Although it’s not morally right, being bad can feel good

QCS Columnist

There are times when the actions of others make you angry and you have a desire to get revenge, but then calmer thoughts prevail and you choose to be a better person and not sink to the other person's level.

This column is not about one of those times.

A few weeks ago I pulled into a gas station to purchase some fuel, lottery tickets and perhaps a bag of Skittles. This was like any other day so I thought, until the driver in front of me decided he would stop at the first open pump.

See, the other pumps and lanes were full except for the two that myself and the car in front of me were lined up to use. However, the driver of the other vehicle opted not to pull forward to the next pump, knowing full well that I was right behind him and was by all intents and purposes in line to purchase fuel.

I calmed myself down and thought it was possible the other driver did not see me and once he exited his vehicle, he would notice I was there and will pull their vehicle forward. I of course was mistaken.

The driver not only looked right at me he smirked at me as they got out of his car and walked inside the gas station. I could have rolled my window down and hollered at him to move his vehicle, but instead drove around the lot and back into the open spot. This seemed like a much better idea than starting a confrontation with someone who more than likely not care about me being inconvenienced by his actions.

Besides, this isn't my first rodeo and those who know me are aware that I can be quite the antagonist.

I backed into the open fuel lane but parked my car at an angle, one which blocked his car from driving around my vehicle if he finished fueling first.

Now, some of you all might think all the driver would have to do is back out. Well, that option was not available, as a nice diesel dually pulling a large trailer had pulled into the spot that I had recently vacated. In lanes across from him were travel vans whose passengers were inside getting something to eat while they were getting fuel.

I got out of my vehicle, and met the other driver, who was exiting the building as I was walking inside. I didn't smirk or sneer at the driver I simply continued on my way and conducted my business.

Though my business seemed to go from a few errands to a complete and total overview of the store. I bought a fountain drink, Skittles, lottery tickets, a bag of chips, a doughnut and pre-paid for my fuel.

Of course I could have scratched the lottery tickets back at the office, but I felt inclined to scratch them inside and redeem the winners while I was there, I even finished my doughnut.

I exited the store and walked to my vehicle, and as I passed between vehicles I caught a glimpse of the aforementioned driver who at that point was sitting in his car, both hands on the steering wheel with the engine running.

The look the driver gave me was rather dirty and he felt the need to press on the gas pedal to express his irritation. I placed my items in my vehicle, removed the gas cap and began to pump my fuel. I couldn't help but notice that my windows were dirty so I decided to clean them.

If you're wondering where the driver of the diesel dually was, that person had walked inside and seemed to be enjoying a much-needed stretch. The license plate on the truck said Tennessee so they had either come a long way or had a ways to get home.

I finished washing my windows replace the fuel nozzle and should have started my vehicle and left.

Instead I took the time to adjust all my mirrors. After all safety is very important. I adjusted my seat, put on my seatbelt and started the vehicle and proceeded to leave.

As soon as there was space, the driver behind me accelerated, drove around and glared at me as he passed. I simply smiled and waved bidding my fellow traveler a safe journey.

Thomas Garcia is a senior writer at the Quay County Sun. He can be reached at [email protected]