Checkers. She wanted Checkers for lunch. Or in some places they call it Rally’s. But what she wanted was definitely those spicy french fries slathered in warm, saucy cheese and bacon. But it’s July. I mean, man, it’s hot outside. The last thing I wanted to do was park and get out of my air conditioned car. But she said, “Please,” so sweetly. It was the least I could do, right? No way. It was too hot, I tell you.
“I’ll help you in the drive thru,” Mollie signed to me as I weighed the options. I mean, sure, I could have gone through the drive thru and just told them at the window that I’m deaf and need to order face to face. But I’ve never been one to test waters. So, I took her up on her offer.
There I was, face-to-face with the speaker and depending solely on my 14-year-old to let me know when to speak.
“I need an order of french fries with cheese and bacon added, please.” I spoke into the speaker as best I could, but apparently they couldn’t hear me or understand me (one of the two). I repeated. Mollie said they still didn’t get it. I raised my voice, “I’m deaf and I’m going to pull around to window and order there.” Don’t know if they understood me that time, but it didn’t matter, because I was taking the initiative.
Pulling up to the window, the girl inside looked extremely confused. When she opened the window, using the same decibel level I just got done using at the speaker, I shouted, “French fries!!! I need french fries!!”
The girl stared at me, looking totally flabbergasted. She then left to take care of my order.
Mollie gently placed her hand on my leg. “Mom? Do you realize that you just screamed at the top of your lungs at that girl?” So that’s why she looked so shaken. I’d just blasted both of her eardrums out. But we got our fries. Yes, indeedy. Sure, the girl will be deafened for a good two hours, but I had to do it. I needed those fries. Offering her the name of a good ENT, I paid the girl.
“Sorry if I screamed at you,” I sheepishly said.
This was halrious! I done this before too!! AFter a couple times I said screw it I'm coming up to the window! Luckily being in a small town, they start to quickly gather there are a few deaf people in this town. Well three to be excat. Me, a child that's 10 and another deaf adult that I have yet to meet. My roomie sees her at work shopping, so I never get the chance to snag a number or whatever, but yes they quickly learn, "Deaf coming to window" pull up, "Burger, fries and large frapp pls!" LOL
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