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 