Chapter 2 - The Come Back

My second semester started with exams. Typical. I was in full study mode and unable to get back into my gym routine. I was so stressed I refused to meal prep and resorted to takeaways, microwave meals and lots and lots of snacks. But it was working. My revision was going well and I felt like I was performing well in my exams. I wore nothing except leggings and band t-shirts I had accumulated from various concerts I’d attended. They also did a good job at hiding my flabby physique.

But, despite the added stress of my weight gain, I managed to make it through to the other side, and when I got the results back, found that I averaged the highest in my class. The workload lightened significantly after that. I went back to the gym for the first time in two months and paled in comparison to what I used to do. My squat had lost 50 lbs, hip thrusts 60 lbs. Any endurance I had built up was gone, with fatigue setting in after two sets and failure after four. I finished up, stretched and spent 20 minutes in the sauna. I took down my towel and placed it on the bench beside me as I sat down. ‘Hey Gracie. Long time!’ Paige said, enthusiastic as ever. She was my old gym partner before Christmas. I immediately flushed red with insecurity. ‘Oh… hi Paige. Yeah, had a load of exams, so… you know.’ I looked down at my body.

Paige stood up and walked over to sit by me. She was tanned and in incredible shape, abs chiselled and her legs were muscular and full. ‘Jeez, do you not celebrate Christmas in California?’ Paige laughed, ‘naa we do. Mum and Dad weren’t happy when I was counting my calories for Christmas dinner.’ We both giggled at this. She continued, ‘how are you doing?’ As she asked this, I was starting to cover my body with my towel. ‘Not great physically. Lost all the progress we had made last semester,’ I told her, dejected. Paige smiled, ‘well, you still look fire, Gracie. If you want, we could get back into training together? I’d be keen. You always made me laugh and I felt like I pushed you hard.’ This was true. I smiled for what felt like the first time in months. ‘Yeah. I’d like that, Paige,’ I agreed. Paige stood up, ‘great! I’ll see you tomorrow.’

Paige left and I sat in the sauna for five more minutes before taking a shower. I walked out with my towel wrapped around me. There was no one in the locker room so I dropped it and had a look at the two months worth of damage. Shit, I thought, I’m so far off the wagon. I examined my body. My belly was quite round and soft, but not too bad. What struck me was the size of my thighs and ass. I know black women carry weight back there, but there’s one thing being told that and another it being a reality. My hips were carrying a lot of chub which in comparison to my narrow shoulders only made the size all the more accentuated. My ass plump and extended far beyond what I thought was normal. I needed to shave my vagina too. It had been too long since I had some action. I put my underwear on and snapped a picture and had to admit, I looked pretty good all things considered, but I knew this wasn’t what I wanted.

The next day, I woke up early and went to the gym with Paige who absolutely destroyed me. I swore it was way harder than we used to work but she said it was similar to last time. Wow, I am so unfit, I thought. But this was the beginning. Within four weeks I was back to where I was before Christmas and making good progress. I was bulking so my lower body only got bigger. A lot bigger. I had to size up my jeans. This is something no one prepares you for when you bulk, the rate you outgrow your clothes. And as a broke ass student, this was not my idea of fun. Paige eventually suggested that I just wear shorts around, show off my new gains and also save money on buying jeans until we started to cut. So, I sold my jeans and became one of those people who wear shorts everywhere. But you know, I kinda liked it. I got to show off my best assets, my legs and ass, whilst being comfortable all the time. I was really happy to see progress in my upper body too. My shoulders were getting broader which helped cure my insecurity about how narrow they were, and my arms were getting bigger. Still quite chubby, but Paige assured me after we started to cut, I’d see some definition.

I had found an ideal balance with studying and the gym. We’d get up early before lectures and do strength training for an hour and fifteen minutes, leaving time to shower and make our way to class. My meal prepping was going well. I was consuming about 2,800 calories a day and my gains were being noticed by my classmates and family. The attention and compliments were so welcome and just fuelled my desire to gain even more.

By the time Spring Break rolled around, I was 170 lbs and felt amazing. Paige invited me away with her and her friends to South Padre Island, Texas. I think I had agreed to it before realising I was getting myself in for; it was a whole week of non-stop partying. This was way out of my comfort zone. I didn’t really drink, but Paige had talked me up when we were working out, explaining how it wasn’t just about drinking. It was also about showing off your body, getting laid and having a good time with your friends. ‘Fine,’ I said, ‘count me in.’ Paige jumped up and down with excitement. ‘Yes, Gracie! Oh my god, we’re gonna look so hot. Imagine the pics!’ She had a point. We were both in great shape, and the thought of getting some action was definitely worth exploring my drinking limits.