The dining hall was huge, its high wooden beams and long tables giving it a grand yet cozy feel. Students filled the space, their voices creating a low, constant hum. Most were like the girls in the common room, broad and well padded, their uniforms stretched tight across abundant curves. You trailed behind Lillian and her friends, overwhelmed by the sheer number of bodies.
"Don't be shy," Lillian encouraged as you stood hesitantly at the entrance. "Let's find a seat."
A large table was already laden with appetizers, glistening shrimp cocktails, several types of salads, and huge loaves of crusty bread. The group settled in quickly, all grabbing plates and digging in with gusto. You glanced around nervously before finally taking a seat.
Lillian leaned in close. "You should start with the bread," she whispered conspiratorially. "It's amazing."
"I don't think I can eat anymore," you said, aware of your stomach's betrayal as it growled in protest.
Sophia giggled from across the table. "You're at Evergrove. There's always room for more."
The words rumbled through you unsettlingly as a heavy set woman approached the front of the hall, the headmistress, you assumed by her commanding presence and elaborate robes.
"Welcome to another delicious year at Evergrove Academy," she announced, her voice booming without effort over the clamor. "To our new students, you are about to embark on an extraordinary journey of growth and discovery. Enjoy the feast!"
With that, servers appeared from every direction, bringing steaming platters of roasted meats, buttery potatoes, and rich pastas bathed in thick sauces. The aromas were intoxicating.
"Try this," Vanessa said, pushing a bowl of creamy risotto toward you. Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "It's my favorite."
Everyone watched as you took an obligatory bite. It was decadent and smooth on your tongue, exploding with layers of flavor. To your own shock, you took another spoonful and then another until the bowl was empty.
"There you go!" Meredith cheered. "Told you it was good."
Conversation turned to gossip about other students and rumors about mysterious projects set up by faculty members, all tinged with a sense of excitement that left you both exhilarated and anxious.
"I heard Professor Ainsley's class is running an experiment that involves eating nothing but pancakes for a month," Sophia said between bites of lasagna.
"And there's extra credit if you gain twenty pounds!" Vanessa laughed.
The idea made your head spin. What kind of place had you really come to? The food kept arriving, each dish more tempting than the last, braised short ribs so tender they fell apart on your fork; macaroni and cheese bubbling with four different kinds of cheese; pies whose golden crusts flaked apart under your touch.
"Save room for dessert," Lillian advised as she polished off her third plate.
You weren't sure how there could possibly be dessert after such an extravagant meal, but soon trays laden with cakes appeared—towering chocolate creations layered with whipped cream, berry tarts glistening with glaze, puddings so thick they barely wobbled as they changed hands around the table.
Someone set a monstrous slice of cheesecake before you, Vanessa's specialty, you presumed, as she watched with a smug grin.
"Try it," she urged. "Don't be shy."
It was impossibly rich, the kind of dessert that melted into your mouth, its sweetness lingering long after. You savored each bite, feeling more indulgent and full by the second.
When you finally put your fork down, Vanessa gave an approving nod. "See? You'll fit in just fine."
The room buzzed with chatter and the heady satisfaction of good food. Lillian and the others leaned back in their chairs, cheeks flushed and bellies round under their uniforms.
As the meal tapered off, plates were cleared and students began to drift out in groups, still talking animatedly about the year ahead. You followed Lillian up a staircase to a quieter floor of the dorm, feeling dazed and heavy from the feast.
"Not bad for your first night," she said brightly as you stopped at your door. "Takes some getting used to, but you'll adjust."
You nodded, too exhausted to say much else. The plushness of your bed seemed more inviting than anything at that moment.
"Goodnight!" Lillian called as she left for her own room.
You fell into bed fully clothed, senses swimming with memories of flavors and textures you'd never imagined before Evergrove. The richness of it all seemed impossible, yet strangely irresistible.
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