7/18/97, 10:48PM

Whoever heard of a road trip to someone's house at 10:48 at night? I was thinking that as Colt talked to his mother on his cell phone. A few minutes later Colt said, "LaDawnya, Mama wants to talk to you." I didn't say anything. Kourtnee said, "Girl, get the phone!" I responded, "You said you didn't want to hear a word out of me for the rest of the night." Kourtnee twisted in the front seat until half of her body was almost in the back seat. Even in the darkness, I could see her scowl as she said, "It's not gonna be funny if I come back there. Get this phone!" She took the phone from Colt and shoved it at me. I took the phone from her.

On the Phone

LaDawnya: Hello.

Mrs. Austin: Hello, sweetie. Rough day, huh?

LaDawnya: Yes, Mame.

Mrs. Austin: It should get better. You are coming to see me.

LaDawnya: I guess so.

Mrs. Austin: Don't worry, I promise I will talk to those two. I'll give 'em a good beating, if that will help.

LaDawnya: Ok.

Mrs. Austin: Can you sue more than three words at a time?

LaDawnya: No Mame.

Mrs. Austin: I take it that you are that upset?

LaDawnya: Yes Mame.

Kourtnee turned around and frowned at me. I don't know why because I wasn't bothering her. I rolled my eyes at her just as she turned her head forward. She turned back around and asked, "Did you just roll your eyes at me." I didn't answer. Mrs. Austin said, "Oh, Lord," on the phone. That's one thing you never do, you never roll your eyes at a black woman. It's sure to get your head knocked off or you knocked out.

Kourtnee said, "Gimme that phone!" She snatched the phone from me, put the phone to her ear, and said, "Monica, we'll see you when we get down there. Bye!" I am not even sure that Kourtnee waited until Mrs. Austin said goodbye before hanging up. Kourtnee didn't even turn around and acknowledge my existence as she said, "LaDawnya, you need to lay down and go to sleep before you get into anymore trouble!" I sat on the seat starring out of the window thinking, "I ain't even five years old. I ain't laying down no where." As if she had read my mind, Kourtnee said, "I told you to lay down!" I finally complied, but I didn't plan on sleeping.