Heavy Hearts & Hidden Gems Chapter 1

"Honey, eat a little more."

This was the sixth time my parents had served me rice today. In a tiny bowl, sure, but I'd already demolished five of them.

I waved my hand. "No more. I've lost my appetite."

My parents exchanged glances, and then my mom started tearing up.

"Baby, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick? You ate so little today... has Mom's cooking gotten worse?"

My glamorous mother threw herself into my dashing father's arms, both of them sobbing like it was the end of the world.

Seeing Mom so heartbroken, I didn't dare mention dieting. I maneuvered my electric wheelchair and practically fled the scene.

"I'm fine, Mom! Just going to the bathroom!"

"Don't clear the table, I'll eat more later!"

I'm Penny. Thanks to overindulgent parents and hormonal issues, I've managed to become a 330-pound girl who's the butt of everyone's jokes.

Ten minutes ago, I got some bad news.

The class beauty from high school, Chloe, got into the same college as me. Same major, too.

She found the school hunk's contact info on the campus network, pretended to be me to start an online relationship with him, and agreed to meet him when school starts.

She threatened me, saying if I didn't show up, I'd regret it. She'd print out my "beautiful" photos and hand them out to everyone.

I was terrified. I didn't want my college life to start with me being a laughingstock again.

Just then, a metallic voice rang in my head.

"Host Penny detected. Weight: 340 lbs. Meets criteria for the Fat Exchange System. Bind?"