Deep thoughts and a trip to the local boutiques.

While sitting in the car waiting, many thoughts started to run through Andrew/Andrea's mind. The biggest issue that was pushing its way to the front was the one about identity. It was difficult thinking of him/herself as both Andrew and Andrea, being called Andi was helping with that but their heart was telling them that it was fast coming time that he would have to simply choose to be Andrea, or they wouldn't be able to move forward in this new life. Knowing this was easy, accomplishing it was going to be a challenge. That thought acknowledged and pinned for the moment, the next issue came to mind was the strange attraction to Xander and to Akiko as well as a few other women. This was going to take some serious time talking with Klaudia and a few other people maybe. Here he is a heterosexual man, in a body that seems to be heterosexual or possibly bisexual as he felt the physical and not just mental thrill on appreciating some of the women he/she's met. That's a hornet's nest of potential issues right there that Andi didn't want to ruin the day. That thought also got a pin, thank Dod he could still compartmentalize his mind so well. Taking the rest of the time alone, Andi closed her eyes and focused on her breathing. Breath in slowly for a seven count, hold it for a 5 count, and breath out for a 3 count, hold 2 seconds and repeat. A simple breathing exercise to focus and calm the mind so he could relax and function when under stress. By the time he heard someone opening the car door, Andi was calmer and had the smile back on her face.

As they piled into the car around her the ladies were al thanking Andi with brief hugs and a kiss or two on the cheek with their scents of perfume, bodywash or just what was naturally them causing her sensing to overload and a rush of desire to hit her core loke a punch in the gut. Except that a punch in the gut would have been painful and not nearly as arousing as she now felt. With a deep blush and a slight hitch in her voice Andi replied, "It was my pleasure, the charity deserved the support. I always try to support programs like anonymously, true charity isn't done for recognition, it's done because it's right. Enjoy your pieces, they were acquired for a good cause they you support in your profession and in a way are performing here and now in taking me out to experience the world as I am now," Andi choked up a little as she spoke, a tear slowly rolled down her cheek as she lowered her face and wiped her eyes.

Klaudia and Akiko, who were on either side of Andi, wrapped their arms her and pulled themselves to her side in a hug, held tight while she worked through the emptions. A few of the others who were close including Terry piled in and turned it into a very warm group hug. While on one side of her mind, the outpouring of love and care from these women was emotionally uplifting and felt amazing, the other half of the mind was blushing and aroused at the feeling of all these uniquely different women's bodies pressing into hers. Fortunately, the blush would cover the flush of arousal. That was not a subject Andi wanted to talk about at the moment. "Okay, okay, okay, that's enough. You keep this up and I'll start crying and ruing Akiko's work on my make-up," Andi said as an excuse to break up the hug and relieve the conflicting emotions he was feeling. having their bodies pressed to hers. "Where are we going next?"

Klaudia and Akiko looked across her at each other, "We figured that while the clothing you have is decent and functional for the hospital, we'd take you out shopping so you could get some clothes that are to your taste with a little fashion advice from your sister the model," Klaudia answered.

Akiko picked up where Klaudia left off, "You always had good taste in men's clothes and in the jewelry and other gifts you'd send me, so I don't think you'll need a lot of advice. I was thinking that I never really got to do the shopping with my sister thing growing up as I was so much younger than the rest of you. It seemed like a good way to kill three birds with one stone. One, get you out in the world experiencing life as a woman. Two, getting you at least the start of a wardrobe suiting your new self. Three, spending the afternoon with my sister having fun at the mall so to speak. There's not really a mall but several very nice boutiques as mountain contains a number of high-end resorts for year-round us. Hunting and hiking as well as ski lodges in the winter, we may have to come back in the winter."

Andi couldn't help but smile at Akiko's excitement, "Never thought I'd get excited over clothes shopping, but being alive to do anything in making almost everything more exciting." The car had already started moving while they were talking. It was a matter of minutes before they arrived at their destination. Andi's watched as the other ladies got out of the car ahead of him and trying to more closely follow their movements slipped out of the car without flashing their driver, nor anyone on the street thigh or anything else. She smiles at herself just for that accomplishment. The dress and, he/she'd assume skirts, were comfortable and gave him/her a feeling of attractiveness, they presented their own challenges.

The first couple of shops we the more casual clothing where Andi got a few skirts and tops in an assortment of styles as well as a couple of dresses good for summer and upcoming fall weather. After that Andi spotted a seamstress/tailor's shop and went in. There she had her measurements taken by the seamstress where she ordered three jackets, three skirts and three slacks to match the jackets. She also ordered a number of shirts and accessories in colors to match and contrast with the suits. Before leaving there, Akiko spoke to Andi, "I know you want to get your ruler of the business world and goddess of financial matters clothing back, but you're going to need a few dresses as well. Suits aren't the only attire a businesswoman needs even if they are your preference."

With a slightly put-upon sign and look Andi replied, "Alright Akiko, I'll bow to the fashion model and," with smile on her lips, "my older sister's advice. After all, those years of experience and the industry you work in must inform your insight in ways that someone as young as me can't possibly have." The slightly evil grin spread across her face as she giggled at the shocked look on Akiko's face. "Yes Akiko, I know I'll pay for that age comment later. However, as you are correct, I would appreciate any advice and other aid in ordering a couple of dresses for those occasions where I'll need them."

The look in Akiko's eyes unnerved Andi, "I'd love to help you with your dresses, and I will repay you fully for the jokes about my old age Andi. Now," Akiko said as she turned towards the seamstress, "She'll need a few dresses suitable for dinners with clients and prospective investment partners. At least two full length, three that fall to just below the knees, and one more with a fitted bodice, a light flare to the skirt that falls just past her knees, slitted on both sided to her upper thighs to allow for freedom of movement. And..," Akiko's voice trailed off as she leaned into whisper in the seamstress's ear. Turning back to Andi, "We're all set here, " she said as she handed a credit card to the seamstress, "and I have these, so you won't know about the surprise until you get it." Once her Card was given back to her, Akiko took Andi by looping her elbow into her arm, "Now, we're done here." Leading Andi out into the street where the other ladies were waiting at a coffee bar sipping many different drinks while waiting patiently for them. In a raised voice, Akiko called out, "Okay girls, now it's time for some fun. I owe Andi here some payback for an Old Age joke so we're going to skip ahead a little so we can watch her blush while she gets some much-needed items for life as a woman." With that said, Andi leads them to another store.