Belly Literary Universe (part 2)

Veera and Camilla Part 1: Recovering

'Make sure you get up and move. It's critical to your recovery that you get your blood flowing - even if it's just a little.' Camilla remembered to herself. The painkillers really took the edge off, but she still felt like one wrong step would make her unravel. Still, she did as she was told, and wandered down the hall holding the railing and clinging to her rolling IV rack. On a whim. She fetched a complimentary lemon ice, and hobbled to the observation lounge to relax.

The center of Aspera Medical center's campus was an impressive park, with flower beds and all kinds of imported trees and bushes. More than just paths and greeneries, there were greenhouses, and aviaries. The animals kept in the parks confines were provided homes, not caged to be gawked at. The whole plaza was a tribute and monument to the natural world. At least the plaque in the window said all that.

Camilla wasn't alone in the lounge. Another patient was present. She had dark skin and expensive looking platinum blonde hair. She looked familiar, but she didn't want to bother the only other patient she'd seen on the floor to figure out why.

Veera watched as another patient wandered into the lounge clinging to her IV rack. They told me they cleared out the floor for me. Who is this then? Veera thought to herself. Immediately she was familiar - not because of her blonde hair - but because of the dozens of small bandages covering her arms and legs. They were the same size, and placed in the same places on her own arms. "Hey lady," Veera called out. "How are you doing?"

Camilla looked back. "I feel like if I sneeze my insides will fall out."

"Oof," Veera grunted. "Maybe have a seat then."

Camilla chuckled and hobbled to a recliner, and slowly, methodically, lowered herself into it. The chair was definitely comfortable enough for a nap. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, clutching the lemon ice in her hand.

Veera stood and sat herself in the recliner next to Camilla. "So I can tell you had your genes altered too."

Camilla opened her eyes and looked at the woman. "Yeah... You did too?"

"Yep. Got a ton done. What about you?"

Camilla shook the fog from her mind. "Uhh, it was quite a list. Lotsa little stuff."

"I bet I had more. I checked like all the boxes. I can't wait to try them out."

Camilla blinked and focused on the woman. "Wait. I think i know you..."

"I'd be surprised if you didn't," Veera chuckled.

"I have a few of your CDs. Some of the older ones. I haven't heard the new ones yet. Oh my god - what are you doing here darling?"

"Everyone likes the older stuff. I actually hope to make some new stuff soon. Good stuff. Better than the old times." Veera smirked pridefully.

"What are you doing in a place like this - and getting your genes edited for god's sake."

"Well, they told me the floor would be empty. Like it's kind of a secret. But I bet there's a good reason."

"Sorry, darling," Camilla half apologized. "I didn't set up the appointment. My 'Secret Advisor' did." She scoffed and leaned her head back.

"You know S-A, do you? When I saw someone else here, and saw the bandaids all over, I guessed we might be here for similar reasons."

"You know this guy too!?" Camilla gasped. "That means the genes... Belly stuff..."

Veera laughed and blushed. "That's it. That's the big thing. Or soon to be 'big thing'," She joked.

"Noooo. Honey, why are you involved with these Cozca folks?"

"The Secret Advisor has been my friend for years. We go way back to before I was famous. And I guess I've always wanted something like this. I only learned recently that S-A had anything like this going on."

Camilla shook her head. "Well, I guess I can't be upset. He offered me a deal. Something I wanted. And then he offered something else I wanted. And I don't much want to give what he asked for, but it wasn't a steep price. I couldn't refuse."

"What did he ask you for?" Veera asked, curious if it involved the theft of data.

"Clothes... He and his group wanted me to make patterns for clothes. For women with these big bellies. And uh - this whole gene thing was part of what he wanted."

"Really? You didn't ask for the genes?

"Nah. I guess you're one of the fetish people from the group. Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. But I'm not a member. Just a contractor I guess."

"I understand. Like, it's just funny, is all. But you make clothes! That's so cool!"

Camilla laughed. "It's real funny. And hard. The fat women I've made clothes for really stretch the limits of my talent. I'm glad I don't have to fold their laundry. I uh - my main job is making maternity clothes. Good stuff. Not tacky gimmick stuff. Hardy stuff that will last through the whole ordeal. I guess they saw that and wanted it for their own fat needs."

Veera leaned forward. "I need to get your number. Your name too."

"Boldt. Camilla Boldt. My shop is up in Everspring. Why would you..." She stopped herself short.

"Well - since I plan on hitting the big time - hah - I'm going to need new shiny clothes. And if S-A trusts you, then I trust you."

"You don't mean just everyday street clothes. You mean stage clothes. Big fancy clothes with sequins and glitter and all that."

"Both, really."

Camilla chuckled again. "Well maybe. I bet the Secret Advisor will trick me into doing it anyway. Sure. Cozca already has a bunch of patterns that I guess they're having produced already? But I'm sure i can get you some things made."

"I've made so many new friends since I learned about this world." Veera shook her head in awe.

"Hah, I know what you mean." Camilla said, and pulled open her lemon ice.