𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 [ 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 ]

05. 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴! 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴! 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴!

"HOW DID DINNER GO?"

Eszter let herself in Wanda's house the following morning after the Harts had dinner with Wanda and Vision. Since she stayed the night at Agnes's house, Eszter couldn't hear from Wanda because it was too late to call without bothering Agnes. So, as soon as the sun rose and the world woke up, Eszter made a mad dash to Wanda's house.

Wanda lifted her gaze and found her sister approaching her where she sat on the couch.

"Not great, but not bad," Wanda recalled last night. She looked slightly put off by whatever Eszter missed. "It was . . . interesting, but I think it went well. Vision got the promotion."

Eszter gasped. "No way! That's great! He deserves it. Nobody knows computers better than Vision."

"Wanna know the best part?" Wanda looked as if she was about to burst out laughing any moment. She was grinning so big, Wanda's face was starting to hurt. "Remember the lobsters? You know, one of the meals Agnes brought?"

Eszter pretended to think about it. "The ones that flew the coop?"

Wanda rolled her eyes, though she seemed just as amused. "Yes, those. Anyway, it turns out that they make great door knockers."

"A door . . .? Oh!" It took her a second to get the joke, and when she did, Eszter couldn't hold back. She laughed like she hadn't laughed in ages. "A door knocker? How did it even end up on the door?"

"Beats me," Wanda shrugged. She smiled at how Eszter couldn't stop giggling at the lobsters being door knockers. "It was a weird night, but it somehow ended on a good note."

Eszter calms down just enough to respond. "That's better than it being a total disaster. My night was good, too. Agnes is surprisingly nice to talk to, so you have my consent to befriend her."

Wanda snorts. "Aren't you kind? The greatest little sister award goes to you," she playfully nudges Eszter's arm as her little sister leans against her arm. "I'm glad you lightened up to her. It would've been awkward considering she's my neighbor, and I don't think she can read the room."

Eszter laughs under her breath. She glanced around the house when she realized how quiet it was.

"Where's Vision? I thought I saw him earlier when I came home."

"Oh, yeah; Vis is getting dressed," Wanda answered. "We signed up to participate in the talent show for the children. I guess it's a yearly event Westview hosts to help raise money for the children. Vis and I are playing as magicians, so I asked one of the ladies if we could borrow this for the talent show."

The teen looks surprised. "I didn't know you guys were doing the talent show?" But then Eszter stares at Wanda with suspicion written on her face. "You didn't sign me up, did you?"

Wanda merely chuckles at Eszter's reaction. "No, I didn't. I didn't know if you wanted to do it or not; but if you change your mind, I can talk to Dottie and see if she'll put you on the list. Might be a little late to come up with an act, but I'm sure she will for the children."

"No, thanks," Eszter answered immediately. She looked a little panicked at the thought of performing in front of a crowd. "I don't do well in front of crowds." This was true; Eszter doesn't like the idea of people staring at her, and probably making fun of her in her face. "What are your guys' acts?"

Finally excited to tell Eszter more about her role in the show, Wanda beams like a kid on Christmas morning.

"You're going to love it! I have it all planned out, too. Vis! Vis, come down!" Wanda called for her husband. "He's just upstairs changing. He got his costume earlier this morning, so he's a bit excited."