I watch the people around me celebrate, reveling in the fact that the Wicked Witch of the West is dead. I'm glad that they're happy, but…But I…

As I turn away, one citizen's voice cuts through the air, silencing everyone.

"Glinda! Is it true that the Wicked Witch of the West was your friend?"

All eyes are on me now, looks imploring. I turn and gaze around, then turn back again to face the citizen who spoke to me. I can't help but think back to the beginning.

My whole life I had been handed practically everything. Everyone adored me, cozied up to me, trying to be on my good side. But Elphaba changed everything; she took the spot in the seminar that I coveted so badly. I was forced to room, I not getting my way for once in my life. And then I went and gave her that old pointy hat I got from my grandmother, playing a cruel joke on the school "loser."

I never expected her to give me that beginner's wand, something I may never have gotten otherwise. That was the day something inside of me changed; I began to see people for who they truly are. And in Elphaba I saw a beautiful young woman trying anything to make her dreams come true, and maybe gain acceptance along the way.

One night in our dorm room, I pulled her hair out of that grandma braid style she had going on. Elphaba's hair was dark and long and wavy; it was beautiful. SHE was beautiful, and I felt horrible because I had never tried to see her in that way.

We became best friends, and eventually went to see the wizard together. Elphaba's face was glowing with joy; everyone in Emerald City thought her green skin was absolutely marvelous. She had finally found a place where she fit in!

But then we discovered that the Wizard was nothing but a fraud. He only wanted to use Elphaba, because she had powers that he could only dream of. And then everything spiraled out of control; a misunderstanding forever making her a criminal, and I helpless. She fled to the Western Skies, taking the magic book with her.

Soon after, with my own powers I was called Glinda the Good Witch. I served as a figurehead, and I did everything I could for the Munchkins. With my magic, I helped out wherever I could. Time passed, and the human child Dorothy arrived… killing the Wicked Witch of the East, Nessa Rose, Elphaba's younger sister. I sent Dorothy along her way, and Elphaba arrived at the scene soon after. Her sweet face pained, and I knew she had been crying. I couldn't bear it to see her so upset. Elphaba was livid that Dorothy had Nessa's shoes, as they were the only connection left to her sister.

"Nessa, forgive me," she cried. I could only look on sadly as she spoke softly to the makeshift grave. Then the soldiers came running, and Elphaba barely escaped.

The last time I saw Elphaba was in her castle. I was the only one left on her side, the only person who knew any shred of truth. She handed me the magic book of spells, and told me that I must learn to read it, despite my protests. I hugged her, tears starting in my eyes. Elphie was upset too, and she hugged me back just as fiercely. We heard the clattering stomps of soldiers, and Elphie urged me to hide as they began to break down the door.

I watched from behind the curtain as Dorothy threw the dreaded bucket of water, killing Elphaba. I stifled my sobs with my hand as she cried out in pain, fading away. Eventually the shouts of the soldiers died away as they left, and I emerged from my hiding spot. All that was left of Elphaba was her hat; I clutched it and cried for what seemed like hours. The world wasn't the same without her.

So I stand here now, looking out at my people, with my glittering dress and crown, and my long silver wand. I speak the truth.

"She was the greatest friend I've ever had."