open.

"Look, girls" said Christy matter-of-factly, "it's obvious we've gained weight, and we've fattened up our husbands. The question you're all dying to ask is, do we like it?"

There was a momentary silence and then Betty asked, "Well, what's the story? The four of you act happy as happy can be on the outside, but what's the real deal?"

"The real deal," answered Janet, "is we're having more fun than we thought possible. We party, we eat, we all get fatter, and the best part is..." she paused for effect, "the sex is better than ever. If you want my advice girls, start fattening up your husbands. And don't forget to gain some weight yourselves."

That's all it took. The wives and husbands of Willow Tree Lane all grew fat bellies, hips, thighs and butts. Willow Tree Lane ran into Juniper Lane, and then into Maple Drive. Word spread about how happy their neighbors were, getting fat and loving it. Street by street, everyone grew plump bellies until all of Forest Park East was, on average, 30 pounds heavier than before.

June arrived and that meant it was time for the annual neighborhood barbeque. The neighborhood was actually divided in two subdivisions by a two lane road. On one side was Forest Park East, and the other was Forest Park West. Over the years, a friendly rivalry had grown up between the two. The combined Forest Park barbeque was a chance for everyone to get together, laugh, drink beer, and see who could make the best barbeque. This year, the Forest Park East residents showed up with their newly fattened bodies. Jim and Ed were tending their barbeque pit with their wives when two couples from Forest Park West strolled up. It was Jack and Mandy, along with Tommy and Taylor.

"Looks like you've put a few on there, buddy boy," teased Jack, pointed at Jim's belly. Jim wasn't one to be embarrassed, in fact he had been waiting for this moment.

"Well Jack, it's like this," Jim drawled. "Over in Forest Park East, we know how to cook. And we can prove it," patting his belly. "I guess over there in Forest Park West, nobody knows how to cook and well, I guess it shows," pointing at Jack's flat belly. "But listen, if you ever want a decent meal, come on over to Forest Park East. We hate to see people having to starve."

That got under Jack's skin. He walked away with Tommy and their wives mumbling, "Don't tell me we can't cook, we can cook better than they ever could think about."

"Damn right!" said Jack's wife, Mandy. "We just need to let our cooking show. You know what, by the neighborhood fall festival, I'll bet we could have bellies bigger than theirs are! Right?"

"That's right!" agreed Taylor, Tommy's wife. "Let's show them who's boss!" Mandy and Taylor gave each other a conspiratorial wink. They had been fighting gaining weight for a couple of years and were getting tired of it. This gave them a chance to let go and eat what they wanted. And if their husbands got fat too, more the better. Chubby hubbies meant no one could complain about chubby wives.