My Brother, The Dentist

Chapter 58-

The next morning I woke up to the sound of my digital alarm beeping in my ear. Hurriedly, I switched it off and hopped out of bed, rubbing my eyes to try and wake myself up. I took a very quick shower, got changed into my school uniform, then headed downstairs for some breakfast. Sam was already sitting at the breakfast bar, gnawing on a slice of toast.

"Morning bud" he said enthusiastically, smiling warmly. He was already dressed in a shirt and tie with his hair done. "Sleep well?" he asked.

"Yeah" I replied, still half asleep.

I poured myself a bowl of coco puffs cereal, added some milk, then joined Sam.

"Right then Billy, plan for the day" Sam said, swallowing the rest of his toast before speaking. "I'll pick you up from school an hour early, and we'll finally go get the cast off your arm."

I grinned at Sam widely.

"Then, I'll take you to my office and Adam will put on your braces."

My grin turned into a frown. Sam mimicked my face teasingly, sticking his bottom lip out and pouting his mouth.

"No Sam. Please no" I whined, slamming my spoon into my cereal bowl and placing my head into the palms of my hands.

"You want to get it over with, don't you? The sooner you get them on, the sooner they'll come off" he said, taking a swig of coffee from his mug.

"But what if I don't want them at all?" I replied back.

Sam sighed and looked at me with sorrow. "Bud, if you get your braces put on today, you only have to visit my office once every four to six weeks in order to get them tightened. Then, once you're finished with braces, it's only once every six months for a checkup with me. Surely that sounds good to you?"

It was true that I was extremely tired of visiting Sam's dental office as frequently as I did. I rolled my eyes. "Ugh, I guess so" I said back. I knew I wouldn't be able to win the argument against Sam. It had to happen one day. "The least you could do is come in with me whilst I get my braces though."

"I thought that might've been the case" he smirked. "Luckily, I'm one step ahead of you and don't have any patients then, so of course I'll come in with you."

I faintly smiled at Sam, then continued eating my cereal.

"Billy, after your braces have been put on, we're having staff checkups, so you're welcome to stay around if you like."

"I don't want a checkup!" I moaned.

"You're not staff though are you Billy, so you won't get a checkup" Sam laughed. "Don't worry. I just thought it would save you having to walk home, as I'll be able to give you a lift when I finish."

"Okay Sam" I bluntly replied. I ate the last spoonful of my cereal, then quickly washed up my bowl. "I'm off to school now" I told Sam, prepared to leave.

"Teeth brushed?" he questioned.

I let out a prolonged sigh, then stomped up the stairs, to show my annoyance, to brush my teeth. Two minutes of brushing and a gurgle of mouthwash later, I returned downstairs with my bag on my back finally ready to leave for school.

"Do you want a lift to school?" Sam asked, straightening up his neck tie. "I'm leaving for work in a minute anyway."

"No Sam, I'm okay. I'll walk. Bye." I rushed out the door and began the walk to school.

~

It was a lonely day at school. Kyle was no where to be found, which worried me slightly. Lola avoided eye contact at all costs, and completely blanked me if I walked anywhere near her. I wanted so much to talk to her, and see what terms we were on. Yet, I just had no idea what to say. I'd screwed up, but more prominently her dad had messed our relationship up for good, as well as my face. I just had to pick up some courage, but today wasn't the day. I ate lunch at a table on my own. Everyone kept looking at me funny, yet I couldn't understand why. An hour before home time, I was called to the main school office by the tannoy. When I arrived there, Sam was waiting patiently on a chair, still in his smart work attire. He signed me out, then led me to his car, where the both of us hopped in and he sped away.
During the car journey Sam and I had generic chitchat, where he asked me basic questions such as 'how was school?' ...I lied, and told him I had a good day. I didn't want him to worry. I knew he would start questioning me and attempt to help. But I didn't want his help. Being alone felt better.
We arrived at the hospital and immediately the butterflies entered my stomach. I stayed extremely close to Sam, not wanting to leave him for even a split second.