People say I'm insane when I say this, but... New Orleans is the best city to live in!

Yeah, we live surrounded by swamps and gators and stuff, especially mosquitoes. And yes, half the city speaks French, which makes you believe that you're in some weird Canadian colony. And true, you can find voodoo stores in every block, but that is not what people see when they come to New Orleans the first time around. They see their people, their music and their food.

But, above all, they see Mardi Gras!

I've been in the business of parties and celebrations since I was a little boy, from my father. When I was fifteen, I made myself known in the business of masks and costumes and I haven't stopped since, which is a relief because is my call, sort of speak. Like I said, New Orleans, especially when Mardi Gras is around, is the best city for this!

I was closing the store, but costumers keep coming inside. I chuckled at the thought of last-minute shoppers that are always coming inside my store. Maybe, a count necklace, since they're pretty popular to throw from the balconies of the houses. Or light sticks, but the most popular thing in recent years are the masks. Sometimes, a full costume. Is not unusual to see some people dressed from head to toe in some kind of funny costume.

After dismissing the last client (after he bought something for him, his girlfriend, his parents, his kids and the whole damn family... Basically, he bought half the stuff in the store. Yay for me!), I could finally close the store before placing my mask on and joining the parade myself. It's a tradition in my family. We never miss the Mardi Gras.

~oOo~

The parade was in full swing and everyone was having a good time. Heck, we were having a great time! Jazz music everywhere, people inviting you to dance around and tourists that came from all over the world, just to see Mardi Gras. It feels like as especial as when people travel to see the SuperBowl, though I know more than half the people like to see the SuperBowl at home because of the commercials. Anyway, Mardi Gras isn't one of those things that you can see on TV. You have to feel it! Live it! There's no other way to explain it.

"This is so lively!" I heard a female voice next to me. I took a glance and saw a young women, with pointy ears and green skin. She was wearing a pastel green dress, with her brownish hair tangle with leaves and stuff, smiling at a guy that was next to her, her other side "This was the perfect place to come!"

"Glad you like it!" he replied, wrapping an arm around her. It was obvious they were wearing costumes, because he had horns above his curly hair. His torso was covered with what looked like some kind of armor while his legs and feet were covered in hair and hooves. How did he manage to walk in those hooves, beats me. But what amazing costumes! "Sorry I have to work..." It was obvious he didn't want to, but she kissed his cheek in reassurance.

"Grover, I knew this things would come up when you got chosen for the job..." she explained to him, patiently "Do I like that you have to leave all the sudden? No, of course not... But is your job and I couldn't be more proud of you" she admitted, smiling to him.

"Let me take you back to the hotel..." he offered her, but she waved her hand at him.

"Are you insane? This is the first time in a long one we can be ourselves without people looking around us through the Mist or anything!" I knew I should had stopped listening, but their conversation was really interesting "You go and do your job, while I stay here, in this spot. Then, we can go have dinner!"

"It's a deal!" he agreed, kissing his cheek and leaving through the cword. I tried to followed her with my eyes, but I lost him the second he got into it. Sighing, I turned back to see the parade, but I noticed that the girl was staring at me as if I was insane. Maybe I was for listening to their conversation, but I can't let her know that...

"Nice outfit!" I complemented her. She raised an eyebrow and I gestured her costume "Your costume... Are you a wood's nymph?" Her eyes widen for a second, before turning normal again. She smiled at me and nodded "That's so cool! How long did it take you?"

"A few hours..." Her replied was vague, but I wasn't there to make her feel uncomfortable "I saw you watching my husband..."

"Yeah, sorry about that..." I apologized to her "But he has one of the best costumes I've ever seen for Mardi Gras in my life! And I live of that!" I emphasized. She raised an eyebrow, curiously this time "I'm in the parties and celebrations business... Weddings, sweets sixteens, Halloween, Mardi Gras... Those are my worlds!"

"It must be crazy this time of year..."

"True" I nodded "But I wouldn't trade it for the world!"

~oOo~

She introduced herself as Juniper Underwood. She explained that her husband was an environmental lawyer and that a colleague called for their help. I invited her to spend her waiting time with me and my wife, Theresa, who immediately hit off with her. Juniper accepted glady, since she knew no one from the city. We entertained ourselves watching the bands parade down the streets, making the public dance all around it.

"Juni!!" We heard from the distance. Juniper reacted faster than us, because she flung herself into her husband, before dragging him to us.

"Grover, these are Phillip and Theresa... They've been keeping me company since you left..." Juniper introduced us, with no malice in her voice. Graver immediately shook our hands in gratitude.

"You don't know how worried I was that she wouldn't be having a good time... Thank you!" he thanked us.

"C'mon, Grover! Let's go dance!" Grover paled at the option, but allowed his wife to drag him down the street to dance. I smirked and wrapped an arm around my own wife.

"What is to be young and in love..." Theresa sighed, making me look at her.

"You mean, we're not?" I joked with her. She rolled her eyes and pushed my chest slightly.

"Young, definitely... In love, well..." she mocked me, smirking.

"Looks like I have to show you once again..." I replied, before following Juniper's path down the music.

See? New Orleans is the best city to live...

----

Happy Mardi Gras, everyone!!

I hope you had a great day yesterday, as having a great day today! As usual, I hope you like my chapter and I'm still wondering what to do next Sunday... Just one or two chapters? You have time till Saturday to decide!!