Welcome Im Susie Service I hope you enjoy your stay

Sensing a hostile aura Ben knew he had to leave. Turning his back on Jose he stormed towards the exit.

Ben, wait up! Jose shouted.

Ben carried on walking.

Come on Ben you know I didnt do it on purpose!

Do you know how humiliated I feel?! Ben said without stopping.

Jose sighed.

I made a mistake yeah, and Im sorry. Why cant you see the funny side of it? Wheres the old Ben gone? Jose asked sadly.

Finally Ben stopped. His shoulders slumped and his face fell.

Im just so lonely Jose, everyone thinks Im some sort of joke and for once I want to be taken seriously. Just because Im big doesnt mean I dont want a girlfriend, a family. Why wont anyone give me a chance?!

Joess eyes widened as he saw his usually strong and defiant friends face transform into one of wretched misery.

Why wont anyone take me seriously Jose? Why? Ben said once more, his eyes full of sadness.

Hating the sight of his best friend looking so sad Jose pulled Ben into his arms. He had to think of some way to get Ben a girlfriend, one who would respect Ben for who he was. But how? His last idea went down the pan and Ben was unlikely to go to another charity auction in a hurry. Then as if a light had gone on in his head Jose got an idea. Joining a gym! Girls aplenty were bound to be working out, getting in a sweat and looking for men in Lycra surely?

Hey Ben Ive got an idea! Jose said brightly.

Ben pulled away wiping his eyes on his sleeve.

Another bright idea? he sneered.

Jose smiled.

This is a really, really good idea to get a girl.

Enlighten me.

Well lets join a gym!

Bens mouth dropped into a large oval and Jose realised the implication of what hed said.

Oh Ive done it again havent I? Jose realised upon seeing Bens mortified face.

I know Im fat Jose but no need to rub it in! Jesus is that all youve got to say lose weight and youll get a girl, is that it? No ladies for you at your size hey Ben. Youre just a fat, ugly loser with no hopes! Ben yelled.

Wishing the ground would swallow him up Jose grimaced. He had to put this right, somehow.

You know I would never think that Ben, okay sure you would probably do better if you lost a few pounds but...

Oh I knew it! I thought maybe you didnt mean what you said but hey that just confirmed it!

Turning on his heels Ben went to leave. Grabbing his shoulder Jose pulled him back. The pair stared at each other, Bens eyes full of hurt and Joses apologetic.

No! God why do you keep getting the wrong idea?? Look, like I said your chances would increase if you were slimmer but I wanted you to join a gym because girls are there, lots of them!

Bens face softened.

Really? he said quietly.

Yes! I just want you to be happy Ben thats all.

Maybe I could lose a few pounds while Im there too Ben said.

Whatever makes you happy. Jose laughed.

Unbeknown to Ben Joses fingers were firmly crossed behind his back.

A bold, red banner illuminated the gyms entrance, immediately introducing itself as Big Bobs Bionic Gym the one for big biceps, big brains and big packages.

So Ben, big I mean old chap you ready to meet some ladies? Jose asked chirpily.

Ben turned away from the gyms name and turned to face Jose.

Whats with the name? Ben enquired.

What name?

The gyms name of course.

Jose glanced up at the banner, unfazed by what he saw he turned back to Ben.

Oh that.

Yes that?

You mean the big packages thing?

Ben nodded.

Well duh. He continued.

Dont worry Ben even you qualify for this one. Jose laughed.

Ben stood motionless for a second not quite aware of Joses meaning. Was Jose insulting him? Confused he hurried to catch up with his friend. The interior of the lobby was extremely well lit and had a strong smell of chlorine that stung the nose like an angry wasp stings its foes. Ben glanced around taking in the interior fixtures. Two female clerks, both sat in identical positions with identical bored expressions engraved in their features manned a reception area. One slowly filed her nails whilst the other stared into space. Working in a gym must be such a riveting occupation Ben thought dryly. Aside from Ben and Jose there were little customers, obviously the result of the girls apparent boredom. Still at least they wouldnt have to queue, Ben thought brightly.

Hey Ben Ive already got a membership here so Im just going to get prepped while you register, is that okay? Jose asked.

Yeah sure, go on. Just come back here when youre ready.

Sure thing, see you in a minute. Jose grinned, walking off in the direction of the opposite door.

Following Joses leave Ben reverted back to his analysis of the gyms lobby. By now only one receptionist remained and still she maintained that constant, steely gaze of nothingness. Guessing the other clerk had gone to check out things in the back Ben felt fairly confident in approaching the counter; he smiled waiting for a response. He didnt get one. Unaware of whether the remaining receptionist was rude or just damn right stupid Ben waited a few minutes more. Still receiving no response Ben began to get angry. Waving his hand in the girls face he couldnt understand why she didnt even flinch blink move even what was wrong with her? Did she have some sort of muscle paralysis?

Hello anybody in there?!? Ben shouted.

Once more all Ben heard was the echo of his own voice. Sustaining her eerie, steady and overbearing gaze the clerks stare blared at Ben instantly sending a shiver of anxiety down his spine. He couldnt help but notice how awfully unnerving her look was it was like she had been framed or something. His eyes searched desperately for the other receptionist but found nothing, nothing but this poor excuse of a receptionist - what ever happened to customer service? Frustrated Ben tapped robustly on the girls arm and to his shock her body seemed to tip over, falling heavily to the floor.

Dear god, all I did was tap her! Ben exclaimed through his shock as the other clerk finally came rushing in.

Rushing to see the commotion in the lobby, Lola, the vacant receptionist, appeared again. As she approached the doorway her eyes locked on Bens desperate, uneasy figure. His eyes roamed anxiously whilst portraying an emotion of deep despair. Glancing away from Ben her eyes fell on her companion the customer service cardboard dummy. Oh dear another day, another sucker. How many more people were going to think dear old Susie Service was real? Surely that scary scare should ring some bells in peoples minds. Glancing back at Bens frantic face she changed her mind obviously not.

Oh no you killed her! Lola exclaimed.

Ben gasped; it was only then that hed noticed the second receptionist had returned. Up close she certainly seemed more attractive then far away. Her eyes, framed by lashings of mascara, were a deep sea blue, her nose a mere button, her mouth a crescent of smooth, unmarked skin. Tiny freckles were scattered on the base of her nose and extended onto her cheeks. Her blonde, layered hair fell loosely around her shoulders, as Ben watched she automatically tucked several hairs behind her ears.

Yep, shes a goner. In fact reaching down she gathered up the dropped leaflets that were once sat neatly in Susie Services deposit tray.

Heres her lifeline now. Lola laughed as the leaflets dropped all over Bens head.

Ahhh, what the heck, Jesus, I thought this was blood.

Lola rolled her eyes.

No, its leaflets. Susie Services leaflets. Shes a flipping cardboard cut out!

Ben breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Thank god for that! Ben laughed.

Smiling weakly Lola tried to maintain her grip on reality it certainly was hard to uphold in this mad house.

So Im guessing you came here for something. So what have you got, the small package or the big package? she asked politely.

Ben suddenly felt very offended. Were receptionists supposed to intrude into your personal circumstances like this?

Excuse me?

The receptionist stared blankly.

Small package or big package, simple question isnt it? she asked.

Bens forehead furrowed and his brow knitted together as he tried to interpret the situation. As perplexing as it seemed, he knew this complexity of big packages had something to do with the gyms name. But what?

Dont you think what youre asking me is a little rude?! Ben said finally.

Lola groaned.

For gods sake! Theres two types of memberships and theyre known as small and big packages. Lola explained as if she was talking to a two year old. Shed probably get more sense out of one anyway.

Oh. Ben uttered as reality hit hard. Again.

Now it all makes sense! Ben laughed.

Uh huh. Shall I explain what each membership involves? Lola asked.

Oh yes please.

Right. Small package gym membership youre entitled to using all machinery and equipment except the sauna rooms, Jacuzzi and swimming pool. Big package membership youre obviously entitled to using everything you could ever wish to use.

Ben smiled. He knew what he was going to choose it was the big package thorough and through.

Well I think it will have to be the big package please, got to have all avenues covered havent you never know what might crop up! Ben said jollily.

Of course sir. By the way I need to know what your name is, to enter it into the system. Lola requested.

My name? Ben stuttered.

Lola nodded slowly, her face set in a slightly sarcastic tone. This guy was a bag of laughs, really he was.

Its Ben Dover. Ben uttered quickly.

Sorry I didnt quite catch that. Lola said, Repeat please.

Shifting his body to the side Ben repeated his name, slower this time.

Ahhh Ben Dover. What a curious name. Lola grinned.

Bens face settled into an intimidating manner.

No need to let out any little gags Ive heard them all, believe me. Ben muttered.

Lolas eyes locked with Bens. A sense of individualism was portrayed. One that said Im not like all the others, so dont you dare compare them to me.

Your card. Lola said, handing Ben the membership card.

Of course, thanks. Ben muttered, turning away. Just then Jose came out of the door he had left in.

Whats holding you Ben, come on!

Sure. Ben said taking a final glance at Lola before following Jose towards the business end of the gym.