Is anybody still reading this?

I have fallen behind with my reading. I have been enjoying what you write and will make an attempt to get caught up to the current chapter. Keep going.

Great story! I think we’re all excited to read more. 

You better believe we’re still reading this.

Chapter Seventy-four:

Dr. Miller said “so, on Friday we can install your molar bands and get you back into your previous combination headgear.  But truth be told Becky, you look AMAZING with this Hickham headgear.  And you will likely find eating and drinking will be easier than with your previous facebow even though you have four J-hooks.”  As he had been speaking, the rest of the staff had filtered out into the treatment area.  They normally had a Monday morning huddle in the lounge where Dr. Miller gave a little pep talk for the week.  With Becky’s installation, he had been noticeably absent.  He looked up and saw the ladies standing around looking at him.

Dr. Miller stood and addressed the women “sorry gals, duty called.  Everyone take a look at Becky!  Doesn’t she look great?”

Becky’s face turned red.  She felt anything but great.  Aubrey had never seen anything like the mass of straps and wires attached to her poor friends face.  And she could see the embarrassed hue on Becky’s face.  Aubrey said “yay!  Becky is back in braces!”  Becky shyly surveyed the girls.  When she got to Aubrey she made eye contact.  Aubrey said “Becky you look incredible!  That new headgear is so fancy.”  She pointed up towards her Petit facemask as she said “I am so jealous!”  That last part was a lie, she was just trying to cheer Becky up. That last seemingly innocent comment would end up haunting Aubrey.

As Becky stood from the chair on shaky legs, Dr. Miller addressed the crowd “so, I will make this short and sweet.  We have a busy week as usual.  I know you all will do great!  Now let’s go improve lives!” As everyone headed towards their normal spots to start the week, Dr. Miller stepped over beside Alex.  He said quietly “Again Alex, take as many breaks as you need.  And if you need to go home, please do.”

Alex said “thah yah shure.  Ah am gon try ta make eh through tha day.” (Thank you sir.  I am going to try to make it through the day.)

Marc arrived in the waiting area a little before five.  As he walked up to the registration desk he immediately noticed Becky.  Unlike normal, she was not smiling.  But Marc wondered if she even could with the straps encircling her head and four shiny hooks running into her mouth.  He had never seen anything like it.  He tried not to stare as he walked up with a big smile on his face.  He said cheerfully “good afternoon Becky!  How are you?”

She didn’t smile back.  Instead she asked sarcastically “how do you think I am doing?”

Marc stopped at the desk and asked “what’s wrong?”

Becky asked “what do you think is wrong?”

Marc shrugged his shoulders and asked “your lunch wasn’t good?  You stubbed your little toe?  Your phone won’t hold a charge?”

Becky said “this headgear.  I know I look awful.”

Marc looked at her and tried to feign surprise when he asked “oh, you got headgear?  Is it new?  I didn’t even notice.”

Becky responded “hah, whatever.  Apparently my teeth have shifted.  So I am back in braces.  And until I get my bands, I have to wear this.  At least I can take it off.”

Marc looker at her and said “ok, I see now.  You know, it looks fabulous on you.”

Becky asked “why does everyone keep saying that?”

Marc said “because it is true.  Speaking of fabulous, how is Alex?  How did she do today.  Every time we talked or texted she said she was fine.  Is she?”

Becky suddenly felt guilty.  She had been so consumed with her own self pity party she hadn’t even asked how Alex was.  Becky thought about Alex, with her leg braces, extreme lisp, and her halo brace screwed into her skull.  Becky felt like an ass for feeling so sorry for herself.  She looked up at Marc and tried to give him a smile.  She said “we are about done with patients, why don’t we go and find out.”

As Marc followed along behind Becky, he asked so “how much are you supposed to wear the headgear?”

Becky said “I am supposed to wear it 16-18 hours a day.  But at least I can take it off.  And Dr. Miller says I should only need to wear it a couple of months.”  As they entered the treatment area, Becky saw Alex sitting ramrod straight assisting Dr. Andi.  Becky had such admiration for Alex.  As she took a few more steps, Becky got a different angle and saw who was in the chair.  It was Aubrey.  And Dr. Andi was busy working on the Miller headgear that was attached to her head.  As Becky stepped closer, she could see that Aubrey already had four elastics attached from the headgear to her appliances.  Currently Dr. Andi was working on fitting a silver hook to her lower arch.  Becky realized it was a J-hook like she was wearing.  Not even realizing she was doing it Becky reached up and felt one of her hooks.

Becky stopped, Aubrey had not noticed the pair approaching. Instead, it looked like her entire focus was six inches in front of her face, trying to see what Dr. Andi was doing to her.  She could overhear Dr. Andi say “one down, one to go.  I need you to wear this 20 hours a day.  Hopefully this will give you some progress.  Otherwise we will need to consider taking another route like we discussed.  A miller appliance.”  Becky could see the dread in Aubrey’s face.

Marc could also see and hear what was going on.  And while he felt for Aubrey, his real concern was Alex.  He stepped behind her silently and put his hand on her upper shoulder.  It was one of the only parts of her torso not covered in her plastic vest.  It startled her and she jumped.  Marc said “it’s just me baby.”  He rubbed her shoulder and said “I just wanted to let you know I am here. I will get out of your way.”  Marc then looked at Aubrey and said “looking good Aubs!”

She cut her eyes in his direction.  With the lip retractor she didn’t try to speak.  But there was a look of terror in her eyes.  Marc stepped back a respectful distance as Dr. Andi finished fitting the second J-hook.  Once it was in place, Dr. Andi said “looks great Aubrey.  Let’s hope this works.”  As she handed Alex a mirror Dr. Andi said “Alex, why don’t you do the honors.”  When Aubrey looked into the mirror that Alex was holding for her, Aubrey gasped.  Dr. Andi said “you will get used to it in no time.  Now, let me show you how to remove it.  And then I will have you practice putting it on.”  Dr. Andi looked at Alex and said “Alex, you have just amazed us all today.  We are all so proud of you.  But Marc is here, go on home.”

Alex stood stiffly and said obediently “yesh ma’am”. As soon as she was standing, Marc walked over and gave her a hug .  When he released her, Dr. Andi stood and did the same.

Andi looked at Marc and said “take care of this one, she is special.”

Marc looked at Andi and said “she is the most special thing in the world.”

True to her nature, as Marc and Andi had been speaking, Alex’ focus had shifted to Aubrey.  She could see her friend looked a bit distraught.  Alex stepped over and awkwardly tried to hug Aubrey.  Alex said “ya luh gojush bae.”  (You look gorgeous babe.)

Aubrey asked “but what will Tim think?”

Andi had overheard this last question.  Andi asked “Dr. Tim?  From Children’s Dental Center?  You know him?”

Aubrey looked up at Dr. Andi and said “we are dating.  Or we were.  I’m not so sure we will be if he sees me in this.”

Andi scoffed “hmphh, that is baloney.  First, you look amazing Aubrey.  Two, Tim is a dentist.  If anyone should understand it is him.  And three….”

Everyone looked at Andi as she trailed off. After a moment she finished “Dr. Tim called today and scheduled an appointment to get an airway assessment and discuss starting treatment.  And not just himself, but everyone in his office.  Aubrey, I promise you that you won’t feel the need to feel self-conscious around him.  No, I have not done any imaging or taken any measurements.  But I have met him several times.  And I can tell, just from his facial structure; his apparent narrow palate and class III bite, you might not be the only one in the relationship in headgear.  But of course I can’t talk about other cases.”  She added “no, I can’t talk about his case.  But congrats Aubrey, he is a catch.  I will just say though how cute would it be if you guys were able to do treatment together. Headgear and all.  Just like Alex and Marc here are doing.”

Marc realized this was the second time today that Andi had mentioned his treatment.  He asked “um, so will I be getting headgear?”

Andi said “yes.  But like I said earlier today, don’t dwell on it.”

Marc said “hah, that’s easy to say.  That is all I will do.”  He then felt Alex nudge up against him.

Alex said “bae, if Dah Anni shays ya nee heahgeah, jush do eh.  Doh wai.”  (Baby, if Dr. Andi says you need headgear, just do it.  Don’t wait.)

Marc said “now?  It’s late, you need to get home.”

Dr. Andi chimed in “it won’t take long.”

Alex stepped over in front of Marc and took both his hands in hers.  She cut her eyes up so she was making eye contact.  She said “pleash bae, eh wah may me appy.”  (Please baby, it would make me happy.)

Marc looked into her eyes.  He realized he would do anything for her.  He said “ok baby, for you I will.”

Chapter Seventy-six:

They did in fact fall into a sort of routine.  Each evening upon Marc, Alex, and Mona arriving home from work, Alex would dispense a half a gummy to each of the ladies.  Within an hour each would be relaxed.  In addition, it worked as a pain reliever, and perhaps just as importantly, an appetite stimulant.  By the middle of the week, other than their still severe lisps, Mona and Alex were approaching their old selves.  While Tara did have moments where she struggled, she too was recovering well despite everything she had undergone.

Friday morning Jim helped Tara wash with a towel and get dressed.  He looked at her and said “you are so beautiful.”  He leaned over and kissed her on the top of the head.  He then said “you have a big day!  It will be good to get out of the house.”  Tara and Jim did in fact have a big day.  They had three follow up doctor appointments at Tara’s orthopedic surgeon, then Dr. Miller’s, and finally that afternoon at Dr. Morales’.

Tara was sitting on the couch drinking her morning energy drink through a straw when Alex wrapped her in a hug, their two halos audibly clanging against each other.  Alex said “sho eh get ta shee you three timesh today!  An ya get to shtart turning ya exshpaner today.  Yay!  Any ay, gah ta run.  She ya shoon bae.”  (So I get to see you three times today.  And you get to start turning your expander today.  Yay!  Anyway, got to run.  See you soon babe!)

Tara’s first appointment was to have her surgically repaired knee examined.  The doctor was elated about how the procedure had turned out and how quickly Tara was healing.  With a big smile he said “you are ahead of schedule!  We can go ahead and get you in a leg cast today.  What color do you want?”

Tara looked at him in shock.  She replied “a casht?  Why do I nee a casht?  My brace sheems to be working.”

Jim took her hand.  He remembered the doctor explaining that Tara would wear a cast for a while.  He squeezed her hand and said “it is ok baby.  And you would look so cute with a pink cast.”

Tara didn’t look convinced.

The doctor looked at her and said “I thought this had been explained to you before your procedure.  Now that the swelling has subsided, we will put you in a long leg cast.  A cast is much more secure.  It will keep your joint completely immobile as it continues to heal.  Plus, and I am not saying you would try it, some previous patients have tried to walk before they are ready.  It is fairly easy with a leg brace such as the one you are wearing.  We have to keep that leg non-weight bearing.  We have found that a cast ensures this.  Many patients find they actually prefer the cast to the brace.  Once we have applied it, it is hassle free.  No straps to worry about slipping.  You don’t even have to think about it.  Let’s make our way to the cast lab and one of our techs will get you fixed up.  We will reassess in 4 weeks.  Everything looks great.  Good job!”

An hour later Tara cut her eyes down.  She could just see the huge pink fiberglass monstrosity that felt like it started at her womanhood and encased her entire leg.  With her head held immobile, she couldn’t see her ankle.  She wondered why it felt so strange.  The tech, a young woman in her twenties, helped Tara to a sitting position on the edge of the casting table and handed her crutches.  She said “take a look see.”

Tara crutched over in front of the full length mirror.  The cast tech explained “so, we have your knee casted at a 45 degree angle.  This will make it easier for you to sit in a chair.  And it will help make sure you don’t hit your toes as you swing your leg.  You may notice that we have aggressively angled your ankle in and back.  It will take a little getting used to, the muscles in your leg aren’t accustomed to being held in that position.  But you will get used to it and it will feel normal.  This will ensure you are not able to put any weight on that leg.  Over the next few days, over the counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprophen should handle any discomfort.  Now, let me go over does and don’ts.”  As the tech droned on, Tara couldn’t take her eyes off her reflection.  Or more accurately the reflection of the huge hot pink cast.  She had never seen one angled in such an extreme manner.  She hadn’t even noticed the tech had finished until she heard her ask “any questions Mrs. Reynolds?”

Tara hadn’t heard a word she had said but replied “no.”

Jim piped up “we’ve got it.  Don’t get it wet.  Don’t stick anything down it no matter how much it itches.  Call if there are problems.”  Tara watched in the mirror as he stepped behind her.  He was holding her purse.  He leaned in and said “that is the cutest and sexiest cast in the history of casts.”

Tara slumped her shoulders, or slumped her shoulders the best she could in her restrictive halo, and replied “I’m shorry you have to deal weh thish. Deal weh me.”

Jim stepped around in front of her.  He looked her in the eyes and said “nothing makes me happier than doing life with you.  The good.  And the bad.  This is all just temporary.  But you and I aren’t.  So don’t say that.  Please don’t say that.”

Tara’s appointment at Dr. Miller’s held less surprises.  Arriving at reception, Becky commented on how cute her cast was and how it matched her nails.  Becky also told her all about her new braces and headgear.  But it would have been impossible for Tara to miss.  Tara repayed the compliment and told Becky her headgear was cute.  Becky had just laughed.  Tara could not see the treatment room door, but she recognized Alex voice “Thara!  Ya gah a casht!  Ish sho cute!”  Unlike normal, Alex had walked out into the waiting area and made her way to Tara as Jim helped her to her feet.  Alex asked “sho I ashume you are making goo progressh?”

Tara replied “I guessh.  They shay eh am.  Thish casht ish sho big though.  And heavy.”

Alex said “and cute.  Letsh geh ya back.”

Her actual time in the treatment chair was brief.  Dr. Miller had examined her appliance and exclaimed everything looked perfect.  And then he said “and today we get to start turning.  Jim and Alex are pros, but let me show you anyway.”  Alex held up a mirror as he inserted the wrench into Tara’s mouth.  Dr. Miller said “breath through your nose.  You will feel pressure.  That is normal.  It means it is working.”

As Dr. Miller made the first turn Tara winced.  It was a LOT of pressure.  Dr. Miller said “you did great.  One more.”  He repositioned the wrench and made a second turn.  Tara let out a grimace as she felt the pain radiate out through her sinuses and mid face.  But the pain quickly subsided.  Dr. Miller gave her a big smile, the petit facemask on his face shifting slightly, and said “great job!  And that’s it.  Two turns a day until you get a split.  Then one a day.  In two weeks we will see how things look.”  Dr. Miller wrapped up the appointment with some small talk and bid them adieu.

As they made their followup with Becky at the front desk, Marc walked in wearing his headgear.  He joked “I can’t get away from you two” as he walked over.

Jim said “well, you are living with us.”

Becky asked “what, you guys are living together?”

It took about five minutes for Jim to explain it all.

Becky said “oh cool.  Like one big slumber party.  And it makes total sense.”

Marc looked at the clock which read 11:30.  He asked “so Becky, are you getting close to being ready? Dr. Morales is a stickler for being on time.”

Becky said “yep, Aubrey is going to man the desk for me.”  She picked up the phone and dialed Aubrey’s extension.  As Becky placed the phone down, Tara asked “you ah going to Dr. Moralesh?  We ah headed their now.”

The smile on Becky’s face looked forced Tara noticed.  Becky said “oh cool!  We will see you there.  I want to be there for Alex.  Plus, Dr. Morales wants to examine my back.  I am sure it is nothing.”

Tara smiled “I’m sure it isn’t.”

Tara and Alex sat together with Jim and Marc in the reception area as they waited on Becky.  True to Kylie’s words, Dr. Morales had tightened all of their pins.  Also true to Kylie’s words, it had hurt.  They both still felt an ache, but it was manageable.  What really worried them was how Becky was doing.  She had been gone an interminably long time.  And from the look of pity on Mona’s face as she led Becky away to another room they all feared the worst.

Jim had asked Tara if she wanted to leave, she was done.  But Tara had been adamant that she wanted to stay and check on Becky.  At 3 pm, three hours after they had arrived, they saw the treatment door open.  Mona stepped out and held the door open.  They watched as Becky emerged through the door, Dr. Morales helping steady her.  Becky’s head was covered in white fiberglass which disappeared under her dress.  Becky still had the four j-hooks emerging from her mouth, but the straps of her headgear weren’t visible.  As she got closer Tara did see the plastic c-shaped parts of her headgear emerging from the fiberglass.  Tara realized that Becky’s headgear had been casted onto her head.  As she studied her face, she saw Becky also had a feeding tube like the rest of the ladies still had inserted.  Becky’s eyes were red and her makeup a mess.  Tara realized she had been crying.

Dr. Morales helped to get Becky seated.  Tara noticed that the cast held Becky’s head up, she was looking at the top of the wall.  Alex was the first to speak.  She said “oh Becky… wah happened?”

They had been so focused on poor Becky, they hadn’t realized two others had entered the room through the treatment door.  But they all recognized the voice immediately.  Dr. Miller said “she will have trouble speaking.  Due to the pressure of the cast, Becky is wearing a large splint to protect her teeth.”  They looked to see Dr. Miller and Raphael Morales approaching.

Alex shifted in her seat and asked pointedly “wah did ya do to Becky?”

Dr. Miller replied “helped her.”  He looked at Dr. Morales and asked “do you want to explain?”

Raphael and Dr. Miller sat.  Dr. Morales remained standing, her white coat hid the device attached to her brace that left her no choice but to stand.  It was one of her husband’s favorite additions to her brace.  Dr. Morales said “of coursh.  And Becky has agreed to share her diagnosis and treatment.  Becky has scoliosis.  Severe late onset scoliosis.  And it appears to be progressing alarmingly fast.  We will have a brace made for her, a Milwaukee brace. But in the meantime we have placed her in a Minerva cast.  It is extreme, but her case is extreme.  She will be in this until her brace is ready, about a month.  And that is why I want to talk to all of you.  She will need part time care.  Mona explained your current living situation.  It is not my place to ask it, but it would be wonderful if Becky had a similar arrangement.  Otherwise she will need to hire a nurse.”

Without even thinking, Jim looked at Becky and said “she is more than welcome.  We will make it work.”

Dr. Morales replied “I was hoping you would say that.  And that arrangement would be great for Becky.  She will have an onsight orthodontic and orthopedic professional with her.  And obviously, she won’t be able to operate a motor vehicle.  So she will need transportation to and from work, appointments, whatever.”  Dr. Morales cut her eyes down towards Jim and said “you are a saint.”  She addressed the group as she said “Mona will be able to fill you all in.  I know Becky is tired.  The casting procedure is grueling.  Let me just grab her diapers and you can be on your way.”

After everyone had left, Dr. Morales was alone in the office with her husband.  He walked over to her and grabbed the stainless u-shaped bar that ran between her legs.  It attached in the front of the brace, ran down to knee height and then looped back up where it attached to the back of the brace.  He said “I will remove this temporarily.  But your other belt stays on.”  The other belt was a chastity belt that was also integrated into her brace, attached to the same mounts as the u-shaped bar.  He looked at her and said “this will be a fun weekend.  Casting that young woman made me realize that you have been missing something.”

Raphael looked on with pride as the casts cured.  On each of Dr. Morales’ arms was a purple long arm thumb spica.  And integrated into them were several small metal loops.  As was customary when they were alone, he had locked her scopes.  Only this time, he had locked them open.  Dr. Morales could not close her mouth.  He marveled at his doll.  He said “amazing.  Almost perfect.  Almost.”  He felt the casts and thought them ready.  He positioned her right arm so that one of the loops on her cast corresponded to one of the loops on her brace.  He inserted a small padlock through them and clicked it shut.  He repeated the process with her other arm.  He said “perfect.  Come my doll, i have dinner reservations for us.”

Dr. Morales got a panicked look in her eyes.  She said “lah ish?”  (Like this?)

Raphael smiled and said “of course doll.  How else am I going to show you off.  I will at least unlock your mouth before we go in.  That way I will be able to feed you.  But you won’t be using your arms for a few days.”  With a gleam in his eyes he said “or maybe ever again.”

I am going to not type out the girls lisps in this chapter.  But know they are still there.  Let me know your opinion on whether you like the phonetic spelling and added translation, or if this is ok.  Thanks.

Chapter Seventy-eight:

As Jim helped Marc bring Becky's things into his house, he said to Marc "I am not really sure where to put Becky.  I don't want her to try to navigate the stairs.  I guess I could put a bed in the sun room temporarily."

Marc replied "she can have our room.  Alex is doing so much better.  We have intruded on you enough."

Jim said "please, don't.  Stay.  We enjoy your company.  And I am selfish, I think that having Alex here is really helping Tara.  Plus, I don't know if I am capable of taking care of Tara, Mona and now Becky by myself.  I need your help."

Marc thought a second and said "put that way, ok.  But that still leaves the question of Becky.  Where are we going to put her things?"

Jim said "for now, let's put them in Mona's room.  I can run out and get another bed.  It will be cramped in there, but there is room."

When the pair returned to the living room, they found the couch full of ortho restrained women.  All four of the ladies were seated shoulder to shoulder on the couch.  Jim noticed that Mona was beside Becky holding her hand.  Stopping in front of them, Jim said "ladies, Marc and I have an errand to run.  We need to go get a bed.  Mona, it will be tight, but is it ok if we put another bed in your bedroom?"

Mona leaned back so she could see Jim better and said "of course, it is your house.  But don't."  She squeezed Becky's hand as she said "the king size bed is plenty big enough for both of us.  I certainly don't toss and turn anymore since getting my halo.  We can both sleep there.  At least temporarily.  Plus, I will be there if Becky needs anything.  That is of course if it is ok with Becky."

Becky replied "it's fine."  The truth is, with everything that had happened to her, all she wanted to do was see her boyfriend and then go to sleep.  Alex had already called her boyfriend Dillon and explained what had happened.  He had been alarmed and had a ton of questions.  Alex told him that Mona was going to explain everything to the group.  She had asked Jim if it was ok if Dillon came by to see her.  Jim of course said it was more than ok.

Jim said "ok, if you are sure.  But you can always change your mind."  At that moment the doorbell rang.  He smiled at Becky and said "that must be Dillon!"

At the door, Jim found a sandy haired young man who appeared to be around Becky's age, mid to early twenties.  The young man seemed polite when he said "Hello, I'm Dillon.  I am Becky's boyfriend."

Jim stuck out his hand and said "pleasure to meet you Dillon.  Please, come in."  He noticed that Dillon had a firm handshake.

As Dillon followed along behind Jim, he said "thank you Mr. Phillips for having me into your house.  And wow, what a house."

Jim said "of course, it is my pleasure.  I just hate it is under these circumstances."  As they rounded the corner into the living room, Jim sensed Dillon stop.  Jim turned to see Dillon staring at the four ladies.  Jim saw a look of shock on his face.  Dillon hesitantly approached.  As he did he seemed nervous.

Mona noticed him approaching and said "you must be Dillon!"  She let go of Becky's hand and stiffly stood.  She said "you belong here." 

Before sitting, Dillon stopped in front of Becky and asked "oh honey, what did they do to you?"  He leaned in and tentatively hugged her.  She reached up and hugged him back.  He held her a moment before sitting on the couch beside her.  He asked "what is going on?"

Becky said "I have scoliosis."

Dillon couldn't understand her.  He asked "you have what?  And what is wrong with your mouth?  Why can't I understand you?"

Becky said "Dr. Miller wired my jaw shut around a huge splint.  To cushion and protect my jaw.  And since my headgear can't come off, he went ahead and fixed my j-hooks." 

Dillon asked "wait, this doesn't come off?  None of this can come off?"

Alex noticed how protective of Becky Mona had become.  Mona said "no dear, it doesn't.  This is a cast.  It won't come off until her brace is ready."  While Alex noticed how protective Mona was of Becky, she noticed the opposite in Dillon.   She tried to read the expression on Dillon's face.  She thought it might be one of revulsion.  She had met Dillon before a couple of times during the year he and Becky had been dating.  She had seen them together at several office functions, the latest at their annual Christmas party five months earlier.  He had always been so affectionate towards Becky.  Until tonight.  Alex hoped it was just the shock and magnitude of the situation.

Dillon asked "what kind of brace?  When will she get it?  And why is she in a cast?"

Mona said "I think this is a good time to explain to everyone what is going on.  Excuse my lisp by the way.  But anyway, Becky has severe late onset scoliosis.  She is lucky that she came in as soon as she did.  It appears to be aggressive.  As severe as her curve is, it has to be recent.  Any doctor would have noticed it.  Even an obgyn, who Becky just saw a few months ago, would have noticed it and referred her to someone.  They didn't.  So, this has all occurred over the course of the last several months.  This is what is most concerning to Dr. Morales.  And to me.  Left unchecked, scoliosis can result in permanent disfigurement.  If not addressed soon enough, even surgery can not completely fix it.  Even more concerning is what the spine can do to internal organs.  Left untreated, severe scoliosis can cause the spine to push dangerously against internal organs.  It can even be fatal if not treated.  But we are early enough.  But as quickly as this seems to be progressing, Dr. Morales doesn't want to wait even a month for her brace to be ready.  You asked about the brace.  It will be a Milwaukee brace.  Do you know what a Milwaukee brace is?"

Dillon said "yes."  He shook his head back and forth and said "but they don't use those anymore do they?"

Mona said "they are not used much anymore in the United States.  But they are still used extensively in Central and South America.  That is where Dr. Raphael is originally from.  And he still has an office there.  He still uses them extensively.  So he has lots of experience with them.  And while they are rare here, Dr. Olivia, has prescribed a few.  Usually in adolescents, but we do have a few adult patients that utilize them at home and while they sleep.  But because of the severity of Becky's condition, Becky will need to wear it full time.  And Becky doesn't just have scoliosis.  She has kyphoscoliosis.  Which means she has a curvature of her spine side to side, but also front to back.  Her brace will have outriggers that hold her shoulders in place to counterbalance her kyphosis.  It will be a lot to adjust to.  But after this cast it will be a walk in the park.  So, what about the cast?"

She looked at Becky.  She asked "is it ok if I tell everyone about it sweetie?  They need to know."

Becky was resigned.  She said simply "yah".

Mona looked at her.  Alex noticed something in Mona's eyes.  Was it love?  The change in Mona's demeanor towards Becky in the last few hours was astounding.  Alex thought surely it was just her nature as a nurse.  Surely there wasn't more to it.  Mona continued to look at Becky as she said "thank you sweetie."

Mona shifted her body to address the group.  She said "so, Becky is wearing a Minerva cast.  Like the Milwaukee brace, Minerva casts have fallen out of favor here in the U.S.  But, like the Milwaukee brace, they are still used in Central and South America.  And again, Dr. Raphael has extensive experience with them.  In fact, he has casted thousands of women.  But that is another story for another time.  Anway, Becky's cast covers her entire torso.  It was applied while she was under extreme cervical traction.  I know she can't be comfortable right now, the cast is fighting against her spine, holding it as straight as we could get it with the traction.  That is the reason for the muscle relaxer.  But, the muscle relaxer affects the whole body, not just the muscles in the core.  That is the reason that Becky needs incontinence briefs."

Dillons asked "incontinence briefs?  You mean a diaper?  Becky has to wear a diaper?" 

Alex could see Becky was about to cry.  But instead of being comforted by Dillon who was sitting right beside her, it was instead Mona who rushed her and leaned over stiffly.  Mona wrapped her arms around her and said "it's ok sweetie.  It is nothing to be ashamed of."

Alex was disappointed in Dillon.  Instead of lifting Becky's spirits as she had hoped, Dillon seemed to be making things worse.  Alex spoke up.  She said "Dillon, Becky will be fine.  This is all just temporary.  And like Mona said, it is good that Becky is getting treatment.  But, she has had a long day.  Why don't you go so that she can get to bed and sleep."  Alex stood and said "Jim, can you get her sleeping pill?  I think it is time for Becky to go to bed."

Dillon said "what do I do?"

Alex said "let Becky rest.  Give me your number and I will let you know how she is doing." 

Alex showed Dillon to the door.  At the threshhold, they exchanged numbers.  Dillon said "I don't know what to do?  What do I do?"

Alex said "show her love and support.  Be selfless.  Look at Marc and Jim."

Dillon said "it is just so much.  First the braces and headgear?  And now this?  I just..."

Alex said "it is a lot.  Becky has a lot to deal with.  She needs love and support.  But she has that here.  Go, we will take care of her."  As Alex watched him walk to his car, she replayed everything in her mind.  She did not like how Dillon had responded to Becky.  She tried to push the thought from her mind as she closed the door.  Reentering the living room, she saw Jim handing Mona a small glass with a cloudy yellow liquid.  Mona held the glass up in front of Becky.  As Becky wrapped her lips around the straw, Alex overheard Mona saying "here sweetie, take your pills.  Jim crushed them up for you and mixed them with lemonade.  Maybe it won't taste as bitter that way."

Once Becky had finished taking her medication, Mona again leaned in and hugged Becky.  Mona said "sweetie, you did so good.  Let's get you to your bed."

Alex asked "do you need a hand?"

Mona said "no, I can handle it."  Alex thought as a trained orthopedic nurse, Mona was probably best equipped of all of them to help Becky so she did not argue. 

Mona got Becky settled in her new bed, using pillows to try to get her comfortable.  Mona said "sweetie, it will take a few nights to get used to the feeling of falling asleep in your cast.  But the sleeping pill will knock you out.  Just the same, I am going to stay with you until you fall asleep."

Becky said "thank you."

Mona stiffly crawled into the opposite side of the bed and lay on her side so she was facing Becky.  She said "don't we make a pair."  If didn't take long until she noticed Becky's eyes getting heavy.  Mona squeezed her and said "I am going to let you rest.   But if you wake up and need anything I am going to leave the door open so we can hear you.  Just holler if you need anything.  I will be right by your side."  Mona didn't know if Becky heard her say "I will be right by your side during all of this."

Arriving back in the living room, Mona noticed all the eyes on her.  Mona said "she is asleep.  That is the best thing for her."

Alex said "the poor thing."

Mona said "it will be hard on her.  But she has a village."

After dinner, it consisted of a THC gummy and a bowl of bone broth soup for each lady, they retired to the living room again.  There, once all were seated, Alex asked "what did you mean that Dr. Raphael has casted thousands of women?  How, are there that many women in Mexico City with scoliosis?"

Mona replied "no, there are a lot.  But not that many.  Dr. Raphael has casted a lot of women without scoliosis.  See, in addition to his clinic treating orthopedic patients, he also has a contract to provide health care with the government.  Things are different there.  I am sure you have heard about the horrors of Mexican jails.  But they still get some level of health care.  And as you can imagine, there are a lot of broken bones in Mexican prisons.  But that is not why he, or at least his workers, have applied so many Minerva casts.  Let me explain a little about female prisons in Mexico.  Instead of a cell holding one or two occupants, the rooms are much larger, usually holding 10 to 20 prisoners each.  They live communally, each cell being its own little community.  But with that many people sharing a small space for 21 hours a day, you can imagine the stress that it puts on everyone.  And some act out in violence.  They don't have the resources for more guards.  And they don't have the resources to house more aggressive or violent inmates separately.  So, they came up with an alternative.  Any inmate who assaults anyone, be it another inmate or an officer, is placed in casts.  They each are placed in dual cylinder leg casts.  This allows the inmate mobility but prohibits them from being able to kick others.  But the key piece is the minerva straight jacket cast.  It encases the prisoner from the torso up, holding their arms encased against their sides.  This prohibits them from punching or clawing.  And the head portion of the cast prohibits them from headbutting anyone.  And finally, to keep them from biting, the chin portion of the cast actual goes up to their nose.  Oh, there is a hole so they can eat and drink.  But, the plaster, they still use plaster down there, ensures they can't bite anyone."

Mona noticed the shocked, wordless looks on everyone's face.  She said "yes, it sounds barbaric.  But Mexican prisons are brutal.  And a fight in a cell can lead to an all-out brawl involving everyone.  Or even a prison wide riot.  Since instituting their casting policy violence in Mexican women's prisons has fallen off dramatically.  They have a three-strike policy.  The first violent offense results in a one-month sentence in the casts.  A second results in a one-year sentence.  And the third strike results in a sentence concurrent with their total sentence.  Whether it be a few years or life.  But Dr. Raphael has told me that there are very few, as he calls them, lifers.  He says after a one-month stint in the casts, most inmates become model citizens.  It is effective.  And seems to be quite the deterrent.  In fact, Dr. Raphael has lobbied their corrections department to institute casting for all new inmates.  But so far they have resisted.  Yes, it seems harsh, but maybe it is a better alternative than the solitary confinement used in our system.  Dr. Raphael believes so.  He has actually been trying to get our own state prison system to adopt the practice."     

At this point, we all know that everyone has quite the bad lisp, if they are even able to speak much at all (poor Becky, but I do love a wired jaw).

I only spell out lisps when they are new or different like when getting a new appliance.

Keep up the good work, you stories are very inspiring and give me ideas for my writing. Anything is possible in the unique worlds we create and share.