I don't know why I did it but in retrospect, I'm definitely glad I did. I was driving down one of those uncountable mountain roads.
You probably know the kind, not a straight section over fifty feet long and a sheer drop to the treetops hundreds of feet below with only a thin guard rail (if that) between you and eternity.
Most of the traffic is from coal or log trucks, each weighing sixty thousand pounds and every one a menace. I was daydreaming as usual while reflecting on my wasted life and how much of it was my fault. You see, I was one of the many who were too intelligent for their own good.
I was constantly bored in school because it was just too easy, so of course I blew it off. I was ostracized and ridiculed in high school because I blew the curve.
I only showed up on Fridays to take their sorry excuses for tests and aced them all. Unfortunately, by doing all of that I screwed up big time.
I never lived up to my potential because I thought I was smart. I hated school, so no college for me. I'd make my millions without it.
I may have been born with a high I.Q but common sense came much too late to be of any help. So here I am traveling the world repairing security systems. I was always on the road from airports to government and military installations.
Three failed marriages and four kids who didn't know or care where I was because they never saw me anyway lay behind me. Perhaps that was part of the reason that I was a freaking walking heart attack.
I had ceased to give a shit about myself years ago. I smoked like a freight train, drank like a fish, and lived on fast food. In short, my life sucked rocks.
All that shit was running through my head when that big honkin' mother of a coal truck came around the bend mostly in my lane. I moved as far to the right as I could but no way was it going to miss me.
I knew it was over before it clipped me and sent the rented SUV over the side of that mountain.
Now, in that situation most people will scream something descriptive like "SHIIIT!" or the even more appropriate "FUUUKKK!" That would have been the most appropriate because I knew I was well and truly fucked right about now.
When my mouth opened I screamed something but what came out was "LOoooKiiii!" O.K. so I'm a Pagan. Christianity never seemed to fit my beliefs.
With a name like Matthias Sussmann I suppose it was logical for me to look at the old German/Norse Gods. For some unknown reason it seemed to resonate with me. Especially Loki, the God who brought about changes.
I hate stagnation and always felt any change was beneficial. That along with my warped humor made Loki what a Christian might call my "Patron Saint". I never expected the events this would cause. What I expected was eventually landing, a short excruciating pain, and oblivion.
I was actually looking forward to it. What I got was the biggest surprise of my pointless existence.
One second I'm hurtling through the air waiting for the inevitable, chuckling about my obsession with wearing a seat belt and in the next I'm in a rather upscale bar sitting across from the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
Like every male of the species I have my own image of the perfect woman. Mine was sitting across the table from me.
She had long dark red hair, green eyes, full lips, and what looked to be a perfect (to me) figure in the range of 34-22-34 on a lightly freckled frame of roughly 5'6." I was more than a little confused at the recent turn of events, so when I looked around all I could manage to say was "fuck... me".
I was even more confused when the luscious creature on the other side of the booth smiled and said "that could be fun, Matthias." I might have even recovered enough to be happy about that statement if it hadn't been in a deep and well cultured MALE voice.
After a lengthy pause he/she said, "Perhaps I should explain before you have a complete mental breakdown." I thought that was a wonderful idea and said as much.
"You don't know me (it? Said), do you?" I had to admit I was at a disadvantage. After a chuckle, the (transgender?) said "I'm disappointed. After all, you did call me. There aren't many who call on us these days so please close your mouth and I'll continue.
" It wasn't easy but I managed to oblige. "Not a word until I finish the story" (Loki!?) said. When I numbly agreed HE continued. "I've been watching you for many years. There are many who give lip service to the Gods but few who believe.
You are one who truly believes and belief has its rewards. Our followers are much fewer these days and we cherish them above all else.
I was not alone in my observation of your life but since it was agreed by all that I would relate better to you than most I was asked to meet with you. When it was my name you invoked our decision was confirmed.
You are being granted a boon. We can put you back where you were or somewhere else. The choice is entirely up to you. You may respond now".
After what seemed an hour, I was able to put a sentence together. I explained that since everything I've touched in the last 48 years had turned to shit I didn't see the point in going back for more. "Who said you had to?" Loki interrupted.
"Why not do it all over but differently? Anything you'd like to try again?" I had to admit that what I'd like to try again covered almost my entire life. If that boon were granted I had to know some things though.
I started to ask questions, and an irritated Loki stopped me with a gesture and said "form a coherent request and leave nothing out. We will either grant or deny it.
You have 2 minutes." After at least one of those minutes I thought I had it. "Here it is" I said. "I would like to start over at the age I began to make my mistakes knowing everything that I do now.
This includes all memories of my entire life to this point. I would like to be able to recall every event and moment of every day clearly and at will. I would also like to have one hundred percent use of my mind.
I'd also like any physical imperfections corrected. I'm sick of pain and fatigue." As an aside, I added "and if you could clone a girl that looks like you that would be nice too".
Loki seemed lost in thought for a second, looking off into space. "Sorry" he said "I was conferring with the others.
I'm afraid we can't help with the female. You'll have to find your own. I'm glad you like it though. I looked into your mind for the details. As to the other items I can only say that I can see why I was asked to represent the Gods and why it was my name you called.
We like it and it will be done. Is there anything else"? I had a perverse thought and decided to ask. "Could you make sure that no body is found in the wreck? I'd like to keep them guessing.
I had a five hundred thousand dollar policy that will be tripled since I was in an accident on company business. Since I won't be able to watch the buzzards fight over it I can at least get some enjoyment by making them wait" At that Loki laughed long and loud finally saying "I just know that you are going to provide entertainment for quite some time. "
Before I could fully appreciate the looks on the faces of the people around us who heard that deep baritone emitting from this petite beauty everything went blank.