Overcomer

Chapter one

“ You have gained so much weight, you need to work out or else you are knocking on the door to obesity. ”

“ Look at your cousins, they look prettier when they are slim and have tiny waists. They could be mistaken for Victoria Secret angels. ”

Countless times, Clarisa had heard these stories. She hated attending family weddings because everyone would point out how fat she is or how her cousins look good. She had listened to such words since she was 13 years old and she didn't let them affect her as much as they did back then.  But she often wondered how it would feel to be small.

She had tried everything. The diet pills and the workouts, she starved herself occasionally and lied to people she was saving for the latest iPhone that was to be released later that year but nothing ever worked.

She tried to forget the awful comments her family said or the nasty comments her school mates said but they still came to haunt her every time she entered  a boutique or went lingerie shopping. One time, she wanted to buy some jeans and the shop attendant looked at her in a disgusting manner saying they didn't have her size in the shop. She had extra large hips and the rolls on her stomach and back were a constant reminder she didn't look like Kim Kardashian or Kylie Jenner.

“ Hey honey, why are you sitting here alone? ” Mum asked me while pouring herself a drink. 

She was much more slender and taller than me. In fact, one would have mistaken her for Kate Moss if they saw her from afar. She always told me I was beautifully and wonderfully created by God but I don't think she understood what I went through. She had appeared on countless magazines and married one of the owners of the magazine who also happens to be my father.

“ Clarisa, are you alright? ” Mum asked again looking at me with worry.

“ Oh yes mother, sorry, ummh yah, I am fine” I responded slightly embarrassed that I was thinking so much and had forgotten mum was waiting for a reply.

“ Why aren't you mingling with everyone else?  This is a wedding. Get up and meet some people. Get to know some of your cousins. Have you seen Jade yet?  She told me she got into acting school. ” Mum asked.

Of course I had seen Jade. The first thing she had said was “ I am becoming obese and look like vomit in the dress. ”

Of course, she didn't say it too loud because she needs to keep her good reputation. Deep down, I knew she was a bully who made my life miserable in high school with her best friend.

“ Yes mum, I did and yah, she kept talking on and on about how she was finally going to travel to California and work with Universal Studios. ” I said while getting up to drink another bottle of water. I never drank alcohol  because it tasted horrible. I don't even know how everyone was able to drink a the beer and wine.

“ Honey, is there something wrong?  You don't seem excited to be here at the wedding. Are people treating you poorly and saying nasty comments? ” Mum said while placing her drink down to hold my hand.

I felt the tears in my eyes but I didn't want to cry.

Clarisa, don't cry. You are strong. You are loved. You are beautiful.

“ Mum, can I please leave?  I will order an uber and get home. I don't want to be here. All people have told me is how I am fat and need to get on a diet. I don't like being at family functions. ” I said with a hoarse voice trying to control my tears.

Mum realised I was on the point of breaking down and pulled me out of the tent. She hugged me so tight and I felt all the tears rolling down. I was trying to be strong but it was hard enough for me.