Brittany's Belly - Part 4

Before Brittany would be able to get even a single crumb, her mom had to leave for her wine club. One of the reasons Diane pushed her children to be the best they could was because she felt she deserved to hold a certain status in her small town. She was quite wealthy, after a fatal accident with her husband had left her sufficiently financially independent. She decided her role in life would be the super mom. She was always on PTA committees, the HOA board, and attended town selectman meetings. She wanted to make sure every bit of her family's life was perfect. Nothing in life was perfect though, and Diane's sense of morals got a bit warped in the pursuit of perfection. Did she push her children too hard? Maybe. Did she dominate local meetings with her agenda? Quite possibly. Did leave a trail of offended locals in her wake as she carved a path to the top for her kids? Most certainly.

Which is how she now found herself at wine club, full of the top mom's in town, whose finger was on the pulse. If ever there was a place for Diane, this was it. If only it wasn't filled with women Diane had stepped on the necks of over the years. When Sally Perkins and Brittany both ran for class president, it was Diane that ran a smear campaign that caused not only Sally to lose the race, but start experimenting with drugs to mask her pain and kisses her athletic scholarships goodbye. And there was also the time Steph was auditioning for the school musical, and Diane took a crowbar… you know what, we'd be here all night if I told you every story where Diane stepped over the line. Let's just say she worked hard to get her daughters to be at the top of their class, no matter the cost.

Over the years Diane had slowly been asked to leave many of the committees she had made it her life's work to reform. All that was left was wine club. They met at Carol Cox's place, one of the nicest homes in town. Despite Diane's wealth, she still lived in a modest home, and envied those with more. Carol had no love for Diane, much like most of the wine club, but they tolerated her nonetheless. "Diane, welcome!" Carol said, opening the door.

"Oh boy I should have started drinking at noon today ladies." Diane proclaimed and she barreled  in, dropping her bottle of wine with the rest. Of course Diane didn't care what everyone else was already talking about, and just started about her own life. Quickly getting a wine glass in hand she continued her story. "Brittany came home from college today, and my god she looks like she's smuggling a keg under her shirt, only her shirt can't even cover it. Freshman 15 is a misleading term, if only it was just 15 she could at least hide her gut under a sweatshirt all summer, but lord there is no hiding this bump."

"Oh Diane, I'm sure it's not that bad." Nicole Perkins said

"Beth, I know your daughters came back from school pretty fat a few years ago… not that they didn't already have a few to lose already." Diane tried to say that last part under her breath, but she was already pouring a second drink and was a little louder than she thought. “How'd you make them lose the weight?"

Beth seemed at a loss for words, but this was typical Diane. "I didn't make anyone lose anything. But a healthy diet and exercise go a long way.”

*Mmmm* Diane murmured as she downed her glass. “Yes, exercise, that will help. Any other ideas?”

The crowd was silent, all sick of Diane and her petty problems. Well I mean they all had petty problems, but Diane’s were the most annoying. No one spoke, that was until the host Carol, with her calm and regal demeanor, dropped a bomb on Diane. “Diane darling, what you need is to keep Brittany busy. Maybe I can be of service, I was actually looking for some summer help with the upkeep here. I could employ her a few days a week, keep her up on her feet and moving. Sounds like an easy deal.”

*Gulp* “Carol, that's an amazing idea. Oh this is going to help Brittany so much. Speaking of help, I think I need to help myself to the ladies room before I get another glass.” Diane haphazardly got up, placing her empty glass down for the third time before leaving for the bathroom.

The ladies in the room were stunned at Carol's generosity. Nicole was the first to speak up. “Carol, that's very nice of you to help Diane out like that. Bringing Brittany into your home, and by extension Diane, that's a bold move.”

“Oh don’t you see? Diane gave us the perfect opportunity.” Carol eloquently explained. “If Diane is so concerned about her daughter's weight, just imagine what would happen if she tragically gained even more. I know how hungry those college girls can be, I figure maybe I can help with that, if you know what I mean. I’m going to need everyone's help though. So here is the plan…” They faded into hushed tones, so Carol could get the plan out before Diane returned.