Chapter 8 - New Orleans

Fallon POV

As we drive into the city, I feel a sense of urgency. I am not sure why I feel so urgent, but I do. I look around, thinking I will see the ancestors leading the way or watching me, but all I see are rows and rows of buildings.

"Are we staying in the city or away from the city?" I ask Bruce.

Bruce looks behind him and then moves over into the other lane. He takes an exit as I continue to look around and wait for his answer. "We are staying in a hotel in the French Quarter. It is close to the magic shop. My sister is meeting us there. I think you will love her. You and Libby have a lot in common," Bruce answers.

The traffic is getting more hectic, and people are walking out into the street. I should be afraid. This is my first time in a big city, but instead, I feel at home and peaceful. Odd that someone who likes the quiet would enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city. Of course, my mind could change tonight when I am actually walking around the city.

Bruce pulls into a small parking garage. It is dark as he pulls up to the valet. I did not notice that the garage was connected to a hotel until the valet came out to help with the bags.

"It is fine. We only have two," I say as I grab my bag. Bruce grabs his bag, and we walk toward a set of glass doors.

I hold onto my bag like it is an extension of my life. I am not afraid. "Relax," Bruce says. He takes my hand and holds onto it as we walk into the hotel.

"Look at us, the happy couple," I say as we walk past a mirror.

"We could be," Bruce says.

I look at him, our eyes lock, and for a moment, I want to have this conversation, but I need to find my family first. "First, my family," I say.

Bruce shakes his head. "I understand," he says.

"Bruce," a woman calls out to Bruce. I turn to see a woman with long red hair and green eyes. She is dressed in a long skirt and cut-off top. She looks like a gypsy too.

She wraps her arms around Bruce. "I have missed you little brother," She says.

She lets go of Bruce and looks at me. "You must be Fallon. I have heard so much about you," Libby says.

Libby hugs me. I hug her back. She feels like we know each other. That is a strange thought, but there is something in her embrace that is wonderful.

"Come on. Lets get you checked in," Libby says.

I stand behind Bruce while Libby checks us into our room. He makes small talk with the front desk and I look around. I think if I saw the ancestors, I would know that I am on the right path.

Bruce hands me a key. "Are we in the same room?" I ask.

"Yes, no way I am letting you out of my sight, but we should both have a key to our room, don't you think?" Bruce responds.

Libby kisses Bruce on the cheek. "I have to get back to work, but I will see you two tomorrow. Love you," Libby says. She is a ball of energy as she leaves the hotel with a smile on her face.

I look down at the key card, room 333. We go to the elevator. Bruce swipes his key, and we select floor 3. The door closes, and up we go. He reaches for my hand, and I let him take it. I look up at him, and he is smiling. This makes him happy.

The elevator door opens, and we get off. We make our way to the left of the elevator to room number 333. Bruce opens the door to our room and steps back so I can enter first.

The room is huge. I walk through the small living room to a small kitchen area and then two big bedrooms. "She got us a suite?" I question him.

Bruce smiles. He is happy that I am impressed. "Well, it is your first trip to New Orleans. I thought we should have a nice room. Libby agreed," Bruce says.

"This is nice. This is very nice," I say as I explore the bedrooms and then the huge bathroom. There is a tub big enough for a group of people.

"I am glad you like it. Now, go get your party dress on. It is time to see the city. We are going to eat something fabulous and then walk to the little magic shop, and maybe after that, we can grab a drink," Bruce says.

I am giddy and happy for the first time since.... since my parents died. My mood drops for a moment. "None of that. You will not feel guilty for feeling happy," Bruce says.

"You're right. I deserve happiness. But might I suggest a drink before seeing the uncles? I might need a drink first and probably after," I say.

Something about Bruce looks different to me all of a sudden. I am opening my eyes for once and seeing him as a man I could be with instead of only a friend. Not today, I cannot do this today.

I take my bag and go into the bedroom. I lay my bag on the bed and pull out the cute summer dress I brought to wear tonight. I will not feel guilty about this. I will have fun. My family would want me to have some fun in my life, and I will find out about my past. Also, Bruce is supposed to tell me about his past and present, whatever it is that allows him to see into my mind. He said he is not a witch, so what is he?

I lay out my dress on the bed and grab my makeup bag and hair brush. I go into the bathroom. I look into the living room area to see if I see Bruce, but he is not in there. I listen for a moment, and I hear him singing. He is in the other bedroom getting ready.

I go into the bathroom. I try to make myself beautiful. No crying tonight, only happy. I finish my makeup and then brush my hair out and leave it down and long. I feel pretty. I stare at myself in the mirror, and something looks back at me in the mirror. It is not me, but she looks like me. She smiles. Am I seeing my mother, my birth mother?

I shake off the thought. I will have all the answers tonight, at least some of the answers. I step back into the bedroom and close the door. I take off my travel clothes and slip into my summer dress. I look at myself in the full-length mirror. I smile at myself for a moment.

"Are you ready?" Bruce asks as he knocks on the door.

I open the door. "You can't rush beauty," I say.

"You are breathtaking," Bruce says.

Bruce looks at me and leans down. He kisses me before I can stop him or say no, or yes. I fall into his arms and melt away. For once in a very long time, I feel complete.