Premonition

Arrival

She watched from the window as he drove away. The rice hadn't fixed her phone. Alone in the house, Darcey suddenly felt small.

After what seemed like ages, a look at the clock let her know it was a quarter after six. It would be dark soon. She began wringing her hands as she waited for Trina to show. She had to do something, anything, otherwise she would work herself into a nervous panic.

A half hour past before she chanced another look at the clock. The dishes were done, popcorn was ready, and she'd turned on the radio. She was just getting comfortable on the couch when there was a knock at the door.

"Finally, she thought, then aloud, "Coming."

She opened the door, ready to pick at Trina for being late. Instead, she was met by the wind. She peered in both directions. There was no one to see. She closed the door and went back to the couch thinking about the stupid neighbor kids two doors down. It was something they would do.

She grabbed a handful of popcorn and put it in her mouth. An announcement on the radio caught her off guard and she almost choked.

"... inmate from Corven Correctional facility is unaccounted for tonight. Prison officials warn he could be armed. They urge extra caution. Phelps is serving two consecutive life sentences for the murders of three women..."

A hand grabbed her shoulder. Popcorn flew everywhere as she jumped, her scream loud enough to block out the radio.

Trina stood there laughing.

"That's not funny! Didn't you hear the radio?"

"Lighten up, Darce."

As her pulse steadied she realized Trina hadn't come through the front door.

"How'd you get in anyway?" she asked, hoping to sound calm and collected.

"Duh, how else? The back door. You know, with that guy being on the loose it might be a good idea to lock it."

"I did. Right before I came in here. I checked. Twice"

"Well you might want to get your eyes checked, 'cause I used it to let myself in."

Trina's smile faded as Darcey began to shake. She took Darcey's hand in hers.

"Sorry, Darce. I shouldn't have scared you."

Darcey gave her hands a squeeze.

"I'm alright, just a little out of it. I had one of those dreams again last night. But I swear I locked that door."

Trina gave her a sad smile, squeezed her hands back, and then let go.

"Probably not a good idea for surprises then."

"You're probably right."

Trina was silent, a sly look on her face.

Why?" Darcey asked, raising a single eyebrows.

"Billy," she called out, "might as well get in here before we give Darce a heart attack."

Trina shrugged as her boyfriend sauntered in from the kitchen. Darcey flopped back down on the couch as the other two sat on the love seat.

Billy raised his hand in greeting.

"Is he staying?" Darcey asked, ignoring him.

"Doesn't he always?" Trina answered.

"Alright, but no more surprises. And if you two, you know... Anyway, you know where the condoms are."

With nothing more to say, Darcey grabbed the remote and pressed the button that brought the TV flickering to life. She passed a bowl of popcorn over to Trina and grabbed her own. A few moments later she was lost in the movie; distracted from her own life.