MsCezanne's Odyssey

5 pounds? 10 Pounds? 100 pounds? How much weight would you have to gain for your life to change? Would it change for the better, or would it make things much much worse?

This is the story of Geraldine, one of thousands of beautiful young women who make their way to Hollywood, only to be lost in the thousands of beautiful young women who make their way to Hollywood. Geraldine was far from average, she was a statuesque blonde who took excellent care of her body. She was a competent actress and would hit it big, if only she could get her big break.

Over the years the big break does not come. She keeps her head above water, avoids serious troubles that claim so many of her peers. She keeps her dignity, she keeps her hope, she works a series of odd jobs, watching as the other statuesque blondes get their break, or far more often sink into the moral morass that Hollywood is known for.

One night she was closing up a restaurant and she came across someone alone at a table. The woman was slumped over, sleeping, or perhaps passed out. As Geraldine approached her, fearful of the coming confrontation, she noticed that the woman wasn't particularly slender. In fact, as Geraldine reached the table, she noticed the clothing seemed a few sizes too small for their owner. With a start the woman sat up and looked directly at Geraldine.

Geraldine took a step back. It was Megan Stewart. They'd been 'friends' before Megan was discovered and went on to have a few bit parts in blockbusters before starring in an absolute flop, and falling off the map of fame. Back then they could've been twins, but not now. Where Geraldine still watched her diet and never missed a work out, Megan was bloated, soft, flabby.
A moment later Megan recognised her. "Geraldine! You! Perfect, you're hired!"

"Um," Geraldine was a little surprised by this greeting. "Um, what?"

"My show. I've got a show. I mean I could have a show. It's not much, you know, washed up actress got fat, lets laugh at her. But it's a show. It's on TV. I need a best friend though. I need you on the show."

Geraldine could barely keep up with Megan's rambling. She sat down with her 'friend'. Details like 3 years without ever seeing each other vanish when someone mentions 'show' in this town. "I'll do it."

The very next day Geraldine was sitting with her agent who was telling her that she was very lucky to get such a break. She wouldn't become a zillionaire making the show, but she'd move into a nice condo, she'd have her expenses covered during shooting, and most importantly, she'd have exposure on national TV. Fake or not, Megan really was her friend!

Geraldine took the time to get to know Megan again, catch up what had happened. It was pretty simple for Megan, she'd gotten so much money so quickly, that when her career crashed, she fell into self pity and gained 70 pounds.

She'd had the good taste to do it outside the tabloids, which was critical to the show. Everyone knew who she was, but seeing her new state would add 'a hook', so the producers told the girls repeatedly. The drama would be presented by their opposite lifestyles, Megan getting back into shape and Geraldine gaining weight.

"Hold on," Geraldine interrupted the producers' discussion. "Gain weight? When? Why? No!!"
"Oh yes," one of the producers went on without missing a beat. "It's in your contract, at least 2 pounds a week."

Before the next mouth could open Geraldine was on the phone with her agent. He knew about it, but being fat and famous was better than being skinny and poor. She'd signed the contract, she had to do it.

"It's not so bad," Megan consoled her later. "It really is fun getting fat, just really hard to find work. Try it, you'll love it. I know," she patted her belly for emphasis.

Labels: fiction, Geraldine, Megan, show, weight gain

// posted by Charlotte @ 8:45:00 PM