Paper Hearts | ✓ | [ e d i t i n g ]

Chapter Twelve - Shoplift

" what should we take?" Corra asked.

We sat and pondered, Corra driving the Beater, myself and Theo sprawled in the back. I had my knees propped up against the driver seat; Theo had his legs outstretched, and crossed at the ankle, on the passenger seat. 

She snapped, " condoms!"

" ew." I said instantly, while Theo drew his brows together.

She rolled her eyes, " I was just thinking of some classics. don't judge."

I bit my bottom lip, thinking about all the various items in the little New Brooks convienant store we could steal. Theo looked between us, " Spray paint."

" what?" Both of us girls said, looking at him. Corra twisted so heavily in her seat I thought she might snap.

" For another one of the things on the list. It's a win win." He replied, as if it were completely obvious.

If I was being honest, it was completely obvious. I just tended to lose my train of thought at all the wrong moments. Corra nodded, " yeah, let's do that."

I nodded, " alright. one can each. What colors?"

" White, blue.... and hot pink." Corra decided, with a nod.

" alright, I'll bite." Theo sighed, " why hot pink?"

An easy smile pulled at her lips, " Because it'll stand out."

" and white won't?" He relayed, his tone deadpanning.

She rolled her eyes and got out of the Beater. It was parked parallel, so we could evacuate the situation as fast as possible. 

Only three days earlier we were running away from Mr. Draper's door. Now we were stealing. Quite an upgrade, if I do say so myself.

Theo had his jacket, which I knew by some magical power he could hide a can in. I had my large sweatshirt, perfect for nearly anything soft. But the baggiest thing on Corra were her sweatpants, and you can't hide something circular and long without it giving off all the wrong vibes. 

We walked in, casually. Theo was instantly the best at acting natural. I guessed that had something to do with him constantly acting alright. I shook my head; no depressing thoughts.

The spray cans were in the oddest of places: directly next to the potato chips. Corra took the hot pink, tossing it in her hand lightly before it seemlessly disappeared into the darker regions of her sweatpants. when I looked at Theo, he had already snuck a blue can somewhere. I had no idea.

That left me.

Little, awkward me, who could hardly walk a straight line sober. Picking up a white, I looked around for anyone watching or any cameras. The place was clear of both. New Brooks wasn't quite keen on keeping up with the security. 

Slipping the can under my sweatshirt, I tucked it, loosely, into the waist band of my jeans, where it would be secure enough if I had to show my hands. Then we grabbed a pack of gum to make the whole situation look a lot less shady. 

The man behind the front desk gurgled when he came around, looking at us with disgust rather than envy. I looked at Theo, then at the man. If I were the employee, I would definity feel very self conscious with my image. He asked for our items; we handed him the gum. As he was scanning it, something moved in Corra's pant leg, and a spray paint can fell onto the floor.

The large man leaned over the desk and looked at it, before turning his head up to meet Corra's. His hot, stinky breath fanned across her face, and she visibly cringed. 

Theo dropped the money for the gum on the counter and took the pack, shoving it in his pocket, " Well, time to go."

Corra dropped and grabbed the can, before bursting through the doors, Theo and I hot on her heels. We all hopped into the car, Corra driving once again.

Theo offered to take my can of paint while she slammed on the gas petal. Taking in, and completely ignoring the large fat man squeezing through the store doors, he put it in the front of the car.

I leaned forward and tapped Corra's chair, " let's cross of two things tonight. Step on it."