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[wnylib]

40. The Starbucks staff did the right thing.

Last edited Mon Oct 16, 2023, 02:55 AM - Edit history (1)

When I was 16, I had help from staff and a customer at a bus terminal diner.

I had spent the summer in SC visiting my Navy brother and his wife to help my SIL with their 2 babies, ages 14 months and 2 months. I took a Greyhound bus back home to PA because there was an airline strike at the time.

I missed my changeover bus at midnight in Richmond, VA because I was in the ladies room when they announced the boarding. Had to wait in the bus terminal until 4 am for the next bus.

A man about late 30s or early 40s asked why I was there alone at night. I told him what had happened. He offered to drive me as far as DC. Besides the fact that I would not go with a stranger, that would not have helped me get home or to the next bus headed home. I said that I'd wait for my bus.

I went to a magazine rack to buy something to read while waiting. He followed me, showed me his driver's license to "prove" who he was and therefore, it was safe for me to go with him. I told him that proof of identity was not proof of character and went to the terminal's diner to be near other people. He followed me there and continued trying to persuade me.

The waitress at the counter "chatted" with us, while making eye contact with me.

Waitress to me: Hi, honey. Where are you and your father going?

ME: He's not my father. I don't know him.

My stalker: She needs help. I'm looking after her. (Then, to me, he said: Order what you want. I 'll pay.)

ME: I'll pay for my own food. I don't need your help.

Waitress to stalker: She wants to be left alone.

Stalker: None of your business.

Customer in Marine uniform who overheard: If she wants to be left alone, I suggest that you do that.

The Marine then sat on the other side of me at the counter. The stalker left. The Marine was on leave and headed home to Alabama. He stayed in the diner with me until my bus came.