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 28: A Birthday with Spies

Monday 14 Sept

Two weeks have passed and today I go back on patrol. Things are going good at the cafe and tackle shop. Gloria seems to
be coming into her own. She's had lots of customers for 'Nails by Design' and is very happy. She's learned a lot from
Stan in the two weeks and even got some of her nail customers to take some interest in fishing with their husbands. The
husbands are happy, cause when the ladies go to the salon now, they also get to spend time in the tackle shop. Both
businesses are showing improvement and things are not so tight as they were before.

The only downside from the last two weeks is that Gloria's father has not been heard from. The sheriff has had no luck
finding hide nor hair of him.

Meanwhile, monster sightings around the Americas have been on the increase, and around the world in general. We all spent
time, together and separate, dealing with them as they came.

Lauren's and my pregnancies were progressing on schedule. We'd had doctors visits on Friday last to follow-through with
what we already knew. Both of us were healthy as oxen, no morning sickness at all, and the fetus' were exactly as the
doctor would expect. I was now at 8wks and Lauren was 6wks, not far enough to show yet, though everybody seemed to know
already. Edith was pleased to tell everyone who came into the cafe about Lauren and I. We were both happy to let her have
her pleasures.

Gloria is coming along well, dealing with her father missing and doing more each day in the tackle shop. Stan and Edith
treat her like the daughter they never had. They both encourage her to be open about anything that comes to mind. Some of
her ideas were quickly put to use, improving business and fostering greater community spirit.

Gloria didn't yet have her drivers licence, now that she was so busy, and didn't have time to go test. So since I went to
the cafe every morning, I dropped her off when I visited with Edith and Stan. The locals were very friendly when I was
there and we were all on first name basis. They were all very open too. I got the feeling that between sightings and my
missing appearance coinciding, that they might just know we are dealing with the problems. They always acted supportive
for us. Lauren, Jimmy and I are certain that Edith knows full well what's going on, but doesn't say anything to let on.

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

So, I'm back in my greens and feeling happy. Today Gloria is dressed almost as I had two weeks ago, Daisy Duke shorts in
white, a blue and white checkered blouse tied beneath her breasts, buttons undone showing lots of cleavage and her lacy
blue bra. Her hair was in curled rings falling around her face and shoulders. She was looking very hot, though the only
boy she had eyes for being Bobby.

On the drive to Mom's, I said, "You and Bobby make a cute couple, any chance for it to go further?"

Gloria looks hopeful, "I sure hope so, we love each other so much. I've tried to get him to go a little further, but he's
even shyer than I was. I think he's afraid he can't support the two of us, if things got real serious."

"Did you explain to him that you're making good money now and can contribute to your financial security?"

"Yes, and he's still hesitant. Um... you know, we're both still virgins. I love him so damned much, and I know he feels
the same way. But he's just not getting the signals that I'm ready to be intimate."

I smiled to her knowingly, "Gloria, sometimes you have to hit a boy in the head before they realize what they want. You
may have to push him, if that's what you want. I'm not saying to rape the boy, but make him know where you stand, be
forceful, he'll come around."

"Thanks Freya, that sounds like a good plan." We pulled into Mom's and got out. Edith met us at the door. After hugs and
kisses, we sat and visited while Gloria set up about opening for the day in the tackle shop. She was now using her
airbrushes for painting lures as well as nails, only some different paints.

Edith says, "Now that I got used to you being here every day, what am I going to do now?" Mostly just kidding.

"Edith, I've been thinking about that too. Business has improved almost to the point where you could do with a mostly
full time employee."

She looks thoughtful, "Yeah, I guess you're right about that, but, who could we trust?"

"Glad you asked, cause I think that Gloria's boyfriend Bobby would be a prime consideration. I know he'd like to get away
from working late night shifts. And putting him around Gloria on a daily basis may push him to make a commitment to her,
she really needs." Thinking some more, "You have that guest house that's still sitting empty, right?" She nods at that.
"Well, how about you rent him that for half what he does, his current apartment, which is tiny in comparison, then he
won't need as much salary to make ends meet."

Edith nods more, "I can even feed the boy, and save him some more money. Ok, I like that. But do you think he'll go for
it?"

"Let's ask Gloria." We called over Gloria and put our question to her.

"Oh my, I'm sure he'd like that, I'll call him later after he gets up. He's always saying that working his hours is like
being a vampire, going to bed before the sun rises."

That settled, I headed for patrol. The only good thing about monster sightings happening around the world, was there was
less in our hometown area.

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

Monday 5 October

The last two weeks have passed quickly. The sightings stayed at a constant level of every few days, the threat remains
high, but not insurmountably so. Bobby has started working for Edith and helps Stan when he can, living in their guest
house, becoming a part of the family. He and Gloria are always together now. After work they either are in the guest
house or at home with me and the family. We still have not let him meet our friends, they do a good job of hiding from
him while he's here.

Of special note this week, it is Katie and Michaels birthday on Saturday, they would be 20 this year. And Lauren, Jimmy,
Austin and I wanted to do something special for them. But this time no airplanes. After discussing it over with them, we
decided to have a party for them at lake Cuyamacha, back home in San Diego.

I called Maryanne and thankfully she didn't have any games for the weekend. I asked her, "Can you get Michael to take you
to the lake on Saturday? The only person you can tell about this to, is Candy. I'll call her and make sure she'll help
you get Michael there on time."

Maryanne is, as usual, all bubbles and sunshine, "I'll do it aunt Freya! I promise I won't tell anybody. I can't wait to
see you. I love you."

"I love you too 'Sunny Bunny'. You be a good girl now. Bye!"

I called Candy and she said she had to work, but could get someone to cover for her. She asked if her sister could come
too and I said that it was fine. I know how close she and her sister are, and how much she liked Michael too.

Now that all was set, all we had to do was keep it hidden from Katie. She is very good at picking up on things, so we had
to be careful.

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

Thankfully the week was a quiet one. And our plans for the surprise party was nearly complete. I decided since Gloria was
as much a part of this family as she was, that she should come with us, and that meant that Bobby would come too. So we
decided on the best way to tell them how we'd get to San Diego, leaving it for Friday night at dinner.

It was thought that Edith and Stan should come too, besides, they needed to know more of what was going on. Fortunately,
Austin took Katie to dinner in town so we had the evening to prepare everyone for the coming day.

To their credit, they all seemed to take the information as simple facts and didn't question or make any comments. The
best compromise was to take two vehicles, Austin's truck with Gloria, Bobby, Katie and Lauren. I would take my WRX with
Edith, Stan and Jimmy. It's not like it was going to be a long drive. During the week Cappie had contacted the lake
office to clear us having a party for the twins, and an area would be roped off on the north shore below the cabins, more
than enough room for a group. He even made arrangements for us to fish and use the cabins for any cooking or cleaning
needs, as they were unoccupied for this weekend.

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

Saturday morning comes and I rise before the sun, waking everyone and have them get ready. I went upstairs to wake Katie,
finding her in Austin's arms still asleep. I gently stroke her cheek, until she stirs and looks into my eyes.

I smile down on her and say, "Wakie, wakie, happy birthday 'Baby Bear'. Time to get up, lots to do today, so get dressed
and come down for breakfast before we leave."

She yawns, stretching, smiling back at me, "Thank you 'Momma Bear'. Where're we going so early?"

"That's a surprise, so hurry up girl, can't keep the world waiting, even on your birthday." Laughing as I left her room.

Down stairs, Jimmy has pancakes ready, strawberries and cream on top for the birthday girl. The berries are set to show
the number 20 with whipped cream all over. As Katie sits to eat everyone kisses her and wishes her well. Austin told her
what to wear so she was set after we finished eating.

With the gear already in Austin's truck we loaded ourselves in the car and truck. Gilbert found us a spot near the lake
to port to, less than a quarter of the way to Julian. A short drive and we pull into the parking below the cabins and see
our party area. The head ranger for the lake walks down from the cabins and hands me the keys.

He says, "Ranger Freya, it's a pleasure to meet you, your captain speaks highly of you. The cabins are at your disposal,
and your area is marked off. Enjoy yourselves today, I understand you're very familiar with our lake, I'm sorry I don't
recognise you." Katie walks over to stand beside me, "You, young lady do look familiar, though, but there's something
different." Smiling, "You're the birthday girl, right?"

Katie smiles back warmly, "I'm glad you remember me, though my hair is a lot more red than you've seen before. And yes,
I'm the birthday girl, my aunt decided to bring us home to our favorite place for my birthday." Just then, Michael and
the girls pull into the lot and head for us as he spots my car. Waving to him, Katie says "And there's the birthday boy
now!" Running to see her twin.

The ranger says, "I forgot they were twins, used to see them here with their uncle and grandma. The uncle used to come
all the time, but I haven't seen him in some time now. What happened to him?"

I tried not to smile when I said, "He died on June 27th, thankfully, he's gone on to a better place."

He says, "I sorry for your loss, and I'm sorry to hear that, he was well liked around here."

I say, "He really loved it here! I know his next life will be as a ranger , protecting nature." I took his hand and shake
it, "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to say hello to the birthday boy, and thank you Ranger Marx!"

I went to Michael to hug him and wish him happy birthday, he says "It's a wonderful surprise, thank you. I couldn't
understand why the girls wanted to go fishing today of all days, until I saw your car in the lot and you talking to
Ranger Marx." Before he could go any further, a very blonde tornado, leaps into my arms.

Maryanne kisses me over and over, "Aunt Freya, it's so good to see you! I missed you so much," then suddenly gets off me,
"I'm sorry, I don't want to hurt the babies." feeling like she did me harm.

"'Sunny Bunny', there's nothing to fear, nothing can harm our little ones, I know they can't wait to meet their great big
cousin." I stroke the hair from her face, "But how are you sweetheart, are you doing okay? I worry that keeping our
secret may be too much for you."

Michael says proudly, "Aunt Freya, you have nothing to worry about, Maryanne has been the absolute best since she learned
about you." After a moments thought, "Though mom and dad have wondered why we both have pictures of you on our phones.
They don't know anything though."

"Thank you Michael. I'm sure at some point they will find out, but I'd like to delay that as long as possible. You
understand."

He rubs my tummy, "So how's my future cousins doing." Smiling, "You're starting to show a little."

"They're all doing fine, Lauren and I are healthy as horses. And yes, I'm showing, it's normal for 12 weeks. But enough
for now, lets fish."

It was still early enough that the fish would still rise for dry flies, so we put on waders, since the county lakes don't
allow for body contact, and began to fish. As was the norm, Katie was the first one with a fish on. She managed to let it
get away before she netted it though, not wanting to have to clean fish today. The lake didn't permit catch and release.

Soon we all had caught and 'lost' fish and thought it was a good time to teach the others to fly fish. Michael was
teaching Candy, Jimmy was teaching Lauren, Katie teaching Bobby, Austin with Maria (Candy's sister), Stan was showing
Gloria, And I had Maryanne. Edith didn't want to get in the water, feeling foolish in waders, and stayed on shore.

Our students were soon getting into the rhythm, Gloria to Stan's delight seemed to be a natural. Later, when asked how
she picked it up so fast, she said it was like dancing ballet with the fish. Whatever the reason, she soon hooked fish,
then Stan had to teach her how to fight and land it.

The day went all too fast. At mid morning we had cake and ice cream, at which time we invited the rangers to join us,
only Ranger Marx ate with us but took some for the others, including Arlene in the tackle shop whom I remembered very
well.

For lunch, we BBQ'd burgers and hot dogs. After eating Michael said that his mom was expecting him home before 4pm so she
and Maryanne could take him and Candy to dinner. My sister was bad about a lot of things, but, she saw the good between
Candy and Michael. All too soon, it was time for Michael, Candy, Maria and Maryanne to go. They said goodbye, patted
Lauren's and my tummies, and kissed and hugged. Maryanne even talked to my tummy, saying she was waiting for the day when
she would get to hold them. The babies kicked for the first time.

"Maryanne, did you feel that? The babies just kicked, I think they already like their cousin."

She kissed my tummy and said, "I love you Kira and Eddie." Then she kissed Laurens tummy and said, "I love you too Annie
and Tommie."

Lauren exclaimed. "The babies just kicked too, my, Maryanne, looks like you're the favorite cousin right now."

I said, hopefully we could all have Thanksgiving Day together, but we'd talk later. They drove away and we cleaned up our
area and packed up to leave too. Little did we know at the time, but for most of the day, someone had been watching us
from the other side of the lake. Taking pictures with a high powered telephoto lens, every one was a picture of me with
the kids through the day.

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

We drove back toward Julian and found a secluded spot to port from and arrived back home in the garage. We were getting
pretty good at this now. After unloading the car and truck, everyone went to rest for awhile. We planned on having a
family dinner since we were all together anyway.

When I was alone in the office going over our finances, Gilbert approached me and asked if he could talk to me. "Of
coarse Gilbert, I always have time for you." Stroking my bump absently. "What's on your mind my friend?"

Looking concerned, "I thought you would want to know, you were being watched today at the lake in San Diego. I could not
get into a spot that let me see who it was, there were too many hikers and fisherman to get close enough without causing
a panic."

Leaning back from the desk, still stroking my bump, the babies kicked a little. "Well, it had to have been some agent of
Loki, no one else would have a reason to spy on me."

Gilbert ponders, "You are probably right, but it would have been nice to know for sure."

"We'll keep a closer watch from now on, not saying you and the others aren't doing so already, but, now we know someone
is watching us."

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

We had a nice little family dinner, after which a small personal cake for Katie and sang happy birthday to her. After
Edith and Stan went home and the house quieted, I told Lauren and Jimmy what Gilbert had said. They were both troubled by
the news and asked how we'd deal with it.

I just said, "If it's Loki, then we know he's aware of us spoiling his games, if he comes at us, things will be over
sooner than hoped for. If it's someone else, we'll take care of them when they make a move on us. Like, any day, we'll
take it as it comes."

They agree with those sentiments, and vow to be more cautious in the future.

End of Chapter 28