Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Expect the Unexpected

After running seven miles I had to eat something immediately or I would pass out. In great desperation I drove through Hempstead and went to a nearby deli. I ordered a roast beef hero, which took a long time to make because I wanted it toasted. While I was waiting I felt so lonely and secluded from the others walking in. The people walking in were either African American or Spanish. I'm used to being around these races and all, but in Hempstead they take tough to a new level. To put how tough they are in perspective I always drive along S. Franklin Ave. to get to school. At least one person walks directly in front of my car to cross the street. They don't have the patience to wait three seconds for me to pass them.

When I was waiting for my sandwich this one woman struck my attention. She walked with a supercilious attitude and said these words in verbatim, "What the fuck is this shit, I walk all this way for this shit, I got better shit to do, shit." She seemed to say these words to herself. Once she reached the deli counter to order her lottery ticket. She said to the deli worker. "Why do people say the word Holla, Holla! when I walk past em'." The deli worker jokingly replied, "They are checking you out." A bunch of other customers and I were laughing at his comment. She said, "Yea, but I ain't young no more." After this conversation the anxiety of waiting eased and my sandwich thankfully popped out of the toaster. One black guy exclaimed to me, "DAYYYMMMM! You must be hungry, boy." I reluctantly said, "Yes I am." Then he said, "Enjoy." I was surprised how he said that because I would never expect someone who has the "Don't mess with me or else I will beat your punk ass" facial expression to be so sincere. This encounter proved to me that I should expect the unexpected.

4 comments:

  1. True story. You'll never know what's going to happen next.

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  2. I know exactly where you were. I had two accidents driving over there. Two separate cars attempted illegal U-turns. There was a video game once called Frogger. You play it by trying to walk a frog accross a busy street. South Franklin should be re-named Frogger Street.

    I had the same experience with people over that you did. Both times, people ran out to ask if I was alright. Both times, policemen and firemen in civvies came out to help me. I may not like to drive north of the bridge, but it's not for lack of nice, decent people.

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  3. Hey! Did you get the NaNoWriMo guide in your email? Make sure you look through it to stay on par and update your profile! Good luck!

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  4. supercilious...Nice SAT word. And a damn nice pieec of writing too. Give me more, more, more stories like this.

    +4

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