I reread the rules before posting this latest chapter; and specifically the last paragraph.  I think it falls within the rules (no direct sexuality, everything consensual, adults, etc).  And it is important as to the relationship dynamic between the two main characters.  But if I need to change it I can.

Part 39.

I stood beside my truck as I watched Haley return to the office.  As soon as the door closed behind her, I took the facemask off my face.  I was going to try to make this work.  But I was going to draw the line some places.  This was one of them.  Once in the truck I headed home.  I had intentionally left my calendar blank.  There was no way I wanted to show up in front of customers lisping and slobbering like a cartoon character.  I really hoped I didn’t get many phone calls for a few days.

Back home I had worked for several hours.  Emails exclusively, my typing was still lisp free after all.  I looked at the clock and saw it was 5, Haley should be getting off about now.  I shot her a text to be careful, and don’t eat.  I had it handled.  It would take her an hour or so to get here.  I wanted to have dinner ready by the time she got here.  Before I started though, I went into my bathroom and eyed my back pack.  I didn’t really want to put on the facemask.  But I knew I was supposed to.  And i wanted to be wearing it when Haley got home.

I bared my teeth in the mirror again to look at my new appliance.  The hooks in my mouth were very visible when I smiled.  I knew I would need to figure out how to explain them.  I didn’t want to volunteer to everyone that I had to wear reverse pull headgear.  I decided I would just be vague, telling them it was part of my TMJ treatment.  I didn’t think too many people would pry, but if they did I would tell them I had to wear rubberbands at night.  That wasn’t a lie, just not the whole truth.  I then opened my mouth and leaned my head back, cutting my eyes down to see the arch and nance pad that occupied much of my pallet.  It wasn’t nearly as extreme as what my poor Haley had to deal with every second of every day.  But it was still a lot, at least to me.  But I knew I better get used to it.  It sounded like I would have it for at least 6 months.  I had resigned myself to this; though I was still leaning against surgery and expander.  I was leaning against it very hard.  Accepting that this was my new normal, I put my facemask on and headed to the kitchen. 

As I pulled things out of the fridge and pantry I thought about how ridiculous I must look.  A full grown man wearing an orthodontic facemask.  Until the past few months I had no idea it was even a thing.  I had thought it was something relegated to pre-teens twenties years ago.  And yet here I was.  Wearing a facemask.  With a girl friend that wore one as well.  Who’s bestie wore the most extreme headgear I had ever seen.  I tried to shake those thoughts from my head. 

It seemed to make Haley happy though.  And if this made Haley happy I would do it.  As I brought the water to a boil, I was cooking pasta, my phone rang.  Crap, I would shoot back a text like I had on the previous calls and ask them if we could text; I had used the excuse that I had a dentist appointment earlier and speaking hurt.  I had not specified that what speaking hurt was my pride.  When I got to my phone I saw it was Britt.  Well I thought, she had already seen me at my worst, so I accepted the call.

I answered “Hey Britt, what’sh up.  Did you have fun at work today?”  Britt said “yes, I did.  There was a handsome new patient today getting a TPA and facemask.  He was so self conscious.  And it was so adorable to watch.  Not only that, his girlfriend was there to see his humiliation.  To add further to his indignation, Dr. Sanders cajoled him into letting her take his picture to put it on Facebook.   It was a great day!”  She started laughing.  She continued “but seriously, you did good today.  You handled it all with maturity.   And I have never seen Haley as happy as she has been this afternoon.  That is why I called you.  To warn you.”  I was confused.  I asked “warn me of what?”

Britt answered “let’s go back to that first time when Haley came over to your house.  I am sure you remember when Haley asked you about braces?  I could see you dying inside as you tried to explain it.  Your poker face sucks by the way.  I could see the shame you felt.  Which was silly.  Because both Haley and I have a little thing for orthodontics; just in a little different way than you do.  But anyway, do you remember that shame?  Well, I am not going to let the cat out of the bag.  But Haley has a little kink of her own.  She has been too scared to tell you about it, or even ask you about.  She has alluded to it a few times, but you never picked up on it.  She is going to give you something tonight.  A present.  And you will know what her kink is without her having to say a word.  PLEASE, PLEASE just keep an open mind.  And DO NOT tell her I called you.  She would be mortified.  Just remember how willing she has been to indulge you.  That is it.  That is why I called.”

I said “aw hell Britt, you can’t do me like that.  What are you talking about?”  She said “you will find out tonight.  It is nothing bad though.  Just the opposite.  Fitting you with your facemask today gave Haley the motivation, maybe the courage, to tell you tonight.  Go with it.  Be nice to my best friend.  Hey, speaking of your facemask, are you wearing it?  You better be.”  I answered “yes, I am.  It is underneath the paperbag I am wearing over my head.  But don’t worry, I cut two eye holes so I can still see.”  Britt responded “you are so, so silly.  Have you not seen the monstrosities most of us have to wear at the office.  Haley is even wearing her facemask right now, driving home in 5 oclock traffic, as she heads to you.  And do you know why?  So she can prove to you it isn’t a big deal.  But I don’t believe you, that you are wearing your facemask.  Prove it.  Hang up right now, take a selfie, and text it to me.  Right now.  And you and Haley have fun tonight.  Tonight will be a night you will both remember forever.  Bye!”

And then she was gone.  I stood there stunned.  What the hell was that all about.  Then my phone dinged at me.  I looked down to see a text from Britt.  It said ‘Selfie.  NOW!’.  Crap, she was actually serious about that.  I couldn’t believe I was doing it.  But I took a selfie of myself and sent it to Britt.  She responded right back ‘Good Boy!  Haley is going to love it.  I don’t know if she can get any happier than she already is, but if so, that will do it.”

I continued to work on dinner.  The noodles were done, and the sauce was simmering.  All that was really required was an occasional stir to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.  But all I could think about was Britt’s call.  I racked my brain, trying to remember all the hours I had been with Haley and Britt, and all the things that had been said.  My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Haley yell out “Hey Babe!  I’m home.”  I responded “Kitten, I’m in the kitchen.” 

Haley entered the kitchen wearing her scrubs from earlier in the day.  And the purple floral facemask.  When she saw me she squeeled “Yay!  You are wearing yours!” as she ran over and literally leaped into my arms.  I caught her and held her tight.  She said “I was afraid I was going to have to twist your arm.  I even wore mine on the ride home to prove to you it isn’t a big deal.  And here you are!  You are the best patient!  And boyfriend!  And I got you a present.  Let me go get it”.  I sat her down and she disappeared.

She returned a minute later with a wrapped box with a big bow on it.  She handed it to me with a big smile on her face.  She said “here!  This is for you!  Go ahead and open it!”  I removed the bow.  Then I  carefully unwrapped it to find a waterpik.  Wait, is this what Britt had made such a big deal over?  A waterpik?  I mean, I was already aware that my ortho treatment was doing something to Haley, I didn’t need to see a waterpik to know that.  As I looked at it she asked “do you not like it?”  She had misread the confused look on my face as one of disappointment.  I quickly put a smile on my face and looked at her “I absolutely love it!”  I hugged her and said “you are so thoughtful.  I both love it and need it.  Maybe you can show me how to use it later tonight.”  She answered “of course silly.”  We sat there holding each other for a moment.  I released her and said “dinner’s ready if you are.”  Haley looked at me and said “I’m not too hungry right now.  Too many butterflies.  Can we talk?  But first let me get something else.” 

She came back with another box, also wrapped with a bow on top.  Holding it under her arm she flipped the knob on the stove to off.  She grabbed my hand and stood there in awkward silence.  I could tell she was nervous.  I asked her “what is it babe?”  She said nothing but led me to the couch and had me sit.  She paced nervously back and forth before she started talking.

She said “I have not been honest with you, not completely honest with you, so far during our relationship.  You have.  You have opened yourself up like a book.  To let me see all of you. The good, the weird, all of it.  I have not.  I have a little secret.  And I have to tell you about it.  To be honest to you.  And to myself.

Baby, fitting your appliance and facemask today made me feel things I have never felt.  No, my interest in orthodontics is different than yours.  Mine is completely clinical.  No, what made me feel that is that you were giving me a part of yourself.  You gave me your mouth today.  To do what needed to be done.  I knew you didn’t want to.  But you did.  You gave it to me, to do as Dr. Sanders and I saw fit.  You trusted us with it.  You gave me the keys to it.  And I have never felt the things I have felt since then.  I am rambling.  I have another present for you.”  She handed me the box:  it was heavier than the previous one.  Again I removed the bow and wrapping paper.  I found a generic brown cardboard box taped shut.  I had my knife and carefully cut it open.  There was tissue paper on top.  I removed it.  And my eyes grew huge.

I knew they existed, I had seen pictures of them, of people wearing them.  And I knew what they represented.  But I had never seen one in person.  And certainly never handled one.  I picked it up out of the box.  The stainless steel collar was heavier than it looked. Haley began talking and I shifted my attention back to her.  She was kneeling on the floor in front of me, her hands laying palm up on her quads while her head was bowed down to the floor.  She said “you gave me the keys to your mouth today.  This gift symbolizes the keys to my heart, my body, my soul.  All of me.  I hope you will accept them.  I know you will take the greatest of care with them.”

I am not typing either Haley's or my lisp out in this, but they are still there.

Part 40.

As I looked down at Haley, who remained kneeling and unmoving, thoughts raced in my head.  I thought of our time together over the past months, replaying moments in my head.  Some of the things that both Haley and Britt had said during that time made more sense to me now.  And like Britt had said earlier, this had been in front of me to see the entire time, I had just been too dense to see it.  As I looked at Haley, I realized how much courage it must have taken for her to tell me about her secret.  For her to do what she was doing now.  And to ask me to be a part of it.  I also couldn't ignore how vulnerable she was making herself.  She had completely laid herself bare to me.  But, underlying this vulnerability was strength and confidence.  And to think I had always considered myself the complicated one in our relationship.

Haley continued to bow in front of me.  I knew it couldn't be comfortable, yet here she was continuing to do it.  I told her "stand up baby."  She stood in place, head still bowed, responding "yes, sir". I said "of course I accept your gift.  I have never received a gift that means so much.  Not this actual piece of metal.  But what it represents.  You, your heart, your love.  I promise you I WILL take the greatest of care with them.  Please, look at me."  She obeyed, raising her head and answering "yes, sir." 

I continued "Haley, I love you.  I love you more than I thought it was possible to love anything or anyone.  So of course I accept this gift.  But, under a few conditions.  Please, come and sit beside me."  Haley said again only "yes, sir" and came and sat beside me.  I reached my arm around her and pulled her in close.

I reached my other hand up under her chin and turned her head towards me so that we were looking into each other's eyes.  I told her "baby, I will gladly put this beautiful new 'necklace' on you, but only under some conditions."  I could sense the nervousness in Haley radiating out of her.  I said "first, I want you to understand that I too am giving you my heart.  As you wear this, let it be a reminder of how much I care for you.  My feelings for you go even beyond love.  Two, I love your spontaneity, your humor, your wit. When you reach down and grab my hand, or lean in and give me a kiss, or reach over and straighten my collar. The little jokes you make, sometimes at my expense.  I love all of those things about you.  And I can't live without them.  So you have to promise me that you will not lose that.  You are still your own person.  Do you promise?"  She responded "yes, sir."  I continued "third, I realize what an enormous responsibility this entails for me.  I promise every morning to wake up with the goal of being the man you deserve.  I am not sure I, or anyone, could ever really be all you deserve.  But I promise to try.  But, I want you to promise that you will help me.  If I am not living up to this, goad me to improve.  If I am doing something you just can't stand, tell me to change.  If I fall short, implore me to do better.  This cannot disrupt our communication.  I think that is what makes us work out so beautifully.  So, promise me you will still be honest with me; about me and about us."  She said "yes, sir."  I continued "and finally, number four, at least for now, please do not call me 'sir' in front of others. Maybe someday, or maybe just in front of some people, but not now.  I love that you trust me enough to do it here, between just the two of us.  But I don't want to ever have you put in a situation that could be awkward or demeaning for you.  Some people may be judgmental; no, some people will be judgmental.  So, do you agree not to call me sir in front of others?  At least for now."  She looked back at me and said simply "yes."  She had left the 'sir' off at the end this time.  That is the one thing I loved about her the most.  She had a gorgeous body no doubt.  But I loved her nimble mind; her quick wit, her personality, her charm; even more.  I leaned over and hugged her.  I whispered "I love you so much.  Thank you for your gift.  I promise to protect and cherish it always." 

Releasing her from my grasp, I turned her so that her back was to me.  I took the key in the box and fit it in the screw that held the collar together.  It was a unique screw head that could only be turned by the key.  It wasn't some hex or philips head design one could find in my garage; or at a hardware store for that matter.  It could only be removed with the key, or with some power tools. 

I backed the screw out until the collar opened.  I held up Haley's hair and gently fit the collar around her neck.  Once it was closed, there would be no simple way that she could remove it herself without the key.  As I closed it around her neck I couldn't help but notice the fine hairs on her neck were standing up.  I told her before I locked it shut "Haley, my love, this collar does not just represent you giving yourself to me.  It also represents me giving myself to you.  Wholey and completely."  As I screwed it close, locking it onto her, I thought to myself 'I am going to marry this woman.  Not right this second, but when the time is right.  And we will exchange similar vows to what we just did.  Only it will be in a church, in front of all of our friends and family and before the Lord.'  Once I had the collar secured I turned her around.  I told her "I have never seen anything look so beautiful as that looks on you.  Please come with me."  She smiled and said "yes, sir."

The next morning I awoke.  Before I even opened my eyes my brain asked 'what is on my face, and what the heck is in my mouth?  There is something huge there; holding my lower jaw forward and holding my tongue against the roof of my mouth against some uncomfortable foreign invaders that are on my palate'.  I involuntarily put my hand up to my forehead to wipe my face and felt the Petit facemask resting on my forehead.  I then remembered this was my new normal.  I had gotten an orthodontic appliance and facemask the day before.  As I opened my eyes the first thing I saw was the metal bar running down the center of my face, just clearing my nose.  Oh, yeah, I have to wear this now.  Then I thought of Haley and turned my head in her direction.  She was curled up beside me on her side.  When I turned to see her, I saw her eyes open staring back at me.  Oh crap, was I snoring?  I asked her the best I could "wah ey norin?" She replied "no, you weren't.  I haven't heard you snore since you got your splint.  I was just watching you sleep peacefully.  It makes me happy."  I let out an "awww..." I then told her "shtay."

I got up and went into the bathroom.  I removed my facemask, setting it aside.  Then I removed the giant splint from my mouth.  I rinsed it off and snapped it shut in the case.  I then brushed my teeth, being extra diligent to clean around the hooks that extended from my molars to my canines, to get the gross film that accumulated in my mouth every night wearing my appliance.  Once I was done rinsing, I popped my day splint in.  I then looked over at the facemask. I picked it back up and put it back on, for Haley.  Plus, I needed to catch up some.  Neither Haley nor I had gotten in our prescribed time the night before.

As I reentered the bedroom I again, probably for the ten thousandth time, thought how beautiful Haley was and how lucky I was.  She was laying there in bed with her cheetah print mask on watching me.  I had told her to put the cheetah on versus her other ones the night before because she was SO sexy in it.  I got back in bed and curled up beside her.  As we cuddled we talked about the night before.  After about twenty minutes, it was time to get up and get ready for the day.  My final statement to her was "last night was so special baby.  I will never forget it."  She hugged me and said "I won't either."

I was dressed, sitting on a stool drinking coffee in the kitchen.  I was going to venture out and see a customer today.  I knew I had to eventually face the world with my new appliance; and it's too visible hooks and accompanying lisp.  I figured I would just bite the bullet and start today.  Haley entered the kitchen dressed in her customary scrubs, but this morning she had a lightweight sweater covering her top.  The last few mornings had been unseasonably cool.  And Haley was one of those people that was always cold.  It also covered up her collar.  I wondered if she was a little nervous about showing up to work with it on.  I thought she probably was; but I also knew she loved it.  I did not mention anything about it as I didn't want her to dwell on it.  Plus, I was not taking it off of her.  I also couldn't help but notice she was wearing her purple floral facemask.  She walked over and rubbed up against me.  She said "well, I better hit the road.  I have a bunch of patients to go torture today" and giggled.  I said "baby, patients should consider themselves lucky to be tortured by you.  I know I do."  I looked up at her and smiled. 

I then asked "are you going to wear your facemask to work?"  She said "yes, it isn't anymore uncomfortable than the tandem bow. Actually it is more comfortable.  The elastics don't chap my lips as bad as the metal bars.  It is just more visible.  But I realized yesterday it isn't too big a deal, at least when driving.  And plus, Britt has been giving me a hard time about having to wear her headgear at work, while I get away without having to wear my facemask.  So yes, I am."  I looked at her with love in my eyes and told her "you are so incredible.  I love you so much.  Let me escort you to your car."  Once at her car I stopped her.  I hugged her and told her "have a great day at work.  And know I will be thinking of you."  I leaned in, maneuvered around her facemask, and kissed her on the cheek.  As she got in the car I told her "I love you.  Be safe."  She looked back up at me from the driver's seat and replied "yes, sir", a smile on her face.

As I walked back to the house I realized that Britt was right.  Last night was a memory that I would never forget.

Back inside, I grabbed a few documents I would need, and unhooked my laptop and stuck it in my shoulder bag.  I took one last look at myself in the mirror.  I smiled and thought the hooks in my mouth might be visible from space.  But, I knew I couldn't hide inside for the next 6 months.  I grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and headed to the truck.  I stowed my bag in the passenger seat.  I then got into the driver's seat and I hooked my phone up to the charger.  As I did I noticed I had missed a text from Haley.  I opened it up and read:

"Sir, I am thinking of you!  And here is a little something so you can think of me!"

https://dereferer.me/?https://imgur.io/a/4t3JUVl

I was blown away.  By her beauty.  By the way the morning sun glowed on her skin.  And by the facemask she was so bravely and boldly wearing on her face in public.  I didn't think it was possible, but I fell even more deeply in love with her at that moment.

Part 42.

I arrived at Haley's apartment at 6:45 that evening.  I had texted her earlier in the afternoon that I was taking her out to celebrate us.  When she opened the door she was stunning; dressed in a pink dress and matching heels.  She had lightly curled her hair and had on silver jewelry that accentuated the beautiful stainless collar around her neck.  And she was wearing her pink facemask.  I hugged her and told her "you look ravishing, good enough to eat, maybe we should just stay in" and smiled.  She said "there will be time for that later.  You still owe me from last night.  We didn't eat a thing."  I pulled back with a smile and said "THAT was not my fault.  I did make dinner.  We just got sidetracked and didn't eat it. Just the same, let me make it up to you."  I expected her to remove her facemask before we made the walk to my truck.  She surprised me when she didn't.  Instead she locked her door, took my hand, and began walking.

I opened the door for her and told her "your chariot awaits mi' lady."  Once we were both in the vehicle, I turned to her.  I lifted my hand and with my index finger traced along the curve of her collar.  I said "it looks so beautiful on you.  And what it represents is even more beautiful.  And you even color coordinated your facemask with your dress.  You look so beautiful."  She replied "thank you sir, I hoped you would like it."

Once we were parked at the restaurant I looked over at her.  It appeared she was planning to wear her facemask into the restaurant.  I told her "kitten, take your facemask off before we go inside."  She looked at me with a hurt look on her face and asked "are you embarrassed to be seen with me in it?"  This caught me off guard, that had not been my intention at all.  I looked over at her as she reached up to remove an elastic.  I took her hand and stopped her.  I looked her in the eyes and told her "absolutely not.  You are breathtaking in it. The most gorgeous thing I have ever seen.  Seeing you wearing it does things to me, that, well you know what it does to me.  I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable."  She said "I know it makes you happy.  And I want to make you happy.  I am scared of wearing it in there.  But I know you will protect me.  May I wear it for you sir?"  I looked at her and said "of course, it would mean so much to me."  I also thought that this new dynamic was going to take some getting used to.

As we walked towards the restaurant Haley snuggled up against me.  I knew she was nervous, she had told me as much.  But her body language told the story as well.  I put my arm around her and said "I've got you baby."

As we entered the restaurant and walked to the hostess to check in for our reservation I noticed a man blatantly staring at Haley.  She pretended not to notice, but it was obvious.  I turned my head and locked eyes with him.  As Britt has admonished me repeatedly I have a horrible poker face.  Seeing the look on my face, and the simmering rage that lay underneath it for staring at my girl and making her feel uncomfortable, he quickly averted his eyes.  The hostess did a double take at seeing such a beautiful woman wearing such an obtrusive orthodontic appliance on her face.  But she quickly and politely recovered and asked if we had a reservation.  After telling her my name and the time of the reservation, she looked down at her podium and said "please, follow me, your table is ready."

As we followed the hostess I held Haley's hand.  We had to walk by quite a few occupied tables to get to our table, which seemed to be located in the back corner of the restaurant.  As we walked several people stopped their conversations mid-sentence to stare at Haley.  I knew she could see it and feel it.  I felt a slight tremble in her; I squeezed her hand tightly and softly said "they are only looking at you because you are so beautiful."

Once we arrived at our table I pulled out a chair for Haley.  I pulled the one out that would position her so that her back was to the restaurant floor, away from the prying, rude eyes of other diners.  As I took my seat I noticed several people were still staring in our direction.  Again, I made eye contact with them.  The look on my face was not a friendly one.  They all quickly averted their gaze.  I wondered what I would do if someone ever did not do so.  I didn't want to find out.

I reached over and took Haley's hand, changing the look on my face quickly to a welcoming, loving smile.  She looked at me and said "that was so scary.  So, so scary.  Everyone was staring."  I told her "you did great baby.  And guess what, they would have been staring at you whether you were wearing that facemask or not.  The men because they want you, the women because they are jealous of you."  She said "thank you sir."  I nodded my head and said "remember baby, don't call me sir."  She said "sorry, sir" and laughed.  She then said "I will do better, I promise."

We made small talk for a few minutes before our server arrived and introduced herself.  Emily said she was delighted to be serving us tonight.  She appeared to be in her early 20s. As we would find out during the night, she was very attentive and good at her job.  But as she introduced herself the thing that jumped out were her teeth. Literally. They were a mess.  She had a very severe overbite and her smile was very narrow.  Her canines on top protruded out awkwardly; and her bottom teeth were a crowded mess.  She was a very pretty girl, but she would have been even prettier if she fixed her smile.  And I could tell she was self-conscious of it by the way she seemed to try to hide it with her lips. 

After she had taken our drink orders, I continued to chat with Haley.  I asked her what looked good.  She told me it all did.  She then told me "but I want you to order for me.  I trust you."  Again I realized our new relationship was going to put a lot of responsibility on my shoulders.  And while I was nervous if I was up to the task; I certainly did not want to screw it up; I also welcomed it.

When the server came back to the table with our drinks, she asked if we were ready to order.  I told her we were and ordered for the both of us.  Service was quick and our food arrived soon.  It looked delicious.   Haley removed her facemask and elastics and placed them in her purse.  Emily watched Haley intently as she did this.  But I sensed in Emily's look it was a genuine interest in her treatment, and not a leering, hurtful look like some we had encountered entering the restaurant.  Once Haley had put away her facemask Emily looked at the both of us and asked if there was anything else we needed.  I told her no, that everything looked delicious.  She lingered by the table, it looked to me that she wanted to say something more, but after a few seconds said only "enjoy your meal, I will be back to check on you regularly" and departed.

The food was as good as it looked.  But after all Cozy's always was incredible.  As we ate I said "I think our server wants to ask you about your orthodontics.  And I don't think it is in a hurtful or shameful way.  I have seen the way she tries to cover her mouth, and the way she looks at yours."  Haley cocked her head and asked "really, why do you think that."  I told her "I don't really know, I just do."  I then took the conversation in a different direction and asked "so, how did the girls at the office respond to your new necklace?"  Haley's eyes lit up.  She said "Britt was so excited.  So, so excited.  Some of the other girls don't realize what it represents I don't think, but several of them did comment on how pretty it was.  I told them it was a gift from my amazing boyfriend.   Lauren was jealous, and she started googling to see about getting one herself.  And then she realized what this is."  Haley reached up and placed her hand on her collar and continued "and when she realized what it was, and what it symbolizes, she was even more jealous.  I am sure at some time in the future someone will be weird about it.  But I don't care.  I love it!  And I love you!"  I looked back at her and said seriously "but not as much as I love you, because such a thing is just not possible."  My phone then rang.

As I silenced the ringer I looked down and saw a local number I did not recognize.  I was about to just let it go, but then I remembered my conversation with Carol earlier in the day.  I bet this was her.  I was not going to take the call in the restaurant.  But I did text back a response on the assumption it was: 'Carol, Haley and I are at dinner.  Thank you for calling.  But can I call you back at this number when we are done."  I quickly got a response stating "I am so sorry for interrupting your dinner.  Yes, of course, please call when it is convenient.  Just remember I am an old lady and always go to bed before 10."  I shot her back "first of all, you are NOT an old lady.  And second, we will call you back as soon as we leave here."

I looked over at Haley and asked "so, do you mind talking about City Orthodontics with a prospective patient after dinner?"  I then explained my day.  Once I was done Haley said "of course not, I would be happy to.  And I am so glad your first day with your appliance went so well.  I knew it would."  At this time Emily our server arrived back at the table.  Haley and I had each finished our meal.  Emily asked how it was, and if she could tempt us with desert.  I answered that it was delicious, and I told her I wanted to order a piece of the strawberry cheesecake for the beautiful woman sitting across from me.  Emily said she would get that right out.  As she turned to leave I said "there is one more thing."  Emily turned her attention back to me and asked "yes, sir?"  I said "earlier when Haley was removing her facemask it looked like you wanted to ask about it.  I sensed you were interested in her treatment.  Haley would be glad to answer any questions you have, isn't that right baby."  Haley answered "of course."  Emily stammered a bit as she said "well... actually I do.  I have always wanted to fix my smile.  It is a wreck.  But my parents could never afford braces for me.  I can now.  But I don't really know anything about them, or even where to start."  I couldn't believe I was about to do this to myself but I jumped in first.

I said "well, a good place to start would be City Orthodontics.  My lovely Haley here works there and is in treatment there.  As am I."  I smiled widely, showing her the hooks along my upper arch.  I then tilted my head down and opened my mouth so that my day splint was visible.  I just started a week ago, and got this bad boy yesterday."  I leaned my head back and opened my mouth wide, showing the steel and acrylic that covered much of my palate.  I continued "Haley has several months on me.  But I am trying to catch up.  A good place to start would be to go to City Orthodontics' Facebook page.  All their contact info is there.  And then call them and schedule a consultation.  Just don't let any of the pictures on their page scare you.  Especially the one with the dorky guy wearing a facemask."  I winked at Haley. She turned her attention from Emily to me and said "again, you are the furthest thing from dorky.  You are sexy in it.  Look what it has done to me."  Emily had a confused look on her face from this last statement but still said "so you two are going through this together?  That is so cool."

Haley turned back to Emily and said "we are going through this together.  And it is so cool.  So cool" as she looked over at me and gave me the most seductive, sultry look I have ever seen.  Haley then turned back to Emily and said "we do offer free consultations.  At the very least, you should schedule an appointment and come see us."  Emily asked "really?   I just don't know."  Haley asked "so, what don't you know?"  Emily said "well, what's it like having braces as an adult?  And does everyone have to wear a facemask like that?  You are the second person in as many days that has worn one of those in here." 

This made me think back to my appointment the day before, and Lori's husband telling her he was taking her to lunch.  I hadn't even thought about that when I had made the reservation here.  But maybe my subconscious did.  Or maybe it was just because I knew this was an incredible and romantic restaurant.  Either way, it did answer a question I had bouncing around in my brain the day before.  Lori HAD worn her mask out in public.  She was trying to do her best.  Haley interrupted my thoughts when she replied "well, I don't have my braces yet, just expanders and a tongue crib.  And the facemask."  She opened her mouth up and showed Emily the appliances in her mouth.  She continued "braces will be a piece of cake compared to this.  And as for the facemask, a lot of patients do require it during treatment.  But, typically only in the privacy of their home. But there are exceptions of course.  And it isn't actually as bad as it looks."  Looking at me she said "isn't that right babe?"

I sheepishly answered "I think the jury is still out on that."  Looking into Haley's eyes I told her "but as long as it makes you happy I will do it.  I will do whatever it takes to make you happy."  Haley let out a soft "awww.." 

Emily was perceptive and realized this was her time to exit stage right.  She said "thank you so, so much.  I have taken way too much of your time.  I will get that piece of cheesecake for you.  It is to die for."

And she was right, Haley had fed me several bites of it with her fork and it was incredible.  After we finished, Emily arrived back with the check and placed it on the table.  I picked it up to see what the damage was.  But it didn't really matter how much it was, it was worth every penny.  I placed my card in the restaurant bill folder and handed it back to Emily.  She attempted to take it from me and I held on firmly.  I said "I will give you this under one condition. Please call and book a consultation.  My girls will take the best care of you.  I promise you will be happy you did."  I then released my hold on it. 

Emily quickly returned with the folder and handed it to me.  She was about to walk away but I told her "hold on, I will give this right back to you."  I quickly filled in the tip portion.  I wrote down $200.  It was almost double what the meal had been.  Then under it wrote a little note "Make the call!  You will be so glad you did!  And I hope you will put this towards your treatment!"  Emily took the folder back and discreetly looked at the check.  When she saw the tip her eyes got a little big.  For a party of two it was a lot.  She looked at me and said "THANK YOU!  I promise I will make the call."  She smiled broadly, then quickly covered her mouth.  I could tell her smile really did bother her.  I hoped she would get it straightened out.  I looked over at Haley.  She asked "what was that about?"  I told her "I think I just recruited City Orthodontics a new patient.  Let's go out to the truck and call Carol back and I will get you number two.  Maybe Dr. Sanders will let us visit the beach condo I am financing for her."

Haley said "aren't you forgetting something?"  I cocked my head at her.  She said "we need to go brush.  The joys of orthodontics.  I bet you didn't even bring a brush.  But I've got you covered."

Standing in the hallway where the bathrooms were located, Haley pulled a proxy brush out and handed it to me.  She said "just hit the high spots for now; be sure to check your TPA for anything caught there, and of course the hooks.  You have a piece of spinach stuck there."  I said "wait, I had a piece of spinach stuck in my teeth the whole time I was talking?  And you didn't stop me?"  She said "yes, you did.  Still do. But it was so cute, you were so cute, I couldn't bring myself to say anything."  Before I could respond she disappeared into the ladies room.  As I went into the mens room I thought "these ortho girls may be weirder about braces than I am" and smiled.  I walked up in front of the mirror and pursed my lips.  And I saw I did in fact have a huge piece of spinach stuck in one of my hooks.  I thought to myself "this is going to take some getting used to".  I gave my appliance a once over and got all that I could see dislodged.  I was thinking about what a pain in the ass eating out was going to be from now on as I exited the restroom.  But that thought was quickly pushed from my mind when I saw Haley.  She was again wearing her pink facemask.  She walked up and put her arm in mine.  She seductively asked "would you care to escort a lady to her vehicle?"  I said "not at all, but if you aren't careful with that thing I may escort you somewhere else."  She nuzzled her facemask against my neck and said "I hope you do.  And I hope you take your time doing it."

When I wrote my comment, there was no text at all. Sorry.

Part 43.

Upon Haley and I getting back in my truck and pulling out of the parking lot I dialed Carol Sullivan.  She answered on the third ring.  I said “Mrs. Sullivan, Hi!  This is Rob calling you back.  I apologize for not being able to talk earlier.  I have you on speaker with Haley.  We’d love to answer any questions you have.  I am driving in case I seem distracted at times.  But Haley is the one you need to talk to anyway.”  She replied “first things first, call me Carol.  And if you need to call me back you can.”  I said “no, this is perfect. This way you have both of us.”  She said “ok, but if you need to let me go then go.  And I apologize for interrupting your dinner.  I hope it was nice.”  Haley responded “It was incredible.  Great food, great company, just perfect!  So Rob told me you were thinking about seeing us but had some reservations.  Please tell me what those are and I will try to address them.”

I spoke very little on the drive home, this was definitely the Haley show.  They were still talking when I pulled into Haley’s complex.  I parked and whispered to Haley “you two keep going, I will keep the truck running.”  I thought I had said it quietly enough, but Carol had obviously heard me.  She asked “are you home?  I won’t keep you any longer.  Haley thank you SO much for your time.  I won’t make any commitments to treatment.  But I will schedule a consultation with you.  Again, thank you both.  And for the record, you two seem perfect for each other.  And it is so incredible you are doing this together.  Maybe I will try to talk my husband John into joining me.”  She laughed and finished the call by saying “again, thank you.  And you have a wonderful rest of your evening.”  Haley and I both said goodbye and I hung up.  I looked over at Haley and told her “and there is new patient number two.  Dr. Sanders is going to have to put me on commission.”  Haley arched her eyebrows at me and said “if I can talk you into coming inside I will make the first payment tonight.”  I thought that sounded like a fine idea.

I held her hand as we walked to the door.  As she unlocked the door I realized something.  I exclaimed “Shit!”  Haley spun around startled and asked “What?  What is it?”  I looked at her and said “I left my facemask at home.  I am a bad patient.  My hygienist is going to be so mad at me.”  Haley wrapped her arms around me and said “no, she isn’t.  Because she is thoughtful.  And she knows this is all new to her favorite patient.  So she brought an extra one home with her yesterday, just for him, in case the need ever arose.  She didn’t want to give him an excuse to leave.  So no, she isn’t mad at all.  She may even be looking forward to fitting it on him.  And unlike yesterday, he doesn’t have to keep his clothes on while she does it.  And neither does she.  Come inside and I will demonstrate.”  As I followed her in I realized again that me being in treatment definitely did something for Haley; and it wasn’t purely clinical.  Unless her idea of clinical was playing doctor/patient in bed.

Over the next week my appliance became easier for me.  My speech improved significantly.  All the additional hygiene and brushing that accompanied it became more of a habit than a burden.  I still was less than enthused about wearing the facemask 12 hours a day.  But I did it.  Haley made it a lot easier.  I still didn’t understand why seeing me in it excited her the way it did.  But I realized she probably felt the same thing with me initially.  But whatever the psychology was behind it, this weird thing we had was working out perfectly.

As I pulled into the parking lot of City Orthodontics at 2:30 pm the following Friday I realized I was actually excited to go in.  How bizarre I thought.  I used to have to be dragged to the dentist.  And now here I was showing up early and eager.  Now, part of that, no I told myself most of that, was because I wanted to watch Britt’s and Haley’s appointments.  But I realized I wasn’t dreading mine.  Even though I knew I would be getting a medieval looking neckbrace and headcap strapped on today. 

As they were done seeing patients for the week, the parking lot was empty.  I picked up my phone and called Haley and told her I was here.  They locked the front door at 2, so she would have to let me in.  As I grabbed my backpack I decided to do something that blew my own mind.  I took my facemask and two elastics out of the bag and put my facemask on.  I stepped out of my truck with my bag.  I realized I didn’t need it to hide my facemask, it was already on my face.  So, I grabbed the case with my night splint and tossed the bag back in the truck.  I then made the walk across the parking lot head up, my first venture into public wearing my mask.  Screw what any passerby might think.  I thought whatever embarrassment I might feel would be more than made up for by Haley’s reaction.

That would turn out to be true.  As soon as Haley saw me through the glass she slung the door open wildly.  She ran into my arms, knocking her own facemask askew, and exclaimed “I am so proud of you! And so happy! Dr. Sanders will be too!  Come on, I have to show her what an incredible patient you are.”  She drug me inside.  I asked “aren’t you forgetting something.”  She looked at me blankly.  I continued “the door.  Don’t you need to lock it back?”  She said embarrassedly “oh, yes.  You have me a little flustered.”  After locking the door she turned back towards me.  I reached over and straightened the facemask on her face.  I said “I understand.  You still take my breath away every time I see you.”  Haley blushed and said “thank you… sir” and smiled back at me.  I knew she had said that last bit just to bait me into chastising her for it.  I knew that is what she wanted.  And I knew that I shouldn’t. But I couldn’t help myself.  I slid in beside her and softly said “if you don’t do better about that, I will have to spank you when we get home.”  With a gleam in her eye she replied “do you promise?”

I chuckled, shaking my head, and said “what am I going to do with you woman?”  She was quick to respond “anything you want…”. Well this was certainly becoming too heated for the lobby of her employer.  I tried to dial it back a notch.  I looked at her and said “seriously, don’t make me pick you up and carry you home right now.  That would make me miss my appointment.  And I have been looking forward to it all week.  Take me back there and show off your science experiment.”  This relieved the tension some.  Haley took my hand.  She said “ok then, come on.  And you aren’t a science experiment.  But if you were you would be my favorite.”  With that she led me back towards the treatment area.

Part 44.

Haley was beaming as she led me into the treatment room.  Despite the fact that Dr. Sanders was leaned over intently working on Emily who was reclined in the chair, Haley shouted out excitedly "Dr. Sanders!  Look who I found outside!  And look what he was wearing when he came to the door!"  Dr. Sanders looked up and said "Yay!  Rob, Haley has told me how compliant you have been.  What a good patient you have been.  And it looks like she was telling the truth.  Congratulations.  And thank you for making my job easier.  And thank you for coming in on a Friday."  Looking over at Haley; I thought Drs. Sanders was looking at the 'necklace' around her neck; she turned to me and asked "are Friday appointments good for you from now on?  It looks like you are pretty much family now."  I answered "yes, Fridays are great as long as I am not out of town for work.  I do have to work too many weekends out of town."  Dr. Sanders "I completely understand, life waits for no one.  We will work with you to accommodate your schedule.   Now, please, take a seat.  I am just finishing up with Em here.  Then it is Britt's turn."

I obediently took a seat, one where I had a clear view of everything that was going on.  It was a few more minutes before Dr. Sander's leaned the chair back up.  She told Emily there were no changes for now, but she did have new teal ligatures.  She said wear time was still the same, and that things looked like they were right on track.  She ended by saying she might get her in powerchains at her next appointment, they would see what things looked like then.  Emily stood from the chair and picked up her headgear.  She was inserting the facebow in her mouth as Britt took her place in the chair.  Dr. Sanders reclined Britt back, and Haley went and had a seat on the stool beside her. 

Dr. Sander's deftly removed Britt's facebow and headgear straps and placed them to the side beside Britt's Interlandi headcap and other facebow.  She then inserted a lip retractor in Britt's mouth.  After her evaluation of Britt's mouth, Dr. Sanders said "well, I let you out of elastics.  And that looks like it was a mistake.  And I was really hoping fitting you with the two facebows would get you to quit smoking.  But it looks like it hasn't.  I will try something else to help you quit."  Britt opened her mouth to protest but Dr. Sanders cut her off before she could start.  Dr. Sanders said "don't even try.  You may be sneaky and discreet.  But your teeth don't lie.  I have known you smoked since your initial consult.  I was really hoping you would quit on your own.  You know you need to.  And I know it is hard.  I started smoking in high school and did so all the way through undergrad.  I knew I had to quit when I went to dental school, and I remember how hard it was.  Since I know first hand how hard it is, I am going to help you.  You will be so glad."  She listed off several items for Haley to get, down to the sizes and strengths.  As she did I saw Britt's eyes get moist and noticed her lip quivering.  Haley got up and went over to one of the cabinets.  She returned with several items and laid them on the tray.

Dr. Sander's picked up one of the two springs.  She quickly installed the first one and then the second. They ran from hooks, which were now bent over, on her upper canines to her lower premolars, which had the same bent hooks.  Dr. Sanders explained "so, these springs will be much more efficient than the elastics you previously were wearing.  And it will be more convenient for you.  You don't have to remember to change them out."  As she was speaking, I could see Britt opening and closing her mouth.  I could only imagine what it felt like for her, feeling the springs pulling against her as she opened her mouth.  Dr. Sanders then said "it is a good thing I installed molar bands with the double bucal tubes on them in the beginning.  I am now going to install your lip bumpers.  You will have one top and one bottom.  You won't be able to remove them, but that is the point."  She quickly inserted the first one.  She said "Wonderful!  Perfect fit."  Once it was in Britt's mouth, she went in after it with a pair of pliers.  She had to bend the second one a little to get the fit right, but she got it installed as well.  Once again she went in after it with a set of pliers.  Dr. Sanders looked at Britt and said "we won't do a wire change or ligature change this week.  Maybe next week.  All I have left is to get your headgear put back on."  Dr. Sanders slid Britt's top facebow in, then followed with the second on bottom.  My heart raced as I saw her insert the pliers back into Britt's mouth again.  I was afraid I knew what she was doing and I felt so bad for Britt.  Dr. Sanders confirmed my fears seconds after removing the pliers from Britt's mouth.  She said "so, to help you, I have fixed your facebows.  You can't remove them now.  I am hoping that the combination of the fixed lip bumpers and facebows will serve as a gentle mental reminder that you need to quit.  And it will also be much, much more difficult for you to actually physically smoke, even if you do try.  I hope this combination will work to get you to put down the cigarettes for good.  And since you are going to be wearing both facebows fulltime for a while, you will need to wear your Interlandi strap with them fulltime as well."  I thought 'gentle, that looks anything but gentle.  My poor Britt.'  Even though Haley held my heart, I wanted to go and wrap Britt in a tight embrace and tell her it would be okay.

Dr. Sanders placed the Interlandi head cap over Britt's head, threading her hair through the straps, and then began installing the plethora of elastics that connected the facebows to the C-plates.  Once she was done she removed the lip retractor from Britt's mouth and leaned her back up.  I could see the horror on Britt's face as she felt the lip bumpers in her mouth.  And realized she couldn't completely close her lips together.  Dr. Sanders continued "If you can kick your habit right now, we can remove the lip bumpers and make the facebows removable again in two or three weeks.  Until then though, this is going to be your treatment plan.  But you are a big girl, and I think you will do the right thing".  As Britt stood up I noticed a tear run down her face.  That was all I could take.  I got up and wrapped my arms around her.  I whispered in her ear "it is going to be ok.  And you are going to come spend the weekend with Haley and me.  You know we love you.  We will take care of you."

Part 46.

As we entered Dr. Sander’s office she said “close the door behind you please and take a seat.”  We complied.  I knew I had gotten Haley in trouble and I felt horrible.  I reached over and grabbed her hand.  Dr. Sanders sat down in her chair behind her desk and just looked at us.  I said “Dr. Sanders, whatever happened out there, it was all my fault. Haley did not..”. Dr. Sanders held her hand up and said “please, let me think.”  I shut my mouth.  SHIT!  I have really screwed up.

After a few more seconds Dr. Sanders said “you two look nervous.  Don’t be.  All I will say about THAT, the way you look at each other in the office, is to keep it professional here.  Personally, as a romantic, it melts my heart to see you two.  I remember when my Pete first got braces.  And how much seeing my big, strapping stud in braces; that first night he had to wear his facemask…”.  She stopped speaking and went silent for a few moments.  She looked at Haley and said “I get it.  Just keep it professional in the office.  You two are not in trouble.  And based on that pretty necklace”, Dr. Sanders held up her hands and made air quotes with her fingers, “it looks like you two are very serious.   And that is why I asked you back here.  Both of you.

So, as Haley knows, I have gone down this rabbit hole of holistic and airway orthodontics.  It is a new thing.  But it makes sense to me.  That is why we are going to Cali in two weeks.  But I have realized if I am going to go down this path, I need an orafacial myologist in the office.  She needs to be an RDH or a dentist.  Dr. Palmer has told me she has enough on her plate.  Wanda is on the verge of retirement, heck she is only working two days a week now.  Haley, I want you to be my myofunctional therapist.  It will require a little work to become certified, but you will get a commensurate increase in salary to reflect this.  Is this something you would be interested in?”

I could see Haley relax.  I did as well.  Haley said “of course I am interested.  What all would it involve?”

Dr. Sanders continued “well you first need to do an approved training course.  Either a 28 hour in person or a 31 hour virtual online course.  Once you have this you will need to actually start some cases, and complete at least two, and then a board certifier will come here to the office and evaluate your work.  And then, because I know your work will be exemplary, they will license you as a registered orafacial myologist.  You are lucky too, I am going to be your first client.  And I am sure Britt, Em, Bri, and Lauren will as well.  We WILL get you certified.  So, you still in?”

Haley said “yes, what do I need to do?”

Dr. Sanders said “and this is why I asked you both back here.  There is a course in Fort Worth, TX in 5 weeks. It runs Thursday-Saturday.  They are long days, 28 hours of instruction in 3 days.  But I would prefer you attend an in person course instead of virtual.  The practice will cover all course expenses and all travel expenses. And obviously you will get paid while you are there.  But I hate for you to have to go alone.  That is why I asked you back here Rob.  Can you accompany Haley there?  I know how mentally drained Haley may be after the course.  So I would like her to stay an extra couple of nights to unwind.  Maybe you could take her to the stockyards one night?  Either H3 or Cattlemens for dinner, take her by the White Elephant, and then take her line dancing at Billy Bob’s?  Del Frisco’s and Sundance Square the other?  Just an idea.  Is this something that you could do?  Again, this is all on City Orthodontics tab.”

I responded immediately, with out even looking at my calendar, “it sounds horrible. Just horrible.  But I want to be a good partner, so yes, I will make it work.” 

Dr. Sanders laughed.  She then said “Wonderful!  Then we are going to make this happen.  Thank you both.  Now let me get out of here and get back to work.  I know Lauren is eager for her new powerchain.  I do have a few more things to ask of you both.  Rob, please take off your protraction brace.  And Haley, please take off your facemask.”  As we both complied Dr. Sanders said “I am going to leave my office.  I told you two to keep it professional in the office.  But I don’t think you two kissing in the privacy of my office is unprofessional.  But just kissing.  And please close the door behind you.”  Dr. Sanders winked at me as she walked by and out the door, closing it behind her.

 

But in the mean time know that Rob and Haley don’t die in a car accident like poor Jen and Mel.  That was just horrible.  The other people in their lives, especially Christy, are still absolutely crushed.  Eventually we will check back in on them though just to see how they are doing.