Firstly, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who reviewed! I'm so glad you're enjoying this!

Now, I would have had this up much earlier, but in all the excitement of launching this yesterday, I COMPLETELY forgot I had my last final this morning. So...yeah, you can imagine the panic I found myself in this morning. *facepalm* But, I made it and I think it went well, so it's all good. :) I'll be replying to reviews soon, I promise.

I went in a little different direction with this one, so I'll be curious to know you're thoughts. Hope you enjoy!


"So… we finally meet again."

A gentle winter breeze sounded outside, making itself known in the otherwise temperate weather. Releasing a deep sigh, the blonde woman gathered her courage to speak the words that she knew she must. Words of remembrance, forgiveness, and closure.

The words that would be her final good-bye.

"It's awkward, isn't it? Seeing you again after all this time." A bitter laugh escaped her. "Ironic, really. I've tried so hard to forget about you. I've done everything I could to move on and I've done well. But I know you'd want that wouldn't you? You wouldn't want me to sit stationary as life simply passes me by." She shook her head, sending her golden curls bouncing. "But that's exactly what I did."

When she received no reply, she continued without waiting. "What else could I do? You were my rock, the one person I believed I could count on." She stepped away, sighing. "The one person I thought would never leave me. But that's exactly what you did, isn't it? You just ….abandoned me to the mob and there was not a thing I could do. ….and maybe it was the helplessness that hurt the most."

Still nothing.

Her smile was sad as she turned back to face the subject of her monologue. "How could you do that to me? Of all people? You knew how much it would kill me inside, dearest! If you had a least given me the slightest signal, anything at all, perhaps I could have prepared myself better." Another sigh. "But you didn't have a choice did you? I don't know what happened that day, but the moment we all entered that room, I somehow knew you would not return with me that night. You….you knew how much I used to love surprises? Well, ever since that day, my love for them has waned." The smile turned from sad to sardonic. "You wouldn't happen to know why, would you?

Shaking her head, she moved to the window, her blue eyes taking in the softly falling flakes. "Tomorrow is Lurlinemas. Did you know?" She chuckled softly. "Do you remember what we were doing this time last year? I do," she whispered softly. "The weather was atrocious and I was worried sick about you. But the minute you walked through that door, looking like an overgrown snowman, and you melted my heart." Another chuckle. Then we sat by the fire and drank eggnog as you told me that story about how you used to sneak downstairs Lurlinemas morning and how your father would positively murder you if caught?" She nodded slightly, bringing forth the moments from her memory. "I loved that story," she said softly. "Almost as much as I loved you."

"I loved you!" Her small fist came down hard on the table, causing jis smile to falter a bit, but not leave. No, he never had stopped smiling. For as long as she knew him, he never stopped smiling. "Oz blast it, I loved you! And you left me! You left me when I needed you the most. I trusted you, followed you, and you broke my heart!" Tears sprang to her eyes as the wounds were ripped open again by her outburst. "How could you do that? Give me one reason, I beg you. Help me to understand!:

"Glinda?"

Startled, she whirled, only to find herself staring into the worried green eyes of her fiancé. He took a tentative step toward her. "Is everything all right?"

"Adrian," Ducking her head, she took a moment to dry any spare tears and compose herself. With her best attempt at a smile, she asked, "What are you doing here? It's so late."

"I was just leaving when I heard you shout." Approaching her, he laid a caring hand on her shoulder. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"Yes. Yes, of course. Forgive me." Clearing her throat, her smile became brighter. "I was simply….taking care of something I…I…should have done a long time ago."

His eyes were lit with confusion…until they landed on the table behind her. "The captain?"

She nodded, as she picked up the photograph, examining it closely. "Fiyero. We were engaged, you know." At his nod, she continued, "Well, what you probably don't know is that he ran off with the Wicked Witch."

"I know that. Everyone does."

"Yes…well, the secret is that…he loved her…and she was my best friend."

He drew back. "What?"

Glinda nodded sadly. "I'm afraid it's a terribly long story, but perhaps I'll share it with you someday."

Drawing her into his arms, he simply said, "I'd like that." He whispered into her hair. "For what it's worth, I do love you. Truly."

She smiled. "I know. I care deeply for you as well."

Adrian stepped back, a sad smile on his face. He knew she didn't love him, but he hoped one day, she would. Glinda noticed this and reached up a hand to touch his cheek. "I'm trying, Adrian. I promise you, I'm trying."

He nodded. "I know," his voice was soft. "Are you sure you're all right?"

The blonde nodded, then raised to softly press her lips to his in a tender kiss. "I'll be fine. Now, go. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Until tomorrow, then." he said, then winked. "Goodnight, my princess. Sleep well." Then he was gone.

Glinda stared at the space where he had been, doing nothing to stop the tender smile. The smile faded, however, when her eyes fell to the photograph she still held in her hand. "Do you see what you've caused?" Her voice held a note of steel. "That man would die for me and I can't even give him my heart because you still have it. Are you satisfied.?"

With a sigh, the Good Witch slumped onto her bed as the anger drained out of her. "And yet, I still can't stay angry with you. When, Fiyero? When will I be able to let you go? I know you're supposed to be dead, but I can't help but feel that you're out there somewhere. You and Elphie. I wish…I wish more than anything I could have you back." She paused, "…both of you."

She closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to let go of the past. When she finally opened them, she felt a sense of calm serenity slowly drape over her. "I'm ready," she said quietly. Raising to her feet, she crossed the room and placed the photograph at the bottom of her vanity drawer. "I'll always care for you, Fiyero. But I have to move on. At this time last year, my heart was yours and I couldn't imagine my life without you. But this year…" she shook her head. "This year, my heart will be in the hands to someone else. And I know he won't break it." With a sigh, she glanced at his face one last time before shutting the drawer. "Take care of her, Fiyero. Wherever you are. You deserve each other and deserve to be happy."

Glancing toward the door, she remembered Adrian's soft touch on her face and a sudden rush of excitement filled her. "Just as I do."


You know what to do...Please? :D