In that moment, she was the center of a chaotic drama, and she reveled in it―fully aware of the spectacle she was creating. It was a scene straight out of a soap opera, one that wasn't fooling anyone who could see through her act.
Customer #1: Gurl, Karen over here pretending to be hurt! She is crazy!
Customer #2: Karen has fallen and she can't get her ass up!
The other customers all mocked and laughed loudly at the jokes about Beth. Some of the customers had live videos and were posting them to their social media pages. The local news people even came to the store in hopes of a story, and one of the spectators shared their video with them. And it was going live on the news station, but unbeknownst to Beth at that time.
Customer #3: Karen, you better get up before you get in trouble! The police are on the way!
Beth: You go to hell! I'm suing this damn store!
Beth finally rolled over to get up off the floor. The security guard tried to assist her, and she swung at him and cussed him out, demanding that he leave her alone. He stepped back, raising his hands in the air to avoid any more conflict.
The police were called due to Beth's behavior and causing a ruckus in the store. She immediately rolled the shopping cart out of the store, filled with the other merchandise she had purchased. The security guard followed a distance behind her to get a description of her vehicle. Beth had just put her bags in the car when the police suddenly pulled up behind her―blocking her from leaving the parking lot.
Policeman #1: Ma'am, we need you to come with us, please.
Beth: Why? What is this about, officer?
Policeman #1: Ma'am, you are under arrest for the damage and theft you did at a convenience store and for trying to steal merchandise from this store.
Beth: No, Sir. I was not trying to steal the item. The manager and those security guys pushed me to the floor and made me hurt my back! I want to file charges against them for discrimination against me!
Policeman #2: Ma'am, is there anyone you want to call to pick up your vehicle or you can lock it up and leave it here?
Beth: Wait! I can't get arrested, officer. I have to pick up my kids from school! Please, I didn't do anything wrong; these people were being mean and rude to me!
Policeman #1: Ma'am, use your phone to call someone right now―but you have to come with us; we are taking you into custody.
Beth's tears flowed freely as she dialed her mom's number, her voice shaky as she explained the shocking news.
Beth: Mom, I'm getting arrested! Please, will you pick up the kids from school? Call my workplace and let them know I won't be coming to work on Thursday or Friday.
Beth was scheduled to return to work because her suspension had ended, but due to her current situation, she will not be able to return to work as scheduled.
Mom: Yes, honey. I will pick up the kids and call their dad to let him know what happened.
Beth's mom understood her daughter all too well; after all, it wasn't the first time Beth's fiery temper and sense of entitlement had sent her into a tailspin. It was a familiar pattern, and her mom could see the storm brewing before it even hit, but this time, there were repercussions for her actions, and this time, there was no reprieve.