[CaptainRich]

I met this person, as a friend, through an acquaintance. She had been married for a couple of years and I had been her mechanic for quite a while. She had just had a baby and when I told her that the tires on her truck needed replacement, she freaked. She said she tried to fit this news into her budget... even called her family. Nobody was in a position to do anything. So she turned to me. She asked if I would put the tires on my credit card, she would pay the card when it came due. I can hear you all now: WHAT A DUMBA$$.. I felt she meant what she said and she'd always touted her Christian beliefs... I had known her for years... I don't know why... I made her shop for the tires and when she found the best deal, I went with her, in my pickup, got the tires on my card, and brought them back to my work, where I put them on for her , no charge. Honestly, I couldn't see her driving around with a newborn on bald tires... the tires were really bad! Ok, so far... Two weeks later, she traded out of that SUV into a newer car (great trade value- new tires). Several weeks pasted before she happened by, saying she felt guilty for not being totally open, and gave me fifty buck towards the card. Days later, less than a week, she called my cell, telling me her husband was taking a better job in another state, Tennessee, and would stay in touch. As you can imagine, she didn't. She didn't stay in touch... when I tried to call her cell ( I suspect she reset the ringer so she'd know it was me ) NO ANSWER. Eventually, I gave up. My credit wasn't giong down because of her. I paid the card off along time ago and left her cell a few less than kindly messages.

So, now, almost three years later, from out of nowhere, she wrote to me ( she held onto my address ), included a $100.00 check and was totally apologetic. They had moved to S.C. and she wanted to make amends. I held her letter and check for days (my wife called me an idiot, again) I didn't know what to do. Do I cash this and wait for more (no) do I contact her and tell her what she did to me and my trust for fellow man (no). Two days after the check arrived, she called my cell ( she hadn't lost that, either ) and left a message she wanted to get in touch and, again, that she was sorry. I didn't know what to do... What should I do What would you do... What should I think/do... This has never happened to me...

[tickle]

Cash the cheque and keep in touch with her.

[Bluerose]

Cash the cheque and forget her. She feels guilty and so she should. She is simply trying to ease her conscience because she is afraid of going to Hell.

[phoenix1664]

I agree with cashing the cheque and you should keep in touch with her it might have been jenuin and she might have not been able for many reasons.

[shygrneyzs]

I agree with the others - cash the check and hope it does not bounce.

[talaniman]

Cash the check first, and if it doesn't bounce keep in touch so you can get the rest. Small claims is an option, and that check is evidence.

[CaptainRich]

Thank you, all. I've cashed the check. My credit union said it was small enough they would wave the wait. I cashed it and then depsited the cash. I may call her later this week, give her time to see the check clear her bank, maybe she'll call me again. I just don't know if I want to try to be friends again. I know she couldn't pay me all the money at one time. I knew that then and I have no reason to believe she could pay it all now or she probably would have. Her husband works as a draftsman or something like that. They are trying to raise a baby... that ain't cheap. I'd asked her when she lived here just twenty bucks here, maybe fifty there... but she didn't live up to that arrangement. And after they moved, she wouldn't take or return any of my calls (she kept the same cell number for awhile ) I guess I'd be able to accept small installments now but if I don't contact her I may never see another cent. I'm not by any stretch desperate for the money, it's the principle of her being dis-honest. Telling me how she loves God and all...

[shygrneyzs]

I agree - it is the principle and using Christianity as a some sort of shield or cover or whatever. You are a very nice guy to be so trusting and she counted on that too. I really hope you get all your money. It is still money out of your pocket that would have went to your family. Good luck with this.

[startover22]

Hey, I need some new tires too... Just kidding I am glad it worked out. I say, sometimes shame can keep someone from keeping their promise. You helped her, she FINALLY returned the favor. I give her credit for coming back and making it right again, even though that was embarrassing for her. Give her a break. Ask how the baby is and accept small payments from her. Good luck..