American Greed

I hate moments like this.
When the doubting, mistrusting side of me is proved right.

Kyle and I were just sitting at a table at Grand Valley when this guy comes up to us in a panic, asking for gas money to get to Muskegon.
"I swear I'll pay you back. My Uncle is the Mayor... (Or some bull)"

I didn't want to give him the money, but my nice boyfriend did, so he gave him five.
I suddenly remembered the few dollars I had in my pocket and gave him five too, even though my stomach sank a little when I did.

After I watched him with an evil eye for a bit, Kyle lectured me.
"Give it up. You care too much about your money."

(Its probably true. I don't mind giving when I know that its really used for a good cause. I don't trust people. And today it was especially hard, considering the fact that essentially I am in debt again due to my car's episode.)

But then, oh but then.

They guy orders a Starbucks drink and heads for the door.
I wanted to get up, but my heart was pounding so hard I almost couldn't.
Kyle decided to go after him, asking him about the coffee.

He said "A guy bought it for me, I swear," and walked off.

A few minutes later, the security guard goes out the door, looking for someone.

"Are you looking for anyone?" I asked.

"Yeah, some guy has been panhandeling around here lately, and I saw him go this way."

I was so mad.
Kyle went out the door in a fit, and I tried to follow but he wouldn't let me. After ten minutes or so he came back with nothing.

Then, when Kyle went to class and told a friend about it, the friend said he knew someone else that happened to. Same story.

I just wish I weren't right about people.
It makes my heart hard.