Alex chimed in "Dr. Abby, Becky will be so happy that she isn't the only one in the office who wears a Milwaukee brace.  But I didn't think you were getting it until after we got back from the show?"

Andi looked at Alex and replied "that was the original plan.  But Dr. Morales was afraid that it would just be too much for Abby to get her appliance and headgear, her Milwaukee brace and her external fixators fitted in the course of one week.  So, she had Raphael push her brace to the front of the line.  It really is amazing the craftmanship he is capable of."  The truth is it had been Andi's idea.  She had approached Raphael and Olivia and asked if they could get Abby her brace as quickly as possible.  Raphael was happy to oblige.

Andi continued "he did such a good job on her brace. It is really a work of art.  And it fits her like a glove.  I know it will take her a few weeks to get used to, but I am so happy she can start this phase of her treatment now.  I know that she is too.  But it has been a long day for her just the same.  We don't want to wear out our welcome, so we will see ourselves out."  She looked at Tara and added "Tara, we are all just so glad you are ok.  And we are so sorry about what happened.  The office has donated $1,000 to each of the go fund me accounts, the one for your security guard's family and the one for Julie.  All of us have contributed individually as well.  I am so, so sorry for her.  For both of them.  I can't even imagine what they are going through.  Julie is just such a doll.  I was so excited when she started treatment.  And while insurance was covering most of it, do know that we will be refunding her the $1000 deductible she already paid.  It is the least we can do.  I don't know what else we can do, but if you think of anything, please just let us know."  Andi walked over and hugged Tara.  As she hugged her Andi said "I am so glad you are ok.  Everything will be ok."

Tara replied "thank you."

Andi released her grip on Tara and walked back over beside Abby.  Andi took Abby's casted right hand and said "Abby will be staying with Sam and I for a while, at least until she gets used to everything.  I know the arm casts will be tough.  Raphael integrated tamper proof locks into Abby's brace, but we aren't using them now.  She can't reach to take off her brace anyway.  It is the same for her new appliances.  While they are technically removable, my poor Abby here can't remove them.  But that is for the best anyway."  She looked at Jim and said "thank you so much for allowing us into your home.  And please, if there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to ask."  As Tara watched the pair walk away, Andi had a hold of Abby's arm helping guide her, Tara had a weird feeling.  The whole interaction had felt strange.  While she was so appreciative that Andi and Abby had stopped by to see her, she couldn't help but feel that part of the visit had been so that Andi could show Abby off.  Tara shrugged the thought off and turned her attention back to Alex, who was jabbering away again about New Orleans, Bourbon Street and the French Quarter.

Arriving back at her and Sam's home, Andi helped Abby inside.  Entering their home they found Sam standing there waiting for the pair.  He asked "Abby!  Welcome!  Your brace looks so good on you!  And your casts match your facemask.  How chic!"   He walked over and gave her a hug.  He then looked at Andi and asked "so, did the appointment go smoothly?"

Andi reached out her hand and ran her index finger along the side of Abby's face.  Andi said "it went great.  Abby's brace is magnificent.  It fits perfectly.  But I know she is tired and it must feel strange.  Let's try to get her comfortable."

Andi guided Abby into her and Sam's bedroom.  This surprised Abby.  She grunted "yah behroo?  Eh doh wah tah tay yah beh." (Your bedroom? I don't want to take your bed.)

Andi turned and looked her friend in the eyes.  She replied "you aren't kicking us out of our bed sweetheart.  You can sleep with us.  Unless you don't want to.  But I think it will be best for you.  After all, you are pretty helpless.  What if you wake up in the middle of the night and need something?  We will be right beside you to help."

Abby stared into Andi's eyes.  Finally she said "oh aye".  (OK.)

After getting Abby situated in the middle of their bed, Abby was laying flat on her back staring at the ceiling.  All she could see was the ceiling with the slowly spinning blades of the ceiling fan in her peripheral vision.  She heard Andi say "Sam darling, would you get Abby's cuffs?"

Abby asked "cuffs"?

Andi replied "oh babe, you said that perfectly.  You are such a good girl.  But yes, your cuffs.  Those two arm casts you have are dangerous weapons.  We don't need you rolling over and smashing Sam or I in the head with them in the middle of the night.  This will prevent that.  You can't really use your arms anyway.  And I promise I will unlock them in the morning."

Abby asked "uhlah em?"  (Unlock them?)

Andi said "yes silly, how else could I secure them to your brace.  Raphael integrated rings on your brace.  Like Olivia has on her brace.  That is what they are for.  Olivia too has long arm casts, so Raphael does the same with her each night.  Olivia says you will get used to it."

Abby was in shock.  The one thought that kept running through her head was "how is this happening?"

She couldn't see Andi or Sam, but she heard Andi say "thank you sweetheart."  Abby could feel someone grab first her left arm and then her right arm, but through her cast she couldn't feel Andi fastening the padded pink cuffs, each with a ring on them, around each of her wrists.  She felt Andi place her right arm against her side and heard Andi say "love, would you run the padlock through both rings?"  Abby heard the lock click shut.  She felt Andi and Sam repeat the process with her other arm, again the audible click of the lock signifying that Abby's arm was now securely fastened at her side.

Abby then saw Andi's smiling face appear in her field of view.  Andi said "see, that isn't bad is it."  From her position, Abby could see the roof of Andi's mouth and the mass of stainless steel that was anchored into her palate.  It made Abby think about her own upcoming installation.  She wondered if she would be able to get used to her appliance like Andi had.  She didn't have much time to dwell on it though as she saw Andi hold up a black sleep mask in front of her face.  It had yellow pineapples on it.  Andi said "I know you have a lot of new sensations you are dealing with.  This sleep mask will help you sleep."

She was helpless to stop Andi from slipping the mask over her face.  Trapped in darkness, Abby asked "wah ah yah doin is ta me?" (Why are you doing this to me?)

Abby felt someone, she thought from the softness of the fingers it was Andi, caress her cheek.  Andi answered "Megan told me that when she got her appliance and halo wearing a sleep mask really helped her be able to fall asleep."

Abby replied "nah, eh mea wah ah yah doing ah thish ta me".  (No, I mean why are you doing all this to me.)

Andi continued to caress her cheek.  Andi replied "because it is good for you.  It is good for your health.  And I think deep down you like it.  If you want me to stop I will.  Just tell me to stop."

A thousand thoughts ran through Abby's mind, each jockeying for position.  What did all this mean?  How would this affect her life, her job, her relationship with Andi?  Was Andi right?  Did she really want this? 

As she was thinking she felt someone lay beside her and wrap their arm across her.  Then she felt someone else do the same on her other side.  She heard Andi ask her "Abby honey, have you never noticed how much I seem to like pineapples?  I know you have seen my tattoo.  And surely you have seen them discreetly decorating our home.  Do you know what a pineapple stands for, especially an upside down pineapple?  Or did you think I just really liked pineapples?"

Abby was so confused.  She did know what an upside down pineapple meant.  But she had never put two and two together.  Sam and Andi were both professionals.  Surely they wouldn't be into swinging.  But at the moment it sure seemed like they were.

Abby asked "buh wah abou ush, we ah frens, an we wer toever.  Ah yah ah Sam ah mahed.  Eh wah be weir."  (But what about us, we are friends, and we work together.  And you and Sam are married.  It will be weird.)

Abby felt someone, again she was certain it was Andi, caressing her cheek.  She heard Andi say "we are friends Abby.  Best friends.  But I want to become even closer friends.  We can make this work.  It is weird, but everyone is weird.  This won't negatively impact our friendship.  Or our work.  Or Sam and I's marriage.  I want this.  Sam wants this.  I think you want this.  But more importantly my poor baby, I think you need this."  Abby felt another hand, this one was rougher, it must be Sam's she thought, caressing her thigh.  She was so confused.  She heard Andi say "my poor, poor Abby.  Let us take your mind off of everything.  Everything but pleasure.  Please?"

Abby would look back year's later and realize that her whole life had changed that night when she said "oh aye."

This story is great. I hope you continue it soon!

Saturday morning Andi hurried Abby out the door.  Again, Abby asked where they were going.  Again, Andi told her it was a surprise.  As they pulled into the parking lot of Dr. Morales, Abby cut her eyes towards Andi, her head held erect by her brace.  Abby said "what?  No...  I can't handle anything elsh."

Andi patted Abby on the thigh and said "it's ok honey, this is just a routine checkup.  Olivia wants to make sure you are doing well."

After examining Abby both in and out of her brace, Olivia exclaimed "Abby, everything looks great.  You are doing so wonderful."  Olivia looked at Andi and asked "do you want to tell her?"

A look of dread came over Abby's face before she asked "tell me what?"

Andi saw the look on Abby's face and laughed.  She reached over and tousled Abby's hair as she said "you are so silly.  I think you will like your surprise."

Abby asked "what ish it?"

Andi glanced over at Raphael and said "you get your casts off today."  Abby's face lit up as Andi continued "we have a big week coming up.  I want us to enjoy it.  I think you will have more fun if you aren't stuck in those casts.  Don't you?"

Abby smiled broadly, her facemask shifting on her face, as she said "oh yes.  Thank you.  Thank you so much."

Andi said "I hope that we have broken your thumb sucking habit.  But if not, we will worry about it when we get back.  And there is one more surprise."  Andi looked at Olivia.

Olivia said "Abby, for just the next week, I want you to wear your Milwaukee only at night when you sleep.  It's just temporary, but seeing as how we got a jump on things, it won't hurt your progress too much.  How does that sound?"

Abby looked like she wanted to cry.  Andi reached over and placed her arm on one of her casts and asked "what is it pumpkin?  I thought you would be happy?"

Abby smiled and said "I am so happy."  Andi reached over and wiped away the tear running down her face as Abby said "it is a happy tear."

Andi smiled and said "well I have something else that will make you happy.  After we leave here we are going to swing by the office.  Since you are getting your appliances installed Tuesday, I am going to remove your current appliances and pop some spacers in.  You will have a few days of freedom.  And then, we are going shopping.  I need a new dress for the dinner.  And you have certainly earned one too."

Abby stiffly turned and wrapped her casted arms around Andi.  As Andi wrapped her arms around Abby, Andi whispered in her ear "I told you I would take good care of you."

Sunday afternoon, Brad pulled to a stop in front of the valet kiosk of the Hyatt in downtown New Orleans.  He was driving the practice's van.  Megan was perched stiffly in the passenger seat, her gaze held fixed by the neck ring of her brace.  Brad looked into the rearview mirror to see the rental van driven by Andi pull in and stop behind him.  Brad turned in his seat and announced "we are here!"

As the two van loads of people began to pile out, the valets were at the doors of the two vans.  Soon, they were joined by a host of bellmen with carts.  Brad had seen the looks on several of their faces, they were looks of shock.  But it wasn't every day you saw a host of people encumbered by so much orthodontic and orthopedic hardware.  The Milwaukee braces that Megan, Abby and Becky wore all got stares.  Megan and Becky were also wearing their headgears, as were Aubrey and Andi.  The headgear also got some long, quizzical looks.  But no one said or asked about them.  After all of their luggage was loaded up and the valets had the keys, the group made their way inside.  As they did, they got stares.

As they stepped up to check in, the young lady working the front desk looked up.  She then did a double take, her eyes growing wide.  She quickly recovered and said "welcome to the Hyatt New Orleans.  Are you checking in?"

Brad smiled and said "yes we are."  He gave the woman the names of everyone and the confirmation number that their reservations were under. 

As she typed in the information, the young woman, her name tag said Katie, said "you all must be here for the orthodontic convention."

Brad chuckled and asked "how'd you guess?"

The young woman replied "you have the special rate for the convention."  She went silent a moment before she said "and also, the braces and headgear kind of gives it away.  Gosh, I have checked in so many people with braces today.  And one huge group who were all wearing headgear too.  You certainly don't see that very often."  She looked up and smiled at Brad.  She then visibly bared her teeth before she said "I need them so badly.  But they are just so expensive."

Brad replied "yes, but it is totally worth it.  It is an investment for life."

Katie handed over a key card and said "Mr. Brad Miller and Mrs. Megan Miller, here are your room keys.  And you are right, but still, I can't afford it.  I had a consult and it was going to be $6,000.  I just can't afford that."

As she slipped another pair of room keys into the slot to encode them, Andi stepped forward.  She said "I couldn't help but overhear.  If you really want to pursue treatment, there is always a way."

Katie looked up after slipping two room keys into their sleeve and said "these are for Aubrey and Becky".  As Aubrey stepped up to the desk, Andi could see Katie staring at her headgear.  Andi wasn't sure if it was a look of intrigue or disgust.

Andi said "we are all in treatment.  Aubrey and I both wear Miller headgear full time.  Yes, it gets some looks.  But you can get used to it.   And it is vital for our treatment."

Katie turned to Andi and said "I mean, I know what headgear is.  But I have never seen any like you are wearing."

Andi smiled and said "it is new, this is Miller headgear.  It is a state of the art extraoral appliance that is the most versatile and effective headgear ever designed.  And you are in the presence of it's inventor.  Dr. Brad Miller designed it himself."

Katie was busy encoding more keys as she said "Is it not uncomfortable?  That other group was wearing the same kind.  Some of them looked like it was bothering them.  And here are Andi and Abby's keys."

Andi reached over and said "I am Dr. Andi."  She gestured towards Abby and said "and this is Dr. Abby.  In a couple of days, Dr. Abby here will also be wearing Miller headgear.  She is getting her appliances installed and her headgear fitted here at the show.  And that must have been the group from Orpsco that you checked in.  They are who actually manufacture and distribute Miller headgear."

Katie looked surprised when she replied "yeah, that was them.  Wait, so you are both orthodontists too?  And you wear headgear?  And they actually install braces at this show?"

Andi said "yes, Dr. Abby and I are not just friends, we are colleagues.  Associate orthodontists of Dr. Miller's.  We specialize in airway health and facial growth.  We help others, but we also help ourselves.  And as for the headgear, it takes some getting used to.  Just like anything.  And we are installing some appliances here at the show.  To demonstrate to other dental and orthodontic professionals."  Andi turned and continued "not only will Abby be getting her appliance installed here this week, Alex, Kristi and Kelly will be as well.  Then our entire office will be in treatment."

Katie looked up and said "oh, wow, that is hardcore.  Speaking of Kristi and Kelly, here are their keys."  As Kristi stepped forward, Katie said "well, I guess I can always dream about fixing my teeth."

Andi looked at the young woman and asked "do you really want to go into treatment?"

Katie replied "yes, of course.  But like I said I can't afford it."

Andi unzipped her purse and handed her a card.  Andi said "send me a text later.   I bet we can figure out a way to get you in treatment."

Katie took the card and said "wow, really?"

Andi smiled and said "yes.  But before we go too far down that road, would you be willing to wear headgear like I am wearing?"

Katie studied Andi's face.  Andi said "really, it is no big deal."

Katie smiled and said "yeah, ok, sure.  Why not?"

Andi winked at her and said "yay!  You will be so happy!  Ok, text me.  I need to let you get back to getting folks checked in."

That evening Andi replied to Katie's text while they were at dinner.  Andi's response stated "Katie, I have talked with a colleague I went to dental school with.  He works at a practice in Metairie.  He has agreed to a free consult for you.  But even more, he told me he would treat you for just the cost of your appliances.  How does that sound?"

Katie replied back "oh, wow!  Really!  That is so exciting!"  She put a big smiley face emoji at the end.

Andi replied with all of the contact info.  She then ended it with "contact them, you will be so happy!" and a smiley face emoji of her own.

Katie replied back "THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!"

As Andi put her phone away, she wondered how happy Katie would be once she started treatment.  The reason Andi's colleague had agreed to treat a patient pro bono was that he wanted to gain some experience with all of the new appliances that Orpsco was introducing.  Andi smiled, knowing that Katie's treatment plan was going to include a Miller appliance with upper and lower expanders, upper tongue crib, lower tongue rake, full time Miller headgear using protraction rods as well as the new Nova functional appliance.  Andi thought about Katie, she was such a cute young woman, though she did carry a few extra pounds.  Andi felt certain that weight would fall off her once she had all of her appliances installed and the rods of her Miller appliance locked shut for a few months.  Andi looked across the table at Abby.  Andi couldn't wait to do the same with her.     

 

I sure like this new development. I also really appreciate the new chapters. As always, superb writing.

I just know that Traintrack herself would look so fetching in some Miller headgear of her own.  And with different colors now available, she could pick one to match her own favorite team. Perhaps navy blue or purple?

Thanks Mr_90proof. What a pleasant surprise to come home to. I’m enjoying this story very much and can’t wait to see where the next adventure leads.

Brad had his head down looking at the map on his phone as they rounded the corner.  He looked up when he heard Andi say "there it is."  There, in front of the restaurant, was an A-frame sign reading 'Closed for Private Party'.  Brad stopped walking as got to the sign and while still holding onto Megan's hand turned towards the group.  He looked at everyone and thought they looked fabulous, though it was a bit of a contrast seeing the ladies dressed up in evening dresses yet wearing their orthopedic and orthodontic appliances.  Before he spoke, he leaned in and kissed Megan on the cheek, or more accurately he kissed the candle apple red frame of the Miller headgear she was wearing.  He had swapped it out after Thalia and her had arrived back from their shopping trip.

Looking over the group he said "you all look incredible, we are going to have to dress up and go out more often.  I know everyone will have a good time.  And I know I don't need to say this, but just remember this is a formal business affair.  Alright, let's go mingle!"

As they entered the waiting area of the restaurant, Brad was blown away by what he saw.  There, lined up against each wall flanking the hostess station, were the Los Angeles Chargers Girls.  They were wearing matching powder blue tight short shorts and tight sleeveless tops that accentuated their bosoms and showed off their toned midriffs.  But what was most amazing to Brad is that each one of them wore a bright yellow Miller headgear on their face, each attached with protraction rods.  While he knew they would be wearing them at the show, he didn't know they would be here.  And he certainly wasn't prepared for how incredible they looked in person.  As the whole group squeezed into the restaurant the cheerleaders in unison shouted "Welcome to Orpsco!" and threw up their pom poms and began shaking them.  Brad simply looked around the room in amazement until he heard "yay, you made it!" 

Brad looked over at the hostess stand where there were two women standing, one older and one younger.  Like the Chargers girls, both of them were wearing Miller headgear, though theirs were basic white.  And while the younger lady had protraction rods, the older one had J-hooks attached to hers.  Brad instantly recognized the older of the two.  She smiled at him as he racked his brain for a moment.  Then he remembered it was Shirley, Tom William's personal secretary.  He smiled at her and said "Shirley, so good to see you.  Hey, I love your Miller headgear.  It is so much cuter than your old combination headgear if I do say so myself."

Shirley laughed before she said "well, I don't know about that.  But thank you.  We are almosht all in Miller headgear now, whether we like it or not.  And shpeaking of being in Miller headgear, thish ish Lizzette" as she gestured towards the younger woman "and she will be eshcorting you in.  Have fun you guysh!"  As she had been speaking, Brad could see while she may have had new headgear, she appeared to still have the same aggressive tongue crib hanging down below her front teeth that she had when they had previously met.

Following along behind Lizzette the group made their way towards the bar.  Open entering, Brad was once again blown away.  It appeared everyone there was wearing Miller headgear.  Taking a second look around, it looked like every single person in the room except restaurant staff, Tom Williams, and Dr. Rothstein were in some configuration of Miller headgear.  Most appeared to have protraction rods, though a couple had J-hooks, and one particularly miserable looking woman had double J-hooks and a mass of elastics stretching from her headgear into her mouth.  Standing beside Tom was Thalia.  Brad thought she looked amazing, but after all she was a former model.  Upon seeing Thalia, Megan shrieked "hey girlie!".  She let go of Brad's hand and hurried over towards her, wrapping her in a hug.

As Brad approached he could hear Megan say "I had so much fun today!  And look, I got matching headgear too!" as she pointed toward her bright red headgear.  She stepped back and did a twirl, her red dress billowing out a bit as she did.  Brad smiled.  It made him happy to see Megan so happy.  Despite being locked in an orthopedic brace from literally head to toe and wearing a massive orthodontic headgear she couldn't remove. 

As Brad stepped over and stopped, Tom Williams said "welcome Brad.  What do you think?"

Brad shook his head and said "honestly, I don't even know what to say.  It is all amazing.  Despite you telling me about it, I don't think I was prepared for seeing the Charger girls in person.  And this?  This is amazing.  Is everyone here wearing Miller headgear?"

Tom said "yes, the Charger girls are amazing.  And yes, all of the employees I brought to the show, well other than Dr. Rothstein and I, are in Miller headgear.  Dr. Rothstein made sure of that.  By the end of the week, all of your staff except you will be in Millers too won't they?"

Brad nodded and said "yes, that is correct."

Tom nodded his head and said "good, good." 

Brad said "but you don't want me to wear it, correct?"

Tom replied "no, I think it best you don't.  After this show, I have a feeling you are going to be very busy teaching continuing education classes to other dentists and orthodontists.  I don't want the headgear to be a distraction.  Plus, I think you not wearing it while all of your staff does places you naturally in a position of authority.  So no, I think it best you don't wear it.  If you do need it for your own treatment, confine it to your home.  But there is no reason for you to model it, we have an ample supply of models.  And we will have a few more this week.  But enough business talk, why don't you all grab a drink?  This is a social hour, not a business hour.  We will eat in the adjoining dining room in about an hour.  I hope you weren't expecting steak though, with so many of my employees having new appliances in their mouths, I chose a menu of the easiest to eat foods."  He looked around the room before saying "but I think that is a small price to pay for getting to enjoy such an incredible scene."  He turned towards Brad and asked "wouldn't you agree?"

Brad looked around the room before looking at Thalia and Megan, who were chatting away seemingly oblivious to him and Tom.  And seemingly oblivious to the Milwaukee braces and headgear strapped to them.  He looked back at Tom and said "it is pretty amazing."

The next afternoon, Justin grabbed each of Abby's hands and looked into her eyes.  He said softly "I know you are nervous.  But Andi is going to be so gentle.  And I will be right here."  Up on the stage Dr. Brad Miller was giving his third explanation of the day of the Miller appliance and Miller headgear, the large monitors behind him showing close ups of the appliances as he spoke.  There was a large crowd assembled in the booth, spilling out into the aisles, watching.  Justin continued "Kristi and Kelly's installations went well.  Your's will too."

Abby looked at him and said "Kristi had to go back to the room because her mouth was hurting her so much."

Justin said "I know.  But Abby, you are an orthodontist, you know people react differently to appliance installations.  I know you are going to be a champ.  And you already got the shots to numb you, that was worse than the installation will be.  You've got the worst part out of the way."  Abby did not hear Dr. Brad mention her name or announce that Dr. Andrea Bender would be performing the next installation on their very own colleague Dr. Abby Lee.  Justin had heard it though.  As all eyes turned towards them, Justin said "it is time.  Come on, you are going to do great."

Andi was standing beside the treatment chair that was installed in the middle of the booth as Justin led Abby over.  Abby looked terrified as Justin helped her get settled in the seat.  Once she was seated, he leaned in and whispered "you are going to do great."  He squeezed her hand before he straightened up and moved out of the way.

Andi looked down and smiled at Abby and said "hey boo, I am going to take the best care of you."  She could see how scared Abby was.  So, she said "hey, why did the deer need braces?"  Abby just looked at her.  Andi said "because he had buck teeth."  Abby didn't react.  Andi then said "what does an orthodontist do on a rollercoaster?"  Again Abby didn't respond.  Andi said "she braces herself."  Andi laughed at her own joke.  She then said "knock knock".  Finally Abby reacted by saying "who's there?"  Andi replied "dishes!"  Abby asked "dishes, who?"  Andi answered "dish is how I speak since I got my own appliance."  She laughed and then added "you are going to be fine.  We will be in this together."  Abby gave her a brave smile as Andi reclined her back.

That night Justin looked across the table at Abby.  He had intentionally chosen a small, darkly lit upscale bar to take Abby.  He could tell how self-conscious she was.  And how much discomfort she was in, both physically and emotionally.  He was happy that she had seemed to relax just a bit after her third drink.  He looked across the table and said "I have had such a good time tonight Abby.  Thank you.  And again, for the thousandth time, you look incredible with your new appliances and headgear.  And you are speaking so well.  Thank you, and I hope we can do it again?"

Abby replied "thah yah fah tahkin me ou.  Ah doh wahna be scheen, bah ah doh hah musch choisch ah guessh.  Thah yah fah tryin ta tah mah mine off eh."  (Thank you for taking me out.  I don't want to be seen, but I don't have much choice I guess.  Thank you for trying to take my mind off it.)

Justin said "you are most welcome, but you don't have to thank me.  Really, the pleasure is all mine.  And I do hope we can do this again.  Would you join me for a drink tomorrow night?"

Abby averted her eyes and replied "yesh... Buh I doh know wah yah wuh want to shee me lah thish."  (Yes... But I don't know why you would want to see me like this.)

Justin said sharply "Stop that!  Do not do that.  You are an incredibly smart, funny and beautiful woman.  I am so lucky that Andi introduced me to you.  No, do not do that again."

Instinctively Abby replied "yesh shir." (Yes sir.)

Justin smiled at hearing this.  As she looked back up, he made eye contact with her.  He said "you are amazing Abby.  Your new appliances and headgear don't change that.  If anything, they just make you more amazing."  She didn't speak, instead just looking into his eyes.  He continued "I have had such a good time tonight Abby.  And I can not wait to do it again.  But I guess you need to get back to your room.  Andi told me not to keep you out late.  Plus, you need to put your brace on don't you?"

The color in Abby's face drained away as she died a little inside.  As soon as she had met Justin the day before she had already been scheming on how to keep him from finding out about her Milwaukee brace.  Her eyes went wide on her white face as she said "yah knah abou mah bracsch?  Oh gawd..." (You know about my brace?  Oh God."  She began to softly cry.

Justin got up from his seat across from Abby and scooted into the booth beside her.  He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said "stop that, please, stop that."  As he reached up with a napkin and dabbed under her eyes he said "I am sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.  I told you yesterday that Andi had told me so much about you that I felt like I knew you when we met.  I thought you knew that she had told me.  Please, quit crying."  He waited a moment, thinking about some of the other things that Andi had told her about Abby, and said forcefully "no, I demand you quit crying."  The tears ceased.  He squeezed her to him and said "Abby, it is nothing to be ashamed of.  Like your orthodontics, it is something to be proud of.  It certainly doesn't detract from how attracted I am to you, it only adds to it."

Abby was still confused and hurt.  She turned and asked "reewee?  Yah woul dah a woman who had tah weah a Milwahee bracsh?" (Really?  You would date a woman who had to wear a Milwaukee brace?"

Justin looked into her eyes and replied "of course I would.  What kind of shallow monster do you think I am?  Abby, I know it doesn't make any sense.  We just met.  This is a first date.  But I am smitten with you."  He felt her relax some under his arm.  He continued "but I am a gentleman, and I know the lady needs to get back to her room.  I know you are still self-conscious, though you shouldn't be, so I will get us a cab to the Hyatt."

Abby thought a minute before asking "coh we wah?  Mayee yah cuh hol mah han?"  (Could we walk?  Maybe you could hold my hand?)

Justin said "nothing in the world would make me happier."

Justin had kept a close eye on Abby during the four block walk back to her hotel.  Several times he had noticed people stare at Abby.  She had seen it too and he had felt her tense up and look down.  He had squeezed her hand the first two times.  The third time he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and whispered "you are the most beautiful woman in the world, who can blame them for staring".  He had kept his arm around her all the way back to the hotel lobby, up the elevator, and to her room.  There he let go of her and turned to face her.

Taking her hands in his he looked into her face.  He said "I had such a great time tonight Abby.  You are so amazing."

She looked up into his face and said "thah yah." (Thank you.)  She locked eyes with him as neither said a word.  She finally said "ah wish ah cuh kish yah."  (I wish I could kiss you.)

Justin said "I wish I could kiss you too.  But you know, I am an orthodontist.  Maybe on another date, I can take your rods off for a moment and we can?"  He then leaned in and hugged her.  The door to the room opened abruptly. 

There standing in the doorway was Andi in her PJs.  She had removed her contacts and was wearing her glasses.  She smiled at the two and said "oh goodness, what do we have here?  Did you two have fun?"

Justin released Abby from the hug and said "I had the most amazing night.  I was just telling Abby goodnight."

Andi smiled and said "well, I am so glad you two have hit it off.  I thought you two would be perfect together.  And I do believe I was right."  Andi looked at Justin and said "perhaps you would like to step inside?  Perhaps you could help Abby put her brace on?"

Justin was looking at Abby as Andi said it, and again he saw the color drain from her face as she looked down at the floor.  He loved how expressive her facial expressions were.  He put his finger up under her chin and lifted her face up towards him.  He said "remember what I said Abby?  It is nothing to be ashamed of.  Please?"

Abby said "nah, eh ish too embarashing."  (No, it is too embarrasing.)

Justin was saying "no Abby, it isn't anything..." when he was cut off by Andi.  She said sharply "No Abby.  Bad girl.  Come inside and let Justin help you with your brace."

Abby jerked her head in Andi's direction and looked at her pleadingly.  Had Andi just scolded her "bad girl" in front of Justin?  She knew she had.  She felt mortified.  She then looked into Justin's face to see what his reaction was.  He found he was just smiling warmly at her.  He said "Abby, Andi has told me about that too.  Abby, I love that about you too, just like everything else I know about you.  Please let me help you put on your brace."

Abby was so confused.  She had no idea what she should do.  But what she did do was simply say "oh aye".

As Abby stood there in the middle of the room in nothing but her bra and panties, she felt like a science experiment.  This was not how a first date was supposed to go.  But as Justin put her brace on following Andi's instructions, she simply closed her eyes.  After he had screwed closed her neck ring, she felt him attach and tighten the two opposing straps that wrapped around her torso.  As she felt him pulling on the straps that pulled her shoulders harshly back, she had a revelation.  She actually liked the feeling of Justin trussing her into her brace.  As Andi announced that he had done a great job, she opened her eyes and stiffly turned around to face Justin.  She found the same look in his eyes she had noticed at lunch the previous day.  Only this time, she was certain it was a look of hungry desire.  Abby cut her eyes up towards him, unable to move her head, and asked "am ah a goo gahl?"  (Am I a good girl?)

Justin said "you are the best girl."

They were looking into each other's eyes when Andi said "you ARE perfect for each other.  Now, Justin, Abby girl needs her rest."

Justin leaned in and hugged her.  As he held her he caressed her back, following the lines of her brace, with one of his hands.  With his mouth beside her ear he whispered "you are the most amazing woman in the world."  As he straightened up he said "Abby, I can not wait to see you tomorrow."  He winked and headed out the door.

That night as Abby slept fitfully, the new hardware in her mouth and strapped to her face was bothering her significantly, Abby dreamed when she was able to fall fully asleep.  She had one recurring dream.  The dream that she kept having was one of her being led by Justin on a leash in a park while she wore her ears and her tail.  Each time she awoke from the dream, despite the pain she was experiencing physically, she found she was happy.     

Hopefully there is enough orthodontia to suit everyone’s tastes.  It sounds like Tom Williams has a plan for even more.