by Matt L. » Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:45 am
As it went, Raquel had told the family Monterey that their youngest daughter would finally return home, she even mentioned that Yolanda had gained weight. However to the extreme that Yolanda’s once svelte figure had increased in weight and width caught them all by surprise, literally shocked at her buttery appearance.
Yolanda’s sister’s Lydia and Natalie, both housewives and with ample figures, had mixed emotions pertaining to the pounds their sister had packed on.
Partially relieved that Yolanda could no longer flaunt her beautiful figure while teasing them for being chunky, however they likewise felt empathetic, comprehending that being so awfully overweight meant she was no longer so special and would go without the same perks and pleasures allotted attractive babes.
Yolanda’s mom was more upset about the ugly tattoo that covered much of her neck then the weight she had put on. Matter of fact, Mrs. Monterey humorously stated, “I told you, didn’t I Yolie! Don’t be teasing your sisters because one day you’re going to catch up with them!”
Lydia quietly and in a cute warble informed Natalie, “Catch up to us, she passed us by!”
No kidding about that, Yolanda was at least 100-pounds heavier than her sisters and mother.
Yolanda’s dad was simply happy she had returned home, but like the rest of the family couldn’t get around Yolanda speaking broken English.
Thing was, in Yolanda’s household they had completely assimilated into the American culture.
They were proud Mexican-Americans who rarely spoke Spanish, didn’t celebrate Mexican holidays and infrequently dined on Mexican cuisine.
Yolanda used the excuse of becoming too accustomed to her Mexican heritage while away in Mexico, but being around them and she would definitely resume her lifestyle and become reacquainted with the English language.
The only negative aspect of Yolanda’s reunion with her family was with her young son who didn’t recognize her. This was tough to deal with for Yolanda and it broke her heart.
Yolanda’s mom suggested that for the time being, and because he was quite young, Yolanda should say that she was an aunt visiting from Mexico and that in time, as he became older, tell him the truth. And thus, the child she had with Marco was sent off to live with Lydia.
Natalie said that Yolanda could have her old room back at her home, he husband and children did miss her, but it would be a few days to get things ready because her hubby - James - had converted her bedroom to a man cave so to speak where he hung out with his friends.
Naturally Yolanda would stay with mom & dad until things were prepared for her at Natalie’s home.
The Monterey family - parents and sisters - all lived in a neighborhood on the brink of the Spanish slum. Lower middle class, mainly populated with as many Caucasians as Mexican Americans, and although the gang element was around they weren’t all that prevalent.
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The next day Natalie phoned her mom just to see how Yolanda was and if she was adequately settling in, naturally the outrageous amount of weight she had gained was among the topics discussed.
“I guess it must be karma or whatever they call it”, Mrs. Monterey said with a smile, “But Yolanda was the biggest of you girls at birth, 12-pounds. I sort of thought she would be my heaviest daughter when she grew up, I had my doubts for a while, I wasn’t wrong after all.”
Natalie sugary replied, “When I told Jim that Yolanda has become a butterball he thought I was joking. I still can’t believe it. I’m guessing her appetite has changed too or is she still fussy about what she eats?”
Mrs. Monterey giggled, “We ordered a pizza last night, dad and me and Yolie, but that wasn’t enough for her. I think Yolie ate almost none stop until bedtime! Your little sister’s going be tipping the scales at 400-pounds if she doesn’t watch out.”
“Little sister”, Natalie snickered, “Not anymore, huh? I never thought she’d turn into a blimp, and I thought I was fat. I’ve lost 15-pounds since last month and still feel huge. I guess, Momma, I sort of feel a little bad for her. Yolie‘s not the hot commodity guys go for anymore.”
Mrs. Monterey’s reply held no malice, but she was very candid, “Well, Nat, you’ll get a better idea about this when Yolie moves in with you but seems Yolie’s been humbled and I think it suits her just fine.”
Natalie was a pretty, preppy to a degree, young woman with short black hair, 220-pounds; rather pear shaped but had a nice size pot belly.
Natalie questioned her mother on what she meant exactly.
“I witness her arrogance, how she used to ridicule you and your sister, and your friends”, Mrs. Monterey buzzed, “I remember her attitude, thinking she was privileged because of her looks.”
Natalie agreed, “Sure, I remember too, she was conceited and superficial, and it didn’t bother her at all.”
“Nope, Yolie’s a tame girl now, her whole demeanor been swapped for a much more tolerable, modest type”, Mrs. Monterey continued, “And if she’s still superficial then I just feel sorry for her. My only complaint is she eats like a slob, no wonder she gained so much weight!”
The conversation continued, Mrs. Monterey conveying that Yolanda works part time as maid, has no interest in returning to college and seems oddly unremarkable in intellect but appears nicer and very docile.
Finally, Mrs. Monterey confided to Natalie, “Yolie’s clothes are horrible, I wanted her to borrow some of my clothes but she plainly can’t fit into my apparel, so tomorrow we’re going to the mall. We’ll use what she had left in her college savings to buy her clothes that don’t look so worn out and second hand.”
“I have to ask, does Yolanda have any prospects for male companionship?” Natalie inquired.
“Good question!”, Mrs. Monterey chuckled, “Not to sound cruel but I hope your sister realizes those cool studs she was attracted to won’t be circling around her anymore these days. Nope, no way, no how. Yolie is smack dab, completely the stereotypical fat girl, she has got to lower her standards or else be set on becoming an old maid.”
“I’ll talk with Jim, see if any of his pals like them thick”, Natalie mischievously giggled.
Mrs. Monterey returned the giggle, “Thick? Yolanda needs drop a whole fifty pounds before she can be referred to as thick! I mean, she’s larger than your aunt Esmeralda!”
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Yolanda was quite begrudging upon her mother’s announcement about a pleasant day shopping at the mall. Stating that her attire was good enough, buying new clothes was impractical now since she had blown up to a tubby 300-plus pounds.
Mrs. Monterey was steadfast, and a little demanding, “Yolie! Your clothes are hand-me-downs and lackluster. You used to dress so appealing…”
Yolanda interrupted her mother, “No kidding!” she squawked, “I’m huge, why bother dressing nice!”
“Size isn’t a style, pumpkin”, Mrs. Monterey smiled, “You’re young and should look fashionable. Now get dressed and we’ll make a day of it. Even have some lunch at the corner café on Elm Street.”
“What if people you know see me?”, Yolanda sighed, “Won’t you be embarrassed?”
“I was embarrassed when you were skinny and full of yourself, I think I like you better now”, Mrs. Monterey unthinkingly blurted.
Yolanda caught the comment unguarded, and it stung hard enough to cause her features curdle.
Mrs. Monterey sighed, correcting her thoughts, she smiled while embracing her daughter, “That was a little harsh; I didn’t mean it like it sounds. But, Yolanda, you must admit you were a handful back then, right? You did have a snooty attitude and was so ridiculously high maintenance.”
“Getting fat is hard for me to deal with momma”, Yolanda grimaced.
“This you say coming from a family of big women?” Mrs. Monterey replied with some degree of empathy, “You’re going to have to learn to deal with it, one day at time. Think of your sisters, they’re okay about their size, and Natalie’s friend Elena, she’s very heavy but has a positive attitude, her weight doesn’t bug her either.”
“But they’re all married housewives”, Yolanda grumbled, “I’m 24-years old, and I’m already huge.”
Mrs. Monterey broke away from the embrace, “Whining about it isn’t going to solve anything.”
“We’ll go shopping, buy you some nice clothes, I’m sure it’ll improve your mood”, Mrs. Monterey added with affection.
“I can’t talk you out of this can I, momma?” Yolanda sniffled.
Mrs. Monterey wagged her head, her grin prim and proper.
Yolanda released a thunderous sigh, “Fine! Give me a half hour to get ready…”
“15-minutes”, Mrs. Monterey spoke over her youngest daughter, “So get a move on.”
Yolanda quickly washed and then put on a well-worn dress, a light brown hue and decorated with soft pink stripes, something a mature woman would wear to the market.
Once Mrs. Monterey saw what Yolanda had on, she couldn’t resist a giggle, “I swear if you’re the very image of your aunt Esmeralda. You know she never assimilated and that’s why to this day she lives on public aid.”
Yolanda rubbed her nose and pouted, “Can we just go, I want this over with as fast and painless as possible.”
“You used to love shopping!” Mrs. Monterey commented on route to their car, Yolanda bobbled her head, “I used to love wearing stylish clothes but now….”
Mrs. Monterey happily rifled back, “I love a challenge girl, maybe the plus size boutique might have something stylish after all!”
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This particular mall was a grand shopping plaza located in a small community just outside downtown Los Angeles, several levels and catering to the middle class.
The females made tracks to several stores; in each one Mrs. Monterey was able to find suitable clothing for her self-conscious overweight daughter.
Yolanda complained on and off about feeling tired and being hungry, her mom wondered what happened to all her former energy, her hunger on the other hand came to no big surprise.
As they left a generic dress shop where Yolanda picked up some undergarments, Mrs. Monterey caught sight of a neighbor, Denise Soto.
Mrs. Monterey had known Denise Soto for a couple decades, an old fashion congenial woman, pretty and rather chubby; they had a shared history, great family friends. Yolanda had dated Denise’s son Steve so far back, long before she even joined a gang.
The friends collided at the middle of the concourse, greeting each other accordingly, Mrs. Monterey naturally bringing Yolanda into the conversation.
“Yolanda, you remember Mrs. Soto.”
Yolanda nodded, modestly peeping a hello.
Mrs. Soto gazed at Yolanda as if she was a stranger until the recollection bounced into her head, “Oh, hello, Yolie. It’s been a long time no see.”
“Yolanda been away in Mexico for over a year, she worked at some hotel, accountant work”, Mrs. Monterey brought Mrs. Soto up to speed on current events.
Mrs. Soto looked Yolanda up and down, “Right, how was Mexico, my dear?”
Yolanda could sense Mrs. Soto’s shock and amazement that she had gained a staggering amount of weight, feeling extremely embarrassed, she wanted to find a hole big enough to jump in and hide.
Yolanda nervously and unthinkingly scratched her robust belly, “Mexico was good…um…I got back, momma wanted to treat me for new clothes….”
Mrs. Soto only nodded, thinking to herself, “She’s been eating well, too well…”
“How often was Yolanda over by you, remember how she used to hang out to all hours with your son, Steve?” Mrs. Monterey buzzed, “I’d have to scream two yards over, Yolanda, it’s midnight!”
Mrs. Soto giggled, “Definitely, they were smitten with each other.”
“How is Steve these days?”, Mrs. Monterey asked, Yolanda rolling her eyes, feeling she was being set up to go out on a date.
“Steve works at the Board of Trade as a runner, goes to school part time at UCLA…”, Mrs. Soto replied with a proud smile, “….Studying broadcasting.”
“Is Steve involved with anyone?” Mrs. Monterey inquired, Yolanda wheezed in anxiety.
“Steve dates but nothing serious, his idea of romance is going Dutch treat, Steve’s a little cheap…”, Mrs. Soto explained, “….I can’t say he dated a bad one yet but most of them aren’t as pretty as Yolanda.”
Yolanda didn’t expect the sweet sentiment coming from Mrs. Soto, although the woman only really said it to be polite.
Yolanda blushed, “Thank you, I know I’ve put on a few pounds…”
Mrs. Soto continued with a candy smile, deliberately trying to make Yolanda feel good even though she still couldn’t believe how radically fat she had become.
“Nah, sweetie, you still are very cute, don’t get hung up about gaining some weight. You’re home now, once you get back into the swing of things the weight will come off.”
Mrs. Monterey smiled; her intentions were on the level when she all but insisted, “What about taking Yolanda’s photo?”
True as the day is long, Mrs. Monterey wanted to hook her daughter up with Mrs. Soto’s son, they had feelings for each other once ago, but it wouldn’t be fair not to give him some idea of what Yolanda now looked like. There was the risk of Steve refusing Yolanda but it was worth the chance.
“Of course!” Mrs. Soto chuckled.
Yolanda dropped her head, “This can’t be happening”, she whined in her thoughts.
Yolanda stood still as the elder females took to the sides of her, her weight gain on display in a dress at least a size too small, gaping down the front where the cheap fabric contoured to her bulbous belly.
Mrs. Monterey embraced Yolanda’s chunky waist, “That’s better, let’s get a good look at you!”, she purred with a growing smile, then automatically pushed back Yolanda’s hair behind her ears just as she used to do when Yolanda was a little girl, “Let’s not hide that pretty face of yours.”
Again Mrs. Monterey slipped her arm around the visibly uncomfortable Yolanda’s waist; Mrs. Soto smiled, knowing full well what her friend was up to - advertising Yolanda’s fuller figure and the chubbiness of her face.
“No, we mustn’t hide a thing!” Mrs. Soto giddily chirped, “Did you enjoy Mexico?”
Before Yolanda could reply, Mrs. Soto, who had withdrawn her phone, snapped away.
Mrs. Monterey tugged tightly on Yolanda’s dress, all the more emphasizing her distended belly.
“Oh I think we can see how much Yolanda enjoyed herself down there don’t you think!” Mrs. Soto announced as she took another snapshot.
The two mothers chortled in unison; Yolanda’s cheeks turned a bright red.
“I think so”, Mrs. Monterey replied, “But do you think your son will mind that there’s a lot more of Yolie now?”
Mrs. Soto danced around the question, “I wouldn’t know to be honest, a shame though if not, he used to be crazy about Yolie when they were teenagers.”
“Well, I always liked your boy, he’s a hard worker and nice from what I remember”, Mrs. Monterey smiled, “It would be shame if he’s shallow or simply not interested in bigger girls.”
Yolanda took a step back, rubbing her face as Mrs. Monterey continued, “You let Steve know that it isn’t just her size that has changed. She’s not so vain anymore, and is in no shape to criticize her sisters or anyone else.”
Yolanda mumbled something incoherently, Mrs. Soto sighed, “Yeah, I could tell by sophomore year Yolie was getting to be arrogant, then she completely ignored Steve.”
Mrs. Monterey nodded, “Not only Steve but lots of her friends. But its amazing really, Yolanda has gotten nicer now that she doesn’t have that beautiful figure”, her mother paused to giggle.
“Had I known this sooner, how being heavy would have censored her attitude, I would have made good supply of second helpings at dinner time and started fattening her up well before high school.”
“Oh yes, Nancy, if Yolie had been a plump teenager she would never have become so conceited!” Mrs. Soto chuckled.
Mrs. Monterey turned around, making eye contact with Yolanda before patting her belly, “Conceited? Not with this big belly she’s not!”
Yolanda lowered her eyes, defensively folding her hands over her large paunchy belly.
Resuming her attention on Mrs. Soto, Mrs. Monterey doled out the facts, “I guess it was expected, all us women on my side of the family gain on the belly and hips, so I’m not surprised Yolie’s a butterball.”
The mothers laughed together, Mrs. Soto whimsically wisecracking as she slipped her phone back into her purse, “Yolie hasn’t discredited the genes, she has made up for lost time, all the weight finally caught up with her!”
Yolanda stood frozen, stunned by the conversation between the mothers, Mrs. Soto reached over and delicately brushed her fingertips across Yolanda’s cheek.
“Not all females when they gain weight get such a chubby face, you had those Spanish features, cheek bones and all”, Mrs. Soto uttered persuasively, “Thoroughly glamorous I once thought, a few extra pounds don’t usually make a hill of a difference but the changes to your face does agree with you. Makes you appear more docile, quiet in personality.”
Yolanda frowned, Mrs. Soto sensing she might have unintentionally ridiculed her, added with a smile, “But you’re cute, still very cute, just not so uniquely mesmerizing so to speak.”
“Like I’m pretty for a fat girl?” Yolanda huffed.
“Yolanda, don’t be rude, Mrs. Soto didn’t mean nothing of the kind!” Mrs. Monterey corrected her daughter, although that was exactly what the woman had meant.
Mrs. Soto chimed aloud, “I’ll give Steve your best!”
Mrs. Monterey candidly remarked, “You do that Denise, and please post those pictures on Facebook while you’re at it.”
Yolanda gawked at her mom, Mrs. Soto laughed, “Certainly, I’ll post them this afternoon!”
Mrs. Soto proceeded to hug Mrs. Monterey and then Yolanda, “How much does this girl weigh?” the thought skipped through her mind, “This girl is FAT!”
“Nice seeing you again, stop by and visit whenever you like”, Mrs. Soto commented to Yolanda, “Its nice having you fat…um, I meant back! Bye now!”
And with that Mrs. Soto turned to Mrs. Monterey, “See you soon!”
“Yes, right!, Mrs. Monterey concurred.
The females then broke company, Yolanda and mom drifting off down the opposite corridor of the mall.
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Yolanda’s mom waved her daughter on, “You’re a good sport letting Mrs. Soto take your pictures, after a while I know you won’t be so self-conscious about your size anymore. Matter of fact, baby, you’ll won’t think being a heavy chick is that big of a deal.”
Yolanda sniffled, sarcastically groaning, “I hope you’re satisfied, what’s Steve going to think of me?”
“Cheer up!” her mother giggled; “Now people won’t think you’re adopted anymore!”
Again Yolanda groaned but couldn’t think of a remark fast enough to show her displeasure at being teased, albeit her mother was quick with her wit, “The little sister finally caught up with her older sisters but now she’s the biggest sister!”
Mrs. Monterey laughed while Yolanda lowered her eyes and grunted, “You don’t have to remind me.”
Yolanda waddled behind her mother, unable to keep her pace, mom’s vitality surpassing her own.
“Let’s get some ice cream while we’re out!” Yolanda’s mom exclaimed rather joyfully, “I mean now you can have those big jumbo banana splits you love and without worrying about your figure.”
Yolanda shook her head in agreement, the thought of having a banana split was more than just tasty, she derived comfort from food, especially anything sweet.
Soon the females parked themselves down at a pleasant ice cream shop; Mrs. Monterey had a regular double scoop ice cream cone while Yolanda had the jumbo size banana split her mom had promised.
While nibbling Yolanda needed to inquire, “You really, really happy that I gained so much weight?”
Mrs. Monterey paused from her treat to acknowledge Yolanda’s query in a semi-stern tone, “You used to be a big flirt and tease…”
“Now I’m just big!” Yolanda interrupted her mom.
Mrs. Monterey giggled at Yolanda’s remark, subsequently finishing her statement, “Pumpkin, be realistic about this. You know darn well you were attracted to the wrong types of guys. Punks, and gang members, louts, plain and simple. Now you have to set your romantic goals on men with commendable values. Guys who steer clear of trouble and work hard. So to answer your question, and like I told Mrs. Soto, I wish you would have been chubby from early on.”
Yolanda didn’t mention it to her mom but she was right. Had she never entertained a relationship with Marco she would have remained cheesecake instead of a girl who readily desired to eat cheesecake.
Yolanda slurped away a big spoonful, brilliantly smiling as she chewed, “If it makes you feel better, momma, I learned from my mistakes.”
Mrs. Monterey blinked, “Pardon me?”
Yolanda engaged in another spoonful, rummaging through her thoughts to reply in a logical manner.
“Ah, I guess I realize how superficial and uppity I was back then, getting heavy makes me understand this, and I wish the same wish, momma. I wish I was always fat even more than you do.”
Mrs. Monterey looked at Yolanda with a dumbfounded gaze, taking a few seconds to digest her daughter’s strange statement.
“You feel that way, really?” Mrs. Monterey finally asked.
Yolanda gobbled up another ample spoonful, “Yeah, now I know what it feels like, the ridicule and feeling inadequate around skinny girls. It’s hard for me to deal with; if I was never thin to begin with it wouldn’t hurt so badly.”
“How could I be so insensitive, I apologize, Yolie”, Mrs. Monterey replied.
Yolanda slurped away another sample off the spoon, “Yeah, well please let’s get on like I’m always been as big as a house. And um….” Yolanda tilted her and blushed, “This ice cream is yummy but what about lunch? I’m starving here and have a taste for barbecue ribs!”
The mother and daughter giggled together, Yolanda adding, “You know I got an outrageous appetite!”
“Oh I’m quite sure about that!” Mrs. Monterey candidly chimed.
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