Episode 23.

Lakyn stood up and said "I guess it is time for me to clock out.  Mr. Jackson...". Peter cut her off and said "Peter."   Lakyn started over "Peter, it was such a pleasure to meet you.  And talk.  Thank you so much."  Peter responded "Lakyn, really, the pleasure was all mine.  And remember, you will do fine.  No sweat."  She smiled and responded "thank you.  And I will see you tomorrow?"  Peter said "of course.  You may get tired of seeing me around here.  As long as Sarah is here, I will be too."  Lakyn exclaimed "awesome!  I will see you tomorrow!"  Lakyn turned and headed towards a side door that Peter had earlier noticed visitors filtering in and out of.   Peter noticed she practically skipped across the room.  Peter smiled, glad that she was back in a good mood, that his earlier comments about the MSE hadn't dampened her spirits for too long.

As he watched her, Dr. Higgins said "goodness gracious, I wish I still had that much energy.  She is something else.  She manages to juggle school full time and working here 30 hours a week.  I have a feeling she is really going to go places.  We are lucky to have her."  Peter agreed saying "well, I just met her.  But she does seem like a ball of energy. And so eager and excited about life." 

Dr. Higgins turned a little more serious when she said "Peter, Lakyn thanked you for dinner.  I want to do the same.  I appreciate it. I think it was good for Sarah.  I know how nervous she was.  And how she doesn't really want to be here.  But she is going to do great.  I just know it.  Do you have any questions."  Peter said "just a few, and maybe a comment or two.  First, I saw all the visitors entered through that door over there.  Is that where I need to come in the future for dinner?"  Dr. Higgins said "yes, if you come just for dinner.   We lock the front door at six and unlock the dining room entrance starting at 5:30.  So if you show up after 5:30, just enter over there.  I don't know if you noticed when you pulled up, but there are signs pointing the way.  There is a visitor lot there, where you will need to park anytime you visit, and it is a shorter walk than the main front entrance.  Now, if you arrive before then, visiting hours start at five during the week, then come on through the front and sign in with Lakyn.  She will give you a badge.  This is a weekday and we didn't have that many visitors.  A lot of our guests are from out of town, or out of state, and it is difficult for many families to make it during the week.  But the weekends are a different story.  And we have extended visiting hours on Saturdays.  From noon to seven.  We get a lot of visitors on Saturdays.  It is a lot of work, a lot to keep up with for us.  But we welcome it.  It is so good for our guests.  Anything else?" 

Peter said "I understand your policy on no cell phones for guests.  I don't like it, but I understand it.  If I need to speak with Sarah, how do I do so?"  Dr. Higgins responded "just call into the main number.  If she is available, someone will get her.  I don't know if you noticed, but we do have a bank of phones.  Each in their own little cubby.  Though we do have a staff member monitor conversations.  Just in case.  So, if she is available someone will get her.  If not, we will take a message and she can call you back.  Anything else?"  Peter thought for a moment and said "no, I don't think so.  Not now."  Dr. Higgins smiled and said "you are still parked out front in registration parking aren't you.  Let me walk you to the front and unlock the door.  It will save you a little walk."   At the door, Dr. Higgins unlocked the door and held it open for Peter.  After Peter had stepped through the door he turned back to face Dr. Higgins.  He pleaded "please take care of her."  Dr. Higgins smiled and said "rest assured, we will.  Try not to worry.  I know, easier said than done.  But we will take the best care of her.  Now let me go check on Izzy.  I have a feeling your wife has made her day.  Maybe her whole week."

Later that evening, after it was time for the residents to be in their rooms, Sarah sat with Amelia in their communal sitting area.  Amelia had lots of questions for Sarah.  After trying her best to answer them, Sarah smiled at her and said "now, my turn.  You notice I have braces I am sure.  I alsho have to wear headgear.  I have never worn it in front of anyone but Peter and my boys.  But, I really need to put it on.  Will you please not make fun of me?  And please not tell all the other guests about it?  It is pretty embarrassing."  Amelia said "sure, of course.  I mean, look at me."  She held up her casts.  "I completely get it.  And you know what, I have to wear a mouthpiece and a mask at night.  A cpap mask.  At least you can put your's on by yourself.  I have to be tucked in like a little child each night by one of the nurses."  Sarah reached over and put her hand on one of the hard fiberglass casts that immobilized Amelia's arms and said "oh, you poor thing."  Amelia smiled back and said "it is ok.  I don't like them.  But I am used to them.  And I know I need them.  But, I still can't wait to get them off.  Now, go on and do what you need to do, I will just be sitting here watching TV." 

Sarah went into her bedroom and closed the door behind her.  She had already unpacked her suitcases, and she had placed her facemask, headgear, and elastics in the top drawer of the vanity.  She quickly attached her facemask with the customary four elastics. Then, she braced herself for the pressure to come and attached her highpull headgear strap to her chincup.  She immediately felt the appliance uncomfortably pulling against her chin.  She straightened and smoothed the straps out that were on top of her head.  She then turned towards the door leading to the sitting area.  She was nervous.  This would be the first time anyone outside of her family or orthodontic staff had seen her in it.  She took a deep breath and opened the door.  As she stepped into the sitting room she noticed Amelia do a double take.  And Sarah noticed her eyes got big for a moment.  Amelia had quickly composed herself, but Sarah had still seen it.  As Sarah sat down she said "yes, it ish an eye full."  Amelia said "it doesn't look bad at all."  Sarah laughed and said "you know, lying is wrong don't you?"  Amelia said "no, I mean it.  And again, at least you can put it on and take it off yourself.  I can't even do that with the mask I have to wear at night." 

As they watched TV, Sarah noticed Amelia crinkling her nose.  Sarah asked "what is it?"  Amelia said "my nose itches.  Hang on, let me get my scratcher."  Sarah said "hang on, just hang on.  Do you want me to scratch it for you?"  Amelia said "I, well, would you?  Would that be weird?"   As Sarah reached over and scratched Amelia's nose Sarah said "this whole thing seems weird."  Amelia smiled and said "it may now, but it will seem more normal for you before you know it.  Thank you so much.  That feels so good!  At least one of us has a pair of arms that work."

I may have left a few teasers in these last couple of "episodes" that may foretell what might happen to our hero Sarah.  Just sayin'.

Episode 25.

Peter pulled into the visitor parking lot a few minutes after 5.  Before he got out he hit the button to pop the rear hatch open.  Once at the rear of the vehicle he picked up a duffle bag and slung it over his shoulder.  He next picked up one of the two potted plants that were there.  He had been torn between two different plants when he had shopped earlier.  He thought the peace lily was gorgeous.  But he loved the name of the pink string of hearts.  It didn’t look that impressive, but he had looked it up online and found that it was a trailing plant that grew quickly.  Ultimately, he just bought both of them.  He would give the string of hearts to her now, and save the lily for the next day.  He hit the button to close the hatch, locked the vehicle, and made the walk to the front entrance.  As he walked, he couldn’t believe it had been less than 24 hours since he had seen Sarah.  Despite the brief conversation they had on the phone earlier, it seemed longer.  He had missed her.

Coming through the front door Lakyn immediately saw him and and practically shouted “Mr. Jackson!  Hi!”  He ignored her.  He then went to turn down the hall away from the reception desk and she did shout “Mr. Jackson!  Mr. Jackson!  You need to sign in.”  Peter stopped and turned towards her.  She had a panicked look on her face.

Peter said “oh, did you want me?  You were calling out to a Mr. Jackson.  And I am simply Peter.”  He couldn’t help but smile at her.  He started to walk toward the desk.  With a relieved look on her face Lakyn said “that was mean.  Don’t do that to me.  I thought I was going to have to call security.  Or tackle you.” 

Peter laughed as a smile broke out on Lakyn’s face now.  Peter said “I am sorry.  I just like to have fun with my friends.  So how are you?”  Lakyn said “I am great!  Whatcha got in the bag?  You know we have to take a look.”  As he unzipped the bag he said “I am smuggling poolside contraband, a couple of swimsuits and towels for Sarah.  We forgot to pack them.”  He sat the plant on the desk and handed the bag to her.  As Lakyn looked into the bag she said “those are cute!  And that’s a pretty plant too.  Let me get you checked in, get you a visitor badge, and let her know you are here. 

While waiting, Lakyn said “guess what?”  Peter said “what!”  Lakyn said “I called Fair Oaks today.  And you were right.  I am getting an expander.  Boo.  I talked to their treatment coordinator Melanie.  But she told me it wasn’t that big a deal.  That she had one herself.  But I guess we will see.” 

Peter said “Monday will be an exciting day.  The first day of your new smile.  And you are going to rock those braces and expander.  I know you will.  And guess what?”  Lakyn giggled and said “what!”  Peter said “I too called and talked to Fair Oaks today.  Actually Dr. Parker.  And guess who else has two brand new expanders?”  Lakyn said “who?”  Peter replied “Dr. Parker.  She just got them yesterday.  I guess I am the odd man out.  I am jealous you girls are going to have all the orthodontic fun without me.”  Lakyn rolled her eyes at him and said “whatever” and laughed. 

Peter then felt a set of arms wrap around him from behind.  He didn’t even need to look down at them to know who they belonged to.  To Peter, her intoxicating smell was unmistakeable.  He turned and gave his wife a kiss.  He said “hey good looking.  Come her often?”  She pinched him and said “you are such a goober.”  She then gave him another quick peck on the lips and added “but you are my goober and I love you.”

With a smile he said “I love you the mostest.  And I did remember to bring your swimsuits. And a couple of your big beach towels. Even though you said I wouldn’t.  I also brought you something else.  A little something to brighten the room.”  He picked up the plant and said “this is a string of hearts plant.  It does not look like much now.  But it grows quickly, trailing out beautiful little heart shaped leaves, eventually growing to a big, beautiful, stunning plant.  And I thought it perfectly represented us.  Our love.  Something that started small and seemingly innocent, but has grown into so much more.”  Sarah let out an “awww…”. Peter also heard another “awww” come from behind him at the reception desk. 

He turned to Lakyn and picked up the duffle bag with his free hand.  He asked “I know I can’t go in her room.  But can we stop by it so she can drop this off?”  Lakyn said “of course.  And don’t tell ANYONE I told you this.  But if you were to slip in there for a few minutes, I wouldn’t tell anyone.  BUT, nurse Broomhilda might not feel the same.  So be careful.”

Peter said “well, thank you for the warning.  And I don’t want to risk getting Sarah in trouble.  At least till I figure out nurse Broomhilda’s schedule.”  He smiled at Lakyn then turned to Sarah.  He took her hand and said “so babe, whatcha say we drop this off?  And then I thought we might go out out to that beautiful overlook and you can tell me all about your exciting day.”

Episode 27.

Peter asked Sarah "so, what are the other ladies like?  I know you have only been here a day, but I know you have made friends."  Sarah said "everyone I have met so far has been fine.  I am sure you noticed, but most of the women here seem to be in their twenties.  I definitely do feel like the house mom.  But, everyone I have met has been pleasant.  And I did meet another woman with braces in my group meeting.  Her name is Erin.  She has metal braces and this crazy looking herbst appliance in her mouth.  We kind of bonded over braces.  I mean my headgear is pretty horrible.  But at least I can take it off right?"  Peter said "that's right."   

Sarah continued "I think everyone is like me though, they just want to get out of here and go home." 

Peter said "what about Izzy? Did you two have fun last night?  Did she wear you out?" 

Sarah laughed and said "well, putting together puzzles is not my first love.  But I did have a good time with her last night.  It made me happy seeing her happy.  Does that make sense?"  Peter agreed "absolutely."  Sarah continued "she is a little clingy, but that is ok.  She doesn't have many real friends here.  I haven't seen anyone be mean to her or bully her.  I think everyone knows that Dr. Higgins would come down on them hard.  Well, if they made fun of or bullied any guest.  But especially Izzy.  She is definitely a little socially awkward.  And she seems pretty emotional.  Especially when she makes a mistake.  She gets so mad at herself.  But after all she has gone through who could blame her.  But she is so sweet.  And the smallest little things seem to make her happy.  Like last night.  Putting a puzzle together with someone. Or like today.  She saw a monarch butterfly and got so excited.  And I think some people think she is a little slow.  She isn't.  She is actually incredible sharp.  She notices things that others don't.  It's just that her interpersonal skills aren't that great.  That is why I asked you to bring those bathing suits.  If I am stuck here, I might as well try to do something good for someone else.  I want to see if I can break her out of her shell just a little.  Hopefully learn to not be so self-conscious.  So negative about herself.

I am going to surprise Izzy at dinner.  Ask her if she would go swimming tomorrow.  I asked her to sit with me, with us, at dinner.  I hope that is ok."  Peter said "of course baby, I look forward to it." 

They sat just enjoying the view as the sun dipped lower in the sky.  Peter noticed a nurse walk out onto the overlook and speak with a group of three guests.  He looked down at his watch and then over at Sarah and said "looks like they are herding everyone up for dinner.  Do you know the way?  If so, I will follow you." 

She said "I think it can find it.  If not, we will just follow the herd."

Peter stood against the wall as Sarah led Izzy over to him.  Once again, Izzy was wearing a turtleneck.  It hid most of her brace, but the silver neck ring and white plastic throat mold were still very visible.  Just like the evening before Izzy had her eyes downcast.  With her Milwaukee brace, she couldn't dip her head down, but she still managed to avert her eyes. 

Sarah said "Izzy!  I want you to meet someone very special to me.  This is my husband Peter." 

Izzy kept her eyes down and softly said "hello." 

Peter said "Izzy, it is so nice to meet you.  Sarah has been telling me all about you.  About how much you love to swim.  You know who else likes to swim?  Sarah and me.  So, you know what I brought Sarah this evening?  We forgot to pack them earlier." 

Izzy asked "what?" 

Peter said "I brought Sarah a couple of her swimsuits from home." 

Izzy looked up and said "really?"  She then looked over at Sarah.  Before Izzy could say anything Sarah said "I was hoping maybe we could go swimming tomorrow."  Izzy's face lit up and she said "OH YES!  That would be so much fun.  Thank you Sarah!"  She gave Sarah a big hug.  To Peter's surprise, Izzy released her grip on his wife and then turned and wrapped him in a hug.  As she squeezed him he could feel the hard, unyielding brace under her clothes.  He noticed she also had some kind of hard bar that ran across the top of her chest, ending at her shoulders. 

She let go of him, looking into his face, and said "thank you.  Thank you for that." 

Peter said "it is my pleasure.  Now, how about you two young ladies go jump in line.  I will grab us a table."  As he stood there talking to Izzy, he could see the outline of her brace under the turtleneck.  She definitely did have some kind of outriggers on the brace that were holding her shoulders back.   As Izzy turned to head towards the line, Sarah looked over and mouthed "thank you!" and fell in behind her.

Episode 29.

Sarah did the math in her head.  She looked at Julia and asked “so, I will get one hour breaks at least for breakfast, lunch, and dinner correct?  I don’t know how in the world I would eat with this on my face. I haven’t even tried.”  Then thinking about the promise she had made to Izzy she said “and I will get one more hour.  Can I choose it?  I wanted to go swimming this afternoon.”

Julia answered “absolutely.  Again, I am sorry to have to be the one enforcing this policy.  I really am.  And tomorrow, you won’t have to get 20 hours in.  Just 16.  So you will get even more breaks.  But today, I need you to wear it 20.  Are we good?”

Sarah said “we are good.  I don’t know if I am good.  But we are.”  Sarah was surprised when Julia hugged her.

Stepping back Julia said “I don’t know if it helps at all.  But in 4 days you won’t be the only person around here that has to wear headgear.  And if I already had mine, I would put it on.  For you.  As a show of solidarity.  But I can’t.  But what I can do is walk with you to the dining room when it is time for breakfast.  If you would join me, I will come back by.  You can take off your appliance before we leave.  That way you don’t have to wear it to the dining room where everyone will see it.  I can escort you back to put it back on.  And the same at lunch.  And I will explain what is going on to Monica when I clock out.  I do want to try to make this as easy on you as possible.  Does that work?”

Sarah nodded her head and replied “yes.  But actually, this afternoon I wanted to swim from 5-6, then clean up and go to dinner.  Would that work?”  Julia responded “absolutely.”  Sarah said “thank you.  And I am sorry I snapped at you earlier.”  Julia smiled and said “you were fine.  It is water under the bridge.  I am just glad you didn’t punch me.  I have had that happen before.  And I totally get it.  When Dr. Parker told me I would need to wear my headgear for up to 16 hours a day; and I realized that would mean wearing it to work; I had a bit of a meltdown myself.  But then I reminded myself I did want to do it, that it is for my own good.  To fix something that has bothered me for a long time.  I bet it is the same for you isn’t it?”

Sarah replied “well, yes, since you put it that way.”  She went quiet for a few seconds and exclaimed “wait, Dr. Parker?  At Fair Oaks Orthodontics?  That is who we see.  Me and Peter.  And we both have headgear.  Different kinds, but still headgear.  And so does Cassie, her assistant.  Dr. Parker even has  her mom and herself in headgear.  I wonder if she uses it on all patients?”

Julia responded “wow, small world huh?  And I don’t know if she uses it on all patients, but I know two that she is, me and you” and smiled at Sarah.  She continued “maybe you can tell me what it is like at breakfast?  I wore it before, but that was 15 years ago”.

Sarah said “of course.  But I might scare you off.”

Julia replied “no, you won’t.  I have made up my mind.  I am doing this.  Full steam ahead.  Headgear or no headgear.  Now, let me leave you alone so I can finish my round.  I will be back at 7.”  She took a few steps over towards Sarah’s bedroom door.  Before she opened it she turned back towards Sarah and looked her over.  She then said “it actually looks really cute on you.  The facemask matches your eyes.”  She then turned and walked out, bidding adieu to Amelia as she left their room.

Sarah looked at herself in the mirror and thought she looked anything but cute.  But she realized she didn’t have much choice.  They weren’t going to let her hide in bed all day and skip her meetings.  She turned towards the communal area.  At least she thought to herself that Amelia had already seen her in her ridiculous, uncomfortable contraption. 

As she sat down Amelia asked “what was that all about?

Sarah said “I got in trouble.  I didn’t wear my headgear as much as they want yesterday.  So now I have to wear it all day.”

Amelia said “oh, I am sorry.  But you know, it really doesn’t look bad on you.  Seriously.  Just different.  And you better do what they ask.”  Holding up her two casts she said “they have a way of making things permanent around here when people don’t behave.”

I can’t wait to see what comes next for Sarah!

Happy to see another chapter. Thanks!