"Better?" he asked. And on the counter, there was a sports bottle full of Gatorade and an aspirin bottle.He gave me a hug and said, "I'm glad. GLAD! N...w we'll talk about it later, OK? I'll be home about 7 tonite. Can you be here too?"I didn't understand at all, but there were tears in my eyes. I just nodded.At school, I needed to go to the Stripping Post today. I chuckled a bit to myself. Sorry Officer Lupis, no free show if I get stopped today. But it was Thursday, already, and the gawkers. All I could do is stand there in the dark and wait for someone to let meout.After awhile I could hear people talking. I heard my mother and myfather's voice but couldn't hear what they were saying. The door openedagain and my mother was there. She smiled at me, reached towards me andput some type of ear muffs on me. I couldn't hear anything at all.After awhile the door opened and my mother took my hand cuffs and earmuffs off. I pulled the rag out of my mouth."Why did father put me in there?"I. He said with quiet firmness. Please… you father was not doing something… wrong. I… I made a mistake and he was punishing me in a way we both enjoy. I said softly. He looked at me then. I saw the tears on your face… I saw them… I saw him beating your ass red… and you want me to think you like that? Patrick…. sometimes couples do things in private that other people dont understand or necessarily approve of… because they would not enjoy it, or dont understand how anyone could. Your father loves. Inside was a pearl encrusted evening bag. "For your specs and toothpicks," she said and pealed with laughter. "That doesn't need to go in the safe. They're not real pearls." Oh wow!" breathed Becca at last. "Oh wow!" A look of concern crossed her face. "Oh gosh, I haven't brought any make-up with me." Don't worry, my dear, Alison's here." She led her over to the make-up girls. "All you need is a touch of lipstick, a tiny bit of blusher and a dusting of powder." The lead girl produced the.