7-16-97, 2:00 PM

Kourtnee and I left Rose’s Chicken and Such. I looked at my watch as we left the restaurant. It was 2:00. I looked at Kourtnee and shrieked, “You are going to be late for the HR meeting!” She said, “I have already taken care of that. We can take the rest of the day off.” I said, “I thought you said that we couldn’t leave today.” She put her hand on my leg and said, “Something came up. I have to go buy something for mother.” I made a face. “Stop scrunching your face like that,” she said. I said, “What do you have to go buy for your mother?” Kourtnee said, “She wants me to buy her a Stakarski vase.” I responded, “A Stakarski vase. Those are expensive, aren’t they?” Kourtnee shook her head yes.

(Kourtnee and LaDawnya)

LaDawnya: Why do you have to buy your mother a Stakarski?

Kourtnee: Long story. Colt yelled at me today.

LaDawnya: Why?

Kourtnee: Because you told him what I said.

LaDawnya: I told him not to tell you.

Kourtnee: He did. He shouted at me.

LaDawnya: Oh.

Kourtnee: He was very upset with me.

LaDawnya: He should have been.

Kourtnee: Don’t tell me that you are still holding a grudge. I bought you some chicken.

LaDawnya: It’s gonna take more than a couple of pieces f chicken to make me feel better. Colt said that you were mad at him for three days.

Kourtnee: He told you that?

LaDawnya: Yes.

Kourtnee: He called me a spoiled rich girl. I should have hit him.

LaDawnya: You did want to buy a $5,000.00 painting.

Kourtnee: I had saved up my own money. I could buy whatever I wanted to with my money.

LaDawnya: Did you get the painting?

Kourtnee: Yes, it is in the living room.

LaDawnya: You paid $5,000.00 for that picture.

Kourtnee: Yes, is there something wrong with the picture?

LaDawnya: No. If I wanted to buy something that cost $5,000.00, would you let me?

Kourtnee: If you were 22 and had your own money, you could buy whatever you wanted to buy.

LaDawnya: Cool. Can you buy me something, too?

Kourtnee: Do you want a vase from Stakarski?

LaDawnya: No.

Kourtnee: What do you want?

LaDawnya: A Janelli sweater.

Kourtnee: There is no way that I am getting you a Janelli sweater.

LaDawnya: Why not?

Kourtnee: Those things are too expensive for some your age. Do not give me that sweet innocent face. Stop twisting your lips.

LaDawnya: What if I am with Mrs. Adams and she says I can get anything I want, can I get a Janelli sweater?

Kourtnee: If I find out that you have a Janelli sweater, you are going to have a problem with me. Stop twisting your lips.

LaDawnya: Yes, mame. But if I am not going to be around you that long, what difference will it make if I get a Janelli sweater?

Kourtnee: Don’t be cute. You know what I mean.

LaDawnya: I am only 14, sometimes I don’t always no what grown-ups mean when they say things.

Kourtnee: I thought we were past this.

LaDawnya: Maybe I don’t want to be pass this.

Kourtnee: Why not?

LaDawnya: I don’t know.

Kourtnee: You brought it up.

LaDawnya: Do you want to me to not live with you anymore?

Kourtnee: No, precious. I don’t want you to leave. I love you. Besides, I would have five people highly upset with me.

LaDawnya: Ok, can I have a Janelli sweater?

Kourtnee: No.

Kourtnee started singing as we drove down the freeway to the Galleria.