Expanse Ch 1 Interlude 2

Takes place after the first interlude

Interlude 2

Carmine’s eyes slowly opened. Sunlight flitted into her hospital room and bathed the area in a surprisingly warm glow. Carmine couldn’t remember the last sunny day she witnessed. There were probably enough to count on one hand since she went into her coma. 

She tried to adjust her position out of habit, but was reminded of her immobility. The most she did was push into herself. Thankfully, she was incredibly soft. Aside from the struggle to breathe, Carmine couldn’t say she was uncomfortable. Still, she’d love to stretch. 

Carmine’s hospital door opened, and a nurse walked in. Green eyes, long brown hair in a ponytail. She smiled at Carmine and carted a tray toward the immobile detective. “Good morning, Carmine!” Her voice was light and upbeat. “I’m Abby, one of the nurses assigned to you. Would you like some breakfast?” 

Carmine wanted to say no, but her stomach growled. “Heh…I guess that’s a yes.” It was embarrassing to have her stomach speak for her, but Carmine wasn’t sure if she could have lied otherwise. Even with enough stored energy to feed off of for years, she wanted something to eat. 

However…the adjacent tray wasn’t the most appetizing. 

Scrambled egg whites, something that looked like watery oatmeal, a cup of broth, a cup of water, and a small portion of green gelatin. Diet food to an extreme degree. The nurse adjusted Carmine’s bed so she sat mostly upright. She was still slightly tilted back, and her bust and belly could compress no further. 

“Where would you like to start?” Abby asked, still upbeat.

“Water, please,” Carmine murmured. It was obvious she needed help to eat. Her hands were too thick and uncoordinated. They were just as big an obstacle as her bloated arms. 

Abby grabbed the water cup and put a straw in it. “Pardon me,” She murmured and leaned over Carmine. The nurse must be used to this because she didn’t seem to care that her slender form squished against Carmine’s excessively obese one. There was no readable expression. Just a small smile and…kind eyes.

The straw was at Carmine’s lips, and she drew on it gently. The water was slightly flavored, probably contained electrolytes, too. Either way, it was refreshing. She settled for two sips. She’d want the rest after breakfast. 

“Anything solid is fine next,” Carmine murmured.

The nurse stood back up, not commenting on how Carmine’s blubber sprang back in place. “Hmm, how about a bite of eggs? That’s the most solid thing. Then oatmeal, finish off the eggs, and see how you feel. Sound good?”

Carmine did the closest she could to a nod. The nurse grabbed a spoonful of egg whites and leaned across Carmine’s body again. Carmine took the bite slowly. Solid food felt strange in her mouth. She had probably only eaten liquids while unconscious. It was a pleasant change. The flavor was nothing to write home about, but again, this was diet food to the extreme. There were the basic nutrients and a massive calorie deficit.

“You’re pretty calm,” Carmine said as the nurse grabbed the oatmeal slurry. “Do you see women this fat often?”

“Yep,” Abby replied plainly. Not astonished. Just a matter of fact answer. She giggled when she noticed Carmine’s surprise. “I specialize in Expanse users in rehab. A lot of extreme cases.” She crawled atop Carmine again and started to slowly spoon-feed her. “I don’t want to brag, but I was hand-selected by Dr. Madeline. You have a highly skilled crew working on you. We all have high hopes!” 

Carmine felt a warmth in her chest. Being a private detective was a lonely job. In the sense that not many people have high hopes for you. To hear that multiple people put in so much effort for her when she’s been reduced to this. “I’ll try not to let you down.”

“That’s the spirit!” Abby bounced off and patted Carmine’s stomach. The touch was gentle, probably meant to be reassuring…but it felt strangely good.

‘Great, a little praise and attention…ugh.’ Carmine thought and felt her cheeks heat up. She was brought back to the situation when Abby climbed across her again. ‘I wonder if I’ll ever get used to this.’ 

Abby, for lack of a better term, straddled Carmine. A portion of her, at least. Her legs were spread wide for balance, and each lithe limb sank into her supple flab. Her torso squished against one of Carmine’s breasts as she held food in front of her mouth. 

This was the cup of broth. Carmine sipped the bland yet warm liquid. Her stomach felt nowhere near full, but eating had a sense of satisfaction. It was like her body buzzed with excitement that food was coming in. She had gotten so absorbed in the process that she didn’t notice the jello slip past her lips and down her throat. The last of the water followed before Abby climbed off of Carmine for the last time.

“I’m going to do some checks, then you’ll get some alone time. Dr. Madeline will have more information for you later.” Abby stated as she walked around Carmine’s bed with a clipboard. She looked at the various equipment and jotted measurements down. Carmine assumed it was the standard blood pressure, pulse, and O2 levels. She also assumed they were bad. That was her being a realist over a pessimist. 

‘It really must be a miracle that I’m still around.’ Carmine thought and leaned her head back. A thick roll of neck fat was the perfect support for her. ‘I wonder if Big Madame had a hand in that…I wonder if this team of experts is on her payroll.’ She glanced at Abby. Being suspicious wouldn’t amount to much, but Carmine would keep an eye out. If there was a chance to regain her mobility, then she would do anything for it.

“I just need to do a weigh-in, then I’ll be out of your hair!” Abby smiled and looked at a small dial on the edge of the bed. Her expression changed for a second before the smile returned. 

“What’s it say?” Carmine asked. It must have been crazy if this upbeat person faltered for a second. 

Abby hesitated. “Do you really want to know?”

Carmine paused just as long. “No…not really.” She sighed and chuckled. “Thanks for the food.”

“You’re welcome!” Abby turned the TV on, tucked her clipboard at the end of Carmine’s bed, grabbed the cart, and exited the room. “Dr Madeline will check on you in an hour!” She added just as she left.

Carmine remained quiet for a second. “I think I’d rather deal with Nurse Abby instead of that grouch.” She murmured and thought of Dr. Madeline’s perpetual scowl.

–ABOVE EDITED AND PROOFREAD–