Independence Shell

An old and dated Shell station that is so quiet and lifeless, I sometimes wondered in the past if they were still in business. But on the occasion I get stuck at that long light on Independence Blvd at Buckner, I’ll just dip in for a fill-​up. (Or more often than not, just to cut through the parking lot to Buckner and keep it moving! Shhh!)

Since I joined the Fuel Rewards program a couple of months ago, it’s been a parade of Shell, Shell, Shell stations. And most of the time, hitting up a Shell instead of someone else is no big amount of effort and the prices seem to line up pretty well with their competitors. Install the FRN app on your phone and compare before driving around, then pick one that’s on your way to somewhere you’re already headed. Maybe $ 50 I’ve saved?
Okay, anyway, this is a decent enough gas station though I seem to recall that it could use a bit of resurfacing. I didn’t head into the convenience store, sorry!

I stopped here tonight to get some cash out of the ATM and to purchase a Gatorade. At first I was a bit perturbed to see only regular Gatorade but then I finally found the G2. Thank goodness for that because regular Gatorade makes me queasy. After securing the necessary refreshment I then quietly moved to the ATM. The ATM seemed old and I had a bad feeling about it but I went ahead and began my transaction. The ATM asked me the typical things an ATM asks and everything seemed to be going fine but then my worst fear was confirmed when the ATM decided to «go rogue» and begun flashing an error message that indicated «ATM error — Please advise casher».
The soulless message on the ATM flashed again and again, seemingly gleefully taunting me. At this point there was no doubt that it seemed to have grown an attitude in the very short time we had begun interacting. I knew that I would no doubt be forced to drive to another ATM and I began to grow depressed. Fortunately I still had my card so I quietly retreated from the flashing error sign, hoping the ATM wouldn’t get more aggressive.
I was stunned, my mind was reeling. What had I done? My thoughts raced furiously for answers, yet found none. My only recourse was to do as the ATM had advised me and tell the cashier. Best not to take any chances. Defeated I begrudgingly walked forth and waited in line, utterly humiliated by this point. As I waited an agonizing amount of time, what seemed like hours but was no doubt mere minutes, my gaze spotted another ATM. What’s this? I thought. A second chance? Redemption? An ATM that might actually work? My heart leapt with joy. Things were most assuredly looking up.
By now the line had ended and I told the cashier my tale of woe. Spurned by the nefarious ATM my words poured forth faster and faster, recounting my awful experience. She sympathetically said she understood my perplexing dillemna. She seemed friendly and approachable. She really seemed to understand and commiserate. She told me some past stories of that particular ATM failing and I began to feel better. Perhaps it wasn’t anything I did I thought to myself. She seemed to indicate that the machine was old, this second ATM was new and she assured me that it would work. As she spoke, smiling and amicable, I began to grow relaxed. I thought hey, maybe things really will be ok… I paid her for my overpriced G2 blue and shuffled optimistically to the new ATM.
The new ATM was… well it was beautiful. It looked very high-​tech and was well lit, like a brand new fancy machine. It even had a small, blue light where the cash was dispensed, if that is, I was indeed so fortunate. With slightly trembling hands I input my ATM. card. The machine asked me the same questions as it’s same store brethren but it was quite obvious this younger ATM had a much more sunny disposition. I couldn’t put my finger on it but it just seemed… better. More cordial.
After answering all of its questions, to the best of my ability, I held my breath and waited. TRANSACTION PENDING it said. And we waited. I looked at the friendly cashier and, as our eyes locked, for just a moment I knew, we were in this thing together. And then, as if a great weight had been lifted from the air, the machine started spewing forth $ 20 bills. I could almost hear it saying «You are a good person, you deserve this money, take it from my secure, blue-​lit area underneath»
Alas, the Gods had smiled. I would not only have my Gatorade this evening but I would also be able to pay cash for my hotel, as recommended by fellow Unilocalers. The woman smiled and me and wished me a good evening. A good evening I will have indeed I thought as I walked triumphantly to my car… a good evening indeed.