Chapter 2: Building Tension
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Despite knowing that my daily habits weren't doing me any favors, I continued to lead a life of leisure and indulgence. Each morning, I would wake up and eat a hearty breakfast, only to retreat back to the couch for hours upon hours of mindless television viewing and snacking. Afternoons were reserved for occasional visits to the diner or In and Out Burger. The nights were spent cooking dinner for Jake or feeling lazy and ordering takeout. Him and I would binge our favorite shows and often end the night with great sex.
The days blurred together
and I didn't notice how my body changed until I stepped on the scale one afternoon. To my horror, I weighed twenty-five pounds heavier than I should.
The reflection in the mirror confirmed my suspicion, my face stayed slender but, my once toned legs looking plump. My belly was rounder than it used to be. It felt like someone else's body.
At first, I tried to justify my actions, telling myself it was fine because I loved myself regardless of my size. But I was worried because I didn't realize I was gaining weight.
But Jake seemed to still love my body.
He always told me I was beautiful. Even though deep down, I knew he wanted me to stay fit and healthy. I couldn't bear the thought of disappointing him.
I remembered when I was younger, I used to go to the gym every morning before work. I miss those days when I could run for miles without even breaking a sweat. How far I had fallen!
Determined to change my ways, I set a new goal for myself: I would start going back to the gym and eat healthily again.
It might not be easy, but I had to do it for Jake and myself. It was important to remain healthy and active. I wanted to regain my toned figure and prove to myself that I could turn things around.
Monday morning I got up amd went out for a run. It didn't go well. I ended up twisting my ankle. I was okay but I called Jake crying when I got home. That night he brought home takeout and ice cream.
Jake insisted that I rest my ankle. He knew I was trying to get back into shape, but he also understood that sometimes setbacks happen. We talked and laughed as we shared our meal on the kitchen table.
I stuffed myself with pizza. Then Jake brought me the ice cream as dessert. "But I'm so full" I said.
"You have to keep your strength up to heal your ankle." Jake retorted.
I couldn't say no to him. Didn't he know he was making me fatter?
I thought to myself, struggling to swallow another mouthful of ice cream. Regardless, I forced myself to finish the dessert. My sedentary lifestyle and excessive eating was causing me to blow up. And it kind of turned me on.