So I stopped back into my normal afternoon-commute gas station (Upper Marlboro Dunkin Donuts) this past Friday ....... and wouldn't you know, she's there again. I pull into the farthest pump from her, hop out and start the process. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her heading over. I get things set up and pay her no mind and head for the door of Dunkin Donuts to grab a coffee. She cuts me off with her across the parking lot shout of "Sir?! Sir?!". So, I stop and say "Yes mam. What can I do for you?". Wouldn't you know, she needs to money to feed her kids. Apparently her "check" isn't coming until Monday and she needs some money to get through the weekend.
I bit my tounge but do decline and say I have nothing for her this time (I didn't even offer donuts as I've done before). She pushes it further and says "You can't even spare a dollar?" And I get aggrevated and said "No mam I don't. I am not carrying cash. And if you recall, you came to me this past Tuesday (just 3 days prior) and the week before with the very same story and both times, I helped you out. So I am sorry, but this time I have nothing else."
At that point, I kept on my way and she turned to head back to her "seat." Before she got there, another call had pulled in and she walked over to them.
At the cash register, I finally expressed my annoyance. I usually don't but I was really at that point that the constant approaches were going to result in me not stopping there (and it is a very conveniant location for me). So I told the guy "You all need to do something about her. Nearly every time I come through here, she comes up to me asking me for money - giving me the same story every time. I've bought her donuts, I've even bought her coffee. I have no issue with her holding up some sign solicitating for money (so people can "donate" if they wish) - however, her constantly approaching me is wearing thin.
He told me he has called the cops on her but they really can't do anything (I don't buy this). Said she lives just behind the gas station and spends her mid-morning across the street (more traffic) and then moves over to Dunkin around 2pm to catch the afternoon crowd. He said he's offered her "leftover" donuts for her kids but she will decline and insist it needs to be money.
I am at the point that I may just start being an ass to her but I really don't want to be. On one hand I shouldn't feel like I need to change my routine because of her, but on the other hand, I tend to not be a prick unless I have to be.
