My First Time
I was apprehensive about my first time. Being 14 years old I had no idea what to expect. My friends told me about their first times; some said it hurt, others said it wasn't painful and that they enjoyed it. I called with trepidation and set up our meeting. I walked in to his place. He was an older man, about my daddy's age. His salt and pepper hair was gently tussled across his forehead. He offered me a welcoming smile behind his veneers. Artificially bright, I thought; his teeth or his demeanor. Maybe both. I couldn't tell. I was too wrought with nerves to dissect my thoughts. The gentleman demanded I lie down and try to relax.
"Suzie, I know this is your first time, but you have to try and relax. I promise I'll be gentle."
He wasted no time and got straight to the point. Time like his is measured in cents.
"Open wide, Suzie."
I reluctantly did what he commanded. I opened wide to mitigate the pain and clenched my eyes so I wouldn't have to see his terrible instrument. The pain came over me in waves. Sharp, then throbbing, and finally receding into a lingering ache. It was horrible, but thank God he was quick to finish. He cleaned me up, taking care not to miss a spot. He stopped my bleeding with cotton balls, gently swabbing the tender area. When it was finally over he handed me a lollipop and congratulated me on taking it so well. I'll never forget my first time seeing a dentist.