"You Ate My Pizza?!"

Awhile ago, when I was a single mom, raising two kids, working 2 1/2 jobs, I had an unfortunate evening at Straw Hat Pizza.

I believe it was sometime in November, during the Christmas rush when I was working my part time at Gottschalks Department store.  I believe it was Friday, because I was feeling particulary tierd.  I had been working a 12 hour day--8 hours at my regular county job, and four hours at the department store..  To put the icing on the cake, it was November during the pre-Christmas rush.  I had just called home during my break.  My parents were at home for the kids, but were going to leave soon with my son, and my niece who was older than my daughter was there to spend the night.  I quickly put in a call at the pizza place down the street--I had not eaten since 3, and according to my mother, "nao tem comida em casa.."  (no food at home).  I really didn't want to go to the grocery store.   

"Can I still order a pizza to be picked up at 9pm?" 

"Sure, no problem!"

"Great!"

After closing my cash register, and waiting for the evil manager to let us out of the store, I raced to my car.  It was 9:01 pm.  Damn, I thought...  It's so late!  I got to get to the pizza place before it closes.  The kids---they are alone--I have to hurry!  My stomach was grumbling..  I hadn't eaten since 2pm.  So I make my way racing down the street to the corner Straw Hat. 

I enter the place.  There are still a few customers chomping away on their pizza and guzzling down their pitchers of beer while watching some thing on the big screen.  I get to the register to find two young gentlemen standing above a large box, which I presume is my pizza. 

"Can I help you miss?"

"Yes, you can.  I'm here to pick up my pizza."

SILENCE

"Your pizza ma'am?"

"Yes, my pizza, I ordered it to be picked up."

At this time the two gentlemen are very quiet.  One is looking at the other, and the chunky one is looking at his shoes.  This is making me a tad nervous.

"Is there a problem with my pizza?"  I ask, jokingly.

"Uh, yes ma'am, there is.  Um, we didn't think you were going to show, so we had a few slices."

I was utterly speechless. 

"YOU ATE MY PIZZA?!"  I exclaimed.  I admit, the fatigue may have made my voice go up a few octives than usual. 

The two stood there motionless.  I looked at the chunky one, and swore I saw some tomato sauce on his lip.  The other one took the box and opened it in front of me slowly, as if he was expecting me to pounce on it. 

"Um, it's not completely eaten.  We only took a few slices." 

"YOU ATE MY PIZZA?!"  I was in complete shock at this point.  Suddenly there was utter silence.  It was if I cleared the entire joint.  I looked at the two young workers, and could almost swear I could smell the pepperoni still lingering on their lips. 

I could say no more.  I left, stomping my pumps out of the Straw Hat, and went up to the Burger King drive through, and headed for home.