Built Like Karma: A Plus Size Girl's Guide to Comeuppance

Aria's POV

Madison Airport Terminal 2

"I'm here, chick," I say, dragging my suitcase behind me as Nia squeals, flanked by her five year old daughter Maya and her three year old son Cameron.

"You made it! I can't believe you really made it!" she squeals, wrapping me in a tight hug that lifts me slightly off the ground.

Maya grabs my hand with that big smile I've missed so much. "Come on, Tete! Dad's in the car waiting for us!"

And just like that, I'm back.

Back in Madison, Wisconsin.

The last place I ever wanted to set foot in again.

The place where my life turned upside down. Where everything I thought I knew about myself, about love, about trust, got destroyed.

It's been over ten years since I left. Since I turned my back on Creighton Elite Business University, the so- called future of business innovation, and the bane of my damn existence.

As we reach the black Tahoe idling at the curb, Matt hops out and grins. "Auntie! You made it!"

I scoff. "Hey, Matt," I mutter, giving him a quick side hug.

Matt and Nia are still nauseatingly adorable together. Both professors at the university now. Nia now pregnant with baby number three just had to plan an alumni reunion for our class. A full decade since we all graduated. How time flies when you're actively avoiding your past.

I climb into the back with the kids as we pull off. "So... who all is coming?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

Nia turns toward me with a sly smile. "Girl, everybody. Like, that witch of a roommate you had for three years, remember her? And my old drug addicted roommate, Sam? She's a counselor now. Can you believe that shit?"

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Cameron chirps from his car seat.

Maya gasps. "Mama, Cameron said shit!"

I burst out laughing. Couldn't help it. That boy had perfect timing.

Matt groans. "See? This is why we can't curse around them."

"Dadda please," Maya says, smug. "You called Ms. Rider a bitch yesterday and said don't tell Mama."

Matt scratches the back of his neck. Busted.

I laugh harder as we pull into the Portillo's drive thru. The kids are now arguing about if "witch" is a bad word.

"I'm just getting a chicken Caesar salad," I say, scrolling through the menu on my phone.

Nia rolls her eyes. "Mmhmm. I see you sticking to your diet. That body is what women are paying for these days, especially that bootay."

Cameron starts singing, "Booty! Booty! Booty!" and Maya joins in.

I smirk. "Don't worry, I splurge sometimes... and burn it off later."

When we finally pull up to their big colonial-style house, I catch my breath. It's beautiful, warm, familiar, and safe. The exact opposite of how I feel inside.

Because no matter how much time has passed...

No matter how good I look now...

I can't stop the memories from creeping in.

What happened my senior year...

How he destroyed my life...

How that bitch finished the job.

And now?

Now I'm back.

And none of them know what's coming.

Matt hoisted my suitcase from the trunk as I grabbed my purse and reached down for Maya's tiny hand. Nia cradled Cameron on her hip, huffing with effort as she adjusted her belly under her flowy maternity hoodie.

"Come on, girl," she said with a teasing smile, nudging me gently with her elbow. "Let me show you to your room since you've never stayed in this house before. Because someone refused to ever visit me here."

I rolled my eyes and scoffed, "I see you in Chicago all the time, Nia."

"I know," she said, half pouting. "But sometimes I want you to come to my house too, damn."

We stepped inside, the familiar scent of cinnamon and warm vanilla hitting me like a soft hug. The kids scurried to the dining room, and we set them up at the table with their little boxes and cups. Matt sat with them, already unwrapping his beef sandwich like it was a sacred ritual.

"Don't touch my fries," he warned Cameron playfully.

Cameron immediately reached for one. " Mine now."

I chuckled, shaking my head as Nia and I made our way upstairs.

The guest room was beautiful. Simple and warm, with soft grays and rose gold accents. A queen-sized bed, full-length mirror, and yes, an en suite bathroom.

"Girl, this is nice," I said, spinning around with a little impressed whistle.

Nia grinned. "Only the best for you, Madam CEO."

I paused by the window, hands tightening on the strap of my purse.

"Do you think they'll be there?" I asked quietly.

Nia's smile faded. Her eyes met mine with soft concern.

"Yeah. Both RSVP'd. They're coming."

I dropped onto the bed like someone knocked the air out of me. "Fuck... I don't know if I can do this, Nia."

Nia stepped in front of me, arms folded. "Aria. You are not that chubby, shy ass 21 year old anymore. You're a gorgeous, curvy ass boss with her own thriving company. Fuck them bullies."

I exhaled slowly, my fingers unconsciously fiddling with the zipper of my purse.

"There's something I never told you," I said, my voice low.

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh Lord... what?"

"I never told anyone, actually."

Nia sat beside me, her full attention now locked in.

I got up and walked over to the closet, hung up my garment bag, unzipping it and pretending to smooth down the fabric just to give myself a second.

"I had sex with Jalen... back then."

A beat of silence.

Then...."BITCH, WHAT?!" she screamed so loud I swore the walls shook.

"Shhh! The kids!" I whisper yelled, cracking up despite myself.

Nia covered her mouth with one hand. "Oh, girl. You better sit down and spill. Right now."

I turned back to her, heart pounding. "It was complicated. And messy. And then everything fell apart."

"Well no wonder you disappeared your senior year! Shit. You left us all hanging with zero explanation!"

"Yeah," I muttered. "Because I was broken. Because... he wasn't just a fling. At least, not to me."

Nia's smile faded into something softer, more serious.

"Oh, Ari..."

"Seeing them again it's gonna reopen everything," I said.

She reached for my hand and squeezed. "Then let's start by mentally saying fuck them."

Jalen's POV

Headquarters #2 in Chicago felt unusually tense today.

I sat at the large oval conference table across from my father, Tucker, with my younger brothers Parker and Patrick flanking me. We were deep in discussion about the declining cruise sales post pandemic, and it wasn't looking good.

"Well, it's time for a rebranding," my dad said firmly, tapping a report with one thick finger. "And we need to start soon."

Parker, ever the kiss ass lately, leaned forward, practically bouncing in his chair. "Sybil, she's amazing with marketing. She says we need to step into the future. Bold colors, influencer campaigns, immersive travel experiences. That's what people want now."

I sighed, trying not to roll my eyes. I couldn't stand Parker and Sybil's lovey dovey dynamic. They acted like they were staring in a damn rom-com every time they breathed the same air. Everything was "Babe, look what I made for you" and "No, you're the genius." Spare me.

Meanwhile, I had been married to Talia for six years now, my so-called college sweetheart. The media adored her. They called her a social media juggernaut, a powerhouse who made Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian look like toddlers in the game.

My wife was beautiful, flawless on paper. She had a polished Ivy League degree, a trust fund, a life made for magazine covers. But underneath it all?

She was a narcissistic, ungrateful bitch. Botox, fat transfers, fat-burner shots, lipo suction, spa treatments, everything about her was manufactured, carefully curated. She drank like a fish, thrived on chaos, and only cared about one thing: power.

My father thought it was a good move, combining two powerful families. He pushed for our marriage, and I went along with it like the dutiful son. Now look at me. Miserable.

"Dad," Parker piped up again, "Sybil said that the Bright Initiative Group is key. They're doing major work across multiple industries."

My dad nodded. "Schedule a meeting with them. Let me know when and where."

I jotted that down but tuned out again, my thoughts drifting.

Aria.

I hadn't thought about her in a while... at least not consciously. But with the college reunion coming up, it was like she'd climbed out of the deepest part of my memory and stood center stage.

She kind of disappeared after our... situation. But she was still part of our graduating class. I wondered if she'd show up. Her name was on the graduate list. I never asked around. Never really looked for her. Maybe because part of me didn't want to face what happened between us.

But now... I couldn't help wondering. Would she be there?

I could still remember her face. The softness of her body. The way she clung to me like I was the only person who'd ever seen her. The way she said my name. Her kiss. Her taste.

Fuck.

"Jay, are you listening to me?" my dad snapped, yanking me back to reality.

"Yes, Dad," I said quickly, sitting up straighter. "I got it."

"Good. You'll be spearheading this thing, so get your head in the game."

"Yes, sir."

The meeting was adjourned, and Patrick was the first to hop up, already scrolling through his phone like he had a hot date. Parker followed behind, probably texting Sybil about how amazing her suggestions were.

My assistant, Teresa, stepped beside me with her tablet. "Did you get all that?" I asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Look into the Bright Innovations Group. I want everything they've touched and who they've worked with. Have it ready for me the Monday after the reunion."

"Understood."

I headed to my office and shut the door behind me. For a moment, I just stood there. Then I moved to my computer, opened an old, rarely used folder, and clicked on the only photo I had of her.

Aria.

She was asleep in it, peaceful, hair splayed across the pillow, the sheets tangled around her curves. She never knew I took it. I couldn't wake her up. I couldn't look away.

I reached out and touched the screen.

I could still feel her. Her warmth. Her voice in my ear. The way we explored each other like we had all the time in the world.

My dick twitched at the memory.

Right on cue, my phone rang.

Talia. The Queen Bitch of the Midwest.

I groaned and answered. "Hey, love."

"Don't 'hey love' me," she snapped. "What day and time are we leaving?"

"Whenever. Why?"

"Because I have to prep for the minions. I need to make sure I show them I'm still better than all of them."

I rolled my eyes. "The plane is set for Thursday. Be ready by 2 p.m."

She hung up. No goodbye. No thanks. Nothing.

I tossed the phone on my desk and leaned back in my chair.

Fuck my life.

Aria's POV

Nia

"I can't explain it to you right now, Nia," I say, trying to calm the tornado of thoughts in my head. "It's a long-ass story."

She huffs. "Fine. But bitch, you are gonna tell me what happened."

"I will," I promise. "Just... not now."

We walk back to the kitchen, where the sound of little giggles fills the room. Matt is seated at the table with the kids, eating beef and fries while helping Maya with her juice box. The sight of my Goddaughter laughing makes me smile, but my chest tightens with the weight of memories clawing their way to the surface.

As I slide into the chair beside Maya, a wave of emotion hits me, and I'm suddenly back there years ago at the start of my last year at Creighton Elite Business University

Flashback - Aria, Age 21

Size 22. One more than my age. Embarrassing.

Back then, I was a pudgy scholarship student, naive as hell, still believing people meant what they said. Still trusting when someone said they were "a friend."

Unfortunately, I was stuck again with Talia Schultz as a roommate. But at least the housing was decent: a four bedroom condo with a full-time maid and cook. I didn't see her much. We had separate rooms and different class schedules, and I had my own bathroom. Still, when I did see her? Pure hell.

The minute I walked in, Lucia, our maid, met me with a hug.

"Hola, Lucy. ¿Cómo estás?" I asked, smiling.

"Bien, bebé," she said, squeezing me tight. I loved her so much. She always looked out for me. Then she leaned in and whispered in Spanish, "Watch out... the big bitch is already here."

I laughed and rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to my room."

I didn't make it far.

"There she is!" I heard behind me. "Hey Plushy Plush, you made it! Still haven't lost any weight, I see. And your hair... girl, it's tragic. You need a beautician to fix that situation."

I froze. Same old Talia.

Being Afro Latina, African American, and Euro Parisian, my hair was thick and coily, and I loved my coils. But Talia? She never missed a chance to drag me.

I took a breath. "Hey, Talia. How was your summer?"

"Amazing. I traveled the world, met a lot of new people, started dating someone new, things you'd never be able to do." She smirked. "Can you even fit in an airplane seat?"

I clenched my jaw but said nothing. "Well... see you later," I replied calmly and walked to my room, hearing her mutter under her breath, "If it wasn't for my dad, I never would've let that fat cow stay here."

My room was beautiful. It's bigger than the one I shared with my sister back home. I dropped my suitcase and headed back downstairs to grab the rest of my boxes when I heard him.

Jalen.

His voice floated toward me as he talked to Talia about some party happening that night.

I paused at the front door and saw him, really saw him for the first time.

God. He was gorgeous.

Dark brown curly hair, light gray eyes, tall, built like a man who lived in the gym. His jawline could cut glass. The kind of man you stared at a little too long.

As I lugged my boxes upstairs, I whispered to myself, "A guy like that would never look twice at a girl like me."

I'd already had my heart broken freshman year. Lost my virginity to a gym bro who ghosted me immediately after. Chased me for two weeks only to last five minutes and kick me out like trash.

Then came the second guy. My business theory partner. Nerdy, awkward, more my speed, I guess. But the hookups were blah. No sparks. Just... a release. We ended things after a pregnancy scare last spring. I didn't want a relationship with him, and I definitely didn't want a baby.

Now, as senior year approached, I was praying for better. Hoping to survive this final stretch.

End of Flashback

Back in the kitchen, Maya passes me a fry with a toothy grin. I smile, but my mind is still back there, on that staircase, in that condo, standing and staring at Jalen for the first time.

And he didn't even notice me.

Not back then.

Not yet.

Aria's POV

After I finished eating with my best friend and her family, we made our way to the living room while Matt disappeared into the family room to watch a basketball game. I took in the home details, soft cream curtains, stylish decor, and plants that weren't fake. The place was cozy but elevated, just like Nia.

"Your house is beautiful, by the way," I told her.

"Thank you, girl. I try," she replied with a soft smile.

She plopped down on the couch, tucking her legs underneath her. Then came the look. The one that says... so are you gonna spill it or not look.

"So... are you ready?" she asked. "Or are you gonna make me wait?"

I sighed, sinking deeper into the cushions. "It's a long story... but I have five days before the reunion, right? I guess we can start tonight."

She clapped like a kid being handed a cupcake. "YES. Girl, give me everything." She popped open a fresh bottle of red cranberry juice, poured us each a glass, and gave me a moment to breathe.

"Okay, girl. Here we go."

Flashback – Monday: First Day of Classes

I woke up early and jumped in the shower, hoping the hot water would shake off the anxiety threatening to take me out before the semester even began. I tried to tame my wild curls into a messy bun and gave my skin a good layer of moisturizer, rubbing it in with purpose like I was shielding myself from the world.

I threw on my goto: jeans and an oversized T-shirt. Safe. Comfortable. Invisible, hopefully. I grabbed my bag stuffed with books and my laptop, plus my wristlet with my ID, keys, and emergency credit card. I was already mentally reviewing my class schedule as I headed toward the kitchen.

Just as I hit the last step, the smell of eggs and bacon hit me.

"¡Buenos días, Lucy!" I greeted warmly.

"Bueno, bebé," Lucia replied. Then she gave me a once-over. "¿Qué llevas puesto (What are you wearing)?"

"¿Qué tiene de malo (What's wrong with it)?" I asked, even though I already knew where this was going.

"Eres muy bonita. Tal vez pruebes un vestido este año,(You're very pretty maybe try a dress this year)" she said with a hopeful smile.

"Well, Lucy, I don't have any dresses," I replied, half laughing, half praying she'd drop it.

She didn't. "No te preocupes. Te traeré algo de mi hija. Ustedes son del mismo tamaño. (Don't worry. I'll get you something from my daughter. You're about the same size.)"

I shook my head no. She smiled and said yes anyway.

"You will wear them."

I sighed and grabbed the breakfast sandwich she plated for me. I took a bite at the counter, still chewing when Queen Bitch almighty strutted in.

Talia.

She strolled in like she was walking a runway, already mid-conversation on her phone, loud as hell.

I tried to shrink into myself, hoping she'd walk past without noticing me. Silly me.

"Girl, let me call you back," she said, eyes locked on me. "There's a fat pig in the kitchen stinking up the place." She snickered and ended the call.

I stayed quiet, eyes on my food.

She turned to Lucia, annoyed. "Where's my fruit, maid?"

Lucia calmly grabbed it from the fridge and placed it in front of her with some granola and yogurt on the side. Talia barely acknowledged it.

"Be faster next time, or you'll be replaced," she snapped.

Lucia turned away toward the sink and I heard her mutter under her breath, "Perra anoréxica. (Anorexic Bitch)"

I chuckled involuntarily.

Talia turned her venom back toward me. "Oh, Plushy, I forgot you were there, and that's pretty hard considering your size."

"Good morning, Talia," I said quietly, standing up to leave.

She scoffed. "Damn, you practically inhaled that thing. You should slow down."

I didn't say a word. I just grabbed my bag and walked out the door before she could find another barb to throw.

My first class of the day was Financial Marketing 401, one of my last and final marketing courses before graduation. I was ready to be challenged, but I also knew this class came with a major final presentation. Pressure. Great.

Today and Wednesday, I also had Business Law and Statistics 401. Tuesdays and Thursdays were easier, just Human Resources and Fridays I had off. Finally, some breathing room. Maybe this was the semester I could get a job that didn't interfere with my scholarship work-study program.

When I walked into the lecture hall, I immediately noticed it was smaller than usual. Intimate. Thirty students, tops. Great for learning. Terrible for hiding.

I slid into a seat toward the back and set up my laptop and phone, ready to take photos of the board if needed.

Then I heard someone clear their throat.

"Is this seat taken?"

I looked up... and my breath caught in my chest.

It was him.

Jalen.

In the flesh.

His voice. His face. His smile. My heart damn near betrayed me.

"Uh-no. It's free," I managed.

"Good thing. Hate sitting up front," he said as he dropped into the chair next to me. He flashed me a smile that made my stomach twist, then offered his hand. "I'm Jalen."

I was so thrown I forgot my own damn name. "Um... shit, I mean, I'm Aria."

He chuckled. "Nice to meet you, Aria."

I couldn't tell if he recognized me or not. I mean, it had been a few days, but I was also hiding in the hallway, awkward, invisible. But here he was, talking to me like I wasn't hus current girlfriends roommate.

"I know this class is gonna be a bitch," he added. "But hopefully, we can get through it easily."

I gave him a tight-lipped smile, still reeling.

Before I could respond, Professor Tate walked in and started setting up.

And just like that, he was sitting beside me... and my heart didn't know whether to run or lean in.

Present Day

"So wait, you told me you met Jalen through that slut Talia," Nia said, raising her brows.

"Um, no." I gave her a look. "Remember, you didn't come to campus for a week because your mom got sick? You assumed I met him through Talia, but nah, this happened before all that."

"Well, whatever," she said, brushing it off. "Please continue."

Flashback

We were seated in Professor Tate's classroom, waiting for him to finish setting up. His TA moved around the room, handing out thick syllabi to those who showed up early.

When Professor Tate finally walked in, he glanced at his watch and said, "Welcome, future business entrepreneurs, to Financial Marketing 401."

He launched into his intro spiel, rattling off grading expectations and participation requirements. I tried to listen, and I swear I did, but I couldn't stop sneaking glances at Jalen. Lord, that man smelled so damn good. Like expensive cologne, clean skin, and something primal. If I could bottle his sweat, I'd probably wear it like perfume.

"Now," Professor Tate continued, "everyone, look to your right. If you're on the end of the row, look the opposite direction of the wall. If no one's beside you, come see me after class. If someone is, then congratulations, that's your marketing partner for the semester."

I turned.

And there he was.

Jalen.

Sitting right next to me.

I think my heart paused for a solid two seconds. His eyes met mine, and a slow, cocky grin stretched across his face. "Looks like we're stuck together," he said. "I hope you're smart, miss, 'cause I take school seriously."

I gave a nervous chuckle. "I do my best."

He pulled out his phone and held it toward me. "Cool. Put your number in."

I did, hands a little shaky as I typed. He called me right then and there, and I felt my phone buzz in my purse.

"Now you got me on lock," he said smoothly. "Let's set up some meeting times. See what days work for us?"

I nodded, trying to hide the grin creeping up my face. "Yeah, maybe Tuesdays or Thursdays will work. Let's see what our other classes look like first."

Tate kept talking in the background, but I barely heard him. My brain was still catching up.

After class ended, I had to do a quick check-in at the library for my work-study shift assignment. I was also hoping to see if they had any regular job openings because I was trying to stack this paper and multitask wherever I could.

I walked over to my next class: Business Law.

As usual, I picked a seat in the back, easy to dip in and out without being noticed. This class was packed like sardines. Three times the number of students than last class.

As I pulled out my notebook, someone slid into the seat beside me.

"Hey again."

I turned and blinked. It was him.

Jalen. Again.

"Oh wow, you're in this class too?" I said, trying not to sound like a giddy schoolgirl.

He chuckled. "Yeah, looks like we're on the same grind. We'll probably be seeing a lot of each other."

Professor Morristown stormed in like a hurricane, slamming his briefcase onto the desk.

And just like that, class began, and so did the beginning of the hardest damn course of the semester.