Slapped by a Homeless Woman, but helped her anyway.

It's frustrating taking a walk, especially at a shopping center these days. I just got out of the office and was entering the side platform of the shopping center on the corner, the store's vacant window was covered with cardboard , but as I was walking around the front entrance I ended up colliding with this homeless woman. She was looking down and holding a cup in her hand and as she walked into me and she dropped her cup. As I politely smiled.....excuse me , I'm sorry. I don't know if she took it to well, but she placed her hand flat on my chest, and told me I need to buy her a new drink, because I ran into her even though she walked into me. I went looking into my purse to see if I had a few spare bucks, but I usually use cards and unfortunately I didn't have any change or enough to give her as I wanted avoid any conflict. She strangely felt my shirt pocket and then sticks her fingers into it thinking I might have have some spare change but obviously none.

I explained that I didn't see her coming and her cup looked pretty much empty with a few ice cubes, but still told her sorry, and then she got offensive and started poking me in the chest, under my collar. She started not to make sense on why or what happened. But I still wanted to see what I can do to help her. But as I tried to walk past her, she would only block me every time again placing her hand flat up against my chest. I sure didn't want this to escalate. I am very supportive of the homeless, especially homeless women. I do know what they can go through. Last thing I wanted to do is make her life worse.

This is not a busy shopping center as far as people around, even though I glanced around to see if there's any police or security. I managed to pass around her but she followed and was walking behind me. I had my back to her as I felt her tapping and shoving along with a few open hand slaps on my back and shoulder as I continued to walk away and ignored her. She kept repeating that I owed her and started singing to buy her a drink.And as I was getting closer to T-Mobile..... I felt her grab my shoulder and as I turned around, she slapped me across my face. I was stunned and told her what do you want? I kept my my arms down to my side the whole time keeping my cool, but she was relentless in my face and was poking me with her finger and told me she was going to sue me and talking other nonsense.

I am not a violent person but wasn't scared of her, just annoyed. She wasn't dangerous ass far as I can see..... She was a frail black woman with a very short afro, wearing an old brown sweat shirt and red sweat pants. I'm a 5'6 petite mid 20's blonde, and who knows if I was her favorite target. It happens just being in the wrong time wrong place. As I got out my cell phone, and told her if she slaps me again, I'm going to have to call the police. As I went to turn around , she clanged on the back of my collar and shoulder and was showing me to the McDonald's across the parking lot. Actually I should've thought of this myself, but it's not easy when your a little nervously tensed up, but I let her escort me over there where I can use my card and get her what she needs as well as getting her to leave me alone.

So I stopped arguing with her which I should'nt have argued with her in the first place, told her this was a good idea. I tried to keep this situation very low key so there's no shouting or anything that might bring attention to other strangers with their cameras and so forth to avoid the possible embarrassment. Just keeping things low key.

I opened the door for us....as we went to the counter and asked her to order her drink as well anything else ....and she said to the clerk as she put her finger into my chest...and said this bitch made me drop my drink. I smiled in embarrassment and told the clerk get her what she wants. She ordered her drink and burger and fries, and we went by the coke machines and waited for about 7 minutes even though it seemed longer. She grasped tightly on to my shoulder and I told her I'm not going anywhere but she was fixing her sandal that looked like it was ready to fall apart. I told her if she can be nicer as I am to her and calm down, we can go up to Goodwill across the street, and get her some better shoes.

Instead of being tensed and embarrassed....I decided to be more willing to help her then get psst off and maybe make her day. I realized she had some mental issues as she was muttering, but the minute you start speaking to her, she responds normally while we were waiting for the order. She seemed angry, confused, and frustrated and I can tell how the world could be treating her, but I was going to set her an example. Most people would probably think I should've disposed her as quick as possible, but I have been approached by homeless women before from anything from a cigarette, spare change to a ride, even though I don't smoke, but I given them rides where they need to go. They tell me how they got where they are today...it's nothing but sad and ugly, so I'm not the type to be mean back to them. I consider them human beings as well and should be treated like you and me...even in this situation.

When they called out her order...she got her food, as she jostled me out of the way and was headed for the door and she had her food and drink. her both hands were full, as I opened the door for her, and if she needed a ride , I was willing to take her. I never got a thanks, a hug, or a pat on the back like the other homeless women I have helped or did favors for... she just tailed off into the sunset, but that's okay. I already forgave her and did something nice for someone whether she appreciated or not.

I'm sure I'll get haters and mean comments...but I would like to hear from the people who might have been in the same similar mess like me and what would you do if you were in my situation?