With my decision made I carefully navigated my way through the lumpy grass and dirt field. It was then that I first saw the hair brush laying in the grass but didn't think much of it and continued my walk home.
It didn't walk much further when I then saw a comb and then a pencil case.
Curious I kept in the direction of the opening in the fence when I spied the key ring and a small leather wallet. The i.d said it belonged to Laura Smith (not her real name). Next to it was a pink address book half opened and a few bottles of nail polish and some make-up.
Then it all came together in my mind; I recalled a rumor I had hear earlier in the day of a purse being stolen in the second floor girls bathroom. I looked around for anything else that might have been discarded in the field gathering them up as I found them and headed back to school.
I knew Laura only to say hello to but could only imagine how upset she was that her things had been stolen. Getting at least some of them back would be some relief I thought to myself as I traced my footsteps back to school.
I entered the principles office feeling a bit of pride in choosing to do the right thing. I know others would have just walked by and not gotten involved but that wasn't me. Mr Ryan (changed name) seemed pleased and called over the intercom to have her report to the office a.s.a.p. to identify and claim her items.
Laura entered the principles office and it was apparent she had been crying. I could see that moment of recognition flicker in her eyes when she saw her things on the principles desk.
She looked at me standing there looked at her stuff and apparently made the leap not that I had returned her stolen items but that I had stolen them and immediately started screaming at me!
My heart sank and I felt sick to my stomach! A deep feeling of regret came over me like in a big wave. Had I really done the right thing? She was accusing me!
I looked at the Mr Ryan, he was a bit shocked. He quickly sprung into action explaining the facts. It took a few tissues and more than a few minutes but eventually he did get it sorted out.
She then apologized and thanked me.
I was understanding but I will never forget the experience.
It was the most horrible feeling hearing that accusation flung at me.
I was a teenager when this happened but as an adult I remember how very painful it was.
Have you ever been accused of something you didn't do?
