-ABOUT 13 YEARS LATER-

You opened the door to your shared bedroom, with your hair all over the place and dress wrinkled, and stepped inside. Tiana followed you and lent against the door to close it as she sighed deeply. You put your case on her bed and popped the latches.

As you scooped out the change you had collected, Tiana removed her apron and pulled open the top drawer of her dresser. She emptied the contents of her apron pocket into a can as she spoke.

"Well, it was a rough night for tips, but every little penny counts." You came up behind her, hands cupped, and placed your part in the can.

"You can say that again. Cal just about slapped me for taking this much," you complained, leaning on Tiana's shoulder. Cal ran the jazz club you played at with your band during the dark hours, and he was incredibly stingy when it came to profits. If he had a good attitude, he would give you half, but even that much was rare. And splitting what little was left amongst the five members of the band, a profit was hardly made at all. Tiana worked at Cal's as well, as a waitress, and work for her was just as bad. By the end of each night, her arms hurt, your lips felt like they would fall off, and both of you could barely walk.

Tiana pushed the red can to the back of the drawer, where it sat among many other cans full to the brim with change and the occasional dollar bill. Tiana unfolded an aged photo, the one given to her about 13 years ago, and sat it on her dresser. It accompanied a photo of her father in military uniform, and a medal hanging on the frame. You turned to close your saxophone case and sat it on the ground. Taking its place on the bed, you opened the locket on your necklace to admire the photo of your father inside.

"Don't you worry, Daddy." You said.

"We'll be there soon," Tiana finished. She pressed two fingers to her lips and transferred them to the glass of the frame, gently touching her father's face. You snapped your locket shut.

Tiana stumbled over to her bed, where she collapsed on top of you.

"Tia, move!" You said, laughing tiredly. You pushed her over to make room for yourself and fell asleep right next to her. A few seconds later, the persistent ringing of Tiana's alarm filled the room. You skillfully tapped the top with your foot, turning it off without having to move.

As you both approached your respective wardrobes, you pulled open the wooden door and switched out your glittery evening dress for a blue day dress. "Good night, Cal's."

Tiana pulled off her blue uniform and switched into a yellow uniform with white undershirt. "Good morning, Duke's."

Both of you raced out the door as you put on your coats and hats, trying to catch up with the trolley. You hopped on first and got a seat with the saxophone case at your side to save your best friend a seat, while Tiana admired the city and leaned out of the door of the trolley.

In the south land, there's a city way down on the river

Tiana failed to get to your seat before the trolley was packed full, leading to her standing and reading a copy of Women's International Cookery.

Where all the women are very pretty and all the men deliver.

The man next to her pulled the flower out of his breast pocket. Just as he turned to hand it to Tiana, your stop was called, and both you and Tiana pushed your way out of the crowded trolley. The man turned with his eyes closed, bumping into a tall man. As he looked into the face of the larger man, he gulped nervously.

They got music, it's always playing.

You bumped into Tiana's back as she was cut off. A line of musicians walked by playing a lively tune. A clarinet, bass drum, trumpet, trombone, all energetic as they followed the conductor.

"This is my stop. I'll see you later, Tia!" You shouted. You quickly followed after them, lugging your case behind you. Your locket thumped against your chest as you jogged.

Start in the daytime, go all through the night.

When you hear that music playing,

Hear what I'm saying',

It'll make you feel alright.

As the line fully passed by her, Tiana rushed to get to Duke's Café.

Grab somebody, come on down.

Tiana pulled a tray out of the order window, piled high with lots of plates, cups, and silverware. She set them down in front of each customer at the bar with speed and ease.

You and the traveling band you worked with during the day were seen on the side of the street. You unpacked and assembled your instrument, quickly warming up and blowing through it. 

Bring your paintbrush, we're painting the town.

Your band eventually found itself on the side of the road. Each of you set your cases together, creating a small pile. The drummer counted you off, kicking into an upbeat jazz tune.

There's some sweetness goin' 'round,

People passed by your band, with the occasional civilian stopping to put a few coins in the jar on the curb before continuing on their way.

Catch it down in New Orleans.

You smiled. You were in your moment, music flowing through the air, surrounded by your bandmates, who you've known for years. Sunshine spilled into the streets as it grew closer to midday. 

Unexpectedly, your reed split in the middle of your solo, causing a loud squeak. You caught the attention of Ty, who was the main trumpet of the ensemble. He caught on quickly and took over your solo while you moved to your case. You sat on the curb as you unlatched it, and carefully pulled off the goose neck, unscrewing the reed from its place. You dug around in the side of your case for a new, unopened pack, but quickly found you had no new reeds left, as you hadn't been able to afford a trip to the store recently. You sighed as you opted for a reed that was definitely used, but hadn't split or chipped yet. You quickly put it in and reattached the goose neck.

We got magic, good and bad.

A hand-written sign that read 'Voodoo magic: your future told' was propped against a table where a man with red hair sat. Three tarot cards laid on the white cloth. A man with a tall hat, which was decorated by a feather and skull and crossbones, flipped the center card, over, revealing a heart.

Make you happy or make you real sad.

The red-haired man removed his straw hat to show that his hairline ended where the edge of his hat began. He was bald. The magic man dumped purple powder on the tarot card and blew it in the direction of the civilian. When the dust cleared, he had a full head of hair.

Get everything you want, lose what you had

The man walked up to a brunette, slicking back his hair. She batted her eyelashes at him, but the flirtatious look soon turned to one of horror and disgust as hair started to sprout from everywhere on the man's body. She screamed as she hit him with her purse and ran. He was hit in the direction of a shop window and he screamed when he saw his own reflection.

Down here in New Orleans.

The magic man laughed as he watched from an alleyway. He tossed a silver coin, his payment, in the air and flicked it into his jacket pocket, although his attention was quickly caught by a yellow car.

Hey partner! Don't be shy

A little kid was on the side of the road, stack of newspapers at his side. Mr. La Bouff handed the boy a stack of cash in exchange for a single paper before being driven off by his chauffer. The newsie jumped with joy as he held the stack of bills.

Come on down, yeah, and give us a try.

The magic man, Dr. Facilier watched as the car passed the alley he was in. The doctor's shadow pulled open his jacket and pulled the coin out of his pocket, throwing it in Facilier's palm.

If you wanna do some livin' before you die,

Dr. Facilier gripped the coin and scowled as he looked in the street where Eli's car once was.

Do it down in New Orleans.