Braces for a Date
"Come on Jon, what are you going to do?'
"I'm going to watch the end of the game."
"Why, its over, they lost, give me a lift back to my car."
"Roger, I have something working with that blond over there, she and I have been staring at each other all night. The place is emptying out, I'm going to talk to her. I'll catch you at work tomorrow. Grab a ride with Franco."
"Got to admit, she's hot. OK stud, see you tomorrow."
With that Jon got out from behind the table and walked over to see if he was right. The blond he had been eyeing all night didn't seem to be with anyone, didn't seem to talk to anyone in particular, rather she seemed to be looking for someone.
Before he even made it to her barstool he could hear her saying hello. She was about 5'7" tall with short blond hair, a trim figure and large blue eyes, maybe 25 years old. Perfect in every way except her smile, which revealed a set of silver braces strung across her teeth. Which didn't bother Jon at all.
"You seem lonely over here, care for some company."
When he spoke she seemed almost to deflate, as if he had committed some faux pas, something he shouldn't have said or done. But he hadn't done anything he could imagine.
"Sure, have a seat, I am just finishing up." She stared at the bottom of an almost empty glass.
"Forgive me, but did I do something wrong?" Jon felt an opportunity slipping away.
"Oh no, not at all. Its just that for a moment I thought you...." Her voice trailed off, as if she were embarrassed to finish.
"I what?"
"Its nothing, you would think I am strange. I'm sorry."
"No, go ahead, I was just about to have a last drink, will you join me, it is still early."
"I guess it is still pretty early, I am not supposed to pick up my sisters for an hour. Sure, I would love another glass of wine, thanks."
The bartender delivered the wine and another beer.
"By the way, my name is Jon."
"I'm Janie, nice to meet you."
OK, so give me the bad news first, we were smiling at each other all night, and when I finally come over, you seemed, well, disappointed."
"I might just as well say it, you are not going to let up on it. And I really don't mean anything by it, its just that I thought by the way you held your lips that, well, maybe you wore braces."
Jon did not know what to think. He had toyed with the idea of getting his teeth straightened since he was twelve, but for one reason or another, his parents, and now him, just never got around to it He had commented to Roger last year when the company changed insurance programs that it wouldn't really cost him any money to get it done. He had even looked through the phone book to find the name of a local orthodontist, but Jon never really got motivated to do it. Still, it seemed like a strange observation.
"Don't get me wrong, I am not saying you should or anything, my sisters and I know just how hard a decision it is as adults."
"How many sisters do you have?" Jon figured family questions could steer the conversation back towards normalcy.
"Two, we are triplets."
"Triplets!" Jon had always dreamed of dating twins. His fantasies always got back to two identical women and him making love. And Janie had two identical sisters. This was irresistible.
"Are the three of you identical?"
"Except for our hair, yes, down to the braces."
"Well I thing you are great looking, braces or not."
"Thanks, but that is really not it, we like the way we look, and actually enjoyed wearing braces. Here is the weird part. We kind of were looking for a guy who wore braces himself, someone who we could have some fun with one night. We have shared boyfriends before, but never at the same time, the same night, all four of us in braces. But we never found the right guy, and now these will be coming off in two weeks, and Sally will be moving to Denver and Mel will be getting married soon, so it looks like out little fantasy is gone. Boy that must sound strange, orthodontic love."
"No, not at all. I have a fantasy also, I have always dreamed of twins. And now I meet you a week before I get my braces put on. There is something working here." Yeah Jon thought, a major lie, but I can't let a chance like this go by without at least trying.
"Are you serious? Are you really getting braces next week? Come on, you are just saying that."
"No, I am. Maybe that is what you thought you saw with my lips. I am just a little nervous about it. I keep trying to imagine what they would feel like. You know what I mean." Jon was pleased, she seemed to be buying the line. He had not felt this excited since the little tryst he had in Hawaii, and that was over a year ago.
"I know exactly how you feel. The three of us didn't smile for almost a month, but the longer we had these on, the more we liked them. And soon they will be gone, I think I will miss them." She started moving her tongue slowly back and forth over her brackets. I t was making Jon unbelievably aroused. "Look, I have to go now, can you come back here on Wednesday to meet my sisters?"
"Absolutely, same time?"
"Sure, see you then."
Jon was in a daze all the way home. He could barely sleep thinking how his sexual fantasy, twins, could actually become triplets. There was just one problem. He had said he would be wearing braces by next week. Janie would not understand his lie.
"So let me get this straight, you are going to find an orthodontist and get braces on, just so you can get together with a girl you met in a bar, sounds a little to kinky for me."
"You have been married to long. Remember your fantasy about the Vegas showgirl, we got you set up for you bachelor party, you didn't forget that did you."
Roger glared at him. They had set him up in Las Vegas with a showgirl, a week before he was married. They got him very drunk and sent him off to bed. As only fraternity buddies will do, the showgirl was a transvestite, and Jon and his friends merrily snapped pictures. Even though Roger quickly found out, they never let him forget it.
"You are never going to let that die, are you."
"Sorry. Look Roger, we are talking triplets here, I have to do this. Lots of adults are wearing them these days. Give me the phone book."
Half an hour later Jon threw up his hands in disgust. "I can't believe it. I called five of them and I can't even get in for a week, never mind get the stupid things on."
"Let me call my sister. She has two sons in braces, maybe she can help. You met Scott at the game last month, how did his look to you?"
"Just another kid in braces , where is this guy? Who cares what they look like, How is Terry? I haven't seen her in two years. Tell her I say hi, but give her a call."
Ten minutes later Jon had the number. Judging by the phone number he was right here in the city. Jon commuted everyday to work, but figured it would be just as easy with a dentist in the city, close to work, than at home. Surprisingly, the receptionist said they could set up an appointment that afternoon. Jon agreed to a four o'clock appointment.
"Do you know anything about this Arjons guy Roger?"
"Just that he specializes in problem cases, yours don't look to bad, so it should be a breeze for him. Boy you must want this bad" roger chided, "getting braces just for a date."
"I do, and what a date it will be. I'll have them taken off as soon as we're done."
It was an office on the sixth floor, Jon walked in and was greeted by the receptionist in an empty office. "Please fill out these forms, the Dr. will be with you shortly." The forms seemed pretty standard, health history, insurance questions etc. until the questionnaire on why the patient was seeking treatment at this time. Jon stated he had always wanted treatment, but never wanted to tolerate the social aspects of braces, and now, at age 35, he realized it was a 'now or never' situation, and that speed was of the essence. He said last time he made it to this stage he was told it would be three weeks to get him in for his records, and an equal length of time before the appliances went on. He never went back for the second appointment.
Most of what he said was a lie, but time was of the essence and he had to convince the orthodontist to put him in braces within a week.
"Good afternoon Mr. Urich, I am Dr Arjons. I understand you are in a hurry to start treatment. It's always that way with adults, they wait decades and want them on in days. It is not a problem for me, I have based my practice on helping people overcome their reluctance to treatment. I understand you were referred by Terry Smits, how do you know her?"
"Her brother and I work together, we were fraternity brothers, I have known them for years."
"So you know her son, he is a patient of mine."
"Met him at a ballgame, nice kid."
"He can be, anyway down to you. It appears insurance will pick up a good part of the tab, nice program you have there, most don't cover adult ortho. Why don't you lean back and let me take a look."
It was a quick examination, only about 5 minutes. Jon had just had a fell dental treatment two weeks ago, that made Arjons happy. "Well your teeth and gums are in excellent shape, that is the good news. This is only preliminary, but it is pretty clear that you have crowding on top and bottom, as well as a moderate crossbite as well as a significant overbite , but you knew that, didn't you?" Arjons was grinning, Jon thought he was actually very easy going for a dentist, he liked him.
"Yeah, I have been told."
"Well let me lay it out for you, if you wish to proceed, you hit me at a very good time, I have time this week for a jump start. I would need to see you at one o'clock to morrow for a series of x-rays and impressions, and a more in depth exam. Should take a couple of hours. On Thursday I would need to lay out your treatment options, make some decisions, and layout your treatment plan. If all goes well, I can install the appliances on Friday."
Jon was at once thrilled and panicked, Janie would be happy, but was he really willing to go through with this. He was about to spend his vacation fund on an orthodontist for two weeks. But the lure of the triplets was just too much. "I will see you tomorrow Doctor." Jon headed home half thrilled, half repulsed at the though of being thrust into teenage hardware at age thirty five even if for such a short time. He had time coming, he would use it here.
Wednesday at 1:00 Jon was ushered right in to an assistant who spent the next two hours filling Jon's mouth with various goop, and taking both x-rays and pictures from a variety of angles. Finally, just before he was done, Dr. Arjons came in.
"Mr. Urich, nice of you to come back, I know you did not do the same last time, let's both see that you get it done this time."
"I hope so Doctor, I really want the braces on this time."
"I will do my part, once you start treatment here, you finish it, that is why you came to me. Something to consider tonight though, my guess is that there will be two basic options, one with headgear and one without. Now I know the dreaded headgear is not easy to wear, but it really gives better results. The other option will give a good result, but the choice is going to be yours. I will need a decision tomorrow."
"You mean that thing that sticks out of your mouth and goes around the head, thanks for the warning but I don't think so."
"Well think about it, and I will see you at 3 p.m. tomorrow."
Jon walked into the bar looking for the three sisters, the place was fairly empty, and they were not there. He took a seat at the same stool he sat in the other night and waited. 10 minutes later a brunette walked in. She had shoulder length hair, but the same perfect body as Janie. Except for the hair, they were identical. Jon remembered why he was about to get the braces on, his fantasy was two days from coming true, and he could feel the excitement building.
"Hi, are you Jon?" The same voice, the same smile.
"I am, and you are.....?"
"I'm Melissa, Janie's sister."
"So I see, please have a seat, or should I get a table?"
"No this is great here. Sally and Janie are still at work, but they insisted I make it. Is it true you are getting braces on next week?"
"Friday, actually."
"Really. That is so cool, we are all excited about it. " Her smile made Jon feel good. He was beginning to actually enjoy the metallic smile Mel was flashing.
"I go in tomorrow to finish up some details as to exactly what treatment we will use."
"What do you mean?"
"Well he wants to use a headgear, you know one of those weird looking things. Oh, I'm sorry, you don't wear one, do you?'
She was laughing. "No, we never had to wear them. So you are getting headgear too.?"
"I don't think so, it seems a little extreme, especially at my age, don't you think?"
"Me, no, not at all. I am sure I speak for the three of us that if you walk in here Friday night with headgear on, you will have a night you will never forget."
She was staring at him with those beautiful blue eyes and Jon was transfixed. He knew then what he would tell Arjons tomorrow. He could care less what happened afterwards, all he could think about was Friday night. "Look, I have to go now, but Sally really wants to meet you, any chance you can meet her tomorrow night?"
"Sure, have her give me a call tomorrow." He gave Mel a card.
"She will." Mel said assuringly as she headed for the door, "I will make sure she does. This will be our last chance for this." Jon watched as she walked out "I have to do this" he thought as he downed his drink.
"You are serious, aren't you?"
"You bet I am, the ortho is ready to go and two out of the three say they want it, I meet the last one tonight, we will be in bed by the weekend. I mean it is weird, but doable. Hey I will even get better looking because of it."
"Well I think you're nuts, but I have to admit, she was a great looking woman."
Jon had decided, headgear was no problem, braces were no problem, he wanted the trio and would do whatever was needed. He left for Arjons office.
"Jon, have a seat . Let me explain how this will work." The orthodontist shuffled trough a file and pulled out a piece of paper. This is a personal services contract. Basically it requires you to complete your orthodontic treatment at this office. If you do not, you agree to pay me a sum equal to five times your treatment fee, which will be $4000. That means if you lose interest, or have the appliances removed or tampered with, or if you fail to cooperate in appliance use, care and maintenance you will owe me $20,000. I want you to get a lawyer to look at it before you sign it, it will bind you and it will stand up in court. I have found this to be a very effective way to motivate adults to cooperate in their treatment."
"Come on Doctor, this isn't necessary. I am motivated enough, trust me."
"It is not a matter of trust. You have come to me because you are reluctant to get treatment. You have walked out on other treatment programs before. If you change your mind again next week because you dislike the appliances, headgear or whatever, this agreement will keep you on track. This is my specialty, I fully understand if you choose not to sign, but then you will have to find another orthodontist, I can recommend several others. I can say though that you will receive a high level of treatment, I am very good at what I do. I will remove the appliances as soon as the treatment objectives laid out here are achieved, but no sooner. Read this carefully tonight and bring in the documents signed tomorrow and we will begin. I will place everything in one sitting, so you will need to take the day off. You know the Smits so you know what your appliances will look like. Do you have any questions about the appliances, most people do."
"They are braces, who cares."
"You do, otherwise you would have had treatment before."
"My question is the contract thing, I mean come on here, that is a big obligation for something so simple."
That would be your choice, but those are my terms. And it will insure you finish treatment." If you decide to proceed you can show up tomorrow at 9 a.m. By the way, what about the headgear?"
"I will go with what you think is best."
"I am surprised, I never thought you would go for that, but it is the right long term solution. With cooperation like that I think the 42 month estimate is realistic. I will see you tomorrow."
All Jon could think about was meeting the sisters. He again got to the bar first, ordered a beer and waited. Across the street he could see a shapely redhead get out of a car and dash across the street. She was every bit as lovely as her sisters. She walked up to Jon. "you are just as cute as they said. Hi I'm Sally."
"Jon, thanks for coming."
"So when is the big day?"
"Next time you see me I will be as embraced as you."
She smiled showing her braces. "I hope you like them as much as we do. Don't worry, soon no one will even notice. You look nervous though."
"I guess I am, I am not sure about this orthodontist, I am thinking of finding someone else."
"Why?"
"He wants me to sign a contract and this headgear thing.....I am just not sure."
"Oh, too bad, we were looking really forward to this. I thought we would both get our fantasies. The are going to be so disappointed."
"I am still going to do it, there will just be a delay. Maybe I could use your guy."
"I guess" she said looking downcast, "but I am leaving Tuesday for Denver. Next time I come back it will be for the wedding. I was getting excited about this weekend." There was no mistaking the way she was rubbing her leg against mine under the table. "And when she told me about the headgear....I guess I will have to tell them."
"No, I am probably just nervous, my appointment is at 9 a.m. I will see you tomorrow night."
"You know it will be fine, don't worry about a contract, you were going to do it before you met Janie, weren't you?"
"Yeah, of course."
"So just do it. We will be here at 6.'
"Umm, can we maybe di it before Happy Hour hits, I mean...
"A man like you, afraid of a little wire and metal." She grinned that seductive grin that was driving Jon nuts. Tomorrow at six, in headgear? It will be a night you will never forget, I promise."
"O K, 6."
"Good morning, what is your decision?"
"Look, Doctor, suppose we leave out this contract thing and I just pay you in full in advance, that should do it, shouldn't it?"
"Sorry, no. If I do not have a signed contract, I will not proceed. It is the way I work, I like to finish what I start. Without the contract I can't insure you will follow directions. I am a firm believer in tough love, and for that I must get your complete cooperation. Did you read the treatment program, are there any other questions before we start?"
In fact, Jon had stayed late at the bar. He never touched the file. Hungover as he was, he wanted the triplets. He had to do it.
"I forgot the contract."
"Not a problem I have an updated one, it defines the headgear requirements. Why don't you read it."
Jon just grabbed a pen and signed. "What the hell, I am going to wear them anyway, even with the stupid clause. Here is the down payment. Let's do it."
"Very good, have a seat."
Arjons set about placing the spacers, all the while describing his actions. "With children I use the threat if strict high schools to motivate. If they choose not to comply they lose their liberties. They hate the bands and they hate the headgear, but the more they reject compliance, the fewer options they have. I have only done 5 adults and money is the only way to get their attention. After they get used to the bands they generally have no problem. You are the first one to go for the headgear option. As you read the rules are the same as for the teens. So when you leave, get used to it right away, I would hate to have to wire it on you. But the rules are no different. Jon did not have a clue as to what the Doctor was saying. "This is Dr. Wayne, an anaesthesiologist . He will monitor you while you sleep. It will probably save you an hour and it is already in the cost, so why don't you just lay back and relax"
"Just do it." And Jon drifted off to sleep.
"Mr. Ulrich, Can you hear me?" Jon strove to wake up. "It's ok, just take your time."
Jon struggled to open his eyes. He saw the nurse hovering above him. He felt none of the pain from the morning, which was a relief. He slowly came to awake and remembered where he was. He ran his tongue across his teeth. "Oh my god, braces." He mumbled, but the nurse knew what he was saying.
"You will get used to them, everybody says the same thing. Why don't you get up and walk around. The Doctor is with another patient. He will be ready in a half hour to place the facebow, You might want to relax in the waiting room."
"Is there a mirror around?"
"Not in this office, the Doctor doesn't believe in focusing on the appliances. The waiting room is this way." Jon got up and followed. "You might want a couple of these for the pain" as she handed him two Advil. Jon saw only one other person in the waiting room, and Jon just stared at the headgear he was wearing. The boy barely seemed to notice the stare.
"You new here?" Jon nodded yes. "Hi. I'm Steve. I never figured a grown up would wear these things, is someone making you?"
"Jon, No, it was my choice." Jon was realizing how difficult talking seemed to be. "Where's the closest mirror, any idea?"
"None in here. You picked this guy? I don't get it. You could pick a regular orthodontist."
"He took me, even though my problem isn't really that bad."
"Huh?" The boy looked puzzled.
"Arjons handles problem cases. But he took me anyway. If you don't mind me asking, how long do you Have to wear that? Your bite must have been really bad"
"18 hours a day, but I am almost done with the stupid thing, only about three more months. I have had it for a year and a half. They suck. You aren't going to wear one are you?"
"Yeah, I've never seen one like yours before. You must have had a serious problem." Jon looked at the straps that went around the boys head. The facebow was attached by plastic strips coming off a piece of plastic running around his ears. There were more strips running from a strap around his neck.
"No worse than any other. When he says problems, he means attitude problems, not orthodontic problems. Most kids here wouldn't wear the braces or kept damaging them. That's why we are all banded. Most everyone get some form of this headgear. Its called an interlandi. My neck strap is more than most get, but he always finds something to add on. Your teeth beginning to hurt?"
'A lot, everyone said they didn't hurt, boy were they wrong."
"It's the bands, it last for a couple of days then I guess its about the same as the brackets."
"Why do you keep saying its the bands, all of my teeth are aching. You mean the neck strap is normal don't you?
"Not in this office it's not. You do know that you have bands on, don't you? You know what the difference is?"
" No I don't understand the difference, I mean all the braces I have seen look pretty much alike, except for the headgear."
"Most braces are metal brackets glued to the front of the teeth. Bands go all the way around. Arjons uses them so no one can screw with them like braking them off and stuff. "
"It must be the gas, I don't get it."
Steve unhooked the headgear, removed the facebow, all in two quick moves. "You get real good taking it on and off." He then sat next to Jon and smiled. "See, bands. "
"I am sure he only uses those on the special problem cases."
"No , he uses these on everybody, they are just like yours. He never told you? You never knew that's what you were getting. It was the same with me. I thought I was getting some teeth pulled, then they put me to sleep and I woke up with these on. I didn't believe it either at first"
Jon was feeling the braces with his fingers. "No this isn't right. My case isn't that complicated."
"He gets way into his psychology stuff and 'tough love'. What is he using to blackmail you, it can't be school?"
"Shit, the money clause in the contract. Where is there a mirror here?"
"No mirrors on this side, you are not supposed to care what they look like. You would have to go to his office across the hall at his regular practice. This is his counseling office. They aren't so bad after a while, even with brackets people can still see your braces. I mean the bands look worse, but the headgear is the real problem. The first weeks I was in high school I never even smiled, now I wear this thing to basketball games and all sorts of after school stuff. I mean he had to threaten me with continuous wear, but after a while everyone gets tired of goofing on you about it. But I have never seen an old guy like you wearing one before, and I am the only one I know who even thinks about wearing it in public. This is going to suck for you."
Jon got up and went back to the treatment room. He checked the bathroom for a mirror, but found none. Arjons came back into the room. "How do the bands feel? Would you like another advil?"
"The feel lousy, can I see a mirror please." Jon was getting angry. "I want regular braces, get these things off."
"Please calm down. In this office they are regular braces. You told me you were at a ballgame with Martin Smits, they are the type as he has on, and there is a long paragraph in the contract with pictures describing the appliance. You signed a statement saying you understood all this and agreed to it. Now you know why I insist upon the contract and why I ask you to have a lawyer review it."
"I went with Scotty Smits, not Martin."
"Scott is not the problem his brother is, that is why Martin is at Bates. Regardless, the contract is in force and I suggest you examine your motivation for seeking treatment in the first place." Jon though about the triplets. If they thought their tiny brackets were fun, they would go nuts over these things.
"Doctor I have reconsidered, I want these off."
"Certainly, how will you be paying you balance. I believe you owe me $18,000."
"This is crazy. You have $2000 of my money now. For four hours work, I think that is fair enough."
"Well I do not." Jon saw this was pointless, he would find a lawyer later to deal with this idiot. Besides, if they came off, he lost his chance to be with the triplets.
"Fine, we will do this later. Am I free to go or does the contract not allow that either."
"You are the one who requested the appliances, now let's go into the next office so we can finish for the day. I am sure you will feel better about this tomorrow." They walked into an office and for the first time Jon saw the appliances.
"Oh god, look at these."
"I have seen them. Now please have a seat while I fit the headgear." Jon froze, remembering the boy in the waiting room.
"Nothing like that kid's out there, I mean come on now. At least keep that within limits."
"I use only the appliances that do the job. While some of these appliances are not the most aestetic, they are effective." Arjons took a facebow off the table and slid it into place. He then put a mirror in front of Jon so he could practice. Then he took out the Interlandi strap and adjusted to Jon's head. Then came the neck strap, just like the boy's. "Not that I do not trust you, but there is a timer in each power module, I will check the time on each appointment. If I see a pattern of abuse, I will wire it in. This is all clearly spelled out in the contract. Initially, 18 hours a day will be sufficient. You are going to have to get past the fear of being seen in your appliances, especially the headgear and elastics. That irrational fear is what kept you from seeking treatment before. You have decided to wear the appliances now and I assure you they will only come off when you are done. If you fight me, I will attach the facebow. If you choose not to wear the elastics, it will only take longer to get the appliances off. For the headgear I will make some allowances for the first several weeks so you can get adjusted. That is 126 hours a week.. Wear time is not optional, how you find the time is your problem. Remember, if you decide not to show up, I will sue you for the balance. And I will win. I have won before, just not for this much money."
"Jon was only partly listening as he stared in the mirror. "I look like an idiot. No way I can wear this."
"You can and you will. We will see you in two weeks. Once you get past your vanity you will be fine. Just focus on what brought you here in the first place, and focus on your teeth when you are done." Kelly will make an appointment for you. Calm down, everything will be fine." Arjons left the room.
Kelly led him to the outer office where Steve was still waiting, now with two other teenagers, all of whom thought the sight of Jon in full orthodontic regalia was funny. Jon's face was beet red.
"Man you weren't lying, he is old."
"Easy now, remember when it was you first wearing that. I still get pissed when I have to put this thing on." Steve was trying to make Jon feel better, but no one was used to the sight of an adult who would voluntarily do that to himself. "You will get used to them in about three years." They all laughed again.
Jon got out of the office and immediately removed the headgear. He drove towards the bar to meet the girls, but felt like he had just done something really stupid. How could one night be worth the scrap pile he had in his mouth. He almost hit more than one car as he kept staring at his now very metallic mouth in the rear view mirror. After the triplets, who was going to socialize with an adult male wearing braces and headgear that would make a child blush. He stopped for a drink at another bar for courage, then had another and another. His courage, and his libido, were returning, despite the curious stare from the bartender. He took a cab to meet the triplets. It was almost six. With all of his fears pounding against him, he stopped in front of a storefront and used the plate glass as a mirror and put the headgear on. He then walked into the crowded bar. Panic is the only word to describe the feeling in his stomach. As he looked around for the women he tried to avoid any eye contact, and the others in the bar looked away, with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Jon, over here." It was Roger sitting at a table with Janie., who was sitting next to a woman busy taking pictures with her videocam. Roger was laughing hard. "I can't believe how easy this was. Boy do you look weird. How embarrassing is that thing to wear?"
"Hey, cool it, I feel like an idiot in this. " He looked at Janie. "Where are you sisters?" The others started laughing again.
"Let me get the waitress, you need a drink." It was the Jon noticed Janie no longer had her braces on. "Show him Jane.
She reached into her bag and pulled out two wigs, one for each sister. "Sorry Jon, it is just me."
"But your braces?"
She reached into her bag and pulled out a small box, opened it, and put something into her mouth. She then smiled showing he braces. "Fakes, pretty good huh?"
Roger was still laughing. "It took me years to get back at you for Vegas. I wasn't even sure you would go for it, and I never imagined I could ever get you into Arjons, he is like the ortho nazi. Martin hates the guy. Man you look ridiculous, you should see those things." Jon yanked the headgear off.
"What did you do, I had to sign some stupid contract, this is costing me a fortune." He could not stop trying to cover the bands. "Look at these things, they look awful." He looked at Jane "Who are you>"
"I owed Roger a favor, I'm an actress."
"You should put that back on, doesn't it have a timer or something? I know Martin can't take his off because he kept getting caught. Pretty funny."
"You ... you intentionally did this to me?"
"You bet. Oh man, look at that junk. Martin told me it hurts like hell when that metal goes on. Here, have a shot. At least tomorrow you will sober up, but it will cost you everything to get them taken off. Remember, you always wanted braces. Oh by the way this is Teresa Phelps from channel 9 news, she liked my idea of doing a piece on adult orthodontia. I am sure she is going to love the film you just gave her."
"Can I get anyone here a drink." It was the waitress. "You're the guy with all the braces, I used to have them too."
"Just call me a cab" as Jon started towards the door.
"Hey, don't forget your headgear" she called. All Jon could hear was Roger laughing in the background. Jon tried to remember what Arjons had said, was it 42 months, and 18 hours a day. Suddenly the idea of making love didn't seem so important.
"I'm going to watch the end of the game."
"Why, its over, they lost, give me a lift back to my car."
"Roger, I have something working with that blond over there, she and I have been staring at each other all night. The place is emptying out, I'm going to talk to her. I'll catch you at work tomorrow. Grab a ride with Franco."
"Got to admit, she's hot. OK stud, see you tomorrow."
With that Jon got out from behind the table and walked over to see if he was right. The blond he had been eyeing all night didn't seem to be with anyone, didn't seem to talk to anyone in particular, rather she seemed to be looking for someone.
Before he even made it to her barstool he could hear her saying hello. She was about 5'7" tall with short blond hair, a trim figure and large blue eyes, maybe 25 years old. Perfect in every way except her smile, which revealed a set of silver braces strung across her teeth. Which didn't bother Jon at all.
"You seem lonely over here, care for some company."
When he spoke she seemed almost to deflate, as if he had committed some faux pas, something he shouldn't have said or done. But he hadn't done anything he could imagine.
"Sure, have a seat, I am just finishing up." She stared at the bottom of an almost empty glass.
"Forgive me, but did I do something wrong?" Jon felt an opportunity slipping away.
"Oh no, not at all. Its just that for a moment I thought you...." Her voice trailed off, as if she were embarrassed to finish.
"I what?"
"Its nothing, you would think I am strange. I'm sorry."
"No, go ahead, I was just about to have a last drink, will you join me, it is still early."
"I guess it is still pretty early, I am not supposed to pick up my sisters for an hour. Sure, I would love another glass of wine, thanks."
The bartender delivered the wine and another beer.
"By the way, my name is Jon."
"I'm Janie, nice to meet you."
OK, so give me the bad news first, we were smiling at each other all night, and when I finally come over, you seemed, well, disappointed."
"I might just as well say it, you are not going to let up on it. And I really don't mean anything by it, its just that I thought by the way you held your lips that, well, maybe you wore braces."
Jon did not know what to think. He had toyed with the idea of getting his teeth straightened since he was twelve, but for one reason or another, his parents, and now him, just never got around to it He had commented to Roger last year when the company changed insurance programs that it wouldn't really cost him any money to get it done. He had even looked through the phone book to find the name of a local orthodontist, but Jon never really got motivated to do it. Still, it seemed like a strange observation.
"Don't get me wrong, I am not saying you should or anything, my sisters and I know just how hard a decision it is as adults."
"How many sisters do you have?" Jon figured family questions could steer the conversation back towards normalcy.
"Two, we are triplets."
"Triplets!" Jon had always dreamed of dating twins. His fantasies always got back to two identical women and him making love. And Janie had two identical sisters. This was irresistible.
"Are the three of you identical?"
"Except for our hair, yes, down to the braces."
"Well I thing you are great looking, braces or not."
"Thanks, but that is really not it, we like the way we look, and actually enjoyed wearing braces. Here is the weird part. We kind of were looking for a guy who wore braces himself, someone who we could have some fun with one night. We have shared boyfriends before, but never at the same time, the same night, all four of us in braces. But we never found the right guy, and now these will be coming off in two weeks, and Sally will be moving to Denver and Mel will be getting married soon, so it looks like out little fantasy is gone. Boy that must sound strange, orthodontic love."
"No, not at all. I have a fantasy also, I have always dreamed of twins. And now I meet you a week before I get my braces put on. There is something working here." Yeah Jon thought, a major lie, but I can't let a chance like this go by without at least trying.
"Are you serious? Are you really getting braces next week? Come on, you are just saying that."
"No, I am. Maybe that is what you thought you saw with my lips. I am just a little nervous about it. I keep trying to imagine what they would feel like. You know what I mean." Jon was pleased, she seemed to be buying the line. He had not felt this excited since the little tryst he had in Hawaii, and that was over a year ago.
"I know exactly how you feel. The three of us didn't smile for almost a month, but the longer we had these on, the more we liked them. And soon they will be gone, I think I will miss them." She started moving her tongue slowly back and forth over her brackets. I t was making Jon unbelievably aroused. "Look, I have to go now, can you come back here on Wednesday to meet my sisters?"
"Absolutely, same time?"
"Sure, see you then."
Jon was in a daze all the way home. He could barely sleep thinking how his sexual fantasy, twins, could actually become triplets. There was just one problem. He had said he would be wearing braces by next week. Janie would not understand his lie.
"So let me get this straight, you are going to find an orthodontist and get braces on, just so you can get together with a girl you met in a bar, sounds a little to kinky for me."
"You have been married to long. Remember your fantasy about the Vegas showgirl, we got you set up for you bachelor party, you didn't forget that did you."
Roger glared at him. They had set him up in Las Vegas with a showgirl, a week before he was married. They got him very drunk and sent him off to bed. As only fraternity buddies will do, the showgirl was a transvestite, and Jon and his friends merrily snapped pictures. Even though Roger quickly found out, they never let him forget it.
"You are never going to let that die, are you."
"Sorry. Look Roger, we are talking triplets here, I have to do this. Lots of adults are wearing them these days. Give me the phone book."
Half an hour later Jon threw up his hands in disgust. "I can't believe it. I called five of them and I can't even get in for a week, never mind get the stupid things on."
"Let me call my sister. She has two sons in braces, maybe she can help. You met Scott at the game last month, how did his look to you?"
"Just another kid in braces , where is this guy? Who cares what they look like, How is Terry? I haven't seen her in two years. Tell her I say hi, but give her a call."
Ten minutes later Jon had the number. Judging by the phone number he was right here in the city. Jon commuted everyday to work, but figured it would be just as easy with a dentist in the city, close to work, than at home. Surprisingly, the receptionist said they could set up an appointment that afternoon. Jon agreed to a four o'clock appointment.
"Do you know anything about this Arjons guy Roger?"
"Just that he specializes in problem cases, yours don't look to bad, so it should be a breeze for him. Boy you must want this bad" roger chided, "getting braces just for a date."
"I do, and what a date it will be. I'll have them taken off as soon as we're done."
It was an office on the sixth floor, Jon walked in and was greeted by the receptionist in an empty office. "Please fill out these forms, the Dr. will be with you shortly." The forms seemed pretty standard, health history, insurance questions etc. until the questionnaire on why the patient was seeking treatment at this time. Jon stated he had always wanted treatment, but never wanted to tolerate the social aspects of braces, and now, at age 35, he realized it was a 'now or never' situation, and that speed was of the essence. He said last time he made it to this stage he was told it would be three weeks to get him in for his records, and an equal length of time before the appliances went on. He never went back for the second appointment.
Most of what he said was a lie, but time was of the essence and he had to convince the orthodontist to put him in braces within a week.
"Good afternoon Mr. Urich, I am Dr Arjons. I understand you are in a hurry to start treatment. It's always that way with adults, they wait decades and want them on in days. It is not a problem for me, I have based my practice on helping people overcome their reluctance to treatment. I understand you were referred by Terry Smits, how do you know her?"
"Her brother and I work together, we were fraternity brothers, I have known them for years."
"So you know her son, he is a patient of mine."
"Met him at a ballgame, nice kid."
"He can be, anyway down to you. It appears insurance will pick up a good part of the tab, nice program you have there, most don't cover adult ortho. Why don't you lean back and let me take a look."
It was a quick examination, only about 5 minutes. Jon had just had a fell dental treatment two weeks ago, that made Arjons happy. "Well your teeth and gums are in excellent shape, that is the good news. This is only preliminary, but it is pretty clear that you have crowding on top and bottom, as well as a moderate crossbite as well as a significant overbite , but you knew that, didn't you?" Arjons was grinning, Jon thought he was actually very easy going for a dentist, he liked him.
"Yeah, I have been told."
"Well let me lay it out for you, if you wish to proceed, you hit me at a very good time, I have time this week for a jump start. I would need to see you at one o'clock to morrow for a series of x-rays and impressions, and a more in depth exam. Should take a couple of hours. On Thursday I would need to lay out your treatment options, make some decisions, and layout your treatment plan. If all goes well, I can install the appliances on Friday."
Jon was at once thrilled and panicked, Janie would be happy, but was he really willing to go through with this. He was about to spend his vacation fund on an orthodontist for two weeks. But the lure of the triplets was just too much. "I will see you tomorrow Doctor." Jon headed home half thrilled, half repulsed at the though of being thrust into teenage hardware at age thirty five even if for such a short time. He had time coming, he would use it here.
Wednesday at 1:00 Jon was ushered right in to an assistant who spent the next two hours filling Jon's mouth with various goop, and taking both x-rays and pictures from a variety of angles. Finally, just before he was done, Dr. Arjons came in.
"Mr. Urich, nice of you to come back, I know you did not do the same last time, let's both see that you get it done this time."
"I hope so Doctor, I really want the braces on this time."
"I will do my part, once you start treatment here, you finish it, that is why you came to me. Something to consider tonight though, my guess is that there will be two basic options, one with headgear and one without. Now I know the dreaded headgear is not easy to wear, but it really gives better results. The other option will give a good result, but the choice is going to be yours. I will need a decision tomorrow."
"You mean that thing that sticks out of your mouth and goes around the head, thanks for the warning but I don't think so."
"Well think about it, and I will see you at 3 p.m. tomorrow."
Jon walked into the bar looking for the three sisters, the place was fairly empty, and they were not there. He took a seat at the same stool he sat in the other night and waited. 10 minutes later a brunette walked in. She had shoulder length hair, but the same perfect body as Janie. Except for the hair, they were identical. Jon remembered why he was about to get the braces on, his fantasy was two days from coming true, and he could feel the excitement building.
"Hi, are you Jon?" The same voice, the same smile.
"I am, and you are.....?"
"I'm Melissa, Janie's sister."
"So I see, please have a seat, or should I get a table?"
"No this is great here. Sally and Janie are still at work, but they insisted I make it. Is it true you are getting braces on next week?"
"Friday, actually."
"Really. That is so cool, we are all excited about it. " Her smile made Jon feel good. He was beginning to actually enjoy the metallic smile Mel was flashing.
"I go in tomorrow to finish up some details as to exactly what treatment we will use."
"What do you mean?"
"Well he wants to use a headgear, you know one of those weird looking things. Oh, I'm sorry, you don't wear one, do you?'
She was laughing. "No, we never had to wear them. So you are getting headgear too.?"
"I don't think so, it seems a little extreme, especially at my age, don't you think?"
"Me, no, not at all. I am sure I speak for the three of us that if you walk in here Friday night with headgear on, you will have a night you will never forget."
She was staring at him with those beautiful blue eyes and Jon was transfixed. He knew then what he would tell Arjons tomorrow. He could care less what happened afterwards, all he could think about was Friday night. "Look, I have to go now, but Sally really wants to meet you, any chance you can meet her tomorrow night?"
"Sure, have her give me a call tomorrow." He gave Mel a card.
"She will." Mel said assuringly as she headed for the door, "I will make sure she does. This will be our last chance for this." Jon watched as she walked out "I have to do this" he thought as he downed his drink.
"You are serious, aren't you?"
"You bet I am, the ortho is ready to go and two out of the three say they want it, I meet the last one tonight, we will be in bed by the weekend. I mean it is weird, but doable. Hey I will even get better looking because of it."
"Well I think you're nuts, but I have to admit, she was a great looking woman."
Jon had decided, headgear was no problem, braces were no problem, he wanted the trio and would do whatever was needed. He left for Arjons office.
"Jon, have a seat . Let me explain how this will work." The orthodontist shuffled trough a file and pulled out a piece of paper. This is a personal services contract. Basically it requires you to complete your orthodontic treatment at this office. If you do not, you agree to pay me a sum equal to five times your treatment fee, which will be $4000. That means if you lose interest, or have the appliances removed or tampered with, or if you fail to cooperate in appliance use, care and maintenance you will owe me $20,000. I want you to get a lawyer to look at it before you sign it, it will bind you and it will stand up in court. I have found this to be a very effective way to motivate adults to cooperate in their treatment."
"Come on Doctor, this isn't necessary. I am motivated enough, trust me."
"It is not a matter of trust. You have come to me because you are reluctant to get treatment. You have walked out on other treatment programs before. If you change your mind again next week because you dislike the appliances, headgear or whatever, this agreement will keep you on track. This is my specialty, I fully understand if you choose not to sign, but then you will have to find another orthodontist, I can recommend several others. I can say though that you will receive a high level of treatment, I am very good at what I do. I will remove the appliances as soon as the treatment objectives laid out here are achieved, but no sooner. Read this carefully tonight and bring in the documents signed tomorrow and we will begin. I will place everything in one sitting, so you will need to take the day off. You know the Smits so you know what your appliances will look like. Do you have any questions about the appliances, most people do."
"They are braces, who cares."
"You do, otherwise you would have had treatment before."
"My question is the contract thing, I mean come on here, that is a big obligation for something so simple."
That would be your choice, but those are my terms. And it will insure you finish treatment." If you decide to proceed you can show up tomorrow at 9 a.m. By the way, what about the headgear?"
"I will go with what you think is best."
"I am surprised, I never thought you would go for that, but it is the right long term solution. With cooperation like that I think the 42 month estimate is realistic. I will see you tomorrow."
All Jon could think about was meeting the sisters. He again got to the bar first, ordered a beer and waited. Across the street he could see a shapely redhead get out of a car and dash across the street. She was every bit as lovely as her sisters. She walked up to Jon. "you are just as cute as they said. Hi I'm Sally."
"Jon, thanks for coming."
"So when is the big day?"
"Next time you see me I will be as embraced as you."
She smiled showing her braces. "I hope you like them as much as we do. Don't worry, soon no one will even notice. You look nervous though."
"I guess I am, I am not sure about this orthodontist, I am thinking of finding someone else."
"Why?"
"He wants me to sign a contract and this headgear thing.....I am just not sure."
"Oh, too bad, we were looking really forward to this. I thought we would both get our fantasies. The are going to be so disappointed."
"I am still going to do it, there will just be a delay. Maybe I could use your guy."
"I guess" she said looking downcast, "but I am leaving Tuesday for Denver. Next time I come back it will be for the wedding. I was getting excited about this weekend." There was no mistaking the way she was rubbing her leg against mine under the table. "And when she told me about the headgear....I guess I will have to tell them."
"No, I am probably just nervous, my appointment is at 9 a.m. I will see you tomorrow night."
"You know it will be fine, don't worry about a contract, you were going to do it before you met Janie, weren't you?"
"Yeah, of course."
"So just do it. We will be here at 6.'
"Umm, can we maybe di it before Happy Hour hits, I mean...
"A man like you, afraid of a little wire and metal." She grinned that seductive grin that was driving Jon nuts. Tomorrow at six, in headgear? It will be a night you will never forget, I promise."
"O K, 6."
"Good morning, what is your decision?"
"Look, Doctor, suppose we leave out this contract thing and I just pay you in full in advance, that should do it, shouldn't it?"
"Sorry, no. If I do not have a signed contract, I will not proceed. It is the way I work, I like to finish what I start. Without the contract I can't insure you will follow directions. I am a firm believer in tough love, and for that I must get your complete cooperation. Did you read the treatment program, are there any other questions before we start?"
In fact, Jon had stayed late at the bar. He never touched the file. Hungover as he was, he wanted the triplets. He had to do it.
"I forgot the contract."
"Not a problem I have an updated one, it defines the headgear requirements. Why don't you read it."
Jon just grabbed a pen and signed. "What the hell, I am going to wear them anyway, even with the stupid clause. Here is the down payment. Let's do it."
"Very good, have a seat."
Arjons set about placing the spacers, all the while describing his actions. "With children I use the threat if strict high schools to motivate. If they choose not to comply they lose their liberties. They hate the bands and they hate the headgear, but the more they reject compliance, the fewer options they have. I have only done 5 adults and money is the only way to get their attention. After they get used to the bands they generally have no problem. You are the first one to go for the headgear option. As you read the rules are the same as for the teens. So when you leave, get used to it right away, I would hate to have to wire it on you. But the rules are no different. Jon did not have a clue as to what the Doctor was saying. "This is Dr. Wayne, an anaesthesiologist . He will monitor you while you sleep. It will probably save you an hour and it is already in the cost, so why don't you just lay back and relax"
"Just do it." And Jon drifted off to sleep.
"Mr. Ulrich, Can you hear me?" Jon strove to wake up. "It's ok, just take your time."
Jon struggled to open his eyes. He saw the nurse hovering above him. He felt none of the pain from the morning, which was a relief. He slowly came to awake and remembered where he was. He ran his tongue across his teeth. "Oh my god, braces." He mumbled, but the nurse knew what he was saying.
"You will get used to them, everybody says the same thing. Why don't you get up and walk around. The Doctor is with another patient. He will be ready in a half hour to place the facebow, You might want to relax in the waiting room."
"Is there a mirror around?"
"Not in this office, the Doctor doesn't believe in focusing on the appliances. The waiting room is this way." Jon got up and followed. "You might want a couple of these for the pain" as she handed him two Advil. Jon saw only one other person in the waiting room, and Jon just stared at the headgear he was wearing. The boy barely seemed to notice the stare.
"You new here?" Jon nodded yes. "Hi. I'm Steve. I never figured a grown up would wear these things, is someone making you?"
"Jon, No, it was my choice." Jon was realizing how difficult talking seemed to be. "Where's the closest mirror, any idea?"
"None in here. You picked this guy? I don't get it. You could pick a regular orthodontist."
"He took me, even though my problem isn't really that bad."
"Huh?" The boy looked puzzled.
"Arjons handles problem cases. But he took me anyway. If you don't mind me asking, how long do you Have to wear that? Your bite must have been really bad"
"18 hours a day, but I am almost done with the stupid thing, only about three more months. I have had it for a year and a half. They suck. You aren't going to wear one are you?"
"Yeah, I've never seen one like yours before. You must have had a serious problem." Jon looked at the straps that went around the boys head. The facebow was attached by plastic strips coming off a piece of plastic running around his ears. There were more strips running from a strap around his neck.
"No worse than any other. When he says problems, he means attitude problems, not orthodontic problems. Most kids here wouldn't wear the braces or kept damaging them. That's why we are all banded. Most everyone get some form of this headgear. Its called an interlandi. My neck strap is more than most get, but he always finds something to add on. Your teeth beginning to hurt?"
'A lot, everyone said they didn't hurt, boy were they wrong."
"It's the bands, it last for a couple of days then I guess its about the same as the brackets."
"Why do you keep saying its the bands, all of my teeth are aching. You mean the neck strap is normal don't you?
"Not in this office it's not. You do know that you have bands on, don't you? You know what the difference is?"
" No I don't understand the difference, I mean all the braces I have seen look pretty much alike, except for the headgear."
"Most braces are metal brackets glued to the front of the teeth. Bands go all the way around. Arjons uses them so no one can screw with them like braking them off and stuff. "
"It must be the gas, I don't get it."
Steve unhooked the headgear, removed the facebow, all in two quick moves. "You get real good taking it on and off." He then sat next to Jon and smiled. "See, bands. "
"I am sure he only uses those on the special problem cases."
"No , he uses these on everybody, they are just like yours. He never told you? You never knew that's what you were getting. It was the same with me. I thought I was getting some teeth pulled, then they put me to sleep and I woke up with these on. I didn't believe it either at first"
Jon was feeling the braces with his fingers. "No this isn't right. My case isn't that complicated."
"He gets way into his psychology stuff and 'tough love'. What is he using to blackmail you, it can't be school?"
"Shit, the money clause in the contract. Where is there a mirror here?"
"No mirrors on this side, you are not supposed to care what they look like. You would have to go to his office across the hall at his regular practice. This is his counseling office. They aren't so bad after a while, even with brackets people can still see your braces. I mean the bands look worse, but the headgear is the real problem. The first weeks I was in high school I never even smiled, now I wear this thing to basketball games and all sorts of after school stuff. I mean he had to threaten me with continuous wear, but after a while everyone gets tired of goofing on you about it. But I have never seen an old guy like you wearing one before, and I am the only one I know who even thinks about wearing it in public. This is going to suck for you."
Jon got up and went back to the treatment room. He checked the bathroom for a mirror, but found none. Arjons came back into the room. "How do the bands feel? Would you like another advil?"
"The feel lousy, can I see a mirror please." Jon was getting angry. "I want regular braces, get these things off."
"Please calm down. In this office they are regular braces. You told me you were at a ballgame with Martin Smits, they are the type as he has on, and there is a long paragraph in the contract with pictures describing the appliance. You signed a statement saying you understood all this and agreed to it. Now you know why I insist upon the contract and why I ask you to have a lawyer review it."
"I went with Scotty Smits, not Martin."
"Scott is not the problem his brother is, that is why Martin is at Bates. Regardless, the contract is in force and I suggest you examine your motivation for seeking treatment in the first place." Jon though about the triplets. If they thought their tiny brackets were fun, they would go nuts over these things.
"Doctor I have reconsidered, I want these off."
"Certainly, how will you be paying you balance. I believe you owe me $18,000."
"This is crazy. You have $2000 of my money now. For four hours work, I think that is fair enough."
"Well I do not." Jon saw this was pointless, he would find a lawyer later to deal with this idiot. Besides, if they came off, he lost his chance to be with the triplets.
"Fine, we will do this later. Am I free to go or does the contract not allow that either."
"You are the one who requested the appliances, now let's go into the next office so we can finish for the day. I am sure you will feel better about this tomorrow." They walked into an office and for the first time Jon saw the appliances.
"Oh god, look at these."
"I have seen them. Now please have a seat while I fit the headgear." Jon froze, remembering the boy in the waiting room.
"Nothing like that kid's out there, I mean come on now. At least keep that within limits."
"I use only the appliances that do the job. While some of these appliances are not the most aestetic, they are effective." Arjons took a facebow off the table and slid it into place. He then put a mirror in front of Jon so he could practice. Then he took out the Interlandi strap and adjusted to Jon's head. Then came the neck strap, just like the boy's. "Not that I do not trust you, but there is a timer in each power module, I will check the time on each appointment. If I see a pattern of abuse, I will wire it in. This is all clearly spelled out in the contract. Initially, 18 hours a day will be sufficient. You are going to have to get past the fear of being seen in your appliances, especially the headgear and elastics. That irrational fear is what kept you from seeking treatment before. You have decided to wear the appliances now and I assure you they will only come off when you are done. If you fight me, I will attach the facebow. If you choose not to wear the elastics, it will only take longer to get the appliances off. For the headgear I will make some allowances for the first several weeks so you can get adjusted. That is 126 hours a week.. Wear time is not optional, how you find the time is your problem. Remember, if you decide not to show up, I will sue you for the balance. And I will win. I have won before, just not for this much money."
"Jon was only partly listening as he stared in the mirror. "I look like an idiot. No way I can wear this."
"You can and you will. We will see you in two weeks. Once you get past your vanity you will be fine. Just focus on what brought you here in the first place, and focus on your teeth when you are done." Kelly will make an appointment for you. Calm down, everything will be fine." Arjons left the room.
Kelly led him to the outer office where Steve was still waiting, now with two other teenagers, all of whom thought the sight of Jon in full orthodontic regalia was funny. Jon's face was beet red.
"Man you weren't lying, he is old."
"Easy now, remember when it was you first wearing that. I still get pissed when I have to put this thing on." Steve was trying to make Jon feel better, but no one was used to the sight of an adult who would voluntarily do that to himself. "You will get used to them in about three years." They all laughed again.
Jon got out of the office and immediately removed the headgear. He drove towards the bar to meet the girls, but felt like he had just done something really stupid. How could one night be worth the scrap pile he had in his mouth. He almost hit more than one car as he kept staring at his now very metallic mouth in the rear view mirror. After the triplets, who was going to socialize with an adult male wearing braces and headgear that would make a child blush. He stopped for a drink at another bar for courage, then had another and another. His courage, and his libido, were returning, despite the curious stare from the bartender. He took a cab to meet the triplets. It was almost six. With all of his fears pounding against him, he stopped in front of a storefront and used the plate glass as a mirror and put the headgear on. He then walked into the crowded bar. Panic is the only word to describe the feeling in his stomach. As he looked around for the women he tried to avoid any eye contact, and the others in the bar looked away, with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Jon, over here." It was Roger sitting at a table with Janie., who was sitting next to a woman busy taking pictures with her videocam. Roger was laughing hard. "I can't believe how easy this was. Boy do you look weird. How embarrassing is that thing to wear?"
"Hey, cool it, I feel like an idiot in this. " He looked at Janie. "Where are you sisters?" The others started laughing again.
"Let me get the waitress, you need a drink." It was the Jon noticed Janie no longer had her braces on. "Show him Jane.
She reached into her bag and pulled out two wigs, one for each sister. "Sorry Jon, it is just me."
"But your braces?"
She reached into her bag and pulled out a small box, opened it, and put something into her mouth. She then smiled showing he braces. "Fakes, pretty good huh?"
Roger was still laughing. "It took me years to get back at you for Vegas. I wasn't even sure you would go for it, and I never imagined I could ever get you into Arjons, he is like the ortho nazi. Martin hates the guy. Man you look ridiculous, you should see those things." Jon yanked the headgear off.
"What did you do, I had to sign some stupid contract, this is costing me a fortune." He could not stop trying to cover the bands. "Look at these things, they look awful." He looked at Jane "Who are you>"
"I owed Roger a favor, I'm an actress."
"You should put that back on, doesn't it have a timer or something? I know Martin can't take his off because he kept getting caught. Pretty funny."
"You ... you intentionally did this to me?"
"You bet. Oh man, look at that junk. Martin told me it hurts like hell when that metal goes on. Here, have a shot. At least tomorrow you will sober up, but it will cost you everything to get them taken off. Remember, you always wanted braces. Oh by the way this is Teresa Phelps from channel 9 news, she liked my idea of doing a piece on adult orthodontia. I am sure she is going to love the film you just gave her."
"Can I get anyone here a drink." It was the waitress. "You're the guy with all the braces, I used to have them too."
"Just call me a cab" as Jon started towards the door.
"Hey, don't forget your headgear" she called. All Jon could hear was Roger laughing in the background. Jon tried to remember what Arjons had said, was it 42 months, and 18 hours a day. Suddenly the idea of making love didn't seem so important.