chapter five the contract

Shawna and Michelle spend the next few hours working through all the details of their deal. Shawna is almost brought to tears a few times, as this is the first time she has connected with her eldest daughter in recent memory.

Although this whole plan is Shawna's idea, thought out over many days, it quickly becomes apparent to her that for Michelle to go through with the deal, there is going to have to be some give-and-take, as there are with any successful negotiations. Shawna realizes she has to prove to her daughter that she is serious in following through with changing her lifestyle when the first part of the deal is over, even though she is hoping it never comes to that point.

Finally, after many hours, the terms of the deal are finalized:

1. The contract will last for one year, ending July 31 the following year.

2. During the duration of the contract, Michelle agrees not to vocalize her discontent with any part of the process or any part of her parents' lifestyle.

3. Shawna will be in control of Michelle's diet for the duration of the contract, both in terms of an increase in food intake and the content of her diet as the year progresses. Michelle will be free to supplement her diet if she feels the desire to (Michelle found this part to be quite funny as she couldn't imagine the need to do this), but has to eat what is provided for her without complaint.

4. Michelle will be provided with a monthly stipend of $1000 to spend on new clothes, food, etc. If necessary, this amount can be renegotiated if Michelle can prove that it is insufficient to keep her adequately clothed or fed.

5. Shawna will start to limit her food intake and content, limiting the amount of junk food that she eats.

6. Michelle will limit her activity levels by quitting her morning runs and going to the gym.

7. Shawna and Michelle will start going for daily walks as a way to get their exercise. This will be a lower level of activity than Michelle is used to, but provide her with some activity. It will also increase Shawna's physical activity to help prepare her for what is to come.

8. At the conclusion of the contract, Shawna and Michelle will write up a second contract for the next stage in the deal. This contract will outline how to proceed on how they will go about losing the weight. At this point Michelle will take control of the meal plans and exercise regimen that they will both follow. (Shawna realizes the risk involved if her plan doesn't work, but is hopeful that Michelle will embrace her new lifestyle and curves and not want to go back.)

Mother and daughter finish signing their contract just as Bill returns from his trip. He is quite surprised but happy to see that they are both sitting together and appear to be having a good time.