Life of a College Grad - Part 6

The next day the sisters woke up, eager to enjoy their Christmas. They started their day with a big breakfast and then presents. Molly received mostly clothes, as that was really what she needed most. She also got some restaurant gift cards. Her mom loved cooking for her, but knew Molly loved to go out with Dakota, so she wanted to be supportive. Molly went and tried her clothes on. They all fit better than her current wardrobe, but they didn’t leave any room for growth. Both Molly and Janice hoped additional room for growth wasn’t needed, and that maybe in the new year, with a new job, she could start to shed some pounds, New Year's resolution style. They would both soon learn that her weight would only continue to climb.

Just like the day before, Christmas culminated in a big dinner for the family. Janice pulled out all the stops and holiday favorites. The table was loaded just as much if not more, and there was one less mouth to feed that night. Roxy noticed that Molly was almost in an eating trance, as her plate emptied before being refilled. It was then that she knew the new chubby Molly was here to stay. Her sister was hooked, and that was a hard thing to quit. With friends like Dakota around, it seemed she’d have very little reason to change her ways.

After several plates Roxy had to throw in the towel, but was shocked to see her smaller sister still going. She had moved from meats to vegetables, to bread, finishing off with desserts. It almost seemed like Molly’s stomach was endless. She had eaten so much she looked absolutely round, and even needed her sister's help up from the table. She was so stuffed at the end of the meal, but Roxy made sure she got into bed that night.

With Christmas leading right into the weekend, the sisters braved the outside world for the first time since vacation started. Dakota had kept them to their word about going out on an adventure. Having been reacquainted with Roxy, clearly a girl who enjoys a meal, she took the opportunity to take the sisters out to a bevy of eateries, stopping at bakeries, cafes, treat shops, chocolters, and ice cream parlors. Molly and Roxy were more than down to try any establishment that Dakota recommended. After a weekend of indulging the two sisters were stuffed to the brim.

As the work week came, Dakota returned to work, while Molly and Roxy returned to what they did best, eat. The gal squad had made further plans to get together for new years eve and count down to the new year together. Their week was uneventful, but the hype building up to new years was palpable. The girls chatted about what sort of treats they would bring to the party, progressively getting more and more excited due exclusively to the evening's menu.

Come the final night of the year they all gathered at Molly and Roxy’s house once again. This time instead of a Christmas feast, the house was full of all sorts of party treats. Apps like chicken tenders and potato skins, along with sweets like whoopie pies and cake. The girls were not shy about their appetites, Molly mostly brushing it off as some holiday indulgence. They focused more on their plates than the entertainment on the TV, but that was just how they liked it.

Conversation carried over from celebrities, to haunted mansions, and eventually on to everyone's new year’s resolutions and plans.

“So Roxy, what are you going to do after you graduate next year?” Dakota asked, waddling back with a plate of pizza and cheese sticks.

“Well part of me hopes to land a job right away, but the other part of me is thinking of taking a year off. You know, do that whole backpack across Europe thing, but just a bit more local.” Roxy answered.

“Well hopefully you just don’t end up jobless like your sister.” Dakota laughed.

“Hey!” Molly shouted, standing up for herself. “Come the new year, I’m going to get a job for sure. Places are just always cutting back towards the end of the year because of budgets. I’ll find a job easily soon.” Molly explained, finishing off her soda, and placing her empty plate in the rubble of trash that had built up beside her.

So enamored by food and conversation they almost didn’t realize that midnight was within spitting distance. “This is the last of the mozzarella sticks.” Roxy said entering the living room and plopping down in her spot on the couch. “Only one more cinnamon roll too if you want it sis.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” Molly peeled herself off the couch and sauntered into the kitchen, her bum eloquently swaying as she walked. As she came back, her entourage noticed she had much more on her plate than just a cinnamon roll. “Gosh, reserves in there are getting pretty low. No more tenders or cupcakes. What time is it?” She spied the clock on the wall behind the couch. “Holy cow, it’s five til midnight, we almost missed it!” Sitting back down she grabbed the remote and turned up the volume. All three girls gorged on their plates as they watched the final minutes of the year pass.

Officially in the new year it was finally time to call it a night. They all picked up the kitchen, and while Dakota took off, the sisters headed to bed.