"We're going to the prom," Sherry said. "And don't try any funny business. I'm going to look my best when I get there."

They were going by first to pick up Sherry's best friend, Ginger, and they were a little late. That was all right. Ginger's boyfriend would probably be there to keep her company. Ginger and James had been going together for what seemed like years. They were also going to get married someday.

Sherry was surprised to see all the cars gone from in front of Ginger's house. Ginger's mother was funny about not letting Ginger stay alone in the house. But Sherry knew that Ginger knew they were supposed to pick her up.

"I don't see them outside," Jim said. Sherry knew her boy friend was thinking the same thing.

"The lights are on," Sherry said.

Jim parked the car and they both got out and walked up the drive. Jim rang the doorbell. He ran it again. They waited and there was no answer.

"She knows we were going to pick her up before seven," Jim said.

"Let's go in," Sherry said. "Maybe they left a note or something. Ginger wouldn't just leave without saying something. Maybe there's been an emergency."

"I don't think we should," Jim said.

"Come on," Sherry said. "I treat this house like it's mine most of the time anyway."

They walked in. The house was silent but the lights were on all over. There was a pretty yellow corsage on the hall table next to an empty glass. Sherry picked up the glass and sniffed it.

"Ginger's been drinking!" Sherry said.

"I could use one myself," Jim said.

"Forget it, honey," Sherry said. "You're driving. I just can't imagine why she's not downstairs."

Sherry heard a thump from upstairs and then the sound of Ginger's laughter. Then there was a low voice that had to be James and there was more laughter.