The next morning, at work, she was surprised neither of her friends broached the topic.


“Damn, I'm so tired today,” she baited them, “Might have to miss drinks tonight.”


“Sure babe,” Jean said evenly, patting Alice's hand. “We'll be at our usual local if you change your mind–”


“Or can't sleep again tonight!” Charu winked.


“Why wouldn't I?” Alice was quite sure they had pranked her last night.


“Hey, I'm just kidding, babe!”


Alice didn't reply. She decided to surprise them at the pub and confront them about the midnight call.


***


At 7 pm sharp, Alice entered the pub, winked at the bartender, and spotted Jean and Charu at their regular table facing the street.


“Hello pranksters!” She exclaimed. “Planning the next move, are we?”


“What?” Charu frowned. “What are you talking about, babe?”


“Don’t babe me!” Alice sneered back. “I know it was you both.”


“Us? Where?” Jean asked.


“Last night, or this morning, at one-thirtish–”


“You need a drink–” Jean tried.


“Yeah, sure.” Alice said dryly. “But you need to spill. Who called me at that hour?”


“How should we know, ba–Alice?” Charu jumped in.


“My landline number is private to my family and the two of you.” Alice poked her index finger at them.


“You mean someone called you?”


Alice paused and stared at their shocked faces. They did appear genuine. “Yeah, and what’s weird is that the caller sounded just like me.”


“Just like me–” Jean mimicked her and Charu laughed.


“That’s what I’m talking about.” Alice exclaimed, pointing at Jean.


“Hey, I’m just trying to lighten the mood.”


The server brought Alice’s drink that Jean had ordered from the QR code on the table. Alice took a big gulp and said. “Guys, you’re freaking me out. If it wasn’t you then who–?”


“Maybe you should report this to the cops?”


“And say what? I got a call from myself at midnight?”


“Could it have been a mistake?”


“But the caller sounded just like me, Char!” Alice was hurt. “And I’m scared shit–”


“I could come over tonight,” Jean offered. “In case the creep calls again.”


“No, I can handle it. I may give the caller a scare of her life!” Alice said, thumping the table, making their drinks jiggle a bit.