Yesterday, ER and I grabbed our masks and ventured out to Lowe’s to grab some supplies for our outdoor project. On the way there I was craving a Diet Coke with ice so we stopped at the Wendy’s drive-through, which was fairly busy. We came at the drive-through from the back of the building, so we pulled up to our space in line at the same time an older woman pulled up to go next, and then a young woman with a passenger pulled up in the proper designated space where the line forms.
Normal human decency would suggest that because we arrived first, we would pull in next, then the older woman, then the younger woman. We all began the weird routine of pointing who was next. The older woman and I were in agreement, but the younger woman began shaking her head and hand in a “no” manner, indicating that she would go next because she was in the proper lane. Too bad, so sad, said her scowly face.
I began to point to the older woman to show the younger woman that the older woman should go after us and she would go third, and while I was doing that, the younger woman revved up her engine and pulled in front of me and cut me off, therefore cutting TWO cars in line who where there before her. I mean, kudos for being the youngest with the fastest reflexes, I guess? But how piggy piggy can a person possibly be?!!
I’m not entirely proud of what happened next. Thankfully I didn’t get out of the car to confront her or honk my horn in anger, but when the young woman pulled up to the drive through, I kind of lost my mind, and decided to shout her out while she attempted to order. It was petty, I admit, but it also felt so justified at the moment! I think I took out several months of anxiety and stress over this pandemic and the current climate for our brothers and sisters of color and the ridiculously controversial and necessary name change of my high school as I rolled down my window and began shouting at the top of my lungs,
“She cut in line! She cut two people off in line! She cut off a sweet older woman and another car that was there in front of her! I hope she’s hungry because she cut in line! She cut in line!!”
I yelled this and other variations over and over every time she tried to tell the cashier her order and while Emily Rose laughed and cringed all at the same time. I know it was immature and petty, but it felt GREAT, and reminded me of when there was a KKK rally in my hometown years ago and the protestors shouted out the speakers so nobody could hear them. I went on for far too long but it was so exhilarating I stood my ground while the young woman glared at me through her side-view mirror.
When it was finally our turn to pick up our drinks and skedaddle, I paid for the older woman behind me to counteract some of my pettiness. I also watched carefully to be sure the line-cutter wasn’t waiting to smash into my car or challenge me to a fist fight. She was long gone, of course. She took care of #1!
I know I did this in front of my daughter and I could have taken a much classier high road, but y’all, I can’t begin to tell you how cathartic that was. Do as I say and not as I do, kiddo!
I. Absolutely. Love. This. 😂💪🏽 Get it, Gurl!!