Chapter 3. My Heart Is Still Recovering

Rifiuto: Non Miriena

Question: Is something wrong with Elphaba?

Answer: you'll find out....

Thanks to -greenTARDISgal-, Elphaba1Fan, and greengirl16 for reviewing 2.

"Mama!"

Elphaba looked up, to see Muhlama running to her on shaky legs, her father behind her. The little girl had long, ebony hair, blue eyes, and tan skin with a greenish glow. Her navel had been pierced after her birth- as was custom of the royal women of the Arjiki- a little green flower navel ring. After all, her name meant 'blossom.' She also had the blue diamond tattoos, like every member of the ruling class.

Giving her little girl a smile, Elphaba knelt down, and held her arms out. The little girl stumbled into her mother's open arms, like a colt learning to trot. Gently, she kissed her cheek, and scooped her into her arms, before standing.

"Hello my blossom. What have you been up too?" She asked, pressing her forehead against her daughter's. Fae's heart skipped a beat. Watching her mother cuddle her little sister made Fae feel like an outsider in her own family. It seemed like Elphaba loved her little sister more than her, like she never had loved Fae. As she sniffled, she felt arms wrap around her waist, and turned, to find herself staring into her father's blue eyes.

"Hi Daddy." She whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"How have you been my sweet pea? Helping your mother?" He asked, giving her a gentle squeeze. Fae nodded. Gently, he kissed her forehead, and then removed himself, going to the stove and lifting the whistling kettle from the stove top.

Silence reigned.

Just as Fae went to open her mouth, the Cook entered, Janseta, Elphaba's personal maid- although Elphaba thought of her more as a daughter than a maid- following behind.

"I don't mean to be rude Your Majesties, but, would you be so kind as to remove yourselves from the kitchen so we can get dinner started?" Cook asked. Elphaba nodded, and left, Muhlama in her arms. The family convened in the library, and soon, Janseta joined them.

No one talked, for no one knew what to say.

It wasn't until Fae mentioned graduation, that anyone said anything at all.

"Um....Mama? Daddy?"

"What is it, Fae?" Elphaba sighed, as she ran her fingers through Muhlama's hair.

"Um.....are.....are you going to come to graduation? It's after next weeks finals. On Saturday."

Fiyero took a sip of his tea.

"I don't know, Fae--" Elphaba started.

"Of course we'll be there, sweet pea. Wouldn't miss it for the world." He cut his wife off, and glared back at her when she glared at him.

Fae nodded.

"Our little valedictorian." He joked. "Just like your mother."

Elphaba smiled slightly.

"She's worked hard for it. She deserves it." Elphaba replied.

"So did you." Fiyero said.

Fae sat and listened to her parents' gentle banter, before one of the maids entered the library, announcing that dinner was ready.

Later that night, after dinner, as Fae headed upstairs to her room, she passed the open library door. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she peeked.

Elphaba at on the sofa, an open book on her lap. Sighing, she took her reading glasses off, and rubbed her eyes. Then, she set the book aside, and got up- slowly. Standing in front of the window, she rested her forehead against the cool glass, eyes closed.

Even from this distance, Fae noticed that her mother looked exhausted. She seemed worn beyond her years, and didn't respond with her usual sarcastic remarks like she used to.

Something was wrong.

Something was very wrong.