Accents in the Grocery Store

"You shouldn't have to stop shopping because of a creep." A text message I received shortly after announcing my departure of the grocery where such creep was located.

Just under an hour ago I found myself in the nearest Food City (grocery store) shopping for a few items. The grocery list was no longer than 5 items, but the items were spread out throughout the store. After collecting the first item within reach, I was staring at the selection for the second item when an older gentlemen (at least upper 40's to mid 50's) passed behind me commenting on the contents of my basket. "You sure are a healthy eater." He said as he eyed the bunch of bananas in my basket. I laughed as he walked away and said, almost inaudibly, "I try." Within seconds I refocused on which brand of bacon to purchase. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the gentlemen returning with an intent look on his face as if seeking my attention. He approached again, a little too close for comfort... "I have to ask, as many people are picky, which do you prefer? Do you like them green or a little spotty?" He continued to look up and down from the bananas to my face so as to imply that is what he was speaking of. I responded, "These will be going into smoothies or other recipes. So it really doesn't matter so long as they aren't rancid or inedible." He smiled a rather creepy smile and replied, "I feel the same way. However, if I were to eat it as it was, it couldn't be green or spotty. It'd have to be solid yellow." {PAUSE} I turned back to look at the bacon again. "Ok, I'll let you get back to your selections."

I shuddered as he walked away. A constant look over my shoulder kept me on edge until I rounded the end of an aisle and ran into him again. This was not a coincidence. "I couldn't help but notice your accent. You aren't from these parts, are you?" He questioned with a look completely grossed me out. "I'm from all around the world." As I answered I picked up my phone to dial a friend. He either got the hint or was plotting his next encounter cause he disappeared long enough for me to get to the check-out, into my car and out of the parking lot without seeing him again. That guy gave me the creeps...

But as I text messaged my friend back who said "You shouldn't have to stop shopping because of a creep" I realized how blessed I am to know the people working in the grocery store (I asked to be escorted to my car), to live in a gated community (that's right stalker, get past security at this hour), and to have friends that are just a phone call away. My rationalization of the whole situation was that it had to have been divine intervention to keep me well within my grocery budget. :) (I know that's a bit far fetched, but it's better than thinking of what could have been.)