From Fat to Thin: My Perfect Comeback

Over time, I learned a set of survival rules and chose to play the "ugly" role on purpose.

I would imitate Porky Pig behind the most popular girl in class and soon enough, almost every girl wanted to play role-playing games with me.

I’d pretend to be Tarzan, beating my chest and wailing like a wild animal. Every time I charged around on all fours, the class would erupt into cheers, applause and whistles.

But I soon realized that no one thought of me when it came to anything important.

So, I volunteered to help the boys carry books and water, doing all the dirty work.

I became good at reading people, always playing the sidekick to highlight someone else’s superiority.

That’s why everyone loved hanging out with me.

“If you’re in trouble, call Big Strong.”

“Big Strong is the best supporting act.”

I’ve heard things like that for as long as I can remember and maybe that’s all I was worth.

I would laugh along whenever people made fun of my weight, even eating more just to make everyone like me more.

But then the doctor gave me a wake-up call: if I didn’t lose weight, my life would be at risk.

The next day, I sat in front of the mirror and opened a makeup kit that had been untouched for two years. Clumsily, I applied a simple look. I slipped into a long, dusty lavender dress and put on a pair of beige high heels. I styled my hair in soft curls.

Staring at my transformed reflection, I burst into tears.

Only God knows how much I suffered this couple of past years, how many times I nearly gave up. There were countless moments when I collapsed at the gym, sobbing in frustration. I hated my body, loathed my inability to control my cravings and despised myself for failing over and over. Every time I looked at the failed health reports, I wiped away my tears, steadied my trembling legs and fought on.

My perseverance paid off. I thanked myself for never giving up.

The changes in my body brought more than just a healthier physique; they gave me confidence and growth. After losing 80 pounds, I felt like there was nothing I couldn’t achieve.

I entered the restaurant with a light, confident step.

As I expected, my friends froze, their jaws practically on the floor.

Ben Carson was the first to react, “Emma West? Holy crap, is that really you?”

His shout snapped the others out of their shock.

“Wow, fat people really are hidden gems! Who knew you’d be such a beauty when you slimmed down?”

I blushed at the compliment, my face burning—I’d never been praised like this in my entire life.

On the surface, I acted shy, but inside, I was overjoyed.

Just then, Sophie Adams came over, looking me up and down and suddenly reached out to smudge the foundation on my face.

“This makeup looks terrible on you.”

I wasn’t prepared for that but instinctively smiled as I always did.

“Haha, yeah, I’m not very good at makeup yet. I need to learn from you.”

Sophie’s eyes narrowed as she shoved me.

“What do you mean by that? You lose weight and now you think you’re a queen, trying to outshine me?”

The atmosphere turned sour immediately, but I was used to this kind of tension directed at me.

I laughed it off, “Oh, no, not at all. I just happened to lose a bit of weight, but after this meal, I’ll probably put it all back on.”

Seeing the situation, the others pushed Sophie back to her seat, trying to keep things light.

Then, I noticed Lily sitting beside Sophie, her face clouded with displeasure, saying nothing.