My Gilded Cage

Water Aerobics

As I struggled yet again into my too tight swimsuit, I swore to myself that I would not have any more desserts for at least a month. Covering myself, and my unsightly bulges, I pulled my white coverall over my head and, without glancing at the all too revealing mirror hanging on the wall, exited the dressing room.
Feeling somewhat like a beached whale, I hurried down the hall to my first water aerobics class. I was a good 20 minutes early, thinking that I could slip into the water before anyone else got there.
I peeked through the window of the pool area and sure enough the coast was clear. I hurriedly disrobed and went down the pool steps into the water.
Paddling around in the water, waiting for the instructor and the others to show, I was starting to feel a little bit better about myself. So far, so good, right? Wrong!
I knew I was in big trouble when the first group of other students came waddling into the room. Yes, I said “waddling”! Ok, I know what you’re thinking. I mean, talk about “the pot calling the kettle black“!
I backed myself up into the farthest corner of the pool, hoping to miraculously become invisible. Needless to say, that ploy did not work. By the time our instructor and the remainder of the class came in and joined me in the pool, the only part of my body still above water was my head.
Realizing that I was definitely in the wrong class, I should have immediately said something and got myself out of there, However, I was now in a state of shock and could not move a muscle.
When the instructor started calling out names from her list of students, I was totally mortified knowing that my name could not possibly be on there. Then, there was actually an extra name on the list. I am usually a very honest person, but I was desperate not to be found out. So, the third time the instructor called out the missing person on the list, I answered “Here”.
Ok, I knew that someday this would just be a funny story to tell people. I’ve even kidded around with my friends and family that I’m surprised nobody has ever asked me when I’m due. However, I never thought I’d be caught in a water aerobics class with a bunch of very pregnant women!