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 6: Connecting to the Past Part 2

Katie and I made our way to the food court and got Panda Express chinese food. We always got chinese food when we were together, it was something the family did together since she and her twin Michael were 3 months old. We made our selections and found a quiet spot to sit so we could talk.

As we nibbled at our food, she noticed that I had chosen more veggie based dishes than my usual meatier options. "Aunt Freya, what's with all the veggies? I always thought you were stricktly a meat and potatoes guy?"

Thinking about that I answered, "I don't know, the veggies just seemed to appeal to me. And as you know I'm no longer a guy."

Rolling her eyes, "That change was obvious. What besides your taste in food has changed?"

Finishing a bite of broccoli chicken, savoring the flavor, "Well it seems that maybe I might be bi now, since I actually enjoyed flirting with James at the iPhone store. I'm just not sure how far down that raod I want to travel. Other than that I think I'm still basically the same person I was before. I have the same inerests that I did, I want to fish and hunt, to continue with our archery, ride and race with friends, and of course spend time with you."

She thought as we both chewed on that and food too. Then said "I'm happy to spend time with you doing those things too, outside of school. And when I get to intern as a Ranger, I'll get to spend even more time with you. Maybe even help you with the task FREYA has given you".

I completely loved the idea of having her help on FREYA's quest and said "as long as the Goddess allows".

That settled and lunch done, we went on to Wal-mart. Even though we had just come from Victoria's Secret, she insisted that I still needed basic everyday bras and panties. So I picked out 6 each of white, black, cream and baby blue matching sets.

"Remember aunt Freya, you should always match top and bottom".

"Okay 'Baby Bear', I'll remember". Next we were on to Skirts, dresses, blouses and pants. I got so lost in it all I just let Katie make all the choices, she kepted telling the reason for all the coices and I pushed it into the back of my brain for later use. She also tossed in panty hose and stockings, something I had thought were the same thing until she explained the difference.

When I said I needed some workout clothes she said "we'll get those at a good sports shop later, just basics here". Before we left there we got bath and shower stuff. I chose to get fruity scented hair care and bodywash. Katie insisted on skin lotion, and a cosmetics kit, "If you're in the woods all day, it doesn't hurt to pamper your self once you get home".

"I agree with you there". Since I also need household items too, we got those as well. Again, basic stuff, untill Katie tossed in tampons and pads. "They're the ones I use, but you're going to need them soon too, right"?

Then it hit me, I could get pregnant, if I weren't carefull. And since they were on the same aisle, I grabbed some 'For Her Pleasure' condoms too. Katie looks at me and I say "What, a girl cant be prepared? Besides, you should carry some too, don't trust the boy to always have one! Cause, you know what doctors call young women who rely on the 'Interruption Method' of birth control, don't you"? She shakes her head. "Mothers". Paying for our items, we leave there with a well loaded cart.

And headed for the Payless shoe store.

Now here was another place I would really need help at and told Katie so. She explained that I would need a couple flats, some pumps, some heels in a few heights and some sandels. All in a few basic colors to match the clothes and the intended occasion. As we made choices, I found some 3in heeled mid calf boots, and I knew I had to have them. Actually I got 2 pairs, one black and one brown.

I tried on the brown pair and found I only needed a little practice in them to walk confidently. I decided to wear those out of the store when we left with our purchases. The other shoes I would need we would get at the Cabela's here at the mall. Cabela's was one place I had no problem at, with the exception of not buying everything I saw.

As it was now around 2pm and still needed groceries too. We forced ourselfs to only get a good pair of hiking boots, cause as a ranger I would probably be wearing them 12hr a day. I found a pair, again mid calfs that were so soft of a leather, almost like moccasins and looked like them too. In a creamy natural tan.

At the check out line we spotted a spin rack that had hunting and fishing themed earrings. I chose one pair of jumping silver trout studded with fake emeralds, and one pair of silver stags with huge antlers lined with real antler. I told Katie "Half of each pair is for both of us to share". She thanked me, calling me Momma Bear again, and we gave each other a big hug.

Heading for the parking lot it turns out Katie had parked almost next to me. But before we could make it out the door, passing by the iStore. James yells out, "Hey Freya, I see you had quite the day shopping. Especially with such an attractive little helper".

I introduce Katie and James to each other, James with a big smile, and Katie with a little blush. Katie say "You're right aunt Freya, he is cute. I think you should keep him". Now both James and I are the ones blushing.

But he takes Katie's hand and raises it to his lips, kissing the back of her hand. "That is so sweet of you to say, if only I was 10yrs younger or you were 10yrs older. But I have a nephew who is about your age, and he goes to OSU the same as you, and you two should meet".

"How did you.... oh, right my school jersey, I forgot I was wearing it".

"He plays baseball, first team catcher. He got a scholarship for 85%. He just transfered from UCSD in San Diego and is new here. He could use a friend who knows the area". Katie said "This is my sophmore year and I'm starting catcher too. I also got a 85% scholarship, and I grew up in El Cajon, San Diego county. What's his name"?

James says "Austin Dillon".

"OMG, we went to Granite Hills High school together. We had a lot of the classes the last 2yrs. He's cute, just like you!" Katie blushes so badly, I thought she would passout from bloodloss.

James thanks her for her compliment. And says "Well, I have to get back to work, but now, maybe your aunt Freya will agree to a date with me so we can make it double date to get you and Austin together? Hmm...." Now I'm on the spot and Katie is giving me the big 'Baby Bear' eyes. James is looking at me hopefully too, then seeing Katies face tries to emulate the same lost look.

Something was stirring in me, I'm not sure what it was. It was a warmth, not like I had for Katie, it came from down lower. I realized I was attracted to this man, almost a primal feeling, and noticed that I was getting wet. I needed to get away and think, but.... "Well, Okay, how bout a week from saturday? But my place and Katie and I will cook."

In his best Ricardo Montobaun imitation "That sounds marvelous", then in this normal voice, "I'll call you thursday then! Bye for now Ladies."

We get to the car and load everthing up. For a small car the WRX has lots of stowing capacity. Katie says "Aunt Freya, your car is so awesome. Was this what FREYA gave you?"

"Among a few other little things to get me started."

Katie thought to herself that FREYA is right in caring about my aunt and having faith in her. Bless you FREYA!

In her modest home in Valhalla, FREYA smiles as she watches Katie and Freya, in a magic window hanging before her, growing ever closer to one another. "Don't worry child, your aunt is not the only one I feel justified in having faith in." Speaking as though the two were standing before her. "Before WE are done, you shall both earn a place here in Asgard, next to me at Odin All-Father's right hand. Even Thor shall be honored to call you his friends!"

Back in the mortal realm. Freya and Katie stop at the WinCo Foods grocery store outside of town on the way back to her cabin. Loading up with what seems like a months worth of food. "Remember", I say, "We have to make sure we also have what we need to prepare two nights meals for guests, dinner for you, Austin, James and myself next saturday, and for Lauren on thursday or friday".

"Ok, what did you have in mind? But, I'm hoping you'll make your 'uncle Mike's' special speghetti!"

"That's perfect, but we'll have to come up with another name for it, or a story to explain it. And I was thinking a nice baked salmon for Lauren".

Katie says "ooh, that sounds so good. Just like Amma Val used to make?"

"You got that right girl! Now let's get to getting." After an hour we pushed to the cars with two full carts of foods. Good thing Katie had her car instead of leaving it at the mall till tomorrow. I kept the speeds down so as to not lose Katie on the way back. At a certain point that became moot as the only residence past that was my cabin.

We cross the little bridge and up the driveway. I pulled into the garage and Katie parks behind the first door, backing in, making it easier to upload all the stuff. Katie eyes the contents of the garage with an arm full of groceries, "Oh my goddess, aunt Freya! Look at this stuff! I can't wait to get to work with you as a Ranger trainee!"

"Soon 'Baby Bear', very soon." We tote in all the food first putting it away, in the fridge, the pantry and the cabinets. Then comes the task of bringing all the clothes, sorting, folding and hanging. When we're done it's getting dark out and I convince Katie to stay the night so we can start early tomorrow.

She agrees, and we head to the kitchen to fix dinner. What will become the first of many nights she stays with me, except when her games and classes interfere. While we're fixing some stir-fry, told you we like asian food. Katie pondered, "Aunt Freya, I didn't see a washer or dryer anywhere?"

Looking we see that three of the cabinet doors we hadn't looked into were full sized instead of half size like the rest. "Well, look at that, dishwasher, washer and dryer are all hidden in these lower cabinets on either side of the sink. What a neat idea!"

We light the fireplace and sit eating, watching the lenghtening shadows of the cabin, cast onto the lake's water by the setting sun. We chatted after dinner about many things, and Katie finally asks "So, do you like James? I thought you liked Lauren from the Victoria's Secret store."

"Oh, I definitely like Lauren. She is very beautiful, someone the old me would have never had a chance with, but now, if she's into other women like you think, maybe.... , James is another thing. Having been a man untill a few days ago, it somehow seems wrong. But this body is clearly telling me the time may come when I'll want an intimate connection with a man."

Katie smiles knowingly "Just take it your own pace, and don't force youself to be what you're not."

I said "And how did you get to be so smart?"

"Well", she says "I had this uncle, and he took such good care of me, and loved me till the day he died! Then this wonderfull goddess in her vast wisdom and kindness decided to give him a second life as my aunt Freya to be my 'Momma Bear' for the rest of my life."

I couldn't stop myself and started crying and said "Come here 'Baby Bear', 'Momma Bear needs a big hug." After that we change for bed into new nighties, I wore the one that Lauren gave me and Katie wore a pink cammi and panty set. She always loved pink, even on her camo gear. She fell asleep in my arms as I watched her till I could no longer keep my eyes open.

End of Chapter 6