So I'm out doing some shopping at the supermarket and as I'm walking to the checkout, I see my SO and his wife (in full FS attire) talking to someone just past the checkout registers. I am looking for the FURTHEST checkout at this point making sure not to be noticed by the SO or his wife. Well, just my freakin luck, there is only ONE checkout open. So as I prepare for the inevitable mentally, I make sure that my posture and body language is one of confidence and positive.
As I get to the checkout, the SO and his wife walk off not seeing me.... WHEW! Right? WRONG@! The people they were talking to was ANOTHER elder and his wife that are right in front of me that I completely did NOT see! I'm starting to get anxious now. Well, they turn to their groceries and didn't look at me and I made sure to look at those wrigley's spearment gum packages to thwart my gaze in the opposite direction... they start to walk off... coast is clear....
WRONG AGAIN! There was a third elder (CoBE) from another congregation that I used to be in, that was coming in from my blind side towards the couple that was just in front of me. Yes, you guessed it, he saw me. That in turn caught the attention of the other couple and now I was receiving an airstrike of love bombing. They started to tell me, right there at the checkout with people in line behind me, how much they missed me and where have I been etc. I brush it off and tell them I have been travelling a lot with work. Well, that works for the one elder and his wife and they leave with smiles and handshakes.
As for my old CoBE.... this guy is the coordinator for our area of 4 congregations and he is the type of guy that is nosy. I mean stick his nose so far up your ass nosy...
Well, he started in with the ice-breaker comments of nice to see you etc, that lead straight into how are you spiritually. I mean really, 45 seconds tops to get into it. I told him straight that I am fine, doing well, doing my bible reading (my way of course without WTS pubs) but that I have not been active for some time. Well, he said that I should try to do as much as I can wherever I travel to blah blah blah. Same shit, different day.
ANYWAY... I think I averted a disaster. I lucked out that my SO didn't catch me, that would have lead to him asking to meet with me. But nonetheless, I am on the radar again and I am anticipating a phone call this week.
Honestly guys, I don't know how much more I can do the avoidance dance. I know half of you will say to just leave, what am I waiting for etc. and the other half will be your usual supportive selves. But really, this is tough, and I know staying "in" just for family, family that I hardly talk to in the first place, is the wrong reason. The problem is, now I'm a little more confrontational with family still in and I think they are starting to get thoughts that I may not be "in-line" with organizational thinking. Eh... whatever, I'm ready for whatever comes. I honestly hope I get found out soon and it forces my hand to leave officially.
Thanks for the listening ear... had to vent after that run-in.