THE LEGACY OF DR FAUCI

THE LEGACY OF DR. FAUCI While this man had been chosen as an advisor, to the White House, after establishing a sound career, and reputation, for himself, he would suffer the fate of Benedict Arnold. What most American history present, about General Benedict Arnold, was how he, supposedly, surrendered his troops, to the British, to save his own skin. What most histories do NOT include is the fact that, prior to his surrender, General Arnold was well-known, for LEADING his troops into battle, and for actually Horse-Whipping any officer who showed signs of cowardice, in the face of their enemy. While the truth is that General Arnold had only surrendered his troops when it proved that colonial "intelligence" was as "reliable" as todays, that the general would learn that his soldiers would face off against not twice, or three times, their number, but as many as twenty-five to one odds, that the general would surrender his troops. From that time, to the present, all that anyone wants to remember the general for is this one act. The same would hold for Dr, Fauci. A man, whose judgement, the public had come to trust. The man, who sounded the original alarm, shutting down the United States, as Corona came upon the nation. Had he have held to the original time-table, he would have retired a highly respected physician. His first mistake was that, as COVID tests began to see less and less, of outbreaks, Dr. Fauci would ruin the 2020 holiday season, by insisting that people return to level 1 Solitary Confinement. The doctor insisted that, having families gather, to celebrate the holidays, would be the same thing as allowing COVID a "free pass", in the United States. While law enforcement REFUSED to uphold various governors orders, of going house-to-house, breaking up gatherings, Dr. Fauci would insist that this was no different than watching a thief exit a victims house, yet allowing the thief to walk away with their haul. His worst mistake was in issuing orderrs that Christmas, 2020 be cancelled. He made the mistake of crying "WOLF!", and would, soon, pay. When Americans openly defied the order, to cancel Christmas, Dr. Fauci found himself in a terrible position. A position, which he, himself, had created, with his announcement that America would see "wave-after-wave", of COVID. While outgoing "leader", Donald Trump had given orders that, if the police would not enforce Dr. Fauci's demands, that the White House would back up the demands, if necessary, with lethal fire-power. When President-elect Joseph Biden had been asked his thoghts, on the use of military force, Mr. Biden had smiled, brightly, as he asked "Where is the enemy?" Dr. Fauci would, soon, notice that the numbers, of reporters, covering him, was dissolving, even as he kept saying "I cannot forsee an end to this problem." When asked "When do you forsee allowing people to return to their normal lives?", all the Doctor would say was "I just dont see it happening, any time soon." When the media would ask "You mean, you want to keep the public locked away, for who knows how many YEARS?" When Dr. Fauci would say "IF that is what it takes, then yes, we may have to." This statement was found un-acceptable, both by the media, and the public. DR. Fauci found that he was in real trouble when the news media began questioing his training, and background. Add in the public reaction of "Tell Mr. Fauci where to take his virus, and antidote, and shove them, both!" This is when Dr. Fauci would make the statement, which would end his career. When he would issue the statement : "If we do not quarantine, until further notice, then this will be the end of the United States." This statement would be the end of his credentials, credibility, and lively hood. He would have turned to Donald Trump, for aid, except that Mr. Trump was in just as much trouble. Even his most-valued, Republican, friends had abandoned the Real Estate Developer. While rumor would have it that Dr. Fauci even changed his name, upon leaving Washington D.C., and returning to the private sector, there remained un-verified rumors that the man had to take a minimum wage job, in the service sector. His dream, of retiring, as a well-respected doctor, were just so much smoke. He would live out his days being known as the Doctor, who cried "WOLF!". After President Biden took office, he would start a "chat-room", among doctors, and researchers, world-wide, with the question being "What should the United States really be doing?" When the overwhelming majority stated that "Solitary Confinement" was NOT the answer, and that the best answer was that, used for cold and flu season. Confine the exposed, giving plenty of liquids, and medication, and return to former status. When the president would ask "Do we keep the general public in "Solitary", the doctors were unanimous in saying "Only if you want another civil war in your nation." Upon this acknowledgement, Mr. Biden would begin the orderly process of re-opening the nation, in a safe, and sane, order. The media had found it hilarious that, each time a Republican ran for office, they spoke of cutting social programs, and driving down the deficit, by forcing people into the marketplace. Mr. Reagan had promised to cut the deficit, by half, through eliminating social programs, including Social Security. During the shut-downs, which Mr. Reagan mandated, in order to FORCE Congress to pass his budgets, his promise, to cut the deficit, had, actually, added trillions to the deficit. Mr. Bush, Senior, might have accomplished the task, except that he demanded billions, in spending, to protect the Saudi oil fields. Mr. Bush, Jr. would add several trillion more to this, by invading the Middle East, and bringing Democracy, at GUN-point. Now, Mr. Trump had added about five trillion, with the first stimulis, then faked the public out with an offer, of addtional money (IF the public voted for him), for a second term. Between the stimulis, and the hardship, caused by two, national, shut-downs, Mr. Trump would be remembered as the most "free-spending" president, in recent history. Between the stimulis, and the shut-downs, Mr. Trump ended up ADDING another $10 trillion, to the national debt. Between this, and Dr. Fauci's crying "WOLF!", the Republicans wondered if they should even run another candidate, for 2024. While Dr. Fauci would spend his remaining days, as a service sector worker, Mr. Trump found out that, even with $40 million, of his own dollars, even the Republicans would NOT have him. Two men, very successful, in their own trades, yet total disasters, in the public sector, each bound to permanent isolation. Two lives destroyed, and a nation, which some were considering placing on the auction block. It would take Mr. Biden, Mrs. Harris, and 75%, of the American people, to make a "dent" in all which had been done, wrong. This is why the president said "Dont worry. We can start the work, and leave it in capable hands." The "dent" however, would be the only thing saving the nation from public auction. That, and a minimum price tag, of $25 trillion. Yes, the "debt reducers" had added trillions to the national debt. This left the question of: Would U.S. debt purchasers be allowed to make demands, upon the nation, in the coming years? The only answer that anyone could give was that life was returning to normal, in the United States. Yes, Dr. Fauci had done an excellent job of driving the nation further into debt, than ever. His "reward"? An efficiency apartment, in a low-rent neighborhood. That, and spending his remaining days denying his original identity.

IT FINALLY HAPPENED

IT FINALLY HAPPENED After more than a YEAR, of the HOAx, and the demanded "solitary confinement", which turned holdiay gatherings into nightmares, as elected officials authorized the interrogation, of citizens, whom officials only "suspected" were in violation of the worst, concentration camp rules, since the Nazi Party, of World War Two It was while health care "experts" just kept saying "We MUST isolate, until further notice" that the public began to lose faith. A FULL YEAR, of officials telling the public NOT to gather with families, during one of the darkest times, in American history. This, while politicians FLAUNTED their own resrictions After a full year of being told "You must isolate, to "contain" the "virus", the American people no-longer believed. The final straw came when officials, and "experts", insisted upon invading peoples homes, for any sign of "contamination", that the revolt took on its final form. Friends, neighbors, and others, began abandoning the concentration camp orders, and openly meeting, to renew friendships. When police were ordered to "break up" the gatherings, only a few obeyed, and, of those officers, who did attempt to re-impose regulations, they would be FORCED to withdraw, from a hostile populace. A populace which no-longer cared about badges, or uniforms. When the police were forced to withdraw, and elected officials demanded that riot squads be sent in, to force complaince, no one considered the fact that riot gear does not protect from burning gasoline. This would be what the protestors would open third story windows, and pour on both riot police, and urban assault vehicles, notheir of which was fire-proofed. When the elected officials ordered the military to "restore order", only a limited number, of commanders would obey the order. Of those who did, elected officials would have to give orders that the media be HALTED from re-enforcing the citizens positions. The streets would run red, with blood, of both civilians, and military, as the opposing forces met, face-to-face. When soldiers withdrew, adn officials ordered tanks into city streets, to restore order, what the public saw, on television, was American armor ripping apart American neighborhoods. Fires began spreading, everywhere, as tanks just blasted everything in sight. While elected officials hoped that a few such scenes would force the public to restore law and order, the opposite was, in fact, true. The more that elected officials DEMANDED complete compliance, the more the public revolted. As even more, American, cities fell to rioting, with tanks turning neighborhoods into fiery death traps, the president ordered a special session, of Congress, stating "The people are speaking. WE MUST listen." This, even as health officials held to their position of "Isolation is the only means of conrtol." When the president would say "I dont agree. We have held this nation, under solitary confiement, for too long. The only thing we can do, for now, is let the rage burn itself out." The time, when the president had to give an executive order, was when two governors, who were demanding full compliance, began asking for nuclear attacks, to force submission. The president was very clear, in saying "We represent those people." The president would order the governors removed from office. While the M1-A1 battle tanks had reduced maybe thrity-six cities to flaming disasters, the president would order a cease-fire, ordering the tanks back to base. When health officials would continue to insist "We MUST continue iso..." and the president would say "Shut up. You have caused enough trouble, already." BY the time the president would order a return, to stage 4, and re-open the nation, hundreds of thousands of families would be left homeless, due to attacks, by American tanks. The president would charge the supplies, needed for people to have temporary needs met, to the major medical concerns. The big problem would be with restoring utilities. Some elected officials though that just taking out some power, and water, plants, would bring an immediate halt, to anti-government activity. While tank commanders would say "I doubt that", and tank crews made wagers, that destroying the plants, would only INCREASE violence, still, orders were orders. As a result, somewhere near $500 billion, in fully operational systems would be destroyed, under orders. By the time dictatorial elected officials were ordered removed from office, and the president would ask for a cease-fire, it would take maybe two hours for the orders to be received. After the military pulled out, the president would addresss the nation saying "I have shown good faith. Now, lets see if YOU will make a peace gesture." While rioters would sack oput anyplace that they could, the officials, who had begun this mess, were forced to pack up and, without any rest, ordered to vacate official property. Since the health officials were smarter than this, the health officials went into hiding. The message of "We MUST Isolate" would turn into "Time to begin re-building." While emergency workers would tend the injured, and adults began trying to dig out what was left, of their lives, I would have the president recommend that the cities have workers broken off, into two sections. When children had to be removed from dangerous positions, I recommended that workers be de-tached to do nothing more than make play area's safe, and accessable. When parks were ruled safe, again, children were transported to these areas, while adults continued the work at hand. It would take many months, and with a price tag of maybe $50 trillion, to make the cities whole, again, before the next holiday season. Even with cities still undergoing re-building, come the holidays, churches would become dining halls, as mass was held, among the remains, and families gathered in hope, and prayer, for the coming year. While churches, and hospitals, were placed on TOP PRIORITY, for power restoration, ministers felt it was more important to remember the basics. This is why activities were handled by candlelight. The Pentagon would supply military governors, to ensure supplies were received, and distributed, efficiently. It would take another, full, year, before life returned to "normal". This, even as "research", on the HOAX, proceeded, at a snails pace. Once the media was back on-line, reporters, and op-ed writers would make a starling comparson. While "work", on an antidote proceeded, at a snails pace, the nation had been brought to its knees, and re-built, to full functionality. The media would ask "How is this possible? How can a nation be destroyed, and re-built, in less time that it takes to creat an antidote?" The "experts" who SHOULD have answered this question, had gone into "hiding", among the very people they had sought to control. The "experts" were expert at one thing. That was of lying, and saying "That is another person. We only share the same name. (Thankfully, most of the experts pictures were never printed.) This is why the "experts" became advisors, for the re-construction. The people may have "spoken" but they also listened, when idea's were needed, for re-building. One, of the few good things, to come out of the battle, was the destruction of three coal-fired power-plants. Plants which, for over a decade, politicians had been arguing over whether to spend millions on demolition, or on retrofitting. Since both concepts would have costed millions of dollars, there had been strong opposition, from the Republicans, since either procedure would have meant TAXING the super-rich. Now that tanks had reduced the power plants to nothing more than debris, the "road" was clear. While there was talk of nuclear, the public voted to "Go Solar", instead. The plants, which were, normally in use, only during the day time, when energy consumption was at its highest, agreed to use solar energy. The nuclear community would be all-but shut out, of the re-building. When Nuclear energy would try to remind people of its usefulness, the public voiced its opinion, saying "Remember Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl Russia, and the Japanese disaster" This is when nuclear left the table. People wanted SAFE power. The OPPOSITE of nuclear. As for food, this was not a problem, due to the enormous reserves, held by the government. What some people just did not understand was why their neighbors received MORE, to eat. Under re-construction policy, the more work that a person put in, the more they, and their family, we given to eat. This is why the low-income, and "working class" received more food than the "rich". It was because, just like in pioneer America, a persons value was based upon how much, or how HARD, they worked. The phrase "A man works from sun-to-sun" became the new mantra of the re-construction. Women were exempt, ONLY if they had pre-school age children. Even some of these women, though, were not about to be "upstaged" by men. Once a day care center was opened, near a re-modelled school, it was agreed that child care woerkers would be given rations, for keeping children safe. As far as motor vehicle fuel went, with no, real, economy, to speak of, the world wanted to offer the United States loans, of fuel. An offer to which the response was "Thanks but no thanks" Instead, the department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and fire-arms would first oversee a contest, for the finest moonshine makers, in any area. With the finest makers chosen, stills would be set up, in abandoned buildings, and trucks began bringing in supplies, while the ATF provided security. The only real problem, that the re-construction had, was the fact that no one, with the except of some very old senior citizens, knew how to operate the decades-old emergency generators. This is why many, of these men were called upon to direct the clean-up of the machines, as well as how to fill the tanks, prime the motors, and engage the circuits. (Things, which computer programmers had no knowledge of) By the time the United States was up, and fully functional, again, some of the same people tried to claim that the virus would be stronger than ever. Problem is that these people had cried "WOLF!" too many times, and insisted upon "endless" "solitary confinement", for an entire nation, for over a year. Now, they had lost all credibility, and no one listened anymore. This is why business got back to business, and the "experts" were left without employment, over their HOAX. This is why Corona was committed to the history books, as a HOAX, similar to the Trojan Horse. Sure, people, still got sick, and some died, but that was nothing new. People had done so since before time was even recorded.

ANOTHER HOAX

ANOTHER HOAX What took even MYSELF a while, to understand was that neither the first, nor the alleged, second, stimulis checks, was aimed at aiding the economy. Mr. Trump had hoped that, giving the public some "free money" would ensure his chances of a second term, in office. While Mr. Trump had intended the public to go out, and PARTY, with the money, his staff had to report that the vast majority, of citizens, were using checks to bring overdue bills up to date. No elegant balls were being planned. Just people, paying off bills. This is why, with the election coming so close, his staff suggested that a story be "leaked", that Mr. and Mrs. Trump had contracted COVID. If the first stimulis check did not secure votes, then, maybe sympathy would. No change is what staff would have to report. This is why a second stimulis check was proposed. Maybe the promise of a second amount of money, would encourage voters to choose Mr. Trump, for a second term. Problem was that, by this time, Mr. Trumps numbers were well into the RED. The man was looking up, at politically broke. This is why, with Election Day looming, Mr. Trump had made it known that more checks would be going out (just as soon as he was re-elected). It would be Mr. Bidens decisive victiory, which would cause Congressional Republicans, to back away, from the deal. They were prepared to reward loyalty. NOT to reward the opposition. This is why Congressional Republicans would fight the stimulis, with all their might. They were not about to reward "treason". This is why the second stimulis checks never went out. The promise was "broken". To Mr. Trump, it had been voters, who broke the deal, by not re-electing him. To voters, it was Mr. Trump, who "broke the deal", by making the promise, then rescinding it. Another mention, that Mr. Trump DID take seriously, was that of using an island, he was developing, for his super-rich clients, and turning it into a private home, for his family. While he never kept his word, about renouncing his U.S. citizenship, his family would have peace, and privacy, on the island. This, even as enough of Trump International land-holdings, were sold, to ensure that Mr. Trump would live out his days, happily. It was no shock, when Melania would file for divorce, leaving Barron with his father, while she returned to her homeland. His older brothers and sisters, would end up raising the boy. It was a good thing he got out, when he did, since Mr. Trump's "board of directors" would report that land values, for Trump developments, were falling, like rocks. The only places, which retained any value, were those who had removed the name of Trump, before his downfall. These sales were the ones which left Donald Trump "Set For Life". He did not care about anything, except his life of luxury. If anything annoyed the man, it would be when his advisors would suggest that he go "easy" on spending money on women, to share his bed. This because Mr. Trump had suggested "I can have any woman that I want. No price too high." Now, he was being told "Be careful of the budget". The time, when Mr. Trump wanted to HOWL was when neither A-list stars, nor B-list stars would visit him. Not after the Stormy Daniels fiasco. If only he had not spent so much time tweeting insults, about people. What I was able to verify, by various means, was that the second round, of money, HAD been for "buying votes". If Mr. Trump had WON a second term, the checks would have gone out, first, to his supporters, then to the rest of America. Sadly, with his loss, the payments were moot. This is why people, like myself, had to put away our "to do" lists, and just keep living as we had been living. Amerticans would breath easier, KNOWING that no stimulis was coming, to cover bills. Just as Americans had been doing, since the nations founding.

DESTINYS CHALLENGE

DESTINY'S CHALLENGE Destiny issued her challenge since her nearly four year old marriage, was going nowhere. She had married Larry, out of high school, since Larry had big DREAMS, of going all-pro, in sports. Larry had even taken his high school to three, national titles. Destiny was sure that, with this as his launching pad, and Destiny, as his support, Larry could have become the next "Refrigerator" Perry. This is why Destiny had married him. She just HOPED that, once the two were married, he would stop rushing through sex, like it was an item, on a "to do" list. She could not understand why he had to "shove it in, get off, as FAST as possible, then whip it out. For two years, she had tried to be a good wife, yet she found that all Larry wanted was a cook, and housekeeper. That, and the fact that, when it was announced, just before graduation, that, for seniors, who wanted to graduate, a drug test would be required. Larry, and other, team, members would tell administrators "We just celebrated graduation. You cant test us, right now." The administrators had said "No test, no graduation." To make matters worse, the very recruiters, for whom the players had wanted to try out, were informed, by administrators, of the young mens condition. The state-wide all-stars would watch as the recruiters would walk away. Still, when Larry stated "I WILL make the nationals", a few team members had agreed. Now, while the men did continue to work-out, what Destiny, and other, women noticed, was that, once married, the men began to slacken off, on work-outs, saying "I need a job." Hoping to use high school status, the men applied for jobs, only to be told "Since you did not graduate, the best I can offer you is entry-level." For wives, like Destiny, this meant that a single time, every other night, turned into weekly. The men, in smaller groups, began considering other ways to break into sports. This while drinking more beer, and eating more snacks. Destiny just wondered how a work-out, where the liquid refreshment was beer, could help a man stay toned. By year number three, Destiny had seen, for herself, that Larry was picking up high school girls. It was no wonder that he did not "need" Destiny. It was during year number three, when Destiny began hearing about a man. A man who was working on his dreams, and working towards goals. While Destiny spotted me, her friend reminded her "Be careful. You are married, and he is not." Still, Destiny did not get the vibe of "I just want a night, with an ebony woman." Now, while I was not, in fact, muscular, Destiny noticed an "inner strength", which made her aroused, about what I had. Destiny might not have gone "All the way", except that some ivory women, in the group, of friends, began telling Destiny "Dont waste you time on that one. He is a homo." When Destiny asked "How do you know? Bad date?" The ivory women would say "NO way. I would never let that homo touch me. No way is he as man. Just look at those pants." Destiny did look at my pants, and she heard "potential" whispered, insided her mind. When an ivory woman would grab Destiny, saying "Dont you understand! He is NOT a man! He does NOT deserve a woman!" When Destiny said "Mind if I find out, for myself?" When the ivory women would say "You are wasting your time. He has NOTHING to give." This lead to the beginning of a wager. A wager in which the ebony women would ask the ivories "How much are you willing to wager that Destiny cannot get him UP?" Destiny listened as the wagers started at $100.00, then moved up, by two, or three, hundred, at a time. A woman took out a notebook, and began listing the womens names, and wager amounts. It was when the wagers reached $10,000, that Destiny would ask "Just to be clear, does the idea of "getting him UP" mean just getting him erect, or does it mean that I let him into my bed." While the ivories would say "Either one. He is NOT a man." It was the ebonies who stated "Lets make it more of a challenge. Destiny, our wagers say that you cannot get him in bed, and have sex with him, inside 24 hours." For Destiny, the question was "How do I get him into bed, without either seeming like a whore, or desperate?" This is when she had an idea. Since her husband would, never, say more about her mail, than that some was junk, and some was important, she had moved into seperate accomodations, when she could not take his daily use of profanity. This, much more than race, would be her "measuring rod", for deciding who her next man would be. Now, while I was just on my way home, from an appointment, Destiny asked me "Would you tell me what is important, in this mail." She even handed me a letter which APPEARRED to have a federal stamp on it. I locked up my bicycle, agreeing to review the mail. When we entered Destiny's place, I did not take much look at the decor. Her smile had my complete attention. When she removed her top, and bra, saying "I feel more comfortable, in this way." I removed my own top. When she saw my bulge, she smiled as she said "Better take those off, as well. Dont want an accident." It was when she saw mine that she removed her own bottoms. This is when I took a chance, drew her into my arms, and gave her a deep kiss, some attention to her beautiful breasts, and a deep kiss, to her womanhood. This is when Destiny recalled the scenes, of passion, from her novels. How long and deep the men kissed, how they carressed, etc. This is when Destiny would whisper "Easiest $10 grand I will ever make." What she liked, just as much, was how I read each piece of mail to her. Even the offers. When she offered me a deep kiss, for doing so much, I made a point of carressing her, as I deepened the kiss. When we made our way to the bedroom, Destiny continued to smile at mine. She even whispered "Welcome home", when I slipped it into her. She had enjoyed everything from the kiss, right through my necking, nursing her breats, and so on. While Destiny won the wager, in less than two hours, she was in no hurry to see me go. This is why we shared food, and relaxation, and I did not depart, until twenty hours after arriving. When Destiny reported in, to her friends, no one had to ask. It was written all over Destiny's face. When the ivories sarcastically said "It took you 20 hours to get him UP." The ebonies would ask, politely "How many times did you get him up?" Destiny would smile as she told how many times we had sex. "It was pure Heaven. This is why I have agreed to more dates." When the ivories got in Destiny's face, saying "You MUST be LYING. He is NOT a man." Destiny got right back in the womans face, saying "Unless you can prove this, to me, I stand by my decision." When the ivory would say "I would wager $50,000 that I cannot get him up, myself, within five minutes." This is when the ebonies would ask "How do you expect to get a man UP, in less than five minutes?" The ivory would say "A REAL man can." The ebonies just smiled. NO one took the wager. Later, Destiny almost KO'd the ivory, after Destiny found out that, once the ivory found me, she grabbed at mine, with such force that any man would jump back. The woman had told me "A REAL man would not have jumped back." When Destiny learned of the act, she told the ivory "You go near him, again, and promise you, you will regret it." Destiny and I became weekly lovers, than twice-weekly, for the next five weeks. Destiny realized that she had found her perfect man. Then came Larry. Him and his "You are MY wife." To which Destiny would laugh, saying "Funny you should mention that, since you have not shown it in years." When Larry tried to grab for Destiny, he was surprised when I stood in his way. That and the fact that, despite his body building, he was growing weaker. When Larry told me "I WILL get you, AND I am taking my wife back." This is when Destiny made us both an offer. "How about this. A contest. Once each month we get together, you each step on a scale, then I measure your solidity. The man, making the most progress, towards a healthy body, wins the month, with me." While I said "Fine by me." Larry offered a profane version of this. While Larry walked away, from this, Destiny would smile as she snuggled up to me. This while saying "I know your condition". True enough, Destiny had been watching my condition for five weeks. She watched as I exercised, daily, ate salads, and joined her in consuming steamed foods. She also knew that I had to be more cautious, in loving her, as my increasing strength made passion even more powerful. She did laugh, as I stated that I should increase my exercising. Destiny told me "Dont bother. You are in better shape than he will, ever, be." I am thinking that this was the truth since I noticed that his sagging belly, was even larger than my solid one was. I did have to ask Destiny if I were seeing things. This when, each month, he climbed on the scale, and it looked to me like his belly was sagging, more. Destiny promised that I was NOT seeing things. Especially when, starting the next month, Larry had to stand with his back, to the scale. His middle had grown enough that he could wrap it around the meter. Now, sure, even Destiny's friends admitted that Larry was doing more exercise. The difference was in our diets. While Larry was known to keep a six pack, beside him, while exercising, as well as eating triple cheese burgers, and super-size fries. Destiny watched as I kept ice water by my side, and ate, primarily, steamed burgers, and HUGE salads. I know it will sound ridiculous, but when I attended an auction, Destiny was concerned about my wagering on a beer cooler. The type which was plug-in. What Destiny did not believe, until she watched, as the fact that I had told her "Just because it is called a beer cooler, does not mean anything." Destiny watched as we filled the cooler with vegetables, making more room, in her "frig" for her stuff. Destiny laughed as she said "If my friends could see this." Her friends, however, were starting a new tradition. While ladies stayed more-or-less fit, it was the men who, like Larry, had increasing problems with standing. Larry might sweat, like a pig, during exercise, but his beer did nothing to help his muscle tone. When Larry complained that I was gaining weight, as well, Destiny stood before him, and with me watching, she poked her finger deep into his growing flab. When Larry would sy "Big deal. All men, my age, have this." Destiny would turn to me, telling Larry "Watch this". She could only push her finger about one eight of an inch, into my middle. For the next eight months, Larry got on the scale, and it reported his "progress". This while, as extra proof, of who was fittest, Destiny would place dumbells before us, and let us set the weight. While Destiny KNEW, from watching me, hopw much I could lift, she had to conceal her laughter when Larry tried to lift. When his case-worker had Larry sign up for a fitness test, Destiny agreed to go along. Larry promised "This way, you can see how good of shape I am in." While Larry huffed, and puffed, his way through the tests, Destiny, and the case-worker had a good idea of the diagnosis. When Larry asked the doctor "Fit as a fiddle, aint I." The doctor would say "Maybe if you were ninety-five. Sir, I would suggest that you lose about 150 pounds, cut down on fried foods, and try water, with your exercise." When Larry would walk out, on the exam, saying "I am going for something to eat." Destiny knew where he was going. Larry did laugh when my own worker would suggest a fitness test, for me. When I agreed, he was shocked, while Destiny smiled. For me, the fitness test was a breeze. I had no problem with any part of it. Destiny enjoyed hearing my fitness report, just as much as my case-worker did. The doctor would only remind the women "Remember, he is NOT twenty anymore. No matter how fit he is." Destiny also found it easy to get used to having me around. This since I only used profanity, when injured. That, and I took the time to seduce her, prior to sex. If Destiny was "annoyed" at anything, it was the times when I was called away, for meetings. While Larry had said "Stick with me (woman) and, when I make it big..." I was the opposite. I discussed plans, with Destiny, to find out how the public might react, but my plans were current. When I was called away, she KNEW it would be important. For Destiny, however, an un-expectedly difficult part would be in regards to her friends. The women who wanted more benefits, more job placement, more child care. More of everything. Once my name, and photo, became known, to the media, the women began asking Destiny to mention things to me. This is why Destiny bailed on the group. The time, when Destiny became politically active was the time when rumor held that grants, for repairs, were being held back, until President Biden signed off on drastic cuts, to public services. While Destiny knew that her mom could spread the news, Destiny had the idea of using the local church. As she promised the minister "No politics. I just want people to know what is rumor, and what is fact." Destiny thought "What harm can a single speaking engagement, at one church, do? After all, she was not campaigning." One speaking engagement lead to another, and soon, Destiny became my local voice. I made sure she knew that I appreciated her, especially in bed. Yes, Destiny did go through more than a few mattresses, and sheet sets, during our time, together. Still, I made her proud of having breasts, and of being a woman. For us, race did not matter. If it mattered to anyone, it was to Larry. The man was on an endless hunt for the perfect (woman). This is why no one said anything to Destiny, or I. Our love was a committed love. Shared by only two people. Lary had so many that no one could keep track. In a way-out attempt, to show Destiny that he was willing to take chances, Larry invited her over, to his place, to see his trophies. Plastic cups, and statues, made of auto parts. Stories, cut from local news. Destiny smiled, knowing how much this meant to him. This is why she did not have the heart to tell him "My man is helping the president, with national policy." Destiny had to laugh, though, when some one spread the rumor that the Democrats were eating caviar, and truffles, etc, while drinking imported wine, and champaign, during strategy sessions. This when she KNEW, from attending some meetings, that the main dishes were either donated, by shops, such as sub shops, or that we ordered in pizza, spaghetti, Garlic Bread, and soda. As for the rumor, of topless dancers, this gave Destiny a wild laugh, since she knew that, during our strategy sessions, the topic was "How to handle (this), or (that)." It ws during Mr. Bidens second year, in office, that Destiny's criminal record came to light. Yes, Destiny had a criminal record, for taking part in a convenience store robbery. Even she admitted it had been a dumb move, as her fellow theives had "cracked" the cash register, all for a lousy $100.00 in small bills. Destiny thought that she would be smarter, taking FOOD, instead of the cash. What she had thought was just a HOAX, was the fact that each item, in the store, had a red stripe. A stripe, which was deactivated, upon purchase. While the other criminals escaped, with their cash, Destiny found that, as she prepared to exit, the door locked, while a voice said "We are sorry. It appears that we forget to release the alarm system." Since Destiny had been an embarrasment, to policy makers, who INSISTED that food stamps were, already, over-budget, she was sentenced to five years, for "Attempted Theft". Since Destiny agreed to work in the prison office, yet never tried to escape, the warden petitioned the parole board, for early release, saying "I need beds, for real criminals." Destiny had served her parole, without incident. Despite this, many employers, and some lovers, would not touch her. It was on the same date that she activated her breasts for me, that she asked "What do you think?" I told her "I did not know you, then. I only know the beauty, who lies beside me, in this bed." Now, while I had been in the habit of checking my wallet, at regular intervals, I had told Destiny about how I LOST a card. This is why I was, always checking. The few times when I did not find my card, in my wallet, and said Dunkoph!", Destiny had reminded me "Check your pocket. Remember at that last store. The rush." I kissed her, and whispered "I love you". Now, while there had been rumor that Destiny's "mother" was part of a coffee clatch, Destiny learned the truth, when invited to join. Coffee may have been on the menu but it was not all there was. While the women did discuss home, and family, they also discussed national issues, as well. Destiny was just happy not to be around so many boozers. Destiny just watched, from a distance, as men, from her own, high school class, went from leveraging themselves out of chairs, to having women assist them. This, as mens bellies got just as big, then bigger, than her own fathers was. Destiny laughed, quietly, as she watched as two men, who had been all-pro, in high school, were being fit for wheelchairs. Destiny's mistake had been agreeing to her parents request, to meet me. Destiny had told them "He's just a friend. Not the man I will marry." Still, when her father saw me, and asked I told him what his doctor did. "A person is never too old to loose weight." While the man lost 150 pounds, what annoyed Destiny was his asking "Why dont you marry this guy?" Destiny knew what she wanted, and I was just between then, and now. When Larry gained enough weight, his legs gave out, just as his doctor predicted. The doctor had warned "Either take off the weight, or get measured for a coffin. Heart Failure is the next step." Now, as his case-worker would say "I can place you on a forced diet, but what good would that do? Once finished, you will just gain the weight back." Larry would say "I will diet when I am ready". As for myself, I got switched, three times, to new doctors. This since my previous doctors kept shoving more pills at me. They kept saying "This is to ensure your safety." I kept myself at 12 meds. Even I know that no one lives forever. I must admit that the more of the delivery food, that I ate, the more I appreciate Destiny. Her cooking just kept improving. As for her bedroom "performance", I could not ask for better. I, still, remember the last time that Larry said "I will start dieting, when I am ready." This came two weeks before his heart gave out. The reason why Destiny was notified was because Larry had not yet removed her from Emergency Contact. This is why, in the middle of the night, Destiny received the call. I had placed Destiny as my contact as well. This is why we would be told "He passed, in his sleep. His heart just gave out." When we left the morgue, Destiny told me "Dont you DARE even consider doing that to me." Since Larry had no one, not even family, he would go into a paupers grave. Only Destiny, myself, and the minister, would be present. I cannot help but find it hilarious that Larry, at half my age, had gone to the grave, before me. Of course, with my family's medical history, doctors could not understand why I had not had a heart attack, years ago. I was told that, like the San Andreas Fault, it was just a matter of time, before I had one. My thought was "Who cares?" I will live as long as I live. Besides, I was serving my country. Destiny just go used to be priviledges, of being the "woman, behind the man". She kept me healthy, and I kept her in the "right circles". Where it would, eventually, lead is anyones guess.

HAUNTED HOUSE

THE HAUNTED HOUSE It was the house, which everyone, in the community knew. As for the reason for the chain-link fence, topped by barbed wire, that was easy enough, to explain. Since the house was, allegedly, "haunted" by a one-time owner, the property had been nearly impossible to sell. In fact, the last three, renters, all ran from the house, in the middle of the night. Each was found by a police car, on rounds, and each had stated that they had been ordered off of the property, by some man, in a historical suit, and waiving a cross, like a weapon. The barbed wire fence had been erected after another legend was found to be true. This legend, however, was no ghost story. For years, it had been a Halloween ritual that virgin maidens, who wanted to be seduced, would enter the house, with boys, have sex, in the middle of the night, then leave behind used condoms. The legend might have remained that, except that three, seperate, couples had been dumb enough to fall asleep, in the house, only to be found by police. Result, the barbed wire had been put in place. This meant that further trespass would be treated as a crime. Still, local women had thrilled to the stories, of losing virginity, inside the creaky old house. No less than three women stated that "While my man and I were in the one room, I swear I heard foot-steps, in the other rooms." The normal excuse was "He was trying to scare you, to get more. It was just some of the guys." Still, when two of the women asked the guys about the Halloween stunt, all had said "We were at the party, at Joe's place. By the way, do NOT tell anyone that we put on make-up." As for Diane and I, we were more of "Show Me", type people. While Diane was no voyeur, anytime a man said he could "get it up" more than five times, Diane would say "Prove it." This is why very few people made boasts around Diane. She was first in line to say "Prove it." I guess that, in a way, this made us similar. Especially in regards to that house. When people began talking, of seeing lights/candles, in the windows, and "human" figures, moving about, police only checked a few reports. This, since no evidence was found. The gate was secure, and no helicopters were reported, in the area. The night, that Diane and I staked out the house, it was due to a ridiculous report, that some man was in the house, carving up children, like a butcher. While we had, each, made seperate plans, it seems we, both, chose the best vantage point, for the abandoned property. With a bit if whispered negotiation, I had Diane decide to help me keep watch. Boy, was Diane better prepared, then I was. About the only thing she did not bring was a port-a-pot. Now, Diane and I are not either close, or even friends. We just happen to know the same people. This is why I knew we would keep focused on the house. Funny thing was, neither of us told anyone where we would be. We just left notes for "In Case Of Emergency". We, both, waited until after dark, to approach, then, nearly, fell over one another. With a truce, we set up "camp", and began watching the house. While rumor said that the figure was spotted in the same window, each time, Diane and I took up a position, where we could see two sides, of the house, as well as the drive. While even the "Witching Hour" passed, without incident, it was at about 01:45 when first a candle was seen, floating, then a figure was seen, walking the second floor. When I asked Diane "Do you recognize him?" She would say "I have seen him, somewhere, before. I just cannot place it." While we, also, heard sounds, of rustling, Diane identified the voices, even as someone whispered "Not so loud. Want them to hear us." At 02:30, Diane and I almost laughed when someone activated what sounded like a sound-track, of scarry sounds. We chuckled as a non-existant wolf bayed at the moonless sky. The idiots, behind the sound, did not even look to see if the moon was overhead. At 03:00, Diane and I moved as close as we dared, to the fence, for a better look at the trespasser. This while Diane whispered "I am sure that I know him. I just dont know from where." At 04:00, we retreated to a tarp cover, that Diane had brought along. Originally meant to camoflauge the camp, from sight, it turned out to be water-proofed. Between 04:00 and 04:45, the rain fell, lightly, and we used a flameless heater, to keep warm. I have to admit that Diane was correct. Even in light rain, the house seemed to take on an "aire". Like "Something Sinister This Way Comes". Aside from candles, forms, and the man, however, nothing happened that night. I was, however, delighted when Diane did, come morning, suggest "How about some breakfast." While we saw the early morning people, looking as bright as the new day, they saw how tired we looked. In fact, I dont even remember hearing her un-locking her door. As she had me place the gear in its place, Diane fixed what I never dreamed she would. The plates, of eggs, laced with cheese, and onion, as well as plates, full of hashbrowns, and sausages, were on the table. Diane would say "I know. Everyone thinks I eat only microwave dinners." While I remember eating the delicious food, what I dont remember is falling asleep. It was noon before Diane shook me saying "Come on, sleepy-head. We have a report to make." When I asked "What report? Floating candles, shadows, an un-known man, and some whacked sound-track? You want to report this?" Diane would say "I want the police to I.D. the trespasser." We listed the man as unknown, before we entered city hall, for the police station. It was inside city hall where Diane had asked "Who is that man?" When the desk officer looked behind himself, at an oil portrait, on the wall, and would ask "Dont you remember, from high school?" When Diane would ask "Remember what?" The officer would say "That is the man who founded this area. He even built that old house. The one the kids like to trespass at." When Diane would ask "How old is he?" The officer would say "IF he were alive, today, he would be near to 180-190 years old. Remember? He died, maybe 100, to 120 years ago." While a detective took our report, they said "This clears up a couple of things. We DID get a call, about some wild dogs. Also, a report of trespass. We think someone was casing some homes, last night." When the detective would ask "BY the way..." Diane would say "Yes, we were on stake-out. We wanted to find out if the rumors, of child-butchering were true. That is why we thought you should know that some one is in that house, impersonating the old man." The detective would say "The ONLY reason why I am not locking the two of you up is because you have given us solid leads. Now, go home, and forget that property." That night, the last thing I remember, after taking nightly drugs, was slipping into my briefs, and socks, then entering bed. Before falling asleep, I recall looking out my window, at the partly cloudy sky, and fantasizing about what it would be like, to kiss Diane. At her place, Diane would strip to her panties, and socks, then enter her own bed. She did not know why but she looked out the window, at the partly cloudy sky. She would slip off, to sleep, amused by the thought of kissing me. While the soft patter, of rain, would help her continue to sleep, it would be a crash, of thunder, which awakened Diane. At first, she did not mind, since she had no job to go to, but then she looked around her. This is when she knew she was dreaming. This was NOT her bedroom. She might have fallen back to sleep, but only until she wondered why her bed felt different. It was not until she sat up, more-or-less awake, that she realized that her, current, bed was of a different shape. It was not until she looked at the "bed", that she realized that, while her bed was flat, this one was curved. When she looked at her window, she wondered "WHO changed my window pane from regular glass, to stained glass?" As Diane began looking about, in what she realized was the upstairs, of a large house, I, too, would awaken, to the sound of thunder. As to whose idea it was to place me on the hard floor, of an entry foyer, wearing only my briefs, and socks, well, I would take that up, with them, when I found them. One thing I was certain of, and that was that I was, definitely, NOT at home. The ONLY reason why I was fairly certain, of where I was located was because, with the recent reports, of child mutilation, I thought it wise to review the buildings blue-prints. This way, IF I caught a person dragging a child into the house, they could not escape me. This is why I knew that a door lead to the remains of the kitchen. Talk about "out-of-date". This place was old enough to make Alexander Graham Bell's original telephone, seem brand new. The dust, and dirt, were thick enough to write names in. When I thought that I heard a sound, I grabbed the heaviest skillet that I could, and got ready to swing at whomever stepped through the door. It was not until I saw Diane, and we spooked one another, that she asked "Where are we?" I told her "Wild guess, but I believe that we are, now, INSIDE the house." When Diane would ask "The "haunted" house? How can that be?" I told her "I have no idea. All I know is that this is the way the blue-prints are laid out." Now, of course, when she asked why I brought her to the house, I could see my carrying her 120 pound body to the house. The question was "WHO had carried my 200 pound bulk to the house." Better yet, WHY? While a brief search, of the downstairs, verified that no one was present, on the second floor, Diane suggested "Careful, the next door, on your right is the room where I woke up." While a more thorough search, of the second floor, yielded no clues, the soft patter, of rain, made the place seem less ominous. It was not until I asked "Before you awoke, here, what is your last memory?" Diane would no-sooner say "I was ready for bed, looked out the window, then fell asleep." When I asked "Do you, always, sleep, in panties, and socks?" This is when Diane realized how little she wore. While she looked for something to cover her body with, she asked me "Do you, always, just wear briefs, and socks, to bed?" I told her "When I sleep alone." Our, joint, search, turned up no blankets. Just rugs. This is when my belly began to grumble and Diane said "You cant be serious. We are inside a vacant house, and you are hungry?" I would say "I am human. So shoot me." This is when, as we looked about, we saw a light, which we had not seen, before. It was visible, under the kitchen door, and Diane saw it, first. When she mentioned "I thought you said this place has no electricity." I told her "It was turned off, after the last tenants fled. Besides, that is not electric light." As I approached the kitchen door, I began smelling what smelled like home cooking. Still, I was cautious when I opened the door. The scene, before me, baffled me, into silence. When Diane said "I thought we checked this room." I told her "We did. It was covered in dust, and dirt." Yet, there, before us, stood an immaculate, and very clean, kitchen, with two place settings, and food. While Diane would not admit it, she was just as hungry as I was. Still, she asked "How", and "WHY". When we examined the food, on the plates, we found it as real as our hunger. When Diane asked "What do you think?" I suggested "Caution. I suggest that we keep a close eye, on one another, during this "meal". If either of us see's anything weird..." Diane would say "You mean, like choking", I would say "...We stop eating immediately." While the cooked food proved that we were not alone, Diane asked "When do you think they will show themselves." I suggested "Once they think we are frightened enough." Once plates were empty, Diane just instinctively placed the plates in the sink, and ran rinse water over them. Only once she told me "Dishes are soaking." Did I ask "There is running water?" This is when Diane asked "Yes, but HOW?" Leaving the kitchen, we took another look, around the downstairs. This, even as the light rain, and thunder, sounded against the house. Diane did cringe a bit, and snuggled up to me "for warmth". That is, until we saw another, flickering, light. This time, from the reading room. When Diane asked "What...?" I quieted her, then opened the door, hoping to catch the perpetrators in the act. Instead, what I found was a roaring fire, in the fireplace. While Diane said "Good, something warm." she saw my look and asked "What is it?" When I reminded her "We were in here, just about an hour ago. There was no fire." When Diane asked "Who cares?" I told her "I think that we should." Funny thing was that, when Diane said "I will get us some answers", then based on instinct, alone, reached for a mobile, which was not there. I would remind her "Neither of us wore a phone to bed." This is when Diane remembered that her phone was at home, on a charger. That call, to her sister, had taken longer than anticipated. The phone was charging. When I suggested "We search the house, again." Diane stood, just as defiant as she had the day when a man would not take NO for an answer. His mistake had been showing her his shaft. This, while saying "You KNOW you want it." Dianes reply had been decisive. She had launched her knee, into his crotch, with enough power that he fell to the ground, even while letting out a sound of pain. This is why I had decided to keep my distance. Still, Diane had been correct. HOW could we investigate the house, properly, in just our underwear? I suggested "We take different rooms. If you find clothes, old or new, let me know." Diane smiled as she said "You do the same." While Diane DID find some clothes, inside a closet, which we had checked, earlier, and found empty, she just wasn't so "hip", on the fashion. A high collared dress, which looked directly out of a 19th century movie. When she called to me, saying "Found some clothes", I joined her, only to take a look at the mens "fashion". Diane would smile as she said "You think THAT is out of date, look at this." Diane was right. All that showed was her neck, and head. As for the mens clothes, the man, who wore them, must have been about twice my weight. The clothes sagged on my body. When Diane sighed, saying "I wish I had my phone." I would agree. "I, also, wish the rain would let up". Diane would say "I dont know about you, but I am willing to take my chances, now that I am dressed." When we returned to the front door, we found what neither of us suspected. How could a homes front door be locked, from OUTSIDE? Diane had said "Simple. A window." While most were either jammed, or locked shut, we did find a window which did open. When I opened it, Diane would say "I cannot fit that opening. Not in this dress." This is when I suggested "Remove the dress, crawl out, I hand you the dress, and you stand under cover, and dress." Diane seemed to like the plan, but, for some reason, Mother Nature did not. As I prepared to boost Diane out of the window, the storm began to ROAR, like an enraged animal. Rain "poured" in, through the window, even as wind gusts pushed Diane back. This is when I would draw the conclusion of "I think someone wants us here." When Diane would ask "You think?" I would ask "I wonder why?" Diane would say "I have no clue, except for the fact that I am due, at a meeting, and there will be "Hell, to pay" if I am not there." Yes, Diane was on Probation. This since a combination of lab tests, and a nickel bag, found in her car, had lead to two years in jail, and a term of probation. Diane had only served six months when the warden applied for "Early Release", saying "We need beds for REAL criminals". The only monthly meeting, which Diane had missed, so far, was the one when she was in the E.R., being treated. Her mother had called the Parole Officer, with Dianes position. Diane was cleared, of "violation" once the doctors told the P.O. "It can happen to anyone." Now, Diane was in an unknown location, without her phone, and no way to prove that she could not make the meeting. I would not be missed for another 60 hours. This would be for an appointment, not for Probation, but for a status update. (Diane just HOPED her P.O. was as "dogged" as his reputation) Word, on the street, was that the man got the worst cases since, when a parolee jumped, the man did not stop until the offender was located, and returned to prison. Sure enough, when Diane missed her appointment, and the P.O. found out that her family did not know where she was, the Parole Officer had activated her phone GPS. This said she was at home. While the landlord told both Dianes family, and the P.O. "She came in, yesterday, and hasn't left. She may be sleeping late". Inside the unit, everyone found the phone, on charger, and the last call made. Dianes sister verified that she had spoken to her sister, the last evening. When the P.O.say "I have to declare her a "jumper", her family would say "Just wait one minute. HOW do you KNOW she left on her own?" The P.O. would say "It does not matter what I believe. She is not here, or at my office." When the P.O. showed the family the door, saying "See, no signs of forced entry." Dianes father would ask "You know. All of her clothes are here. Why would she leave, without clothes?" When the P.O. would say "I will check." This is when Dianes mother would ask "Would you put out a Missing Person instead of that other thing?" The P.O. say "Sure". Dianes sister would, soon, overhear the P.O. saying "I am not certain of anything. This is the first time she is un-accounted for." then add "Dont give me that. We, both, know that people have been kidnapped, for ransom. I want PROOF before I convict her, and send her back to prison." Funny thing was that, by the time Dianes sister got around to checking with the local library, about missing persons cases, she found the P.O. already going over them. As the P.O. would say: "Its weird. I never knew there were so many cases, even in this locality." When the sister asked, the P.O. would say "These records appear to show that almost fifty people have vanished, the same way your sister did." When the sister would ask "Is that un-usual?" The P.O. would say "Lets say it is beyond suspicious". When the sister asked "Whats the next step? My sister is, already, listed as missing." The P.O. say "If the person, who took her, follows established methodology, they will keep her some place near. They would not want to risk being SEEN with her. Question is: Where would be remote enough, so that no one would think to look?" This would lead to a one month search, of every, abandoned, and remote, site, in the county. Sites were even double-checked, just in case. While searchers looked for us, around the area, Diane and I would do the same, from inside the house. While there was no electricity, candles seemed to "appear", at sun-down, even as fireplaces were lit. Food was ready, when we needed it. Diane had even cut a few of the dresses to current styles. (What would have seemed downright indescent in the old days) While this place was old enough to even have what was called a "Widows walk", on the roof, when I tried the hatch, to see if we could climb down the side of the house, I found out that the hatch was SEALED shut. One evening, as we snuggled, Diane whispered "Options?" I would say "Nice to hear you use such words." Diane would ask "Is there any place we have not tried?" I would whisper "Only the basement". When she would ask, I would say "These homes, normally have a rubble-stone foundation. Maybe eight, to twelve feet deep." When Diane would suggest "On a concrete foundation, I would guess." I would suggest "No, normally built on the ground." When we checked the basement, we found a dirt floor, with the utilities balanced on packing crates. I would whisper, to Diane "That was their version of a concrete footing." While Diane and I made tools out of anything we could find, for four, straight, days, we swore that we dug out atleast eight feet, beyond the house, before resting. Each time we returned, the hole was filled. This is why, on days five, and six, we dug, around the clock, out of the basement, then to the surface. When Diane smiled, saying "We made it." I made her smile, saying "Even covered in soil, you look good." The search had been going on, for a solid month, with no results. Not, atleast until some woman, among the searchers, would hear the team leader saying "We have searched everywhere." The woman would cut in, saying "Not everywhere." When the men looked at her, the woman would say "What about the old, haunted, house?" The men would say "Police checked that, two weeks ago. The locks are fine." When the woman would suggest "Locks can be picked. What if someone took them in, then locked back up?" The men would laugh, asking "Who would go to all of that trouble, just to make a person vanish?" Another man would ask "Dont you mean BOTH of them?" This is when the team leaders remembered that my name had been added, when I missed my own meeting, and was nowhere to be found. When the team leader would say "Fine, check the old place. Wont find anything there. Lady, take just three men, with you. We dont want to make a laughing stock out of the whole community." What struck Diane and I as unusual was how, after we surfaced, and began walking, Diane paced the distance, then asked "Shouldn't we have run into the perimeter fence, by now?" I would say "You are right. What happened to it?" We found out, when we found the city. Diane and I wondered if we had walked in the wrong direction. The streets had 1940's vintage cars (in amazingly good shape). We would have reported in, to the police, except that Diand spotted a young man, who bore an incredible resemblance to the current police chief. This man, however, was in his early twenties, firm of build, and with NO paunch. While we found a family, offering to take us in, since we were, obviously, filthy of clothes, and skin, Diane let it slip, during dinner, where she lived. It was after a delicious dinner that the husband took us outside, and asked "Okay WHO are you?" When Diane gave her name, and address, the man would ask "Who do you think you are kidding?" When I asked "Why?" The man would say "That area is not scheduled, to begin development, for another two years. Where are you, REALLY from?" I would suggest the name of the nearest town, saying "We are travelling under assumed names. Our parents dont like us cavorting." Diane wanted to slap me, since she understood what I meant, but she went along, even as the man would say "You are welcome to stay the night." I would spend the night in the den, sleeping on a couch, while Diane was bedded with the families daughters. This, with a warning, from the mother "Young lady. Keep Careful. Gentlemen do NOT go around, covered in dirt. Pray, to the Lord, that this man will not hurt you." Diane thought "If you only knew." What we knew was that we went to sleep, inside a very friendly family home, yet woke where we never expected. Diane found herself waking, on her couch, while I awakened in a corner of my bedroom. It was not until we saw our cell-phones, and other electronics, that we realized that we were back home. HOW? We did not wait for the news, but went straight to the police. This is when we found out how long we had been gone. While Diane and I stayed with our story (strange as it was), the police, and community, had a different theory. The idea that "pretend friends" were, really lovers, and that we had "gotten caught", by a positive pregnancy test. We had left town, to "take care of it", then returned to town, with a story, about the old house. When Diane agreed to be tested, the test showed no signs, at all. This left the "impossible to deny" story, that we had just "taken off" for a few weeks, of romance. The city had us as lovers, in no time. No one believed the tale, that the house had "grabbed us". No, we went there for some fun. Diane would smile as she said "They call that fun?" When I looked puzzled, Diane would say "Women work hard to make men feel comfortable. This is why we choose men, carefully. Your satisfaction is a womans JOB." When I would say "Wait one minute. Are you saying that women dont enjoy themselves?" Diane would just shrug her shoulders. When her next five date choices, all, asked about me, Diane walked out, thinking of ways to make people understand. We had NOT. We did NOT. Finally, she "landed" at my place, where she asked "What do we do?" I would tell her "I have no idea." The next day, when we walked to the old house, Diane would ask "Who do you think COULD have carried it off?" I would say "The clothes, food, and locked exits, would be easy. What puzzles me is how we got out, in the late 1940's." Diane would add "How did we get from the 1940's, back to today." When I would suggest "Sounds like "Back to the Future", doesn't it." Diane would say "Only, you are neither Marty McFly, nor Michael J. Fox." I would whisper "You are no Lea Thompson, either." Still, no one had any idea of how the security fence had been overcome. Our clothes had not been torn. There were no remnants, on the fence. What had been the point? Why take two people from their beds, and use them as trespassers. Why provide food, and ancient clothing? HOW had we been sent back to the 1940's? Was the house truly "haunted"? If so, WHY choose us?

HAUNTED HOUSE (?)

THE HAUNTED HOUSE It was the house, which everyone, in the county knew. As for the reason for the chain-link fence, topped by barbed wire, that was easy enough, to explain. Since the house was, allegedly, "haunted" by a one-time owner, the property had been nearly impossible to sell. In fact, the last three, renters, all ran from the house, in the middle of the night. Each was found by a police car, on rounds, and each had stated that they had been ordered off of the property, by some man, in a historical suit, and waiving a cross, like a weapon. The barbed wire fence had been erected after another legend was found to be true. This legend, however, was no ghost story. For years, it had been a Halloween ritual that virgin maidens, who wanted to be seduced, would enter the house, with boys, have sex, in the middle of the night, then leave behind used condoms. The legend might have remained that, except that three, seperate, couples had been dumb enough to fall asleep, in the house, only to be found by police. Result, the barbed wire had ben put in place. This meant that further trespass would be treated as a crime. Still, local women had thrilled to the stories, of losing virginity, inside the creaky old house. No less than three women stated that "While my man and I were in the one room, I swear I heard foot-steps, in the other rooms." The normal excuse was "He was trying to scare you, to get more. It was just some of the guys." Still, when two of the women asked the guys about the Halloween stunt, all had said "We were at the party, at Joe's place. By the way, do NOT tell anyone that we put on make-up." As for Diane and I, we were more of "Show Me", type people. While Diane was no voyeur, anytime a man said he could "get it up" more than five times, Diane would say "Prove it." This is why very few people made boasts around Diane. She was first in line to say "Prove it." I guess that, in a way, this made us similar. Especially in regards to that house. When people began talking, of seeing lights/candles, in the windows, and "human" figures, moving about, police only checked a few reports. This, since no evidence was found. The gate was secure, and no helicopters were reported, in the area. The night, that Diane and I staked out the house, it was due to a ridiculous report, that some man was in the house, carving up children, like a butcher. While we had, each, made seperate plans, it seems we, both, chose the best vantage point, for the abandoned property. With a bit if whispered negotiation, I had Diane decide to help me keep watch. Boy, was Diane better prepared, then I was. About the only thing she did not bring was a port-a-pot. Now, Diane and I are not either close, or even friends. We just happen to know the same people. This is why I knew we would keep focused on the house. Funny thing was, neither of us told anyone where we would be. We just left notes for "In Case Of Emergency". We, both, waited until after dark, to approach, then, nearly, fell over one another. With a truce, we set up "camp", and began watching the house. While rumor said that the figure was spotted in the same window, each time, Diane and I took up a position, where we could see two sides, of the house, as well as the drive. While even the "Witching Hour" passed, without incident, it was at about 01:45 when first a candle was seen, floating, then a figure was seen, walking the second floor. When I asked Diane "Do you recognize him?" She would say "I have seen him, somewhere, before. I just cannot place it." While we, also, heard sounds, of rustling, Diane identified the voices, even as someone whispered "Not so loud. Want them to hear us." At 02:30, Diane and I almost laughed when someone activated what sounded like a sound-track, of scarry sounds. We chuckled as a non-existant wolf bayed at the moon. The idiots, behind the sound, did not even look to see if the moon was overhead. At 03:00, Diane and I moved as close as we dared, for a better look at the trespasser. This while Diane whispered "I am sure that I know him. I just dont know from where." At 04:00, we retreated to a tarp cover, that Diane had brought along. Originally meant to camoflauge the camp, from sight, it turned out to be water-proofed. Between 04:00 and 04:45, the rain fell, lightly, and we used a flameless heater, to keep warm. I have to admit that Diane was correct. Even in light rain, the house seemed to take on an "aire". Like "Something Spooky This Way Comes". Aside from candles, forms, nd the man, however, nothing happened that night. I was, however, delighted when Diane did, come morning, suggest "How about some breakfast." While we saw the early morning people, looking as bright as the new day, they saw how tired we looked. In fact, I dont even remember hearing her un-locking her door. As she had me place the geaar in its place, Diane fixed what I never dreamed she would. The plates, of eggs, laced with cheese, and onion, as well as plates, full of hashbrowns, and sausages, were on the table. Diane would say "I know. Everyone thinks I eat only microwave dinners." While I remember eating the delicious food, what I dont remember is falling asleep. It was noon before Diane shook me saying "Come on, sleepy-head. We have a report to make." When I asked "What report? Floating candles, shadows, an un-known man, and some whacked sound-track? You want to report this?" Diane would say "I want the police to I.D. the trespasser." We listed the man as unknown, before we entered city hall, for the police station. It was inside city hall where Diane had asked "Who is that man?" When the desk officer would ask "Dont you remember, from high school?" When Diane would ask "Remember what?" The officer would say "That is the man who founded this area. He even built that old house. The one the kids like to trespass at." When Diane would ask "How old is he?" The officer would say "IF he were alive, today, he would be near to 160 years old. Remember? He died, maybe 50 years ago." While a detective took our report, they said "This clears up a couple of things. We DID get a call, about some wild dogs. Also, a report of trespass. We think someone was casing some homes, last night." When the detective would ask "BY the way..." Diane would say "Yes, we were on stake-out. We wanted to find out if the rumors, of child-butchering were true. That is why we thought you should know that some one is in that house, impersonating the old man." The detective would say "The ONLY reason why I am not locking the two of you up is because you have given us solid leads. Now, go home, and forget that property." That night, the last thing I remember, after taking nightly drugs, was slipping into my briefs, and socks, then entering bed. Before falling asleep, I recall looking out, at the partly cloudy sky, and fantasizing about what it would be like, to kiss Diane. At her place, Diane would strip to her panties, and socks, then enter her own bed. She did not know why but she looked out the window, at the partly cloudy sky. She would slip off, to sleep, amused by the thought of kissing me. While the soft patter, of rain, would help her continue to sleep, it would be a crash, of thunder, which awakened Diane. At first, she did not mind, since she had no job to go to, but then she looked around her. This is when she knew she was dreaming. This was NOT her bedroom. She might have fallen back to sleep, but only until she wondered why her bed felt different. It was not until she sat up, more-or-less awake, that she realized that her, current, bed was of a different shape. It was not until she looked at the "bed", that she realized that, while her bed was flat, this one was curved. When she looked at her window, she wondered "WHO changed my window pane from regular glass, to art glass?" As Diane began looking about, in what she realized was the upstairs, of a large house, I, too, would awaken, to the sound of thunder. As to whose idea it was to place me on the hard floor, of an entry foyer, wearing only my briefs, and socks, well, I would take that up, with them, when I found them. One thing I was certain of, and that was that I was, definitely, NOT at home. The ONLY reason why I was fairly certain, of where I was located was because, with the recent reports, of child mutilation, I thought it wise to review the buildings blue-prints. This way, IF I caught a person dragging a child into the house, they could not escape me. This is why I knew that a door lead to the remains of the kitchen. Talk about "out-of-date". This place was old enough to make Alexander Graham Bell's original telephone, seem brand new. The dust, and dirt, were thick enough to write names in. When I thought that I heard a sound, I grabbed the heaviest skillet that I could, and got ready to swing at whomever stepped through the door. It was not until I saw Diane, and we spooked one another, that she asked "Where are we?" I told her "Wild guess, but I believe that we are, now, INSIDE the house." When Diane would ask "The "haunted" house? How can that be?" I told her "I have no idea. All I know is that this is the way the blue-prints are laid out." Now, of course, when she asked why I brought her to the house, I could see my carrying her 120 pound body to the house. The question was "WHO had carried my 200 pound bulk to the house." Better yet, WHY? While a brief search, of the downstairs, verified that no one was present, Diane suggested "Careful, the next door, on your right is the room where I woke up." While a more thorough search, of the second floor, yielded no clues, the soft patter, of rain, made the place seem less ominous. It was not until I asked "Before you awoke, here, what is your last memory?" Diane would no-sooner say "I was ready for bed, looked out the window, then fell asleep." When I asked "Do you, always, sleep, in panties, and socks?" This is when Diane realized how little she wore. While she looked for something to cover her body with, she asked me "Do you, always, just wear briefs, and socks, to bed?" I told her "When I sleep alone." Our, joint, search, turned up no blankets. Just rugs. This is when my belly began to grumble and Diane said "You cant be serious. We are inside a vacant house, and you are hungry?" I would say "I am human. So shoot me." This is when, as we looked about, we saw a light, which we had not seen, before. It was visible, under the kitchen door, and Diane saw it, first. When she mentioned "I thought you said this place has no electricity." I told her "It was turned off, after the last tenants fled. Besides, that is not electric light." As I approached the kitchen door, I began smelling what smelled like home cooking. Still, I was cautious when I opened the door. The scene, before me, baffled me, into silence. When Diane said "I thought we checked this room." I told her "We did. It was covered in dust, and dirt." Yet, there, before us, stood an immaculate, and very clean, kitchen, with two place settings, and food. While Diane would not admit it, she was just as hungry as I was. Still, she asked "How", and "WHY". When we examined the food, on the plates, we found it as real as our hunger. When Diane asked "What do you think?" I suggested "Caution. I suggest that we keep a close eye, on one another, during this "meal". If either of us see's anything weird..." Diane would say "You mean, like choking", I would say "...We stop eating immediately." While the cooked food proved that we were not alone, Diane asked "When do you think they will show themselves." I suggested "Once they think we are frightened enough." Once plates were empty, Diane just instinctively placed the plates in the sink, and ran rinse water over them. Only once she told me "Dishes are soaking." Did I ask "There is running water?" This is when Diane asked "Yes, but HOW?" Leaving the kitchen, we took another look, around the downstairs. This, even as the light rain, and thunder, sounded against the house. Diane did cringe a bit, and snuggled up to me "for warmth". That is, until we saw another, flickering, light. This time, from the reading room. When Diane asked "What...?" I quieted her, then opened the door, hoping to catch the perpetrators in the act. Instead, what I found was a roaring fire, in the fireplace. While Diane said "Good, something warm." she saw my look and asked "What is it?" When I reminded her "We were in here, just about an hour ago. There was no fire." When Diane asked "Who cares?" I told her "I think that we should." Funny thing was that, when Diane said "I will get us some answers", then based on instinct, alone, reached for a mobile, which was not there. I would remind her "Neither of us wore a phone to bed." This is when Diane remembered that her phone waas at home, on a charger. That call, to her sister, had taken longer than anticipated. The phone was charging. When I suggested "We search the house, again." Diane stood, just as defiant as she had the day when a man would not take NO for an answer. His mistake had been showing her his shaft. This, while saying "You KNOW you want it." Dianes reply had been decisive. She had launched her knee, into his crotch, with enough power that he fell to the ground, even while letting out a sound of pain. This is why I had decided to keep my distance. Still, Diane had been correct. HOW could we investigate the house, properly, in just our underwear? I suggested "We take different rooms. If you find clothes, old or new, let me know." Diane smiled as she said "You do the same." While Diane DID find some clothes, inside a closet, which we had checked, earlier, and found empty, she just wasn't so "hip", on the fashion. A high collared dress, which looked directly out of a 19th century movie. When she called to me, saying "Found some clothes", I joined her, only to take a look at the mens "fashion". Diane would smile as she said "You think THAT is out of date, look at this." Diane was right. All that showed her her neck, and head. As for the mens clothes, the man, who wore them, must have been about twice my weight. The clothes sagged on my body. When Diane sighed, saying "I wish I had my phone." I would agree. "I, also, wish the rain would let up". Diane would say "I dont know about you, but I am willing to take my chances, now that I am dressed." When we returned to the front door, we found what neither of us suspected. How could a homes front door be locked, from OUTSIDE? Diane had said "Simple. A window." While most were either jammed, or locked shut, we did find a window which did open. When I opened it, Diane would say "I cannot fit that opening. Not in this dress." This is when I suggested "Remove the dress, crawl out, I hand you the dress, and you stand under cover, and dress." Diane seemed to like the plan, but, for some reason, Mother Nature did not. As I prepared to boost Diane out of the window, the storm began to ROAR, like an enraged animal. Rain "poured" in, through the window, even as wind gusts pushed Diane back. This is when I would draw the conclusion of "I think someone wants us here." When Diane would ask "You think?" I would ask "I wonder why?" Diane would say "I have no clue, except for the fact that I am due, at a meeting, and there will be "Hell, to pay" if I am not there." Yes, Diane was on Probation. This since a combination of lab tests, and a nickel bag, found in her car, had lead to two years in jail, and a term of probation. Diane had only served six months when the warden applied for "Early Release", saying "We need beds for REAL criminals". The only monthly meeting, which Diane had missed, so far, was the one when she was in the E.R., being treated. Her mother had called the Parole Officer, with Dianes position. Diane was cleared, of "violation" once the doctors told the P.O. "It can happen to anyone." Now, Diane was in an unknown location, without her phone, and no way to prove that she could not make the meeting. I would not be missed for another 60 hours. This would be for an appointment, not for Probation, but for a status update. (Diane just HOPED her P.O. was as "dogged" as his reputation) Word, on the street, was that the man got the worst cases since, when a parolee jumped, the man did not stop until the offender was located, and returned to prison. Sure enough, when Diane missed her appointment, and the P.O. found out that her family did not know where she was, the Parole Officer had activated her phone GPS. This said she was at home. While the landlord told both Dianes family, and the P.O. She came in, yesterday, and hasn't left. She may be sleeping late. Inside the unit, everyone found the phone, on charger, and the last call made. Dianes sister verified that she had spoken to her sister, the last evening. When the P.O.say "I have to declare her a "jumper", her family would say "Just wait one minute. HOW do you KNOW she left on her own?" The P.O. would say "It does not matter what I believe. She is not here, or at my office." When the P.O. showed the family the door, saying "See, no signs of forced entry." Dianes father would ask "You know. All of her clothes are here. Why would she leave, without clothes?" When the P.O. would say "I will check." This is when Dianes mother would ask "Would you put out a Missing Person instead of that other thing?" The P.O. say "Sure". Dianes sister would, soon, overhear the P.O. saying "I am not certain of anything. This is the first time she is un-accounted for." then add "Dont give me that. We, both, know that people have been kidnapped, for ransom. I want PROOF before I convict her, and send her back to prison." Funny thing was that, by the time Dianes sister got around to checking with the local library, about missing persons cases, she found the P.O. already going over them. As the P.O. would say: "Its weird. I never knew there were so many cases, even in this locality." When the sister asked, the P.O. would say "These records appear to show that almost fifty people have vanished, the same way your sister did." When the sister would ask "Is that un-usual?" The P.O. would say "Lets say it is beyond suspicious". When the sister asked "Whats the next step? My sister is, already, listed as missing." The P.O. say "If the person, who took her, follows established methodology, they will keep her some place near. They would not want to risk being SEEN with her. Question is: Where would be remote enough, so that no one would think to look?" This would lead to a one month search, of every, abandoned, and remote, site, in the county. Sites wer evern double-checked, just in case. While searches looked for us, around the area, Diane and I would do the same, from inside the house. While there was no electricity, candles seemed to "appear", at sun-down, even as fireplaces were lit. Food was ready, when we needed it. Diane had even cut a few of the dresses to current styles. (What would have seemed downright indescent in the old days) While this place was old enough to even have what was called a "Widows walk", on the roof, when I tried the hatch, to see if we could climb down the side of the house, I found out that the hatch was SEALED shut. One evening, as we snuggled, Diane whispered "Options?" I would say "Nice to hear you use such words." Diane would ask "Is there any place we have not tried?" I would whisper "Only the basement". When she would ask, I would say "These homes, normally have a rubble-stone foundation. Maybe eight, to twelve feet deep." When Diane would suggest "On a concrete foundation, I would guess." I would suggest "No, normally built on the ground." When we checked the basement, we found a dirt floor, with the utilities balanced on packing crates. I would whisper, to Diane "That was their version of a concrete footing." While Diane and I made tools out of anything we could find, for four, straight, days, we swore that we dug out atleast eight feet, beyond the house, before resting. Each time we returned, the hole was filled. This is why, on days five, and six, we dug, around the clock, out of the basement, then to the surface. When Diane smiled, saying "We made it." I made her smile, saying "Even covered in soil, you look good." The search had been going on, for a solid month, with no results. Not, atleast until some woman, among the searchers, would hear the team leader saying "We have searched everywhere." The woman would cut in, saying "Not everywhere." When the men looked at her, the women would say "What about the old, haunted, house?" The men would say "Police checked that, two weeks ago. The locks are fine." When the woman would suggest "Locks can be picked. What if someone took them in, then locked back up?" The men would laugh, asking "Who would go to all of that trouble, just to make a person vanish?" Another man would ask "Dont you mean BOTH of them?" This is when the team leaders remembered that my name had been added, when I missed my own meeting, and was nowhere to be found. When the team leader would say "Fine, check the old place. Wont find anything there. Lady, take just three men, with you. We dont want to make a laughing stock out of the whole community." What struck Diane and I as unusual was how, after we surfaced, and began walking, Diane paced the distance, then asked "Shouldn't we have run into the perimeter fence, by now?" I would say "You are right. What happened to it?" We found out, when we found the city. Diane and I wondered if we had walked in the wrong direction. The streets had 1940's vintage cars (in amazingly good shape). We would have reported in, to the police, except that Diand spotted a young man, who bore an incredible resemblance to the current police chief. This man, however, was in his early twenties, firm of build, and with NO paunch. While we found a family, offering to take us in, since we were, obviously, filthy of clothes, and skin, Diane let it slip, during dinner, where she lived." It was after a delicious dinner that the husband took us outside, and asked "Okay WHO are you?" When Diane gave her name, and address, the man would ask "Who do you think you are kidding?" When I asked "Why?" The man would say "That area is not scheduled, to begin development, for another two years. Where are you, REALLY from?" I would suggest the name of the nearest town, saying "We are travelling undr assumed names. Our parents dont like us cavorting." Diane wanted to slap me, since she understood what I meant, but she went along, even as the man would say "You are welcome to stay the night." I would spend the night in the den, sleeping on a couch, while Diane was bedded with the families daughters. This, with a warning, from the mother "Young lady. Keep Careful. Gentlemen do NOT go around, covered in dirt. Pray, to the Lord, that this man will not hurt you." Diane thought "If you only knew." What we knew was that we went to sleep, inside a very friendly family home, yet woke where we never expected. Diane found herself waking, on her couch, while I awakened in a corner of my bedroom. It was not until we saw our cell-phones, and other electronics, that we realized that we were back home. HOW? We did not wait for the news, but went straight to the police. This is when we found out how long we had been gone. While Diane and I stayed with our story (strange as it was), the police, and community, had a different theory. The idea that "pretend friends" were, really lovers, and that we had "gotten caught", by a positive pregnancy test. We had left town, to "take care of it", then returned to town, with a story, about the old house. When Diane agreed to be tested, the test showed no signs, at all. This left the "impossible to deny" story, that we had just "taken off" for a few weeks, of romance. The city had us as lovers, in no time. No one believed the tale, that the house had "grabbed us". No, we went there for some fun. Diane would smile as she said "They call that fun?" When I looked puzzled, Diane would say "Women work hard to make men feel comfortable. This is why we choose men, carefully. Your satisfaction is a womans JOB." When I would say "Wait one minute. Are you saying that women dont enjoy themselves?" Diane would just shrug her shoulders. When her next five choices, all, asked about me, Diane walked out, thinking of ways to make people understand. We had NOT. We did NOT. Finally, she "landed" at my place, where she asked "What do we do?" I would tell her "I have no idea." The next day, when we walked to the old house, Diane would ask "Who do you think COULD have carried it off?" I would say "Th clothes, food, and locked exits, would be easy. What puzzles me is how we got out, in the late 1940's." Diane would add "How did we get from the 1940's, back to today." When I would suggest "Sounds like "Back to the Future", doesn't it." Diane would say "Only, you are neither Marty McFly, nor Michael J. Fox." I would whisper "You are no Lea Thompson, either." Still, no one had any idea of how the security fence had been overcome. Our clothes had not been torn. There were no remnants, on the fence. What had been the point? Why take two people from their beds, and use them as trespassers. Why provide food, and ancient clothing? HOW had we been sent back to the 1940's? Was the house truly "haunted"? If so, WHY choose us?

FEAR

FEAR Having just read a question, about how fear cripples us, I thought that I would add my own. I must say that, if I have any fear, it is the fear of rejection. Why is that a fear? Simple: While I have known maybe three women, in my life time, who have been actual friends, the problem is that I have known many others, as well. The kind who, instead of a polite "No, thank you." these women SCREAM/SHOUT/YELL at the tops of their lungs "You are NOT a MAN! You dont deserve a woman!" This, they shout so loud that they can be heard, four blocks away. Now, ofcourse, I have had plenty of people, tell me "There are more "fish" in the sea", but I think that the worst fear, which can cripple a man is being friends with a woman, yet wondering "How does she feel?" This, especially when the woman HIDES her emotions, until ready to SCREAM. Having had nearly a dozen women SCREAM/SHOUT/YELL at me, I have learned to keep my distance. Why risk losing a friend, because you hope for what they are NOT offering. That, and one lady, whom I TRIED to get close to, for years. A woman, who never responded, until a friend got in her face, asking "Why dont you respond." The womans response "None of your damned business. If that coward wants to know how I feel, let the COWARD CONFRONT me, himself." This is all the knowledge that I needed to know that the woman was not for me. Not if she demanded a confrontation. Then, there was a woman, for whom I am grateful that a black-out brought us together. Before the black-out, the only time, when I saw the woman was in the presense of her mother. No doubt this is why she was so nice, in her word usage. Then came the night, of the black-out. The very night before I was going to ask her out. During the black-out, I saw her "true colors". Profanity, and all. (Thankfully, I never asked her out.) This is the reason why I think so many women end up in such terrible relationships. It is because, when gentlemen come along, offering affection, kindness, and other qualities, all the women are looking for is "I want someone who is willing to KILL, or fight, to the death, for me! Not some "Romeo", who will give me the love of his heart. I want a man who is willing to TAKE what he wants, by FORCE! This is a REAL man. This is why I need to be able to CONFRONT a man. Make me FORCABLY his woman. If a "man" wont be CONFRONTATIONAL then he is NOT a MAN! This is why true gentlemen live on-line, and in chat-rooms. Places where people are respected. Something which CONFRONTATIONAL women DESPISE!