Chapter 38.
The next morning the light was already pouring in through the shades when Jen woke. Before she opened her eyes, she noticed she felt strange. She was sleeping on her side, which she never did anymore since she started her scoliosis bracing regiment. She realized she wasn't wearing her brace. She could also tell she wasn't wearing her CPAP or facemask. When she opened her eyes, she was met by the sight of Mel curled up beside her, feeling her warm breath on her face. She then remembered the night before. And a thousand thoughts rushed through her head. She felt like the relationship between them had changed the night before. She realized also that she was in love with her partner, who now slumbered beside her. She reflected on the previous night, a smile coming to her face. And she knew why she wasn't wearing her scoliosis brace, CPAP mask, and facemask. She remembered it all, even falling asleep in Mel's arms; both exhausted but happy. She lay there for a few minutes, enjoying the memory of the night before and the warmth of Mel beside her. But she also had thoughts running through her head about what this all meant. After a few minutes, she realized thinking about it wouldn't change anything, and she realized she felt a little bit sticky and needed a shower. She slipped out of bed without waking Mel, noticing the alarm clock said 8:47. She couldn't remember the last time she had slept so late. But then she thought, she also couldn't remember the last time she had stayed up so late.
Jen slipped into the bathroom and silently shut the door. She turned on the shower and soon stepped under the steamy water. As she enjoyed her shower, she didn't see the bathroom door open through the steamy glass. However, she did notice the shower door opening, and turned to see Mel stepping into the shower with her. The two embraced again, kissing as the warm water rained down on them both.
After finishing their kiss, Jen pulled Mel into her and enveloped her in her arms. She simply held her for a few moments. She then let go and pulled back slightly while looking Mel solemnly in the eyes. She said "I love you." Mel stood there for a moment, the warm water running down her naked body, then replied "I love you too." The two kissed once again.
After finishing their long shower together, now wearing bathrobes, Jen worked on her hair as Mel put on her makeup in the mirror. Mel spoke first, saying "last night was wonderful. But I do feel a little guilty about it". Mel laughed when she noticed the crestfallen look come over Jen's face in the mirror. She continued "no silly, not about us. I feel guilty about not wearing my brace or facemask. I cannot honestly remember the last night I did not wear them, it has been months. You better not tattle on me to Dr. Cooper or Dr. Wellington". Jen stepped behind Mel and wrapped her arms around her waist and said "I hope it wash worth it". Mel turned in Jen's arms and kissed her. She then replied "of course it was. I guess it is a good thing today is a Saturday so I can catch up. And you too. But first, how about a little brunch?".
After finishing up their brunch, both retreated into the bathroom again to clean their braces. After brushing and flossing, Mel picked up the wrench to Jen's expander, looping the blue safety cord around her finger. Jen obediently tilted her head back and opened her mouth wide. Jen inserted the wrench and gave the expander a turn. As the wrench hit the back of Jen's throat she gagged. Mel quickly withdrew the wrench from her mouth and hugged her. She said "I am so sorry to hurt you." Jen replied "no, you aren't. Thank you for doing it. It is jusht shomething I have to get ushed to." Mel answered "you know, you did so much better eating this morning. And your lisp is so much better than a couple days ago. You are getting the hang of it just fine". Finished with their cleanings, they went into the bedroom where both put on their cotton undershirts. Mel strapped on her back brace while Jen did the same. Once Mel was strapped into her brace, she walked over to the dresser where Jen's cervical extension lay. She looked at Jen and asked "will you wear your extension for me today?". Jen replied "I guess I should, even as much as I don't want to". Mel picked it up and intimately fit it onto Jen. Once done, she said "you are so beautiful. And you are doing so good" then kissed her. She pulled back and said "and since I won't be able to kiss you once I put my facemask on I am going to make this one count" and again placed her lips to Jen's and slipped her tongue into her mouth.
