Shell

4/13/14

As I approached the cashier stand, there was 1 teller with her back to me at the opposite register. The 2nd teller was stocking a cooler, saw that I was patiently waiting at the counter and finally came over to serve me. She was an African American woman, late 30's, 5'2" and heavey set. I was waiting with my ID in hand as I always do when I purchase cigarettes. She didn't ask if I needed help, so I asked in my usual manorism "Marlboro menthol 100's please". She grabbed the cigarettes and approached me, finally accepting my ID. She took a thorough look and attempted to hand it back to me. As I reached out to accept my license, she then pulled it back and took another look. Granted, I'm 36 years old and look 25, but Washington state law is 18 for cigarettes. I asked "seriously"?, she replied "mmm hmm". I then said "I appreciate it" as I assumed it was a gesture to my youth. She then gave my ID back and typed in the total. Then, she gave me a very blank stare and just stood their with defensive body language. I gave her a questionable facial expression to encourage her to tell me my total, but she rolled her eyes towards a display screen at the top of the register. I then asked her if she could speak as it is customary cashier service to always tell your guest their total price. She replied "nope" in a very cocky tone and the pointed with her finger to the display screen. I was completely astonished at her behavior and asked "are you serious"? Again, she replied with "mmm hmm". At that moment, I realized this shell had station doesn't want my money or future visit. I tossed the cigarettes back to her and said "all right then" and walked out the store. As I was leaving, she began to rant and slander me upon my exit, but I ignored her and casually left for a better store that ended up having a very nice man sell me cigarettes down the street. I can't help but wonder to myself, had it not been a Sunday afternoon in my pajamas and hoodie sweater, but just an average Monday through Friday when I wear a full business suit, would I have been treated the same way? We will never know, because I will never again enter that Shell Gas Station on 116th street and State Ave in Marysville Wa.

Chris F.