005

A billed cap and all-black attire down to the shoes was her attire for today in the hardware store.

Her eyes glanced sideways for anyone watching her, cautious and alert.

She caught the eye of an old lady and pretended to busy herself with testing out various pens by doodling on the papers provided.

When she was sure the coast was absolutely clear, she took a pen on a whim and walked briskly in the direction of her desired destination: the shoe shiners, stuffing one in her coat pocket and slipping away just as quick.

It was always risky to rob a mall, especially with alarms in each store and more alarms on every item. But through the years she'd learned to locate the alarms and even remove them while not damaging the item.

In a secluded corner, she did just that and slipped everything in a plastic bag she snagged from one of the check-out counters to look like she bought them.

She walked away from the store looking casual, and in no time reached the exit of the mall, giddiness and excitement filling her.

She was almost out the mall.

But she celebrated too soon for as she stepped out, loud and deafening alarms sounded all throughout the entire building, and the two guards posted near the entrance sharply turned to her, readying to give chase.

Not again.

Georgina bolted through the glass doors and dashed speedily, dodging people and clutching her stolen items close, eyes adjusting to the darkness of the night.

She heard them catch up, and racked her brains for another escape.

Familiar forest green eyes captured her own muddy pools, recognizing the person walking the opposite direction.

Her stomach fluttered uncomfortably at what she was about to do but figured it was necessary to ensure safety from the police. For now.

After a few more steps, she's behind him, one arm curled around his neck, holding a rusty blade to it and silently praying it wouldn't leave a scratch on him.

He squeaked in surprise, both hands clutching at the arm around his neck, and she knows his expression displayed his fear and shock in the situation. His body was also bent backwards at an awkward angle due to the height difference, which irked Georgina for a moment.

This proved enough to make the two guards halt, palms out in a placating gesture, but Georgina knew they were surrendering to maintain the safety of the civilian.

"One more step and you're in charge of cleaning up the body."

She's bluffing, but they didn't know that.

The two officers shared an uncertain glance which was enough for Georgina to let go of the man's neck and escape, footsteps fading with each thudding step of her shoes.

A groan escaped her mouth as she flopped stomach-first on her bed, regret bubbling in her gut at how she used threat and force to escape from the officers.

Disgusting. That's what she was. A low excuse for a human being.

Morning came too quickly and Georgina woke albeit unwillingly to start a new day.

Should she make another steal today despite being so close to capture?

The whole area will be on the lookout for her now that she's revealed herself.

The Bengal cat brushed its body against her legs, cutting Georgina's train of thought.

She glanced down at Oscar's big eyes, an affectionate smile curling up her lips.

"Needy for attention huh?" she teased before scooping him up into her arms and petting the fur.

She found the cat six months ago in a box on the street, homeless and alone and in need of love. Their eyes met and Georgina didn't hesitate to pick him up and take it upon herself to care for him. He was a sweet little fellow, always showing affection and knowing when to stay away. He was perceptive like that, and Georgina liked he was smart.

"Who's a good kitty?" she cooed, playing with his soft paws. "Yes, you are Oscar. Yes you are."

A laugh bubbled out her throat at her cat's silly antics, and she placed him down to shove her glasses up her nose.

"Maybe I'll steal a candy later," she mused, looking out the window to see the sun slowly rising.

All dressed and pampered as much as she can, Georgina took to the streets and made sure to keep a low profile by walking where there were less people to avoid recognition and possible capture.

A black backpack on the back of a person seized her attention, looking longer to see some gold squares on the side to accentuate the classic look and design.

Georgina's fingers itched with the urge to rip it from his body, and she followed stealthily along, pausing so as not to look suspicious and making sure the bag was still in sight.

She hoped the guy would go somewhere less crowded to have her chance, and sure enough after about ten minutes he passed through a wide street that was full of houses and no other human in sight.

This was her chance.

Good thing she decided to wear sneakers today.

She sped up her pace into a run, hands at the ready and heart pumping blood.

The man was unsuspecting so it was easy to snatch the bag away from his person and continue running with the object, a shout of protest sounding from him.

She gave a quick peek back with triumphant smile in place and was caught off-guard to gaze into familiar green eyes and chestnut brown hair, angry expression painted on his face as he chased after her.

She hurried her pace, eyes darting left and right for any hiding spot.

The bag was heavy, she noticed, and couldn't help but fantasize about multiple coins and paper bills stashed everywhere.

How rich was this guy?

Too lost in thought was she that the man was able to reach her but Georgina's reflexes were faster, twisting his arm and kicking the back of his knee for him to fall down, a pained short scream leaving his lips as his knees met the hard ground.

"You again?" he said in nearly a breathless whisper, chest heaving with the effort to gulp in air.

Her brow knitted in thought as she took a moment to get a good look at the man. She remembered then, her eyes widening in recognition.

"I held you hostage last night," she remarked, and he nodded in agreement. Her eyes narrowed. "Why do we always keep bumping into each other?"

He shrugged cluelessly.

"I have no idea. But you'll be disappointed to find you won't like anything inside my bag," he said with a grimace, and Georgina tore her gaze away from him in favor of snooping in his bag.

"Books?" she questioned aloud, looking at him for confirmation. He nodded again. "You bring books with you?"

She gaped and blinked at him, who continued to stare at her with almost a comical expression.

So that was why the bag was heavy.

Not because of coins, but because of thick novels. Well, what do you know?

"Whenever I feel like it." He shifted to sit on the ground cross-legged, rubbing his knees and turning those vibrant orbs on her. "So, are you still interested?"

"The bag, hopefully," she confessed, a little shy for admitting.

He shook his head and retrieved his bag with a swift movement of his arm, catching Georgina by surprise.

"No can do, missy. This bag is precious to me." He stroked the leather of the bag, a soft expression in his eyes. He turned to her then. "But of course you wouldn't understand."

Her irritation sparked and she scowled at him, although the desired effect was lost since he wasn't even looking, too busy flipping through his precious novels.

"What do you mean by that?"

He met her fiery gaze and calmly replied, "Well, since you're a robber, you don't care for the value of an object in a person's life."

"It's just a bag," she said, though she couldn't help but notice her tone sounded somewhat defensive.

"For you, it is," he agreed, which made her tilt her head in confusion. "But for me it's more than that. See? That's the difference."

Georgina stared at the floor below her feet, a foreign feeling akin to shame bubbling in her gut and burning her cheeks. Her arms subconsciously came up to rub at each other, pointedly avoiding his eyes. She couldn't seem to lift her gaze to him, now understanding a little bit how her actions affected others.

"Would you like to have tea with me?" came his voice again, gentle and inviting.

Unable to help herself, she lifted her head up to stare at him in disbelief.

A small smile was etched on his face, eyes kind despite the rough treatment she gave him.

Georgina blinked, mind still processing his words.

Was he being serious? Invite her, a notorious thief, to a cup of tea like they were friends?

He must be an idiot to offer her such a thing.

Unable to form a coherent sentence while being cornered like that, she sprinted away, guilt and shame and confusion piling up in her mind she reached home with a burn in her eyes, the tears already cascading down for who knows why.

She didn't understand his motives.

She couldn't read him at all.

It was like a sick joke, a horrible prank.

After all, she didn't deserve his kindness. So why?

The young thief was left to cry uncontrollably until she fell into a fitful slumber, dreams consisting of bright green eyes and kind smiles.