My gas tank was near empty today so I stopped to fill ‘er up.  In doing so I ended up using someone else’s money and almost drove off without realizing it, much less correcting the mistake.  Fortunately Velma was there to help me through the mix-up.

While the gas pumped I washed my windows with that great little squeegee thing they’ve got.  The pump clicked off communicating that my gas tank was now full.  I replaced the nozzle and then closed my gas tank.  I turned around to take my reciept but none was printing.  I thought that was weird, because when I pay with a credit card I always get a receipt.  The display just said, “Thank You for choosing Tom Thumb”.  I was about to get into my car when I noticed the price on the pump display.  It said that I had put in exactly $20.00.  I thought that was strange because never when I fill up my tank to I happen to land on such an even number.  Even when I try I usually squeeze too much and miss it by a couple cents.  

I thought all of this was unusual but I didn’t know how to respond to it.  I turned to leave and opened my car door when I heard a voice saying, “Sir”.  It was the lady behind the glass.  It was Velma.

Quick side note:  In the ghetto where I was pumping gas the gas station attendant sits behind bullet proof glass so he/she doesn’t get mugged.  Then if you choose to buy candy/drink/or pay for your gas with cash, it all has to go through this security drawer.  It makes you feel like you’re in jail, or at least near people who should be.

Anyways, Velma called me over to her.  The other lady in line quickly stepped aside so Velma could speak with me.  

“I accidently put $20.00 on pump 3—the one your at—instead of pump 4. So I’m going to need to ring you up for $20.00 here.” said Velma.

“Oh ok” Said I as I slid her my card through the drawer.

The woman behind me then began to interrogate me.  She challenged my morals and intelligence.  She wasn’t rude about it, and I didn’t feel offended at all while she did it. She thought that I had known that I was using someone else’s money to fill up, and that I was trying to get away with a free fill up.  What she hadn’t realized was that although the money was put on my pump, I didn’t know it, and I still swiped my card before I selected my fuel grade or began pumping.  I thought I was paying by credit, but my transaction never occurred because the cash transaction was already in place.

Velma worked it all out in the end.

Andrew Nemeth