By the time Catherine pulled up to the Canaris’ house, she had decided that probably feeding anyone— herself or others— barely tested science experiments probably wasn’t the best idea. She kept the bottle in her bag and walked to the door. She wouldn’t leap into this. She hadn’t seen Tina in a while; maybe the brat had matured in the last few months and Catherine wouldn’t have to fatten her up.
The first few hours that Friday evening seemed to support that idea. After Catherine had gotten the rundown and list of instructions from Tina’s parents on their way out, Tina had retreated to her room. She spent most of the evening in there, until Catherine called her out for dinner. Tina’s mom had left a meal for two to the gymnast’s specifications, and Tina had refrained from any remarks about Catherine’s weight or figure. Catherine had even gotten the girl to open up a little when she asked about how school and gymnastics were going. After dinner, Tina had stayed with Catherine in the living room and had lit up when Catherine asked if she wanted to watch Stellar Battles Episode III with her. Maybe this weekend wasn’t going to be so bad.
Of course, it was too good to last. Later that night, Catherine was getting ready for bed and found that she had forgotten her usual pajamas. Ordinarily not a big deal, she’d just sleep in a t-shirt and her underwear, but she hadn’t brought enough changes of clothes. She went out and asked Tina if her mom had an old shirt she could borrow to sleep in.
“Probably not one that’ll fit you,” Tina said. “You’re too fat.”
Catherine felt her face heat up and she took several deep breaths. “Not even some oversized night shirt or something?” she said, trying to keep her voice level.
“Nah,” Tina said. “I think Mom sleeps naked. And your boobs would probably shred her regular shirts. They’re a lot bigger than hers, and you’re a lot fatter than Mom.”
Catherine ground her teeth and took several more slow, deep breaths. It was true she was a bit taller, and a lot bustier, than Mrs. Canaris, but c’mon! Give her a break!
“OK,” Catherine said through gritted teeth, “what about your dad? I just need something to sleep in while I’m here.”
“Oh, yeah,” Tina said, “He definitely has something that’ll fit you,” She went into her parents’ bedroom and emerged a moment later with a gray t-shirt that said “All-American Gymnastics.” Catherine looked at the tag and grimaced. It would be tight around her bust, but it would do.
“Thank you,” Catherine said, her cheeks still warm. “I’m heading in. You good for the night?”
“Yeah,” Tina said. “I’m good.” She retreated into her bedroom.
Catherine stood in the hallway for a moment fuming. “’You’re too fat,’” she muttered. “’You’re boobs would shred her shirt.’ Yeah, maybe you’re just jealous that you don’t even need a training bra yet you little…” She trailed off as she remembered the Jumbo Gro at the bottom of her duffel bag. “’Too fat,’ huh?” she said under her breath. “I’ll show you ‘too fat.’”