Erf. I'm sorry I didn't upload this here... I wrote it before I left, and posted it on witchesofozDOTcom but didn't have time to put it here- if it's been awhile, please check that site- sometimes I post there first.

And I know nothing much has been changed yet. Next chapter will still look like Wicked, but after that, things will go majorly AU... so just hold out, my sweets.

Elphaba felt insanely happy. The birds outside were chiriping, it was warm and there was no chance of rain. She, Galinda, Nessarose, and Boq stood at the train station. "Oh! Remember to tell him how wonderful he is. Wizards love that!" Galinda chirped.

"We're so proud of you Elphaba. Father is too." Elphaba knew her sister was lying through her teeth- her father could care less what Elphaba did- as long as it didn't embaress him.

"But will you be alright?" Elphaba asked.

"Oh, she'll be fine. She has all of us to take care of her," Galinda reassured her. "Right, Biq?"

"Boq... My name is Boq. Nessa... Miss Galinda... I can't do this, anymore." Boq turned and walked off.

"Boq!" Nessarose called out, in vain.

Galinda grimaced. "Oh... Nessa. You know, maybe he isn't the one for you? Maybe he's just not right?" She placed a gentle hand on Nessarose's shoulder.

"No... no, it's me that's not right."

"Nessie," Elphaba said, thinking of the most effective ways to kill Boq.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll be fine." With that, she was off, looking forlorn.

The two roommates looked at each other. Elphaba was very much considering just forgetting the Wizard, and following her little sister.

"Elphie, we're so happy for you. Really. Fiyero, too. He seemed impressed by all of this." Galinda focused on distracting her friend.

"Oh?" Elphaba asked, as carefully as she could, not giving anything away- besides, who knew if there was anything to give away?

"Yes... but he seems so moodified... and distracted... he's been thinking, and that worries me." Galinda's perfect brow scrunched together.

Elphaba opened her mouth to speak, but just then Fiyero himself came running through the station.

"Elphaba! I was worried I'd miss seeing you off." Awkwardly, he handed her the bouquet of bright red flowers he held in his hands.

"Oh... thank you. For the flowers. " Elphaba digged her toe into the ground. It was all so awkward.

"Listen. I've been thinking. The other day with the Lion Cub, and with Doctor Dillamond."

"-Me too!" Galinda butted in. "Infact, to honor Doctor Dillamond, I have decided to change my name- he had his own way of pronouncing it. From now on, I will be simply Glinda."

"Oh... Gal-Glinda, I'm sure he would appreciate that." Elphaba said.

"Thats very admireable of you," Fiyero said. Then he turned to Elphaba. "Elphaba, good luck." On an impulse, he hugged her, and was then on his way.

Glinda bit her lip. Elphaba felt like kicking herself- she felt awful. "Glinda, have you ever been to the Emerald City?"

"Well, no..."

"Well, why don't you come with me?"

"Really?" Glinda squealed, obviously feeling a bit better.

A day later, the girls arrived. They had a day to kill, and Glinda insisted on shopping, claiming Elphaba needed to get a new dress to meet the Wizard in. Elphaba knew it was more an excuse for Glinda to shop.

The city was in a froth over itself. The showy plazas and shopping centers all looked neat, and new, and the Emerald Palace looked over the City like a mother hen over her chicks- or a watchdog, ready to attack.

Finally, it was time for the girls to meet the Wizard.