A/N: Once again I am thanking LillyFae and Doglover 645 for reviewing the most recent update. And again to LillyFae for reviewing my one-shot. Yes I am self-promoting. Just a warning guys, I am getting seriously close to holding a chapter or a one-shot to ransom for reviews. I can see how many people have read it versus 3 regular reviewers (who I dearly appreciate). I know I speak for other writers out there as well when I say, reviews REALLY do keep us going, even if you don't like it, tell me what you don't like. On that note, this will finish at chapter 10, if it looks like enough interest to make it worth my while I will post the Shiz era sequel. Sorry for the rant.

Teeth 7: Rose and Pearl and…

The three Thropp children, who were 15, 11 and 8, were sitting in a circle on the grass bathing in the warm Ozian sun. Even Nessa had been gently lifted from her chair and placed in the grass. It was long enough that despite having no feeling in her legs, she could feel it pricking her waist through the thin material of her summer dress. Shell was bouncing around his two older sisters not quite able to handle the anticipation of Frex coming home in the energizing sunlight. Nessa was reclined slightly, head lolling backwards and eyes closed. She looked as if she might be praying. Elphaba watched all this silently. As the clock-ticks passed her back had been getting straighter. Only she was not looking forward to Frex's return.

Unfortunately for her, it was not long after that thought had crossed her mind when Frex could be heard approaching their house. Elphaba jumped up first to secure Nessa in her chair and turned on Shell who was also upright.

"Clean yourself up a bit, would you?" She scolded stepping over and brushing him down. "Father will be furious with me if you're dirty. I'm meant to be looking after you."

"Awww Fabala, don't be so rough." The young boy pleaded and flashed her a pout. She softened, she always did, and kissed him on the forehead.

"I'm sorry, Shell." She returned to Nessa's chair and stood motionless behind it, a hand resting gently on one handle. Shell thought she looked like a stone statue, and told her so, though she didn't react. She couldn't. It was second nature to her now. Stand still. Stay quiet. Cold, hard stone that no one would go near to chisel away at or meld into something beautiful.

"Ahhh," Frex exclaimed approaching the seemingly mismatched trio, "my dearest children, Nessarose and Shell. Elphaba."

Elphaba didn't bother to respond to the curt nod she was graced with, despite it being more than her usual acknowledgement. Which was non-existent. Frex was clearly in a good mood and Elphaba wondered if she shouldn't just leave so it stayed that way. It wasn't worth it, she'd only be in more trouble later for shirking her duties. Besides, she reasoned, with Nessa present he wouldn't do a great deal against her. Nessa provided Elphaba with some safety as much as the exchange usually worked the other way around. Neither sister was complaining over much, out loud at least, and Shell was young enough, and male to remain blissfully ignorant of the politics going on with the remainder of the Thropp family.

"We are fortunate to be blessed by the Unnamed God." Nessa's guess was phrased as a statement, but it seemed to be an accurate one. Frex spun on his favourite child with gusto, cupped her cheeks and enthusiastically kissed her hairline.

"Yes indeed my dearest daughter. So much so he deigned to see fit I extend that blessing to my children. I have gifts!" He pulled a small wooden box from his robes with a flourish.

Elphaba considered the movement with some amusement, which only grew the more she thought about it. The man who impoverished himself and his family, who restricted them from all displays of frivolity lest they be irrevocably cursed with an immoral tarnish on their souls, was prone to theatrics. Occasionally quite extravagant ones, which would remain to be proven with the gifts. This aspect of Frex also seemed to prove that he did indeed sire Elphaba. Her reasoning behind this was that, with her green skin, she was a walking theatre performance. Nessa almost constantly told her she was at any rate. Even Nanny had conceded the girl was prone to 'dramatic outbursts' and Frex himself had cursed her for it. Ironic that one of the things he despised virtually proved their familial connection. The green girl had to suppress a smirk.

Frex approached Shell first. He reached into the box and pulled out a packet of rose seeds. It was a thoughtful gift, Elphaba was forced to admit. The young boy had shown an affinity for flowers, it was the only thing that kept him out of trouble. Sort of. He had a penchant for climbing trees and through the spikiest of bushes. This left an ever-weary Nanny putting new stiches in yeterdays britches so he could go and ruin them again tomorrow. Elphaba supposed the choice of a rose was an attempt to bring some class and refinement to the boy before he became too wayward and out of control. She would have to explain that meaning to him later, but for now the boy was grinning from ear to ear and searching the garden for a place to plant them.

Nessa's gift was a string of pearls Frex claimed to have been given by a grateful convert. Elphaba suspected he'd demanded them from some unfortunate town as a thankful offering to the Unnamed God for sending himself to their hovel. They were elegant and absolutely stunning. On Nessa's alabaster skin they seemed shine more brightly and add poise to the thin neck and stiff shoulders that suggested a future of superiority. The necklace was a fitting gift for the girl who would be the Eminent Thropp of Munchkinland eventually, courtesy of their mother's birth. The title was technically Elphaba's but no one, not even the girl herself, had ever considered her actually taking up the position.

"A gift befitting the future power over Munchkinland." Frex gushed.

"If it is the will of the Unnamed God." Nessa responded, yet again revealing her piousness which Frex so loved, and beamed to show it, and Elphaba thought of as exceedingly stupid, who had to supress a scoff. Without another word Frex slammed the box of gifts shut and stalked inside, not even sparing a glance for the rigid young woman. Nessa too seemed to forget her as she excitedly wheeled herself inside, presumably to show off her new accessory to Nanny who would surely gush.

Elphaba blinked slowly and let out a deep sigh. She walked a little way from the house, not wanting to hear anyone, or to be heard. It shouldn't hurt. After so many years she was used to it and there was certainly no expectation of it. If she was truly grateful she'd be thankful for the nod Frex had given her upon arrival. It was more than he usually deigned to bestow upon the eldest girl. Besides, she thought, there was nothing of the sophistication or beauty of the rose and pearl in her. Never had been, never would be.

"I wasn't born for the rose and pearl." She muttered to herself, inflecting it slightly so she almost sung. Immediately she feared being caught and whipped around quickly to check. With a sigh of relief she turned back to looking at the sky. When she spoke next, it was louder. There would be no trouble if anyone happened to hear her words, only agreement. Strangely, though she said them louder, these few words demonstrated what she was most ashamed of out of anything else. She would not get in trouble if they were heard, but it would hurt more than any punishment anyone could bestow on her. If someone heard and agreed it would serve as a reminder of the reality; she was unloved and the furthest thing from desirable for anyone with a brain.

"I was born for the artichoke."