Oops

I stuttered. After all, what could I say?

“Mr. Parker, did you or did you not steal that bicycle?”

The store manager, the sheriff, and my father all stared menacingly down at me, their tall figures looming above. I could read the disappointment and anger in my father’s eyes. I can explain Dad! I wanted to shout. But I couldn’t.

So I nodded yes.

The police officer, Mr. Hardy, shook his head. 

  “Well, son I’m afraid I’m going to have to fine your father and work something out with Mrs. Janie so’s you can stay after school for a bit. Maybe help out in the park to keep it cleaned up or something.” He turned to Dad. “I’m sorry, Parker. I never expected this.”

  I could see my father’s rage growing. Some father’s faces turned red and purple when they were angry. My father’s face turned white, and his eyebrows suddenly grew blacker. I grimaced.  Today was not going to be a fun day.

  You see, my dad was the mayor of our town. A small town. We’re talking Mayberry size here. I mean, this would have been one of those really uncomfortable episodes of Andy Griffith where Opie is caught stealing something and Andy’s all disappointed in him, being the sheriff’s son and all.

  Well that was my dad. Everybody knows everybody in Shorewood, and the Mayor was mighty embarrassed to have Mr. Hardy the sheriff and Mr. Watson the sporting goods store manager catch his son stealing.  You see, he knew that they would both go home and tell their wives, who would tell other wives, who would tell any wives left in Shorewood who hadn’t heard yet, who would eventually tell Mama. And then my mama would cry, which would be worse than my father being angry or the whole town thinking me a thief or all the kids at school being sore at me, put together.

 I swallowed hard as me and my father got into his car. This day was about to get even worse.