Call me surprised! From not wanting the Miller appliance to agreeing to a halo.  Exactly who is Tara becoming?

She is becoming one of girls in my story...

Chapter Sixty:

Dr. Brad opened the passenger door and helped Megan swing her braced legs out of the vehicle and then helped her stand, being careful that she didn't bump her head on the door frame.  He leaned in and maneuvered around the metal bars and gave her a peck on the cheek and said "I will take care of them you know, have fun and don't worry about us." 

Megan smiled at him and said "I know you will.  Thank you sir."  She opened the rear door and stiffly leaned in to make sure again that Chance was properly buckled into the car seat.  She then turned to William and said "be a good boy for daddy.  You boys have fun.  And I love you all so much" before she turned back to Brad. She smiled and said "I will give you a shout when we finish up."

Dr. Brad hugged her and said "have fun."  He watched her as she walked towards the front door of the Starbucks, pride and love in his heart.

Being a Saturday morning, the Starbucks wasn't quite as busy as it would have been during the week.  As she stepped through the door, Megan saw there were only two other customers waiting in line.  But what really made her happy was seeing Emily.  She was wearing her Petit facemask.  Emily did not notice Megan until after she had finished waiting on the customer she was with.  When she looked up to serve the next guest she saw Megan.  And instinctively a smile went on her face.  Followed almost instantaneously by a look of shock.  She made eye contact with Megan and temporarily ignored the customer stepping in front of the register.

Emily said "Megan?   Are you ok?  What happened?" 

Megan smiled and said "I am fine.  I will tell you about it."

Emily's eyes lingered on Megan for a few seconds before she turned her attention to the customer in front of her.  After taking her order and ringing them up, the customer stepped to the side and Megan stepped in front of Emily.  Emily immediately asked "what happened?  Are you ok?"

Megan said "I am perfectly fine.  This is just a little bump in the road."  As she gestured to her halo she continued "this is treating my cervical instability and also providing protraction.  Speaking of which, I am so proud of you.  I want to heare how you are doing.  How you two are doing."

Emily smiled and said "I am good.  And we are wonderful." 

Megan asked "so, have you told him about your facemask?  Have you worn it in front of him?"

Emily blushed sheepishly before she said "yes, I have told him about it.  And I have worn it in front of him."

Megan raised her eyebrows and asked "and?"

Emily lowered her voice as she said "he likes it when I wear it.  I don't understand it.  It is so weird.  But when we are together, alone, he asks me to wear it.  No, he makes me wear it.  If I complain, he puts it on me.  It should be repelling.  And horrible.  But it's, it sounds so weird, it's sexy."

Megan reached over and patted Emily's hand and said "I told you."  She gave her a mischevious grin and said "and I totally understand."  Before she could say anything else she heard "Miss Megan!  What happened?"

Megan shifted her body and looked over to see Kayleigh standing there her mouth agape looking at her.  Protruding from her mouth was her silver facebow, the complicated straps of her Interlandi wrapped around her pretty face and head.  Megan said "I am just straightening some things out.  I guess we all are.  But look at you looking all cute in your headgear."

Kayleigh stepped over and asked "what happened?  Does it hurt?"

Again, Megan explained it was for her cervical instability but also tied to her orthodontic treatment.  She then said "and see, it could be worse.  It is not nearly as cute as your headgear.  Speaking of which, how goes it?"

Kayleigh gave her an exaggerated pout and said "I still hate it.  But I have gotten a little more used to it.  Emily here shames me in to wearing it here at work.  But I guess that is a good thing.  My last appointment was the first one since I got headgear that I didn't get in trouble for not wearing it enough.  I have even worn it to school.  And I didn't die."

Emily looked at Kayleigh and said "you did a little more than just didn't die.  Right?"

Emily looked at Megan and said "Kayleigh has a new boyfriend.  He's a stud.  I think he likes her new headgear" and laughed.  Kayleigh blushed a little as Emily asked "so, the usual Megan?"

Megan smiled and said "yes, and that is why you are going to go so far Emily.  You remember the little details.  I will take my usual.  I am meeting someone here, but I don't know what they want."  She looked at the girls and said "thank you, thank you both."

A few minutes later, Emily brought Megan her drink.  She sat it down on the table and then pulled out a chair across from her and sat.  Emily asked "so what's it like wearing a halo brace?"

Megan took a sip of her drink through the straw and said "delicious.  Give Kayleigh my compliments.  As for my brace, it is an adjustment.  Getting it installed hurt a good bit.  And the first few days were a huge adjustment.  I was sore of course.  But the biggest hassle was just relearning how to do mundane tasks.  It really is restrictive.  But I have gotten used to it now.  And Brad is so, so sweet.  He has helped make it to much better than it would have been otherwise.  Now the biggest inconvenience is having to explain to everyone what happened and what's it for."

Emily said "oh, I am sorry."

Megan again patted her hand and said "no, don't apologize.  I didn't mean it like that.  I mean, people ask because they care.  I get that.  But I have gotten so used to seeing myself in it that it seems normal to me.  I forget what a shock it is for others that haven't seen me in it.  But it is ok.  And I shouldn't have to wear it for more than a few more months.  I know it is helping.  But even so, I will be glad to get it off."

Emily said "I bet.  And I understand.  Kinda like my facemask.  I know it is helping.  But I am ready to be done with it."  She went quiet a moment before she said softly "but I think Braxton may miss me wearing it."

Megan said "so it isn't a turn off for him like you were afraid?"

Emily said "no, it's so weird.  He seems to like it when I wear it.  I don't understand it.  But he is just so sweet.  Maybe that is it."

Megan thought of her and Brad's relationship but only said "that is probably it.  He just wants to take care of you.  Protect you.  Be your knight in shining armor."  She thought about saying more but decided not to.  She said "I am so happy things are going so well for you.  With your treatment.  And with your boyfriend?"

Emily gave a big smile, her metal braces shining in the fluorescent light, and said "yes, my boyfriend."  She lowered her voice and said "my boyfriend that I think has a braces fetish."  She gave Megan as wink before she said "I have to get back to work.  Thank you for coming in.  And thank you for being so supportive.  For being a friend?"

Megan said "yes, absolutely we are friends."   She thought a moment and asked "friend, would you do me a favor?  The woman I am meeting here is a patient of ours.  She wants to talk to me about my halo.  Brad recommended she have one installed as part of her treatment.  But she is really nervous and unsure.  She initially decided to do it but has now changed her mind.  If you have a second, would you maybe talk to her a second.  You don't have to tell her all about Braxton.  But just show her that you are living your best life?  Braces, facemask and all?  Maybe Kayleigh could to?"

Emily smiled and said "absolutely.  I mean, I do owe you."  Megan heard the door jingle and looked in that direction.  She saw Tara enter the shop.  As Megan raised her hand she said "Miss Reynolds, over here." 

Tara turned.  The sight in front of her surprised her.  She expected to see Megan and her terrifying halo brace.  She didn't expect to see a Starbucks barista wearing a blue Petit facemask.  She wondered what was going on.  With this question on her mind, she turned and made her way over towards the pair.

As Tara approached, Megan and Emily stood.  Megan said "Miss Reynolds!  So good to see you!  Let me introduce you to my friend Emily.  She is the finest purveyor of iced coffee in the land.  And she is also undergoing orthodontic treatment like us."

After Emily and Tara had made their introductions, Emily said "so nice to meet you!  Can I get you something?"

Tara said "um, I will just have whatever Mrs. Miller is having." 

Megan said "Megan, it's Megan.  Mrs. Miller is Brad's mom."

Tara said "Ok, I will have whatever Megan is having."  She turned to follow Emily over to the counter.

Emily stopped said "stay here, it is on the house.  I will have Kayleigh bring it out."  She looked over at Megan and said "if you need anything, either of you, just sing out."

Tara watched as Emily walked back over behind the counter.  It was a strange sight she thought to see a young adult wearing a facemask in public.  And not just wearing it, but seeming to do so effortlessly.  She turned and looked at Megan, who was standing there smiling at her.  Tara asked "did you put her up to that?  Wearing a facemask?"

Megan said "well, kind of.  I will explain.  Why don't you take a seat Miss Reynolds."

It was now Tara who said "please, Tara."

Megan continued "Tara, why don't you have a seat.  Alex says you are having misgivings and second thoughts about getting a halo brace.  Let's talk about it."

Thirty minutes later, Tara looked at Megan and said "I may be crazy.  And I may regret it.  But I am going to do it." 

Thank you!

Chapter Sixty-two:

That Friday afternoon, Dr. Miller wrapped up the weekly staff meeting by saying "and other than a few of us, the rest of you can go enjoy an early start to your weekend."  No one budged from their seats.  Brad looked around at the ladies, all of them wearing some type of extraoral appliance but Katie.  He said "I figured you would be excited about getting to leave a little early."

Dr. Andi said "Dr. Brad, I think they are more excited that you are joining the rest of us in treatment.  You as well Katie.  This is exciting.  I know I wouldn't miss it."

Brad looked at her and said "well, since you are doing the installs that would be a little awkward if you did."  Andi laughed.  He looked at Katie and said "Katie, lady's first.  Why don't you go ahead of me?"

Before she could speak Andi responded "I am sure she appreciates the gesture.  But to be fair how about we flip a coin.  Katie you're heads, Dr. Brad you are tails.  Winner goes first."  Andi withdrew a quarter from her pocket and flipped it in the air.  After it had settled on the carpet, everyone in the room strained to see it.  Andi picked it up and triumphantly said "Tails it is.  Dr. Brad you get to go first."  Dr. Brad gulped.

After Dr. Brad and Katie had gotten seated in adjacent treatment chairs, Dr. Andi reclined Brad back while Alex did the same for Katie.  Megan was seated stiffly on a stool beside Dr. Brad.  She reached over and took his hand.  Alex was seated on a stool beside Katie.  Maggie was standing beside the tray of filled hypodermic needles.  Everyone in the office was clustered around so they could watch.  Dr. Andi said "ok Dr. Brad, you know the routine."  He obediently opened his mouth.  Maggie handed Dr. Andi the first needle.  Several times over the next 10 minutes Dr. Brad winced as Andi inserted a needle into his sensitive palate and gums and pressed down on the plunger, injecting the burning liquid into his body.  When she was finally done, he said "wow, that will wake you up."

Andi smiled at him from behind her Sleep Well mask and said "oh, we know.  Don't we girls?"  There was a murmur of agreement.  Dr. Andi moved over beside Katie and looked down at her.  Andi said "don't let him scare you Katie, it really isn't that bad.  Men are just wimps."  This drew some muted laughs.  Ten minutes later Andi finished up administering the shots in Katie's mouth.  She had taken them stoically, making not a sound nor displaying any distress on her face.  Andi looked down at her and patted her arm as she said "you did great.  Just relax while the anesthesia does its job.  While you do I will get Dr. Brad fitted with his appliance.  Alex will go ahead and get those pesky spacers out.  That will be a relief I know."

Maggie had already removed Dr. Brad's spacers when Dr. Andi returned beside him.  Maggie handed Dr. Andi Brad's appliance.  Andi held it up in front of him, almost as if taunting him.  She said "again, you know the routine.  I will check the fit and then bond it in.  Then I will install your tads.  Yours has eight tads versus Katie's six.  You are male, and men are all hardheaded."  Dr. Brad did not laugh.

Thirty minutes later Andi raised Dr. Brad up to a seated position.  As she did, he ran his tongue around inside his mouth, feeling the foreign invader that now seemed to take up all the room in his mouth.  Andi asked "so Dr. Brad, how does it feel?  Anything poking?"

Dr. Brad continued to feel around with his tongue.  Eventually he said "itsh a lot."  He closed his eyes and opened them back up.  He spoke slower as he said "I will need to practish shpeaking."  Megan leaned over and hugged him, careful to avoid hitting him with her halo, and said "baby, we can practice together."

Andi smiled and said "you will get the hang of it.  Look on the bright side, you don't have a tongue crib.  You should be speaking fine by Monday.  I will let Maggie fit you with your Petit facemask and Sleep Well mask while I install Katie's appliance."  Andi turned her attention to Katie and said "Katiebug, unfortunately your appliance does have a tongue crib.  But you will get the hang of it in no time.  At least you don't also have the lower rake like I do, so it will be more comfortable too.  Alex will assist, and you know she has experience with one too.  Let's go ahead and get you fixed up."

Thirty minutes later, Andi raised Katie up to a seated position.  Andi gave her a big smile and said "You did great.  How does it feel?"

Katie replied "eh feesh uge."  She scrunched up her face and said" cahnt tahk either."

Alex grabbed her hand and said "it will be ok Bug.  There is just a little bit of a learning curve."

Aubrey said "Bug, if I can manage tahking on the phone ah day with mine, you will do jusht fine."  Katie looked over at her to see Aubrey wearing the hot pink Petit facemask she wore in the office smiling back at her.  Aubrey continued "now you really are part of the team" and gave a little laugh.

Andi said "they are right Katie, you will do fine.  Let's go ahead and get you fitted for your facemask and Sleep Well mask too."

As Alex helped to get Katie fitted with her two masks, the petit that was to be worn during the day at the office and the Sleep Well to be worn at home and while she slept, Andi turned her attention back to Brad.  He was now sitting on a stool, hand in hand beside Megan.  Andi leaned in and studied Brad's face.  After a moment she said "well, your Petit facemask looks like a perfect fit.  Since you are a male over thirty, you will need to wear the four elastic pattern during the day and at night."  She glanced over at his Sleep Well mask laying on the metal tray beside the treatment chair he had been in and said "and your Sleep Well mask?  It was comfortable and molded to fit?"

Brad said "yesh.  As comfortable ash it can be until I get ushed to it."

Andi smiled at him "you will get used to it.  But remember, no complaining around us."  She gave a little chuckle.  Andi turned back to see Alex removing Katie's Sleep Well mask.  Andi asked "how's the fit?"

Alex smiled at her and said "like a glove." 

Andi said "well in that case, Katie will you put your Petit back on please.  We need to memorialize this.  Becky will be getting her headgear and braces off in a few weeks.  We need to get a picture while everyone is in their appliances.  Other offices will be so jealous.  Ladies?  Gentleman?   Let's all get in front of our sign.  I even brought a real camera and tripod."

As Andi fiddled getting the camera set up, Brad and Megan stood in the middle of the back row with hygienist Lisa wearing her CTO brace and Becky in her headgear standing beside them.  They had left a hole for Dr. Andi to slide in beside Dr. Brad.  In the front row down on a knee were Maggie, Alex, Katie and Aubrey, all wearing matching pink Petit facemasks.  After getting the camera positioned like she wanted and clicking a few buttons Dr. Andi hurried back and took her place beside Dr. Brad.  She said "cheese."  The group did their best to smile.

Dr. Andi quickly checked the camera.  She looked up and said "it is perfect!  Just perfect." 

Brad, Andi and Megan were the last ones to leave the office.  As the other ladies had left for the weekend, Dr. Brad noted that only Aubrey and Lisa had taken off their extra oral appliances.  He understood Lisa had to in order to drive.  And he knew that Aubrey was still adjusting to hers.  But he was proud of Maggie and Alex.   They had both wrapped their arms around Katie's shoulders as the trio made their way to the front door, all still wearing their pink Petit facemasks.  He couldn't hear what was being said, but he knew they must be words of encouragement.

With everyone else gone, Andi looked at Brad and said "you did good.  And you did the right thing.  You know this weekend will be an adjustment.  But you more than anyone should know.  If you do need anything that you, or Megan, can't handle just let me know.  With that said, congratulations on starting treatment.  We will see how both you and Katie progress, and in a few months we can start talking about braces.  Have a great weekend.  Maggie and I will be coming in tomorrow morning so we will be here.  And you know I will have my phone on the rest of the time." 

Brad watched as Andi disappeared out towards the lobby.  While he had tried his best not to show it, he felt mortified.  He could barely speak.  The blue facemask on his face felt like a bear trap.  And he knew it must look just as horrible.  He had intentionally avoided looking into a mirror.  He looked over and made eye contact with Megan.  He was surprised by the look in her eyes.  It was a look he recognized.  He asked "so, am ah shtill your shir?"

The corners of Megan's mouth curled up.  She ran her tongue along her lower lip.  She stepped over beside him and put her hand down over his crotch.  She whispered in his ear "oh yes sir.  And your kitten has been a bad girl for some of the thoughts she had while she watched her sir in the treatment chair.  Your kitten had such naughty thoughts.  Sir needs to get his kitten home so that he can discipline her."

Brad looked into her eyes.  He felt so lucky to have Megan.  He didn't know whether what she was telling him was the truth or if she was just trying to lift his spirits.  But regardless, he loved her for it.  He said "yesh, kitten hash been naughty.  I do need to get her home."  As she turned, he slapped her rear end.  She turned her body towards him and said "oh sir..."  Brad said "yesh, kitten needs a spanking."  Megan couldn't help but smile.  Brad smiled back at her, or he at least tried to with all the new metal in his mouth.  Megan stepped in front of him.  She looked at him and said "kitten loves her sir so much.  She was so turned on watching him get his appliance.  She hopes he will let her explore his new mouth jewelry after he is done disciplining her.  She thinks his new appliances are so sexy."

He looked at her and said "your shir will likely be hurting later tonight.  He would love if his kitten would help take hish mind off it."

Megan seemed to almost purr as she responded "there is nothing your kitten would love more.  Kitten just wishes she could kiss right now." 

Brad looked at his wife.  And he immediately felt guilty that he was feeling sorry for himself.  He reached up with his hand and gently ran his finger down her cheek.  He said "I am sorry kitten.  I miss your mouth too.  But it won't be forever.  But there are other things we can do.  Let's go home and explore those.  Would kitten like that?"  Megan stiffly nuzzled up against him without a word before she took his hand and began pulling him out of the treatment area.  As he followed along behind her he thought maybe the weekend wouldn't be that bad after all.

I'm very much enjoying the story. I know how much work it is to write this much.

I don’t know if it is work.  More of a creative release.  We all have to do something with our time.

I guess I should have said it takes time and creativity. Anyway, thanks for all your great stories.

Chapter Sixty-four:

Jim caressed Tara's hand as he looked into her eyes and said "baby, it is going to be ok."   He glanced at Alex and then Dr. Miller and asked "can you give us a few minutes alone?"

Alex simply nodded as Dr. Miller said "of course, take as much time as you need."

Alex watched with concern from across the treatment area as Jim talked with Tara.  She couldn't hear what he was saying, but she knew he was consoling her.  She said to Dr. Miller "it is a lot.  I think we sometimes lose sight of that being around it every day."

Dr. Miller said "no, I totally understand.  Especially since starting treatment myself.  I had honestly forgotten how intrusive wearing a facemask is even though I have done it before.  I have so much respect for patients, like you Alex, that do such a good job.  And I have empathy for those who struggle with it.  But that doesn't change the fact that in many cases it is vital to success.  I hope that Mrs. Reynolds understands how life changing this treatment will be for her."

Alex responded "she does.  It is just a lot at once.  I question whether she is making the right decision having knee surgery and her expander and halo installation the same week."

Dr. Miller replied "she has a lot on her plate.  But isn't it better just to rip the band aids off all at once?  I know she will be uncomfortable for the next week or two with her appliance and halo.  But she would have been uncomfortable anyway with her knee procedure.  This way we are killing two birds with one stone."

Alex smiled grimly and said "I just hope we don't kill two birds and Tara."  Alex looked back at Jim and Tara and saw that Tara had quit crying as Jim continued to talk with her.  He wiped a tear from her face and then he looked in their direction and beckoned them over with his free hand.

Alex stepped behind Tara and began massaging Tara's shoulders as Dr. Miller sat back down on his stool beside her.  Again he told her "Tara, you did so well.  Again, this is temporary.  And you can unlock your scopes whenever you need to.  I think though you will prefer to have your tongue guard splint in.  The scopes just help to make sure it stays in place, especially when you sleep.  It is crazy some of the stories I hear about where patients find their appliances the next morning.  In the bed, under the bed, stuck in their hair, stuck in their partners hair, just all over.  The scopes just make sure the appliance stays in your mouth where it can provide you comfort."  He took a second to catch his breath.  He continued "so, this about wraps it up for the day.  I will have Alex go over hygiene, though between your previous appliances and Jim's treatment I expect you are already an expert.  She will also show you both how to lock and unlock the scopes, though it is pretty intuitive. On Friday we will go over how to turn your expanders and the protocol for that with you and Jim.  And I have a little surprise.  Since you are getting your halo this Friday, I want to give you a little break.  Do not wear your CTO or face mask any the rest of this week.  The halo will more than make up for any lost progress. I will warn you though, it may feel strange going to bed without it.  But I bet you will manage."  He gave a little chuckle

Jim said " Thank you.  I appreciate you doing that for her.  As for her expanders, I think she is already familiar with how to turn them.  She turned mine for me.  And I plan to turn hers."

Dr. Miller smiled before he said cheerfully "excellent!  You two make a great team!  Tara, any questions?"

Tara didn't try to speak, she only shook her head back and forth. 

Dr. Miller patted her on the arm and said "you are doing so good.  And if you think that your removable appliances improved your life, just wait until you see what a Miller appliance will do for you.  I look so forward to seeing you on Friday and I wish you the best of luck with the procedure on your knee.  I know it will go great.  Thank you for being a great patient!  And congratulations!"

After demonstrating how to lock and unlock her scopes several times, Alex locked them closed again.  She hugged Tara and said "you are such a baddie.  I know you won't need it, but I will only be a phone call away."

They had stopped briefly at reception where Jim had spoken with Becky who told them she had everything taken care of for their Friday appointment.  Becky gave them a big smile and bid them adieu.  Outside at Jim's vehicle, he opened the passenger door for Tara but stopped her before she got in.  He told her "I am so proud of you baby."  He leaned in and gave her a closed mouth kiss.  Tara reciprocated with a closed mouth kiss.  She had no choice with her mouth locked shut.  Once in the car, Jim looked over at Tara and asked "so do you feel like stopping by the pharmacy and picking up your prescriptions?  Or do you want me to drop you off at home first?"

While still feeling very self-conscious about her speech, Tara felt safer alone in the car with Jim.  She attempted to speak.  She said "I wah lah to go.  Ah hah been tessin wi Maret.  She ha beh gevin meh pep takhs.  An teein mah hah she ish doin.  I wu lah ta see hah.  Buh cah ya unlah mah scopesh befah we go in?" (I want to go.  I have been texting with Margaret.  She has been giving me pep talks.  And telling me how she is doing.  I would like to see her.  But can you unlock my scopes before we go in?"

Jim said "of course sweetheart.  I am so glad you have become friends with her.  But everyone loves you.  Just not as much as me."

Tara gave a tint of a smile and said "nah as muh as eh luh ya."  (Not as much as I love you.)

After pulling into a spot at the pharmacy, Tara presented her face to Jim and bared her teeth.  He quickly loosened the screws on each side of her mouth, freeing her jaw.  He said "it is really easy.  Is that better?"

Tara opened her mouth and removed her splint.  She put it into its plastic retainer case as she flexed her jaw open and shut.  She said "Yesh, that ish a lot better.  But this tongue rake ish a lil torture device.  It ish going to do a number on my tongue."

Once inside, the pair made their way back to the pharmacy counter in the back.  Through the glass, they could see Margaret busy filling a prescription.  While she was wearing a blue cloth medical mask covering her mouth and nose, the pink forehead pad of her Petit facemask was readily visible.  Stepping to the counter, Jim looked at the young woman standing beside the cash register and computer.  She was blond and appeared to be in her late teens to early twenties.  Jim announced "we are here to pick up some prescriptions for Tara Reynolds."

The young woman typed on the computer.  She looked up and said "of coursh, I shee four prescriptionsh here.  They are ready, wait jusht a moment and I will grab them."  As she had been speaking, both Jim and Tara noticed she had clear brackets on her top teeth and metal brackets on her lower.  From her speech, they suspected she had something inside her mouth as well.  The young woman returned with four stapled white bags, a label on each.  She typed into her computer and said "I see your insuransh info is already here.  Your copay will be $50."  She looked at Tara and said "I just need to see some ID pleash and a method of payment."

As Tara dug into her purse, Jim said "I like your braces.  Great choice."  He smiled and showed her his.

She said "oh wow, you have them too! I didn't even notice."  She gave a little laugh and said "I jusht don't know how great a choicsh they were.  Thish expander ish hard to get ushed to."

Jim smiled and said "I totally understand.  I have one myself, though luckily I am done turning it.  How long have you had yours?"

The young woman said "two weeksh.  But it could be worsh."  She turned to look over her shoulder towards Margaret.  Jim and Tara followed her gaze.  All three noticed Margaret was no longer there.  The young woman turned back towards them with a look of confusion on her face.  Before she could say anything, Margaret appeared through a doorway to the side and said "You two were going to come in without even saying hello?  Shame on you."

Jim turned and said "no, not at all.  We were absolutely going to say hello.  How are you doing Mrs. Stone?"

As she marched in their direction she said "Margaret."  She stepped up to Tara and gave her a friendly hug.  She released her and asked "so how are you doing dear?"

Tara said "I am ok.  Ish a lot going on in mah mouf."

With no filter, Margaret said "well, let me see."

Tara spread her lips tentatively.  She then opened her mouth.  She said "a Miwwer with uppa an lower expandersh, tuh crib and rake.   Tuh splint, lockin shscopesh an on Friday a halo.  Itsh a lot."  (A Miller with upper and lower expanders, tongue crib and rake.  Tongue splint, locking scopes and on Friday a halo.  It is a lot."

Margaret said "I know you will do just fine with it all.  And it will be worth it.  Trust me."

Tara asked "how are ya doin weh ya mashk?"  (How are you going with your mask?)

Margaret pulled down the blue cloth mask she was wearing, exposing the modified facebow anchored in her mouth as well as the chincup of her Petit facemask.  The springs connecting her upper and lower jaws and the springs stretched from the facebow to the facemask reflected the fluorescent light when she said "oh, you know.  I just about died of embarrassment the first few days.  But now no one around here hardly even takes a second look.  I know all this metal and these springs are quite the fashion statement.  They only stared at first because they were so jealous.  But most people are so focused on their phones now days don't even notice.  Or if they do it doesn't even register.  Oh, I get some looks, comments and questions when I am out.  A lot.  But it is manageable."  She looked over at the young woman and said "isn't that right Kelly, don't I manage?"

The young woman said "yesh ma'am Mrsh. Stone, you manage wonderfully."

Margaret smiled at her and said "you should wear yours here too.  Don't be embarrassed by it."  Tara and Jim noticed Kelly's face turn pale as she whimpered pleadingly "Mrsh. Stone?"  Tara and Jim gathered she also had to wear a facemask.  And from her reaction that she was very ashamed of it.

Margaret said "it is ok Kelly.  Jim and Tara here also have to wear them.  My friend Tara here just got a Miller appliance today and is even getting a halo brace installed as a part of her treatment this Friday.  If I can wear mine full time and Tara can wear a halo brace, certainly you can wear yours 14 hours a day."  She said "and Jim, didn't you even wear yours full time for a little while?"

Jim smiled and said "a weekend.  And then I had to go back in and work out a compromise.  I am not nearly as tough as you gals.  But I wasn't stunningly beautiful in mine like you two are."

Margaret said "well aren't you the charmer.  I don't know how stunningly beautiful I am but thank you.  Anyway, I am doing good.  The girls are doing great.  And Kelly here is working on it, even if she blames me for the idea of getting braces in the first place."

Kelly replied "it ishn't that Mrsh. Stone.  Itsh jusht, well ish just a lot to get ushed to."

Jim was glad to see Tara crack just a hint of a smile before she said "tell ma abou eh."

Margaret smiled at the pair and said "well, I better get back down in the mine shaft, we are super busy.  It is so good to see you both."  She gave Tara another little hug.  She said "congrats girl.  And we have to quite texting about it and actually go have lunch one day."

Tara said "eh doh know hah musch going ow eh will be doin come thish Friday." (I don't know how much going out I will be doing come this Friday.)

Margaret shook her head back and forth and said "nonsense, in a couple weeks you will be getting around fine."  She looked at Jim and admonished "take care of this lady, she is special."  Before he could even respond, Margaret turned and marched back through the doorway from where she appeared.  A few seconds later, they saw her step back where she had been and go right back to work.

Jim turned and looked at Kelly.  He noticed she still looked embarrassed.  He asked "so where were we?  ID and card?"

Kelly seemed a bit flustered.  She said "oh, um, yeah.  Yesh, I shtill need to see an ID and method of payment."

As Tara handed over her driver's license and debit card, Jim said "I understand about feeling self-conscious about getting braces.  At first, I was mortified of what people would think.  But trust me when I say it is no big deal.  There is no reason to be embarrassed by them or feel ashamed of them.  It is something to be proud of.  I know I am so proud of my Tara here."  He wrapped her arm around her shoulders.

Kelly smiled.  Both Tara and Jim noticed she had a little trouble navigating her lips around her brackets.  Jim said "it becomes completely natural with time."  He looked at Kelly's smile and cocked his head.  He said "they really look good on you Kelly."  Tara knew he wasn't hitting on her, but even so she felt a twinge of jealousy.  As if reading her mind, Jim said "but as good as they look on you Kelly, my heart is already taken by another."

Kelly looked at Tara and then at Jim.  She said "thank you."  As she processed the payment, she looked at Jim and asked "so you wear a facemask too?  Tell me it gets better please."

Jim smiled and said "it does.  It was hard on me at first.  But got easier.  Some of that was because of this incredible woman here.  I have a CTO brace and a face mask.  In fact, I was wearing the CTO brace for the first time at Dr. Millers when I met Tara.  Talk about not feeling very self-confident.  But I couldn't help it, I just had to talk to her.  And here we are."

Kelly said "aww, that ish sho schweet.  That ish pretty cool you met in an orthodontisht office.  Definitely different.  I eshpect I won't be doing too much dating for the next two yearsh."

Tara said "thah ish silly."  She said "shome gahs eve fah them ah tur oh." (Some guys even find them a turn on.)  She turned and peered at Jim.

Jim replied "guilty as charged.  But everything about you turns me on baby."  Trying to dial it back some, he looked at Kelly and said "it is about self-confidence Kelly.  I felt anything but confident the day I met Tara.  But I hid it well enough to fool her.  And it was the best thing I have ever done.  I bet you find braces have zero negative impact on your dating life if you don't let them.  And as a guy I can say this.  Any man that wouldn't date a woman with braces because she has braces is an as**ole and someone you don't need in your life."

Kelly seemed to ponder on this a moment before she replied "yeah, I can she that.  My bracesh may filter out the shallow jerksh.  Ha, I never looked at it that way."  The color had returned to her face as she handed Tara back her cards and said "you are all good.  And it wash sho nice to meet you both.  And thank you."

Tara said "thah ya Kewwy." (Thank you Kelly.)  Jim echoed her sentiments.  Before she turned to leave, Tara said "count ya blesshins Kewwy, it cuh be worsh." (Count your blessings Kelly, it could be worse.)

Kelly said "you sound fine.  Great.   And good luck with your treatment."

That night, Jim lay in bed and held Tara.  She didn't sleep well he knew from the way she tossed.  She hadn't been in great pain that evening, it was just the sensation of having so much new hardware in her mouth.  Eating had been a challenge that evening.  She eventually just gave up.  Even the soup she tried to eat was too difficult so she was limited to a smoothie.  As he wrapped her in a protective hug he wished he could bear some of her burden.  But he knew he couldn't.

The next evening, Jim helped Tara from their couch to their bed.  Her outpatient procedure had gone well that day. The surgeon said there had been no complications and that Tara should have a full recovery.  On one leg she wore her white kafo brace.  Her other knee was wrapped in gauze and and covered by an Ace bandage.  It was held immobile by a black Donjoy knee brace that ran from just above her ankle to her upper thigh.  Unlike her KAFO, this brace was locked at her knee at a 15 degree angle.  Tara had quickly adapted to the crutches.  Jim simply followed along behind her as she crutched to their bedroom.  Dinner had again been a smoothie, Tara had been on a liquid diet since she had her appliance installed.  This worried Jim.

After getting her comfortable, he went to put on his CTO brace.  Tara said "wah baee".  (Wait baby.)

Jim said "what is it sweetie?  Do you need something?"

Tara said "yeh, ya.  Hol me."  (Yes, you.  Hold me.)

Jim crawled into bed and wrapped his arms around her without a word.  A few minutes later he said "baby, I am worried about you not eating.  Tomorrow, will you promise to try to eat something solid?"

Tara snuggled up against him and said "yeh, eh will."  (Yes, I will).  She turned her face towards him and said "I am gohn mish shumtin esh weh I geh my halo."  (I am going to miss something else when I get my halo."

Jim caressed her lovingly as he asked "what is that baby?"

She reached down and placed her hand over his crotch.  She said "thish."

Jim said "baby, we can have sex once you get your halo.  They even gave a pamphlet on it.  I thought it was crazy, but really it isn't.  I mean, I don't want to hurt you.  But I don't know if I can go that long without you without it driving me insane.  So it is good they lay it out, the dos and don'ts."

Tara said "I nah we cah have sex.  But I wah be able to ush ma mouf."  (I know we can have sex.  But I won't be able to use my mouth."

Jim understood what she was talking about.  But with all of the new metal in Tara's mouth it terrified him.  He said "baby, I don't know if that is a good idea."  He saw the sadness on Tara's face.  He continued "it's just your tongue rake and crib."

Tara said "I wi weh my shplint.  I wi be sho cahful.  Pleasch?"  (I will wear my splint.  I will be so careful.  Please?)

Jim knew he would do anything for Tara.  He ran a finger down her cheek as he said "ok baby, I trust you."

After seating her splint in her mouth, Tara rolled over on her side onto the edge of the bed while Jim stood and positioned himself where he needed to be.  After a few minutes, Jim closed his eyes in ecstasy.  He could feel her speeding up as she became excited.  And then, Jim screamed out in agony.