You drew stars around my scars

Braces

Jessica was sitting on the floor next to Emmeline, playing with her gently to try and get her to laugh for her when she heard Taylor heading towards the front door. She heard the blonde speaking to somebody and sat up slowly – trying to strain to listen. After just a few seconds, the two of them appeared in the doorway. Jessica frowned slightly "what are you doing here?"

Tree laughed lightly "Hello to you too!"

Jessica grinned sheepishly "Hello! But what are you doing here?"

Taylor laughed lightly "don't panic – she's not here to force you to eat again! She is going to watch Emmeline for us, you have a couple of appointments today..."

Jessica frowned even more, panic rising "what kind of appointments? I had therapy yesterday and you weighed me this morning..."

Taylor shrugged, trying to pretend it was no big deal "you have the dentist then orthodontist"

Jessica tensed up "what! No, we only just went!"

Taylor shook her head "3 months ago buddy – and they wanted to see you a bit more regularly, didn't they?"

Jessica grumbled lightly "ergh yuck. Why didn't you tell me? Also, I am not getting braces"

Taylor shrugged "let's just see what they say..."

Jessica threw her head back dramatically "why didn't you tell me! I haven't psyched myself up for it!"

Tree rolled her eyes "she didn't tell you because she knew you'd moan and try and wriggle out of it. Now you can either suck it up and Taylor will go, or you keep moaning and I will take you. Choice is yours..."

Jessica pouted "mean..."

Tree shrugged "realistic. Now go and get ready...."

As the teen stomped away begrudgingly Taylor picked up Emmeline off the floor, cuddling her closely "she's going to be REALLY grumpy when she finds out we are definitely doing braces"

Tree smiled "do you know that for sure?"

Taylor grimaced slightly "yep – they said it last time and I've already spoken to the orthodontist. Today is to get the dentist to sign off that her teeth are healthy enough, then we go and get scans and a treatment plan..."

Tree shrugged "so many teenagers get braces"

Taylor nodded "yeah, not a big deal..."

Just at that moment Jessica came back downstairs "I'm ready"

Taylor smiled softly, kissing Emmeline's head gently before handing her over to Tree "she's just been fed but there is a bottle in the fridge if she needs it. She'll be due to a nap soon but she is really fighting them at the moment. If you need me I've got my phone on me-"

Tree laughed "I've got it Tay, she will be fine. Good luck Jessica"

Jessica smiled, her voice dripping with sarcasm "thanks..."

They quickly arrived and were shown back to the exam room, Jessica sat waiting patiently for the dentist to appear, she turned to Taylor "what if my teeth are worse than last time?"

Taylor smiled kindly "then we will deal with it..."

Jessica was about to protest when the dentist walked in "good morning! How are you doing today?"

Jessica mumbled a quick response before relaxing back in the chair as they lowered it down slowly. She allowed them to poke around in her mouth for a few minutes, listening to all the jargon. The dentist sat her up again "Ok – so it's been a few months since we saw you last. Any problems with those fillings?"