|
| CHAPTER 15
|
Colt could not believe this. It was ridiculous, the luck he was having. Kourtnee was going to kill him. He knew that she wouldn’t believe him.
Colt sat in the traffic jam, wanting to call Kourtnee, but he had no way to do so. He was not going to leave his car and go make the phone call. He just hoped that Kourtnee would believe him and still want to go out with him.
Both Paula and Kourtnee laughed at Colt as he told of his adventures, rather misadventures. Kourtnee tried hard no to laugh, but she could not help herself. Colt was happy to see her laugh because it meant that she was not mad at him.
After she and Paula stopped laughing, Kourtnee introduced Paula to Colt. Colt made a face, “Your bodyguard and me met earlier.” Paula smacked her lips, “Boy, please. Colt laughed, “So, she’s the one you picked that up from.” Kourtnee smiled. Paula made a face, “Ya’ll leaving or what?” Kourtnee turned towards the kitchen to get the food. Colt walked over to Paula and whispered, “Is this her apartment?” Paula mumbled, “Yea, I thought someone with a job lived here myself; but it is her place.” Kourtnee looked at the two of them. Paula and Colt looked innocent. Kourtnee rolled her eyes at them. Colt whispered to Paula, “She got rich folk or something?” Paula responded, “You gotta ask her that.” Colt asked, “Will she get mad at me?” Paula stated, “Not sure, but if I were you, I wouldn’t ask her that today.” Colt smiled, “Ok. Thanks.” Kourtnee looked at them again, “What are you two whispering about?” Paula smiled, “You nosey.” Kourtnee retorted, “Whatever. Colt, are you going to make me carry all of this?”
Colt went into the kitchen and picked up the basket from the table. It was heavy. Colt grunted, “How many people are going with us? This basket is heavy.” Kourtnee looked at Paula, “You can thank the chef over there.” Colt looked at Paula. Paula put her hands on her hips and dared Colt to say anything to her. Colt looked at Kourtnee, “You ready to go, Beautiful.” Kourtnee laughed, “Yes, let’s go.” Paula relaxed her posture and gathered her things. She went over to the front door and held it open. Kourtnee went to the front door with Colt walking unhurriedly behind her as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. After they were all out of the door, Kourtnee locked her apartment up. Paula left, leaving Kourtnee alone with Colt.
Kourtnee felt sorry for Colt, carrying the heavy basket. It was loaded down with food, too. Kourtnee had told Paula that she was making too much food, but Paula gave Kourtnee one of her famous, “Girl pleases” and kept on preparing food.
Colt led Kourtnee to a red Dodge Conquest. The car looked well-kept and clean. Kourtnee waited until Colt put the picnic basket in the trunk. Colt came to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for Kourtnee. She looked at the black leather seats before she sat down. Colt closed the door behind her. Colt walked around to the driver’s side of the car and got in. He cranked the car up and revved his turbo charged engine a couple of times. Had Kourtnee known anything about cars, she would have been impressed.
Colt and Kourtnee were finally on their way. Colt put a tape in his cassette player. After a few seconds, a jazz band began playing. Colt seemed to be into the music and driving. He was not paying much attention to Kourtnee. Kourtnee decided to listen to the music.
An up tempo piece was playing. The drums were keeping the beat as the bass line filled the car. The piano played the melody as the saxophone played lead. It was an infectious song. The bass drum thump to keep the rhythm as the saxophone mesmerized Kourtnee with all kinds of notes. The piano tried to take over the lead a time or two, but the saxophone showed the piano who was in control of the song with a long set of notes and chords that caused a frenzy.
Colt looked at Kourtnee as she enjoyed the music. He smiled at her. Her hair looked fabulous as it gently moved with the bob of her head. Kourtnee looked at Colt, “You should keep your eyes on the road.” Colt laughed, “You should quit being so pretty.” Kourtnee smiled, “I cannot stop being pretty, so you are just going to have to keep your eyes on the road.” Colt turned his eyes back to the road.
Kourtnee looked Colt up and down. He looked good in his stone-washed jeans and orange t-shirt. The muscles in his arms bulged slightly. His white Adidas were very white. Colt could feel Kourtnee checking him out, “Do you like what you see?” Kourtnee blushed. She felt guilty for checking him out so hard. Colt looked at her when she didn’t answer him, “Are you going to answer my question?” Kourtnee smiled, “What was the question again?” Colt made a face, “Do you like what you see?” Kourtnee looked out the window, “Maybe I do. Maybe I do not.” Colt blew a breath, “You are so mean.” Kourtnee laughed.
"I can't believe that you are laughing at me and I am hurting," Colt lamented. Kourtnee laughed again. Colt smiled at her. She had a cute laugh. It was a very proper laugh. Colt wondered if she had ever laughed so hard that she had snorted. Colt ignored his laughing companion and continued to drive to the Dorinda State Park.
The Dorinda State Park was the largest state park in the state of Maddocha. It was one of the prettiest and best-kept parks, too. The park sits on 11,000 acres. Citizens of the metropolis use it. There are several lodges in the park for people who like to camp. There are several cabins as well. There are three swimming pools. There are trails for people to walk, bike, or horseback on. There is a nature trail where you can see the state flower, state tree, and state bird. There is a nature center where you can see the non-human inhabitants of the park. There were spots to fish in the park that were kept well stocked. The camping grounds can be used all year round. The park has several playground areas for children. The picnic area is a popular spot all year round.
Kourtnee and Colt chitchatted on the drive to the park. They arrived at the park. Colt ran around to Kourtnee's side of the car and opened the door. After Kourtnee got out of the car, Colt went to the trunk of the car to get the picnic basket. Colt grunted a couple of times to see what Kourtnee would do. She smiled at him, "Do you need some help with that?" Colt responded with a grunt, "No, I'm okay." Kourtnee laughed as she walked to the trunk of the car. She looked at Colt struggling with the heavy basket. She asked, "Are you ready to eat?" Colt set the basket on the ground, "Yes, I am kind of hungry. I didn't get to eat breakfast this morning." Kourtnee laughed as she thought about the story Colt had told her before. Colt made a face at Kourtnee, "Are you laughing at me?" Kourtnee covered her mouth. Colt huffed. Kourtnee walked over to him and touched his arm, "I didn't mean to laugh." Colt looked sad to see what Kourtnee would do. She rubbed his arm. Her touch sent chills down his arm. Kourtnee stopped rubbing Colt's arm, "Do you feel better now?" Colt responded, "No, not yet. You need to rub my arm some more." Kourtnee moved her hand off of Colt's arm, "You are silly. Let’s go." Colt picked up the picnic basket by the handle, "I know. This basket is too heavy."
Colt and Kourtnee walked for about five minutes before they found a suitable spot. They settled on a spot underneath a huge Windsor Phonamie tree. The tree was in full bloom, so it provided a good cover from the sun. Colt watched Kourtnee spread the blue, white, and red picnic blanket on the ground. She readjusted the blanket three times before she left it alone. She smoothed out the edges of the blanket until they lay flat and perfect. Colt laughed at her. She looked back at him and smiled. He smiled back.
Kourtnee looked at Colt, "You can sit down now?" Colt sat down on the blanket. Kourtnee asked, "Can you slide the basket over here?" Colt complied with Kourtnee's request. Kourtnee began spreading the food out on the basket. Colt looked at the food being placed on the blanket. There was some kind of sandwiches. They were so neatly wrapped that Colt couldn't tell what kind they were. There was a bowl of salad. There were some strawberries, grapes, and cut up cantaloupes in individual bowls. Kourtnee pulled out a small cooler, that Colt assumed was filled with ice. There was a jug of brown liquid with cups to match. The plates, forks, spoons, and knives matched the jug and cups. Colt shook his head as he looked at the picnic being laid out in front of him. He wanted to ask Kourtnee a smart aleck question, but he wasn't sure if it would offend her.
Kourtnee looked at the picnic. She thought to herself, "How did I let Paula talk me into buying all of this? This doesn't make any sense." Kourtnee looked at Colt, "You can eat." Colt moved closer to the food, "Yes Mame. Can I ask you something?" Kourtnee nodded her head. Colt asked, "Did you already have all of this stuff or did you buy it just for today?" Kourtnee blushed, "I bought it." Colt asked, "Why?" Kourtnee responded, "That's what I am trying to figure out. Paula talked me into getting all of this stuff." Colt laughed and shook his head. He grabbed a plate and one of the sandwiches, then some fruit. Kourtnee grabbed a cup, "Do you want some tea?" Colt nodded as he ate a piece of cantaloupe. Kourtnee put some ice in the cup and poured some tea over it. Colt took the cup from Kourtnee after she handed it to him. Kourtnee fixed herself a plate.
Kourtnee looked at Colt, waiting for him to say grace. Colt made a face at Kourtnee, "Why are you looking at me like that?" Kourtnee responded, "I am waiting on you to say grace." Colt blushed, "Lorry, uhh, bow your head. Lord, bless this food. Amen." Kourtnee looked up at Colt, "That's it." Colt bit a big piece of the chicken salad sandwich and mumbled, "Yea." Kourtnee rolled her eyes at Colt and ate her sandwich.
Colt watched Kourtnee eat her food. She was so proper and perfect as she ate. He wondered if she slept pretty. Kourtnee could feel Colt watching her. She looked at him, "Is there some reason you are staring at me?" Colt smiled slyly, "Yes, I want a bite of your sandwich." Kourtnee grimaced, "Why, you have the same kind of sandwich?" Colt winked, "Yea, but you look better." Kourtnee rolled her eyes at Colt and continued to eat her food. Colt stared at Kourtnee; "I guess you're not going to share with me, then?" Kourtnee made an irritated face at Colt, "No, and I would appreciate it if you left me alone so that I can finish eating my food!" Colt made a face, "Well, excuse me." He laughed at ate his food. Colt and Kourtnee ate their food and talked for a while.
Finally, they were through eating. They walked back to the car and put the picnic basket in the cat after they cleaned up their picnic spot. Kourtnee leaned up against the car as Colt put the basket in the trunk of his car. Colt glanced at Kourtnee from time to time. She looked lovely leaning up against the car. The sunlight was hitting her curves just right. Colt smiled at the thought that he had met someone so beautiful. Kourtnee turned and looked at Colt. He bumped his head on the trunk door as he tried to make it look like he hadn't been staring at Kourtnee. Kourtnee walked to where Colt was, "Are you ok?" Colt rubbed his head, "Yea, I’m fine," upset that he had embarrassed himself. Kourtnee smiled somatically, "Do you need some help with something?" Colt grunted, "No, I don't. Can you move, so I can close this?" Colt grabbed the trunk door. Kourtnee stepped aside, so that Colt could close the door. Colt slammed the trunk door. Kourtnee looked startled, "what did that door do to you?" Colt looked at Kourtnee funny, "Nothing." Kourtnee walked closer to Colt, "Why did you slam the door then?"
"Because I felt like it."
"Are you upset about something?"
"No, I’m not. Quit asking me questions."
Kourtnee smacked her lips, "Whatever." She walked off towards the park.
Colt had to run to catch up with her, "Where are you going?" Kourtnee didn't stop walking, "Away from your crazy behind." Colt walked faster to keep up with her, "Girl, slow down." Kourtnee walked faster, "Boy, keep up."
Kourtnee began trotting. She didn't stop until she came to one of the playgrounds. They had traveled quite a ways from the car. She sat down on the merry-go-round. Colt was four steps behind her. When Colt reached her, he jumped upon the merry-go-round in the open slot next to Kourtnee. It startled Kourtnee, "Boy, don't be jumping on this thing like that!" Colt laughed so hard that he almost lost he grip. Kourtnee shrieked, "I don't see anything funny about scaring me." Colt laughed even harder. Kourtnee rolled her eyes at Colt then she huffed. Colt tried to stop laughing, "You said 'boy don't be'." It was hard to understand what he was saying because he was laughing. Kourtnee stood up from the merry-go-round. She spun it around as hard as she could, catching Colt off guard. The thrust of the merry-go-round jolted Colt forward. He grabbed one of the bars just before he fell and hit his head on the merry-go-round floor. Kourtnee turned her back to Colt and walked over to a bench, leaving Colt to fight with the merry-go-round by himself. |
|
|
|
|
| CHAPTER 14
|
Paula left after she and Kourtnee made plans to meet after their classes on Friday to go get the food for the picnic. Kourtnee felt good that she had two new friends. It felt good that she had accomplished a goal that she had set for herself. Kourtnee liked being neat and organized, but more than that, she liked accomplishing goals that she set for herself. Kourtnee could rest easy tonight, knowing that she was going to accomplish some wonderful things this semester.
Colt was excited about his date with Kourtnee. He had even talked to his roommate about the date. His roommate seemed uninterested, but Colt shared his joy with his roommate anyway.
Colt beamed, "Man, she is fine. She has long hair. She knows how to dress. I’m telling you, dude. This girl is great. Man you should see her walk. That girl walks as if she is a queen or something. She smells great, too."
Colt's roommate grunted, "That’s cool, dude."
Colt laughed, "Dude, do you ever say anything other than 3 words at a time?"
Colt's roommate grunted, "No."
"Do you ever smile or laugh?"
Colt's roommate grunted, "Yea. Sometimes."
Colt laughed, "My girl is nice. I am glad that I met her. She has a great smile. She could be a model."
Colt's roommate plainly said, "Isn't this your first date?"
Colt glared at his roommate, "Why did you have to bring that up?"
Colt's roommate responded, "Because you sound like ya'll have been together forever. I was just asking, dude." Colt's roommate walked out of the room.
Colt shook his head. His roommate’s long black hair looked like it needed washing. The roommate always wore black. Colt had asked him why he always wore black. The roommate said, “Cause I’m colorblind, dude.” How in the world did a black kid from Absanie end up with a white kid that always wore black as a roommate? They were truly an odd couple.
Saturday morning, Paula woke up early. She was excited about Kourtnee’s date. Pl wasn’t sure shy she was excited, but she was excited. Perhaps, it was because she and Kourtnee were bounding.
Paula made it over to Kourtnee’s house at 7:01 am. After knocking on the door for a minute or two, Paula finally got an answer. Kourtnee opened the door still asleep. She rubbed her eyes and asked, “Girl, do you know what time it is?’ Paula smiled, “Yea, are you gonna let me in or what? Kourtnee moved out of the way and let Paula in. Kourtnee closed and locked the door.
Kourtnee looked at Paula, “I’m going back to bed. Don’t break or steal anything.” Kourtnee managed a small smile. Kourtnee went back into her bedroom. Paula smiled after she licked her tongue out at Kourtnee.
Paula sat on the couch. She turned on the TV and flipped through the channels. She watched a little bit of a cartoon, but it wasn’t interesting. Paula got hungry. She went into the kitchen and looked in the refrigerator. She ended up making a sandwich from the left over picnic food. Paula made sure to leave the kitchen spotless. She didn’t want Kourtnee fussing at her.
Kourtnee woke up about 9:00. She stretched and looked around the room before she got out of the bed. She heard the TV on and wondered why it was on; then she remembered that Paula was in the living room.
Kourtnee enjoyed having a friend, although she didn’t want to admit it. She liked Paula hanging around. Even with Paula’s pushiness and loudness, Kourtnee liked the company. Paula had been helpful in preparing Kourtnee for her date. Kourtnee was used to Ramona’s help when preparing for these kinds of things, but since Ramona wasn’t around, Paula was a big help to Kourtnee.
Kourtnee walked into the kitchen. Paula turned and looked at her. Paula said, “I see you finally woke up.” Kourtnee looked in the refrigerator. Kourtnee lifted her head above the door, “What did you eat?” Paula didn’t acknowledge Kourtnee. Finally Paula said, “What makes you think I ate something?” Kourtnee made a face at Paula, “The plate sitting on my end table.” Paula laughed, “My end table. I never thought I would hear a college student say my end table.” Paula shook her head. Kourtnee smacked her lips, “What did you eat?” Paula turned around in Kourtnee’s direction, “Chicken salad sandwich.” Kourtnee looked puzzled, “For breakfast?” Paula responded, “Yep.” Kourtnee shook her head, “You live like a college student.” Paula smacked her lips, “And you don’t. So what!” Kourtnee laughed as she rumbled through the refrigerator.
Kourtnee fixed a bowl of cereal. She sat down at the table to eat. After Kourtnee finished saying grace, Paula said, “You are so proper.” Kourtnee responded, “So, why are you bothering me?” Paula retorted, “Because you’re funny.” Kourtnee ignored Paula and finished eating her cereal.
Paula decided to bait Kourtnee to see what she would do. Paula said, “Have you ever wiped your mouth on the sleeve of your clothes?” Kourtnee ignored Paula. Paula laughed, “So, you’re just gonna ignore me, huh? That won’t help you any.” Kourtnee still didn’t say anything. Paula said, “Does everything you own match?” Kourtnee didn’t say anything.
Paula looked at Kourtnee, “Why are you ignoring me?” Kourtnee smiled at Paula, “because I want to. Why are you antagonizing me?” Paula smiled back, “whatever.” Kourtnee smiled, “What are you doing here again?” Paula looked at Kourtnee, “To help you get ready for your date and make sure you son’s mess your date up.” Kourtnee looked disgusted, “Why would I mess up my date? Are you being negative on purpose or just for fun?” Paula laughed, “Girl, please. I am just messing with you. I like chilling with you, that’s all.” Kourtnee smiled, “okay. I thought maybe you just liked torturing me.” Both girls laughed.
***
Kourtnee began getting dressed for her date at 12:00 pm. Paula sat in the living room yelling things out to Kourtnee.
“What are you all going to talk about?”
Kourtnee answered, “I don’t know.”
“Are you going to be flirtatious?”
Kourtnee answered, “I don’t know. Could you quit asking me questions?”
Paula kept bugging Kourtnee. Kourtnee kept responding in the same manner.
Kourtnee finally emerged from the room about 12:45 PM. She was fully dressed and ready to go. She was wearing a white blouse with a pair of dark blue slacks. She had on a pair of white trouser socks and a pair of dark blue loafers. She had on gold jewelry. Her hair was flawless and her make-up was pristine.
Paula looked at Kourtnee, “That’s not one of the outfits that I picked out.” Kourtnee smoothed out her pant leg, “I didn’t want to wear one of those.” Paula commented, “You look great anyway.” Kourtnee smiled, “Thanks.”
Kourtnee went into the kitchen and got the food ready for her date. She was a bit nervous. She was kind of bumbling around in the kitchen. Paula looked towards the kitchen, “Are you okay in there?” Kourtnee answered back, “Yes, I an okay.” Kourtnee finished in the kitchen. She went and sat down in the living room.
Ii was about 1:10 PM. Colt still hadn’t showed up to Kourtnee’s apartment. He hadn’t called or anything. Kourtnee was getting restless and upset, not to mention angry. Where was Colt?
Paula could see that Kourtnee was getting restless. Paula tried to calm Kourtnee down, but it didn’t seem to be working. Paula suggested that Kourtnee call Colt. Kourtnee called Colt’s number, but there was no answer. Kourtnee slammed the phone down on the receiver. Paula said, “That phone hasn’t done anything to you. Why are you taking your anger out on it?” Kourtnee huffed at Paula. Paula returned, “You need to calm down. You are starting to upset me.” Kourtnee huffed again as she headed to her bedroom.
At 1:32, there was a knock on Kourtnee’s door. Paula opened the door; a fine black guy with a light top lip and a dark bottom lip was standing at the door. The guy smiled at Paula, “does Kourtnee Adams live here?” Paula smiled back at him, “Yes, she does. Who are you?” Colt replied, “I am Colt Austin. I have a date with her.” Paula frowned at him, “You were supposed to be here at 1:00. I’m not sure that she even wants to go out with you now.” Colt said, “Is Kourtnee here?” Paula smiled, “Yea, she’s here.” Colt was getting upset, “Can I speak to her?” Paula said, “Yea, hold on.” Paula closed the door in Colt’s face, leaving him standing on the porch.
Colt was standing on Kourtnee’s front porch; upset, frustrated, and tired. He was wondering if Kourtnee really didn’t want to go out with him or if the girl who had answered the door was just being mean. Kourtnee had every right to be upset with him; he was a half hour late. It wasn’t like he had done it on purpose. It was an accident, rather a series of accidents.
Colt woke up at 9:00 AM. He had every intention of getting to his date with Kourtnee on time. His roommate was sitting in the living room with a couple of his friends, who look just like him. Colt wasn't sure if he shouldn't have been scared. Colt said hello as he walked to the bathroom. His roommate's friends grunted.
Colt turned the hot water on. It was as cold as ice. Colt turned the water off and went into the living room. He stared at his roommate, "dude, what happened to the hot water?" His roommate grunted, "Sorry, dude, we used it up taking showers." Colt made a face, "what, they don't have showers in their own rooms? Why they gotta come over here?" Colt rolled his eyes and walked off.
Colt decided, rather it had been decided for him that his shower would have to wait until later. Colt looked for the iron and the ironing board. Colt's roommate didn't have an iron, so Colt let the guy use his iron and ironing board with the agreement that it was supposed to stay in a common place where they both could use it. Somehow, the iron and ironing board ended up in his roommate's room all the time. Colt yelled, "Dude, where's the iron?" Colt's roommate pushed by Colt and went to get the iron. Colt's roommate brought the iron to Colt. Colt snatched the iron from his roommate, "Man, this is supposed to stay in here. Why do you always take it to your room?" Colt's roommate grunted, "Sorry, dude." Colt huffed and walked into his room.
Colt took the clothes that he was going to wear into the living room and laid them on the ironing board. Colt went into the kitchen to get something to eat. He looked in the cabinet for his favorite cereal. He picked up the Cheerio box and shook it. From the sound of the box, there were only crumbs. Colt looked in his roommate’s direction, "I guess you all got the last of the cereal?" One of his roommate's friends said, "Yea, and the milk, too." Colt slammed the cabinet door, cursed, and stormed into his room.
Colt emerged from his room a few minutes later in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.
It was 9:42 when Colt arrived at Franklin's Eatery. He figured that he could order breakfast to go without too much of a hassle; and then get back home in time enough to shower and change for his date. He thought he could even relax for a few minutes as well, but that didn't happen.
It took Colt almost 40 minutes to get his food. There weren't that many people in the place when he got there, that's why he went ahead and ordered. All of a sudden, the place got busy. People were coming in left and right. After Colt finally got his food, he went outside to get in his car. Well, someone had him blocked in. Colt got mad; opened his car door, and threw the bag of food in the car. Whatever he had in the bag was probably a big mess after he threw it. He went back into the restaurant. He tried to talk to the hostess to see if she could make an announcement, but she was so busy that she didn't have time to stop. Colt found a manager, who didn't seem to care. Colt tried several more times, without much success to get someone who worked at the restaurant to help him. Distraught and out of patience, Colt grabbed the microphone that was used to announce to go orders and yelled, "if you drive a black Ford Mustang, please come move you car. You have me blocked in! I need to get out! If you drive a black Ford Mustang, come move your car!" This caused most of the people in the restaurant to stop what they were doing. The hostess came over to Colt and grabbed the microphone from Colt, "sir, you can use this." Colt made a face at her, "well, you all wouldn't help me, so I didn't have a choice." A skinny blonde headed girl walked up to Colt, "my car has you blocked in." Colt and the girl walked outside. She moved her car. Colt was able to go home.
When Colt got home, it was 10:50. That meant that Colt only had 40 minutes to iron, shower, dress, and leave to go pick up Kourtnee. He had thrown the food that he bought from Franklin's Eatery in the trash. He had gotten so mad that he lost his appetite. Colt had made up his mind to leave in 30 minutes.
Colt's roommate and his friends were gone. Colt was glad. He didn't want to have to deal with them. Colt looked at the ironing board. His clothes were not there. Colt went into his room. His clothes were on the bed ironed. Apparently, his roommate had ironed them. Colt smiled. His roommate was weird, but he was nice on occasion. Colt looked at the crease in his pants. It looked as if the pants had been pressed at the cleaners.
Colt's roommate had knocked at least five minutes off of Colt's to-do list. Colt grabbed what he needed and went to the bathroom to shower. Although, he shouldn't have, Colt added the gained five minutes to his shower. He didn't know that he would need the five minutes down the line.
Colt finished with his shower and got dressed at 11:38. He was late. He had wanted to leave the house by 11:30. He shrugged his shoulders and left out of the house. He had spent too much time trying to look extra special for Kourtnee.
Colt let the negative thoughts he was having about his day so far leave his mind. Kourtnee only lived 10 minutes away from his apartment. He wasn't going to be late, so he thought.
Colt turned the corner to get onto the street that Kourtnee's apartment was on. There was an accident that had traffic stopped. Colt slapped his hand on his head. He was dazed. He hit his fist on his steering wheel. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
