We had to have the sad, ugly stuff to understand Dr. Higgins, Dr. Anderson and Izzy. It will be interesting to see how Sarah copes with her casts, back brace, full time headgear, and scoliosis treatment.

Episode 57.

Once Izzy had attached the facemask with elastics, she leaned back and studied Sarah’s face.  She reached over, slightly adjusted it on Sarah’s face and said proudly “there, that looks good!”  She then reached into the pouch and withdrew the highpull strap.  She placed it over Sarah’s head, got it centered on the top and back of her head, and then attached the straps to her chincup, using the sharpie marked holes.  Once done she looked at Sarah and said “yay!  You are wearing your headgear!  It is so cute!”

Sarah shook her head and said “Izzy, it feels anything but cute.  But thank you.  You did a good job.”

Izzy protested “it is cute though.  And you are so pretty.  Even with headgear”

Dr. Higgins interrupted Izzy and said “sweetie, we need to go.  Let’s leave Sarah to rest.”

Izzy pleaded “just a few more minutes?”

Dr. Higgins replied “Izzy, you and Sarah will have plenty of time to visit starting tomorrow.  And we need to get back for dinner.  And I want to stop by and check on Julia.  Maybe try to lift her spirits.  She was in the dumps earlier.”

This prompted Sarah to again ask “Dr. Higgins, can I please see Julia?  I just have to apologize to her.  In person.  Please?”

Dr. Higgins responded “Sarah, tomorrow after you get your new brace fitted and have gotten your casts we can visit her.  Does that work?”

Sarah was silent as she imagined what life was going to be like not being able to use her arms.

Dr. Higgins asked again “Sarah, does that work?”

Sarah snapped out of her thoughts and said “yes.”  After a few moments she said “I’m sorry.  I was just thinking about how bad having two long arm casts is going to be.”

Dr. Higgins said “it will be fine Sarah.  You will be fine.  I promise.”

Izzy said “she is right Sarah.  And whatever you need, anything, I will be there.  I just hate you won’t be able to swim with me.”  She reached over and hugged Sarah.  As she squeezed her Izzy said “I am so glad you are ok Sarah.”

After Dr. Higgins and Izzy had left, Sarah looked over at the plant that Izzy had brought her.  Looking at it brought on conflicting thoughts. On one hand, it was pretty.  And she was grateful that she had people that cared about her.  But it also made her think of Julia.  She looked at Peter and said “baby, I have a favor to ask of you.”

Peter came and sat on the side of the bed and replied “anything you want.”

Sarah said “will you take something to Julia.  As a pick me up.  And as a token of apology.  I am sure they have a gift shop here.  Maybe some flowers?  I trust your judgement.  Would you do that for me?  And please, tell her how sorry I am.”

Peter said “of course babe.  I will be back as quick as I can.”

Peter returned about a half an hour later.  He found Sarah napping.  He went to shake her awake and then had second thoughts.  He wondered, in light of what had happened to Julia, if he should wake Sarah.  After a few moments of contemplation, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder.  He said “hey baby.”  She didn’t wake so he gently shook her and again said “hey baby.”  He was focused on her eyes as they opened.  He was relieved when he saw the bright, loving eyes of Sarah.  She replied “sorry, I fell asleep.”

Peter said “that is good.  And I hated to wake you.  But I wanted to let you know I took Julia a pretty little bouquet of flowers.  And I passed along your sincere apology.  I thought you might want to know what she said.”

Sarah asked “what did she say?”

Peter responded “we talked for a few minutes.  I won’t repeat it all verbatim.  But, she accepted your apology.  She said she knew it wasn’t you.  And she said she was looking forward to seeing you.”

Sarah said “thank goodness.  I just feel so bad.  I don’t know what I can do to make it up to her.”

Peter said “be her friend.  Listen to her, be a shoulder to cry on.  She is feeling down.  Be there for her.”

Satah said “I will.”

Peter said “speaking of people that are down, do you think you would feel up to making a few phone calls?  First, why don’t you call my mom’s and talk with the boys?  They miss you and would love to hear your voice.  And I know you would love to talk with them.  And then, if you don’t mind, would you call the woman we met at Dr. Parker’s the other day?  She text me about her expander and facemask.  She is not adapting to it as well as you have.  I told her you had a little accident.  She has been wearing me out checking on you.  Would you talk to her?  To let her know you are ok?  And maybe give her a few tips?  I think she is on the verge of quitting treatment altogether.  And finally, we need to call Officer Emily Milton.  We both owe her a big thank you.”

Sarah said “sure, I would love to talk to the boys.  And of course I will call Mrs. Smith.  Heck, if nothing else it will help break up the monotony of this hospital.”

Peter responded “tsk, tsk, so now I am monotonous.”

Sarah said “oh no, I didn’t mean it like that.  It’s just…”

With a smile on his face he said “baby, I am just giving you a hard time.”

Sarah replied “oh, well then in that case, yes this hospital is monotonous.  Even with the company of the sweetest husband in the world.  And Officer Milton?  Is that supposed to ring a bell?”

Peter then told Sarah all about what had happened the day before.  And how involved Emily had been.  He explained how she had told Peter she would do everything she could to help Sarah before it was known that Julia would not be pressing charges.  Once Peter had finished Sarah frowned and said “I caused even more drama than I imagined.  Yes, we DO owe her a big thank you.”

Episode 59.

Peter came to a stop and put the SUV in park.  Looking over at Sarah he could see the doors of Vista View in the background behind her.  He knew they were locked as it was a Sunday afternoon.  He picked up his phone and text Dr. Higgins to let her know they had arrived.  Once done he asked Sarah “so, how was the ride babe?  Hopefully I avoided the worst of the potholes.”

Sarah looked over at him and said “you did fine.  My back is just sore.  From the brace.  It makes me sit up so straight.  It is going to take so much getting used to.  All of this is.” She held up her two casted arms.

Peter said “I know you.  You are going to do it in record time.  You did with your expanders.  You will with this too.”  Sarah made a little “hmph” noise before he continued “two weeks baby, just two weeks.  It will fly by.  These last two have.  These next two will.”

Sarah said “a whole month, gone.  Peter, I have something to ask of you.  No, demand of you.  I love you.  I love you so much.  And seeing you is the highlight of every day.  But I want you to quit coming to see me every day.  You are spending so much of your time here.  And when you aren’t you are driving back and forth.  I am fine.  Go to the office.  Take the boys to the park.  Live your life.”

Peter said “Sarah, it is our life.”  Sarah cut him a look.  He saw the determination in her eyes and did not want to argue with her.  So he simply said “ok, let’s talk about it tomorrow.”  This seemed to diffuse Sarah. 

He said “now it is my turn.  To ask something of you.  I didn’t want to bring it up in the hospital for some reason.  But what did you mean when you said you talk with Kim?  Have you always done this?”

There was a long silence before she replied “yes, I talk with her.  In my head.  She talks to me.  I talk to her.  She isn’t a monster.  She is just a scared, hurt girl that doesn’t trust people.  All she has ever had people do to her is hurt her.  Yes, I do talk to her.  I thought I had an understanding with her.  That I would talk to her, try to keep her happy, but she couldn’t come around.  But obviously, that doesn’t work anymore.”  Peter could see Sarah’s lip trembling.

Peter said “you don’t need to talk about it baby.  I am sorry I brought it up.”

Sarah became animated and said “I do need to talk about it.  I have hidden it from you forever.  I have lied to you about it.  And to Dr. Anderson.  I thought I had it under control.  I was obviously wrong.  It is my fault what happened to Julia.”

Peter said “no baby, it is not your fault.  It was Kim, not you.”

Sarah yelled at him “but I AM Kim.  Kim is me.”  She went silent before apologizing “I am sorry, it’s just so confusing.  Kim IS a different person.  But she is part of me.  I just…  I care for her.  She has protected me for so long.  I have to protect her.  Dr. Anderson wants to essentially kill her.  And that is not right.  It isn’t fair to her.”

Peter got out and went around the vehicle.  He opened the passenger door and wrapped his arms around her.  He said “I am so sorry baby.  I am sorry for you.  And sorry for Kim.  Neither of you deserved it.”

They were interrupted by Dr. Higgins.  She sounded unusually upbeat as she said “welcome home weary travelers!”  Unaware of what had just transpired, seeing Peter hugging Sarah she said “you two love birds are just perfect together” as she walked up to them.  She asked “so how was the ride?”

Peter let go of Sarah and turned to face her.  He said “it was fine for me, but Sarah was a little uncomfortable with her brace.”  Dr. Higgins rushed over to Sarah and said “you poor thing. I know it is an adjustment.  Izzy still can’t get completely comfortable riding in a car.  But good news!  While I don’t know much about how to help with your orthodontics, I am an expert on back braces.  I got you a few extra pillows.  They will help.  So, how about we get you to your room?  And I hope you remembered to get that plant.”

Sarah said “of course, I couldn’t forget my plant.  And Missy the Giraffe.”

As they walked down the hall Sarah asked “where is Izzy?  I thought she would want to see me.”

Dr. Higgins just smiled at her and said “she does.”  Once they reached her suite door Dr. Higgins reached for the doorknob. 

Sarah stopped her saying “please, let me try.  I am going to have to figure it out.”  It took her two tries, but she managed to awkwardly turn the knob and crack the door open.  With her other elbow she pushed the door open and stepped into the room. She felt for the light switch.  She found it and flipped the switch.  As the room lit up she was met by a chorus of “Surprise!”

Sarah jumped, startled, and took in the scene before her.  There were balloons and streamers.  There was a sign on the wall that read “WELCOME BACK!”. She even noticed a cake on the counter.  In the middle of the room there was a group of around a dozen women standing with big smiles.   Izzy was in the center.  Sarah recognized all of them but one as residents or former residents as Amelia was also there.  All were smiling at Sarah.  Sarah noticed two of the women who she’d met at the home who also had braces were there.  They were both giving her big metallic smiles.  But what surprised Sarah was that Molly was wearing high pull headgear and Kyndee was wearing cervical headgear.  Beside them was the new girl Sarah didn’t recognize.  She was a petite blond who appeared to be in her late teens or early twenties.   She too had a mouthful of metal braces.  But what really drew Sarah’s eyes was the bright red Petit facemask she was wearing.  Sarah didn’t have long to ponder any of this though.  Izzy ran over to Sarah and wrapped her in a hug.  She shouted “welcome home Sarah!”

It's great. The dialog is fine, not monotonous at all. I love the details. However, I'm not "somewhat enjoying it", I greatly enjoying it!

Keep up the excellent work. This is the only story I have ever read that ticks almost all my boxes!

NapaCaster

I always check for the latest episode of your story. The dialogue in the last few chapters told the story in a way that kept it entertaining, while it was explaining so much in detail, things that would have been hard to do in other ways.

I don't think it went into the ditch, rather I would describe it as a curve in the road.

I think we know what could happen... And treatment is always more difficult the older one gets.

Episode 61.

Sarah was sitting on the edge of her bed the next morning nervously tapping her foot on the floor.  She had been feeling a sense of dread and humiliation since she had gone to bed the evening before.  Before she had gone to bed, Izzy had turned her expander, brushed and flossed Sarah's teeth, removed her makeup and helped her into her nightgown.  For some reason, Sarah had felt comfortable with Izzy helping her.  But Sarah knew this morning she would have a nurse helping her.  A new nurse that she did not know.  And more than just helping her with dressing and oral hygiene, she was going to help her bath.  Sarah knew it was irrational to feel so self-conscious about baring herself in front of a nurse.  But still she did.

When she heard the light knock on her door, Sarah felt the pit of her stomach knot up.  She turned to see a dark-haired nurse in blue scrubs enter her room.  The nurse was holding what looked like a pair of long ziplock bags in one hand a white undershirt in the other.  The nurse was smiling at her broadly.  Since getting braces, Sarah tended to notice other's smiles right away.  And while this nurse had a very white smile, she noticed that her top arch was crowded and her canines were very prominent.  Too prominent in Sarah's opinion.  It reminded her of Lakyn's smile.  She felt guilt about judging others' smiles, but lately she had been powerless to stop herself.  She didn't have long to dwell on that though.

The nurse said "Good Morning Mrs. Jackson!   I am Melanie.  I am going to be filling in for Julia for a while.  What are the odds that you and her each had such severe accidents on the same day?  I guess Friday the 13th really is bad luck.  Anyway, we will get to know each other well over the next couple of weeks."

Sarah forced a smile from behind her headgear and said "please call me Sarah.  It is nice to meet you.  And let me go ahead and tell you how sorry I am you have to do this every morning.  I just feel mortified by it."

Melanie went and sat down on the bed beside Sarah and said "there is no reason to feel mortified by it.  The whole reason I became a nurse is so I could help people.  And I want to help you.  But I need to go ahead and apologize.   You will have to walk me through what we need to do with your orthodontia.  I never had a chance to have braces myself, so you need to tell me what to do.  The good news though is I am a fast study.  So, what do you say we go into the bathroom?  I will take your headgear off.  Do you normally brush before or after you shower?"

Sarah answered "After. I shower, brush and floss, do my makeup, then put my mask back on.   I feel silly even doing my makeup since the facemask covers up so much of my face.  And now since I can't even put my contacts in or take them out and have to wear my glasses, even more of my face is obscured.  But I feel prettier when I do my makeup."

Melanie said "that is silly.  You are naturally pretty.  Makeup or no makeup.  Headgear or no headgear.  And I LOVE your glasses.  The tortoise shell frames look adorable on you.  What do you say we get the day started?"

Sarah let the nurse help her up off the bed and guide her into the bathroom.  Melanie then asked "so, what do I need to do to remove your headgear?"

Sarah answered "first, remove my highpull strap.  It connects to the chincup.  Then, while holding onto the mask, remove the four elastics from the hooks in my mouth.  It will make sense when you see it up close" as she smiled at Melanie, showing the hooks that curled around near her canines. 

Melanie smiled and said "sounds simple enough.  I will try to be gentle."

Melanie reached over and removed the highpull strap first from one side and then the other of Sarah's facemask.  She then delicately pulled it off her head.   Looking in the mirror Sarah told her "the strap makes every day a bad hair day."

Melanie said "nonsense, your hair is beautiful.  Now, let's get those elastics off."  Being as careful as she could, she removed the two elastics from the left side of Sarah's mouth while she held the mask with her other hand.  She then repeated the process on the other side, laying the facemask on the counter beside her strap.  Melanie said "voila!  Do those rubberbands not chafe your lips though?"

Sarah answered "they do.  But that the highpull strap is so uncomfortable that I don't even notice my chapped lips." 

As Melanie removed Sarah's glasses from her face she said "aww, I'm sorry.  But it will be all worth it.  Let's get those casts covered up so we can get you a shower."  Sarah held out her arms as Melanie quickly put the cast covers over each of her casts.  She then continued "now, if you would go ahead and sit down on the chair we brought in yesterday, I will get your back brace off and get you undressed."

Sarah stepped over inside the shower and sat down.  As Melanie unstrapped the brace from Sarah's body she said "I have a lot more experience with orthopedic braces.  You are lucky they gave you this style instead of the full body wrap style that covers your entire torso.  Boobs and all!  They are hotter and itchier than this kind.  And there, you are free.  But, PLEASE, do not try to move around and certainly don't try to stand or walk without your brace on."  The nurse stepped outside the shower and gently placed the brace on the floor.  Returning beside Sarah, Melanie said "now, let's get you undressed".  As she helped Sarah remove her nightgown, Sarah felt immense humiliation.  Melanie read the look on her face and said "there is no reason to feel embarrassed."  Sarah just shook her head.

After showering, Melanie carefully helped Sarah dry off, then wrapped the towel around her hair.  She told Sarah "hold on for just a second."  She returned with a white undershirt.  She carefully put the form fitting shirt on Sarah, then stepped over to get her brace.  As she strapped Sarah back in, Melanie asked "so, how are you finding the brace to be?  Any real pressure spots or sore spots?" 

Sarah said "not really.  It just makes me sit up and stand up so much straighter.  I can't bend over.  I am pretty sure if I ever drop something on the floor it will just have to stay there.  It just feels so awkward.  Actually, when I sit, it does dig into the the area around my waist and top of my legs just a little bit.  And it kind of rides up."

As Melanie placed Sarah's glasses back on her face she said "that's pretty normal with this type of brace.  You will get used to it.  And once you stand up, I will tighten everything more.  That will help keep it from riding up on you."  Melanie removed the cast covers and draped them over the shower curtain rod.  She said "I will just leave those here.  We will need them tomorrow after all.  Now, would you stand and come with me?  Pick out what you want to wear for the day?"

Melanie had laid out the clothes that Sarah had picked out on the bed.  Once she had a wardrobe laid out, Melanie said "please raise your arms for me Sarah."  Sarah complied.  The nurse then undid the straps on the side of the brace and tugged hard on them before fastening them back.  It took Sarah's breath away as she said "wow, that is tight.  Is it supposed to be that tight?  I can barely breath."

Melanie said "it is supposed to be tight.  You will get used to it.  When I was in junior high and high school, I had to wear a scoliosis brace, a Boston brace to be exact.  For four long years.  You will get used to it.  And you should only have to wear this for 6-8 weeks.  Not four years like I had to wear my brace."  This made Sarah think of what Dr. Barnhardt had told her.  That she in fact did have scoliosis and did need to get it checked out once she was healed up.

Melanie said "ok, let's get you dressed."  After dressing, Sarah and Melanie made their way back into the bathroom.  Melanie said "I think I know how to brush teeth.  So, let's start with that.  But, if I am doing something wrong, let me know."

As she squeezed the toothpaste out, Sarah said "be gentle, but also try to be thorough.  Try to brush all my brackets and my hooks.  And get above and below them too, along my gumline.  It is easy to miss with the braces, especially on bottom."  It took Melanie about five minutes to complete the brushing.

Melanie looked at Sarah and asked "good?" 

Sarah said "like a pro.  Now flossing, it is a lot more of a hassle.  And time consuming.  I have some floss threaders.   You will need to run them under my wire on bottom and floss between each tooth.  Once I get my top braces it will take even longer.  Be sure to get back there around my molar bands and around my hooks too."

As she flossed Sarah's teeth, Melanie asked "so, are those expanders?  You have one on top and bottom?"   

With Melanie's hands in her mouth, Sarah's speech was garbled as she replied "ya, tah an bottah.  Tha tah is even schrewed in."

Melanie moved her hands and craned her head so she could see Sarah's palate.  She said "oh wow.  Those are screws.  Screwed into your mouth.  Does that not hurt?"

Sarah responded "the first week was hell.  I couldn't eat.  Could barely talk.  And the screws destroyed my tongue.  But somehow, I got used to it.  It still bothers me some here and there.  Turning it is interesting to say the least.  And it sucks getting food stuck in them constantly.  They are food traps.  And now, I won't even be able to clean them by myself.  Good thing I have you and Izzy here."

Melanie said "wow, that is a lot.  But, listening to you speak now, I wouldn't even know you had that all going on inside your mouth.  How long do you have to have them?  And do I need to turn them for you?"

Sarah said "I was told six to twelve months.  I am crossing my fingers it is the former and not the latter.  But they tell me that once I stop turning them it won't be as bad.  I will just have to keep them in until the bone grows back.  They will cover them with acrylic too so they are smoother.  I can't wait.  And no, we don't need to turn them now.  I turn them in the evening before I go to bed."

Melanie asked "so, it is actually going to crank your bones apart?  Yikes!"

Sarah said "on my upper palate yes, it is actually splitting my bones apart."  She smiled and said "see my little gap?  It just opened.  By the time I am done, you might be able to drive a truck through it.  It is going to be so embarrassing."

Melanie said "no, it won't be embarrassing."  She then giggled and said "get the London look."  She then turned serious and said "it is pretty cool they can do that actually.  But I can imagine it is a process."  She went back to flossing.  In about five more minutes Melanie announced "all done I think.  Did I do good?"

Sarah held her thumb up and said "you did great.  Thank you.  I am sorry it takes so long."

Melanie replied "no need to apologize!  That is what I am here for.  It is job security for me."   She laughed and added "I might try to talk a few more of the guests here into getting braces.  Maybe I can rack up some overtime."  She smiled at Sarah to show she was joking.  Up close, Sarah couldn't notice but how crooked and crowded her teeth really were.  Melanie noticed Sarah looking at her mouth.  Her smile disappeared as she said "or maybe I need to see the orthodontist."

Sarah said "oh honey, I am sorry.  You have a pretty smile.  It's just that ever since I got braces, I can't help but look at other people's smiles.  I am sorry."

Melanie said "it's ok.  I know I probably should see one.  I mean, I know my teeth are crooked.  It's just scary to think about doing it as a grown up."

Sarah said "if you are serious, I can give you the information for my orthodontist.  She is really sweet.  Even if she does seem to love headgear.  Her staff is great too.  And almost all of them have braces themselves.  I guess that shows they believe in their services."

Melanie avoided the subject by asking "so, how about we get your makeup done?"

After once again removing her glasses, Melanie carefully applied Sarah’s makeup.  Sarah couldn't help but feel a little tingle.  It was just the intimacy of the whole thing.  She closed her eyes and imagined it was Peter doing it.  She filed the thought away.  Something to try later when it was just the two of them.  Melanie brought her back to reality when she said "see what you think?"

Sarah squinted as she looked in the mirror and said "OH!  Wow.  That looks good.  I never do my eyes like this.  They look good."

Melanie responded "you have gorgeous eyes.  You should accentuate them.  Now, I understand during the day you only have to wear the facemask?"

Sarah nodded and said "yes, thank goodness."

Melanie slid Sarah’s glasses back on her face and then picked up the mask and the bag of elastics.  She asked "so, I assume it just goes back on like I took it off?"

Sarah said "you are a fast study.  Exactly."

Melanie first attached two elastics to each of Sarah's hooks.  She then picked up the mask, held it gently against Sarah's face, and attached the elastics as they had been before.  Melanie stepped back and said "I think that is right?  What do you think?"

Sarah said "it looks good to me.  Wait, no, it does NOT look good.  But it looks right."  She continued to study herself in the mirror.  She said “glasses, braces, headgear, a back brace, and two arm casts.  I can’t wait to get out of junior high.” 

Melanie said "you look beautiful.  And the headgear, it does look good.  It is cute in a way.  But I imagine you do get a lot of looks when you are wearing it don't you?"

Sarah said "oh goodness yes.  Especially when someone sees if for the first time.  But it is weird.  Most of the people here seem to have gotten used to seeing me in it.  I don't get nearly as many stares as I did the first few days."

Melanie responded "well, I can't say I have ever seen anyone wearing one of those.  But, like I said, it is cute on you.  You know what?  You should get your nails done pink to match the mask.  If you are interested, I am a pretty good nail artist if I do say so myself.  What do you say?  Would you let me do your nails?  I can bring my stuff tomorrow.  And during a break we could do them.  I would really like that."

Sarah said "why not?  But I feel like I would need to pay you or something."

Melanie replied "you can repay me by letting me sign one of your casts.  That seems like a fair trade.  You need some signatures anyway.  I will get you a marker.  I bet a lot of the girls here would love to sign it."

Sarah smiled at her and said "thank you!  Thank you for all of this.  I was dreading this so, so much.  But, somehow, you have made this fun."

Melanie said "thank you so much.  That is awesome to hear.  I had fun too.  And I look forward to getting to know you more.  Maybe tomorrow while I work on your nails, you can tell me a little more about your orthodontist.  And what it is really like having braces as an adult.  It is funny, I work in the medical field.  But going to the dentist terrifies me.  I know I should see an orthodontist.  My dentist tells me that every time I get a cleaning.  Just... it is so scary.  But maybe if I knew someone else doing it too it wouldn't be as bad.  Does that even make sense?"

Sarah said "it absolutely does.  I haven't even told you about my husband Peter.  You will get to meet him I am sure.  He has braces too.  He got them for me.  So we could go on this journey together.  And it does make it so much easier.  Not to mention he is so cute with them.  So, it makes total sense what you are saying.  You know, I got Izzy hooked up with a consultation next week.  Why don't you let me get you one too?"

Melanie reached over and squeezed Sarah's left hand and said "you are a sweetheart.  But let me think on that.  It really is terrifying.  But I know I should do it."  She let go of Sarah's hand and gave her a light hug.  She said "well, I gotta run.  But it was such a pleasure meeting you." 

As she walked towards the door Sarah said "thank you again.  So much.  And do think about it."

Melanie turned and said "I will.  Maybe it is finally time I put on my big girl panties and do something about this mess" as she gave Sarah an extra wide smile showing off her crooked, crowded teeth and crossbite.