44years old and Im finally pulling my life together, suitcase in hand, trying to decide what to tell my son. Ill let him know once I settle into a new place. Its a relief that my mother, Margaret, is still with me, though I still feel the hole left by my father, Edward, who passed away when I was young. He was a dentist, and I somehow fell into his shoes.
My marriage to Arthur ended without drama; hed been ready to walk away ever since I warned him repeatedly:
Give up your gambling, or Im done. Im tired of funding your habits.
He promised to quit, but never managed to. Wed spent twentytwo years together, ten of those entrenched in his reckless lifestyle. His debts piled up, and at first I was the one covering them.
My dear, please dont divorce Arthur, begged my motherinlaw. Maybe hell finally quit his games. Im exhausted from paying his bills myself. I cant even set aside a rainyday fund.
One day I told her, Im filing for divorce and wanted you to know, so it isnt a surprise later.
She pressed, Where will you go? What will you do? You cant just leave the flat; its Arthurs property.
I replied, Why rent? Im moving to another town, but I wont say whichArthur might still hound me. Ive quit my job; dentists are needed everywhere, so I wont disappear. Ive always dreamed of opening my own practice, but with his losses, where will the money come from?
I headed back to my mothers big, familiar town of Birmingham. After university Id wanted to return here, but marrying Arthur kept me away; he refused to leave his twobedroom flat, a legacy from his grandmother who had moved in with his parents.
Hello, Mum, I said, hugging her tightly. Im here for good, just as I promised.
Youve done well, love, she beamed, proud. Youre still young, the world is yours. Nick understands youhes grown up, studying at university. Margaret, a recently retired nurse, was beaming with maternal joy.
The next morning I asked, Is DrIan Roman still working, or has he retired?
Still at his private dental practice, she answered. He no longer treats patients himself; he runs the business. Ive spoken to him about you joining his team. Hes already agreed to take you on when you arrive permanently.
Thanks, Mum, I said, grateful for her swift action. Dads old friend always looked out for us. I met him once on holiday; even then he said I could count on him. Ill drop by today.
Its now my second year as a dentist in the local clinic. Ive settled into the city, the practice, the patients. My son Nick visits during his holidays, and were both relieved he never went off with his father.
Just after Id sent a patient out, I turned to the nurse, Kelsey, Call the next one, please.
She replied, Please, come in. The receptionist greeted the newcomer.
I glanced at a middleaged man entering; I hadnt seen him before, so he must be a firsttime patient.
Did he book this by accident, or did someone recommend me? I wondered, motioning him to the chair.
He settled, his face calm and unreadable.
Open your mouth, I said, then examined. Upper right third molar, decay. Well need to extract it. I met his eyes.
Go ahead, pull it, he said shortly.
Kelsey, prepare a local anesthetic, I instructed, then to him, Ill give you a shot, and you wont feel a thing.
No injection, he snapped.
What do you mean? I asked, confused.
Just treat it, without the needle he replied.
For a moment I thought, Either hes a robot or a masochist who enjoys pain. I forced myself to stay calm and turned on the drill.
He seemed oddly unfazed as I worked, never flinching. After I placed the medicament, I asked gently, Does it hurt?
No, he answered, as tranquil as if the drill were a lullaby, though I knew it was excruciating.
Ill see you the day after tomorrow for a filling, he said, rising. Kelsey watched him leave with interest.
Quite a character, she muttered, closing the door. Brave, noneedle style.
I replied, Hes just putting on a tough front. If hes scared, he should admit it. Pretending youre unbothered only makes the pain worse.
Kelsey, with a grin, added, You know, Sophie, I think hes fallen for you. He looks at you not as a dentist but as a woman.
I laughed, Kelsey, youve got a wild imagination.
She said, No joke. Ive been watching. I sense hell ask you out soon.
Whats his name? I asked.
Peter, she replied. He doesnt stand a chance with me, though.
Why? I asked, a hint of disappointment.
Because Im drawn to men who are in touch with their feelings, honest and open. Hes more like a Terminator.
Peter kept his appointment, arriving right at the end of the day. Kelsey greeted him as if we were old friends.
Come in, Peter Anton
I managed a curt, Good afternoon, have a seat. Well put in a filling today.
The procedure took longer than usual, but Peter endured it stoically.
Was it painful? I asked once we were done.
No, he replied tersely.
I suspected he was lying, and began preparing the composite.
When the filling was ready, he stood, looked straight into my eyes, and said, Thank you I think thats my last visit for now. I have a car; I can drive home myself.
No thanks, Ill manage on my own. Should I book you for the next extraction?
Yes, please.
Do we have any slots on Saturday?
Kelsey flipped through the diary, Yes, nineoclock is free; the rest of the day is booked.
Nine works for me, he said.
I love Saturday mornings at workno rush hour traffic, the streets empty, the clinic quiet. I arrived, changed into my white coat, poured a cup of tea, and settled by the window.
I watched Peter pacing outside, looking nervous, sitting on a bench, then standing again. His demeanor had changed completely from the calmness in the chair.
Whats going on with him? I mused. Maybe hes feeling something for the first time.
I set my teacup down, opened the window, and called, Peter, you can come in now!
He turned, surprised. Its not nine yet, is it?
Does it matter? Were both here, why wait? I smiled, closing the window.
He entered, blushing, and said, Im not quite ready yet.
Ready for what? I asked.
Im afraid I actually fear dentists, so I try to brace myself before each visit, he confessed.
Why did you refuse the injection then? I pressed.
Im terrified of needles even more than drills, he admitted.
Ah, that explains it, I said earnestly. Its not funny; most people dread needles. Ill be gentle, youll barely feel it.
After the quick, painless injection, he looked relieved and returned my smile. The whole appointment finished swiftly and successfully.
The following Monday, Peter strolled past the clinic with a large bouquet of flowers, checking his watch. Colleagues stared, wondering what the earlymorning gift was for.
When I approached him, he handed me the bouquet.
Good morning, this is for you. Turns out the injection wasnt painful after all. Im fine, thank you. Id like to invite you for dinner if youre willing, he said, steady and sincere.
Very serious, arent you? I chuckled. Im not opposed.
Great, I have your number, Ill call you later. Ill be looking forward to the evening.
The date went wonderfully. I realised Kelsey had been rightPeter is genuinely kind, affectionate, and not afraid to show his emotions.
