Friday, December 08, 2006

When a cat gets frightened or angry its fur stands all on end and its tail gets poofy. That's how I felt last night.

I was driving home at 11:30 when I suddenly realized I was completely out of gas. I'm never comfortable going out alone late at night- I'm compulsive about this. At all hours, no matter how long I'm getting out of my car, I ALWAYS lock the doors. Someone could jump in the car and when I get back in, kidnap me at gunpoint in my own vehicle!! If it's dark, I always check underneath my car as I'm walking up (there could be someone under!), and I look in the back seats, even though I've locked the doors. If, while I was gone, a large vehicle of any kind that I can't see into has parked on the drivers side of my car, I will actually CLIMB IN the other side of my car (yes, seriously). I even used to carry a knife with me, but I haven't lately because it does not fit in my purse. I might be paranoid, but at least I air on the side of safety.

Anyway, I get to the gas station and start filling up my car. There was an old blue beater car with two guys in it parked at the gas station. It seemed like they alternated for a while, both going in to the store and coming back out to their car. Finally they both got in the car for a few minutes. Then, as I was almost finished (still rejoicing in the new novelty of paying less than $40 for a full tank), one of them got out of the car and walked over to me. That's when I did the angry cat thing. Somthing was just not right about this guy. Here's how the conversation went:

FREAK: Good evening, how are you? (big ingenuine smile)

ME: Fine, thanks.

FREAK: Hey, I have a quick question for you. It's kind of random...

ME: Yeah?

FREAK: (still smiling that uncomfortable smile) What kind of perfume do you like to wear?

ME: None. (A lie, of course. I'm not about to give this guy anything that resembles a remote interest in continuing our conversation.)

FREAK: None?!? (In disbelief)

ME: None.

FREAK: Not even lotions or body sprays? Nothing?

ME: NOPE. (I wanted to scream "NO MEANS NO!" and kick him in the balls, but I unhappily restrained myself)

FREAK: Oh, Alright. Thanks.

ME: Uh-huh.

FREAK: Have a happy holiday! (glancing back at me)

ME: Ok, thanks.

FREAK: (glancing back again) OK, drive safely!

How stupid does this guy think I am? It's almost midnight, and you're just a garden-variety salesman offering perfume from the back of your car to girls at gas stations who look like they might be an easy hit. Just the usual. I'm glad the Lord blessed me with intelligence and common sense.

3 comments:

Melissa said...

Oh wow! I'm so glad that nothing happened to you, that's scary. I can completely identify with how you approach your car and safe guard against perpetrators. I used to carry pepper spray with me when I was in college... but I really wanted a stun gun.

RachelRenae said...

It's better to be overly cautious than to be a victim!

Amy said...

that's really creepy.
i'm glad i'm not the only one who checks the back seat before getting in the car.