7-19-97, 10:40 AM

After Mrs. Austin's verbal whipping, Kourtnee, Colt, and I went into our rooms and sulked until Mrs. Austin announced lunch. All three of us sauntered out of our rooms and went into the dining room. Mrs. Austin had some fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and cornbread sitting on the table. Who in the world eats this kind of food for lunch on a Saturday? I looked at Mrs. Austin, who was rearranging dishes on the table to make room for the three layer strawberry cake she had just brought out of the kitchen.

Colt saw me looking at his mother, stunned and intrigued. He laughed as he said, "Mama, hasn't been able to cook a meal like this in a long time."

Kourtnee was already sitting down, putting chicken on her plate. Mrs. Austin shook her head, "At least wait for us to SIT DOWN." Kourtnee looked at Mrs. Austin, "You all are moving entirely too slow. I want to eat." Mrs. Austin found a spot for the cake and sat down. I sat down after Colt sat down. Mrs. Austin grabbed my hand. The rest of us followed suit. Mrs. Austin said, "LaDawnya, bless the food." I complied and prayed, "Lord, bless this food that we are about to receive. Sanctify it and purify it. Let it be for the nourishment of our bodies. Bless the hands that prepared it," I paused and continued, "Forgive us for missing church this Sunday morning. Amen." I laughed as Mrs. Austin nudged me with her elbow and Kourtnee said my name. Mrs. Austin rescued me, "Kourtnee, let her alone." Kourtnee grabbed the bowl of green beans before I could get my hands on them and smiled. The green beans, macaroni and cheese, chicken, and cornbread made their way around the table slowly. Either I was too slow or they were being mean because I got every dish last. I shrugged it off and put some food on my plate. Colt reached for the cake and a knife. Mrs. Austin sternly looked at him, "Boy, eat your food first." Colt's bottom lip dropped, "Mama, I ain't gonna eat it. I'm just getting it." He flashed a big kool-aid smile at his mother. She twisted her lips, "Gone, and get the cake." Colt cut half the cake; at least that's what it looked like. Mrs. Austin gasp, "Thunder Colt Austin. Boy Ima kill you! Have you lost your mind!" You could see the macaroni and cheese that Kourtnee had just put into her mouth as she laughed. I made a face at Colt. I mumbled to myself, "I thought I was the kid." Mrs. Austin must have heard me because she squeezed my shoulder and laughed.