“It’s used but in great condition and only has 50,000 miles,” Dad says, pointing to the dash.
I squeal, “I love it.”
“Well, you’ll get to drive yourself back to Tuscaloosa after the break.”
“We’re both so proud of the young lady you’ve become and the success you’ve had so far in college. We thought you deserved your own car at school,” Mom says smiling at me.
I’m gushing, beaming, and squeezing Mom and Dad with joy.
Later that evening Brian and our grandparents come over for a family Christmas meal. After dinner I tell Mom and Dad that I have another pet sitting job in the neighborhood.
“I’m taking my new car. I’ll be back in about an hour,” I yell, walking out the door.
When I get back, Lauren and Brian are in the basement exchanging gifts and watching a movie. I go upstairs to text Bella and Lane. I text them both about my car and how excited I am about it. Lane texts me back that he got a new car for Christmas, too. He says he will call me in a few days, since tonight is a little crazy with all the family, kids and stuff.
The next day Lauren and I head to the mall in my new Mazda for all the after Christmas sales. We want to hit our favorite stores and spend some of the Christmas money from our grandparents. When we get home four hours later, Mom has taken down lots of the Christmas decorations and is working on taking ornaments off the main tree. I go upstairs and work on packing for our trip to New Orleans and sort out my new outfits. I turn on my speaker and play “Unbelievers” by Vampire Weekend while I go through clothes and continue to pack. My phone rings. I look at the screen and see that it’s Lane.
“Hey, whatcha doing?”
“Hey, just working on some laundry and packing. How about you?”
“Yes, actually the same.”
“What time is your flight?”
“We leave here on the 30th around 9 a.m. and our flight is at 2:00. We should be at the hotel by 6:30.”
“That’s great. We should be there by then, too. Were you able to get a room at Hotel Monteleone?”
“Yes, a small room with two double beds. But it will work for the three of us guys.”
“I think Mom and Dad booked a suite for us. We’re leaving tomorrow to drive to Bella’s home in Covington.”
“How long is the drive?”
“Just over six hours from here, and they’re a little less than an hour away from downtown New Orleans. I’m super excited to go but not looking forward to the long drive. That reminds me, you have a birthday in a couple of days.”
“Yes, I think my cousins, my parents and my aunts have some type of surprise planned for that day or night, not really sure what yet, but they’re up to something. My best birthday gift will be the next night when I see you again.”
That makes me smile. I sit on my bed and lean my head back on the pillows. “I got you something. It’s kinda a birthday/Christmas gift.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I saw it, and it made me think of you. I wanted to get you something.”
“I know I’ll love it.”
Mom pops her head into my room. “Make sure you’re ready to leave by 10:00 in the morning, goodnight.”
I nod in Mom’s direction and hold up my hand for her to wait until I’m off the phone.
“Lane, my mom just walked in. I’ll text you tomorrow while I’m in the car for the long drive. I’ll talk to you later. Have a great birthday. I can’t wait to see you.”
I set the phone down, focusing on Mom. “I need to stop at a house down the street so I can finish up my pet sitting job in the morning. The family returns tomorrow afternoon.”
“Do you want to take Micky to Camp Bow Wow before you do that?”
“Not really, can you ask Lauren?”
She closes the door, and I hear her go into Lauren’s room. I get ready for bed, and Micky jumps up and snuggles up next to me. I fall asleep dreaming of puppies and Christmas.
32
#Rideordie
After five hours in the car, I am about to scream. I’ve texted with Lexi, Bella, and Lane for hours. Lauren is watching Netflix on her phone. Bella and I plan to watch the last three episodes of season one of Stranger Things when we get to her house tonight, so I’m not really interested in watching Netflix in the car. We stop for a late lunch in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and I ask Dad how much longer.
“About an hour,” he says.
“Praise the Lord,” I proclaim. Lauren laughs at me.
Mom says, “I second that emotion.” I roll my eyes thinking maybe I can last one more hour. If not, I’m toast.
Finally, at Bella’s house, we pull into the drive and see her younger brother playing basketball with some friends. When he sees us, he stops dribbling and tells us to go in through the open garage. Dad knocks on the door. I hear someone yell, “They’re here.” Bella and her family greet us and take our luggage. I’m staying in Bella’s room, Mom and Dad have the guest room, and Lauren’s staying in the game room on the upper level. The weather is nice, sunny and 62 degrees. Bella’s mom leads my parents on a tour, and Bella and I go back up to her room. Lauren wanders outside to play basketball with the guys.
Bella and I get comfortable in her room, turn on the TV and start up episode six of Stranger Things. We get almost half-way through when her dad comes to the door and announces dinner. I follow Bella downstairs and out to the backyard. She has a massive backyard that is super flat. There’s a fire pit area, a covered patio with a large table that seats eight, and an outdoor grill with a refrigerator built into a large stone counter. They have a swimming pool and a hot tub with a fountain spilling over the edge. The ambiance with the lights and the fountain from the pool is tranquil and relaxing. There’s a large stone fireplace at the far end of the pool next to the hot tub. Bella’s dad has cooked a meal of barbecue chicken and corn on the grill, with a side of red beans and rice. We enjoy the evening sitting around talking and being near the fire. A lull in conversation allows Bella to stand and motion for me to come with her.
“Bex and I are going to watch a movie. We’ll see you guys in the morning.”
We watch the rest of episode six and part of episode seven before we fall asleep with the TV still on.
I wake up at 8:00, but Bella is still asleep. I remember Atlanta is an hour ahead and I’m on a different time zone. I wander downstairs and find my parents up, having coffee in the kitchen. Bella’s mom has a spread of eggs, bacon and King Cake laid out.
“You need to try some King Cake. Mardi Gras is next month, and we have King Cake almost every day up until Mardi Gras Day,” Bella’s Mom says, handing me a plate.
The cake is delicious and sweet with a sugary topping that’s a little like coffee cake but better.
“This King Cake is perfectly savory with this Diet Coke,” I say with a bite in my mouth, licking my fingers.
Mom laughs and says, “The breakfast of champions.”
A few minutes later Bella comes down and joins us. “What would you like to do today?” she asks.
“I don’t know. Whatever you want to do is fine with me.”
“How about I take you and Lauren down to the lakefront?”
About that time Lauren pops in fully dressed and ready for breakfast.
“Perfect timing. We were just talking about you.” Lauren gives us a sarcastic expression.
“As soon as you finish eating, Bella says she’s taking us on a tour of the town.” I hand Lauren a slice of King Cake.
“We’ll start off at Lake Ponchatrain,” Bella says, picking up her phone and keys.
The lakefront is beautiful, full of old moss-covered oak trees and great views of Lake Pontchartrain. The lakefront goes on for miles. Bella tells us about Hurricane Katrina.
“A lot of the old houses along the lake front were ruined. We were without power for several weeks. Most of the houses have been rebuilt and are just as breathtaking as the originals.” Bella points out the window as we
drive past.
We park the car, get out and walk around. I snap a few pictures of the fancy Mardi Gras decorations on the front of the gorgeous houses along the lakefront. We walk along the sea wall, balancing like gymnasts on a balance beam with the waves splashing onto our pants and shoes. Lauren climbs into the lower branch of a huge oak tree. Bella and I follow her and climb onto one of the overhanging branches above her. After a while tree hanging gets dull, so we walk to a seafood restaurant close by.
“New Orleans is the best place in the world to eat seafood,” Bella muses.
“Agreed, but also the beach. I’ve been to some great places in Destin,” I add.
“What else is unique to the area?” Lauren asks.
“How about I take you guys to try any flavor snowball you can think up.”
“Any flavor?” I say questioning.
When we get to the snowball stand, Lauren and I marvel at all the flavor choices. I choose the Cajun red-hot, Lauren chooses a blackberry and Bella gets creamy tootsie roll that has condensed milk drizzled on top. We sit at a picnic table and swap samples. I take a photo of my snowball and text Lane Happy Birthday with the photo added to the text. I tell Bella and Lauren that today is Lane’s birthday. They want to wish him a happy birthday, so I take a quick video of us singing to him and send it.
We pull back into Beau Chene subdivision and decide to walk down to Bella’s neighborhood park and hang out. Before we leave on our walk, Mrs. Campbell reminds us we’re going to dinner in Madisonville and wants us to be ready to leave by 5:30.
“Got it, Mom,” Bella says as we head toward the river along the golf course path just behind her house.
“It’s so pretty here,” I say, admiring the swamp like river.
“Keep an eye out for alligators,” Bella directs.
“The water is brown like coffee. How can you see anything?” Lauren scoffs.
“We grew up swimming and boating in this water, so we’re used to not being able to see anything once we’re in it.”
Lauren mutters, “Gross.”
“I think there’s something mystical and magical about the moss dripping from the giant oak trees. I loved the moss-covered trees on Cumberland Island, too. There’s something spooky, yet romantic about them.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Lauren says
“I’m with you on that girl. I love spooky, mystical and romantic trees too,” Bella adds jokingly.
Back at the house Bella and I take our time getting dressed for dinner to the annoyance of our family members waiting for us to leave. We arrive at the waterfront restaurant and have a private table for eight in front of the windows overlooking the Tchefuncte River.
Bella’s dad explains, “This is the same river that flows through Beau Chene and then out into Lake Pontchartrain.”
My dad asks how to spell it, and we are all amazed, since it sounds like chew- funk-ta and nothing like it’s spelled.
Bella’s mom says, “There’s a Mardi Gras boat parade along the river tonight. We’ll want to walk outside and get a good spot close to the riverbank.”
After dinner, we walk outside where hundreds of people are lined up waiting for the parade. Lauren, Bella and I squeeze into a spot up front. Bella’s dad begins telling us about the traditions of Mardi Gras.
“Mardi Gras is the celebration of being able to party and do any and everything up to the day lent begins. Mardi Gras is a forty-day celebration, and lent is forty days of giving up something to prepare your heart for Easter and the sacrifice of what Christ did for us. Mardi Gras means, Fat Tuesday. All day on Mardi Gras day parades go from sun-up to sun-down. The day after Mardi Gras is Ash Wednesday. All partying ends and the sacrifice of choosing to give up something important to you begins.”
My dad asks, “So it’s a religious holiday?”
“Yes, it’s considered a Catholic holiday here, and all the schools throughout the state are closed on Fat Tuesday. Here in Louisiana we love a party and a festival. Anytime there is reason to party, we’re ready.”
The boats coming down the river are decorated with Mardi Gras flags, and gold, green and purple tensile, wreaths, and decorations. Some of the boats are large and filled with people hanging over the sides waving and throwing beads to us.
Bella explains, “Make sure to wave your hands in the air to get their attention, and they’ll throw beads to you.” Bella demonstrates, waving her hands above her head.
Lauren and I are getting the hang of catching beads. Mom gets in the spirit and in no time is right along beside us waving her hands at each passing boat. When it ends, Bella, Lauren and I have a massive collection of beads around our necks. I even have some dangling from my arm. I set my phone on Boomerang and have Mom film Bella, Lauren and me waving beads in the air. I notice a Mardi Gras filter on Snap Chat and send it to Lane. Then I quickly send him a text. “Can’t wait to see u.”
“Counting down the hours, babe.”
33
#NOLA
Hotel Monteleone in downtown New Orleans is beautiful, historical and only one block from where Bella and the rest of the band are staying. The historical aspect is more exceptional when I find out that many famous authors have stayed here. There’s an impressive display in the foyer of all the authors who have frequented the hotel. I stop to admire the display and read the list aloud. “Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Ann Rice, William Faulkner, John Grisham, Eudora Welty and Truman Capote. “Lauren look at this list of authors who’ve stayed here,” I say, pointing at the glass cabinet. “They’ve all written books set in and around New Orleans.” Lauren vaguely glances in my direction and moves on.
The lobby is striking, with massive vases of fresh flowers, marble floors, mirrored walls, paintings on the ceiling and large crystal chandeliers.
Mr. Campbell points across the lobby. “The Carousel Bar is very famous. You have to wait in line in order to get a seat on the carousel, and the bar moves slowly in a circle.”
I ask if Lauren and I can go over there while they’re checking in. We walk into the Carousel Bar, and, sure enough, an exact replica of a carousel slowly rotating in a circle is smack dab in the middle of the bar. The people seated are in chairs painted to look like animals on a real carousel. The entire bar is very large with lots of tables and seating, but I can understand why people would want to wait in line to get a spot on the moving carousel. I stand and observe for a few minutes. I can picture Gatsby and Daisy sitting on the carousel, laughing, smoking, and drinking. With all the authors who’ve stayed here, I can feel the energy from the bar and sense the liveliness from days gone by.
We get our room keys to our suite located next to the rooftop pool. Bella’s mom tells us their room is on the fourth floor. Standing outside our room, I notice the sign on the door says, William Faulkner Suite. I feel a thrill as I slide my fingers across the brass name plate.
Lauren brushes past me. “You’re such a book nerd. Can we hang out by the pool?” she asks, dropping her bags.
Lauren and I snag two chairs in the sun by the pool. I pull out my kindle to read a little. Lauren scrolls through her Instagram, posts a selfie, and starts texting Brian. After a few minutes, Mom and Dad walk over to us and say they’re going to the Carousel Bar with Bella’s parents for an hour. I get comfy and continue reading a book on my Kindle. When a crick in my neck wakes me from dozing, I look around but don’t see Lauren anywhere. I walk back into our room to find her lying on the sofa watching TV.
“Hey, Lauren, I’m going to change for dinner. How long was I asleep by the pool?”
“I think thirty minutes or so. Mom texted me a few minutes ago and said Bella will be finished with practice by 6:30. We’re supposed to meet everyone in the lobby at 7:30 to walk to Pat O’ Brien’s.”
I change into jeans and a sweater with fringe, and Lauren changes, too. I get a text from Lane saying he’s here and staying on the seventh floor. I text him back that we’re in the William Faulkner Suite right by the rooftop pool. He texts b
ack I can meet you at the pool in five minutes. I tell Lauren that Lane and his cousins are staying at our hotel, too, and I’m going to hang out with him until it’s time to meet everyone in the lobby.
I open my suitcase and pull out the gift box that’s nicely wrapped in Gucci paper. I take the box with me and sit at a table next to the pool. When I see Lane walk up, I jump out of my chair, and he hugs me tight. He pulls my face to his and kisses me sweetly on the lips.
“I’m so happy to be here with you,” he says.
“Me, too, happy birthday.” I hand him the gift box, beaming.
“I have something for you too, but I’ll give it to you later,” he says taking the box from me.
Lane opens it and takes out the scarf. He puts it on and pulls me into his lap.
“I love this,” he says, playing with the scarf around his neck.
“I’m so glad. I had no idea what to get you. When I spotted the Gucci store, I went in and thought this would be something you would wear.”
“It’s perfect. Knowing you picked it out for me makes it even more special. What are your plans tonight?”
“My family and Bella’s are going to dinner at Pat O’Brien’s. We’re walking over there around 7:30. Do you and the guys have plans?”
“We’ll probably meet up with a few of my fraternity brothers and hit a few bars on Bourbon Street.”
“Do you know about the big Bama party tomorrow night?”
“I know there’s one at the hotel where the team’s staying.”
“Right, so tomorrow night there’s a Bama pre-game fan-fare dinner and New Year’s Eve party at the team’s hotel. Bella was telling me about it on the drive down here today.”
“What time is that?” he asks.
“I think the meal is from 6:00 to 8:00. It’s a buffet, then the band and the cheerleaders will do a performance. Afterward there will be a New Orleans band and some type of Mardi Gras show that goes until midnight. I know our families are planning to go to that. I’d like you to come, too.”
Walking the Crimson Road Page 20
