The Great Heist of 1985

Jessica and Kara knew that being accepted by the 8th grade “cool” girls before the start of Junior High would be their ticket to popularity. To prove themselves, they endured a summer full of dares. Finally, their last dare had been set; steal as much candy as possible from Fitzgerald’s Pharmacy without getting caught.

As they approached the glass jars full of candy near the front of the store, both girls were nervous. Mr. Fitzgerald was old; he wouldn’t be paying attention to the two innocent-looking 12-year-old girls.

Kara quickly grabbed what she could and ran first, while Jessica continued to stuff her bag with Swedish fish, everlasting gobstoppers, atomic fireballs, tootsie rolls, and that colorfully wrapped bubble gum that tasted almost as bad as it hurt to chew. As soon as she turned to run, Jessica felt the heavy hand on her shoulder.

Years later, Jessica and Kara still laugh about the Great Candy Heist of ’85. Spending those last two weeks of summer grounded over maybe a $1.00 worth of penny candy, and not getting into that “cool” girl’s club; the heist hadn’t been worth it. But, oh, those were the good old days!