I just had an experience that scared the crap out of me.
I was walking around Walgreen's when I noticed a man that seemed to be following me. Using my best Jack Bauer evasion tactics, I moved from one end of the store to the other, thinking I was just being paranoid (what, ME, paranoid??). I knew for sure that it wasn't just a coincidence when he followed me down the female hygiene products aisle.
I wasn't sure what to do, so I turned my back to him and pretended to be really interested in what was on the shelves. It was then that he put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Hey baby."
I turned around and said, "Excuse me? I don't know you, sir."
He replied with, "Oh baby, you do too, stop pretending."
"No, sir, I'm certain I don't know you."
I started to edge away while he continued to study my face and said, "You know who I am. Come back here."
I turned and speed walked down the aisle looking for someone, anyone, to help me. By the time I found a clerk, the man had disappeared.
I gathered up all of my purchases and hightailed it out of the store, thinking that if I could just get home, I could calm down.
About 100 feet from my car, I noticed another man, leaning against my car door. I walked straight past the car, thinking the guy would move. He didn't, so I gathered myself and headed back, making sure there was at least one other person in the parking lot who could see me.
As I approached, the man just looked at me and said, "Is this your car?"
"Yes, it is."
"Huh. That's a coincidence."
"It is?"
"Yeah, I'll move away from it as soon as you give me some gas money. I'm not working right now and I'm out of gas."
"I'm sorry, I don't have any cash (which was true). Please leave me alone or I'll have to go get someone to help me."
At that exact time, the people in the car next to me walked out of the store and the man walked away.
My too-much-TV mind had me convinced that these two men were working together and were out to get me.
I drove home, promptly freaked out, and called Husband in near hysteria. Here I am, nearly two hours later, and my heart is still beating out of my chest. Now, more than scared, I am angry.
I have never been the kind of girl who is afraid of anything. This is the third experience like this I have had since moving to Beaumont and I can barely go anywhere alone without feeling like I have to be hypervigilent. I know that I have a tendency to overreact but I constantly have to talk myself into leaving the house to do necessary errands. It's like being in prison. No one should have to feel like this.
6 comments:
really scary and really crazy!
At the risk of sounding racist... what race were they?
Erin, I am really sorry you keep having these experiences. Beaumont really is not like that, and I am afraid you are going to hate it because of that. Don't get me wrong, you have every right to, I know I would, but it is just ashame. I would have had someone walk me out at Walgreens. Something else I would do when I worked at the mall and went out by myself, I would call someone on the phone, and constantly give descriptions of vehicles and people around me. That way, if something happened, they would be on the phone a know it immediately, and would also have some leads. I am really sorry all that keeps happening! We should go out to a movie sometime! I always need a friend to hang out with. I am not very big to protect you, but I am VERY fiesty, and I don't think anyone would mess with us!
That is so creepy Erin... and yes I am your blog stalker as well. I know it sucks being independent and really not wanting to ask for help like this, but I run errands with my husband now most of the time (and always at night). When my husband can't come I like to arrange errands with other people (like I have a Costco friend- we always go together). Store managers will also always walk you to your car.
I am kind of an intimidating looking person- just because I am 5'9" but I make sure that I always look angry if I do have to go out by myself at night. I've mastered the "don't mess with me" look. I also keep one hand in a fist with my keys poking out between my knuckles in case some idiot makes a grab at me- keys will cut a face hard enough that I can escape.
It is so ridiculous that just because we are women we have to deal with this. Heck- I live in Austin, which is a LOT safer than Beaumont, and I still take all these precautions. I was followed home (well almost all the way) when I was in college and the only reason I lost the guy was because I took a few more corners that necessary to end up by a bar that was still open. When I saw he was gone- I walked the rest of the way home on my phone. I never walked home from my boyfriends house again(and this was in Ann ARbor, Michigan- not exactly a big city.)
Growing up in Oakland, CA, you learn the value of being street smart. I agree with having keys ready in hand.
It's not just women, although they are more frequently the target, but it happens to anyone they think is an easy target.
Whenever someone approaches you like that again, yell in a loud voice and say "Don't touch me!". It may sound silly but you'll alert others to your situation. They count on you being unaware, so the more you let them know you know they're there, do so. Instead of pretending you don't see them. Stop, face them and ask: Can I help you with anything or something to that effect.
If they touch you, slap their hand away and say out loud DONT TOUCH ME.
Whatever you do, don't let them intimidate you. Professional stalkers can spot an easy target from a mile away. You also don't need to confront them alone.
Here are some tips:
Walk confidently, head up, Most important-- Know your surroundings. Scan for suspicious folks and vehicle. Report them to proper authorities.
Look people in the eye. Be firm with the tone of your voice. Don't let anyone intimidate you.
Parking- make sure that before you park, circle the parking lot to become more familiar with the surroundings.
Don't park close to any vans, and park Japanese style-- front end of the car ready to leave.
Park in well lit areas and close to the entrances of buildings. When going into parking garages, choose one that's close to entrances and well lit areas. Avoid them if you can.
Walk with a group whenever you leave or return to your vehicle.
If you don't feel comfortable asking people to walk you, time it so that you're not alone.
Being paranoid is okay. But don't let that scare you into doing nothing. I suggest taking a self defense course-- from the local center.
By the way, I still have a whistle on my key chain.
you have found it, you are in hell. seriously. beaumont is the weirdest place on earth. although - i have been stalked by neilbur for YEARS!!
Ever thought about investing in a nice giant sized bottle of pepper spray?? I think Dwight Schrute has some available for purchase.
Post a Comment