Donna and Sarah were typical teenagers and loved to shop, or just hang out at the mall. Today had been no different. They had shopped a little, bought next to nothing and were walking home afterwards. Donna finally said, “I think it is safe now. Here’s the magazine you wanted.” She took an issue of Seventeen out from under her shirt and handed it to Sarah. She was stunned.
“When did you buy this?”
“I didn’t. I just took it.”
“What?”
“I said I just took it.”
“You stole it?”
“I guess so, it was fun.”
“Are you crazy? You could get in big trouble for this.”
“Whose gonna know? You and I only, and I’m not telling, are you?”
“No, I guess not. But I don’t like this.”
“What is not to like, it’s a rush.”
“It is ILLEGAL! Did you forget my dad was a cop? He’ll know the instant he sees me.”
“So, I will take it home.”
“I can’t believe you did this.”
“It is no big deal.”
“To me it is, I just can’t believe you did that right there at the mall.”
“Lighten up.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t. I think we should skip the sleepover tonight. I have to think about this.”
“What a nerd!” Donna took the magazine out of Sarah’s hand and said, “Adios!” She turned down the block and walked out of sight leaving Sarah with a stunned look still on her face.
**
Did you ever take something from a store? I was shocked when my friend took a small keychain in maybe 6th grade. Mortified was more like it. I know for some it is no big deal, but like Sarah I had a dad who was a detective and no poker face whatsoever. My friend and I were never as close after that. What do you think – is it no big deal or flat out wrong?
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – issue
Leigha Robbins 
I nearly got caught trying to steal a madonna album
Do you still have it?
Oh no i was just about to pop.it in a bag when the security came over…
Caught in the act, or scared before hand?
As he stood next to me i was able to tip the bag so it fell out
Did you ditch it then?
Yeah just in time…scared the life out of me
The shame
I’ve never stolen anything from a store, and I don’t know anyone who has done so (as far as I know). I have a very close cousin who told me, out of guilt like three years later, that she had lied and told my sixth grade teacher — who I adored — that one of the two gifts I gave her (the teacher) at a baby shower was really from her (the cousin). I was really surprised and sad and disappointed. These were things (little curios) I had made from clay and painted. But I forgave her; her attitude was right.
That is a type of “stealing” but not against the law.
I did a bit of shoplifting as a kid. I only got caught once, but that was enough to break me of it.
Once would be all it would take… any charges or just a talking to by security?
Taking to security and having my parents called to come get me.
Sometimes parents knowing is worse than security. Glad there were no charges.