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Author Topic: Jennifer  (Read 38537 times)

Online TrainTrack

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #105 on: 10. November 2022, 23:30:12 PM »
Nothing like a little peer pressure to get the last holdout to join. Love it.
Yup. I think we all knew she was going to crack eventually. I hope she gets a treatment as extreme as Allison’s  ;D. This is a great story.

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #106 on: 11. November 2022, 02:51:47 AM »
One thing is for sure.  If I reread my posts for 20 times, I will find spelling or grammatical errors, words I just left out, or different phrasing for certain lines 20 times.  I think I am now happy with that last chapter; and specifically the second half of it, after making 20 modifications.  I need to quit or I will change it 20 more times, and hell by then it might be about a puppy that lost his way.

https://dereferer.me/?https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eN5JOnfRxYI

Offline kelly-Marie

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #107 on: 11. November 2022, 03:30:45 AM »
I clicked on the link and saw a short video about a a puppy was rhat supposed to be or is my tablet acting up?

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #108 on: 11. November 2022, 18:19:31 PM »
No, it is a link to "The Puppy Who Lost His Way".

Offline kelly-Marie

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #109 on: 11. November 2022, 19:45:58 PM »
Cool glad it's working properly PS I love puppies and Kittens  but then who doesnt!

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #110 on: 13. November 2022, 18:33:50 PM »
Chapter 48.

After placing their orders, yes Jen did order soup, the ladies chatted and gossiped.  During a break in conversation Christy said "oh, Jen, I almost forgot.  The Crain appliance I ordered arrived today.  Of course it would, the day I got my facemask wired on.  So, I can't test it out.  But Dr. Cooper is very interested in seeing how it works."  She looked at Allison and continued "Allison, do you want to tell Jen the good news yourself?"

Allison said "oh shure, but firsht let me thank you Jen for getting Chrishty to order it.  The goo news ish that Rob wantsh me to try it out thish week.  Sho he is going to let me out of facshmashk jail this afternoon" and gave a big smile. "It will be sho niesch to washh my facesh this evening.  I mean, he is still having me wear thish one during the day, but it will be sho niesch to get a little break and be able to take it off at night." 

This brought a response from Mel.  She asked "so how does that work?  I haven't even thought of what an inconvenience it would be trying to wash your face with full time wear."

This time, it was Josie that spoke up as she said "it is definitely an inconvenience, you have to lift the forehead pad up with one hand and wash underneath the mask with your other hand.  And then the same for each cheek pad.  It definitely makes it harder.  And pulling the mask off your face puts even more pressure on your teeth.  I actually cut up a soft cotton shirt into some strips, and at night I slip a folded up piece under each of the pads.  It helps with comfort, and also soaks up any icky sweat or grime.  It is kind of gross when I explain it like that, but it is definitely more comfortable."

This led to Mel having another question.  She asked "well, this is maybe a little too personal, but how does showering go?  I guess you can get the mask wet?"

Josie continued "yes, I just shower with it on just like before.  The metal parts of the mask are all stainless, as are the springs obviously.  And these pads are a closed cell rubber that don't absorb water.  So, I just shower and then dry the mask off on the outside and inside when I am done."

Christy looked at Mel and said "Mel, you seem pretty interested in this.  Are you thinking about trying it?  We would love to have one more player on team headgear" and laughed.

Mel responded "no, well it did cross my mind.  I am already wearing it at work and most of the time at home.  And you said it was more effective.  So yeah, it crossed my mind.  But no, I don't think I could handle it like you ladies can."

Christy said "I bet you would surprise yourself.  You know, you could come in this Friday afternoon and have it installed.  And see it how it goes over the weekend.  Oh, and by the way, we are having a proper party for Josie this Friday evening at my house.  I would love it if you two could make it.  We could settle that raincheck for Saturday's wine.  Maybe you could come by the office before we close on Friday and get some springs installed?  Then we could celebrate Josie's birthday AND you being such a great patient?  Just an idea to think about."

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #111 on: 14. November 2022, 21:17:15 PM »
This ended up being a little longer than anticipated so I have split it into two chapters.

Chapter 49.

At 12:45 Mel spoke to the table “ladies, I had a wonderful time.  But I have to get back to the salt mines.  This was fun, we definitely need to do it again.  And I look forward to seeing you all this Friday.”

As she was standing Christy said “well, maybe we will see you on Friday afternoon?  Think about it.”

Mel responded “I will, but I am pretty sure I am going to just stick with this for now.”

By now Jen had stood as well, and she addressed the ladies at the table “I will echo what Mel said.  I had a great time.  Thank you.  And Josie, Happy Birthday!  We will see you all on Friday evening.”

On the ride back to the Scoliclinic, Jen asked Mel “are you really considering it?  I mean the facemask?”

Mel said “no, I don’t think so.  It is just something that crossed my mind.  I think I would miss kissing you too much” and smiled broadly at Jen.

Parked back in the parking lot Jen removed her facemask and looked over at Mel.  She said “speaking of kissing, would you take your mask off for a minute?”  Mel obediently removed the elastics from her mouth and layed the mask in her lap.  Jen leaned over and kissed Mel, her tongue flicking into Mel’s open mouth.  After several moments, Jen leaned back, eyes locked onto Mel’s.  She told her “I had been needing to do that since I picked you up.  Now scoot, get on in there to work.  I will see you this evening and we can pick back up where we left off here.”

Mel looked at her and said “that mouth of yours might get you in trouble” and smiled.  She then quickly put her facemask back on.  Standing outside the car she leaned in and said “I love you” and then turned and headed across the parking lot towards the Scoliclinic.

Chapter 50.

The rest of the week went smoothly for Jen.  On Thursday she got a text from Christy.

C: Jen, Dr. Cooper would like you to come in and discuss the Crane appliance.  What does your schedule look like tomorrow afternoon around 4?  If you want to and can make it, you could come on in.  If not, we can just wait until your appointment next week.  Just let me know please.

J:  Sure, I am flexible.  I will be there at 4.

C:  Good deal.  I will see you then.  Has Mel thought anymore about getting her facemask installed for fulltime wear?  She wouldn’t want to join you would she?

J:  No, she is going to stick with the elastics.  But thanks for the offer I guess.  Speaking of which, how has this week gone for you and Diane?

C: It has taken a little getting used to going out in public.  And we were both pretty sore the first half of the week.  But overall it has not been a big deal.  I am glad I decided to do it.

J:  Good for you two.  I will see you tomorrow afternoon.

The next afternoon around 3:50 Jen parked her car at Dr. Cooper’s and headed towards the entrance.  Mindful of the new policy regarding appliance wear in the office, Jen had put her facemask on in the car. After entering the front door she walked across the waiting area towards Josie.  As she walked she noticed only two other people there.  A lady around her age, and what she assumed was her teenage daughter.  The daughter was wearing a blue Delaire facemask.  Both had their phones out and were studying them intensely, not even seeming to notice someone else had entered the room.

At the desk Jen greeted her new friend.  She said “Josie!  Your hair, it looks great!”

Josie smiled at her through her facemask and said “Thank You!  My husband is so sweet.  He took me to have my hair done this week after work  I do think it turned out well.  The owner of the salon is actually a patient here, and she stayed open late just for me.  She definitely took a little extra special care of me.”

Jen responded “Oh that is sweet  Of your husband and her..  And it does look wonderful.  To change gears; I am supposed to have a 4 o’clock appointment and need to sign in.”

Josie apologetically said “we are running behind a little.  We had an emergency earlier, a patient got hit in the mouth with a softball and we had to rush her in.  So we are running a little behind.  Will it be too much of an inconvenience to wait about 20 or 30 minutes?  If so, I can reschedule you for next week.”

Jen said “That is no problem.  I understand.  I am sure I have some emails I need to handle anyway.  How was the patient?”

Josie responded “well, she is going to be sore for a while.  But she didn’t have any damage to her teeth.  But that softball did a number on her braces.  And her braces did a number on her lips.  But she will be ok.  Thanks for understanding.  I will call you when Dr. Cooper is ready.”

Jen made her way to the corner of the waiting room and took a seat.  She pulled out her iPhone and started scrolling.  After a minute or two she sensed someone approach her.  She looked up to find the lady from across the room standing in front of her. 

She said “I am sorry to intrude, but are you Jennifer Collins?”

Jen looked up and said “yes, I am.  Is there something wrong?”

The lady responded “no, not at all.  I just wanted to thank you.  Christy sent me and my daughter a link to your blog.  It has really helped both of us.  And I am sorry, I am Michelle Andrews” as she stuck her hand out.  Jen shook her hand while Michelle gestured with her other across the room towards the blond in the facemask and continued “and that is my daughter Mandy.  Honey, come over here.  I want you to meet someone.”  Mandy obediently made her way over beside her mother.  Michelle continued “Mandy, I want you to meet the lady that has the blog we were looking at.  This is Jennifer Collins.”

Mandy stuck her hand out to Jen and said “nice to meet you Ms. Collins.  And thank you.  Your blog had a few little hacks that I hadn’t thought of.”

Jen shook Mandy’s hand and responded “Mandy, it is a pleasure to meet you.  And please call me Jen.  I am glad I was able to help.” 

Michelle looked at Jen and said “well, I am sorry to intrude.  But I just wanted to thank you.”

Jen replied “you aren’t intruding at all.  I am just waiting.  Would you like to have a seat?  Mandy you can tell me how your treatment is going.”

Michelle said “if you are sure… I actually have some questions for you.”

Jen said “then please, have a seat.  I don’t know if I will have any answers but I will try.”

Michelle and Mandy took seats.  Michelle continued “Mandy has been in treatment for about two months, and she is doing really well.  I just feel guilty I didn’t get her in sooner.  I hate the fact she is graduating this year and is going to have to go off to college with braces.”

Mandy hugged her and said “Oh Momma, it is ok.  I am more worried about you.”

This last statement perplexed Jen until Michelle responded.  Michelle said “thank you baby” as she hugged Mandy back.  She then looked at Jen and said “Mandy has been such a trooper about all of this.  So much so that I am joining her.  We actually aren’t here today for her appointment.  We are here for mine.  I am getting my braces, expanders and headgear here as soon as they call my name.  And I am terrified. Please tell me it will be ok.”

Offline radian

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #112 on: 15. November 2022, 16:44:16 PM »
Excellent story ! I especially like the suspense at the end of each chapter. I can't wait for the following, hoping you'll keep that daily rythm of posts.

Thanks a lot

Offline bracessd

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #113 on: 15. November 2022, 17:41:16 PM »
Keep up the great work!

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #114 on: 15. November 2022, 20:31:40 PM »
Chapter 51.

Jen tried to ease Michelle's fears by saying "you will do fine.  It is an adjustment for sure, but everyone here is wonderful.  I have never been to any kind of office where everyone, and I mean everyone, is so caring and willing to help.  I don't know if you realize it, but every single one of the ladies here is in treatment themselves.  I think that says a lot about the office.  You will be sore this weekend.  And you will need to practice talking. But it gets better after the first week.  I am only a week and a half in, and this week has been so much easier than last week.  If you want, we can exchange numbers too.  If there is anything I can do to help, I am willing.  That is one thing that helped get me through the first week, having shoulders to lean on.  And it is cool that you and your daughter are going through this together.  I am doing this with my best friend. It really helps having someone else that understands what you are going through.  And just to help with the actual care and maintenance of the braces.  She actually turns my expander for me.  And I plan to do the same for her when she gets hers next week.  But again, you will be fine."

Michelle looked at Jen and asked "are you sure?  I would love to have your number in case I have any questions."

Jen assured her "yes, I absolutely mean it" as she went into her contacts on her phone.  She hit the + to add a new contact and typed in 'Michelle Andrews' and said "ok, what is your number?"  After Michelle had given her the number and Jen had entered it, Jen hit call.  Michelle's purse started ringing.  She dug her phone out of her purse. Jen told her "go ahead and put me in your contacts. I will check on you this weekend.  And I am betting that Diane and/or Christy will do the same."

Michelle responded "thank you so much.   You don't know how much I appreciate it.  I do have a couple of questions.  How much did the expander impact your speech?  I am getting an upper and a lower.  I am a high school teacher and I am so nervous about how I am going to sound on Monday.  And what is it like wearing the facemask?  Dr. Cooper has already told me I absolutely have to wear it 14 to 16 hours a day.  Basically every minute I am not at school.  To make it even worse, he recommended I wear it full time, but I don't think I can do that.  How bad is it?"

Jen replied "again, it is an adjustment.  Definitely put the extra padding on it.  The first few days are rough on your chin. But like all of this you get used to it.  My friend Mel has been in treatment longer than me, but she has actually been wearing her's to work the last week or so.  And I actually wore mine out in public this week.  And we are still both alive" and laughed.  Jen noticed that Michelle most definitely did not laugh, or even smile. In fact, the expression on her face was a mixture of fear and sorrow.  Jen continued "you will do fine with it.  I know you will.  As for the speaking, I do not have a lower expander so I don't know what it is like.  I know Diane does, and I bet she would answer any questions about it.  But it took me about 5 days to lose my lisp.  Again, it is just something that takes a little adjusting to.  The main thing that helps is speaking.  The first day back at work I was extremely self conscious, but again I made it through.  And you will too."

Michelle responded "I hope you are right.  It just seems..."

As she spoke the door beside the reception desk opened and Jen, Michelle and Mandy turned towards the sound of the voice projecting through it.  Through the door stepped a cute young lady with curly shoulder length brunette hair wearing pink scrubs who appeared to be in her mid to late 20s.  She had her head down, and on her face was a pink Grummons facemask held securely in place with two stainless springs.  Behind her was Sandra, who was speaking to her.  Jen couldn't help but overhear the conversation.  Sandra was telling her "Nicole you are doing great.  And you made the right decision too.  Just wear it this weekend.  By Monday it will be totally normal.  Josie here will get you all setup for your next appointment.  And really, the color just looks so cute on you."  As Nicole shuffled over to the reception desk, head down almost appearing to try to hide, Sandra looked over to the three ladies in the corner of the waiting room.  Sandra said "Michelle, Dr. Cooper is ready for you.  If you and Amanda would just follow me please."

Jen looked over at Michelle and noticed that the color completely drained from her face.  She looked like she had seen a ghost.  She sat motionless for a few seconds and swallowed hard.  She stood up on shaky legs.  Mandy grabbed her hand, looked her in the face and said "Momma, you are going to do fine."  With that Michelle inhaled and exhaled deeply and followed Sandra down the hall.

Online TrainTrack

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #115 on: 15. November 2022, 23:14:40 PM »
I love how all of the ladies are so helpful and humble. They are so optimistic about everything. Plus, they are so supportive of everyone. In other words, they are people who I would want as a friend. Great story, very well written. Also, thanks t for the fast updates. I would never be able to write that fast.

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #116 on: 16. November 2022, 07:10:00 AM »
It was going fast; then after reading your post I realized I have trapped myself in a box with a birthday party with multiple interesting characters.  Ugh.

But shit, that is what happens.  Just be a little work to tell the story.

Offline anton08

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #117 on: 16. November 2022, 09:01:34 AM »
Take yourself all the time you need, quality is more important than speed!

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #118 on: 17. November 2022, 01:25:04 AM »
Chapter 52.

After the door closed, Jen turned her attention to the reception desk.  She could overhear Josie and Nicole talking in the small, cozy waiting room.

With her attention focused on Michelle moments before, Jen had missed the first part of their conversation, but she tuned back in to hear Josie say “no, Nikki, you look cute.  And now we match!”.  Josie looked up and smiled broadly at Nikki, who still had her head down. 

Nikki mumbled “I can’t believe Dr. Kendra talked me into this.  It sounded like such a better idea before today.  I bet I am going to send kids running the other way when they see me.” 

Josie replied “No you won’t.  I promise.  I mean you work in a dentist’s office, what better place to wear it?  I mean, look at me.  Hang on”.  Josie stood up and headed through the door to the reception area.  She went up to Nicole and hugged her.  She continued “really, you are going to be fine.  And you look so cute.  And this evening I will make sure to ply you with enough Jello shots and margaritas to forget all about it.”

Nikki returned Josie’s hug and told her “thank you.  You are a good friend.  And maybe I am making too big a deal about it.  But wow this is going to take some getting used to.”

The two girls released their hold from each other.  Josie said “really, it is going to be just fine.  I will email you a reminder before your appointment next month. But first, I will see you tonight!”

Nikki replied “thank you.  I will try to have fun tonight.  First though I need to make it home to change without dying of embarrassment” and headed out the front door of the office.

Jen couldn’t help but wonder who Dr. Kendra was? And who was Nicole?  Obviously someone that was brave enough to wear her facemask 24/7.  As if she had read her mind,  Josie looked over at Jen and said “me and Nikki are friends, we were before I even started working here and she started treatment here.  She is an assistant for Dr. Kendra over at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry.  Dr. Kendra has been in treatment with us for about 6 months.  She convinced Nicole to come and consult with us.  Nikki and I talked about it before either of us took the plunge.  We were both nervous, but knew we needed to.  So we decided to do it together, we had our installation the same week.   Dr. Kendra had her facemask installed fulltime around the same time we got our braces.   And just this week she convinced Nikki to join her.  Nikki will be at the party tonight, and she may need a little extra looking after.”

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #119 on: 17. November 2022, 17:58:32 PM »
Chapter 53.

After her explanation of everything, Josie had returned to her desk and busied herself with some paperwork.  Jen went back to her phone.  After about 15 minutes the treatment room door opened.  Christy looked over at Jen and said “Jen, since you are here just waiting, would you come on back?  I would like to take a look at everything and check your hygiene.”

As they entered the treatment area, Jen saw Michelle reclined in the first chair.  Mandy was seated on a stool beside her holding her hand.  Dr. Cooper was busy installing brackets while Sandra held a suction tool in her mouth.  With the lip retractors holding her lips back and a bite block holding her jaws apart, even from across the room Jen could already see much of her mouth appeared silver.

Christy led Jen over to chair 4, the one furthest from where Dr. Cooper was busy transforming Michelle’s mouth.  After Jen was seated in the chair, Christy reclined her back.  Christy gently removed the elastics and facemask from Jen’s face.  She laid the mask on the table beside her and flicked the two elastics into a nearby trashcan.  Christy said “if you would please, go ahead and open wide.  None of this should hurt but if it does let me know.”  Christy took the pick and mirror in her hand and began examining Jen’s mouth.  At one point she could feel Christy gentle poking her palate around her expander.  When Christy got to the backside of her palate, Jen did feel a small jolt of pain and visibly winced.  Christy stopped, removed the tools from her mouth, and asked “did that hurt?”  Jen responded “yes, a little bit.”  Christy looked at her and said “just bear with me another minute or two, I am almost finished.”

Once she finished her examination, Christy raised Jen’s seat back upright.  She said to Jen “well, I have mostly good news, with just a little bad.  Overall, it looks like you are doing a great job with your brushing and flossing.  Your gums look healthy, and your braces and appliances are spotless.  Keep it up.  The bad news is you do have some inflammation around your two rear tads.  I won’t call it a full blown infection, but I want to keep it from that.  And don’t feel like it is something you did.  It is pretty common, especially after installation.  You do after all have a new, foreign metal object screwed into you.  I am going to give you a chlorhexidine mouthwash.  It is an antiseptic antibacterial wash.”  Christy got up from her stool and walked over to a set of cabinets at the back of the treatment area and got a small bottle out.  She then returned to her seat beside Jen.

Christy continued as she removed the small clear cup from the top of the bottle “I want you to rinse your mouth with this for the next two weeks.  Do it once per day, in the evenings after you’ve finished your braces hygiene.  Swish with it for 30-60 seconds.  Now, a couple of dos and don’ts.  Do not swallow it, spit it out in the sink after 30-60 seconds.  Do not eat or drink anything for at least an hour afterwards.  Do not get it in your eyes.  Try to avoid getting it on your teeth as much as possible.  It can cause tooth discoloration.  And just be ready for the taste” as she filled the small cup up to the first line which was marked 10 ml.  She handed the cup to Jen and said “go ahead and rinse with this.  I will tell you when to go over to the sink and spit it out.”

Jen carefully poured the liquid into her mouth, taking care to try to avoid getting it on her teeth.  The first thing she noticed was how bitter it was.  Christy was not lying, it tasted bad.  Yuck!  As she sat there with her head tilted back swishing the vile substance around in her mouth, she heard a sob come from across the room.  Jen turned to see Sandra holding up a mirror in front of Michelle’s facemask encumbered face.  As the mascara tinted tears rolled down Michelle’s face, Mandy stroked her hand and said “Momma, you still look beautiful.”