Written to commemorate my own acceptance into college. I was dancing around the mailbox. Sadly, I won't be attending Shiz University... but I think U.C. is just as good!
Elphaba maneuvered her chair so she could stare past her father, out the front window, and at the mailbox. Nothing. She slumped down back into the chair and picked at the oatmeal in her bowl. It was less than appetizing, more so than usual that morning in particular.
Thud.
Her eyes snapped back to the mailbox. Could it be?No... no one was there. She realized it was Nessarose's maid stubbing her toe on the door. She forced another mouthful of oatmeal into her mouth. Really did her breakfast even have any taste? Was it always like that? So... tasteless? Didn't the kitchen staff normally put strawberries in it? Or sugar, or something?
She felt a poke from her side- Nessarose. At her questioning look, her sister spoke up, "Look out the window, the mailman's here."
Elphaba was out of her chair and halfway to the door before Frex made a "Humph" sound and gave her the eye.
"Yes, Father?" She said, fidgeting a little.
He pointed to her turned over chair. "Finish your breakfast and wait to be excused." She nearly protested until he pointed out, "You don't want your food to get cold, do you?"
At the thought of what the tasteless oatmeal would taste like cold, she slumped back into her chair, picking at her food. After she forced down three spoonfuls, he finally said, "Fine Elphaba, go. Just don't flip your chair over again." She nodded, grateful and carefully pushed the chair back into the breakfast table.
She practically skipped to the mailbox. Opening it up, she heard herself squeal(she would later deny any such behavior). Amongst the normal mail were two large envelopes from Shiz University. One was addressed to Miss Nessarose Thropp.
The other was addressed to Miss Elphaba Thropp.
She carefully stuck the other mail back in the mailbox and tore her own letter open.
Dear Miss Elphaba,
We at Shiz University are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Crage Hall at Shiz University in the field of Life Sciences. We request that you mail in your confirmation...
The letter went on for several paragraphs. The following phrase caught her eye. Shiz is glad to welcome you and wishes you well in all of your endeavors. We look forward to seeing you next fall.
Sincerely,
Madame Morrible
For once, Elphaba did feel welcome, wanted. She had a future, Shiz would help her get to it. She was not the unwanted daughter, the embarrassing sister. She was the future student of Shiz University, where she was wanted. They were eager to see her! Although she knew all of the acceptance letters probably read the same, it still excited her. For once she was accepted. Not just by a school, it felt like. She was being accepted, no matter her differences.
Even Frex and tasteless oatmeal couldn't bring her mood down.