Blood Moon's Curse Chapter 1

"Oh man I am so pumped for Mardi Gras," Maya said excitedly twisting around in her seat.

"You said it, Jenny. Four days of food, parades and exploring New Orleans," said Eric.

"I can't wait to eat the beignets and po boy sandwiches! I always wanted to try those things. Especially the beignets after watching Princess and the Frog," said Tommy who was driving the van.

"Alright calm down guys lets actually get to New Orleans first, before we start planning how we're going to spend Mardi Gras," said Sasha.

"You're right, according to the GPS we're just 25 miles away from the Windchaser Hotel," said Tommy.

"Well just smooth sailing from here then, because it's hard to book a hotel for Mardi Gras," said Maya.

The four 20 somethings traveled through the interstate and their way to New Orleans.

"Hey guys did you hear that a Lunar eclipse is going to happen during Mardi Gras", Eric said showing his friends a news report on his phone.

"Wait you're telling me there's going to be a blood moon exactly on Mardi Gras, Tommy asked nervously.

"What's got you spooked," Sasha asked.

"Nothing! Its freaking cool to see a full red orange moon because it doesn't happen often. But on Mardi Gras of all times? An event that's known for bringing the crazy out of people."

"Don't worry Tommy, the worst thing that we will see are people in bizarre clown and peacock costumes," Maya said in an encouraging tone.

"Yeah, I guess you're right, but New Orleans is famous for voodoo magic, that's my biggest gripe about this place."

"Hey if you're too much of a wimp to celebrate Mardi Gras, you can chill out in the hotel room while I spend the night with the showgirls okay," Eric mocked.

"Shut up, I'll go okay", said Tommy.

The four friends arrived at Windchaser Hotel and entered the building.

"Hi, we're here to check in", said Sasha.

"What are the names," the receptionist asked.

"Sasha Brown, Eric Jackson, Tommy Evans, and Maya Rodriguez".

"Um, I'm sorry you're not in the system".

Eric dropped his bags.

"No way I booked 4-person suite 2 weeks in advance," Eric protested.

"Eric, can I see the confirmation email please", Maya asked.

She looked at the email on Eric's phone and saw the date listed as April 1st instead of March 1st.

"Eric you idiot! You booked the hotel for April instead March," Maya yelled.

"Nice going Eric", said Tommy.

"I'm sorry I should have checked before we traveled here," said Eric.

'Oh, you think", Maya asked sarcastically.

"Can we still check into a room ma'am," Sasha asked.

"I'm afraid not all the rooms we have here booked, I can issue a refund from your first booking but that's all I can do," the receptionist replied.

"Turns out every other hotel, even the B & Bs are booked. So, we're out of luck", said Tommy.

"Great, now what are we supposed to do? Sleep in Tommy's van?" Maya asked.

"Well, its Eric's fault for causing this, so he will have to figure it out," said Tommy.

"Alright chill out. Let's get something to eat and figure it out how to fix this," Sasha said.

The four traveled to the local plaza where they ate classic New Orleans Po Boy sandwiches and French fries with a platter of beignets.

"Man, the beignets are better than I thought," said Tommy.

" Yeah, it's no wondered you were going on and on about these things Tommy they're better than donuts," Sasha replied.

Maya noticed Eric not eating and moping with a frustrated look.

"What's with you", she asked.

"It's my fault we don't have a place to stay for Mardi Gras. I'm not in the mood to eat," Eric said.

"Hey maybe we can find a Motel 6 or something to stay in. Sorry for calling you an idiot by the way."

"No, you're right, I am idiot for not double checking the booking date".

"Hey, don't sweat it bro we'll get through this," Tommy said wiping the powdered sugar off of his face.

"Excuse me, did yall say you need a place to stay?"

The four turned around and saw a beautiful Cajun woman in her 20s, with silk auburn hair dressed in velvet blue and spring green dress.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but my aunt has a house on Wolf Fang Island. Becky Roberts is the name."

"Whoa, thanks, but are you sure your aunt would be cool bringing strangers to her house", Sasha asked.

"My family lives by a sacred code. Always help those in dire need, no matter who they are", Becky replied.

Eric quickly rose from his seat and shook Becky's hand.

"Great to meet you, my name is Eric and that's Maya, Tommy and Sasha. If it's no trouble, we would be honored to stay".

"Charmed", Becky replied.

"Wolf Fang Island? Where is that", asked Sasha.

"It's in a bayou east of here, my aunt loves company, so she won't mind".

The group huddled together.

"I don't know about this. It's kinda weird for someone to just open up their home to random people", Tommy said worriedly.

"Dude, a hot Cajun girl just offered us a place to stay. Are you seriously willing to reject that?", Eric said snidely.

"I gotta agree with Eric on this one. Every hotel is booked, and a girl needs a hot shower and a comfy bed," said Maya.

"Come on Tommy it's just for the 4 days we're here, and we need a place to stay. What's the worst thing that could happen," Sasha asked encouragingly.

Tommy looked away and glanced at Becky without her noticing and reluctantly shook his head yes.

"Fine, I could use a good night sleep anyway, so let's do it".

"Hey Becky guess what? we'd be glad to stay", said Eric.

"Oh, wonderful suga. Let's finish eating and we'll head to the ferry so it can take us to Wolf Fang Island.