Green as Sin

You run into your room in tears. Elphaba is there, reading as per usual. She doesn't look up when you slam the door, as she is used to you being in one of your "moods". But today is different, and she seems to realize this when you curl up onto your bed with a pitiful sob.

"Galinda?" she wonders, book lowering, face emerging from behind it. Her dark eyes are concerned behind her glasses. "What ever is the matter?"

"F-Fiyero!" you manage to sputter, and you see a flash of anger cross your roommate's eyes. She's up and at your side in a moment.

"What's he done?" she snarls. "Did he harm you? I swear if he did…" You're surprised by the sheer venom injected into this sentence by your usually passive friend. Her green face seems to have turned a darker emerald in her rage.

"No! No, Elphaba, I'm fine… physically anyways. It's just… he doesn't talk to me anymore! He's always so moodified, off in his own world. I think… I think he doesn't love me anymore!" And with the truth now out in the open, you promptly burst into tears once more.

"Oh Galinda, you silly girl," sighs Elphaba fondly, eyes softening, and she takes you into her arms with surprising gentleness. "Fiyero probably just got a higher mark on the last History exam than he expected and is worried his reputation as the class airhead will be tarnished."

You giggle in spite of yourself. "Oh Elphie, you always know just what to say." Elphie. You haven't said that name in weeks.

"Elphie?" she wonders, looking puzzled. She clearly doesn't remember. You giggle in glee, thankful for the distraction. "Your nickname! Isn't it cute?"

But Elphaba still looks taken aback. "Nickname?" she questions again, as if the idea is foreign to her. You gasp as a thought hits you.

"Don't tell me you've never had a nickname before!" you declare, horrified by the thought.

Elphaba's face turns suddenly bitter. "Of course I have. Plenty. Green Bean, Bean Stalk, Freak, Mean Green Thing …. The list is impossibly extensive."

Your heart twists, and you wrap your arms around her tightly. She stiffens, surprised. "Oh Elphie, I wish I'd never said so many horrendicious things to you! If only I'd known what a good soul you have…"

She snorts. "Soul? I don't have one." You're startled. No soul? How could anybody think that about themselves? Elphaba is one of the sweetest, most kind hearted people you've ever met. Her smile lights a room, when she laughs music plays in the distance, and she always takes care of you. If anybody should have a soul, it'd be Elphaba.

"How could you say that?" you murmur quietly, burying your head in her shoulder.

"Anyone who's green as sin can't possibly have a soul. My father often makes sure to remind me."

You bite your lip and snuggle her closer.

"I'm not sure how yet, but I will teach you to love yourself, Elphaba Thropp."

She doesn't look convinced.