The Plus Size Luna

CHAPTER 10

Maxine got home from school, her day chaotic from being one big ball of frustration and exhaustion. The library visit she had planned was scuttled by Coreen's whims; she had been relegated to carrying Coreen's bag and following her to the football field, where she had felt out of place and insignificant. A stressful day pressed from some distance away, and she sighed, somehow relieved as she swung their front door to the delicious aroma of food wafting from their kitchen.

Scarcely unnoticed by her sights as she passed by her, Maxine's mother was humming a tune that was loud to her ears as she settled near the back door. "Maxine, here you are! I am just preparing for snacks," she said, cheerfully, her voice loud, the afternoon's overwhelming heat nowhere could dampen her resolute welcome.

Maxine trudged into the kitchen, an aroma of fresh bread and savory fillings enveloping her like an embrace. Her mother was standing at the counter, in her flour-dusted apron, making sandwiches with a lot of detail. The colorful presentation of different vegetables, creamy spreads, and perfectly sliced meats displayed between slices of golden bread brought out utter contrast to the gloomy mood that Maxine carried into the room.

"What's this, Mom?" Maxine asked, her eyes widening in delight at the spread.

"It is just a small snack," her mother replied with a smile, putting a plate of sandwiches with a tall glass of brightly colored, homemade juice in her hand over the counter. "I made sandwiches and juice. I thought you'd be hungry after your long day."

Maxine's stomach betrayed her tiredness by rumbling, and she automatically went over to a sandwich and bit into it, chewing thoroughly the flavors of the crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tender chicken, real in themselves. Her mother's cooking had its way of putting rightness into the world. "These look amazing," she said, taking a generous bite.

Her mother chuckled; the sound seemed to make the kitchen feel that much more homely. "Well, you do know I like to make sure we eat well."

Maxine sighed, her eyes dropping back onto her plate. "I know, Mom. It's just. sometimes I feel like I'm not like you. You're so slim and beautiful."

Her mother stopped and regarded her thoughtfully. "Why would you say that, Maxine?"

"I don't know. Sometimes I wonder if I was adopted or something," Maxine confided, obviously a little sad in her voice. "You look so perfect, and then there's me, struggling with my weight and self-image."

Her mother's expression softened, her hand raised toward Maxine, holding hers effortlessly, warmly, and reassuring. "You're not adopted, sweetie. You are my daughter, and you inherit more than just my looks. You're smart, kind, got a big heart. It's just a matter of trusting yourself and the process.

Maxine met her mother's eyes and found their truthfulness. The touch in her mother's arms, gentle and warming, and the true feeling in her voice, indeed softened some of the burdens that had descended on her chest. 'Thanks, Mom. I appreciate that.

Her mother went on with the snacks, and they continued talking about the events of the day. Some funny stories she told, regarding her own place of work, when Maxine was trying to narrate her detailed story of today's problematic day. This got so comforting that it turned out to become her small haven from the bitter storm of emotions.

Once she had eaten her fill, her mother sent her to work. "Maxine, would you take this plate of sandwiches up to your brother? It's a little bonding time for you two."

The familiar groan of resistance swelled up inside of Maxine, but she had learned better than to argue with her mother's request. "Do I have to?"

Her mother had a proud yet expectant gleam in her eyes. "Yes, you should connect with him. It'll be good for both of you.

Maxine had reluctantly agreed, weighed down by how heavy the meal felt in her stomach, as she went up the stairs to Alph's room. Each step felt heavier with the problem on her shoulders, and she just couldn't help but flash upon that really strange encounter she had earlier with Alph. The picture of his shirtless form and concern in his eyes played in her head, making her stomach churn slightly.

She hesitated just outside Alph's door before knocking lightly. "Alph?"

"Come in," was the response of the person from inside. Maxine collected herself and turned the knob before slightly pushing the door open. She was up for a sight that she most definitely had not anticipated: Alph, in his room, wearing nothing but shorts. The washboard abs reflected indifferently from his tanned skin, while his biceps and chest were perfectly outlined with defined muscles. This sent a bright blush to Maxine's cheeks.

"Um, h-hello," said Maxine, her voice shaking. "My m-mom made these sandwiches and asked me to b-bring them over to you."

Alph hesitated a little but then burst into a smile. "Thanks to Miss Hart thank you as well,"

He reached over and took the plate away from her, his fingers brushing hers for a split second. Maxine felt electric at the touch; her face must have turned even redder than it was. Alph took a bite of the sandwich, smiling at the taste. "It's good. Thanks again."

He kept eating but seemed to realize something was up with her. "Are you alright? You look a little… red.

Maxine didn't look up. She stared at some spot on the floor. "I'm okay..."

Alph nodded and showed that he was clearly worried. "In case you need anything, or Coreen gets on your nerves, just say the word."

Maxine was a bit surprised to hear him say that. "It's okay. You don't have to bring trouble to yourself."

His face was very serious. "It's okay. I don't like it when Coreen acts like that."

"A-alright," Maxine answered, her heart warmed by his words. "Will keep that in mind."

Deciding to go away, Alph said, "Maxine, just let me know anything you need. Okay?"

"Okay," Maxine painstakingly said. "Will keep that in mind."

With a mix of relief and curiosity, she stepped out of the room. The kindness bestowed upon her by Alph wasn't expected at all but was appreciated all the same. Going downstairs, she did so with a new gush of hope, even against all chances. Just from this one visit alone from her brother, she felt slightly supported, a glimmer of hope against all that she had been bearing.

Her mother sat in the living room, awaiting her return, with a warm smile. "Well, how did it go?

"It went well," Maxine replied, a bit of that half-smile hanging out there. "Alph was really nice and concerned over how I've been feeling."

Her mother's face alight with approval, she added, "I'm glad to hear that. It's nice to know you have some support, even when things are tough."

Maxine nodded, feeling a bit more grounded. "Yeah, it is."

Later in the evening, Maxine found herself looking into the mirror of her bedroom. She gazed at every curve and imperfection that allowed insecurity to set in. She then ran her eyes over the lines of her body, noting those areas in which she felt she did not live up to her own ideals.

She whispered softly to the reflections in the mirror, her voice shaking slightly. "Oh Maxine, if you only could see yourself now, everything would be fixed. Maybe?"

The words, merging with the chat earlier with her mother and her encounter with Alph, were rattling around in her head. Why had he been so kind to her? She wondered if his concern was because of a brotherly instinct or if there was anything more to it. But maybe he only looked upon her as his sister, and his actions toward her were brotherly. She tried to convince the voice within her that his gentleness was only an instinctive reaction in perceiving another human being in misery.