Stupid Me and A Good Samaritan

Snow is pouring this morning and I was in a hurry to work. It's almost 9 o'clock and I'm trying to beat the Early Bird rate on my usual parking lot, which would save me a good two dollars which I could then use to buy a much needed hot coffee. 8:57 on my car clock when I reached the entrance to the parking lot, but I know it's a minute or two late. I usually park my car first then purchase a ticket from the vending machine, but looking behind me and seeing no one on my tail, I decided to stop in the entrance, get off and buy my ticket. Thinking it would only take me less than 30 seconds, I didn't stop the engine, didn't removed the key, and by force of habit, pressed the car lock on my way out. Guess what! I don't have my spare key with me! I left it on top of the fridge! Dang! I panicked, because my car is blocking the entrance (there are two entrances, by the way), and calling AMA (membership car service) for help could take a while. I decided I'd just pick-up my spare at home, so I was thinking I need to get a cab. But I don't have my phone with me, either! And I don't have any change in my pocket! I asked one lady on the ticket dispenser if I could borrow her phone. She declined with a reasoning that she pays 35c/minute. I didn't argue, maybe she's on a hurry too, and besides she's kind enough to give me two quarters so I could use the public phone on the school building across the street.

While all of this is happening, the idea of having my car towed while I'm gone is running on my mind. Some driver might get pissed off with my car blocking his way and call the tow service. It might take 15 minutes for the cab to arrive as it's still rush hour, and with the travel time, it might take me thirty minutes at the minimum to get inside my car again. Heck, I would approach a private car and ask for a ride home, but then I would still have to get a cab to take me back. Then I saw this lady across the street just getting to her car, so I waived and shouted "Excuse Me!". She turned her head, and my oh my, is she a filipina? So I asked "Are you a filipino?", and she responded with a yes, and a smile. I am already starting to feel a little lucky. Without hesitation, I explained what happened and asked for a favor to give me a ride, emphasizing that my home is just a 5-minute drive north, without a couple of "pasensya"(sorry) thrown in between sentences. She's so kind she didn't had a second-thought and invited me in. On our way to my place, I asked her where she's going and she said she's actually headed south, to the university. Now, am I glad she's so kind? Knowing she's taking 109th street to university, and my car was left at 108th street, I took the the opportunity to asked her another favor of waiting for me, and dropping me somewhere close on her way to the university. To cut the story short, she dropped me back in the parking lot, and after saying multiple thank-you's, and everything, I managed to purchase my ticket and park my car. Of course, the early bird rate is already gone, and I lost a good 20 minutes and is too late for work, but should I be complaining? I guess not, for I met two nice people today, and the other one went out of her way to help me all the way. To you Neth, my sincerest gratitude, I hope we get to meet again.

And of course, I learned my lesson again, to have that very important spare key with me all the time.