Smile - CrankGameplays

39. Shame

She stepped inside the large establishment, completely overwhelmed by the intimidating machines that people were crowding around. The aroma in the facility almost made her turn around and head straight back to her house, not ever turning back. And as she left she would silently curse under her breath on why she ever felt the need to have to change herself for someone else.

But it didn't help that she found herself more focused on what she was eating, how certain articles of clothing fit her, how her reflection stared back at her even when she was begging for her mind to let it all go. She wanted all the unhealthy thoughts about her image to disappear, for they were always there, but now more than ever.

After Tucker posted that picture with the girl, the alleged girlfriend, Reese found herself picking at her own insecurities. Why didn't she have the small arms like her? Why wasn't her hair blonde? Why didn't she have the prominent colored eyes that flashed from the click of a camera?

The negative thoughts kept pouring in and Wren was right, she didn't need a man to validate her beauty for her, but everyone could agree it definitely helped.

She shook her head. She was done with Tucker. He... didn't deserve her.

She walked forward, finding people of all different shapes and sizes doing their own routines. Her water bottle was close to her chest, along with her phone and earphones. Her light eyes scanned the whole room, wondering if it was obvious that this was her first time coming to something like this.

Yes, Reese was at a gym.

Her first time ever stepping foot into the on-campus gym was today and she wasn't sure how she felt about it.

The thought of running on a treadmill or swinging her arms and legs on an elliptical made her queasy. The idea of doing cardio and looking like an idiot made her feel sick.

She hurried over to the weight rack and set down her belongings in a small pile, a mirror outstretched from wall to wall that allowed her to get a full view of her body. She stole a quick glance and readjusted her messy ponytail, showing her back to the wall and catching a glance from behind.

A few grunts were coming from a seated man on the bench as he lifted eighty-pound dumbells over his head, his enormous biceps pulsing in the muscle tee. He pushed the weights over his head with ease as he watched his form in the mirror, finishing his set.

Reese stole a few glances over at the man before recognizing the curls on his head.

Her cheeks reddened instantly for ogling, "Tyler, hey!"

Tyler dropped the weights to the floor and immediately sat up from the makeshift seat, "Reese, happy late new year!" he leaned down for a hug before pulling back, "Sorry, totally forgot how sweaty I am."

She giggled, "Oh, it's okay!"

"I haven't seen you in a while! How was your break?"

Reese turned away and plucked a five-pound dumbbell, "Pretty uneventful. I kind of just stayed in bed all day and watched Netflix. I'm pretty happy to be back in school so I can at least be somewhat productive."

Tyler found his eyes staring at Reese from head to toe. She looked damn good in a pair of simple black leggings, especially a pair that almost seemed too tight around the backside. As soon as he realized he was checking her out, he threw himself back down onto the bench and lifted the weights.

He could feel how hot his ears were from his obvious staring as he bit his lip back, "Yeah, I feel the same way. You come to the gym often?"

Reese's blush came back in full force, "This is, uh, actually my first time."