Disclaimer: Nope, not mine.
So, umm….I know I should NOT be starting yet another story right now, with so many going that I don't really intend to finish. But I've been embracing my inner girly-girl lately—hair dye, more makeup, shopping trips, etc—and it's making me extremely fond of Galinda. So you'll just have to forgive me--I couldn't resist!
"Hold still!" I giggled, trying in vain to capture a stubborn whisp of gray hair on my mother's bobbing head.
"Galinda, it's no use." Momsie slumped back in her chair, and her giggles turned into a shriek as it started to tip. I caught the chair and straightened it, laughing too hard to speak.
"M-momsie," I managed to say, "I think your hair…is trying to tell us something. I think it's had enough."
Momsie mock-glared into the mirror at the persistent streak of grey that had resisted two bottles of blonde so far. "I am Lady Lena Arduenna, and I will not be defeated by my hair!"
I leaned over her shoulder and locked eyes with her reflection. "You know what this means, don't you?"
"What?"
I put on my most ominous voice. "You'll have to go red."
My name is Galinda Arduenna—of the Upper Uplands, mind you. Don't get me wrong—I'm not arrogant. But I'm proud of where I come from. I love the parties and social events, and the grand balls and even grander ball gowns. I love giggling with Momsie about how no one would guess that our hair comes from a bottle. I even love tripping over the new 7-inch heels (just one inch too high) that I bought for my going-away party—that is, when no one's around to see.
But as much as I love it here, it's time for me to leave. I've just been accepted into Shiz University—the most prestigious school in Oz. Momsie rants and raves about her "brilliant little girl" and how she knew I'd make it in, but honestly, I don't know how I pulled it off. I'm…not the brightest blonde in the spectrum, to be frank. I suppose I'll keep up somehow.
Tomorrow, all of the Gillikin will turn up to say goodbye to me, and the next morning I say goodbye to the Gillikin. That means three things: First, that tomorrow's the last time I'll see my first kiss and present boyfriend, Tal. Two-- it's the last time I'll have to deal with Isla Tierson and her gaggle of heavy-handed bleachers. And three—I have exactly twenty-four hours to learn how to walk in these shoes.
Oh boy.