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Author Topic: Story - And the Beat Goes On  (Read 8170 times)

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #15 on: 26. February 2022, 07:31:45 AM »
Part 10.

After Jamie sat down and noticed the table was bare other than the two margaritas she asked “do they not serve you complimentary chips and salsa here anymore?”

Andrea made an exaggerated pouty face at Jamie, then said “they do, but we can’t eat the chips or salsa.  Or I guess it would be more accurate to say we shouldn’t.  I may or may not have proven that you actually can eat chips with braces if you are really careful, but I’m not saying with my orthodontist sitting across the table.  And I am also not saying whether or not the salsa gets all up in your braces when you eat it, makes a huge mess, and can really stain your ligatures. And I am certainly not going to prove it in front of her” and laughed.  “But if you want some by all means get some.  They may or may not have have been delicious a couple weeks ago.” And smiled at Olivia.  Olivia made a mock glaring scowl at her and said “ you are such a bad patienth.”  Andrea said “bull, how many of your patients wear their headgear every day at work; especially that awful combination headgear you make me wear”.  Olivia answered “True, but how many orthodonshists do you know that prescribe and make themshelves wear a tongue crib and high pull headgear?  Check and mate” and then grinned back at Andrea.

Jamie realized these two were a lot different outside of the office than in it.  She had pegged both of them as straight laced buttoned down boring nerds.  But here they were dressed up, one like a model and one like a cowgirl, drinking margaritas before it was dark and throwing barbs back and forth at each other like it was a competition.

Then Olivia said “Jamie, excush us, you probably think we are horrible.  But me and Andrea are not jusht patient/doctor but good friendsh.  We are alwaysh giving each other a hard time.  Ith you ever hear us quit, then you mighth need to worry that shumthing is wrong.”  Then the waiter came by the table and asked if Jamie would like a water or some other drink and if she needed a menu.  Jamie told him yes on the water, but also a margarita like the other two already had.  Also she wanted to get some chips and salsa, and she didn’t need a menu.  She wanted two crunchy tacos, one chicken and one shrimp, with some extra gauc and sour cream on the side.  The waiter said he would be right back with the water and chips.  Then Olivia stood up and dug around in her purse hanging on her chair and pulled put a plastic case.  Jamie noted it was exactly like the one she had for her splint.  She said “leth me run to the ladiesh room so I will be ready to eat” and headed towards the hallway that had “Restrooms” painted above. 

Once she left, Andrea looked over at Jamie and said “Your ears must have been burning.  It must be what drew you in here.  Just before you walked in Olivia was talking about you.  She was talking about your case and that she wanted to treat you; she said it would be such a shame ‘if that pretty blond singer didn’t do anything about her jaw and ended up not able to sing’. She was saying how good you were - that she’d seen you before, and describing you and saying how she, and these were her exact words,  ‘wished that girl would let me help her before it’s too late’.  She wouldn’t even let me get a word in to tell her that I had met you and I was the one that had put the splint in your mouth.  She was fired up about it.  And then you walked in.”   

About that time Olivia returned to the table and said “ah, I can speak again.  Were you two talking about me while I was gone?”  Andrea replied with a smirk on her face “Of course we were”.

Offline Lithpkith

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #16 on: 26. February 2022, 22:23:05 PM »
Poow Jamie, I feel fow hew! Jaw pain is awful! I think thith thtowy ith awthome, pleathe don’t thtop.

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #17 on: 27. February 2022, 00:29:38 AM »
Thank you for the kind words.  I already have the conclusion and the prologue written.  I just don't know how many parts it will take to get there.

ETA: I am really happy how all these girl’s lives turned out.  However I feel horrible for Jen and Mel.  I feel responsible for that situation.  But I am just the delivery man, I can’t change the package once it is boxed up and shipped.

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #18 on: 27. February 2022, 04:53:09 AM »
Can a poster delete their own post?  Or is that a moderator only privilege?

Offline ksmooth

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #19 on: 27. February 2022, 08:49:25 AM »
This is a great story.

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #20 on: 27. February 2022, 17:29:25 PM »
I did just that; that post above where I asked about deleting a post was at one time a bunch of rambling word vomit of me pontificating and philosophizing; I went back and reread it couple times and realized it was a little out there and muddied up this thread.  So I went back and modified the post; deleting all the puke. I would have just deleted it all to clean up this thread but I couldn't figure out how.

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #21 on: 27. February 2022, 23:08:51 PM »
Part 11.

Once Liv had taken her seat, Jamie asked them “so, what are yall’s plans tonight?  You both look gorgeous by the way.  I feel embarrassed to be so underdressed” and looked down at her sweats.  Andi said “we have been arguing all week about it.  Liv wants to go downtown; but I don’t.  I dressed up just in case she twists my arm far enough to make me go”.  Liv responded to her “come on, it’s Saturday, your husband is out of town so you have a hall pass, and you never go out with me anymore.  And I don’t want to go alone”.  Andi told her she would think about it while they ate.

A minute or so later, the waiter arrived with Jamie’s water and chips and said he would be right back in a few with her margarita.  As Jamie ate her chips, the girls just chatted, though most of the conversation was between Liv and Andi.   A server then arrived with Jamie’s drink and their food; a taco salad for Liv, soft tacos for Andi, and Jamie’s crunchy tacos.  The waiter asked them if they needed anything else.  Andi’s margarita was about finished, so she ordered another one.  Liv thought that sounded like a good idea, so she ordered a second as well.  She then looked at Jamie, and without asking her and despite the fact she had just gotten her first drink, told the waiter to bring another for her as well.

As Jamie bit into her taco, with its audible crunch, Andi said “you are so mean”.  Jamie, confused, looked at her and said “what….?”  Andi replied “these soft taco’s are good, but crunchy are the best.  I miss “real” tacos so much.  And you are going to make me think about what I am missing the rest of our meal”.  Jamie apologized, but Andi said she was just joking, though she really did miss tacos.  She said it might be the first thing she ate when she got her braces off.  Liv interjected “I am not sure if the reason my friend over there wears her headgear so much is because she is a good patient and wants to avoid my wrath; or if she just wants to get her braces off as quick as she can so she can have a plate full of tacos” and laughed.  Liv then looked at her friend and said “I will buy you all the crunchy tacos you want when I decide you are ready to get your braces off….. in 8 years” and laughed.  Andi wadded up a napkin and threw it across the table hitting her in the shoulder.  Liv laughed again.  The girls continued on eating and drinking and having a little small talk between bites.  When they were done eating, both Andi and Liv got up, and told Jamie they were going to both go to the bathroom and for her to just stay put unless she needed to use the restroom.  She said it wouldn’t hurt.  After Andi and Liv had gotten a couple of things out of their purses, the three of them made their way to the bathroom.  While Jamie headed towards a stall, the other two went to the sink.  Jamie finished her business, and when she came out both Andi and Liv were still working on their braces.  Liv looked at Jamie and said “I told you braces aren’t a big deal, and they aren’t, but you do have to brush and floss a lot more.  These little proxy brushes are a lifesaver” and held up a little brush that looked to Jamie like a miniature bristled Christmas tree.  Jamie out of politeness waited outside the door until the other two were finished and the trio headed back to their table.  Jamie noticed that the same table of guys from before was checking them out again, obviously enjoying and approving of what they saw.

Once back at the table, Liv asked Jamie what her plans were the rest of the night.  Jamie told them she just figured it would be couch time and Netflix.  Liv said, nonsense come on with us, we can move this party back to Andi’s; she has a pool and I know she must have the makings for a margarita.   Andi agreed she did, and then asked Liv “I thought you wanted to go out on the town tonight?”.  Liv responded “I have thought about it; it would be a lot cheaper and easier if we just went back to your place.  But I insist that Jamie comes with us.”  In fact Liv would have pushed her friend to go out that night if Jamie had not shown up, but she had developed an alternate plan while they ate.  Andi told Liv “no complaints from me, that is what I wanted to do from the start”.  Liv then turned her attention to Jamie.  “Come on, go with us, it will be fun; it won’t be a party unless it’s the three of us” she told Jamie.  Jamie said “I feel like I would be imposing”.  They both responded nonsense, come on with us.  “Well, what about my car?  How am I going to get back here?  I have had too much to drink to drive right now” motioning to her second empty margarita glass “I was just going to hang out for a while here and then drive back home”.  Andi said “already got that part of the plan figured out, I am calling us an Uber.  I am going to leave my Tahoe here too.  I picked Liv up on the way, so her cars at home.  My husband is gone for work, I dropped him off at the airport.  So his truck is in the garage.  In the morning I will bring you back here to get your car, then Liv can drive my Tahoe back to my house, then I will take her home.  What do you say?”.  Jamie thought about it, and while it did seem a little strange, she had had a good time so far, and if nothing else she thought it was entertaining watching these two bicker back and forth.  She then said “but what about clothes, I don’t have any extra or toiletries or an overnight bag”. Andi said “not a problem, we have extras back at my place, you have no excuse, come on.”  Jamie responded “ok, but only if I’m not imposing”.  Both agreed she wasn’t and said it would be fun.

They closed out their bill, Liv took care of it, and went outside to wait for their ride.  While they waited Jamie looked at the other two and said “I know I should not do this in front of my dentist, but do you mind if I smoke a cigarette.”  Liv told her “I wish you wouldn’t smoke at all, ever, but you are a big girl.  I am sure you know it is bad for you already, me telling you not to won’t change anything.”  Feeling a little ashamed, Jamie said she would wait.  About that time the uber, a Kia Sorento, pulled up and they arranged themselves inside; Liv had volunteered to crawl over the seat to the third row since she was the smallest, and Andi and Jamie sat in the second row  bench seat behind the driver.  After Andi had given the driver the address to take them, she turned to Jamie and quietly said “I smoked for 5 years, so I know you want a cigarette.  When we get back to my place, smoke.  I know you should quit, you know you should quit.  But don’t start tonight after two margaritas, with more to come.  If Liv says anything I will pop her in the mouth.”  She then said in a raised voice so Liv could here her “you hear that?”  Liv turned and said “what, heard what?”.  Andi again in a raised voice said “quit being mean to our new friend”.



Offline ekaj123

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #22 on: 03. March 2022, 22:45:15 PM »
Please continue!

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #23 on: 04. March 2022, 05:20:52 AM »
I will.  I have the conclusion written. I just need to get there..  I just have a new idea for another story in my head and may need to get it down on paper before I lose it.  I will continue this.  It is a good story (if I do say so myself) and I think the conclusion is good.

ETA: might as well type the next section.

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #24 on: 04. March 2022, 05:55:44 AM »
Part 12.

The uber slowed and stopped in front of a large two story colonial in a very upscale neighborhood.  Jamie thought to herself “is this Andrea’s house?”  Andrea announced “come on girls, the pool bar is waiting”.  That answered Jamie’s question, they were “home”.

Andrea welcomed them inside and told Liv and Jamie to head to the pool bar, and she would be out in a second.  Liv seemed to know the way, so Jamie followed her.  Liv opened a set of sliding french doors that opened onto the pool.  Jamie thought “wow, what a nice house”.  Liv led the pair over to a glass topped table with an umbrella and sat.  Jamie took one of the chairs opposite her and sat also.

Liv looked at Jamie and said “I want to talk to you.  Before Andi gets back.  I want to help you.  You have heard me tell you my clinical diagnosis of you; but I want to tell you as a friend; or just a decent person. And I don’t want to seem like I am being over the top.  But your TMJ is severe.  You need to address it.  When i was told you wanted to just continue with splint treatment it broke my heart.  You are too talented to be derailed by TMJ.”  At that moment Andi announced “I have ice!”  Liv glanced her direction and turned back towards Jamie.  But Jamie could not take her eyes off of Andrea.  She was wearing her headgear.  It was a shock to see such a striking woman wearing headgear, even it Jamie had seen her in it before in the office.  Andi took the bucket of ice over to the tiki bar and asked “who needs a drink?”.

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #25 on: 05. March 2022, 07:40:22 AM »
Part 13.

Andrea brought three margaritas over to the girls at the table, then headed back to the bar.  On her second trip back she brought a straw and an ash tray which she placed on the table in front of Jamie and then sat.  She looked at Jamie and said “you mentioned you needed a cigarette before we jumped in the car.  Please smoke if you want.”  Jamie sheepishly pulled a cigarette and lighter out of her purse and lit a cigarette.  She apologized, and did her best to keep the smoke away from the others.

Liv looked at Andi, who was taking a sip of her drink through the straw she had grabbed, and said that while she had been getting drinks, she was trying to convince Jamie to start treatment.  She then turned her attention back to Jamie and said “before I go on about your case, I want to explain my treatment philosophy and how I developed it.  Obviously, I am a teeth nerd, otherwise I would not be an orthodontist.  But the reason I am a teeth nerd is because of my own teeth.  Growing up my parents could not afford to get me braces, they struggled with basic dental care for our family.  My mouth was a wreck.  On trips to the dentist the whole experience fascinated me, and in the back of my head I thought ‘wouldn’t it be great if I could take care of my own teeth’.  So, to make a long story short, after graduating with an undergrad in health sciences, I was accepted and enrolled in dental school.  During my second year I finally got the braces I had always wanted and needed.  Mine was a complicated case; and it might be quicker to list what wasn’t an issue for me than what was.  My laundry list of issues included: a class II overbite, an openbite, crowding, a narrow palate, and a crossbite.  Towards the end of my second year, I began treatment with an orthodontist that focused on results and patient concerns were a secondary consideration.  I was a candidate for surgery, but with my schedule and dental school I could not afford to take the time off for recovery, even though it would have reduced my overall treatment plan by at least a year.  So instead, I went with the non surgical option.  Because of all the issues that had to be addressed, my case was complicated and involved a lot more than just braces.  When I began treatment I was fitted with a Dynaflex SAG expander on my top arch which both provided lateral expansion as well as distalizing my molars.  I was also fitted with a lower wilson expander on my loeer arch, as well as tongue spurs on my lower teeth.  I also began meeting with a myofunctional therapist to try to correct my tongue thrust.  My lisp was horrible with the expanders at first, and though it improved it never completely went away.  After six months with the expanders, towards the beginning of my third year, I received my braces.  I went with all metal because the orthodontist preferred them and he said they would be most effective for my case.  There was a LOT going on in my mouth.  And by the third year of dental school I was beginning to see patients.  It was embarrassing to have this lisp.  And it only got worse.  Unfortunately, my tongue is very stubborn.  Even with the tongue spurs and myofunctional therapy, I was still tongue thrusting.  It was worst at night when I could not consciously control it.  So, along with the braces I received a fixed tongue crib. It was truly a hard experience.  The pain that third year was intense at times, and having to constantly repeat myself made me want to crawl in a hole.  It was at that point that I realized that my focus as an orthodontist would obviously be on obtaining successful results; but I would also put a priority on patient concerns and lifestyle considerations. I would be open to alternative treatment options, even if it might take longer and prolong treatment time, if it made sense for the patient.  After about a year, I did have my top and bottom expanders removed and replaced with a lower lingual arch and an upper Nance appliance to continue distalizing my molars after lateral expansion was complete.  It was an improvement, but there was still a lot going on in my mouth.  At the two year mark I received forsus springs to address my overbite.  i wore those for over a year and still had the springs and tongue crib when I graduated from dental school.  Everything I had to correct my issues was a fixed appliance.  I knew there were removable options that could have done the same, but I was never offered them as an option.  Once I graduated dental school and enrolled in the graduate orthodontic program I transferred my case over to a doctor in the department.  While we weren’t starting from scratch as my past 2 plus years of treatment had addressed several of my most pressing issues, I did start a new treatment plan.  He agreed to make modifications to my treatment plan that were more conducive to my lifestyle and desires, mainly by utilizing removable appliances, even if they are not the most efficient option. And while it would take longer it gave me the ability to remove everything from my mouth but the braces when I really needed to.

At the start of my second treatment plan everything was removed from my mouth.  My main concern was an effective and successful treatment.  But a very close second was that I did not want my treatment to impact my work, specifically my speech.  I had a constant lisp tor over two years.  I needed to be able to speak clearly.  So, my new treatment plan included clear braces on top, a removable expander with integrated tongue for my top arch, and headgear to distalize my molars.  The drawback is that going with removable options would extend my treatment time.  But I was ok with this as I would be able to speak clearly.  So, that is my story, and why I have the philosophy I do.  I always want to be open to the concerns of the patient and am mindful of how treatment options will impact their life and job.”

Liv stopped and took a sip of her drink then continued “So, now on to your case.  I know you are a singer, and have a public persona to worry about.  So while braces are necessary, clear braces are an option.  You will need some appliances to address and correct your bite, but they will all be removable.  I would fit you with a twin block appliance with headgear to correct your bite and save your TMJ joints.  But again, all of that would be removable.  You would not have to wear that at work or while you are on stage.  What are your main concerns?”

Jamie  answered “I have several concerns.  First, my main concern is how I will look, and what the reaction of fans will be.  Two is how having braces will affect my singing.  Third is how painful it all would be, and what wearing it would be like.  Fourth, I am concerned about what my boyfriend would think.  And finally, the idea of headgear scares me.”

Liv responded “I will answer them in reverse order, and hope Andi will share her thoughts as well.  Headgear is not bad.  You will be wearing it in private, and it does not hurt.  There is a little discomfort as you get used to it, but after awhile it is just there.  In fact, I will show you how bad it is.”  With this she pulled a pouch out of her purse.  She removed her facebow and inserted it in her mouth, finding the headgear tubes quickly by feel borne of experience.  She then put the pink straps over the top back of her head, and attached each plastic strap to the facebow.  She looked at Jamie and continued “see, no big deal.  There is a stigma about headgear.  But it is unfounded in my opinion.  I promise you this is more comfortable than the fixed distalizing appliances I previously had.  Plus it is removable.  As for your boyfriend, he will be fine with it.  He may not love the idea or the aesthetic of it all, but if he does love you he will be supportive of it.  That is almost the universal reaction from spouses and boyfriends that I have seen.  Some even find it cute.  There will be some discomfort during the process.  But never acute pain.  The initial adjustment period after you get them will take a week or two.  But it won’t be pain like you have experienced with your jaw.  Next, you will be able to sing fine.  You will want to practiced some so your lips will get used to navigating over and around the brackets on your teeth.  But it won’t affect how you sound.  As for how you will look, and what people’s reaction will be, you will continue to look beautiful.  And most people will ignore it or not even notice.”

With a pause in the conversation, Andi added “everything Liv said is correct.  I will add that there are a three responses you will get from people.  The most common is no reaction.  Either people don’t even notice, and if they do it is no big deal to them.  Second will be people that had braces themselves and want to tell you about their treatment.  The third reaction will be from people that want braces or are considering it themselves.  They will have questions about the process and what it is like.  Similar to you tonight wanting some reassurance about concerns they have.  The headgear can make you feel a little self conscious, especially at first. But it is not really that bad, there is just the stigma of wearing headgear.”

Liv continued “you really should do this.  You need this.  It will fix the problem.  You are nervous about living with braces.  That is understandable.  But remember, if you don’t do this you will be living with a splint in your mouth anyway, and you will be living with it forever or until you get further treatment.  And that further treatment will include braces.  And to add to all of that, you can get it done for free right now.  This is not an opportunity you are likely to have in the future.  So, what do you say, did I talk you into it?”

Jamie couldn’t believe what she was about to say.  She looked at Liv and said “yes, I will do it.”

Liv jumped up from her seat and ran around the table and hugged Jamie.  She said "this makes me so happy.  Thank you.  We can get started on Monday if that works for you?"

Jamie answered "yes, Monday works" and thought to herself 'what have I gotten myself into'.






Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #26 on: 05. March 2022, 07:59:30 AM »
Part 14.

As soon as Dr. Shaw got done fitting the braces and smoke colored ligatures on Jamie’s upper and lower arches, she asked her if she was ready for the moment of truth and handed her a mirror.  Jamie stared into the mirror with a closed mouth.  She then slowly smiled, bracing herself for what she saw.  The first look was a shock to Jamie, but as she continued studying her reflection in the mirror, turning her head this was and that and pursing her lips to get a better look, she had to admit it wasn’t horrible.  Dr. Shaw asked her what she thought, and Jamie said she would live.  Dr. Shaw reassured her, and said she looked incredible.  She then asked if she was ready to continue.  Dr. Shaw fitted the twin block in Jamie’s mouth, making sure the fit was good.  She asked her to open and close her mouth, and asked if anything felt like it was rubbing on her gums or she felt sharp pain.  Jamie  shook her head no but was almost unintelligible when she replied “buh ish sho beeg”.  Dr. Shaw tried to reassure that it was, but that her speaking would get better and she would get more accustomed to it.  Plus she told her to remember, she would only have to wear this at home.  She then patted Jamie’s arm and asked her if she was ready for her headgear.  Jamie reluctantly nodded yes.  Dr. Shaw fit the facebow into the headgear tubes of the appliance, adjusted it several times with pliers till it was just right on Jamie’s face, then attached the high pull headgear strap and clipped off all the excess plastic until there was only one extra hole per side.  Then Dr. Shaw looked down at Jamie and again asked her if she wanted to see herself as she held the mirror out to Jamie.  She reluctantly took the mirror, and gasped “Oh ma gah, ish sho muh! Ahn sho peek!”  Dr. Shaw squeezed Jamie’s shoulder and again reminded her it was only for home.  Since they hadn’t discussed color, Dr. Shaw jokingly said, she went with pink so they could match.  Plus she said, she really thought the pink strap accented the pink in her hair.  Jamie rolled her eyes at Dr. Shaw.  Dr. Shaw continued, but if you hate it, we can do another color, but really the pink does look good.  Jamie said “gu, ha”.

Dr. Shaw then removed everything.  She showed Jamie how to reinstall everything herself and made her repeat it several times until she felt she was comfortable with it.  She then told Jamie she could take it all off.  Dr. Shaw rinsed it off and placed the twin block in it’s own large plastic case and then it and the facebow went into a zippered pouch.  Dr. Shaw placed this in the bag with all the rest of the goodies she was sending home with Jamie.  She then went over care and cleaning and do’s and don’ts and break in schedule for the twin block and headgear, even though they had already discussed so much of it in bits in pieces already outside the office.  Dr. Shaw concluded, and then asked Jamie if she had any concerns or questions.  Jamie said she didn’t, it was now just a matter of becoming acclimated to wearing the braces 24/7 and figuring out how to sleep “with the rest of it” while at home.  Her main concern she said was getting up there on stage Friday night and opening her mouth with braces for the first time.  She asked Dr. Shaw if everyone was going to run out the door?  Dr. Shaw assured her they would not, most people would not even notice she was wearing braces.  She then told Jamie she would love to come see her show, she would love to be there to offer her moral support.  Jamie said “wow that would great.  I will add your name to the guest list”.  Then, Dr. Shaw asked if she could also include Andrea on the list, she was going to make her come if she had to force her at gunpoint.  Jamie said “Sure, I will put her down too.  It will be easier for two of you to carry my body off when I die of embarrassment then you trying it alone”.  Dr. Shaw again encouraged her and told her she would do great.  She thanked Jamie again for agreeing to do this, then said they were done, but if she had any problems or questions to call or text her cell - anytime.  As Jamie neared the door Dr. Shaw half shouted to her “you are going to do great” and then turned to head to back to her office. 

That week had gone ok for Jamie.  She had a few embarrassing moments at work when she had trouble spitting out certain words, and her mouth was sore.  But it was manageable with ibuprofen.  She had gotten her break in periods of headgear wear in without issue, though she had not tried to sleep with it in yet; and she found she could sleep ok with just the twin block in her mouth.  She was very aware of it, and it wasn’t “fun”, but It was manageable and she was able to sleep.  Maybe it had helped that she had already gotten used to having a smaller splint in there beforehand she thought.  Her boyfriend Matt teased her some, and she was sure he wasn’t thrilled his girlfriend was wearing so much orthodontic gear, but overall he seemed ok with it.  While she had told the guys in the band she was getting braces, she had the chance to show them first hand at a Wednesday night practice session.  They had made fun of her a good bit, but it was good naturedly.  And they promised they wouldn’t do it in public, much.  Greg continued on the longest, after all he was a vocalist.  She took it in stride, but after she had enough she shot back, “fair enough, but just know if you make me upset I might “accidently” knock your cowboy hat off on stage and point out that growing bald spot on your head.  I’m sure it will really shine under the stage lights”. The teasing from Greg quit.

That Friday night they were scheduled to start playing around 9.  They had gotten there relatively early and were done setting up by around 8:30.  The boys were at the bar having a beer and Jamie was onstage, fiddling with cords to make sure she wouldn’t trip over one.  She was bent over, with her ass facing towards the bar, when she heard a shrill whistle and a woman’s voice she thought sounded like Andi’s say “damn what a fine ass”.  She turned around to find both Andi and Liv standing in front of the stage.  They were each dressed stunningly, in tight jeans with cowboy boots and fitted button down western shirts, Andrea’s was seafoam green and Olivia’s was pink of course.  Each of them was also wearing a large belt buckle and they each had cowboy hats on.  Olivia’s was a faux snake skin, while Andrea’s was straw and had a silver and turquoise hat band on it.  But what really made them stand out was the facebow protruding from each of their mouths.

When this registered in Jamie’s brain, her mouth dropped wide opened and she stammered “huh? what the…”  Andi said “don’t you worry, no one in here will notice your braces tonight”.  Liv added “I have told you so often how wearing braces is not a big deal, I figured I would walk the walk right in front of you and prove it”. 

Jamie hopped down off stage and gave each of them a hug and said “Thank you girls so much.  But really, you don’t have to wear your headgear in here.  Just you being here is enough”.  Olivia said “nope, we have made up our minds.  Plus, I think my headgear really accentuates my make up tonight” and laughed.  Andrea said “we got here early so we could get a good table right up front, you better play extra good for us tonight.  Now you get back to what you were doing”.  With that Andi and Liv went and had a seat at a table front and center behind the dance floor.  After they had claimed their table, Andi got up and headed to the bar to get them a drink.  Jamie noticed that headgear or no headgear, a number of the guys in the bar were hungrily watching her make her way in front of them.

Right at 9, the band hit their first note.  Jamie was still feeling butterflies in her stomach and looked at Andi and Liv as they each gave her big thumbs ups and mouthed around their facebows “you are doing great”.  After a few songs sung by Greg, the energy in the place was great.  As anyone who has ever played in front of others will tell you, performers feed off the energy of the crowd.  Now it was Jamie’s turn at the mic.  She was still terrified when she first opened her mouth.  But despite her initial fear, she knocked it out of the park.  The first ten songs they performed where all upbeat, a mix of southern rock and country.  They always opened their shows this way, it got the crowd fired up and into it.  After these first ten, Greg announced they were gonna slow it down for a few minutes if any couples in there wanted to slow dance and they started into a ballad.  Jamie didn’t notice the tall cowboy go over and ask Liv to dance.  They were about halfway through the song when Jamie noticed her, on the dance floor, dancing with a tall good looking cowboy.  As they made eye contact, Jamie flashed Liv a huge smile, forgetting she even had braces.  Liv smiled back at her, and layed her head, headgear and all, on the cowboy’s chest and continued dancing.  Jamie thought to herself, maybe having braces isn’t going to be the end of the world after all.


Epilogue

The rest of the evening went great.  They band played one of the best shows they’d ever put on.  Liv and Andi both had a great time despite their headgear.  While Liv had not gone home with the tall cowboy, she had given him her number.  They actually ended up dating a little while before they realized they just weren’t really right for each.  No one in the band realized it at the time, but there was a record producer sitting towards the back of the room that night that thought they were one of the best new young bands he had seen and heard in a while.  Within two weeks, they were signed to a small independent label and in the studio cutting their first recordings.  They also had a professional photo shoot done for promo shots.  No, Jamie did not smile opened mouth exposing her braces.  But the photos she did take were smoldering; the braces pushing out her lips just enough to give her the most seductive pout imaginable.  They recorded their first record and had their first single released with moderate success, enough to secure them as the opening act for a  major star’s next tour.  I won’t say who but suffice it to say you have heard a number of his songs on the radio.  Maybe even sung along to one or made love while one played in the background.  While on their first tour, Jamie and her boyfriend Matt broke up.  It was nothing that either had done, the relationship just could not stand the strain of the two wildly different lifestyles they led.  Jamie was sad but forged on.  As the tour continued however, Jamie realized that she and the headliner on tour seemed to have some chemistry together.   By the end of the tour he and Jamie had become an item.  After a few months they became engaged.  When it came time for the wedding, Jamie chose Liv as her maid of honor with Andi next in line during the ceremony.  After the bride and groom had kissed and turned to face the assembled crowd, all three girls beamed, each proudly showing off their sparkly smiles.

Now five years later everyone is still doing great.  Even after she got married, Jamie continued to play regional shows with her band for several months, until she got pregnant.  She left the band, though they are still on good terms and speak on occasion.  They run into each other at the awards shows; and always promise they are all going to meet up and have a reunion; even if they know that life, family and work will get in the way.  The band couldn’t find a suitable female replacement for Jamie, but they did find someone.  And he was a good fit.  In fact their success and exposure just continued to grow.  They are still active and successful themselves, you would recognize them if I told you their name.  Jamie is not a full time musician like she always thought she would be, but she is happier than she ever thought possible.  She still plays and sings a little, and has even recorded a few songs with her husband.   She joins her husband when he is on tour much of the time with their two young children.  When she is on tour with him, he often brings her out to perform a number or two of her own, and there are several duets they perform that the crowd loves.  One of those is his biggest hit to date.   

Liv did successfully complete her internship and she did get her braces off before she started her own practice.  She is happily married now, though she has put off having kids for now to focus on her practice.  That practice, Nashvegas Orthodontics and TMJ, is thriving and growing every year.  Andi is her lead assistant.  They still banter back and forth like always.  No, none of the girls still have their braces; instead they all each have beautiful healthy smiles.  But Dr. Shaw does still rely on headgear as her preferred method of anchorage.  So if you are ever out on Broad Street one Saturday night and see a sexy cowgirl wearing headgear, tip your hat to her, maybe offer to buy her a drink and strike up a conversation if she seems unattached, and say a silent thank you to Dr. Shaw.



The End

Offline Braceface2015

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #27 on: 05. March 2022, 11:20:46 AM »
I really enjoyed this story. It had so much in it that was different from what others have written.

I don't want to be picky, but you called the ending of the story a 'prologue'. It should be an 'epilogue'. Prologues go at the beginning and are used to introduce a story or characters in the story.

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #28 on: 05. March 2022, 17:43:47 PM »
Thank you for the correction.  And the continued advice and critiquing of my writing and all the advice on what I should  and should not do.  You have been consistent in offering such advice on every thread I have started. But please stop.  Thank you.

Offline Lithpkith

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Re: Story - And the Beat Goes On
« Reply #29 on: 05. March 2022, 20:26:44 PM »
I enjoyed thith stowy vewy much! Thank you for thhawing it with uth.