I wanted to get laid. There was no earthly reason for him to punch me around like that. I mean... what the hell did I do to deserve that treatment?" I... I see that bastard again, I'll... I'll try to kill him is what," she sputtered angrily."How can they let guys like that walk the streets?" she asked belligerently."I know, I know," Peggy said trying to console her friend."God knows what he would have done if you hadn't happened along," Kathy murmured holding Peggy close to her chest. "I feel so. I hated him, but I had to admit it was funny.“Let me get something to clean that couch up, you perv,” I said and went back to the kitchen. I got some paper towels and came back. Surprisingly, his shorts were almost dry. I don’t know why, but I felt a slight twinge of disappointment.I stopped to give him a look. He was tan, with brown hair, blue eyes, and perfectly sculpted muscles.“Your shorts look almost dry already!” I said, more breathless than I should have been.“Dri-fit,” he said. “Works. The rest of the reception flew by, as Ann was in a haze of bliss.Knowing Jack's sense of humor, Ann had insisted on a genteel cutting ofthe cake, and Jack obliged. "Saving the games for later," he said as hewinked and gently fed her the cake. Hearing this Ann smashed her pieceright into his a very surprised face, delighting Tommy. Jack grinnedand wiped off his face. "I'll get you back for that," he promised andAnn feeling the alcohol, "I sincerely hope so!" sending her bridesmaidsinto. That was his initial thought.Safe.All his life Carl had craved and searched for a safe place, and the Alien Man brought him here.Why?Looking inside himself, Carl became aware that the usual terrors were not in attendance.Fear, uncontrollable shaking, and hysterical babbling seemed to have taken a holiday, leaving him surprisingly calm.He descended into the peaceful appearing valley. There were no people in any direction that he could see, and he continued to feel safe.Safe. The one thing he had.