Juicy July day 1: anticipation (Patreon)

(alternative title: bulging anticipation)
Finally. You had been planning this for months. Saving for years just in case. The chocolate factory was finally opening its gates to customers who won a lucky ticket. You had heard stories of what was inside and it had to be yours no matter the cost , no matter the effort. You immediately took to the stores but you played smart. You brought a kitchen scale and you copy bought the candy bars that had an above average weight. Maybe you stole a bar or two when your funds where getting a little low but sure enough you got your ticket. All sins could be forgiven in your mind, as your cause was truly worthy. You had it. In your hand.
The day came and you wore your stretchiest clothes you had , a lovely blue tracksuit. You wait at the closed gates eagerly for them to open . Your heart was pounding with excitement as you waited to be let inside. The chocolates...the sodas...the lollies and caramels and all that delicious goodness meant nothing to you. Sure....you would partake. Gorge yourself a little bit here and there. Got to make the most of visiting a candy factory after all. But your eye was firmly on the prize.
As you where let in, you played your part perfectly. You singed the document , you made playful banter with the other guests. You did eye them up to ensure they no one but you would be claiming your prize. The only one who alarmed you was a greedy man , but one quick push into the chocolate river, and he was helplessly fat. You’d watched him gulp down chocolate till his own body lifted him out of the river. No one else would get in your way... Even if they didn’t know. It had just been a terrible accident...even if the host did give you a rather strange look as you headed towards the next room.
You hear the host finally say what you wanted to hear. “next up... The inventing room!” you knew this was where it would be based on all of your research. You’d have it soon. Soon...everything would be worth while. Seeing the illuminated sign almost made you giddy , yet you did your best to keep a steady face up. What you planned ... It would get you kicked off the tour, but if you did it right it would be too late . Walking in, you immediately begin looking around the room for a machine you studied every available description on. It will be yours.
That was when you spotted it. The mighty three course gum machine. Immediately you set upon it slipping away from the group. Previous guests had seen the host operate this thing, so you knew roughly how to do it from their instructions . You had to be quick and subtle . You flick the switches ,.pull the levers and select your desired flavours. Given your short time before being discovered ,.you decide to go without the first courses and skip straight to dessert. Little did you know, this gave you three courses of pie.
The strip produces itself and you are eager beyond measure. Sure...you’d be blue for a year based on the others reports but you could live with that. You toss the strip into your eager mouth and finally claim your prize for all your hard work. Finally...you would become a Blueberry. You watch with eager anticipation at your skin. You awaited the belly gurgles... The groaning. The bubbling all such a treat. The blue hue covering your skin... It was taking forever. You swore others said it took only moments after reaching desert. You look at your face in shiny steel machinery and nothing! Not even bloated .
The host came up behind you followed by the rest of the tour. “And here is my three course gum machine. You are all in for a treat as this beast is finally finished! We managed to find how to remove the pesky side effects of the thing without compromising flavour. This gum seemed so popular, hell I don’t think I’ve had a tour that didn’t end in one person chewing it and ending up as a Blueberry. But! Since last week...it’s been safe. So much so even I have chewed it. Would anyone care for a three course meal all within a single strip of gum?”. You scowl. All of this for nothing... Well...at least the gum tasted nice. You accept your defeat frustrated ...as your nose turns blue. One course is fine...but you’ve just began your third. Too much pie.