Crescent City Summer

Chapter 3: Neon

After unpacking at the bed and breakfast, the girls were ready to start their vacation officially. It was a hot and very humid late afternoon. They began walking up and down the streets, pointing out everything and taking many photos. They were amazed at all of the significant buildings and all of the people. They read online that Magazine Street was an excellent place to visit. They walked up and down the street window shopping, grabbing a cold drink to keep them cool.

"I want to buy a new outfit on our first night here," Layla said as they passed a few shops.

"Yeah! We should! These dresses are too cute, and nothing back home is this cute!" Kacie agreed.

"Sounds like a plan, ladies. Let's shop!" Gabby said as they walked inside a nearby boutique.

The girls picked out a few dresses and tried them to show each other. After an hour of making decisions, they finally walked out with a couple of dresses and shoes. It was almost time to go back to get ready for the evening. Kelvin told Layla that he could swing by and pick them up and drive them back to their room when they were prepared. That was a relief. They knew they would be tired, and they felt better knowing this.

They returned to their room and took turns showering and getting ready for the night. They were going to spend the evening in the French Quarter.

"It's almost six. Maybe we should go ahead and go before it gets too busy. I read that when the sun goes down, that is when the crowds come in." Gabby pointed out.

"I'm ready when y'all are," Kacie said as she looked at her makeup and hair in the mirror.

Gabby was wearing a light blue and pink sundress and nude sandals. She wore her hair up in a high ponytail. She opted for a more neutral makeup look. She loved her new outfit. Layla and Kacie were wearing purple and tan dresses. They were pretty girls, and all three were popular back in Sparksville. Every girl wanted to be them. Gabby loved her friends but felt she grew up faster than they were. She was curious to know if Layla or Kacie would leave Sparksville. She told them everything growing up, but it became more apparent that Gabby was pulling away from the group. She was not the girl she once was and couldn't tell her best friends that she wanted to leave home.

"I just texted Kelvin; he will be here in ten minutes," Layla said with a smile.

"I mean it. I don't want you alone with that guy. He's cool, but you are beautiful. You promise you won't do anything stupid?" Gabby asked sternly.

"Yes, mom." Layla stuck out her pinky and connected it with Gabby's.

Gabby kept her eyes on her.

"Well, someone has to keep you walkin' straight." Gabby laughed.

"Don't make Gabby mad; she might ground you from having a good time in New Orleans-even though this place was her idea." Kacie joked.

"Y'all joke, but we can have a good time without gettin' into trouble," Gabby said as she applied lipgloss carefully.

"Trouble? Who said anything about gettin' into trouble." Kacie asked with a smile.

"I know y'all. Remember sneakin' out in high school and breakin' into Hanson's store to buy some beer?" Gabby reminded them.

"We were kids. We ain't like that now. I haven't drunk beer in a long time." Layla shook her head at the question.

"Still, you know this place will bring back all those feelins'. I want to have fun, but we must find out this place. Let's have a good time, but watch out for each other. That's all I am sayin'." Gabby went on.

"Yes, ma'am!" The girls saluted and responded in unison.

"I need new friends." Gabby laughed as she shook her head.