Jen wanted to head to the bathroom to get a better look at things but was too excited about eating with her face again. She was also very hungry since she had thrown up earlier. She quickly maneuvered through the crowd and met her friends in line. They were each given some mystery meat, veggies, potatoes, and a small pudding. Jen felt like celebrating. She snagged a chocolate milk from the cooler and quickly paid for her lunch.
Beth had made it to the table first and Jen met her soon after. She was too excited to wait for Suzy and Alex and began to shovel in the potatoes. They weren’t great, but she loved the feeling of food traveling down her throat. For that moment, the extra breast and leg meant nothing to her.
“Jeez Jen, you act like you’ve never eaten before...” Beth said, as Jen swallowed another spoon full.
The comment made her feel a little more self conscious and she slowed her pace. She still savored every bland bite, but tried not to look so happy about it.
Alex and Suzy met them a minute later.
“Are you girls excited for swim practice this evening?” Suzy asked.
As the other girls expressed interest, Jen’s heart sank.
“Swim practice...” She said, looking down at the strange pile of meat on her tray...
She had forgotten all about it...
“No...”
“What’s wrong Jen? Beth asked.
“I... I can’t go...” Jen replied.
All three girls now looked at her.
“Jen, you can’t miss another practice. You’ll be cut from the team.” Alex said with some urgency.
“Yea, we can’t afford to lose you. You’re our fastest swimmer.” Suzy added.
Jen had a bad habit of skipping practice and knew that they were right. Only a week prior, their coach had warned her that she couldn’t miss any more sessions or she’d be cut.
Before she could respond, Roy came up to their table...