Pizza (Esme's POV)

Author's note: this is the first branch of the story. The idea with these branches is that they provide optional smaller content that you can skip, but will provide some context to the main story or just extra content. Some people might consider some of them spoilers, so up to you to decide if you want to read them.

"Wanna order pizza then?"

"Sounds good. I'll pay, then just send me your part alright?"

It was at that moment, a plan started forming in Esme's brain. She didn't want to be too cruel, but really what was one more person getting a nice surprise? All she had to do was leave Maddie to pick up the pizza. To make the interaction take a little longer, she put in cash payment for the delivery. She always liked to keep some cash on her in case of emergencies. Making Maddie flash people constitutes an emergency right?

"Oh shoot, I totally forgot I have to talk to Marit." She pulled out her walled and put some bills on the table. "That's for the pizzas if they arrive before I'm back." Quickly she rushed out of the room and slipped into the bathroom before Esme could react. She heard her roommate call out behind her, but didn't respond. Still a few minutes until the pizza would arrive. After things had gone back to quiet she carefully checked if the way was clear, then exited the bathroom and made her way over to Marit's room.

She did actually want to talk to Marit. They both wanted to do cheerleading try-outs and it was always nice to know someone already. As they talked Esme kept looking at her phone to check if the pizza arrived yet. After it did she waited a little longer to make sure Maddie would be getting it, before wrapping up the conversation.

Her mind was racing with all the possibilities of what would be happening with the delivery while she made her way back. Passing the kitchen she noticed Nova and went to say hi. Couldn't hurt either way, but she had a feeling this might prove to be her first chance to see the curse in real action for the first time.

Approaching Nova, they quickly got into a conversation. Esme made sure to keep watch of the hallway in case Maddie would show up. When they got to the topic of the flashing incident earlier today, she knew she had to bring it up with Maddie. Just then she noticed her roommate trying to sneak through the hallway. "Oh Maddie, have you met Nova yet?"

She steered the conversation back to the flashing incident. It wasn't the real thing, but it was fun seeing Maddie get flustered. She noticed Maddie was taking care to hold down her skirt though and she realised she had to do something if she wanted to see the main show. Quickly she grabbed some plates and asked Maddie to help carry them. Normally she would just eat pizza out of the box, but if she could get Maddie's hand occupied there might still be a chance of a quick flash.

"Sure, just put them on top of the pizza boxes."

That wasn't gonna do it. But adding two cups and a jug of water to the mix did. Finally Maddie gave in, took the jug and hurried out of the kitchen. Expectantly she watching Maddie walk away, her skirt now unprotected. But nothing happened. Disappointing, but there would surely be more opportunities in the future. And hopefully she was gonna hear about some more flashing during dinner.