Jasmine’s Sticky Fingers

12 year old Jasmine Baker is walking merrily on her way to the local convenient store called Sandy’s Pantry while carrying a small backpack on her back. This is dangerous, but it’s kinda fun, Jasmine thought to herself. We’re low on food at home and mama’s worried sick. Just another day in the projects if you ask me, but we still gotta eat. A police car sits just outside of the store front. Jasmine pays it no mind as she enters the store with a big smile on her face. Inside the store the cashier is at the register talking to one of the police officers with a friendly customer, paying Jasmine no mind as she skips right past them unnoticed.

Jasmine quietly walked to the back of the store and found herself on the isle with the canned foods. She stopped right in front of a group of canned Spaghetti O’s. When she had her mind made up that this was what she wanted she quickly looked up at the register to make sure the adults were unaware of her actions. In the midst of the adult’s conversation Jasmine quickly picked up 2 cans of Spaghetti O’s and put them in her backpack, seemingly undetected. Jasmine then started quickly walking towards the entrance where she came in. She had a gleeful expression on her face and feeling of giddiness as if she had just won a million dollar prize. Before she could put her hand on the door she was stopped by a hand that was placed on her left shoulder.

At the feel of the hand on her shoulder Jasmine was frozen with timidity. Her heart sank into her stomach and all she could think to herself was trouble. Uh oh, Jasmine thought. She slowly looked up and saw the face of a female police officer who was looking down at her with a smile. Hi, Jasmine started nervously. Who are you? She asked the female officer. Well I’m Kindal, the officer responded. Officer Kindal Smith. Hi, officer Smith, Jasmine responded. Officer Kindal lowered her hand from Jasmine’s shoulder. I’ve seen you around here before, Kindal began. Oh yeah? Jasmine rebutted. Absolutely, Kindal responded. Last week I saw you take a cup of noodles off the isle and slip it into your bag and the week before that I saw you steal a bag of chips, I guess you were working your way up to the big foods, Kindal continued humorously.

Jasmine then laughed with a mixture of nervousness and amusement in the pit of her stomach. Wait a minute! Jasmine started. So you knew that I was coming in here and getting the five finger discount for weeks? Yep, Kindal replied with a giggle. Well, how come you never arrested me? Jasmine asked. Because every time I saw you take something I just went to the register and paid the cashier for whatever you stole, Kindal answered. So, what? Are you gonna arrest me now? Jasmine asked. Well, I wasn’t planning on it, but I might change my mind, Kindal said jokingly. Walk with me outside sweetie.

As Kindal and Jasmine walked outside they made their way towards Kindal’s squad car. Jasmine’s heart was racing as her mind spun with thoughts that she might be headed to jail. When the made it to the car Kindal picked Jasmine up by the waist and sat her on the trunk of the car while she stood across from her. This move slightly calmed Jasmine down. Jasmine do you not have enough to eat at home? Kindal asked softly. Yes, Jasmine responded, but how did you know, officer Smith?

Well Jasmine, I know your mother from around the way. She’s a very hard working woman and me and her have become good friends lately. This revelation calmed Jasmine completely. In this moment she knew she was no longer in trouble. My mom has been working two jobs, but it’s just been really hard lately, Jasmine added. Well I told your mother I would keep an eye on you. Whenever you need help you can come to me, Jasmine, Kindal added with certainty.

I understand that you were doing what you felt you had to do, but had you been caught by the right officer you would’ve been ram into juvenile court. It’s never okay to steal, honey. Kindal’s words struck a chord with Jasmine. I guess I never thought that far ahead, Jasmine replied. I just didn’t know what else to do once our home got low on food.

Kindal suddenly had a thought. Ya know, Jasmine. I’m involved with a church group that is dedicated to helping feed families in need. Maybe you could come with me and we could tell them about your situation together and they can probably help out until your mama gets back on her feet. Jasmine gave Kindal a big smile. You would do that for me? Jasmine asked. Of course, Kindal responded. It’s better than having sticky fingers. Jasmine and Kindal laughed together as they both got into Kindal’s squad car.

You know everything’s gonna be ok right? Kindal asked. I think so, officer Kindal, Jasmine replied. Maybe one day when I grow up I’ll be a cool cop like you. I believe you will, Kindal replied as they drove off into the sunset together.