I want to share the story of Leigh and her old and new friends. I didn’t post this story when I started it almost a year and a half ago since the orthodontic content was very light. However, with the work that mr_90proof has shared with us that is about a lot more than just orthodontics, I though I would share my work. I did a short story here when Sparky proposed one if his writing challenges, which involved the characters from this story.

Since some of the first chapters are rather tedious to read, I was a very poor writer then, I decided to start posting in the middle where we meet a new character. An online search for ‘leigh and joel napacaster’ will bring up the entire story from the beginning. In this scene Leigh and her friend and boss Kathy, who is wearing some recreational casts, are picking Judy up at the airport. Kathy has just returned fro ma business trip wearing casts and with her headgear wired in place. Judy is the sister of Collene, who works with her boyfriend at an orthotics shop.

Nothing is this story is mean to be realistic or based on reality. It’s just a fantasy world that I think we all wished we lived in.

I hope you all enjoy, and If the response is positive, I’ll continue to post chapters every few days until I’m caught up to where the story currently is at other places (chapter 166 as of this date)


Ch. 101 -  Meeting Judy
 
 
As we approached Judy's terminal, we saw a young, blonde woman on crutches wearing KAFOs and a Milwaukee brace, with an attendant standing next to her. She was a natural beauty dressed in a well-tailored ladies suit. However, her Milwaukee brace and KAFOs were not befitting of her beauty and style. They were very worn, and her Milwaukee brace was ill-fitting, forcing her chin up and head back.
 
 
I pulled up to this very pretty girl, and Kathy put down her window and said, "You must be Judy; I'm Kathy, and I'm here with Leigh. Collene asked us to pick you up." Kathy then extended her casted right arm out the window. Judy approached, shook her hand, and said with a quiet, sweet voice, "Hi Kathy, I'm Judy, Collie's little sister. I'm pleased to meet you, and thanks for coming to get me; it's very kind of you and Leigh."
 
 
With Judy closer, I saw her smile. She's definitely in need of major orthodontic work. Her teeth are very crooked and crowded; she has a severe overbite, and her incisors are rotated quite a bit, likely from her very ill-fitting back brace. Other than her smile, she is a very beautiful girl with a great sense of style, just like her sister. The attendant put Judy's bags in the back of the van, helped her get into the back seat, and gently shut the door.
 
 
I introduced myself and said it was wonderful to meet her, and Judy said likewise. As we were heading for the highway, Judy said, "Hey, I'm really hungry. Think we could stop and get a late lunch? My treat." That sounded great to Kathy and me, but I warned her that it takes us a while to eat with our orthodontic appliances. Judy said she could tell from our lisps and parted teeth when we smiled that we must have a lot going on in our mouths; Collene had told her about our complicated orthodontic appliances. Judy explained that she was used to eating slowly from growing up around Collene, who always ate slowly because of the various orthodontic appliances she had to wear.
 
 
Just as we decided to have lunch, we saw a shopping center at the next exit and pulled off to see what restaurants were there. We saw there was a Chevy's and thought Mexican food sounded great. Judy and Kathy both wanted a cocktail or three after their stressful flights and hustling around the busy airports.
 
 
We got parked, and Judy was shocked when she saw Kathy get out of the van. She had been sitting behind Kathy and did not realize that not only were both of her arms in casts, but both of her legs were in casts as well. Since Kathy knew that Judy was a pretender, she simply told Judy that all her casts were just for pleasure and that she had no medical need for them. She explained that she just wanted to have a little fun on her business trip, and in fact, that was why we were at the airport to begin with. Judy said, "Wow, your casts look so cool, Kathy. I have never worn a cast before, but I have always wanted to." I said, "That can be arranged, Judy. Anytime you want to try wearing a cast, just let any of us know. We are all experts at applying them."
 
 
Judy then took a good look at my KAFOs, Milwaukee brace, and extensive orthodontics and said I looked great in all my braces and that they looked like a lot of fun to wear. I said that they were all very comfortable and enjoyable to wear, and that my husband and I get much pleasure from them. I also said that her sister was really enjoying her new braces and how much better her back felt since she started wearing a Milwaukee brace again.
 
 
After Judy took another good look at Kathy and me, including another very close look at our orthodontic braces and headgear, we headed inside to eat. We requested the large table that was in a quiet back corner so we could have some privacy and talk. We all got seated, and Kathy rested her LLC on a chair and crossed her legs with her SLWC resting upon her LLC. It was very provocative, and the other patrons, especially men, couldn't keep their eyes off her.
 
 
As we began to talk, it was clear that Judy was much like her sister, with the same sweet and caring personality, but I got the impression she had a mischievous side like Rebekah. Judy is also a very beautiful young woman, just like her sister. If it weren't for their different hair and eye colors and Judy's crooked smile, they could be identical twins. As we talked, it was clear that Collene had told Judy all about me and my friends since she asked when she would get to meet Emme, Rebekah, and Lydia. Judy seemed to know a lot about us, so we asked her to tell a little about herself:
 
 
"Well, I'm a year and a day younger than Collie. We had a great childhood living overseas until Collie got sick. I was here in the US visiting our grandparents, and that saved me from contracting polio and becoming paralyzed. After Collie became paralyzed, it was tough on the family, and our parents split up. Collie and I moved back to the States with our mom. She was really traumatized by having her oldest daughter crippled and then getting divorced; she provided for us but didn't really care what us kids did."
 
 
"Our mom never started drinking or anything like that, and our father supported us well financially. Mom just became very detached and distant, and we hardly ever saw our dad. We moved across town just before I started 10th grade at a new school, and that is when I started wearing Collie's old braces pretty much full-time. Since we were both so pretty, no one gave us a hard time about our braces, and we were both really popular. The only thing we got teased about were our teeth—mine because they were so crooked and Collie because of her complicated orthodontic braces. She could hardly speak with all the appliances that were in her mouth. "
 
 
"All of Collie's medical and dental care was and is paid for by the company our father works for. However, I was never able to get my teeth fixed when I was younger, and now, from wearing Collie's old, poorly fitting Milwaukee braces, my teeth are really screwed up. As I grew older, I continued to wear Collie's braces, and I have been living as a handicapped woman for several years now. At this point, all my friends know me as a handicapped person. I have worn my KAFOs for so long that my legs have actually grown so weak that I can no longer walk without braces, and my spine is very weak, too. At first, when Collene found out I had let my legs go and couldn't walk without braces, she got very angry at me. As time went on, she accepted my decision and is now very supportive of my lifestyle, which I enjoy very much."
 
 
"My plan is to settle here and transfer to the college that Collie and Billy attended for my final year. The transfer has been worked out; I start classes in the fall. I'm also getting proper, custom-made KAFOs and Milwaukee braces made by Billy as part of his training. Collie has even set up everything for me to get orthodontic braces, and I'm so excited! I understand the orthodontist is very willing to work with patients to give them the treatment they need with the extras they desire, like you two have. I have always wanted braces on my teeth since Collie got hers, and now I can finally get them plus whatever other appliances I want, too."
 
 
Now that Kathy and I had learned a little more about Judy, the conversation became less one-sided.
 
 
L - Well, Judy, I think you have come to the right place to start your new life. You'll soon become friends with a lot of people with interests similar to yours. There is a fairly large recreational orthopedic and orthodontic community here. In fact, after we retire, we might start a business catering to these folks. It amazes me how many people enjoy wearing casts and braces.
 
 
K - Yes, I think you will be very happy here, Judy. There are a lot of great people here, and you will make a lot of friends. I know that our friends are all very excited to meet you, and I'm sure you will like them all. What is your major in college? We have a lot of contacts and can help you find a great job when you graduate.
 
 
J - Marketing is my major, specifically business-to-business products and services.
 
 
K - Oh, that's great, Judy. I can get you a paid internship at our company while you finish school, and if you are anything like your sister, which I think you are, it will lead to an excellent career after you graduate. We need some young blood in the marketing department at the company Leigh and I work at.
 
 
J - Gee, that sounds great, Kathy. Thanks! I have not even made it to my new town yet, and I already have a job!
 
 
L - And you will soon have all new custom-made braces and the orthodontic appliances you need and desire, too. I am sure we can find you a place to live that you can afford. My husband has a friend who owns quite a few rental properties in and around town.
 
 
J - You two are the greatest! Thanks for offering me so much help to make my new start. Collene told me how kind and caring you ladies are. Thank you!
 
The waitress then arrived with our meals, which we slowly ate, with Judy keeping pace and never rushing us. It was a very pleasant lunch with much more conversation. We finished up and hit the road to head home.
 
 
On the way home, Judy fell asleep, and Kathy and I quietly talked. I confirmed with Kathy my plan to retire in about a year and that she should plan for my replacement. I wanted to be able to freely engage in recreational orthopedic adventures and not have to cut things short or worry about making up stories at work. Kathy said she will be retiring shortly after me, and she has made the board of directors aware of our intentions.
 
We were stopped at a red light when Kathy handed me a brochure that read, "Kings Mountain Retreat: A resort for the differently abled" and said, "Dolores gave me this. She and Karl have been there, and it's wonderful. I've spoken to Lydia, and we plan to go during one of my more intense adventures. If we like it, maybe we can all take a vacation there together?" I replied, "That might be fun. Let's see how you and Lydia like it."
 
 
Judy slept all the way back to my house and woke up just as we were turning into the driveway. She looked around and said, "This is where you live, Leigh? It's so beautiful!" I told her this is where Joel and I live and that Rebekah and Paul have a home here, too. We parked, and Judy helped Kathy out of the van, and we all crutched into the house.
 
 
I showed Judy around, and she thought our house was beautiful. She noted that everything was handicap accessible and how easy it must be for me to get around with the wide doorways and plenty of open space. I said it was, and that Rebekah and Paul's house is also fully accessible. Kathy said she wanted her casts removed before Joel and Lydia got home, but she wanted to keep her SLWC and tell everyone at work she had a little accident on her trip.
 
 
We went to the cast room, and Judy was impressed by all the equipment and supplies. She said it was just like the clinic that Collene went to when they were kids, traction frame and all. As I was removing Kathy's casts, Judy then told us about when Collene would get new braces. She explained how casts were applied to Collene's legs and body to make molds for her braces and how comfortable she looked in traction while waiting for the warm plaster to dry. Judy said she was looking forward to experiencing it for herself.
 
 
I explained that her legs will get casts for her new braces, but her body will be scanned while she is in traction. Judy said she really wants to wear a cast or two someday but thinks she'll wait until she gets settled in. By now, I had just finished removing all but Kathy's walking cast, and I brought her some warm, wet cloths to wash her arms and leg and a razor to shave. Soon Kathy picked up her SATS braces and green shoe from right where she left them over ten days ago and put them on.
 
 
I then asked Kathy if she wanted her headgear unwired, too. She did, and she sat down in the dental chair, and I got to work removing the wires while Judy watched. The two little loops of wire were soon out, and Judy asked what I had just done. I explained that for the trip, Kathy had me wire her facebow in place so it would not come loose.
 
 
Judy said, "So Kathy, you wore your headgear the entire time, and you couldn't take it off even if you wanted to?" Kathy replied, "That's right, Judy. I have been wearing it for almost two weeks, 24/7. Leigh's is also wired in place and has been for many months at her request." With a look of wonderment on her face, Judy said, "I hope I need headgear and that I can get it wired in, too. The idea that I couldn't remove no matter what is really intense and exciting; I'd have to wear it everywhere I go."
 
 
Judy then inquired about Kathy's SATS braces, and Kathy explained that she started wearing them just for fun, but now her wrists have become so weak that she must wear them or casts to prevent her wrists from becoming painful. Kathy also said that she has them in a rainbow of colors to match her outfits, and the same goes with her headgear straps and facebows. Judy was very intrigued by the idea of wearing wrist braces simply for pleasure.
 
Judy and I crutched out to the den, with Kathy following in her SLWC. We talked while awaiting the arrival of Joel, Lydia, Billy, and Collene.

Ch. 103 -  Judy’s Consultations – Orthodontics
 
 
Billy and Collene were up early this morning and off to open up the orthotics shop, and Joel soon left for the bus shop. Judy and I took a more leisurely approach to the morning and enjoyed several cups of coffee and some great conversation. I really like Judy; she's like the daughter I never had, and she even looks like me when I was her age. We got dressed and headed into town, stopping for breakfast on the way.
 
 
As we drove to town, Judy was very excited to find out what sort of treatment plan Joe would come up with for her teeth. I told her that, with the way her teeth look, her treatment would be complex, likely with expanders and headgear, and it would take a very long time. I also reminded her that since she wears a Milwaukee brace, she'll need some sort of splint or other device for long-term stabilization of her bite once it is corrected.
 
 
Judy asked me what I meant when I said her teeth would need long-term stabilization. I explained that this means wearing a special retainer like Collene tried, but usually it means continuing to wear braces and a splint for as long as she wears her Milwaukee brace. After I said that, Judy seemed to become even more excited about getting orthodontic braces, knowing she would be in them for a very long time, maybe even forever, like Rebekah, Emme, and me.
 
 
We met up with Collene at the shop; she is going with us to Judy's orthodontic consultation. She needs to see Joe today anyway to get her bite blocks and expanders removed and her removable splint placed. The active phase of her treatment is now complete. We all crutched down to Joe's office and got checked in, and soon Sally came and got us.
 
 
As usual with new patients, Sally took X-rays and 3D scans of Judy's teeth before we went to the larger of the four exam rooms. Sally asked Judy to please remove her Milwaukee brace so the doctor could more easily work in her mouth. She removed her blouse and her very ill-fitting Milwaukee brace and sat in the dental chair wearing only her bra, skirt, and KAFOs. We chatted with Sally a bit about her braces and how things were going with Stan while we waited for Joe.
 
 
Joe knocked on the door and entered. He introduced himself to Judy and said, "Hi Judy, I understand you are Collene's sister, and you have severe malocclusion from wearing a poorly fitted Milwaukee brace. You desire to have this corrected and prevent any further problems from wearing your back brace. I also see that this is a special consultation, so your interest in getting braces is more than just about needing them. Is this correct, Judy?"
 
 
Judy replied, "Yes, sir, that is right. I'd like to have my teeth fixed, and I'm willing to accept whatever treatment you believe is best, no matter how intrusive it may be. My desire to wear braces is more than just about needing them. I share the same feelings that Leigh and Rebekah do about orthodontics. I am very curious to find out what you want to do with my teeth and very excited to get braces; I have wanted them even since Collie got hers when we were kids."
 
 
"Very well, Judy. I am glad you have such a positive attitude and are excited to wear braces. I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as your friends do." said Joe as he took a look at her scans, and then he reclined her chair and examined Judy's teeth. After a thorough examination and several minutes of staring at the computer in deep thought, Joe turned to Judy and said,
 
 
"Your teeth are very healthy, but of course they are very displaced. I have a plan to straighten your teeth that should be relatively painless, but it will take many years to correct your bite. Then you will require braces and a removable splint for as long as you wear your Milwaukee brace. I don't think retainers will work for you since they did not work for Collene. Your malocclusion is severe, and I would like to correct it very slowly; I find that going slow gives better long-term results. I can use clear or metal brackets, but I would prefer to use bands like those Leigh and Collene wear for cases like yours. I've been using them more and more with patients who are willing to accept them."
 
 
"The first step will be to band all of your teeth and begin to get them into better alignment. Once your molars are in better alignment, I'll fit upper and lower palate expanders and a tongue crib on the upper expander, similar to what your sister has. You'll also be getting headgear at this time, too. Once your teeth have been aligned, a process that I can see taking around six years, as it did with your sister's original treatment, the active phase will be complete. Then we will go to the retention phase, where you will continue to wear braces; you can get whatever kind of brackets you want, or even keep your bands and begin wearing a magnetic splint like Collene is getting today."
 
 
"Speaking of splints, you will be wearing a removable splint for the duration of your treatment to be worn whenever you are in your Milwaukee brace. If you choose to have treatment, you will leave today with spacers between your teeth and a temporary splint. I know it's a lot to take in, and I'll give you a few minutes to think about it while I enter your treatment plan into the computer."
 
 
It was a lot for Judy to take in, but she was pleased with the plan. She took a moment to think, then asked Collene for her opinion: "Go for it, Judy. You like attention, and with all that in your mouth, you'll get plenty of it. You have always wanted braces, and I know you'll have fun wearing them and all the other appliances, too. Plus, you're getting bands, and they look so cool. We will look so cute with matching braces!"
 
 
Judy turned to Joe and excitedly said, "Let's do it! I've wanted braces on my teeth ever since Colleen got hers years ago. She looked as adorable in them then and even more so now, and I will, too." Joe said, "That sounds great. Your teeth are going to be a bit of a challenge and will test my skill, but it will go so much easier with your great attitude. I wish that all of my patients were as cooperative and positive about their treatment as you are. It will be a pleasure to have you as a client, Judy."
 
 
Joe turned to the computer and activated the 3D printer to make Judy's temporary splint before putting spacers between her teeth. "All done for today except for your temporary splint; it will be ready in a few minutes," Joe said after placing her spacers. "Why don't you put your Milwaukee brace back on and trade places with Collene so she can get her bands and expanders off and get her brackets and splint?" Judy got up, and I helped her back into her Milwaukee brace, but Collene did not take her place in the chair.
 
 
"I would like to keep my bands and appliances for a while, Joe. I am very used to them and like how they feel in my mouth, and I love my banded smile. Oh, my lisp! I adore my lisp. I spent so many years with appliances like these that I would feel naked without them. Please, can I keep them, Joe?" pleaded Collene.
 
 
Joe laughed and replied, "I don't see why not, Collene. We won't turn your expanders anymore, and you should stop wearing your reverse-pull headgear. You no longer require it unless you want to wear it with very loose bands like Rita does so it doesn't move your teeth." Collene got up and gave Joe a big hug and said, "Thank you, Joe. This is so cool, and Billy will love it, too. It will be so much fun for all of us to have lisps and wear all these appliances at the same time. Doesn't he come in next week for his expanders?"
 
 
S-  Yes, Billy transferred his case to our office, and he gets his expanders next week. His will be just like yours, Collene.
 
 
C - Joe, could I get headgear like Leigh's just because I think it looks so cool and I know Billy would love it too?
 
 
J -  Yes, that's also no problem, Collene. It will be non-functional like Leigh's, and we won't wire yours in; Sally will fix you up. Is there anything else I can do for you, ladies? I have other patients to see, and Sally will fit Judy's temporary splint and Collene's headgear.
 
 
There was nothing else the girls wanted, and we thanked Joe for everything as he left the room.
 
 
Sally said, "Let me get your splint, Judy. I'll warn you though; it'll be a real mouthful, and you'll probably be unable to speak while wearing it." Collene and I said that Sally was right; speaking is almost impossible when wearing the splint. Judy said, "I know. I talked to Collie on the phone and had her put hers in her mouth. I could hardly understand her; she sounded like when she had to wear her Van Beek appliance when we were kids. I was so jealous!"
 
 
Sally left the room and soon returned with the splint. It was similar to the one Collene had worn, with a hole in the front between the teeth. Sally handed it to Judy and told her to put it in her mouth, to which Judy replied, "Will it even fit in my mouth, it's so big?" Sally assured her it would, and since Judy was in her Milwaukee brace, she told her to stretch her neck so she could open her mouth wider.
 
 
Judy opened her mouth wide and placed her splint in her mouth, then attempted to speak. We couldn't understand anything Judy tried to say; all that came out of her mouth were grunts and groans. Sally handed her a notepad and pen, and Judy wrote, "Oh, wow! This thing is huge, and I am literally speechless. Please give me a mirror; I'd like to see how I look." Sally handed her a mirror, and Judy looked at herself. "You know, this thing looks cool and is actually very comfortable. I just need to learn how to talk again," Judy wrote after seeing herself with all the plastic between her teeth and her lips held wide apart.
 
 
Sally then asked Collene to take a seat in the chair so her non-functional headgear could be fitted. Collene was asked what color facebow she desired and what kind and color of straps she desired. She replied, "All the colors you have, so I can match them to my outfits, and I want all the styles of straps you have, so I have different options.
 
 
Sally went to the supply closet, came back with facebows and straps in all the colors available, and began fitting them to Collene's molar bands. Soon, all the facebows had been adjusted to fit just right, along with all the straps. Sally asked which headgear Collene wanted to wear today. Collene chose to wear her plain metal facebows, upper and lower, with black interlandi straps. Sally showed her how to insert and remove the facebows and how to attach the straps. Collene's long hair and Milwaukee brace made placing her headgear straps difficult, and they were in full view with her hair under them; she looked quite fetching. Judy wrote on her notepad, "Oh, Collie, you look so sexy. Billy is going to go wild when he sees you wearing all that!"
 
 
Sally then packed Collene's facebows and headgear straps into a small bag and handed it to her, asking if there was anything else we needed today. I thanked Sally for all she and Joe have done for the girls, and Sally told Judy to come back next Monday at nine to get her bands placed. Judy replied, "Ank oo, Ally. E oo en." (Thank you, Sally. See you then.)" and we were on our way back to the orthotics shop. Both girls were very satisfied with their visit to the orthodontist today.
 
 
We returned to Gary and Rita's shop so Collene could get back to work and Judy could get casts and scans made for her new braces. Rita had many questions after seeing Judy with her splint and Collene still wearing her expanders, tongue crib, and bite blocks, and now also sporting double facebow interlandi headgear.
 
 
Collene stated that she simply wanted to keep what was in her mouth for a while, maybe forever, as she really enjoys her appliances, as well as to wear headgear since she thinks Billy will find it really sexy. Since speaking was difficult for Judy, I explained to Rita that Judy's splint was only temporary, like the ones Collene and I wore, and that Judy would be getting full bands and many other appliances as time went on.
 
 
It was then that Billy came in from the workshop and saw Collene with her double-facebow headgear and her appliances still in place. He said to her, "Wow, you've got headgear just like Leigh's, and you look great, sweetie. Oh, and all your other appliances are still in your mouth, too. I am so glad your outlook on braces has changed, baby; you look like a dream! Collene, let me try to kiss you, but it might be hard with three facebows in the way." The couple awkwardly kissed, and we all had a good laugh watching them.
 
 
Billy then said to Judy, "Oh, you poor thing, Judy. I remember when Collene had one of those. It was not easy for her, but she did well with it, and I'm sure you will, too. You only have to wear it for a short time until you get your braces on. It won't be too bad."
 
 
Then Billy asked Judy, "Do you still want to get your casts and scans done for your new braces today, Judy?" Judy simply gave two thumbs up, and then Billy's demeanor changed. He became very professional and said, "Miss Jenkins, I'm William Rogers, but I go by Billy. I understand you've come to get new KAFOs and Milwaukee braces made. Is this correct?" Judy once again gave two thumbs up, and Billy said, "Very well, Miss Jenkins, please follow me so we can begin."

Ch. 105 – Judy’s Bands
  
Judy spent a few days with Emme and Pete and had a wonderful time. Emme was wearing a pair of red SLWC's with toeplates and walking heels, which she is still wearing. When they went out, which was often, Emme wore her halo brace with the soft-tipped pins Joel made her. It's great that Judy is making friends of her own age who share her interests. Hopefully, Pete or Emme know a young man that they could introduce Judy to. Collene told me that Judy really wants to settle down with someone, but she knows finding a man who will accept her and her voluntary disability will be difficult.
 
 
Joel moved Judy's coach from behind the shop to down by the creek. It's a beautiful setting, and Judy really loves it. She has been helping Collene or Emme out at work on days she's not exploring town. It's amazing how well Judy gets around wearing her KAFOs and Minerva cast. They don't slow her down at all or seem to interfere with her life in any way. She's having a lot of fun!
 
 
Over the weekend, Collene helped Judy get things arranged with her coach. It's really starting to feel like home to her, and she'll be moving in soon. As far as Joel and I are concerned, she can stay as long as she wants; Judy and I are quickly becoming very close. Maybe we can build her a small cottage to live in. I would really like it if she stuck around.
 
 
Judy asked Emme to accompany her to get her bands applied, and Emme happily agreed. I asked Judy to email me a picture once her bands fitted; Kathy and I both wanted to see her new smile. I was eating lunch with Kathy, and she was talking about how much she enjoys wearing her walking cast when Judy's email came:
 
 
Hi Leigh,
 
 
My bands are on, and I absolutely adore them! It's great to be on the road to a perfect smile while indulgently pursuing my orthodontic fantasies. I can't wait to get the rest of my appliances! My treatment plan would be a nightmare for most people, but for me, it is a dream come true. I'm sure you remember all about getting your bands, but let me tell you what it was like for me.
 
 
Paul gave Emme and me a ride to my appointment. When we got to Joe's office, Sally was very surprised to see me wearing my Minerva cast and asked all about it. I explained, "I'm getting new Milwaukee braces made because my old ones fit so poorly. While I was in traction for my body to be scanned, my back felt so much better that I asked if I could wear a cast to keep my spine immobilized and aligned until my new braces were ready. It was agreed that wearing a cast would be fine, so I was placed in this wonderful Minerva cast. It's very comfortable and supportive; I really like wearing it, and my back feels so much better, too.
 
 
Sally then asked me what it was like to wear a cast like this, since she never asked you what wearing one was like. I told her it was extremely immobilizing but yet very comfortable, and the inside is so soft and cozy. Then I explained how my spine is completely supported as it is held in perfect, rigid alignment, even if I fully relax my body. Sally said it sounded like a very interesting experience that she might want to try for herself someday. I told her that she would probably really enjoy it.
 
 
Sally then had me sit down in the chair and recline it so she could remove my spacers and clean my teeth before my bands were applied. My cast did not impede access to my mouth since Gary had left it a bit loose around my chin. Soon, my teeth were cleaned and polished.
 
 
Joe then entered and said, "Good morning, Judy. Are you ready to become a brace face this morning?" I said, "Yes, very much so. I've been longing for this day ever since Collie got braces all those years ago." Joe put on gloves and said, "Let's get this done. It shouldn't take too long." He didn't say a word about my cast. Maybe because I'm just another one of your crazy cast and brace-loving friends?
 
 
Joe started putting the bands on my teeth. They seemed to fit on my teeth very easily when I bit down on the tool to seat them. Soon, all my teeth had metal bands cemented in place. I could feel the smooth metal on the inside of my mouth and the rougher part against my cheeks and lips before my archwires were placed. Joe and Sally then placed my archwires and tied them in place with small tie wires on each band. I began to feel pressure on my teeth as each of the ligature wires was twisted tight.
 
 
I felt a lot of pressure when my archwires were tied to my very crooked front teeth. It was sort of painful, but I enjoyed how it felt. My braces were now on, and my dream of being a metal mouth had come true. There was one final thing, and that was to place hooks for my splint to attach to. Joe crimped hooks onto my upper archwire, six in all, and banded my splint into my mouth. It felt really good, and it held my jaw in a neutral, relaxed position. Joe told me I didn't need to wear it while I was in my cast, but I decided to keep it in my mouth anyway to get used to how it felt and affected my speech. He told me to remove it when I eat and to clean it when I brush my teeth.
 
 
Joe was all done and asked if there was anything more I needed. I asked Joe if he could apply hooks to my bottom archwires and some more to the top. The hooks were quickly crimped in place, and I'll have fun with them later, maybe even tonight. Joe said he would see me in a few weeks for a checkup, and I thanked him as he left the room. Sally handed me a small bag of elastics for my splint, and knowing my special interests, she said she hopes I enjoy having my jaw wired shut. I was a bit embarrassed, but she was right; that is exactly what I plan to do.
 
 
Sally helped me out of the chair and handed me my crutches, and I went to check out my new smile in the mirror. It was amazing! Just like you, hardly any of the white of my teeth showed around my bands. My teeth are almost completely covered by metal, and my splint held my front teeth slightly apart and gave me a lisp. My upper archwire seemed to go every which way and make my teeth look even more crooked. Emme was really jealous of how my crooked teeth looked; she loves crooked, braced teeth. I've attached a photo, but you'll get to see me this evening. I want to give Billy and Collie their privacy, and I'll be living in my coach from now on. Tonight, I want to be alone, enjoy my cast and braces, and maybe have you wire me shut, too.
 
 
Kathy and I looked at Judy's picture, and her banded smile looked great! Judy was right; her bands and archwires did make her teeth look even more crooked and out of place than before. I replied to Judy's and suggested she have dinner with Joel and me before she spent the night alone, enjoying her new braces. Judy accepted my offer, saying that only her front teeth were sore and that she thought she could eat normally.
 
 
I saw Paul and Rebekah's car pull up in front of the house that evening, and Judy slowly got out and thanked them for the ride. She must have spent the day with Emme and Rebekah at the shop after she got her braces. Joel then pulled up in his old Dodge truck just as Judy was crutching through the front door. We all went into the den to have a glass of wine before dinner, but first I wanted to put on a more comfortable brace for the evening, so I changed into my Minerva CTLSO.
 
 
Judy really liked my brace since it was basically a removable version of the cast she was wearing. Over our glass of wine, she once again thanked us for everything we had done for Collene, Billy, and her. Joel stated that we simply enjoy seeing people fulfill their unusual desires and enjoy helping people get a start in life. I asked Judy how her teeth felt, and she said that there was a little more pressure than earlier but that they felt pretty good. After we finished our wine, Judy and I went into the kitchen to prepare a simple dinner of fettuccini Alfredo.
 
 
After dinner, Joel brushed his teeth and wanted his jaw wired shut for the evening. He asked if Judy wanted to watch. She did, and she was fascinated by the procedure. When I was done with Joel's wires, Judy asked if I would do the same for her. I got her a toothbrush so she could go clean her teeth, and then I would wire her jaw shut.
 
 
I could see the delight in her eyes as I pulled the wires tight. Judy was overjoyed, and she was barely able to speak clearly enough to tell me how much she loved how it felt and to thank me. Joel and I escorted her to her coach, where Joel ensured that everything was in order for her first night alone, and I made sure that she was comfortable. I told her we have breakfast at seven thirty in the morning, and she was welcomed to join us. She could have her wires removed then or keep them on longer if she desired. Judy didn't seem to be paying any attention to what we were saying. She just wanted to be alone with her KAFOs, Minerva cast, and wired jaw.
 
 
When Judy came up to the house for breakfast this morning, she asked me to remove the wires that had immobilized her jaw for the night. She thought that spending many weeks wired shut would be a lot of fun, and she wants to try it for a month or two in the future.
 
 
Over the next few days, Judy really got settled in. She's very comfortable in her coach and is happy living there. Judy has breakfast with Joel and me every morning and gets a ride into town with one of us. We really enjoy having her around.
 
 
Tonight is the military vehicle club meet, and we asked Judy if she would like to tag along. She thought it would be fun, and it would be a chance to be seen in her Minerva cast. Joel went and got his Jeep, helped Judy into the back seat, and then he picked me up and set me down next to her. Joel then snapped a picture of us sitting side by side, both of us in KAFOs and bands, with me in my Milwaukee brace and headgear and Judy in her Minerva cast. He showed us the picture, and we sure looked cute. Joel got in, cranked the engine, and we were off to Pee Dee's.
 
 
On the way, I told Judy about Sam and Millie and how they both have braces on their teeth and also wear Milwaukee braces, but Millie's is recreational. I've not seen Millie in her Milwaukee brace yet, and I wondered how well she could skate wearing it. When we got to the drive-in, Millie was on break, sitting with Sam and having a cold drink. Joel parked the Jeep around back with the other trucks, helped us to our feet, and we crutched over to Sam and Millie.
 
 
As we approached, we saw that both girls were wearing their Milwaukee braces with roller skates on their feet, with Millie in her car hop uniform. Both girls had on their custom wrist guards, Sam's in hot pink and Millie's matching her uniform in pink and blue, with their combination headgear straps matching their wrist guards. When the girls saw us approaching, their smiles revealed their bands, and the mouth guards banded to their teeth. I introduced the girls to Judy, and we sat down to talk.
 
 
M - That's quite the cast you are in, Judy. What happened?
 
J - Nothing; it's just for fun.
 
S - Oh, that's cool. I have wanted to wear a cast like that since I saw Leigh in hers some time ago. It looks like fun. Are your leg braces just for fun, too?
 
 
J - Well, yes and no. I have no condition that requires them, but I have worn them for pleasure for so long that my legs cannot support me anymore. I now have to wear them; you can see how atrophied my legs have become.
 
 
L - I'm actually thinking of doing the same thing. I love wearing my KAFOs, and I wish I really needed them. Changing the subject, how are you two doing with all your braces?
 
 
S - I'm doing great! I love my bands and headgear, and I can skate wearing my back brace with no problems.
 
 
M - Me too; I love my orthodontic work, and I get along really well in my Milwaukee brace. I'm able to do all my dance routines without too much trouble. When you go inside, there is a picture by the door of one of the carhops in the 70s with bands, headgear, a Milwaukee brace, and raven pigtails. I look just like her! Oh, look, the girls are getting ready to dance; I have to go join them.
 
 
We watched the skate dance routine, and it was amazing to see Millie skating around in her Milwaukee brace. It didn't seem to inhibit her in any way, but it was obvious she didn't move quite like the other girls did. Judy was very impressed with Millie's abilities. After the show was over, Millie got back to work, and Sam skated over to look at the trucks, doing circles around Judy and me as we crutched along.
 
 
Judy spent a lot of time talking with Sam and Millie over the course of the evening. When it was time to go, Judy asked if I would pick her up at Sam and Millie's place after work tomorrow. All three girls had nothing going on tomorrow; they wanted to talk orthopedics and orthodontics and spend a day out on the town.
 
 
As Joel and I drove off, we saw Judy crutching down the sidewalk with Sam and Millie slowly skating alongside her. They looked so cute.
 

Ch. 107 – Judy’s New Job

 
Judy has really enjoyed wearing her Minerva cast, but the time has come for her to part with it. It's now extremely worn; the padding has become packed down, and the stockinette is torn in places and is not so soft anymore. Around her face, her cast is stained from makeup and sweat. It has also acquired a strong "lived-in" aroma from her active lifestyle. Judy's cast is covered in signatures and drawings from all the new friends she has made since moving here, too. However, she must part with it, begin wearing her new Milwaukee braces, and truly start her new life here.
 
 
Judy was at our place this morning for breakfast as usual, and I had taken the morning off to accompany her to get her new Milwaukee braces fitted. She was dressed very casually, wearing just a pair of shorts and her brown KAFOs with brown block-heeled oxfords that were rather high. Judy also had a bag with a change of clothes to wear to her meeting with Kathy and to start her new job this afternoon. We ate breakfast, and as we were getting ready to go, Joel gave Judy a big hug and wished her well. I think he just wanted to take one last close look at Judy's worn cast and get a whiff of its very strong odor. Joel is really into dirty and smelly casts, which is something I won't often indulge him with; I like fresh, clean casts and get mine changed often.
 
 
When we arrived at Jameson Orthotics, Collene was working at her desk wearing all her beautiful white braces and matching double-facebow interlandi headgear. She sure seems to enjoy wearing her double facebows just as much as I do, and she looks quite fetching with them. When Collene smiled as she got up to give us a hug, I immediately noticed something new with her orthodontic braces: she had surgical hooks on her archwires. When I asked about them, Collene turned red with embarrassment; they are obviously there for fun only, and Collene said:
 
 
C - It's a little embarrassing, but my hooks are only for fun. In fact, Billy got them too. After Judy told us about being wired shut that night, we were curious to see what it was like for ourselves. We even have surgical-type splints to wear, too. Billy's is like the one I have seen Leigh, Joel, and Rebekah wear in pictures. Mine is a little different because of my fixed bite block, but from the front, they both look identical. We have only put them in our mouths to see how they fit; we haven't wired or even banded each other shut yet. That will come after work on Friday for our wired weekend.
 
 
J - Oh Collie, you and Billy will love having your jaws wired shut. I only did it for that one night, and it was great! Once I get settled into my new job, I plan to spend two months wired shut. 
 
 
C - Well, you all seem to enjoy it, and I hope we do, too. Since everything is going so well in our lives, Billy and I have been having a bit more fun lately. I have even put casts on both of his legs a couple of times, but we didn't leave our apartment.
 
 
L - That's great that you and Billy did some casting; it's a lot of fun. Do you and Billy have everything you need for jaw wiring?
 
 
C - Yes, we sure do. Sally gave us everything we'll need.
 
 
J - When I was visiting with Emme the other day, she said she was going to get hooks on her archwires, too. She shares the same curiosity as you, Collie.
 
 
C - That's cool. I guess we'll all have to go out one day wired shut. That would be fun.
 
L - It certainly would, Collene. I love going out wired shut and talking to people. Of all the things I have done, a wired jaw seems to get the most attention. You'll love it!
 
 
We all went to the workshop. Billy was glad to see Judy and me and was excited to have Judy try on her new braces. He was very proud of his work. Gary said to Billy, "I think you can handle this yourself, but come get me if you need any help," and we went to the cast room.
 
 
B - Let's get you out of that smelly old cast, Judy.
 
 
J - Sounds good, Billy. It's gotten pretty nasty the last couple of weeks, but I still love wearing it.
 
 
B - I have never seen you walk without your braces, Judy, and your legs are quite atrophied. You can't walk at all without your braces anymore, can you?
 
 
J - That's right, Billy, I can no longer walk without braces; my legs are too weak. Why do you ask? 
 
 
B - I figured as much. I just need to know so I can provide you with the proper level of assistance today. That's all.
 
 
J - Oh, OK, Billy. As long as there is a seat in the shower and I have a wheelchair to get there, I'm fine without them, but I would like someone to scrub my back for me. I know I have been smelling pretty bad for the last couple of weeks and really need to get cleaned up. You are such a gentleman, and I trust you to provide me with any assistance I might need, and I am not afraid of you seeing me without my cast or anything else on.
 
 
B - I'm glad you are comfortable with me seeing you like that, Judy. For me, it is just part of the job. Here, I am a professional, not your sister's boyfriend; I'm glad you feel at ease. Have a seat on the table, and we'll take off your KAFOs so they don't get fiberglass dust on them, then I'll remove your cast.
 
 
J - Sounds great, Billy. I am really excited to wear the braces you made me, and I'm sure they will be perfect.
 
 
Judy removed her shorts, took a seat, and removed her KAFOs and shoes. Billy then began cutting her free from her cast. I warned Judy that her skin would be very sensitive once her cast was removed and that the air would feel cold and prick her bare skin. Judy asked Billy to be careful when cutting her cast off; she wants to save it.
 
 
Soon Judy was free of her cast; her back and neck were very weak. She had difficulty holding her head up and sitting up straight. Billy asked if she wanted a neck brace to wear while she showered, and she thought she would be fine without it. Billy then went to prepare the shower and got warm water flowing.
 
 
He soon returned, helped Judy into a transport chair, and took her to the shower. Once there, she removed her panties, transferred to the shower seat, and took a long, hot shower. She gently washed her newly exposed skin, along with shampooing and conditioning her hair.
 
 
While Judy was showering, Billy cleaned up Judy's cast so she could save it and also see what was drawn and written on the back. Judy then called for Billy to come scrub her back, and she spent a few more minutes enjoying the hot shower. Finally, she was finished, and Billy helped her to dry off, and Judy called for me to bring her panties and bra from the bag she had brought.
 
 
I took Judy's undergarments to her and helped her put them on, while Billy went and got her KAFOs. Judy put on her leg braces and shoes, and then she crutched to the fitting room with Billy carrying her bag of clothes. Now clean and refreshed, Judy was excited to try on her new Milwaukee braces.
 
 
 Judy's braces were laid out on a table, and Billy picked up the waterproof brace and began to put it on Judy. She said, "Wait! I need to put in my orthodontic splint first." Judy got the plastic case out of her bag, removed the splint from it, carefully placed it in her mouth, and I banded it in place for her. Judy then said to Billy with a strong lisp, "OK, now I can try on my braces, Billy."
 
 
The first brace was firmly strapped onto Judy's body, and Billy checked the fit, which was perfect. Judy stood up and crutched around the room, saying it was really comfortable. The process was repeated with her white and black braces, and finally with her brown one, which she would be wearing today. Billy said he thought to try it on last since it matched the KAFOs she was wearing, and if she was anything like her sister, her leg and back braces must match.
 
 
This brace also fit great, and Billy went to get Gary to pass the final judgment. When Billy returned with Gary, he ensured all was well and asked Judy if this brace felt like all the others. Judy assured him that it did and that it was very comfortable despite being extremely restrictive. Gary turned to Billy and said, "Excellent job, my friend. You have a natural talent for this work. It's hard to believe that these are the first Milwaukee braces you ever made on your own."
 
 
With Gary's approval of her braces, Judy got in her bag, pulled out a blue knee-length skirt, a white blouse, and a blue jacket, and got dressed. She got a small makeup kit from her bag and crutched to the mirror to apply her makeup and brush her hair. Judy was braced from head to toe, wearing a great-looking, well-tailored suit with cute high heels on her feet and a crooked, metallic smile. She looked absolutely stunning!
 
 
I told Judy that her look was perfect for our office and that she would fit in very well. Billy said there was one last thing and showed her the interchangeable throat molds and occipital pads that she could change to suit her mood or style. We thanked Billy and complimented him on his fine work, and Gary was very pleased with what Billy had learned from him in such a short time.
 
 
We crutched out to the office so Collene could see her sister's new braces. Collene said, "You look great, Judy! I'm so happy for you to be living the life you have dreamed of. It's too bad that you couldn't have had custom-made braces years ago when you began living like this, but look at you now! Braced from head to foot in beautiful custom-made braces with sexy bands on all your teeth, too. Good luck at your new job, and have Leigh drop you off at our place after work. I want to hear all about your day."
 
 
Judy replied, "Will do, Collie. Today is truly a new beginning for me, and I'm so excited and thankful for everyone and everything in my life. I feel and look great! See you and Billy this evening, Collie."
 
 
Just as we were crutching out the door, Judy turned to Billy and asked about her Minerva CTLSO. Billy said that he had a few things left to do on it and would bring it on Friday, when we're all going out to dinner. Judy was pleased and said she would wear it that evening. I told Judy that I would wear mine and would ask Rebekah and Emme to wear theirs, too. Four ladies in identical spinal braces will certainly attract the attention we all crave. With that, Judy thanked everyone once again and said goodbye. Billy carried Judy's braces to the car and placed them in the trunk. Now it was off for a quick lunch and then for Judy to start her new job.
 
 
We stopped for lunch at the cafe near the office and had a quick bite to eat. Judy did a good job of discreetly removing and replacing her orthodontic splint for her meal. After we ate, Judy thought it would be a good idea for her to crutch to the office from the cafe and go in alone to meet with Kathy. I agreed and told her to meet me at my car at the end of the day. We crutched out of the cafe, and I went to my car while Judy made her way to the office. She was so cute as she quickly and gracefully crutched down the street, looking so confident in her new braces while flashing her metallic smile.
 
 
Judy had to crutch a few blocks to the office, so I was already there by the time she arrived. She stopped and spoke with the receptionist, who led her to Kathy's office. Judy crutched by my office on her way to Kathy's, looking poised, confident, and beautiful as she passed. Kathy was at her door waiting for Judy, and the two went inside and spent over an hour together.
 
 
Finally, I saw both of them leave Kathy's office and head my way. They came into my office, closed the door, and sat down to talk. Kathy said that Judy will be a perfect fit for our company and will likely have a long and successful career here. Judy said that she was really looking forward to finishing school and working here full time. Kathy then said, "Let's go, and I'll introduce you to your manager and have you meet the entire marketing team. I'm sure you will fit right in." They both got up and headed to the elevator, and I was anxious to talk to Judy at the end of the day to find out how everything went.
 
 
When it was time to go home, I was at the car first and watched Judy get out of the elevator with the head of her division and several of her new co-workers. They were all smiling and seemed to be getting along quite well, almost like they were old friends. Everyone then went to their cars, and Judy crutched over to mine and got in.
 
 
Judy said, "Oh, Leigh, thanks so much for everything. I really hit it off with everyone, and I think I will be very happy working here. Everyone liked my ideas and way of thinking. The people here are all really nice, and the overall atmosphere is so pleasant and relaxed, but yet very professional." I told Judy I was very happy for her and hoped she would have a long and happy career here, like Kathy and I have. Judy then got on her phone to call Kathy to thank her, too.
 
 
It's great to see Judy so happy and looking so beautiful in all her braces.

Ch. 109 – My Petrie Cast – The Next Day

 
I woke up this morning amazingly refreshed, but my hips are quite sore. I had slept great in my Petrie cast despite the discomfort that had built up in my hips. Otherwise, my legs felt so relaxed in their warm, cozy cast. I just laid in bed, enjoying the feeling of my cast, CTLSO, and headgear, while Joel took a shower. When he returned, he had all the things needed to give me a sponge bath. Joel helped me sit on the edge of the bed and brought over my makeup stool, placing it under the spreader bar at my ankles so I could comfortably rest my legs.
 
 
Joel emptied my catheter bag, removed my CTLSO and headgear, and then gently washed my body. The warm washcloth and Joel's gentle touch felt wonderful, and it was very erotic for both of us. Once Joel finished washing me, he gently dried me off and rubbed lotion on all my exposed skin. We then kissed passionately and explored each others orthodontics. <CENSORED>
 
 
<CENSORED> Joel and I cuddled, then he massaged my aching hips. I was so happy and content, and he was, too. We have such a great life together and with our friends who share our odd desires. With my hips feeling a bit better, our thoughts turned to what we wanted to do today. I wanted to spend the day in public, and Joel wanted to be seen with me in my big cast.
 
 
I was glad that we had planned ahead with plenty of clothing that would fit around my cast. Rebekah did a great job modifying everything, so it was easy to put on with my legs immobilized. Joel asked me what outfit I would like to wear, and I told him I wanted to wear my green floral print knee-length skirt and a light pink sleeveless sweater.
 
 
My husband helped me get my facebows and headgear in place, choosing pink straps and facebows to match my sweater. He picked up my Milwaukee brace, but I told him I wanted to wear my Minerva CTLSO today, and he helped me put it back on. Joel easily fitted my skirt around my casted legs and then helped me sit on the edge of the bed once again. I put on my sweater, and Joel placed me gently into my wheelchair. I did my makeup and hair, and now refreshed and ready for the day, we went to the kitchen to enjoy a hot cup of coffee.
 
 
After a couple cups of coffee, Joel and I decided to go out for breakfast. Then to the park for a photo shoot of me with my cast, and maybe a movie in the afternoon. Joel got me into the van, and we went to eat; we were both very hungry. We had a great breakfast at a little roadside cafe on the way to Millrun Park, our favorite place for photo shoots. We always do a shoot whenever I get new braces or wear an unusual cast. We love looking at old pictures and videos of our adventures, and they are great to share with friends new and old.
 
 
Once at the park, Joel laid down a blanket near an oak tree. He picked me up out of my wheelchair and placed me on the blanket, leaning against the tree with a pillow behind me. I was very comfortable and loved looking at my legs in their cast. Joel then began taking pictures as I positioned myself in different poses as best I could. Joel even got a very lucky shot when the breeze picked up my skirt, and he happened to snap the shutter.
 
 
After our photo session, Joel and I laid on the blanket together to cuddle and talk. We got a lot of strange looks from people with me in all my orthopedic and orthodontic glory. Finally, Joel placed me back in my wheelchair, and we took the long trail around the park, with Joel snapping a few more pictures of me in this beautiful setting. He sent some pictures to my friends; they all knew about my plan, and I knew they wanted to see me in my cast.
 
 
My skirt was just the right length; it covered me very well and left the spreader bar at my knees exposed. However, when I saw the pictures of myself, I was a bit shocked. My cast seemed massive in the pictures compared to how I looked in the mirror at home. This is how I was going to appear to everyone for the next eight weeks, and it was really exciting and a little scary at the same time. I soon received several messages from friends after they saw the pictures Joel sent. Everyone said to have fun and wished me well on my adventure. However, they all expressed a bit of jealousy, too.
 
 
By the time we left the park, it was mid-afternoon, and we headed to town to see a movie. While waiting in line for tickets, a woman about my age approached and said, "Wow, you're in a Petrie cast! I had to wear a series of casts like that for many months when I was young. It was difficult at first, but I quickly got used to it." I replied, "I just got my cast applied yesterday, and so far I am doing well, and the pain in my hips is much better now."
 
 
She told me that she had Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease and ended up having to have hip replacements when she was only forty years old. She wished me well and hoped that I would cope well with my cast. I thanked her, saying my cast is very comfortable and I don't mind wearing it one bit.
 
 
We finally got to the ticket window, bought our tickets, and headed inside. Joel went to get drinks and popcorn, and I waited in the lobby. I was approached again, this time by a girl in her early twenties in a manual wheelchair. She was a tall brunette, if she could have stood up, with a very pretty face, braces on her teeth, cervical headgear, and pink fiberglass LLCs on both legs. She said, "It looks like you have it a lot worse than me. At least my leg casts are not connected together. I also only have one facebow, and I'm not in my neck brace anymore."
 
 
I laughed and said she did seem to be a bit better off than me, and I asked what happened to her. The girl said, "I had my feet up on the dashboard of the car. We got into a wreck, and I broke both ankles, dislocated my knees, and injured my neck. I just got new casts, and I don't have to wear my Aspen CTO anymore. It really sucked, and I couldn't wear my headgear, which really set back my orthodontic treatment. I'm just glad I don't have any pain now, and I love the attention I get because of my casts and wheelchair. So, what happened to you?"
 
 
I replied, "I'm undergoing treatment for ligament damage in my hips and will be in this cast for two months; I just got it yesterday. I'm still getting used to it, and my husband is taking great care of me." It was then that Joel approached, and the girl and I wished each other well. As we parted ways, she said, "By the way, your braces and headgear look really cute. I wish mine were like yours."
 
 
The movie was great, and on the way home, I called Rebekah and asked if she and Paul would like to go to dinner with us. She said she was getting ready to call me and ask the same thing. Rebekah, for some reason, suggested we bring the small para transit van. I told her that we would see them at six.
 
 
On the rest of the ride home, we wondered why Rebekah had asked us to bring the para transit van. When we got home, I wanted to wear my white Milwaukee brace the evening, and Joel helped me swap braces. By the time I got my braces swapped and fixed my hair and makeup, it was almost time to pick up Paul and Rebekah. Joel walked down to the shop to get the van and was soon back and got me loaded up, and we were soon on our way to Paul and Rebekah's house.
 
 
When we arrived, Joel blew the horn, and Rebekah crutched out of the front door in her KAFOs, Milwaukee brace, and double facebow headgear. She said that Paul was almost ready, then went back inside. A few moments later, we saw Paul approaching the front door, moving very slowly. All we could tell until he stepped onto the porch was that he was on crutches. Once Paul stepped outside, it was clear why he was on crutches; both of his legs were in heavy, brown leather KAFOs with Doc Marten boots on his feet. He was wearing a dark blue kilt, and his braces were very visible. Then we noticed his stiff posture and the chin rest protruding from his polo shirt; he was in some sort of spinal brace, too.
 
 
Paul crutched slowly towards us while Rebekah locked up the house. Joel got out to help his friend get into the van using the lift. It was then that I noticed the shiny silver brackets on Paul's teeth; he was wearing orthodontic braces, too. Paul took a seat, and I saw the large headpiece on the back of his brace, much like my CTLSO has. Rebekah climbed aboard without any trouble since she is used to wearing her braces, and she sat down next to her husband.
 
 
I was speechless upon seeing Paul in his braces. He looked so sexy, braced from head to toe. I pictured Joel wearing the same braces and became extremely aroused; what a wonderful vision! Joel started the van, began to drive away, and said to Paul, "So this is where you were off to early this morning to get your orthodontic braces. You never mentioned any of this; tell us about what you are wearing and what your plan is." With a very pronounced lisp, Paul said:
 
 
"Rebekah and I decided it would be a lot of fun if I started to wear braces when we went out. We decided that Rebekah would choose what I would be getting; I would have no input. Rebekah sent me to see Gary and Rita about a month ago. They made casts of my legs and a 3D scan of my body, so I knew I would be getting leg and back braces but didn't know what kind. I also went to Joe's last week to get my teeth checked and scans done there, too. Once again, I didn't know what Rebekah had planned for me, but I knew some bands would be involved since I got spacers."
 
 
"When I went to get my orthodontic braces applied this morning, I had no idea what appliances Rebekah had chosen for me. Joe explained that I would simply be getting molar bands, bonded brackets, and surgical hooks. That all sounded simple and painless, and soon everything was in place. Then Joe said there were a couple more things. He then bonded tongue tamers to my front teeth, top and bottom. These are what are causing my lisp, and my tongue is very sore and raw. Rebekah says that when we get home tonight, she will wire my jaw shut. To tell the truth, I'm not looking forward to it at all, but I promised her that I would let her do it. Dinner tonight will be my last solid food for at least a month."
 
Paul then began to tell about his leg and back braces:
 
"I guess we all know about KAFOS. Mine are the same as what Rebekah and Leigh wear, but built more heavily for an active man. So far, I only have two pairs of shoes for them, both Doc Martens. I have these boots and a pair of oxfords, but I want to get sandals, too. It feels great to wear KAFOs, and I understand why the girls love theirs so much. It's going to take me a long time to get used to them and be able to crutch along as fast and easily as they do, especially while wearing my spinal brace."
 
 
"As to my spinal brace, I had no idea what I would be getting when we went to get my braces fitted Thursday. It's a type that is no longer commonly in use, and Billy had to make it from pictures from an old orthotics textbook. It's called a Kuehnegger brace and was used to treat scoliosis, and it still is in some parts of the world."
 
 
"It's much more immobilizing than the Milwaukee braces the girls wear, but I don't have to wear a dental splint like they do. At the waist, it's like a Milwaukee brace, but instead of a throat mold and occipital pads, it is more like a CTLSO for a spinal injury with this large padded chin cup and a big padded headpiece in the back. I can't move my spine at all from my hips up, and I can't turn my head either, unlike the girls in their Milwaukee braces who can stretch and look to the side a bit. Despite this, it is actually pretty comfortable but extremely immobilizing, and it really limits what I can do. Combined with my KAFOs, about all I can do is barely crutch around, and Rebekah loves watching me struggle to do things. Hopefully, with a bit of time and practice, I'll be able to get around as easily as the girls do in their braces."
 
 
By the time Paul had finished telling us about his braces, we were arriving at The Ranch House, a great steakhouse and BBQ joint. It was quite busy, and I am sure that the four of us will be getting a lot of attention tonight.

Ch. 111 – Back In My KAFOs
 
 
I awoke this morning wearing my 3D-printed LLCs that Joel placed me in last night before bed. They sure don't fit like they used; my legs are beginning to waste away. Joel was already up, and I could smell coffee brewing and bacon frying in the kitchen. I took off my 3D-printed LLCs and decided to try standing for the first time in two months and almost a year since I stood without my KAFOs. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I grabbed my crutches and tried to stand. My legs felt like jelly; they had no strength, and being top heavy with my CTLSO on, I fell backwards onto the bed. Eight weeks ago, I would have been able to get out of bed and stand with no trouble at all, but now my legs can no longer support me. This must be what it's like for Judy, and I really think I want to be like her.
 
 
I sat up in bed and put on the KAFOs and sandals I wore the night before—my white ones with a pair of white Doc Marten sandals. I got everything firmly strapped in place on my legs and feet, grabbed my crutches, and stood up, locking my knees in place. I began to try and crutch to the bedroom door, but I kept bumping my feet with my crutches. My legs were still unnaturally spread apart from their time immobilized in that position; bringing them together was painful, and I had little strength in my hips. At this point, I simply couldn't walk, even with my KAFOs and crutches. I put on my robe and sat down in my wheelchair to think.
 
 
Do I want to regain range of motion and strength in my legs and hips, or do I want to be like Judy? What would it be like to actually need to wear my KAFOs and use a wheelchair or crutches for mobility? If I let my legs go as Judy has, would it ever be possible to regain strength and walk unaided again? I had so many questions about what I might want to do and how I wanted to live the rest of my life. With retirement coming, I could do as I please and let my leg become weak and useless if I desired. I have always been fascinated by handicapped women and dreamed of being one myself. Life in a wheelchair or on crutches would be wonderful. I truly wish I had been born with more than just scoliosis or had contracted polio as a child. A crippled body is the body I was meant to have.
 
 
I wheeled myself to the kitchen, where Joel poured me a cup of coffee and asked how I felt this morning. I told him I felt great, but he could tell there were a lot of thoughts swimming around in my head, and we had a little chat:
 
 
J - What's going on, Leigh? Is it about your legs?
 
 
L - Well, Joel, when I awoke, I took off my 3D-printed casts and tried to stand up. Even with my crutches, my legs couldn't support me, and I fell onto the bed. Then I put on my KAFOs, and you know how loose they fit when you put them on me yesterday. I could then stand using my crutches, so I tried to crutch around the room. Since my hips are so stiff and I can't bring my legs together, my crutches hit my feet. I felt like I was going to trip myself, so I got into my wheelchair. I know my hips will loosen up and I will be able to walk with my KAFOs again, but I don't know what I want to do about my legs; I think I really want to become like Judy.
 
 
J - I can help you with an exercise plan to get you loosened up and regain strength in your legs and hips if you want, or maybe just your hips. It is obvious you have lost a lot of muscle mass in your legs with the way your KAFOs fit now. Even before wearing your Petrie cast, it seemed like they needed to be buckled one hole tighter. If I understand correctly, Leigh, you're seriously considering letting your legs waste away even more and becoming dependent on your braces like Judy?
 
 
L- That's the thing, Joel; I don't know what I want to do. Part of me wants my legs to be normal again, to be able to walk without my KAFOs, and to wear them just for fun. But a much bigger part of me wants to become like Judy and depend on my braces and wheelchair for mobility. I really am leaning towards trying to make my legs even weaker, like wearing braces 24/7 or big casts to completely immobilize my legs and hips for a long period of time. What do you think, Joel? How would you feel about me actually needing leg braces or a wheelchair to get around?
 
 
J - Leigh, I love you very much, more than anything in this world, and I support any decision you make. You have been wearing your KAFOs for a long time and know what life with them is like; you basically live as if you are already handicapped. I would just ask that you think about whether there is anything you can't do in your KAFOs; you'll never be able to do those things again if you let your legs go. If, as I presume, your life is complete and full wearing your KAFOs as you have been, then you should proceed and truly become dependent on them.
 
 
L - My life is complete and full, except for one thing, Joel: I am not really handicapped. I am going to ask my friends to brunch tomorrow and talk it over with them, especially Collene and Judy. I value their opinions, especially Judy's, and I am very relieved that you support me no matter what choice I make.
 
 
J - That sounds like a great plan. I'll be more than happy to drive you ladies around tomorrow in the small bus if you desire.
 
 
L - Oh, Joel, that would be great. I'll text everyone now. Thanks for being so supportive; I love you so much!
 
 
J - I love you very much, Leigh. I just want to see you happy and living life on your own terms.
 
 
And with that, Joel came over to me, gently removed my headgear, and lifted me from my wheelchair with my knees clicking as they locked. We hugged and passionately kissed, exploring each others orthodontics, as we always do when we kiss. I felt his tongue crib and his Forsus appliance with my tongue, and he explored all the metal in my mouth. I think Joel now likes the additions to his braces, and I sure love his cute little lisp.
 
 
After our long kiss, I unlocked my knees, and Joel gently set me down in my wheelchair. He then replaced my headgear, gave me a final little kiss on the cheek, and finished cooking breakfast. I texted my friends to see if they could meet tomorrow, and I let them know that I had something very important to discuss. Everyone will gather here at nine tomorrow morning.
 
 
The rest of the day, Joel and I hung around the house and shop. I stayed in my wheelchair the entire time, keeping my knees locked with my legs sticking out in front of me. In the afternoon, we went down to the shop building so Joel could start making plans for a wheelchair lift for our bus. He had found a unit that mounts in the basement storage area and uses an oversize door in the side of the bus. Joel will call and order it next week; he is sure he can adapt it for our coach. I'm sure Paul and Rebekah will want their coach modified, too.
 
 
That evening, we had dinner delivered, and Joel and I watched a movie. This was the only time I was out of my wheelchair. I sat next to Joel on the couch, still with my legs locked straight and resting on the ottoman. I am so lucky to be living the life that I am with such a sweet and kind man. We then took a shower together, with me sitting on my little bench and Joel gently washing me; it felt heavenly. I love it when we shower together. He dried me off, and he helped me into my wheelchair, free of any braces, and I wheeled into the bedroom. Joel then sat me on the edge of the bed, and I put on my headgear and my CTLSO brace for the night. He once again placed my legs in their 3D-printed LLCs to keep them immobilized while I slept. Joel and I then had quite a romantic evening in bed, with me in all my braces.
 
 
 
The next morning, it was quite pleasant to once again wake up with my legs immobilized. I sat up in bed, and Joel removed my 3D-printed LLCs and replaced them with my carbon fiber KAFOs with a pair of new Teva sandals on my feet. He then went to make coffee while I got into my wheelchair on my own. I unlocked my knees and, with some effort, transferred to my wheelchair and got comfortable.
 
 
I am going to try to do as much for myself as possible without help today, and getting out of bed and into my wheelchair was my first challenge. I wheeled out to the kitchen just as the coffee was ready, and Joel brought me a cup. We chatted over coffee, and nothing was mentioned about what I was going to do with my legs. The only thing Joel said was that I might want to start getting ready for brunch early, as doing things by myself might take longer with me in my wheelchair and with my legs virtually useless. He was right; I'd better get ready.
 
 
I went to the bedroom to get dressed for this warm summer day. The first thing I did was choose what braces I wanted to wear. White braces again today, but with a pair of clog sandals. No chunky Doc Martens for me today. For a bit of color, I put the red throat mold and occipital pads on my Milwaukee brace before swapping it for the CTLSO that I was wearing. Then I removed my carbon fiber KAFOs and Tevas and put on a diaper; I'm having leakage from using a catheter for so long. I got into my white KAFOs and clogs before putting on a long, pink pleated skirt and a floral print blouse with red flowers to match the pads on my Milwaukee brace. I fitted my red facebows into my molar bands and put on my red interlandi straps and big red-framed glasses. I fixed my hair around my headgear and just needed to do my makeup. I looked and felt great in my colorful outfit.
 
 
Just then, I heard Joel greeting Rebekah, and soon she was knocking on the bedroom door. I invited her in, and she was also in her white Milwaukee brace and KAFOs with her white facebows between her lips and white interlandi straps. Rebekah looked great in her long, flowing green dress with white high-heeled Mary Janes attached to her KAFOs. Her makeup was perfect as always, and I asked her to do mine for me. She did an excellent job with my eyes, giving them a multicolored cat-eye look, and they looked really good when I put my glasses back on. I wheeled over to the full-length mirror, and boy did I look great!
 
 
While we were waiting for the other ladies to arrive, Joel went to get the small bus, and Rebekah and I talked. She asked what was going on and mentioned that she noticed my KAFOs were two holes tighter on the straps. I said that was what I wanted to talk to everyone about this morning; my legs had become very weak and atrophied while I was in my Petrie cast, and that I was thinking of becoming like Judy and letting my legs waste away and become practically useless.
 
 
Rebekah said she often has thoughts of doing the same thing but isn't quite ready yet; maybe someday. She still enjoyed doing some things without her braces on occasion, especially dance competitions with Joel, but she has seriously considered Judy's situation quite often. It was then that we heard a couple of cars pull up outside, and we went out to greet them.
 
 
Judy, Collene, and Emme had come together since they had spent the previous evening together, and they had all crashed at Emme's place last night. It was unlike Collene and Judy to go out like this, and I hope Emme is not a bad influence on them; she can be a bit of a party girl at times. Kathy and Lydia soon arrived, and then Rita turned down the driveway. All of us were wearing some sort of orthopedic and orthodontic braces except for Lydia and Kathy, who were only wearing their orthodontic braces and headgear. Kathy still has a mouthful of appliances similar to mine; I wonder if she will ever have them removed. We all went inside and talked for a few minutes until Joel arrived with the bus.
 
 
Once in the house, everyone wanted to know what I wanted to talk about and if everything was OK. I said everything was fine and that I was thinking of becoming like Judy through the use of casts and braces, letting my legs atrophy and become useless. Everyone got quiet for a moment before Judy said, "Go for it, Leigh! I love living like this, and you will, too." Then Collene said, "I support any decision you make, Leigh, just like I now support my little sister's choice; it was wrong of me to ever question her decision. We all have the right to live in the bodies we desire to live in, even if that means parts of them don't work anymore."
 
 
The other ladies all expressed their support for anything that makes me happy and fulfills my lifelong desire. It was then that Joel arrived with the bus, and we all got on board and headed to enjoy brunch and what was sure to be some very interesting conversation.

Ch. 113 - My Hip Spica, Part 1

 
I have been out of my Petrie cast for some time now, and I'm using my wheelchair, and my legs are braced 24/7. Judy has started her last semester of college, taking night classes and working days. She's really enjoying living in the cottage that we built for her and has really made herself at home; Joel and I are so happy for her. Jimmy is getting discharged from the Army soon, and we are all excited to meet him. With everything going so well for all of us, I was ready to begin the final part of my plan to let go of my legs.
 
 
People at work have been asking me when I will begin walking again. I explained that things are not going well with my legs, hips, and back, and I made up a story about needing to undergo a minor surgical procedure to hopefully alleviate my issues. After this procedure, my legs, hips, and spine will have to be completely immobilized for several months.

 
No one asked about how I would be immobilized, but I knew how it would be done. It will be a lot of fun for Joel and me and hopefully make my legs completely useless from atrophy. I have not walked without my KAFOs for almost a year before I decided to let my legs go, and since beginning the process, I have not walked at all and only stood a handful of times. All the arrangements have been made for my cast, and I am very excited.

 
This Friday, I'll be getting the biggest cast I've ever worn. Billy, Gary, and Rita will apply it for me. It's going to be a double-hip spica with two spreader bars. My cast will have toeplates to protect my cute little toes from getting hurt, too. You should have seen all the scuffs and dings on the feet of my Petrie cast; I was always hitting them on doorways. What is taking some figuring out is how to support my spine and neck since I have so much pain if I am not in a spinal brace or cast.
 
 
We thought of several ways to support my spine and neck. One was to incorporate parts of a Milwaukee brace into my hip spica. Another idea was to apply a halo ring to my head and have the uprights attached to my hip spica cast. That appealed to me, but if I were to wear a halo again, I wanted it to be a dedicated adventure. Another option was to make my hip spica extend up into a Risser or Minerva cast. Joel and I decided that a Minerva would be the most fun; I'll be casted from head to toe with only my arms free!
 
 
Today is the day I get my double hip spica-Minerva cast applied. Joel is taking me to my appointment, and Judy is coming along to watch. She is sort of jealous that, in under a year, I have accomplished what took her years to do. I would say that my legs are almost as skinny as hers are and are equally weak and useless.
 
 
When we arrived at Gary and Rita's shop, everything was set up and ready for me to get my cast applied. Collene followed all of us to the cast room; she wanted to watch, too. The only thing was what color I wanted my cast to be. There wasn't any choice when it came to stockinette; they only have the larger sizes in white. However, I wanted my cast to be very colorful. Since it's fall, I chose to have my left leg cast in orange, my right in red, and my Minerva in yellow—the colors of the falling leaves.

 
Gary and Billy planned to apply the Minerva part of my cast first, then cast my legs and combine the three casts into one. It's always easier to apply recreational casts since there is no actual injury to contend with. For me, the only thing that must be considered is that my spine really does need support. Joel helped me undress and remove my Milwaukee brace, leaving my KAFOs on. Then he carried me to the traction frame, where I stood with my knees locked.

 
Stockinette was draped over my body, with holes cut for my arms. The thin traction straps were placed under my chin and behind my head. Rita then put a smaller piece of stockinette over my head while holding the traction straps in place. Billy smoothed the stockinette over my head, and Rita attached the straps to the frame and tightened them, almost lifting my feet off the ground. The feeling was intense, like when I was in traction while in my halo. Billy then cut a hole in the stockinette for my face; the casting would soon begin!

 
Gary then observed Billy as he carefully applied padding all around my body, neck, and head, paying special attention to pressure points and leaving ample room for my breasts. I really like having my breast encased in a cast or brace, and Gary and Billy know how to make it very comfortable. My chest being covered allows me to go topless and fully show off my cast or brace, which I really enjoy. Now that all the padding has been applied, it's time for the many rolls of fiberglass in various sizes and colors to be applied.
 
 
Billy and Rita worked swiftly, and soon they were finishing the edges of my cast around my head, face, and arms. The warmth of the fiberglass curing felt wonderful in the rather cool casting room. It felt so good to have almost my entire head encased in fiberglass, and I really enjoyed the feeling of the unyielding band of fiberglass around my forehead. I could see Judy and Collene crutch into view every so often; they were constantly moving about to get a better view. After a few more minutes, my cast was completely hard, and Rita released me from traction. She worked the straps out from under my cast, and now I could be re positioned for my hip spica to be applied.
 
 
Joel carried me to the casting table and removed my KAFOs. The procedure here would be like when Emme got her body cast. My legs would be placed in LLCs with toeplates with my knees bent. Billy got to work on my left leg and Rita on my right. Soon, both of my legs were in casts, and spreader bars were placed at my ankles and knees. Billy and Rita each secured the side they were working on, and the two colors of fiberglass met in the middle of each spreader. I was now in a Minerva cast and a Petrie cast, with my legs spread wide apart. Now, these two casts would be made into one.
 
 
While my leg casts were being applied, Gary and Joel configured the traction frame to support my upper body and legs so my cast could be completed. When my casts were dry, Joel carried me to the casting frame, where Gary and Rita secured me in it. The slings that supported my legs were raised so my hips would be in a reclined sitting position.
 
 
The stockinette from my leg casts and Minerva cast was smoothed out and trimmed. More padding was applied, overlapping what was already there. Orange and red fiberglass tape was now used to combine the cast immobilizing my legs with my Minerva cast, and the edges were neatly finished around my private parts. A final wrap of yellow fiberglass formed a dividing line between my Minerva cast and the orange and red casts on my legs. I'm now wearing the biggest cast I have ever worn, and I'm completely immobilized from head to toe. It feels absolutely wonderful!
 
 
Some time was given for my cast to fully harden. I could feel the warmth of the freshly applied fiberglass curing and the cool dampness of the parts of my cast that had already cured. Now, some of the reality of being in a cast this large and immobilizing had to be faced; I needed to get dressed and into my wheelchair. Billy and Joel lifted me from the casting frame and laid me back on the casting table, and Rita then placed a catheter in me. Judy brought over one of the long skirts that Rebekah had modified for me when I was in my Petrie cast, and Joel lifted me up by the spreader bar between my ankles. Judy slipped my skirt under me and fastened the Velcro in the back. It fit well around my cast with its elastic waistband, and Joel set me back down on the table.
 
 
Gary adjusted my wheelchair to fit the angles of my cast, with the back reclined. Billy and Joel then lifted me off the table and placed me in my wheelchair. Judy brought over a sleeveless sweater and helped me put it on. Then Billy adjusted the leg rests to fit the angles of my knees and strapped me firmly into my wheelchair. I was going to be living in this cast for many weeks to come, and the thought was intoxicating. The entire time my cast was being applied, Judy and Collene were silent; they simply watched in awe as my body was slowly covered in brightly colored fiberglass.
 
 
Finally, Judy spoke and said, "That cast must be so intense to wear. You can only move your arms and hands now; what is it like, Leigh?"
 
 
I replied, "It's sublime, Judy, but at the same time it's very intimidating and even a bit scary. I have never been in a cast this large before, and life in it will be daunting. However, it feels incredible, and being this immobilized is like nothing I have ever experienced before. My spine and neck, which really do need support, are so comfortably supported by my cast. I, like you, Judy, have worn a Minerva cast, and I have worn a Petrie cast before, but combining them into one cast is electrifying!"
 
 
Collene then spoke up, "Your cast looks amazing, Leigh. Billy and Rita did such a great job, and I hope you really enjoy your time wearing it. So, Judy, you probably wish you could have worn a cast like that to help you let go of your legs. I know it took a long time for you to render your legs useless."
 
 
Judy replied, "I am very jealous, Collie. What Leigh has done in less than a year took me over four years to accomplish. Her skinny, withered little legs look so cute; I wish I could have had a series of casts and braces to help my legs go. I know Leigh will be so happy with her new life, completely dependent on her braces like we are."
 
 
Despite really wanting to get home to relax and have some fun with Joel in my cast, there were a few things I needed to discuss with Billy and Gary. As my cast was being applied, I decided I wanted to be cast for at least twelve weeks in a series of two casts. I told Gary and Billy this, and Billy suggested that when I get my cast changed, a new 3D scan of my body should be made and new plaster casts made of my legs and arms, too.

 
This was exactly what I was thinking because, as my legs have gotten thinner, my arms have grown more muscular, and my thumb spicas don't fit so well anymore. So, in six to eight weeks, I'll be back here for a very busy day of scans and mold making, along with getting a new cast. We didn't discuss the details of my new braces; Joel, Gary, Billy, and I are still figuring out exactly how I'll be braced for the rest of my life.
 
 
Joel and I thanked Gary, Rita, and Billy for their work. We said goodbye to Collene and invited her and Billy to dinner. Judy helped Joel get me into the van, and it was a lot like when I was in my Petrie cast. Judy and I would have to practice getting me in and out of the van without help this weekend since she will be the one taking me to work.
 
 
Once back at the house, I asked Judy to text Rebekah and Emme and invite them to dinner. Rebekah suggested that we all meet at her house; she would cook for us, and Pete and Emme could spend the weekend there. We thought that was a great idea, and I was anxious to get some tips and tricks about living in my cast since Rebekah and Emme had both done some big casts in the past.
 
 
Since Judy and I were going to hang out together for the rest of the day, Joel decided to run some errands. We went outside so she could take some pictures of me in my cast to send to friends. We were down by Judy's cottage when it began to rain, so we went inside to relax, talk, and watch the rain come down. It's so beautiful where her little cottage is, and I fully understand why she is in no hurry to ever move on.
 
 
Judy made us a pot of tea, and we got settled in to talk and watch the passing storm. Judy said she got some exciting news last night but didn't want to bring it up because today was my big day. I asked what it was, and Judy said that Jimmy is being discharged from the Army in two weeks, and his first stop is to meet her in person. I said that was wonderful news, and he is welcome to stay in our guest suite.
 
 
Judy said that Jimmy would be staying with Pete and Emme for a while since they have a lot of catching up to do. I told Judy that I hoped everything would go well when she finally meets Jimmy, and she is sure it will. They have become very close, talking on the phone and doing video chats; the only thing that they haven't done yet is hug and kiss. I think Jimmy will be living with Judy almost right away, even if that means he's just staying in her guest room for a while.
 
 
It's getting late in the afternoon, and Judy wants to help Rebekah make dinner. I texted Joel that we were heading to Rebekah's and to meet us there. Since it was wet and slippery, Judy decided to use the old wheelchair that I had given her. It's a clunky manual chair, and she only uses it around the property. We then carefully made our way to Rebekah’s home.

Ch. 115 - Hip Spica-Minerva Cast Life
 
 
Wearing a hip spica-Minerva cast is daunting, and life is full of challenges. However, we are making the best of things, and I really enjoy wearing my cast. Judy hung around all weekend, assisting me and giving Joel a break. Judy is very caring and nurturing; she loves taking care of me, and I am very comfortable with her doing so. It was also a lot of fun having Billy and Collene come around. They are both very curious to see what my life is like wearing such a large cast.
  
 
On Sunday evening, after dinner, we told Judy that she really needed to go home and get a good night's sleep to be ready for work in the morning. She has been by my side ever since getting my cast applied, even getting up several times a night to help Joel turn me in bed so I don't get pressure sores. It was amazing how much Judy can do wearing her KAFOs and Milwaukee brace; her arms are so strong. She is like Rita and Collene, and her braces don't seem to limit her at all. I hope that when I'm in my braces permanently, I do as well as they do.
 
 
Monday morning is here, and Judy came up to the house for breakfast and to help me dress. After coffee and a quick meal, Billy and Collene were off to open up the orthotics shop, and Judy got me into one of my outfits from when I had my Petrie cast. I decided to wear a long black skirt and an oversize gray sweater that fit well over the Minerva part of my cast. A knit hat and scarf would conceal much of the cast that surrounded my head and neck. Getting dressed went well; however, I would always require help from Joel to lift me up so my skirt could slip under my casted body. Once dressed, Joel placed me in my wheelchair, and Judy snugly strapped me in. I did my makeup and put on my square, red-framed glasses. Sadly, I can't wear my headgear since it won't fit around my cast.
 
 
I wheeled over to the mirror, and I really looked good with my orange and red casted feet peeking out from under my skirt and my face surrounded by yellow fiberglass. It looked like I was in three casts, not one massive cast from head to toe. I wheeled and Judy crutched out to the van, and Joel watched as Judy got me loaded up and secured without any problems. Joel gave me a kiss, then hugged Judy, thanking her for all her help, and we were on our way.
 
 
Once at the office, Judy got me and my wheelchair unloaded from the van, and we got on the elevator. When I got to my floor and rolled out of the elevator, everyone looked my way. People knew I would be coming in this morning wearing a very large cast, but with the way I dressed, only the odd position in which I was sitting gave a hint as to how immobilized my body is.
 

As I wheeled to my office, I pulled off my hat and scarf, fully revealing the mass of bright yellow fiberglass surrounding my head, and that got everyone's attention. However, my legs and feet in their orange and red casts went unnoticed for now, but it was obvious my legs were spread wide apart by the way my skirt was stretched. I wheeled myself to my office and adjusted my wheelchair so I could work at my desk.
 
 
When Kathy arrived, she came into my office,shut the door behind her, and drew the blinds. I wheeled out from behind my desk so she could clearly see my cast.
 
 
K - Wow, Leigh, you went through with it! That's a hell of a cast you are wearing. What's it like?
 
 
L - Oh, it's wonderful, Kathy. I've never experienced anything like this before in my life, and I'm in a constant state of arousal. It's so stimulating to have almost all my body confined and restricted in something so rigid on the outside yet soft and comfortable on the inside.
 
 
K - I'm so jealous of you, Leigh! I wish it was me in that cast. So, what's it like to live in a cast like that, and what sort of fun did you and Joel have in the bedroom?
 
 
L - It can be extremely difficult at times, but the pleasure outweighs all the negatives. Judy has been my helper ever since I got my cast. She is such a cute little thing and really enjoys taking care of me. But let me tell you about the erotic side of my cast, Kathy. On Friday, after I got my cast, I spent the day with Judy, and then we had dinner at Rebekah's. I didn't have any time alone in my cast, and sexual tension just kept building.
 
 
When Joel and I finally were alone, I had him clean my teeth and give me a sponge bath. Joel then put my 3D-printed LATS on both arms, and my body shivered as each locking tab clicked. Then he placed a cheek retractor in my mouth and wired my jaw shut. I could only move my fingers and shoulders; the rest of my body was completely immobilized.

 
Joel then rolled me over and placed a cushion under my chest so I could lay face down comfortably. He went to take a shower, but as he left the room,<CENSORED> Joel brought me hours of pleasure that evening and every night since.
 
 
K - That had to be quite the experience, Leigh. This is definitely something I want to try someday, but, as you know, I have other plans for the immediate future. Speaking of my plans, I want my adventure to start about the time you get your cast changed. That will be in six weeks, right?
 
 
L- Yes, I plan to have my cast changed then. I'll also be getting molds and 3D scans for all the new braces I'll be getting after my second cast comes off. We haven't decided on what type of braces I'll be getting, but I know they will be fun to wear and will look great, too.
 
 
K - Well, I'll begin my adventure then. That way, we will both be heavily immobilized at the same time. You retire in about two months, so you'll be wearing your second cast for the party Joel planned, and I'll be well into my adventure then, too. You know the board of directors is going to recognize you for your long years of service. You will be in your cast for all the photos.
 
 
L- Yes, I heard that. It will be fun to go in front of the board wearing my cast. I'll get my new cast in black, a more formal look for the occasion.
 
 
K - What do you want to do for lunch today? I could go to the deli and grab sandwiches for us.
 
 
L - Sounds good, Kathy. Please leave the door open as you leave. I want everyone to feel welcome to come in and ask about my cast.
 
 
K - OK, have a great morning, Leigh.
 
 
L - You too, Kathy
 
 
During the course of the morning, I had many visitors to my office. Everyone was curious about my cast and how long I would have to wear it. I was also asked what would happen once my cast was removed. I explained that if all went well, I would simply start wearing back and leg braces similar to what I have worn in the past, and hopefully I could get around using crutches again. Some expressed sympathy that I would be entering retirement so handicapped, but little did they know that was my goal—to really become a handicapped woman. I really enjoyed talking to people about my cast and what my future held.
 
 
Over lunch, Kathy and I discussed her upcoming adventure. She has it well planned out, and everything is in order. With my plans known, she has set the date for her adventure to begin. I know she and Lydia will have a great time.
 
 
We also talked about Annie and Judy. I told Kathy all about the girl who made fun of Annie at work and how she ended up with a mouthful of metal herself. Kathy found the story quite humorous. She asked me if I knew when Jimmy would be getting out of the Army and coming to live here. I said it would be soon and that we were all anxious to meet him.

 
I told Kathy that, over the weekend, Judy had a video chat with Jimmy and passed the phone around so we could all briefly talk with him. He never said anything about my cast or the other girls braces, and Rebekah was in her Milwaukee and double facebows. He seems like a really nice guy, and we all hope things work out with him and Judy. Pete is sure they will; he knows Jimmy and Judy very well.
 
 
At the end of the day, I wheeled out to the parking garage to await Judy to drive us home. When I saw her emerge from the elevator with her coworkers, they all seemed to be very happy and upbeat. As Judy parted ways with them, she got several hugs, and everyone was all smiles. She crutched over to me and said, "Good news, Leigh! Jimmy will be here in time for Christmas. We finally get to meet in person and spend the holiday together. I'm so excited, Leigh, and I know things will go great! We've never met face-to-face, but we love each other so much. There is so much to do to prepare for his arrival."
 
 
I was so happy for Judy. Pete had told us what a hard life Jimmy had growing up in poverty in a broken family and how he climbed out of that hole of despair. His only desire is to make a life for himself and share it with someone he loves. I told Judy that Joel and I would do anything and everything to help her and Jimmy out. I'm so glad they are finally getting to meet.
 
 
As the days turned into weeks, Joel and I have been really enjoying my hip spica-Minerva cast. We have settled into a routine, and things are going great. The only thing that is a bit of a hassle for Joel is turning me over in bed during the night. The poor guy has to get up out of our warm bed and re position me in the middle of the night. I don't even wake up anymore when he turns me over or rolls me onto my side; I never know what position I'll wake up in.
 
 
We haven't been seeing as much of Judy as we usually do. With her night classes and making preparations for Jimmy's arrival, she is very busy. She still comes by every morning for breakfast and to help me dress before we go to the office, but we don't see her much in the evening or on the weekends anymore. Joel and I both miss having her around all the time, and we know that once Jimmy arrives, we won't see much of Judy at all anymore.
 
 
Even after several weeks, <CENSORED> and often have difficulty concentrating at work. To prevent getting pressure sores, I have to re-position my articulating wheelchair quite often,<CENSORED>. When in this position, I used my speech recognition software to dictate letters and emails. Kathy has a key to my office in case I ever need help.
 
 
When I get home in the evening, I can't wait to be with Joel. In fact, as soon as he gets home, we head to the bedroom. We have it all worked out <CENSORED>

 
After our encounters, Joel always gives me a sponge bath, brushes my teeth, and cleans my orthodontic appliances. He then positions me on the bed in whatever way I desire while he goes and takes a shower. I just love lying there in my cast, unable to move, thinking about what just happened and fantasizing about our next encounter. Sometimes Joel mixes things up and wires my jaw shut, puts me in arm braces, or even casts. He always wears his large, removable functional appliance and headgear, too. This has been our routine every evening when he gets home, and often in the morning if we are up early enough to not be interrupted by Judy.

 
Life is so good in my big cast, I wish I could wear it forever.