Serious Trouble

“I believe she could be in serious trouble,” I said as I paced up and down the hallway.  “I know she is in trouble.” 

“How can you possibly know that?  You just talked to her yesterday.  She seemed totally normal,” Jess said.  “I wouldn’t worry too much.” 

“She should be home by now.  Or she should have at least called.  I know something has happened.”  I felt my chest tighten as my worry increased over my friend. 

Claire had left the house last night for a date and she hasn’t been home and hasn’t called.  It wasn’t with a stranger so I hadn’t been concerned for her safety.  James had been to our house several times and had always been decent.  I realized today that I didn’t have his number so I couldn’t call him to check on her either. 

“If I don’t hear from her soon, I might call the police and report her missing.”   I heard Jess sigh.  My paranoia wasn’t usually this bad and I’m not quite sure why this was happening.  I just had this gut feeling that something had happened to Claire.  My gut didn’t lie very often.  I knew something had happened.  

When the front door opened, I almost screamed.  First in horror and then in happiness.  It was Claire.  She was home, safe and sound.  I opened my mouth to ask her what was going on.  She was beaming.  I was confused. 

“We got married!”  She squealed holding up her left hand.