My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
I was at the mall with my cousin and we split up so I went to a department store. I had finished buying the clothes I wanted, when I remembered that I had forgotten to stop by the accessories I wanted so I went back in While I was looking at them I decided to get two and then went over to other accessories I had wanted and that were on sale. I knew I wouldn’t get a chance to go to the mall again for a while so I picked our a few things. After picking out six or so items I went to look for a checkout stand and saw some shorts that really got my attention. I picked up the shorts and looked for the fitting room with the smallest line and went in. I was tired of holding on to so much stuff when I was in the room so I put it down and it all scattered everywhere. I didn’t want to lose anything so I put the items in my bag(VERY bad idea). I fully intended to pay for the item when putting them in my bag, I just didn’t want to carry so many loose things. I finished with the shorts and went to a cashier. While she was checking my things I pulled out a card and my school ID she saw my ID and we started talking about the school and things like that. Then my phone rang it was my cousin so I looked at the screen paid for the shorts and ran out to meet my cousin. (I had not realized that I still had the accessories in my bag.) We talked and then I headed out after a few steps I was reviewing what I had bought and realized that I still had the accessories and then someone stopped me and brought me back in. When that happened, I was in shock. I never meant to steal. After i was put in the room I clammed up and didn't try to explain myself because I didn't think they would listen. I got myself together after my parents took me home and told them what happened so we're going to talk to a manager today.
When I was in the room I remember saying "why did I do that" referring to whey did i put them in my bag in the first place and asking them how do they know I did it so it looks kinda bad right now.
Will I be able to get the charges dropped if I talk to a manager? Is there anythig else I could do? Before I left the already handed me a letter saying they have sent a report to the police station.

