Chapter 8

As class ended, Fiyero placed his satchel over his shoulder and hopped up on the table to sit. "So Galinda, a few of us are planning to head out tonight to a party. I thought maybe you would like to join me. Well, us."

"I would love to join you!" Galinda beamed.

Elphaba was witnessing the amusing exchange between the two when Fiyero glanced her way. "You are invited as well Green Bean."

"Would you kindly stop calling me that? I have a name." She then looked down and fiddled with the clasp on her satchel as she continued. "And no thank you. One social gathering was quite enough." She gave Glinda a look, hoping to drive home her point. She then placed her satchel over her shoulder and prepared to leave.

Galinda looked down immediately, the feeling of hurt etching its mark upon her once again. Why does she have this effect on me with a simple look? It's unsettling. Trying to shake off the bad feelings Galinda reverted back to her usual self. "Oh come on Elphie. Get your nose out of a book for a change. Come have some fun with us."

Elphaba was surprised her roommate seemed as though she genuinely wanted her to go. That still didn't change anything of course. "Really, it's quite alright. I…"

Galinda stepped over to the green girl and looped her hand through the green girl's arm, interrupting her. "Elphaba and I would love to go."

"Galin…" Elphaba began to protest but was ushered out by the blonde before she could finish.

Galinda stopped once they were outside the classroom and whirled Elphaba around. "Don't ruin this for me Elphie. Please?"

"That's what I'm trying not to do, you idiot." She removed the girl's hand from her arm. I was fine staying at home and reading my book. You're the one that just put me in the middle."

"He invited you to go as well. So you're going." Galinda stood there with her arms crossed, showing Elphaba she was not prepared to back down.

Elphaba sighed, determined not to give in herself. "Galinda, he was just being nice. And no, I'm not going!"

"Yes, you…"

Fiyero had been eavesdropping just inside the door. He decided to make his presence known at that moment and came walking out of the classroom. "Ladies, is there something wrong?"

Galinda cued in with one of her over the top giggles. "Oh no everything is fine. Isn't it Elphie?" She nudged the green girl in the ribs.

Elphaba just mad a noise as she readjusted her satchel.

Fiyero looked back and forth between the two before deciding to move on. "So I was going to head out to grab a bite to eat. Would you two care to join me?"

Elphaba spoke first before Galinda could volunteer her further. "Galinda would love to go. I'm afraid I'll have to pass on that intriguing offer. I have work to do in the library."

"Of course." Fiyero bowed slightly. "You know I'm surprised you don't have a bed in there with the amount of time you spend in that place."

"And how would you know?" Elphaba asked with raised brow. Not expecting an answer, however, she turned and went on her way.

"Elphie…" Galinda implored but the green girl didn't acknowledge the plea and continued around the corner out of sight.