I want to share the story of Leigh and her old and new friends. I didn’t post this story when I started it almost a year and a half ago since the orthodontic content was very light. However, with the work that mr_90proof has shared with us that is about a lot more than just orthodontics, I though I would share my work. I did a short story here when Sparky proposed one if his writing challenges, which involved the characters from this story.

Since some of the first chapters are rather tedious to read, I was a very poor writer then, I decided to start posting in the middle where we meet a new character. An online search for ‘leigh and joel napacaster’ will bring up the entire story from the beginning. In this scene Leigh and her friend and boss Kathy, who is wearing some recreational casts, are picking Judy up at the airport. Kathy has just returned fro ma business trip wearing casts and with her headgear wired in place. Judy is the sister of Collene, who works with her boyfriend at an orthotics shop.

Nothing is this story is mean to be realistic or based on reality. It’s just a fantasy world that I think we all wished we lived in.

I hope you all enjoy, and If the response is positive, I’ll continue to post chapters every few days until I’m caught up to where the story currently is at other places (chapter 166 as of this date)


Ch. 101 -  Meeting Judy
 
 
As we approached Judy's terminal, we saw a young, blonde woman on crutches wearing KAFOs and a Milwaukee brace, with an attendant standing next to her. She was a natural beauty dressed in a well-tailored ladies suit. However, her Milwaukee brace and KAFOs were not befitting of her beauty and style. They were very worn, and her Milwaukee brace was ill-fitting, forcing her chin up and head back.
 
 
I pulled up to this very pretty girl, and Kathy put down her window and said, "You must be Judy; I'm Kathy, and I'm here with Leigh. Collene asked us to pick you up." Kathy then extended her casted right arm out the window. Judy approached, shook her hand, and said with a quiet, sweet voice, "Hi Kathy, I'm Judy, Collie's little sister. I'm pleased to meet you, and thanks for coming to get me; it's very kind of you and Leigh."
 
 
With Judy closer, I saw her smile. She's definitely in need of major orthodontic work. Her teeth are very crooked and crowded; she has a severe overbite, and her incisors are rotated quite a bit, likely from her very ill-fitting back brace. Other than her smile, she is a very beautiful girl with a great sense of style, just like her sister. The attendant put Judy's bags in the back of the van, helped her get into the back seat, and gently shut the door.
 
 
I introduced myself and said it was wonderful to meet her, and Judy said likewise. As we were heading for the highway, Judy said, "Hey, I'm really hungry. Think we could stop and get a late lunch? My treat." That sounded great to Kathy and me, but I warned her that it takes us a while to eat with our orthodontic appliances. Judy said she could tell from our lisps and parted teeth when we smiled that we must have a lot going on in our mouths; Collene had told her about our complicated orthodontic appliances. Judy explained that she was used to eating slowly from growing up around Collene, who always ate slowly because of the various orthodontic appliances she had to wear.
 
 
Just as we decided to have lunch, we saw a shopping center at the next exit and pulled off to see what restaurants were there. We saw there was a Chevy's and thought Mexican food sounded great. Judy and Kathy both wanted a cocktail or three after their stressful flights and hustling around the busy airports.
 
 
We got parked, and Judy was shocked when she saw Kathy get out of the van. She had been sitting behind Kathy and did not realize that not only were both of her arms in casts, but both of her legs were in casts as well. Since Kathy knew that Judy was a pretender, she simply told Judy that all her casts were just for pleasure and that she had no medical need for them. She explained that she just wanted to have a little fun on her business trip, and in fact, that was why we were at the airport to begin with. Judy said, "Wow, your casts look so cool, Kathy. I have never worn a cast before, but I have always wanted to." I said, "That can be arranged, Judy. Anytime you want to try wearing a cast, just let any of us know. We are all experts at applying them."
 
 
Judy then took a good look at my KAFOs, Milwaukee brace, and extensive orthodontics and said I looked great in all my braces and that they looked like a lot of fun to wear. I said that they were all very comfortable and enjoyable to wear, and that my husband and I get much pleasure from them. I also said that her sister was really enjoying her new braces and how much better her back felt since she started wearing a Milwaukee brace again.
 
 
After Judy took another good look at Kathy and me, including another very close look at our orthodontic braces and headgear, we headed inside to eat. We requested the large table that was in a quiet back corner so we could have some privacy and talk. We all got seated, and Kathy rested her LLC on a chair and crossed her legs with her SLWC resting upon her LLC. It was very provocative, and the other patrons, especially men, couldn't keep their eyes off her.
 
 
As we began to talk, it was clear that Judy was much like her sister, with the same sweet and caring personality, but I got the impression she had a mischievous side like Rebekah. Judy is also a very beautiful young woman, just like her sister. If it weren't for their different hair and eye colors and Judy's crooked smile, they could be identical twins. As we talked, it was clear that Collene had told Judy all about me and my friends since she asked when she would get to meet Emme, Rebekah, and Lydia. Judy seemed to know a lot about us, so we asked her to tell a little about herself:
 
 
"Well, I'm a year and a day younger than Collie. We had a great childhood living overseas until Collie got sick. I was here in the US visiting our grandparents, and that saved me from contracting polio and becoming paralyzed. After Collie became paralyzed, it was tough on the family, and our parents split up. Collie and I moved back to the States with our mom. She was really traumatized by having her oldest daughter crippled and then getting divorced; she provided for us but didn't really care what us kids did."
 
 
"Our mom never started drinking or anything like that, and our father supported us well financially. Mom just became very detached and distant, and we hardly ever saw our dad. We moved across town just before I started 10th grade at a new school, and that is when I started wearing Collie's old braces pretty much full-time. Since we were both so pretty, no one gave us a hard time about our braces, and we were both really popular. The only thing we got teased about were our teeth—mine because they were so crooked and Collie because of her complicated orthodontic braces. She could hardly speak with all the appliances that were in her mouth. "
 
 
"All of Collie's medical and dental care was and is paid for by the company our father works for. However, I was never able to get my teeth fixed when I was younger, and now, from wearing Collie's old, poorly fitting Milwaukee braces, my teeth are really screwed up. As I grew older, I continued to wear Collie's braces, and I have been living as a handicapped woman for several years now. At this point, all my friends know me as a handicapped person. I have worn my KAFOs for so long that my legs have actually grown so weak that I can no longer walk without braces, and my spine is very weak, too. At first, when Collene found out I had let my legs go and couldn't walk without braces, she got very angry at me. As time went on, she accepted my decision and is now very supportive of my lifestyle, which I enjoy very much."
 
 
"My plan is to settle here and transfer to the college that Collie and Billy attended for my final year. The transfer has been worked out; I start classes in the fall. I'm also getting proper, custom-made KAFOs and Milwaukee braces made by Billy as part of his training. Collie has even set up everything for me to get orthodontic braces, and I'm so excited! I understand the orthodontist is very willing to work with patients to give them the treatment they need with the extras they desire, like you two have. I have always wanted braces on my teeth since Collie got hers, and now I can finally get them plus whatever other appliances I want, too."
 
 
Now that Kathy and I had learned a little more about Judy, the conversation became less one-sided.
 
 
L - Well, Judy, I think you have come to the right place to start your new life. You'll soon become friends with a lot of people with interests similar to yours. There is a fairly large recreational orthopedic and orthodontic community here. In fact, after we retire, we might start a business catering to these folks. It amazes me how many people enjoy wearing casts and braces.
 
 
K - Yes, I think you will be very happy here, Judy. There are a lot of great people here, and you will make a lot of friends. I know that our friends are all very excited to meet you, and I'm sure you will like them all. What is your major in college? We have a lot of contacts and can help you find a great job when you graduate.
 
 
J - Marketing is my major, specifically business-to-business products and services.
 
 
K - Oh, that's great, Judy. I can get you a paid internship at our company while you finish school, and if you are anything like your sister, which I think you are, it will lead to an excellent career after you graduate. We need some young blood in the marketing department at the company Leigh and I work at.
 
 
J - Gee, that sounds great, Kathy. Thanks! I have not even made it to my new town yet, and I already have a job!
 
 
L - And you will soon have all new custom-made braces and the orthodontic appliances you need and desire, too. I am sure we can find you a place to live that you can afford. My husband has a friend who owns quite a few rental properties in and around town.
 
 
J - You two are the greatest! Thanks for offering me so much help to make my new start. Collene told me how kind and caring you ladies are. Thank you!
 
The waitress then arrived with our meals, which we slowly ate, with Judy keeping pace and never rushing us. It was a very pleasant lunch with much more conversation. We finished up and hit the road to head home.
 
 
On the way home, Judy fell asleep, and Kathy and I quietly talked. I confirmed with Kathy my plan to retire in about a year and that she should plan for my replacement. I wanted to be able to freely engage in recreational orthopedic adventures and not have to cut things short or worry about making up stories at work. Kathy said she will be retiring shortly after me, and she has made the board of directors aware of our intentions.
 
We were stopped at a red light when Kathy handed me a brochure that read, "Kings Mountain Retreat: A resort for the differently abled" and said, "Dolores gave me this. She and Karl have been there, and it's wonderful. I've spoken to Lydia, and we plan to go during one of my more intense adventures. If we like it, maybe we can all take a vacation there together?" I replied, "That might be fun. Let's see how you and Lydia like it."
 
 
Judy slept all the way back to my house and woke up just as we were turning into the driveway. She looked around and said, "This is where you live, Leigh? It's so beautiful!" I told her this is where Joel and I live and that Rebekah and Paul have a home here, too. We parked, and Judy helped Kathy out of the van, and we all crutched into the house.
 
 
I showed Judy around, and she thought our house was beautiful. She noted that everything was handicap accessible and how easy it must be for me to get around with the wide doorways and plenty of open space. I said it was, and that Rebekah and Paul's house is also fully accessible. Kathy said she wanted her casts removed before Joel and Lydia got home, but she wanted to keep her SLWC and tell everyone at work she had a little accident on her trip.
 
 
We went to the cast room, and Judy was impressed by all the equipment and supplies. She said it was just like the clinic that Collene went to when they were kids, traction frame and all. As I was removing Kathy's casts, Judy then told us about when Collene would get new braces. She explained how casts were applied to Collene's legs and body to make molds for her braces and how comfortable she looked in traction while waiting for the warm plaster to dry. Judy said she was looking forward to experiencing it for herself.
 
 
I explained that her legs will get casts for her new braces, but her body will be scanned while she is in traction. Judy said she really wants to wear a cast or two someday but thinks she'll wait until she gets settled in. By now, I had just finished removing all but Kathy's walking cast, and I brought her some warm, wet cloths to wash her arms and leg and a razor to shave. Soon Kathy picked up her SATS braces and green shoe from right where she left them over ten days ago and put them on.
 
 
I then asked Kathy if she wanted her headgear unwired, too. She did, and she sat down in the dental chair, and I got to work removing the wires while Judy watched. The two little loops of wire were soon out, and Judy asked what I had just done. I explained that for the trip, Kathy had me wire her facebow in place so it would not come loose.
 
 
Judy said, "So Kathy, you wore your headgear the entire time, and you couldn't take it off even if you wanted to?" Kathy replied, "That's right, Judy. I have been wearing it for almost two weeks, 24/7. Leigh's is also wired in place and has been for many months at her request." With a look of wonderment on her face, Judy said, "I hope I need headgear and that I can get it wired in, too. The idea that I couldn't remove no matter what is really intense and exciting; I'd have to wear it everywhere I go."
 
 
Judy then inquired about Kathy's SATS braces, and Kathy explained that she started wearing them just for fun, but now her wrists have become so weak that she must wear them or casts to prevent her wrists from becoming painful. Kathy also said that she has them in a rainbow of colors to match her outfits, and the same goes with her headgear straps and facebows. Judy was very intrigued by the idea of wearing wrist braces simply for pleasure.
 
Judy and I crutched out to the den, with Kathy following in her SLWC. We talked while awaiting the arrival of Joel, Lydia, Billy, and Collene.

Ch. 103 -  Judy’s Consultations – Orthodontics
 
 
Billy and Collene were up early this morning and off to open up the orthotics shop, and Joel soon left for the bus shop. Judy and I took a more leisurely approach to the morning and enjoyed several cups of coffee and some great conversation. I really like Judy; she's like the daughter I never had, and she even looks like me when I was her age. We got dressed and headed into town, stopping for breakfast on the way.
 
 
As we drove to town, Judy was very excited to find out what sort of treatment plan Joe would come up with for her teeth. I told her that, with the way her teeth look, her treatment would be complex, likely with expanders and headgear, and it would take a very long time. I also reminded her that since she wears a Milwaukee brace, she'll need some sort of splint or other device for long-term stabilization of her bite once it is corrected.
 
 
Judy asked me what I meant when I said her teeth would need long-term stabilization. I explained that this means wearing a special retainer like Collene tried, but usually it means continuing to wear braces and a splint for as long as she wears her Milwaukee brace. After I said that, Judy seemed to become even more excited about getting orthodontic braces, knowing she would be in them for a very long time, maybe even forever, like Rebekah, Emme, and me.
 
 
We met up with Collene at the shop; she is going with us to Judy's orthodontic consultation. She needs to see Joe today anyway to get her bite blocks and expanders removed and her removable splint placed. The active phase of her treatment is now complete. We all crutched down to Joe's office and got checked in, and soon Sally came and got us.
 
 
As usual with new patients, Sally took X-rays and 3D scans of Judy's teeth before we went to the larger of the four exam rooms. Sally asked Judy to please remove her Milwaukee brace so the doctor could more easily work in her mouth. She removed her blouse and her very ill-fitting Milwaukee brace and sat in the dental chair wearing only her bra, skirt, and KAFOs. We chatted with Sally a bit about her braces and how things were going with Stan while we waited for Joe.
 
 
Joe knocked on the door and entered. He introduced himself to Judy and said, "Hi Judy, I understand you are Collene's sister, and you have severe malocclusion from wearing a poorly fitted Milwaukee brace. You desire to have this corrected and prevent any further problems from wearing your back brace. I also see that this is a special consultation, so your interest in getting braces is more than just about needing them. Is this correct, Judy?"
 
 
Judy replied, "Yes, sir, that is right. I'd like to have my teeth fixed, and I'm willing to accept whatever treatment you believe is best, no matter how intrusive it may be. My desire to wear braces is more than just about needing them. I share the same feelings that Leigh and Rebekah do about orthodontics. I am very curious to find out what you want to do with my teeth and very excited to get braces; I have wanted them even since Collie got hers when we were kids."
 
 
"Very well, Judy. I am glad you have such a positive attitude and are excited to wear braces. I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as your friends do." said Joe as he took a look at her scans, and then he reclined her chair and examined Judy's teeth. After a thorough examination and several minutes of staring at the computer in deep thought, Joe turned to Judy and said,
 
 
"Your teeth are very healthy, but of course they are very displaced. I have a plan to straighten your teeth that should be relatively painless, but it will take many years to correct your bite. Then you will require braces and a removable splint for as long as you wear your Milwaukee brace. I don't think retainers will work for you since they did not work for Collene. Your malocclusion is severe, and I would like to correct it very slowly; I find that going slow gives better long-term results. I can use clear or metal brackets, but I would prefer to use bands like those Leigh and Collene wear for cases like yours. I've been using them more and more with patients who are willing to accept them."
 
 
"The first step will be to band all of your teeth and begin to get them into better alignment. Once your molars are in better alignment, I'll fit upper and lower palate expanders and a tongue crib on the upper expander, similar to what your sister has. You'll also be getting headgear at this time, too. Once your teeth have been aligned, a process that I can see taking around six years, as it did with your sister's original treatment, the active phase will be complete. Then we will go to the retention phase, where you will continue to wear braces; you can get whatever kind of brackets you want, or even keep your bands and begin wearing a magnetic splint like Collene is getting today."
 
 
"Speaking of splints, you will be wearing a removable splint for the duration of your treatment to be worn whenever you are in your Milwaukee brace. If you choose to have treatment, you will leave today with spacers between your teeth and a temporary splint. I know it's a lot to take in, and I'll give you a few minutes to think about it while I enter your treatment plan into the computer."
 
 
It was a lot for Judy to take in, but she was pleased with the plan. She took a moment to think, then asked Collene for her opinion: "Go for it, Judy. You like attention, and with all that in your mouth, you'll get plenty of it. You have always wanted braces, and I know you'll have fun wearing them and all the other appliances, too. Plus, you're getting bands, and they look so cool. We will look so cute with matching braces!"
 
 
Judy turned to Joe and excitedly said, "Let's do it! I've wanted braces on my teeth ever since Colleen got hers years ago. She looked as adorable in them then and even more so now, and I will, too." Joe said, "That sounds great. Your teeth are going to be a bit of a challenge and will test my skill, but it will go so much easier with your great attitude. I wish that all of my patients were as cooperative and positive about their treatment as you are. It will be a pleasure to have you as a client, Judy."
 
 
Joe turned to the computer and activated the 3D printer to make Judy's temporary splint before putting spacers between her teeth. "All done for today except for your temporary splint; it will be ready in a few minutes," Joe said after placing her spacers. "Why don't you put your Milwaukee brace back on and trade places with Collene so she can get her bands and expanders off and get her brackets and splint?" Judy got up, and I helped her back into her Milwaukee brace, but Collene did not take her place in the chair.
 
 
"I would like to keep my bands and appliances for a while, Joe. I am very used to them and like how they feel in my mouth, and I love my banded smile. Oh, my lisp! I adore my lisp. I spent so many years with appliances like these that I would feel naked without them. Please, can I keep them, Joe?" pleaded Collene.
 
 
Joe laughed and replied, "I don't see why not, Collene. We won't turn your expanders anymore, and you should stop wearing your reverse-pull headgear. You no longer require it unless you want to wear it with very loose bands like Rita does so it doesn't move your teeth." Collene got up and gave Joe a big hug and said, "Thank you, Joe. This is so cool, and Billy will love it, too. It will be so much fun for all of us to have lisps and wear all these appliances at the same time. Doesn't he come in next week for his expanders?"
 
 
S-  Yes, Billy transferred his case to our office, and he gets his expanders next week. His will be just like yours, Collene.
 
 
C - Joe, could I get headgear like Leigh's just because I think it looks so cool and I know Billy would love it too?
 
 
J -  Yes, that's also no problem, Collene. It will be non-functional like Leigh's, and we won't wire yours in; Sally will fix you up. Is there anything else I can do for you, ladies? I have other patients to see, and Sally will fit Judy's temporary splint and Collene's headgear.
 
 
There was nothing else the girls wanted, and we thanked Joe for everything as he left the room.
 
 
Sally said, "Let me get your splint, Judy. I'll warn you though; it'll be a real mouthful, and you'll probably be unable to speak while wearing it." Collene and I said that Sally was right; speaking is almost impossible when wearing the splint. Judy said, "I know. I talked to Collie on the phone and had her put hers in her mouth. I could hardly understand her; she sounded like when she had to wear her Van Beek appliance when we were kids. I was so jealous!"
 
 
Sally left the room and soon returned with the splint. It was similar to the one Collene had worn, with a hole in the front between the teeth. Sally handed it to Judy and told her to put it in her mouth, to which Judy replied, "Will it even fit in my mouth, it's so big?" Sally assured her it would, and since Judy was in her Milwaukee brace, she told her to stretch her neck so she could open her mouth wider.
 
 
Judy opened her mouth wide and placed her splint in her mouth, then attempted to speak. We couldn't understand anything Judy tried to say; all that came out of her mouth were grunts and groans. Sally handed her a notepad and pen, and Judy wrote, "Oh, wow! This thing is huge, and I am literally speechless. Please give me a mirror; I'd like to see how I look." Sally handed her a mirror, and Judy looked at herself. "You know, this thing looks cool and is actually very comfortable. I just need to learn how to talk again," Judy wrote after seeing herself with all the plastic between her teeth and her lips held wide apart.
 
 
Sally then asked Collene to take a seat in the chair so her non-functional headgear could be fitted. Collene was asked what color facebow she desired and what kind and color of straps she desired. She replied, "All the colors you have, so I can match them to my outfits, and I want all the styles of straps you have, so I have different options.
 
 
Sally went to the supply closet, came back with facebows and straps in all the colors available, and began fitting them to Collene's molar bands. Soon, all the facebows had been adjusted to fit just right, along with all the straps. Sally asked which headgear Collene wanted to wear today. Collene chose to wear her plain metal facebows, upper and lower, with black interlandi straps. Sally showed her how to insert and remove the facebows and how to attach the straps. Collene's long hair and Milwaukee brace made placing her headgear straps difficult, and they were in full view with her hair under them; she looked quite fetching. Judy wrote on her notepad, "Oh, Collie, you look so sexy. Billy is going to go wild when he sees you wearing all that!"
 
 
Sally then packed Collene's facebows and headgear straps into a small bag and handed it to her, asking if there was anything else we needed today. I thanked Sally for all she and Joe have done for the girls, and Sally told Judy to come back next Monday at nine to get her bands placed. Judy replied, "Ank oo, Ally. E oo en." (Thank you, Sally. See you then.)" and we were on our way back to the orthotics shop. Both girls were very satisfied with their visit to the orthodontist today.
 
 
We returned to Gary and Rita's shop so Collene could get back to work and Judy could get casts and scans made for her new braces. Rita had many questions after seeing Judy with her splint and Collene still wearing her expanders, tongue crib, and bite blocks, and now also sporting double facebow interlandi headgear.
 
 
Collene stated that she simply wanted to keep what was in her mouth for a while, maybe forever, as she really enjoys her appliances, as well as to wear headgear since she thinks Billy will find it really sexy. Since speaking was difficult for Judy, I explained to Rita that Judy's splint was only temporary, like the ones Collene and I wore, and that Judy would be getting full bands and many other appliances as time went on.
 
 
It was then that Billy came in from the workshop and saw Collene with her double-facebow headgear and her appliances still in place. He said to her, "Wow, you've got headgear just like Leigh's, and you look great, sweetie. Oh, and all your other appliances are still in your mouth, too. I am so glad your outlook on braces has changed, baby; you look like a dream! Collene, let me try to kiss you, but it might be hard with three facebows in the way." The couple awkwardly kissed, and we all had a good laugh watching them.
 
 
Billy then said to Judy, "Oh, you poor thing, Judy. I remember when Collene had one of those. It was not easy for her, but she did well with it, and I'm sure you will, too. You only have to wear it for a short time until you get your braces on. It won't be too bad."
 
 
Then Billy asked Judy, "Do you still want to get your casts and scans done for your new braces today, Judy?" Judy simply gave two thumbs up, and then Billy's demeanor changed. He became very professional and said, "Miss Jenkins, I'm William Rogers, but I go by Billy. I understand you've come to get new KAFOs and Milwaukee braces made. Is this correct?" Judy once again gave two thumbs up, and Billy said, "Very well, Miss Jenkins, please follow me so we can begin."

Ch. 105 – Judy’s Bands
  
Judy spent a few days with Emme and Pete and had a wonderful time. Emme was wearing a pair of red SLWC's with toeplates and walking heels, which she is still wearing. When they went out, which was often, Emme wore her halo brace with the soft-tipped pins Joel made her. It's great that Judy is making friends of her own age who share her interests. Hopefully, Pete or Emme know a young man that they could introduce Judy to. Collene told me that Judy really wants to settle down with someone, but she knows finding a man who will accept her and her voluntary disability will be difficult.
 
 
Joel moved Judy's coach from behind the shop to down by the creek. It's a beautiful setting, and Judy really loves it. She has been helping Collene or Emme out at work on days she's not exploring town. It's amazing how well Judy gets around wearing her KAFOs and Minerva cast. They don't slow her down at all or seem to interfere with her life in any way. She's having a lot of fun!
 
 
Over the weekend, Collene helped Judy get things arranged with her coach. It's really starting to feel like home to her, and she'll be moving in soon. As far as Joel and I are concerned, she can stay as long as she wants; Judy and I are quickly becoming very close. Maybe we can build her a small cottage to live in. I would really like it if she stuck around.
 
 
Judy asked Emme to accompany her to get her bands applied, and Emme happily agreed. I asked Judy to email me a picture once her bands fitted; Kathy and I both wanted to see her new smile. I was eating lunch with Kathy, and she was talking about how much she enjoys wearing her walking cast when Judy's email came:
 
 
Hi Leigh,
 
 
My bands are on, and I absolutely adore them! It's great to be on the road to a perfect smile while indulgently pursuing my orthodontic fantasies. I can't wait to get the rest of my appliances! My treatment plan would be a nightmare for most people, but for me, it is a dream come true. I'm sure you remember all about getting your bands, but let me tell you what it was like for me.
 
 
Paul gave Emme and me a ride to my appointment. When we got to Joe's office, Sally was very surprised to see me wearing my Minerva cast and asked all about it. I explained, "I'm getting new Milwaukee braces made because my old ones fit so poorly. While I was in traction for my body to be scanned, my back felt so much better that I asked if I could wear a cast to keep my spine immobilized and aligned until my new braces were ready. It was agreed that wearing a cast would be fine, so I was placed in this wonderful Minerva cast. It's very comfortable and supportive; I really like wearing it, and my back feels so much better, too.
 
 
Sally then asked me what it was like to wear a cast like this, since she never asked you what wearing one was like. I told her it was extremely immobilizing but yet very comfortable, and the inside is so soft and cozy. Then I explained how my spine is completely supported as it is held in perfect, rigid alignment, even if I fully relax my body. Sally said it sounded like a very interesting experience that she might want to try for herself someday. I told her that she would probably really enjoy it.
 
 
Sally then had me sit down in the chair and recline it so she could remove my spacers and clean my teeth before my bands were applied. My cast did not impede access to my mouth since Gary had left it a bit loose around my chin. Soon, my teeth were cleaned and polished.
 
 
Joe then entered and said, "Good morning, Judy. Are you ready to become a brace face this morning?" I said, "Yes, very much so. I've been longing for this day ever since Collie got braces all those years ago." Joe put on gloves and said, "Let's get this done. It shouldn't take too long." He didn't say a word about my cast. Maybe because I'm just another one of your crazy cast and brace-loving friends?
 
 
Joe started putting the bands on my teeth. They seemed to fit on my teeth very easily when I bit down on the tool to seat them. Soon, all my teeth had metal bands cemented in place. I could feel the smooth metal on the inside of my mouth and the rougher part against my cheeks and lips before my archwires were placed. Joe and Sally then placed my archwires and tied them in place with small tie wires on each band. I began to feel pressure on my teeth as each of the ligature wires was twisted tight.
 
 
I felt a lot of pressure when my archwires were tied to my very crooked front teeth. It was sort of painful, but I enjoyed how it felt. My braces were now on, and my dream of being a metal mouth had come true. There was one final thing, and that was to place hooks for my splint to attach to. Joe crimped hooks onto my upper archwire, six in all, and banded my splint into my mouth. It felt really good, and it held my jaw in a neutral, relaxed position. Joe told me I didn't need to wear it while I was in my cast, but I decided to keep it in my mouth anyway to get used to how it felt and affected my speech. He told me to remove it when I eat and to clean it when I brush my teeth.
 
 
Joe was all done and asked if there was anything more I needed. I asked Joe if he could apply hooks to my bottom archwires and some more to the top. The hooks were quickly crimped in place, and I'll have fun with them later, maybe even tonight. Joe said he would see me in a few weeks for a checkup, and I thanked him as he left the room. Sally handed me a small bag of elastics for my splint, and knowing my special interests, she said she hopes I enjoy having my jaw wired shut. I was a bit embarrassed, but she was right; that is exactly what I plan to do.
 
 
Sally helped me out of the chair and handed me my crutches, and I went to check out my new smile in the mirror. It was amazing! Just like you, hardly any of the white of my teeth showed around my bands. My teeth are almost completely covered by metal, and my splint held my front teeth slightly apart and gave me a lisp. My upper archwire seemed to go every which way and make my teeth look even more crooked. Emme was really jealous of how my crooked teeth looked; she loves crooked, braced teeth. I've attached a photo, but you'll get to see me this evening. I want to give Billy and Collie their privacy, and I'll be living in my coach from now on. Tonight, I want to be alone, enjoy my cast and braces, and maybe have you wire me shut, too.
 
 
Kathy and I looked at Judy's picture, and her banded smile looked great! Judy was right; her bands and archwires did make her teeth look even more crooked and out of place than before. I replied to Judy's and suggested she have dinner with Joel and me before she spent the night alone, enjoying her new braces. Judy accepted my offer, saying that only her front teeth were sore and that she thought she could eat normally.
 
 
I saw Paul and Rebekah's car pull up in front of the house that evening, and Judy slowly got out and thanked them for the ride. She must have spent the day with Emme and Rebekah at the shop after she got her braces. Joel then pulled up in his old Dodge truck just as Judy was crutching through the front door. We all went into the den to have a glass of wine before dinner, but first I wanted to put on a more comfortable brace for the evening, so I changed into my Minerva CTLSO.
 
 
Judy really liked my brace since it was basically a removable version of the cast she was wearing. Over our glass of wine, she once again thanked us for everything we had done for Collene, Billy, and her. Joel stated that we simply enjoy seeing people fulfill their unusual desires and enjoy helping people get a start in life. I asked Judy how her teeth felt, and she said that there was a little more pressure than earlier but that they felt pretty good. After we finished our wine, Judy and I went into the kitchen to prepare a simple dinner of fettuccini Alfredo.
 
 
After dinner, Joel brushed his teeth and wanted his jaw wired shut for the evening. He asked if Judy wanted to watch. She did, and she was fascinated by the procedure. When I was done with Joel's wires, Judy asked if I would do the same for her. I got her a toothbrush so she could go clean her teeth, and then I would wire her jaw shut.
 
 
I could see the delight in her eyes as I pulled the wires tight. Judy was overjoyed, and she was barely able to speak clearly enough to tell me how much she loved how it felt and to thank me. Joel and I escorted her to her coach, where Joel ensured that everything was in order for her first night alone, and I made sure that she was comfortable. I told her we have breakfast at seven thirty in the morning, and she was welcomed to join us. She could have her wires removed then or keep them on longer if she desired. Judy didn't seem to be paying any attention to what we were saying. She just wanted to be alone with her KAFOs, Minerva cast, and wired jaw.
 
 
When Judy came up to the house for breakfast this morning, she asked me to remove the wires that had immobilized her jaw for the night. She thought that spending many weeks wired shut would be a lot of fun, and she wants to try it for a month or two in the future.
 
 
Over the next few days, Judy really got settled in. She's very comfortable in her coach and is happy living there. Judy has breakfast with Joel and me every morning and gets a ride into town with one of us. We really enjoy having her around.
 
 
Tonight is the military vehicle club meet, and we asked Judy if she would like to tag along. She thought it would be fun, and it would be a chance to be seen in her Minerva cast. Joel went and got his Jeep, helped Judy into the back seat, and then he picked me up and set me down next to her. Joel then snapped a picture of us sitting side by side, both of us in KAFOs and bands, with me in my Milwaukee brace and headgear and Judy in her Minerva cast. He showed us the picture, and we sure looked cute. Joel got in, cranked the engine, and we were off to Pee Dee's.
 
 
On the way, I told Judy about Sam and Millie and how they both have braces on their teeth and also wear Milwaukee braces, but Millie's is recreational. I've not seen Millie in her Milwaukee brace yet, and I wondered how well she could skate wearing it. When we got to the drive-in, Millie was on break, sitting with Sam and having a cold drink. Joel parked the Jeep around back with the other trucks, helped us to our feet, and we crutched over to Sam and Millie.
 
 
As we approached, we saw that both girls were wearing their Milwaukee braces with roller skates on their feet, with Millie in her car hop uniform. Both girls had on their custom wrist guards, Sam's in hot pink and Millie's matching her uniform in pink and blue, with their combination headgear straps matching their wrist guards. When the girls saw us approaching, their smiles revealed their bands, and the mouth guards banded to their teeth. I introduced the girls to Judy, and we sat down to talk.
 
 
M - That's quite the cast you are in, Judy. What happened?
 
J - Nothing; it's just for fun.
 
S - Oh, that's cool. I have wanted to wear a cast like that since I saw Leigh in hers some time ago. It looks like fun. Are your leg braces just for fun, too?
 
 
J - Well, yes and no. I have no condition that requires them, but I have worn them for pleasure for so long that my legs cannot support me anymore. I now have to wear them; you can see how atrophied my legs have become.
 
 
L - I'm actually thinking of doing the same thing. I love wearing my KAFOs, and I wish I really needed them. Changing the subject, how are you two doing with all your braces?
 
 
S - I'm doing great! I love my bands and headgear, and I can skate wearing my back brace with no problems.
 
 
M - Me too; I love my orthodontic work, and I get along really well in my Milwaukee brace. I'm able to do all my dance routines without too much trouble. When you go inside, there is a picture by the door of one of the carhops in the 70s with bands, headgear, a Milwaukee brace, and raven pigtails. I look just like her! Oh, look, the girls are getting ready to dance; I have to go join them.
 
 
We watched the skate dance routine, and it was amazing to see Millie skating around in her Milwaukee brace. It didn't seem to inhibit her in any way, but it was obvious she didn't move quite like the other girls did. Judy was very impressed with Millie's abilities. After the show was over, Millie got back to work, and Sam skated over to look at the trucks, doing circles around Judy and me as we crutched along.
 
 
Judy spent a lot of time talking with Sam and Millie over the course of the evening. When it was time to go, Judy asked if I would pick her up at Sam and Millie's place after work tomorrow. All three girls had nothing going on tomorrow; they wanted to talk orthopedics and orthodontics and spend a day out on the town.
 
 
As Joel and I drove off, we saw Judy crutching down the sidewalk with Sam and Millie slowly skating alongside her. They looked so cute.
 

Ch. 107 – Judy’s New Job

 
Judy has really enjoyed wearing her Minerva cast, but the time has come for her to part with it. It's now extremely worn; the padding has become packed down, and the stockinette is torn in places and is not so soft anymore. Around her face, her cast is stained from makeup and sweat. It has also acquired a strong "lived-in" aroma from her active lifestyle. Judy's cast is covered in signatures and drawings from all the new friends she has made since moving here, too. However, she must part with it, begin wearing her new Milwaukee braces, and truly start her new life here.
 
 
Judy was at our place this morning for breakfast as usual, and I had taken the morning off to accompany her to get her new Milwaukee braces fitted. She was dressed very casually, wearing just a pair of shorts and her brown KAFOs with brown block-heeled oxfords that were rather high. Judy also had a bag with a change of clothes to wear to her meeting with Kathy and to start her new job this afternoon. We ate breakfast, and as we were getting ready to go, Joel gave Judy a big hug and wished her well. I think he just wanted to take one last close look at Judy's worn cast and get a whiff of its very strong odor. Joel is really into dirty and smelly casts, which is something I won't often indulge him with; I like fresh, clean casts and get mine changed often.
 
 
When we arrived at Jameson Orthotics, Collene was working at her desk wearing all her beautiful white braces and matching double-facebow interlandi headgear. She sure seems to enjoy wearing her double facebows just as much as I do, and she looks quite fetching with them. When Collene smiled as she got up to give us a hug, I immediately noticed something new with her orthodontic braces: she had surgical hooks on her archwires. When I asked about them, Collene turned red with embarrassment; they are obviously there for fun only, and Collene said:
 
 
C - It's a little embarrassing, but my hooks are only for fun. In fact, Billy got them too. After Judy told us about being wired shut that night, we were curious to see what it was like for ourselves. We even have surgical-type splints to wear, too. Billy's is like the one I have seen Leigh, Joel, and Rebekah wear in pictures. Mine is a little different because of my fixed bite block, but from the front, they both look identical. We have only put them in our mouths to see how they fit; we haven't wired or even banded each other shut yet. That will come after work on Friday for our wired weekend.
 
 
J - Oh Collie, you and Billy will love having your jaws wired shut. I only did it for that one night, and it was great! Once I get settled into my new job, I plan to spend two months wired shut. 
 
 
C - Well, you all seem to enjoy it, and I hope we do, too. Since everything is going so well in our lives, Billy and I have been having a bit more fun lately. I have even put casts on both of his legs a couple of times, but we didn't leave our apartment.
 
 
L - That's great that you and Billy did some casting; it's a lot of fun. Do you and Billy have everything you need for jaw wiring?
 
 
C - Yes, we sure do. Sally gave us everything we'll need.
 
 
J - When I was visiting with Emme the other day, she said she was going to get hooks on her archwires, too. She shares the same curiosity as you, Collie.
 
 
C - That's cool. I guess we'll all have to go out one day wired shut. That would be fun.
 
L - It certainly would, Collene. I love going out wired shut and talking to people. Of all the things I have done, a wired jaw seems to get the most attention. You'll love it!
 
 
We all went to the workshop. Billy was glad to see Judy and me and was excited to have Judy try on her new braces. He was very proud of his work. Gary said to Billy, "I think you can handle this yourself, but come get me if you need any help," and we went to the cast room.
 
 
B - Let's get you out of that smelly old cast, Judy.
 
 
J - Sounds good, Billy. It's gotten pretty nasty the last couple of weeks, but I still love wearing it.
 
 
B - I have never seen you walk without your braces, Judy, and your legs are quite atrophied. You can't walk at all without your braces anymore, can you?
 
 
J - That's right, Billy, I can no longer walk without braces; my legs are too weak. Why do you ask? 
 
 
B - I figured as much. I just need to know so I can provide you with the proper level of assistance today. That's all.
 
 
J - Oh, OK, Billy. As long as there is a seat in the shower and I have a wheelchair to get there, I'm fine without them, but I would like someone to scrub my back for me. I know I have been smelling pretty bad for the last couple of weeks and really need to get cleaned up. You are such a gentleman, and I trust you to provide me with any assistance I might need, and I am not afraid of you seeing me without my cast or anything else on.
 
 
B - I'm glad you are comfortable with me seeing you like that, Judy. For me, it is just part of the job. Here, I am a professional, not your sister's boyfriend; I'm glad you feel at ease. Have a seat on the table, and we'll take off your KAFOs so they don't get fiberglass dust on them, then I'll remove your cast.
 
 
J - Sounds great, Billy. I am really excited to wear the braces you made me, and I'm sure they will be perfect.
 
 
Judy removed her shorts, took a seat, and removed her KAFOs and shoes. Billy then began cutting her free from her cast. I warned Judy that her skin would be very sensitive once her cast was removed and that the air would feel cold and prick her bare skin. Judy asked Billy to be careful when cutting her cast off; she wants to save it.
 
 
Soon Judy was free of her cast; her back and neck were very weak. She had difficulty holding her head up and sitting up straight. Billy asked if she wanted a neck brace to wear while she showered, and she thought she would be fine without it. Billy then went to prepare the shower and got warm water flowing.
 
 
He soon returned, helped Judy into a transport chair, and took her to the shower. Once there, she removed her panties, transferred to the shower seat, and took a long, hot shower. She gently washed her newly exposed skin, along with shampooing and conditioning her hair.
 
 
While Judy was showering, Billy cleaned up Judy's cast so she could save it and also see what was drawn and written on the back. Judy then called for Billy to come scrub her back, and she spent a few more minutes enjoying the hot shower. Finally, she was finished, and Billy helped her to dry off, and Judy called for me to bring her panties and bra from the bag she had brought.
 
 
I took Judy's undergarments to her and helped her put them on, while Billy went and got her KAFOs. Judy put on her leg braces and shoes, and then she crutched to the fitting room with Billy carrying her bag of clothes. Now clean and refreshed, Judy was excited to try on her new Milwaukee braces.
 
 
 Judy's braces were laid out on a table, and Billy picked up the waterproof brace and began to put it on Judy. She said, "Wait! I need to put in my orthodontic splint first." Judy got the plastic case out of her bag, removed the splint from it, carefully placed it in her mouth, and I banded it in place for her. Judy then said to Billy with a strong lisp, "OK, now I can try on my braces, Billy."
 
 
The first brace was firmly strapped onto Judy's body, and Billy checked the fit, which was perfect. Judy stood up and crutched around the room, saying it was really comfortable. The process was repeated with her white and black braces, and finally with her brown one, which she would be wearing today. Billy said he thought to try it on last since it matched the KAFOs she was wearing, and if she was anything like her sister, her leg and back braces must match.
 
 
This brace also fit great, and Billy went to get Gary to pass the final judgment. When Billy returned with Gary, he ensured all was well and asked Judy if this brace felt like all the others. Judy assured him that it did and that it was very comfortable despite being extremely restrictive. Gary turned to Billy and said, "Excellent job, my friend. You have a natural talent for this work. It's hard to believe that these are the first Milwaukee braces you ever made on your own."
 
 
With Gary's approval of her braces, Judy got in her bag, pulled out a blue knee-length skirt, a white blouse, and a blue jacket, and got dressed. She got a small makeup kit from her bag and crutched to the mirror to apply her makeup and brush her hair. Judy was braced from head to toe, wearing a great-looking, well-tailored suit with cute high heels on her feet and a crooked, metallic smile. She looked absolutely stunning!
 
 
I told Judy that her look was perfect for our office and that she would fit in very well. Billy said there was one last thing and showed her the interchangeable throat molds and occipital pads that she could change to suit her mood or style. We thanked Billy and complimented him on his fine work, and Gary was very pleased with what Billy had learned from him in such a short time.
 
 
We crutched out to the office so Collene could see her sister's new braces. Collene said, "You look great, Judy! I'm so happy for you to be living the life you have dreamed of. It's too bad that you couldn't have had custom-made braces years ago when you began living like this, but look at you now! Braced from head to foot in beautiful custom-made braces with sexy bands on all your teeth, too. Good luck at your new job, and have Leigh drop you off at our place after work. I want to hear all about your day."
 
 
Judy replied, "Will do, Collie. Today is truly a new beginning for me, and I'm so excited and thankful for everyone and everything in my life. I feel and look great! See you and Billy this evening, Collie."
 
 
Just as we were crutching out the door, Judy turned to Billy and asked about her Minerva CTLSO. Billy said that he had a few things left to do on it and would bring it on Friday, when we're all going out to dinner. Judy was pleased and said she would wear it that evening. I told Judy that I would wear mine and would ask Rebekah and Emme to wear theirs, too. Four ladies in identical spinal braces will certainly attract the attention we all crave. With that, Judy thanked everyone once again and said goodbye. Billy carried Judy's braces to the car and placed them in the trunk. Now it was off for a quick lunch and then for Judy to start her new job.
 
 
We stopped for lunch at the cafe near the office and had a quick bite to eat. Judy did a good job of discreetly removing and replacing her orthodontic splint for her meal. After we ate, Judy thought it would be a good idea for her to crutch to the office from the cafe and go in alone to meet with Kathy. I agreed and told her to meet me at my car at the end of the day. We crutched out of the cafe, and I went to my car while Judy made her way to the office. She was so cute as she quickly and gracefully crutched down the street, looking so confident in her new braces while flashing her metallic smile.
 
 
Judy had to crutch a few blocks to the office, so I was already there by the time she arrived. She stopped and spoke with the receptionist, who led her to Kathy's office. Judy crutched by my office on her way to Kathy's, looking poised, confident, and beautiful as she passed. Kathy was at her door waiting for Judy, and the two went inside and spent over an hour together.
 
 
Finally, I saw both of them leave Kathy's office and head my way. They came into my office, closed the door, and sat down to talk. Kathy said that Judy will be a perfect fit for our company and will likely have a long and successful career here. Judy said that she was really looking forward to finishing school and working here full time. Kathy then said, "Let's go, and I'll introduce you to your manager and have you meet the entire marketing team. I'm sure you will fit right in." They both got up and headed to the elevator, and I was anxious to talk to Judy at the end of the day to find out how everything went.
 
 
When it was time to go home, I was at the car first and watched Judy get out of the elevator with the head of her division and several of her new co-workers. They were all smiling and seemed to be getting along quite well, almost like they were old friends. Everyone then went to their cars, and Judy crutched over to mine and got in.
 
 
Judy said, "Oh, Leigh, thanks so much for everything. I really hit it off with everyone, and I think I will be very happy working here. Everyone liked my ideas and way of thinking. The people here are all really nice, and the overall atmosphere is so pleasant and relaxed, but yet very professional." I told Judy I was very happy for her and hoped she would have a long and happy career here, like Kathy and I have. Judy then got on her phone to call Kathy to thank her, too.
 
 
It's great to see Judy so happy and looking so beautiful in all her braces.