Inflate123

There are times when even the most self-assured person feels like an idiot. For Amanda, this was that moment.

“Our little project has come to fruition,” I said. “I think it’s time.”

“I’ll be right over,” she said excitedly, and hung up the phone.

Kim wasn’t fat. Curvy, yes, a little overweight, okay--but as a dancer, well, every line that isn’t straight is considered a detriment. She’d approached me to create a solution that would help her lose weight fast in time for the dance concert. What she didn’t know is that I’d failed spectacularly. Nothing worked, and a handful of lab rats with gastrointestinal distress was hardly a sign of success.

It wasn't something she considered rational. It wasn't something she was going to pretend was safe. And it certainly wasn't anything that she expected anyone else to understand.

It was a ridiculous idea--she knew that. It was a ridiculous operation to have. And ridiculously expensive. The doctor--not that she saw any degree of note--even tried to talk her out of it. Why not just have children? Why not just gain weight? That wasn't what she wanted. He didn't understand. But then, nobody did. It was all about control--hers. And immediate, breathtaking results.

"What's the matter, you don't have the Christmas spirit?"

I'd recognize that voice anywhere.

Holly answered the phones at work. I spent most of my time down in the lab, but I'd see her every time I had to deliver a status report or a presentation on one of my projects. I'd have to pass the front desk to get to the meeting room, and she'd always deliberately make eye contact. If I was alone, we'd exchange small talk, though she'd rarely say anything if other people were around. But she'd always peek out from behind those auburn locks to give me...the look.