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Description
Day 7

[TFs: MtF, FtM]

Day 7:
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Mack slaps his alarm off with a smile. While tired from the few hours of sleep, he is still a little awake. He tries to remember what he dreamed about but nothing comes but a smile. Well, whatever it was must have been happy.

The shower washes away the remnants of sleep for now. Continuing his morning routine, he heads out and grabs a bite to eat. He checks outside but the paper isn't there, yet.

Mack hears the sound of yawning. Turning he sees his dad wiping his sleepy eyes, “Oh Mack. You're up. Can't sleep?” Mack gets a strange sense of deja vu.

“No. I need to go in to work early,”

“Oh really? Since you're up, could you --” His dad yawns and finishes the rest in a yawn, “ghet meee ah coughfee?” The feeling of doing this before returns with a vengeance. Where has this happened before?

“Sure, Dad, I'm waiting for the newspaper to get here,” he says as he heads to the kitchen.

“Oh? It's not here yet,” he calls after his son, “It should arrive by the time coffee is done.”

“Okay,” Mack says as he fills the machine with water. Then they lapse into silence as the coffee brews.

Since Dad isn't quite awake yet, maybe this would be a good time to find out why he doesn't like the Maid to Order Cafe. They have been giving me such vague answers. “Hey Dad,” he starts as he rounds the corner. Seeing his father turn his attention to him Mack continues, “So, I’m working on a new job, and you and mom are scared of this place that I’m working at—”

“I’m not scared,” he interrupts, “I’m concerned.”

Not what I wanted. Just keep going. “Right,” he says agreeing, “But you guys are kinda vague on the dangers at my workplace. I’m not seeing—”

His dad starts looking uncomfortable as he speaks up, “It’s not dangerous per se.” It’s like he realizes what he’s saying, so he backpedals, “But you need to be careful there.”

Mack walks into the kitchen to mask his disappointment. Crap. He’s still not telling me anything. Returning with the coffee, he tries again, “Being careful is like saying that there is danger to avoid. I’m just seeing nice waitresses. What do I need to watch out for?”

All sorts of emotions flash across his father’s face, including sadness, as his mouth opens and closes before he finally stops to say, “just. be. careful.” Then he heads back the way he came to his room.

Mack retrieves the newspaper and checks the ads for a few minutes before leaving. That conversation did not fill me with confidence, he thinks as he drives to the gym.

The red head receptionist that Beth knows is there. She cards him. Mack looks around but doesn’t see Beth anywhere. He slips into the unisex restroom and switches into Kenzie making sure to wear the black and white choker that her boss gave her the day before. I hope I’m ready for this, she thinks as she steps out of the room.

One last look confirms that Beth didn’t arrive while she was in there. She heads to work hoping that whatever it is won’t be too bad.

Then she steps into the locker room.

Eight maids are looking back at her. Behind them is Miss McNamara. “Close the door, Kenzie,” she instructs, “Your initiation begins now.”

Kenzie does as she’s told. She turns back to find Liz rubbing her hands together in eager anticipation. Beth nudges her and she stops. The boss gives her a moment to survey her co-workers before asking, “Ready?”

Not trusting her racing, nervous heart to not spill out of her mouth, she just nods. “Then strip.” Kenzie does so, as slow as she can while looking up to the faces. Some are excited, others compassionate. She reaches for her collar as the last piece to go, but receives a sharp shake of the head. So, she leaves it on.

“The first step of the initiation,” Miss McNamara says as she walks toward Kenzie. The maids part to let her through. It’s then that Kenzie sees something in her hand, even if she can’t make out what it is. It gets lifted up toward her as it approaches. It’s a translucent circle with a small dot in the center. “is for each of us to put these anywhere we want on your body.” Miss McNamara cradles her neck, and Kenzie feels something stick there. She assumes it’s the circular sticker she just had in her hand.

Raising her other fist that is holding something she continues, “Each of those are attuned to one of these.” She opens her hand to show Kenzie the lipstick tube with a red button on one end. “When you press the button,” she does so, “It triggers a small electrical discharge.” Kenzie shivers as a chill goes down her spine. She realizes the boss put it there, on purpose, for that effect.

Liz pulls Beth up next. They step behind Kenzie. When she tries to turn to see what they are doing she gets a scolding from both of them, “Nuh, uh, uh.” “No moving.” She hears more moving before her two butt cheeks get slapped. She feels the adhesive of the pieces as the twins move more and come out on different sides of her. “Now you won’t know, who is which one.” “I hope it doesn’t drive you crazy.”

Carlotta is next and places hers between Kenzie’s breasts. After the placement, she steps back and clasps her hands in the same location on herself. “I believe we are going to be Corazon Camaradas.” Sanja saunters up next putting hers on Kenzie’s belly button. Then she winks and sashays back without a word.

Vivi takes her turn and approaches. “Leg up.” Kenzie is not sure what she wants, lifts her right leg. Vivi slaps hers on the underside of the foot. “Remember not to step on the little people.”

As the little girl returns, Kenzie notices that the french maid with the platinum hair whose name escapes her is there. When did she get here? “I will do ze ozer foot.” Other foot. Right. Soon the left sole has one, too.

Next, the Asian looking Wanda comes up. Kenzie is taken aback as she is seeing her awake and slow for the first time. She is pretty. No wonder they pick her for the statue. She is broken out of her thoughts by a slight sting to her right breast. The crowd murmurs their dissent. She turns back to them and explains, “Well, someone had to do it.”

A couple of voices answer her, “We said not to go there with Kenzie.” This comforts Kenzie a little. People want me to succeed.

“When was this?”

“At our meeting.”

“And I was there?” They shake their heads. Wanda turns back to her. Instead of removing it, she makes a heavy rock gesture and admonishes Kenzie, “Just keep rockin’ like you usually do. You’ll do fine.” Kenzie’s mind is full of questions, I rock? When would she see that?

As she returns to the group, Rosie comes forward. She grasps Kezie’s hand and shakes it. “It’ll be good to work with you. I hope you make it.” Then she rejoins the rest. Wasn’t she going to put one of the stickers on me? Is she skipping?

But Kenzie doesn’t have long to wonder about that. Miss McNamara comes forward again, this time with a standard issue uniform and hands it to her with the instruction, “Now it is time to get you dressed.”

As if that was the cue, everyone springs forward and grabs a piece of the outfit. Kenzie’s senses are assaulted as many hands grab, move her, and, in general, clothe her like a doll. When the flurry of movement slows and the pats and straightening ends, they all step aside to reveal the boss again.

“It’s time for the final part of the initiation. Come this way,” she says as she turns on heel and exits the locker room. The rest of the team follows leaving Kenzie, Beth, and Carly.

What did they do to me, Kenzie wonders. She tries to ask, “What—”

She gets cut off by a sad shake of Beth’s head. It’s obvious that Beth wants to tell her. Carly adds, “You’ll know soon enough.” She also wants to say more.

As Kenzie takes her first step she realizes that her body is not right. Her legs and feet walk, but there is something more. I’m sluggish? Looking down at her legs, she spots the difference. They are more flabby like Beth’s. In fact, from what she can see, she is a little more endowed, everywhere.

Without a mirror, she can’t see what her face looks like. She does the only thing she can think of and feels her hair. It is straight and reaches to her shoulders. Pulling a lock into sight, she sees out of the corner of her eye that it is black.

She breaks out of her self-examination to find that she is between Carly and Beth and they are leading her to the dining room. “Just remember,” Beth whispers in her ear,” That everyone wants you to succeed.”

That’s all she gets before they step out of the front door to her co-workers surrounding something. A gentle push directs her to enter the circle of bodies. As she passes through, she sees the fishbowl. Open. With no one in it.

Kenzie’s eyes dart to Wanda who shakes her head. She looks around the circle. All of them shake their heads as if they are reading her mind. Oh crap. They want me to go in there. Then she realizes, I haven’t been in a tight place before! I hope I’m not claustrophobic.

“Ready,” Miss McNamara asks. It’s Kenzie’s turn to give a mute nod. With most of them shielding her from the rest of the world, they guide her hands and arms into their respective slots. However, three fourths of the way in, she discovers a problem. “My arms are too big.” The group chuckles at this and they press harder on her causing her arms to slide in bits at a time.

Her shoes fit in the bottom like they were made for that spot. Then the back begins to close. I’m! I’m too big. The door hits her rump before it reaches the latches. Her hips and torso try to squeeze out the sides. Before it is even shut, her body is pressing against her breasts which are already against the front.

It takes effort and most of the crew to close and lock the transparent shell, trapping Kenzie inside. Kenzie feels her surroundings, since her face is stuck inside the clear mask, unable to do anything but look to the street and sidewalk in front of her. Every piece of her body is either pressed together or against the sides of this thing. There is no room to even wiggle.

Her brain sees movement, so her eyes focus enough to see the twins looking at her. The clear, bent material, that is keeping her captive, distorts the images enough so she can’t read the nametags. Not that it matters at this point. They both make big gestures with their hands before pushing their respective buttons. The muscles in her butt cheeks spasm. Kenzie wants to squirm, but there is no room for it. She is completely helpless.

They do a few more before the one on the left heads in first, and the second enters behind waving at Kenzie. Rosie approaches and gives her no mind. She checks something at Kenzie’s hands and lower, sometimes licking her thumb and rubbing or pulling out a marker and writing. Never once does she make eye contact, but as she re-enters Kenzie feels her right palm get zapped.

She did put one on me after all. Sneaky girl. And then nothing. Well, nothing visually. Kenzie gets bored of watching people walk by her and the restaurant and cars driving past. It is a little exciting wondering if they’ll discover me.

On the other hand, various parts of her body keep getting shocked. Foot, Butt, Butt, Butt, Butt, Heart, Other foot, Butt, Hand, Butt, Breast, Butt, Neck, Butt, Butt, Butt, Heart, Butt, Breast. The whole day goes in this pattern.

Kenzie wants to calm her stimulated body, even take off the infernal irritants, but she is locked and can’t move save the twitching muscles. Arg! This is soooooo... She closes her eyes in frustration, not that there is anything new to see. Also the sun is blinding her and the people are moving silhouettes.

She opens her eyes again. Nothing. Nothing to see. Nothing to do. If something doesn’t change soon, I’m going to go crazy. Kenzie tries another line of thinking just to get her mind off the subject, How does Wanda do this? Every day, she adds as an afterthought as she closes her blinded eyes again.

Then she remembers helping Wanda into the fishbowl. Her arms slid in without any trouble. But mine got stuck. A sudden thought tries to join the conversation, but she pushes it away with a, No. I refuse to think it. Then she remembers helping Vivi and Mary Jo pull Wanda out. She just slid out.

The thought she pushed away comes back again, Wanda doesn’t have to go through this. You know she’s not as plump as you are right now. You didn’t have to squeeze her in like they did to you. Anger starts to build. How could they do this to me?

Taunting her, it continues, Not only did they do this to you, but they put you on display for everyone to see your fat body.

How could they, she agrees with herself disgusted at those she works with. She clenches her fingers. Mom and Dad are right. This is a horrible place to work. Why did I even agree to this? The moment they let me out of here, I am gone.

She has an epiphany. That's it! I just have to get someone to free me. I just have to get someone's attention. She feels sweat trickling down her arm. and soon she adds, It's getting warm in here.

She tries to frown, but her lips are locked into position by a smiling mouth indention. The same is true for her nose. No wiggling there. In fact, all she seems to be able to do with her face is open and close her eyes.

So, that's what she does. Sometimes she blinks in rapid succession as a group approaches. It works some. A few people come close and examine her. All of them leave and she hears a heavily muffled “That is an amazing statue.” A few walk into the restaurant.

No! Notice me. Get me out of here, she tries to say but her lips are stuck. “Mmmm, mmmm, mmm!” No one notices. Must be soundproofed. Arg! She tries and tries. Her hope fading with each attempt.

When all hope is gone, she redoubles her efforts. Please free me, she sends out. Please read my thoughts and free me. The outcome is the same as before. Most walk past, but a couple enter the cafe.

Why won't someone help me? Can't you see I'm in trouble here, she rages at those that pass her by.

All the perspiration on her body causes the shocks to spread their influence. Larger areas twitch as each one comes. Butt, Butt, Heart, Butt, Foot, Butt, Butt, Breast, Belly button, Butt.

Maybe this will get them to see me. Frustrated, she tries to shake her prison. There's no space to move, but her arms slide a little.

The anger melts away as something else takes its place. I'm never going to get out of here, she grouses, What if they forget about me and leave me here all night.

Then her mind laughs at her. Are you done yet?

Puzzled, confused, and pouting, she asks, What? What do you mean?

Don't you remember what Beth said?

Her mental eye takes over and transforms what she is seeing. She is walking through the dining room toward the front door. Momma Carly in front. “Just remember,” Beth whispers in her ear,” That everyone wants you to succeed.” What did Beth say, she asks herself.

That they want me to beat this, she mumbles back at herself, not happy that her mixture of emotions is being attacked.

Who wants, she asks herself with a giggle.

Everybody.

That's right. Now would your friends, who want you to win, leave you here a moment longer than necessary?

Kenzie feels a little encouraged by this, No.

And what about this? Kenzie finds herself in the locker room again. Wanda is looking at her. Most of the rest of the faces behind her are appalled. They cry out, “We said not to go there with Kenzie.” Why would they say that?

Before she can answer, a third side, this one unhappy, pipes up, Okay, logic and reason, explain all the zapping, then. How is that all, Neutral Kenzie can practically see Angry Kenzie making air quotes as it talks in a sarcastic tone, 'happy and wonderful?'

The positive voice makes a sweeping gesture, if a voice can do that. Kenzie sees a sweaty Beth with a towel on her shoulders standing near a rowing machine. Her face leans close and her mouth begins moving. Beth looks both ways then the sound kicks in, “We all went through it and it won't hurt. And it'll be a way for you to know how much we think of you.”. I think it's pretty obvious what method they are using.

Like turning on a switch, Neutral Kenzie feels the shocks again. Butt, butt, butt, butt, heart, butt, butt, butt, other foot, butt, butt, belly button ... Realization comes to her, drowning out everything else, So ... when ... I feel a shock ... they’re thinking of me?

Hee hee hee. Yup. And Liz and Beth must think of you aLOT.

Okay, she thinks. She'd rub her chin if she could. Instead her fingers twitch inside the digit holes and her wrist bumps the back as well. “What can I do with this information?”

As she ponders this, she realizes that the sun is higher in the sky. In fact, she can't see it, but judging from the way she is getting warmer on her scalp than the rest of her, It must be near noon.

Well, with the sun no longer in my eyes. Maybe I can think of them, too. As she tries to figure out how this will work, she sees Sanja deliver a table by the window. She feels her belly button go off. Thank you, Sanja.

Not long after, her breast gets zapped and Wanda serves a table next to Sanja's followed by a sighting of Carly on the other side. She makes a grand gesture that ends with the back of her hand touching her forehead and a boop to her heart zone. They're thinking of me, Kenzie smiles a little bigger because of this.

Butt, butt, butt, butt, butt. Heh heh heh. I should do something about that. She remembers them leaving her. The one that left second and waved at her, she names Beth. Since Beth was on her right, Kenzie labels the right cheek buzz as Beth's. The other she gives to Liz.

I may not be able to do anything, but I can play games. Her eyes focus on the people walking by. I know! I'll see how many go in versus walk by. She starts counting. Much to her disappointment, not many people go in.

Then she feels a buzz on her foot. Oh yeah. I bet Vivi could use a customer. She starts throwing her thoughts at the passerbys. Go inside. Vivi needs someone.

A woman stops and goes in. Yes! Success!

Heart. Oh yeah. You, she mentally points to a guy in the crowd, Go in and let Carly serve you. He keeps walking. No, you, she aims her thoughts and eyes at another, Get served by Carlotta. After a couple of attempts, someone goes in.

Hand. Rosie, she blasts to a crowd headed her way, Someone go in. Rosie needs you. A man in a suit rubs his stomach before heading in. Yes! Point for me. With each bystander she convinces, she gets more excited. Pretty soon she is bouncing on her toes and bumping her head on the top.

The day continues on like this until the sky cycles through various pretty colors to black. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees the sign flip. She's not sure, but she thinks it is Miss McNamara that turned it. Almost time.

One at a time, the customers, that Kenzie is sure she sent in, come back out with a smile. Then her co-workers flow out the front door, several with nervous expressions on their faces. Then as one, they all raise a fist and Kenzie feels all of the pads fire at the same time, electrifying her body.

In a haze, she hears dim clicks of the latches being released. Weak from standing for hours, Kenzie falls backward as the back is removed. Her hands and arms offer no resistance as she comes out.

Arms catch her, slowing then stopping her descent. Kenzie finds herself looking up at Wanda and Rosie. “Wow. It's been a while since I was on this side,” says the usual statue.

Two smaller hands round out the six on her back. Vivi calls from behind her, “Could you ladies lift her up now?” They turn her away from the fishbowl and the blond french maid and Liz each grab a hand. Still dazed while upright, Kenzie sways on her feet.

No one says a word as if they are expecting something. When nothing happens for a while, the boss breaks the silence with, “So, what do you think?”

Sanja calls from somewhere nearby, “Dink? Are chu looking at her? She is in sensory overload.”

“Bring her into my office,” orders the boss, “and someone get her some clothes.” Then all goes to black.

When Kenzie comes to again, she is in a chair in the office. Her body is still vibrating but less so now. She gives herself a once over. She is in her casual clothes that she wore this morning and in her morning shape as well.

“Feeling better?” The voice causes Kenzie to break out of her self evaluation and look up to see Miss McNamara behind her desk.

Kenzie nods, “A little.” She squirms a little in her seat.

“It will take a while for that to wear off.” She pauses for a moment, “Now you see why it is so rough for guys.” Kenzie nods again. Miss McNamara chuckles a little, “Can you imagine trying that a week ago?”

Kenzie shakes her head, “I'd have never survived.” She squirms a little more, this time from the wet spot she is sitting on.

“Yeah,” she agrees, “So, now you've done everything except sign the contract. Are you ready?”

“Uh huh,” Kenzie stands and steps forward with a look back to where she was sitting. There is a big, wet spot on the upholstery.

“Don't worry about that. It happens to everyone who goes through the initiation. Usually it happens in the locker room, but I had them bring you in here. It's my fault.” She clears her throat and slides the paper forward, “Here's the contract.”

Kenzie reaches for the pen and moves the pen to sign it, but stops short, “What's in the contract?”

“It's a pretty standard contract. You work your shift. You get paid. Uniform requirement. Work duties. You won't sue me. It's essentially what you would find at any job.”

“But this isn't just any job. There's magic here,” Kenzie asks concerned.

“Seriously. There's nothing fishy about this contract. No binding loopholes. No trapping mechanisms. If you want to quit, you can quit. If you don't work well, I can fire you. But I don't see that happening with how well you work. Plus there's even maternity leave. Janet's using hers right now.”

Miss McNamara stands to make her point, “Look. I've had employees here for decades under this same contract. Do you see them complaining or trying to get out of their contract?”

“No. Sorry. I'm. I'm just nervous about signing another contract. Bad things happen.”

“Don't worry, Kenzie. You'll be a part of a family here. We take care of our own. We have no turnover here because everyone wants to stay. There's a reason for that. And I know you are already figuring out the reason why.”

The boss taps the paper on her desk, “How about signing the contract?”

Kenzie puts pen to paper and signs it. Her arms get pinned to her sides as she gets enveloped in a bear hug, “Welcome to the family. Now you know the first secret, the secret of the initiation.” Kenzie melts into the arms and hugs back as tight as she can.
--===--

Kenzie walks back through the locker room to her car. Everyone is gone. How long was I out?

Upon reaching the gym, she gets glomped. “Kenzie! Welcome aboard!” Beth pauses and looks at Kenzie, “You did sign, right?”

“Yeah,” she says with a little smile.

“Great! Then I have just the thing,” she says dragging Kenzie away from the unisex bathroom she was headed for.

Deeper in the gym, beyond the exercise equipment, Kenzie finds herself in a hall of doors. They enter one near the end and find a empty counter. Beth walks behind it and grabs two towels, “What size are you?” Kenzie rattles off some of the number Sanja mentioned the other day when they were shopping.

Beth grabs two one piece swimsuits with a three 'F' logo on them. “Loaner suits,” she explains, “At this hour no one is coming here to lend them to us.”

Back into the hall then into another door, Kenzie arrives in a locker room. Beth hands her a towel and swimsuit and then begins to change. Kenzie does the same. A thought comes to her, “Beth, why was it so easy for Wanda to get in and out of the fishbowl but not me?”

“Oh, that. Well, we have two outfits, the 'bear' suit and the 'camel' suit. Wanda wears the bear uniform that lets her hibernate all day. It slows her heart and her breathing. You got the camel uniform. It gave you extra food and water in your body causing you to look fat. But did you notice that as the day went on you had more movement and didn't need to eat or drink? Your body was consuming the extra. That's how you came out easier than you went in.”

“Oh. That makes sense.”

Soon they are in the other room in a spa. “Let it out. Let it all out. And relax. You'll be back to normal in no time.”

Between getting up early and the warm water, Kenzie falls asleep quick. Beth wakes her up, “Kenzie. The gym is closing soon. We need to get dressed and go home.”

She stands up out of the bubbling water and does as she is told. Beth is right. I feel great. On their way out they drop their dirty rentals in the hamper and say their goodbyes.

Once he gets home, Mack goes to sleep thinking all is right with the world.

Description
Day 7

[TFs: MtF, FtM]

Day 7:
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Mack slaps his alarm off with a smile. While tired from the few hours of sleep, he is still a little awake. He tries to remember what he dreamed about but nothing comes but a smile. Well, whatever it was must have been happy.

The shower washes away the remnants of sleep for now. Continuing his morning routine, he heads out and grabs a bite to eat. He checks outside but the paper isn't there, yet.

Mack hears the sound of yawning. Turning he sees his dad wiping his sleepy eyes, “Oh Mack. You're up. Can't sleep?” Mack gets a strange sense of deja vu.

“No. I need to go in to work early,”

“Oh really? Since you're up, could you --” His dad yawns and finishes the rest in a yawn, “ghet meee ah coughfee?” The feeling of doing this before returns with a vengeance. Where has this happened before?

“Sure, Dad, I'm waiting for the newspaper to get here,” he says as he heads to the kitchen.

“Oh? It's not here yet,” he calls after his son, “It should arrive by the time coffee is done.”

“Okay,” Mack says as he fills the machine with water. Then they lapse into silence as the coffee brews.

Since Dad isn't quite awake yet, maybe this would be a good time to find out why he doesn't like the Maid to Order Cafe. They have been giving me such vague answers. “Hey Dad,” he starts as he rounds the corner. Seeing his father turn his attention to him Mack continues, “So, I’m working on a new job, and you and mom are scared of this place that I’m working at—”

“I’m not scared,” he interrupts, “I’m concerned.”

Not what I wanted. Just keep going. “Right,” he says agreeing, “But you guys are kinda vague on the dangers at my workplace. I’m not seeing—”

His dad starts looking uncomfortable as he speaks up, “It’s not dangerous per se.” It’s like he realizes what he’s saying, so he backpedals, “But you need to be careful there.”

Mack walks into the kitchen to mask his disappointment. Crap. He’s still not telling me anything. Returning with the coffee, he tries again, “Being careful is like saying that there is danger to avoid. I’m just seeing nice waitresses. What do I need to watch out for?”

All sorts of emotions flash across his father’s face, including sadness, as his mouth opens and closes before he finally stops to say, “just. be. careful.” Then he heads back the way he came to his room.

Mack retrieves the newspaper and checks the ads for a few minutes before leaving. That conversation did not fill me with confidence, he thinks as he drives to the gym.

The red head receptionist that Beth knows is there. She cards him. Mack looks around but doesn’t see Beth anywhere. He slips into the unisex restroom and switches into Kenzie making sure to wear the black and white choker that her boss gave her the day before. I hope I’m ready for this, she thinks as she steps out of the room.

One last look confirms that Beth didn’t arrive while she was in there. She heads to work hoping that whatever it is won’t be too bad.

Then she steps into the locker room.

Eight maids are looking back at her. Behind them is Miss McNamara. “Close the door, Kenzie,” she instructs, “Your initiation begins now.”

Kenzie does as she’s told. She turns back to find Liz rubbing her hands together in eager anticipation. Beth nudges her and she stops. The boss gives her a moment to survey her co-workers before asking, “Ready?”

Not trusting her racing, nervous heart to not spill out of her mouth, she just nods. “Then strip.” Kenzie does so, as slow as she can while looking up to the faces. Some are excited, others compassionate. She reaches for her collar as the last piece to go, but receives a sharp shake of the head. So, she leaves it on.

“The first step of the initiation,” Miss McNamara says as she walks toward Kenzie. The maids part to let her through. It’s then that Kenzie sees something in her hand, even if she can’t make out what it is. It gets lifted up toward her as it approaches. It’s a translucent circle with a small dot in the center. “is for each of us to put these anywhere we want on your body.” Miss McNamara cradles her neck, and Kenzie feels something stick there. She assumes it’s the circular sticker she just had in her hand.

Raising her other fist that is holding something she continues, “Each of those are attuned to one of these.” She opens her hand to show Kenzie the lipstick tube with a red button on one end. “When you press the button,” she does so, “It triggers a small electrical discharge.” Kenzie shivers as a chill goes down her spine. She realizes the boss put it there, on purpose, for that effect.

Liz pulls Beth up next. They step behind Kenzie. When she tries to turn to see what they are doing she gets a scolding from both of them, “Nuh, uh, uh.” “No moving.” She hears more moving before her two butt cheeks get slapped. She feels the adhesive of the pieces as the twins move more and come out on different sides of her. “Now you won’t know, who is which one.” “I hope it doesn’t drive you crazy.”

Carlotta is next and places hers between Kenzie’s breasts. After the placement, she steps back and clasps her hands in the same location on herself. “I believe we are going to be Corazon Camaradas.” Sanja saunters up next putting hers on Kenzie’s belly button. Then she winks and sashays back without a word.

Vivi takes her turn and approaches. “Leg up.” Kenzie is not sure what she wants, lifts her right leg. Vivi slaps hers on the underside of the foot. “Remember not to step on the little people.”

As the little girl returns, Kenzie notices that the french maid with the platinum hair whose name escapes her is there. When did she get here? “I will do ze ozer foot.” Other foot. Right. Soon the left sole has one, too.

Next, the Asian looking Wanda comes up. Kenzie is taken aback as she is seeing her awake and slow for the first time. She is pretty. No wonder they pick her for the statue. She is broken out of her thoughts by a slight sting to her right breast. The crowd murmurs their dissent. She turns back to them and explains, “Well, someone had to do it.”

A couple of voices answer her, “We said not to go there with Kenzie.” This comforts Kenzie a little. People want me to succeed.

“When was this?”

“At our meeting.”

“And I was there?” They shake their heads. Wanda turns back to her. Instead of removing it, she makes a heavy rock gesture and admonishes Kenzie, “Just keep rockin’ like you usually do. You’ll do fine.” Kenzie’s mind is full of questions, I rock? When would she see that?

As she returns to the group, Rosie comes forward. She grasps Kezie’s hand and shakes it. “It’ll be good to work with you. I hope you make it.” Then she rejoins the rest. Wasn’t she going to put one of the stickers on me? Is she skipping?

But Kenzie doesn’t have long to wonder about that. Miss McNamara comes forward again, this time with a standard issue uniform and hands it to her with the instruction, “Now it is time to get you dressed.”

As if that was the cue, everyone springs forward and grabs a piece of the outfit. Kenzie’s senses are assaulted as many hands grab, move her, and, in general, clothe her like a doll. When the flurry of movement slows and the pats and straightening ends, they all step aside to reveal the boss again.

“It’s time for the final part of the initiation. Come this way,” she says as she turns on heel and exits the locker room. The rest of the team follows leaving Kenzie, Beth, and Carly.

What did they do to me, Kenzie wonders. She tries to ask, “What—”

She gets cut off by a sad shake of Beth’s head. It’s obvious that Beth wants to tell her. Carly adds, “You’ll know soon enough.” She also wants to say more.

As Kenzie takes her first step she realizes that her body is not right. Her legs and feet walk, but there is something more. I’m sluggish? Looking down at her legs, she spots the difference. They are more flabby like Beth’s. In fact, from what she can see, she is a little more endowed, everywhere.

Without a mirror, she can’t see what her face looks like. She does the only thing she can think of and feels her hair. It is straight and reaches to her shoulders. Pulling a lock into sight, she sees out of the corner of her eye that it is black.

She breaks out of her self-examination to find that she is between Carly and Beth and they are leading her to the dining room. “Just remember,” Beth whispers in her ear,” That everyone wants you to succeed.”

That’s all she gets before they step out of the front door to her co-workers surrounding something. A gentle push directs her to enter the circle of bodies. As she passes through, she sees the fishbowl. Open. With no one in it.

Kenzie’s eyes dart to Wanda who shakes her head. She looks around the circle. All of them shake their heads as if they are reading her mind. Oh crap. They want me to go in there. Then she realizes, I haven’t been in a tight place before! I hope I’m not claustrophobic.

“Ready,” Miss McNamara asks. It’s Kenzie’s turn to give a mute nod. With most of them shielding her from the rest of the world, they guide her hands and arms into their respective slots. However, three fourths of the way in, she discovers a problem. “My arms are too big.” The group chuckles at this and they press harder on her causing her arms to slide in bits at a time.

Her shoes fit in the bottom like they were made for that spot. Then the back begins to close. I’m! I’m too big. The door hits her rump before it reaches the latches. Her hips and torso try to squeeze out the sides. Before it is even shut, her body is pressing against her breasts which are already against the front.

It takes effort and most of the crew to close and lock the transparent shell, trapping Kenzie inside. Kenzie feels her surroundings, since her face is stuck inside the clear mask, unable to do anything but look to the street and sidewalk in front of her. Every piece of her body is either pressed together or against the sides of this thing. There is no room to even wiggle.

Her brain sees movement, so her eyes focus enough to see the twins looking at her. The clear, bent material, that is keeping her captive, distorts the images enough so she can’t read the nametags. Not that it matters at this point. They both make big gestures with their hands before pushing their respective buttons. The muscles in her butt cheeks spasm. Kenzie wants to squirm, but there is no room for it. She is completely helpless.

They do a few more before the one on the left heads in first, and the second enters behind waving at Kenzie. Rosie approaches and gives her no mind. She checks something at Kenzie’s hands and lower, sometimes licking her thumb and rubbing or pulling out a marker and writing. Never once does she make eye contact, but as she re-enters Kenzie feels her right palm get zapped.

She did put one on me after all. Sneaky girl. And then nothing. Well, nothing visually. Kenzie gets bored of watching people walk by her and the restaurant and cars driving past. It is a little exciting wondering if they’ll discover me.

On the other hand, various parts of her body keep getting shocked. Foot, Butt, Butt, Butt, Butt, Heart, Other foot, Butt, Hand, Butt, Breast, Butt, Neck, Butt, Butt, Butt, Heart, Butt, Breast. The whole day goes in this pattern.

Kenzie wants to calm her stimulated body, even take off the infernal irritants, but she is locked and can’t move save the twitching muscles. Arg! This is soooooo... She closes her eyes in frustration, not that there is anything new to see. Also the sun is blinding her and the people are moving silhouettes.

She opens her eyes again. Nothing. Nothing to see. Nothing to do. If something doesn’t change soon, I’m going to go crazy. Kenzie tries another line of thinking just to get her mind off the subject, How does Wanda do this? Every day, she adds as an afterthought as she closes her blinded eyes again.

Then she remembers helping Wanda into the fishbowl. Her arms slid in without any trouble. But mine got stuck. A sudden thought tries to join the conversation, but she pushes it away with a, No. I refuse to think it. Then she remembers helping Vivi and Mary Jo pull Wanda out. She just slid out.

The thought she pushed away comes back again, Wanda doesn’t have to go through this. You know she’s not as plump as you are right now. You didn’t have to squeeze her in like they did to you. Anger starts to build. How could they do this to me?

Taunting her, it continues, Not only did they do this to you, but they put you on display for everyone to see your fat body.

How could they, she agrees with herself disgusted at those she works with. She clenches her fingers. Mom and Dad are right. This is a horrible place to work. Why did I even agree to this? The moment they let me out of here, I am gone.

She has an epiphany. That's it! I just have to get someone to free me. I just have to get someone's attention. She feels sweat trickling down her arm. and soon she adds, It's getting warm in here.

She tries to frown, but her lips are locked into position by a smiling mouth indention. The same is true for her nose. No wiggling there. In fact, all she seems to be able to do with her face is open and close her eyes.

So, that's what she does. Sometimes she blinks in rapid succession as a group approaches. It works some. A few people come close and examine her. All of them leave and she hears a heavily muffled “That is an amazing statue.” A few walk into the restaurant.

No! Notice me. Get me out of here, she tries to say but her lips are stuck. “Mmmm, mmmm, mmm!” No one notices. Must be soundproofed. Arg! She tries and tries. Her hope fading with each attempt.

When all hope is gone, she redoubles her efforts. Please free me, she sends out. Please read my thoughts and free me. The outcome is the same as before. Most walk past, but a couple enter the cafe.

Why won't someone help me? Can't you see I'm in trouble here, she rages at those that pass her by.

All the perspiration on her body causes the shocks to spread their influence. Larger areas twitch as each one comes. Butt, Butt, Heart, Butt, Foot, Butt, Butt, Breast, Belly button, Butt.

Maybe this will get them to see me. Frustrated, she tries to shake her prison. There's no space to move, but her arms slide a little.

The anger melts away as something else takes its place. I'm never going to get out of here, she grouses, What if they forget about me and leave me here all night.

Then her mind laughs at her. Are you done yet?

Puzzled, confused, and pouting, she asks, What? What do you mean?

Don't you remember what Beth said?

Her mental eye takes over and transforms what she is seeing. She is walking through the dining room toward the front door. Momma Carly in front. “Just remember,” Beth whispers in her ear,” That everyone wants you to succeed.” What did Beth say, she asks herself.

That they want me to beat this, she mumbles back at herself, not happy that her mixture of emotions is being attacked.

Who wants, she asks herself with a giggle.

Everybody.

That's right. Now would your friends, who want you to win, leave you here a moment longer than necessary?

Kenzie feels a little encouraged by this, No.

And what about this? Kenzie finds herself in the locker room again. Wanda is looking at her. Most of the rest of the faces behind her are appalled. They cry out, “We said not to go there with Kenzie.” Why would they say that?

Before she can answer, a third side, this one unhappy, pipes up, Okay, logic and reason, explain all the zapping, then. How is that all, Neutral Kenzie can practically see Angry Kenzie making air quotes as it talks in a sarcastic tone, 'happy and wonderful?'

The positive voice makes a sweeping gesture, if a voice can do that. Kenzie sees a sweaty Beth with a towel on her shoulders standing near a rowing machine. Her face leans close and her mouth begins moving. Beth looks both ways then the sound kicks in, “We all went through it and it won't hurt. And it'll be a way for you to know how much we think of you.”. I think it's pretty obvious what method they are using.

Like turning on a switch, Neutral Kenzie feels the shocks again. Butt, butt, butt, butt, heart, butt, butt, butt, other foot, butt, butt, belly button ... Realization comes to her, drowning out everything else, So ... when ... I feel a shock ... they’re thinking of me?

Hee hee hee. Yup. And Liz and Beth must think of you aLOT.

Okay, she thinks. She'd rub her chin if she could. Instead her fingers twitch inside the digit holes and her wrist bumps the back as well. “What can I do with this information?”

As she ponders this, she realizes that the sun is higher in the sky. In fact, she can't see it, but judging from the way she is getting warmer on her scalp than the rest of her, It must be near noon.

Well, with the sun no longer in my eyes. Maybe I can think of them, too. As she tries to figure out how this will work, she sees Sanja deliver a table by the window. She feels her belly button go off. Thank you, Sanja.

Not long after, her breast gets zapped and Wanda serves a table next to Sanja's followed by a sighting of Carly on the other side. She makes a grand gesture that ends with the back of her hand touching her forehead and a boop to her heart zone. They're thinking of me, Kenzie smiles a little bigger because of this.

Butt, butt, butt, butt, butt. Heh heh heh. I should do something about that. She remembers them leaving her. The one that left second and waved at her, she names Beth. Since Beth was on her right, Kenzie labels the right cheek buzz as Beth's. The other she gives to Liz.

I may not be able to do anything, but I can play games. Her eyes focus on the people walking by. I know! I'll see how many go in versus walk by. She starts counting. Much to her disappointment, not many people go in.

Then she feels a buzz on her foot. Oh yeah. I bet Vivi could use a customer. She starts throwing her thoughts at the passerbys. Go inside. Vivi needs someone.

A woman stops and goes in. Yes! Success!

Heart. Oh yeah. You, she mentally points to a guy in the crowd, Go in and let Carly serve you. He keeps walking. No, you, she aims her thoughts and eyes at another, Get served by Carlotta. After a couple of attempts, someone goes in.

Hand. Rosie, she blasts to a crowd headed her way, Someone go in. Rosie needs you. A man in a suit rubs his stomach before heading in. Yes! Point for me. With each bystander she convinces, she gets more excited. Pretty soon she is bouncing on her toes and bumping her head on the top.

The day continues on like this until the sky cycles through various pretty colors to black. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees the sign flip. She's not sure, but she thinks it is Miss McNamara that turned it. Almost time.

One at a time, the customers, that Kenzie is sure she sent in, come back out with a smile. Then her co-workers flow out the front door, several with nervous expressions on their faces. Then as one, they all raise a fist and Kenzie feels all of the pads fire at the same time, electrifying her body.

In a haze, she hears dim clicks of the latches being released. Weak from standing for hours, Kenzie falls backward as the back is removed. Her hands and arms offer no resistance as she comes out.

Arms catch her, slowing then stopping her descent. Kenzie finds herself looking up at Wanda and Rosie. “Wow. It's been a while since I was on this side,” says the usual statue.

Two smaller hands round out the six on her back. Vivi calls from behind her, “Could you ladies lift her up now?” They turn her away from the fishbowl and the blond french maid and Liz each grab a hand. Still dazed while upright, Kenzie sways on her feet.

No one says a word as if they are expecting something. When nothing happens for a while, the boss breaks the silence with, “So, what do you think?”

Sanja calls from somewhere nearby, “Dink? Are chu looking at her? She is in sensory overload.”

“Bring her into my office,” orders the boss, “and someone get her some clothes.” Then all goes to black.

When Kenzie comes to again, she is in a chair in the office. Her body is still vibrating but less so now. She gives herself a once over. She is in her casual clothes that she wore this morning and in her morning shape as well.

“Feeling better?” The voice causes Kenzie to break out of her self evaluation and look up to see Miss McNamara behind her desk.

Kenzie nods, “A little.” She squirms a little in her seat.

“It will take a while for that to wear off.” She pauses for a moment, “Now you see why it is so rough for guys.” Kenzie nods again. Miss McNamara chuckles a little, “Can you imagine trying that a week ago?”

Kenzie shakes her head, “I'd have never survived.” She squirms a little more, this time from the wet spot she is sitting on.

“Yeah,” she agrees, “So, now you've done everything except sign the contract. Are you ready?”

“Uh huh,” Kenzie stands and steps forward with a look back to where she was sitting. There is a big, wet spot on the upholstery.

“Don't worry about that. It happens to everyone who goes through the initiation. Usually it happens in the locker room, but I had them bring you in here. It's my fault.” She clears her throat and slides the paper forward, “Here's the contract.”

Kenzie reaches for the pen and moves the pen to sign it, but stops short, “What's in the contract?”

“It's a pretty standard contract. You work your shift. You get paid. Uniform requirement. Work duties. You won't sue me. It's essentially what you would find at any job.”

“But this isn't just any job. There's magic here,” Kenzie asks concerned.

“Seriously. There's nothing fishy about this contract. No binding loopholes. No trapping mechanisms. If you want to quit, you can quit. If you don't work well, I can fire you. But I don't see that happening with how well you work. Plus there's even maternity leave. Janet's using hers right now.”

Miss McNamara stands to make her point, “Look. I've had employees here for decades under this same contract. Do you see them complaining or trying to get out of their contract?”

“No. Sorry. I'm. I'm just nervous about signing another contract. Bad things happen.”

“Don't worry, Kenzie. You'll be a part of a family here. We take care of our own. We have no turnover here because everyone wants to stay. There's a reason for that. And I know you are already figuring out the reason why.”

The boss taps the paper on her desk, “How about signing the contract?”

Kenzie puts pen to paper and signs it. Her arms get pinned to her sides as she gets enveloped in a bear hug, “Welcome to the family. Now you know the first secret, the secret of the initiation.” Kenzie melts into the arms and hugs back as tight as she can.
--===--

Kenzie walks back through the locker room to her car. Everyone is gone. How long was I out?

Upon reaching the gym, she gets glomped. “Kenzie! Welcome aboard!” Beth pauses and looks at Kenzie, “You did sign, right?”

“Yeah,” she says with a little smile.

“Great! Then I have just the thing,” she says dragging Kenzie away from the unisex bathroom she was headed for.

Deeper in the gym, beyond the exercise equipment, Kenzie finds herself in a hall of doors. They enter one near the end and find a empty counter. Beth walks behind it and grabs two towels, “What size are you?” Kenzie rattles off some of the number Sanja mentioned the other day when they were shopping.

Beth grabs two one piece swimsuits with a three 'F' logo on them. “Loaner suits,” she explains, “At this hour no one is coming here to lend them to us.”

Back into the hall then into another door, Kenzie arrives in a locker room. Beth hands her a towel and swimsuit and then begins to change. Kenzie does the same. A thought comes to her, “Beth, why was it so easy for Wanda to get in and out of the fishbowl but not me?”

“Oh, that. Well, we have two outfits, the 'bear' suit and the 'camel' suit. Wanda wears the bear uniform that lets her hibernate all day. It slows her heart and her breathing. You got the camel uniform. It gave you extra food and water in your body causing you to look fat. But did you notice that as the day went on you had more movement and didn't need to eat or drink? Your body was consuming the extra. That's how you came out easier than you went in.”

“Oh. That makes sense.”

Soon they are in the other room in a spa. “Let it out. Let it all out. And relax. You'll be back to normal in no time.”

Between getting up early and the warm water, Kenzie falls asleep quick. Beth wakes her up, “Kenzie. The gym is closing soon. We need to get dressed and go home.”

She stands up out of the bubbling water and does as she is told. Beth is right. I feel great. On their way out they drop their dirty rentals in the hamper and say their goodbyes.

Once he gets home, Mack goes to sleep thinking all is right with the world.