That Night

That night was the same as any other until I got that call...

Studying in apartment for mid terms phone rings. It's friend and coworker Kevin invites me to family birthday party at local watering hole

At first hesitation....but needed a break

Minutes later, hear honking of horn. Enter vehicle first thing I see is gun resting on console

Immediately ask why?

Response...for protection. No worries its registered and has permit to carry

I think nothing else of it and let it go

Good time had, but getting late, tell him need to get back

On dark dusty road back to Baton Rouge, Kevin speeding, told him to slow down

Seconds later, police lights appear from nowhere

Sudden sinking feeling inside

Pulled over, policeman approaches vehicle, bright flashlight in faces

Kevin directed to get out of vehicle, they disappear from sight

Thinking to myself, why he didn't see the gun on console?

Can't see, bright police headlights restricting vision

Sitting there as it seemed forever. Felt like hands of time suspended

In distance hear police sirens approaching, now getting a little worried, asking myself what's going on?

Hear closing of door. Loud footsteps on top of dusty filled road approaches passenger side were I sit

Each step getting close, uneasiness grips my being

Flashlight in face blared vision, then words shouted I'll never forget

BOY...DON'T YOU MOVE ARE I'LL BLOW YOUR MUTHAF***KING HEAD OFF!

At that moment....

PARALYZED

FEAR

HOPELESSNESS

Slowly cut eyes to right I see gun pointed at head

RonnieL...be cool, no sudden movements, breath slowly, inside felt I'd be executed and die on that dark dusty road

Flung out of car, shoved to ground, gun removed from vehicle

On ground, I'm searched wallet removed, checks license sees I'm from another state. Questioned why I'm in Louisiana? Ask me are you a drug dealer?

My response...college. He removes my college ID from wallet. Never forget the look on his face of DISGUST

Checks ran no warrants

Let's us go after responding...don't bring your black asses over the Baton Rouge bridge!

Inside I told myself, I was not planing too

Ride home back to my destination...

Quiet

Arrive back home, exit vehicle

Kevin responds...everything will be okay

I ask myself...will it?

Put key in lock, close door behind me

SAFETY

Exhale slowly, then I snap back to reality....

Man...I have mid terms tomorrow