An aging overweight man who plays too much online gaming receives a gift from Freya, the
goddess of love, lust, beauty, sorcery, fertility, gold, war and death.

Freya's Gift

Chapter 25: Meeting the Challengers

Wednesday 26 August 2015

The dawn rises with the sun and another day beckons. Even with everything that is happening around us, I take a moment to
revel in the facts of my life. I am a woman, happier than I ever was as a man. I had a wonderful life with Jimmy and
Lauren, who loved me as much as I loved them, almost so much it hurts. There were my nieces and nephew whom accepted that
I was still the same person as before, albiet as their aunt.

Rising from the bed, I stretched, feeling glorious. The lives within my womb ever growing. In a little over 8 months our
home would know the sound of our babies for the first time. I couldn't wait for the day when I could see them and smile
while I held their tiny little hands, just as I did Katie and Michael on the day of their birth.

I felt so good, I felt like singing. I went to the kitchen to start tea and head for the bath. As has become the norm
Margie joins me in the pool. She has become like the mother hen around the house, always worrying over Lauren and I. We
soak quietly for a long while until we're joined by Lauren and Jimmy. It seems that since receiving the full gift from
FREYA. Jimmy's hair has become more blonde, almost all trace of the red is gone. He actually looks more like the movie
version of Thor than Thor does himself. The only odd thing is that as Jimmy lost all traces of red, Margie seemed to gain
it in her scales.

"Morning loved ones! Isn't it a beautiful day?" I say.

Jimmy looks at Lauren and says, "Well, someone got up on the right side of the bed, didn't she?"

Lauren says, "With our bed, how can it be otherwise?" And kisses both him and me.

Margie smiles, "You are the happiest people I've ever seen, you are so good together."

"Thanks Margie, we love you too." I say. "I've got to say, the red your scales have changed to, is very becoming. You
look very lovely. Does Gilbert like the change?"

How does a dragon blush? I don't know, but Margie did. "He likes it a lot. Since the color of my scales started changing,
I've been feeling a little more, how do you say... amorous?"

If she wasn't blushing before, she was now. Lauren says "It's probably because of all of us. You and Gilbert, are so
linked with Freya and Jimmy, that the raw emotions leak over the mental connection you two have. Perfectly natural."

"Oh, I'm not complaining. And neither is Gilbert."

I stand up and get out toweling off. "I'll start breakfast. Tea is already to go."

Walking to the kitchen humming a tune from my head. I start to make breakfast bowls. Katie comes down and pours the tea
for everyone and sets the table.

She asks, "What are you humming? Sounds so light and happy."

"Oh, what? I don't know, just something stuck in my head, I guess." Patting my belly, "Reminds me of when your mom was
carrying you and Michael, she used to be so happy then." Smiling as I remembered how my sister used to be. But that
person was gone now, consumed by her own inner demons.

Katie looks wistful, "What happened between you and mom? I understand some of the later things, but not what started it."

"It was a lot of little things really. Mostly that she stayed with your dad even after she began divorce papers and gave
up. Then she became too, like him, the only thing that mattered was money." I smiled at Katie, "You know, you're a lot
like she used to be. Strong but still vulnerable."

Any further talk was put aside as we were joined by the rest of the family. The bowls were put on the table as we sat,
giving blessing to FREYA. Knowing we would need her strength in the fights to come.

Gilbert shows up before we finish. "Hello Gilbert, how are you this glorious morning?"

"Quite well, young ones. Thank you. I have word from FREYA, she wishes you and Katie to check on the two other 'Stars'.
To get acquainted with the leaders and make yourself known to them. I have told them you would be coming."

Katie asks, "Who are they? And where will we meet them?"

Gilbert begins, "The European 'Star' leader is called Cardinal, and... "

I stop Gilbert, "What? Did you say Cardinal?"

Jimmy asks, "Do you know this Cardinal? How could you?"

"In the game of course, silly. That is, if it's the same guy. He's on my friend list. We fought together in some
dungeons."

Lauren asks, "So, he's good then? Yes?"

"Hell yeah, he's good, one of the best priests I've seen. He'll make a great euro 'Star' leader."

Gilbert continues, "As I was about to say, the Asian 'Star' leader is called Demonic.Prince and he is a warrior like
Katie is."

Katie says, "Yeah, I've seen him around too. Fought along side his guild members. A natural leader."

Gilbert finishes, "FREYA felt the same about both of them." After a moment he adds, "When you two are ready we can go."

***********************************************

Katie and I dressed normal, Me for work and her for school. As we were ready to leave, Snow popped in and we mounted up.
We left at just before 7am PST, we arrived to the sound of a large clock announcing the time. Looking, we see Big Ben, so
we're in London, England, the clock face reads 3pm. Not bad for a transatlantic trip.

I ask, "Gilbert, where are we?"

Before he answers, another speaks up, "You're on the top of Qpark, south and a little west from Big Ben. And to the right
from there you'll see the Palace of Westminster. That concludes the tour of London, Hope you had a nice trip!"

Gilbert says, "Ah, there you are Cardinal." Smiling at the charming fellow. "May I introduce Miss Katie and Mistress
Freya."

Cardinal says, "Very pleased to meet you birds. Freya, do I know you? You look very familiar." He smiles and shakes both
our hands.

"Actually, you do. We met on-line playing Tera a few months ago." I smile back at him. Katie just winks at him.

Cardinal looks surprised, "You do look like a character in the game, but I chatted with 'him' between rooms. I was
certain you were a man."

I say, "I can understand your confusion, until a month ago, I was a man, like you thought. Then the goddess FREYA gave me
the greatest gift imaginable. She made me into my game persona, it was a dream come true."

Cardinal asks, "Then that is when you became the American 'Star' leader? How busy have you been, dealing with the
monsters?"

Gilbert interrupts, "Let us save that for when our group is complete. Mount up and we will head to Tokyo to meet with
Demonic.Prince, ready to go?"

***********************************************

We arrive to a moonlit park setting. Tokyo time is after midnight. A figure steps from the bushes, a late teens or early
20's youth. He advances with a hand out. I take his hand as I dismount from Gilbert.

"Hello, I'm Freya. You must be Demonic.Prince? Nice to meet you."

His shake is firm, then in perfect English, "Yes, you'd be right on that, I am Demonic.Prince, at least in the game. My
friends call me Hikaru." Smiling at us. "Nice to meet you Freya."

Katie and I smile back at Hikaru, "The pleasure's mine. The others here are, Katie, my niece. And Cardinal from London.
Katie and I live in the northwestern United States. Outside of the city of Eugene, Oregon. You picked a lovely place for
our meeting. Where are we exactly?"

"Ah, we are in the famous Shinjuku Gyoen gardens. It was convenient, since they have been closed for hours and everyone
gone. We have the place to our selfs. Enjoy!" Spreading his arms wide.

I say, "As much as we'd like to stay a while, Katie has school in a few hours, and I need to get to work. We basically
just wanted to touch base with you and Cardinal, to see how things are going. I know you are both very capable in the
game, but if you ever need help, just contact us through our friends." Motioning to Gilbert and Snow.

Cardinal asks, "Tell us what's really going on, will you?"

"Okay, I'm assuming since you asked, that no one has really explained what's happening?" Seeing Cardinal and Hikaru nod,
I continue. "You've both seen the first Avenger movie? Yes. Well, it's a lot like that. Loki is messing with our world
for his fun and games. He started it on Tera first, and now he's expanding his reign of terror."

Cardinal says, "That makes a lot of sense. But how do we deal with Loki? He is a god after all. I don't suppose we have a
Hulk waiting around on the sidelines, do we?"

Hikaru says, "Since it was the goddess FREYA that spoke to the world, and she is of Asgard, then we at least have Thor?
Don't we?"

Katie adds, "You bet we do, Thor is ready to put the hurt down on his brother when we can pin him down."

"Katie's right, our job is to deal with the normal monsters like in Tera. If you spot Loki, get out and get the news to
FREYA. She'll bring Thor and together with the rest of us, we can put an end to his games."

Cardinal then asks, "Back to what you were about to say before we came to see Hikaru. Explain what you meant, Please."

I look at them, "This may take awhile, but I'll start at the beginning, so you'll know it all, and what it could mean to
you and your teams." They nod to me to begin, "It all started... " a half hour later, " ...and that's the short and the
sweet of it."

Hikaru asks what was on both their minds, "And this is what you want? Really?"

I say, "Yes, it is. I have a wife and a husband, we love each other so much. And Lauren and I are expecting in May to
June. We couldn't be happier."

Cardinal says, "Wait, you're saying you're pregnant? You've been female for a month and you're already pregnant!"

Hikaru looks shocked, but I say "I am, yes. And happy for the first time in my life. Don't forget, FREYA is the goddess
associated with love, sexuality, beauty, fertility, gold, seiðr (sorcery), war, and death. It is only natural for my life
to go in this direction."

Cardinal says, "So you're saying, after we take care of Loki? What? Anything we want?" Looking skeptical.

Katie says, "FREYA changed my uncle. Changed him so 'her' outsides matched the insides, Her soul. Bless FREYA!" Hugging
me tight.

"Well, you'll have time to think about that while we battle the monsters and prepare for Loki. Just make sure your people
know what's going on. Okay, now Katie and I must be going, our day is just starting." They say goodbye and we pop out,
leaving Hikaru and Cardinal alone in the garden.

***********************************************

Local time 8am

Back home, Katie and I go our separate ways. I only make a quick stop at Moms to see Edith. No local sighting so far
today. Having already reported in on shift, I start my patrol for the day. I decide at lunch I'll visit Gloria to see how
things are going.

Dispatch radios, saying there is a disturbance reported at a smaller camp ground, something about overly loud music. The
site is ahead on my route, so I tell dispatch I'll be there shortly.

The campsite is one only allowing 'rough' camping, no trailers or Motorhomes, not even generators. There are five tents
in the immediate area, the next closest occupied spot is at least 100 yards away. At one tent, a generator is running,
powering a big amp and speakers. The generator makes so much noise on its own, the four guys present can't hear me pull
up.

None of them seem to pay attention, the four I had seen were drinking bottled beers, Another violation, no glass
containers. I spot the fifth camper inside the largest of the closely arranged tents, his back to me. As I turn off the
generator, I finally get a reaction from this group. They all start yelling for someone to check the fuel in the
generator.

That's when they seem to take notice of me, still with my hand on the switch. "Gentleman," trying to be polite,
"Generators are not allowed in this campground. If you stay here, you'll have to do without using it."

The biggest of them, a piggish man with jowly cheeks, "Is that so missy?" In an arrogant and belligerent manner. "And
who's going to stop us? Huh, you?"

This man has his buddies at his back, facing off with me facing away from the tents. "Sir, there's no reason to act in
this manner, your fellow campers in this area are here to rough it. There are plenty of other grounds where you are
allowed the use of generators. However, the National Park Service doesn't allow any bottled drinks in the sites... " I
hear a sound behind me. As I start to turn to the noise, I feel a pain in the back of my head. Falling to the ground the
last thing I see is that poacher from a month ago as I lose consciousness.

************

As I come to, it's obvious I've only been out a minute or so, thank FREYA for giving me a hard head. I'm being tied down
to the cot in the poachers tent. Just as he's about to cut off my clothes, he notices I'm awake. "I guess I should have
hit you harder," he gloats.

The pain of being hit is fading fast, and it's evident he and his crew intend to rape me. "I thought you were in jail,
what happened?"

He sneers into my face, he reeks of stale beer and onions. "It seems when your captain turned me over to the local cops,
the stupid assholes forgot to Mirandize me, so they had to let me go." Smiling and showing rotting teeth, "I was hoping
you'd have been out long enough to wake up with me riding you to the best fuck of your soon to be over life."

"You're not man enough to make good on that promise." I assure him.

The poacher pulls his pants down, "Is that so? We'll see about that."

As he unveils his member that he's so proud of, "Are you kidding me? That thing is smaller by two thirds than my
husband's, when he's flaccid." And I start laughing so hard I almost tipped the cot to the floor of the tent.

He says, "We'll see who's laughing when I put a bullet through your head after we're done taking turns on you. It will be
a terrible shame to kill that body of yours, but it has to happen."

I ask before he can start to cut my clothes, "Who put you up to this?" Trying to act fearful, hoping he will let anything
slip. "Did he have long black hair and carry a scepter with a blue gem in the head?"

"What the fuck are you talking about bitch? I take orders from nobody. You're just my pet project since you caught me
before. After this, I'll be leaving the country, they'll never find me."

I smiled up at him and his pals, "In that case, all I have to say is.... " They hang on my words, expecting me to scream.

Quietly I say, "Margie, Gilbert, a little help please."

The next instant is complete chaos, Margie appears at my side facing the poacher, before he can even move, Margie bites
off his miniscule manhood and then spits it out, "Goddess that thing is foul on the tongue, you're better off without
it." Smiling at him.

The four men behind him panic and head for the outside of the tent, only to come to a halt facing Gilbert in a rage. I
change to my armour and break my bindings. As I stand I hug Margie and kiss the side of her face, "Thank you so much
Margie! I'm so sorry you had to bite that thing."

Margie just smiles as she says, "It was no 'big' thing, it was the least I could do to protect you and the babies." I
smiled at that too.

The poacher is rolling on the ground, holding what's left of his manhood trying to stop the bleeding, "Somebody help me
before I bleed to death, PLEASE!"

Margie says, "Move your hands away, I'll stop the bleeding for you." He does as she says. She puffs out a small burst of
fire to cauterize the wound. He realizes what is coming, too late, screaming in misery and pain, passing out.

Exiting the tent with Margie, the men are now trapped between two dragons, all of them so scared they pissed themselves.

Gilbert asks, "Are you okay, my lady, I am so sorry I could not stop this before it happened." He looks upset and
contrite.

"Gilbert, it's not your fault, don't ever think that!" And rush to his side to console him.

"Thank You, child, You are too kind to me! That other one is lucky Margie beat me to him, I was going to snap him in two.
Living is too good for the likes of him."

I smile at him, "But Gilbert, everyone deserves a second chance at life! Just look at me. But what do we do with them?"

Gilbert says, "I have an idea about that. We will take them to FREYA and let her decide their fates."

***********************************************

The next instant, before they can even speak or move. We are all in FREYA's garden. The men gasp aloud at being
transported to who knows where. That is until they see FREYA float down to stand before them, next to Gilbert, Margie and
me. Again, they pee themselves.

FREYA speaks, "Daughter, are you okay? Did they harm you at all?" Wrapping me in her arms.

"Mother FREYA, it is nothing a good bath can't fix, to get their stink off me." I step back from her embrace, "We have
brought them to you for justice. The one who Margie bit is a career criminal and my world just can't cope with the likes
of him and his men. I did find out that they were not a part of Loki's game though."

"That is good, my child. But I am not the one to dispense judgement. I will call Forseti, the god of Law and Justice. He
will decide their fates." With that she raised her right hand and called out, "Forseti, I call upon you to meet out the
fair justice you are known for. Please come to us!"

A moment later, Forseti appears with us, near to FREYA. He has long golden hair and beard, wearing a judicial robe of
gold. He asks "FREYA, sister goddess, how can I be of service? It has been many long years since we have seen one
another. It pleases this old heart to see you again."

"Forseti, I called you to pass judgement on these miscreants before you." Pointing out to the five men before us. The
poacher is finally coming to and realises his problems are just beginning.

Forseti goes to each of us, placing his hand on our foreheads. He is longer at the poacher than the others. He looks to
me, "Child, I am pleased to see you unharmed, if you'd like to bathe while I consider the truth." Pointing to the
waterfall and hot spring a ways from our present spot in the garden.

"Thank You, Lord Forseti, I think I'll do just that. Margie? You coming too?"

Margie heads for the hot spring with me. I cast aside my arour and remove my clothes and step into the hot, bubbling
waters. I scrub my whole body and then Margie's face. After that we stood beneath the waterfall to rinse off. Feeling
clean of their stench finally. We walk back and Gilbert has a fresh uniform for me. The older one a small pile of ash on
a nearby rock.

I stand with FREYA and my friends as Forseti raises his head. He speaks solemnly, "I have taken into account all the
factors in your cases." Looking down on the five men before him. "Are you ready to receive your sentences?"

The poacher finds his voice, "What right do have to pass judgment on me, I have rights."

Forseti smiles down at him, "Do you know where you are human? I know from your mind that you have seen FREYA on your home
world communications. This is our world, here you have only the rights we accord you. And nothing more." He turns to
FREYA, "Sister, you could always use more help to look after your gardens I am sure."

FREYA smiles, "There is always something for someone to do."

Forseti says, "Good, then here is my verdict. The four of you who would condone the actions of this other, will tend the
gardens here on Asgard." They breathe a sigh of relief, until he continues, "As fauns you will see to the health of this
garden."

With his final words, the four men's shapes began to blur. When their forms became apparent, they are truly in the
classical sense, fauns. The only clothes they have on are loinscloths like the native Americans wore. As they try to
speak, the only noise they can make are the bleats of a goat.

Forseti turns to the poacher, fierce anger on his face. "Now for you," As the poacher cowers back speechless, Forseti
continues, "Since you are half way there already, thanks to Margret here. Your job will be to make your friends here
happy for the rest of all your lives."

Pointing to the poacher, who screams, "Nooooo." His voice rising in its register. Then his body lines fade, and as it
begins to coalesce the form is revealed. She is small, probably no taller the 4ft 6in. She has long reddish brown hair
down to the small of her back. For her size she has a remarkable figure. She speaks in a voice so high and delicate,
"What have you done to me? You've turned me into a woman, some kind of bimbo."

Forseti chuckles, "Oh no, my dear. You are wrong on both counts. You see, your friends are fauns and there natural mate
is a tree fairy or as your people used to say, a wood nymph. And as for being a bimbo, how would you learn your lesson,
if you did not have your wits about you. No, your mind will remain the same, the only thing is, you will have the
appetite of a normal wood nymph. And you know where your people came up with the term 'nymphomaniac'. That will be your
life from now on. To service your four friends and know exactly what is happening, you just won't be able to control
yourself."

Her four former underlings understand all that was being said, as evidenced by the looks on their faces and the erections
tenting their loincloths. She begins to freak out realizing the extent of her sentence.

Forseti says, "And lastly, since all wood nymphs need a home to call their own." With a crack of the ground, a sprout
begins to grow. It grows and grows, until a mighty oak stands at the side of the stream, it's reachs a hundred feet or
more and the branches are nearly as wide, leaving a large area under the tree for people to enjoy. The trunk is as big
around as a medium sized car.

As it is the only tree in the immediate area, the other are off a ways. The poacher is drawn toward the oak's trunk. She
squeaks out, "What's happening? I can't seem to stay away from this thing." With that her hand makes contact and she is
absorbed into the tree.

Soon, she steps back out of the tree. Forseti says, "You are now bonded to the tree, you can never be further than a
spears throw from it. It will always draw you back. This is your life now. Accept it!"

Forseti says goodbye to us, hugging FREYA and me. With that, a clap of thunder and he's gone.

FREYA says, "Justice is done, let us leave our new grounds keepers to get acquainted, shall we?" With a glint in her eye.

"Mother, I must go for now. But, thank you!" I grab tightly to her. and she hugs me back.

"Pease child, I will always be there for you!" Her glow encompasses me and the next moment...

***********************************************

I am back at the campgrounds next to my car. All of the camping gear left by the poacher and his men are gone and the
other campers approach thanking me for getting rid of the vermin.

***********************************************

I called Lauren and Jimmy to let them know what happened. As I should have known by now, the family network had made that
unnecessary, except to reassure them both I was fine. Jimmy was so mad, he said there was no torture good enough for that
man. I told him that his torture as a her, would last for uncounted years to come. I told him I could explain in detail
later. Saying bye and hanging up with them.

A call from Cappie had me heading for HQ, in town. When I got to his office he asked me to take a seat. Once seated
Cappie sat on the edge of his desk, looking me in the eyes for some moments.

Finally, I asked, "What's up Cappie?"

Still looking closely at me he says, "Freya, are you really ok? And don't be so light hearted about it, really, are you
ok?"

I smiled at him, feeling a little weirded out from how he's acting. "Yes! I'm fine. That guy never got a chance to really
do anything to me. They just hit me in the head, I was only out for a few moments. Surprised them actually. Why?"

Shaking his head, "I'm sorry to hear that, for your sake, I mean. Cause I have some bad news for you." Thinking how to
say what comes next. "Well, here it is! Department policy is that you'll have to take two weeks off, paid mind you, to,
as they say, 'recover' from your ordeal."

I stare at him, "Are you kidding? I'm fine! And you know if I had actually been hurt, SHE, would have fixed it all. What
am I going to do for two weeks? Can you tell me that?"

"I know, I know, but there is nothing I can do about it. On the bright side though, when you are back, you'll be training
a new intern. Until then, I don't know, work on your tan or something. The best I can do to help, is to pass all of the
monster sightings to you as they come in. That way, you can take care of the other business without worry."

I was resigned to the two weeks off, when it occurred to me, "Wait, you said I'd be training someone? That could hamper
dealing with Loki and his grand game."

He smiles, "I don't think you'll mind this trainee, since you're the one who asked me to hire her."

"OMG, I completely forgot about that. Thanks Cappie!" And gave him a good kiss on the cheek.

He acts a little flustered over the kiss, but smiles anyway, "Now go on, get out of here! And don't let me catch you in
greens for two weeks, you hear me missy?"

I stood and smiled, "YES SIR!" And saluted before I walked out. Leaving him laughing.

***********************************************

I figure, might as well go for lunch. I called Gloria and asked if she wanted to join me and she said she'd love to. I
picked her up ten minutes later, she was outside waiting for me to show up.

Gloria hops in the car, "I'm so glad you called, I had an early day and poppa found some work to do today. I thought I
was stuck at the salon till he gets done with whatever work he found."

I gave her a little kiss on her cheek, "Well then, you're really in luck then, I have the rest of the day free. So after
lunch, maybe we can do something, okay? Then I can take you home."

Gloria looks happy. "That sounds like fun, but what can we do? I really don't have any interests outside of work, home
and you and Katie. Thanks for being my friend Freya."

I look at her, "You're welcome dear. I'm glad you like being around our family. It makes me happy to see you smile." Just
then we pull into the front of Mom's Cafe and get out. Edith comes out to greet us with big hugs and kisses. This time
Gloria is not shy and returns Ediths warmth with her own. It's nice to see she's finally becoming the butterfly, emerging
from her cocoon.

Edith notices too and smiles at me to show she likes the improvement in Gloria. "So girls, another quick lunch before you
dash back to the grind?"

"No." I explain, "After what happened today, I have to take two weeks paid time off. And Gloria is done for the day."

Edith looks worried for a moment, "Not the babies I hope? Are you okay?" Pushing me into a seat.

"What? No, the babies are just fine! And so am I for that matter. Just stupid department policy after a little bump on
the head. I'm fine." Smiling to reassure her all was well.

Gloria looks shocked, "You're pregnant? Katie didn't tell me anything! I'm so happy for you. Congratulations! When did it
happen?"

I say, "About two weeks ago. Jimmy is very happy, and so is Lauren. All three of us are so happy."

Gloria looks at Edith and then back to me, "Edith said 'babies' as in plural? How many? Twins or triplets?"

I decide to tease her a little, "We're actually having four." I wait. Edith smiles, knowing where this is going. "Two
sets of twins." Gloria seems completely confused now, 2 twins? Not quads? Then laughing with Edith, "I'm having twins and
Lauren's having twins too."

Gloria reaches and swats at my hand, "Oh, you. But, that's amazing, and Jimmy is the father for the both of you? But I
thought Lauren was only into women. Oh well, that's awesome Freya, you'll have to tell Lauren I said congrats."

I have a better idea, "Instead, why don't you have dinner with us tonight and you can tell her yourself?"

She nods, "As long as I'm not in your way, sure." She thinks, "I better call poppa and let him know, so he doesn't
worry."

Soon Edith has something for us to eat and we helped ourselves to drinks. We talked for a while more, having a pleasant
time. When we were done eating I went to say hello to Stan, and Gloria tagged along. Stan was busy trying to work on
tying some flies, and he seemed to be having some trouble.

As we got near, I said, "Hi uncle Stan, what are you up to today?" Frustrated he drops his tools .

"Damn it Freya, don't get old, you hear me. Being old is no fun, let me tell you."

Feeling worried for him, "What's the problem, you're not that old! There's a lot of life in you yet. Don't get too down."

He smiles at me, "Oh, it's just getting harder to see clearly, makes it so difficult to tie these flies. I wish I had
someone to learn to do this, but kids these days, they don't appreciate the art of tying flies or making lures. They'd
rather buy them from some big chain. Just a shame, I tell you."

Gloria looks past me to see what he's been doing, then says, "Oh, what nice colors, there so pretty. You made these?"
That starts me thinking.

"Gloria, would you like to learn how? I've tied flies before and it's quite fun. And you'd be surprised how creative you
can be. Not to mention what can catch a fishes attention." I smile at her, "Want to give it a try? I'm sure Stan could
teach you right here."

Stan looks hopefully to Gloria, when she answers. "Could you really teach me how to do this? I'd love to learn how.
Please! Show me how to do it. I learn really quick too. Please!"

Stan grumbles, but I can tell he's pleased. I tell them I'll be back after changing clothes. I ask Edith to use the
restroom, since I hadn't used it here, and she pointed me in the right direction.

In the restroom, I used the app Lauren had magiced to get a change of wardrobe. What I ended up with was a blue cami with
white short shorts and my favorite suede boots. I use the back door to put my greens in the car and walk back in.

Edith smiles and says "Well, aren't you the picture for America, all red, white and blue."

I smile sweetly "And I have the matching nails to prove it." Laughing. I decided to help Edith for the afternoon to give
her a little break. Every time someone came in, I said hello and asked what I could get them. Most wondered why I was
here and not on patrol. After explaining the situation, most thought it was sweet that I was helping Edith out. It was
fun and I would get to meet and know most of the regulars over the next week or so.

At around 3:30, Edith said it was time to close up and I should go home, and get off my feet.

"But Edith, I having fun and meeting my neighbors, and besides, I'm fine."

"That's wonderful dear, and sweet of you. You know, you have a wonderful gift in bringing the right people together. Look
over at Stan, I haven't seen him this happy in a long time. That Gloria is perfect for him to teach, he misses that.
Thank you!"

"Aunt Edith, you and uncle Stan are special people to me. And not just because you're Lauren's family, you're my family
too. Besides, Katie and I think Gloria's talents are being wasted in that salon, she just needs someone to push her
envelope for her."

Edith says, "I can see that now. You're good for her, both you and Katie."

"Edith, that's sweet of you, but, I think you and Stan are what she needs. Plus, I think she'll be good for the two of
you also."

Edith looks skeptical and asks, "Why do you say that? Freya."

"Look Edith, we know how great she is at doing nails. We can set her up in a corner with her own stuff and she can keep
doing that. But at the same time, she can use the same talents to make custom lures for Stan, as well as tying flies.
That, and when the ladies start coming in to see her, it might lead to more customers for Stan and you."

Edith asks, "You really think so?"

I nod and say, "If it all goes well, we'll have to find you help to do the work and you two can relax and run the show,
greeting customers and other things."

"If you think so, I'll trust your judgement then. But for now, GO HOME! Aunties orders."

I go to get Gloria and I can barely tear them apart. Gloria asks before we leave, "Can I come tomorrow Stan? I don't have
any work at the salon."

Stan says, "If you want to, that's okay by me. Freya, she a great gal and she never needs to be shown anything twice,
picks it up, first time every time. Thank you."

I kissed Stan good day and say, "We'll see you tomorrow then. Bye!"

***********************************************

On the ride to the house, Gloria keeps calling her father, not getting any answer. She says he's probably just too busy
working the job he got today.

If we can't get a hold of him after dinner, then I'll insist she stay with us. I don't want her going home to an empty
house.

End of Chapter 25