chapter 2 - beginnings

It had been two weeks since the beginning of the semester and the trio of psychology juniors we're walking side-by-side towards their late afternoon class, their clothes feeling more constrained than normal after weeks of non-stop snacking had left them feeling completely bloated. Each girl had a different tasty treat in hand and another 12 awaiting in their backpacks, a sign of their dedication to their assignment.

“So I've been spending a lot of time looking at these gainers and their boyfriends online and it's pretty disgusting. I can't imagine why anyone would want to intentionally gain weight, let alone show their grotesque fattening bodies to the entire world.” Stef said as she shoved a handful of Cheetos into her orange-stained lips, her 132-pound body already beginning to show signs of expansion.

Sarah pulled her soda straw from her mouth and quickly caught a belch with her hand before it managed to escape. “I have no idea. I look at how skinny so many of these girls used to be and it makes me feel sad for them. Like, they all used to be so beautiful and active, but they've been reduced to sedimentary cows that waste their lives away on the couch. I've pretty much forced myself to block all thoughts about how much weight we're going to be gaining. Also, what the hell is the deal about us being forced to publishing our gains online? If my other friends or relatives see those pictures, then my life is ruined!”

“Tell me about it! I get that we're supposed to get into the minds of these... 'feedees' but it was so awkward letting Stephen take those naked pictures of me and posting them to that website for the entire world to see” Julie said before wadding up her empty candy wrapper and cramming it into her pocket. The smaller Asian girl had started the semester at only 123 pounds, but could already feel the added fat accumulating on her smaller frame. “Fuck, I feel so bloated ALL THE TIME now! I’ve been shoving food down my throat nonstop for weeks, my stomach has to be expanding because my belly is slowly growing larger after each meal. I’m going to look nine-months-pregnant in no time."

The thought horrified Stef as she found her hand wandering towards her stomach; a light dusting of orange food particles clinging to her shirt as her fingers brushed against her stuffed belly. “Oh god, do you think people can tell that we’re already gaining weight? I was hoping I could enjoy looking skinny just a little while longer…”

Julie joined in as she unconsciously rubbed her own stomach, feeling how her distended belly pressed against the fabric of her clothing. “Maybe… At least we can be thankful for one thing: our assigned partners are responsible for 75% of our food budgets. Heck, Stephen actually seems excited when he brings me food. I think the guy might be into big girls or something, I don’t know… how are your men handling all this?”

Stef and Sarah exchanged glances before the taller blonde gave a shrug. “Jake is fine. He seems to be just as confused as we all are. I think we’re both a little uncomfortable with everything right now. How about you Sarah?”

Sarah’s dark-skinned face gave a subtle blush as she thought of Adam. At only 5’0”, the smaller girl weighed a measly 118 pounds when the assignment had been handed to them. “He’s super cute and polite… maybe too reserved though. I can’t really get a read on the guy. He tried to lift my mood by saying that I would look good with some extra weight. You know, said I was pretty skinny and the new fat could maybe add some shape. I don’t know if he’ll agree when I’m over 300 pounds though...”

When the girls reached the lecture hall, Julie pulled the door open and the sound of fifty college kids snacking loudly filled her ears. Shortly after seating themselves in their normal spot, Professor Cadbury emerged from the back door, a large soda in hand as she greeted the class.