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Geek Girl, Interrupted..Kinda’...Not Really.

A few days ago, I was wandering in a local bookstore when I decided to stop and look through some graphic novels. The graphic novel section wasn't huge at this bookstore, and three men were already standing in front of the shelves reading their chosen publications. Their ages looked to be approximately 20, 25, and 30. I wasn't about to let some comic book dudes B-block* me and keep me from viewing the illustrated adventures of my favorite costumed crusaders. Politely I said, "excuse me" and tried to get close enough to reach the shelf. Not a one of them moved aside, although the oldest did glance briefly away from the pages he was flipping through before deciding to ignore me. (Likely assuming I was looking for the Manga section).

Not one to be so easily blocked from the geeky goodness before me, I again said "excuse me," but a bit louder. Still, nothing. Nothing annoys me more than being flat-out ignored. I gave up on manners and did what I had to do. I shouldered my way between them, Diana Price style, and proceeded to scan for and grab a selection of my favorites from the shelves: something featuring the Dark Knight, Supes, JLA, and I honestly don't even remember what else.

This garnered a much preferred (and infinitely more amusing) response: the youngest of the three took his graphic novel and all but ran around the corner, quickly looking back over his shoulder as he went. (I later found him to be still standing around the corner, graphic novels in his sweaty hand, as though afraid to go back to the section until I had left.) The 25-year-old looking male looked up with big eyes, took in my selection, muttered a stuttered apology, backed up several steps, and buried his nose in his novel again. The oldest of the three looked at me, moved aside a few inches, gave me a nod, and went back to casually reading about his hero of choice. In one deft move, I had managed to get the whole gamut of reactions: fear, awe, and respect.

It’s the moment every Geek Girl laughs about... At least they didn't leer at my D20s...

*That would stand for Brodie-Block. Yes, it is new and yes it is now an official term!