Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Author's Note: I wrote both this and the next chapter at the same time and got a vote for each. I was eager to get the story continued so I decided to go with Nessa/Boq/Glinda, but not to worry since the chapter about Malun is going to be posted right after. This chapter ended up being more about Nessa. I didn't plan it that way but I think it's good to get a little insight on Nessa. I'm curious to see what you all think. Thanks!
Boq was caught between the proverbial rock and hard place. His feelings for Glinda were increasing all the time but he still found himself in a relationship with Nessa. He sighed as he saw Nessa wheel her way up to him.
"Oh Boq, there you are! I've been looking all over for you," she said happily.
"Nessa...I think we need to have a talk," he said, slowly. She frowned.
"About what?"
"Us. Nessa, is this...am I..." he paused, trying to collect his thoughts. He found a bench nearby and sat down on it. "What are your feelings about us?" he asked finally.
"Well Boq, I should think that would be obvious. We're perfect for each other. I love you," she said.
"But..." he started.
"But? What's wrong? I thought everything was going fine," she asked, her lip trembling.
"Oh Nessa, it's just that things have been so confusing lately..." he trailed off.
"I know things have been difficult, but that's why we have to stick together," she grabbed his hand. "You could be better suited for you than me?"
"Glinda," Boq said. Nessa's jaw dropped, but then Boq pointed. She turned and saw Glinda walking towards them, looking worried. "Glinda, what's wrong?"
"I just ran into Fiyero. Remember that new kid in class today?" she asked.
"Yes. What about him?" Boq asked, puzzled.
"There's a new student at Shiz?" Nessa piped up. She had been in a different class at that time.
"Yes...I don't remember his name. I think it started with an N? Or was it an M?" Glinda pondered to herself as she sat next to Boq. "In any event, that's not important."
"Glinda? What is it about this person that has you so worried?" Nessa asked.
"Elphie recognized him...he's the person who attacked her," Glinda whispered. Nessa gasped.
"Here? At Shiz?" Nessa asked, grabbing for Boq's hand. Glinda nodded.
"Elphie is terribly upset. Fiyero wants her to talk to Madame Morrible, but she left him without promising anything. I have a bad feeling about this," Glinda sighed. "What if he goes after Elphie again?"
"That won't happen," Boq said firmly.
"He got to her before! Oh Boq, what if he hurts my sister?" Nessa cried.
"We'll convince Elphaba to talk to Madame Morrible and see what she can do. In the meantime, we'll be able to keep Elphaba safe. Besides now that Fiyero knows what he looks like, do you think he'll let this new guy get close to her?" Boq pointed out.
"But he couldn't help her before," Nessa said, tightening her grip on his hand.
"That was before we even knew he existed. Fiyero's not going to let anything hurt Elphaba," Boq assured her.
"He cares about her too much," Glinda said as a brief look of sadness passed across her features. Boq put his other hand on her shoulder, causing Glinda to look at him. "It's true after all."
"We all care about Elphaba. Between the four of us, she will be okay. We'll all be okay," Boq said, holding Glinda's gaze. Nessa frowned as she watched this exchange. Why in Oz's name was Boq looking at Glinda like that? Nessa gave Boq a slight tug.
"We all will be okay, right? I know we're worried mainly about Elphaba, as we should be, but what about the rest of us?" she asked.
"That monster is not going to get his hands on any of you. He'd have to go through me and Fiyero to do that and that will not happen. It'll be okay, Nessa," Boq said gently. "Now you have a class to get to. Don't worry. We'll come up with a way to convince Elphaba to talk to Madame Morrible. Surely when the headmistress hears about this, she'll have to do something about it. Everything is going to be fine." Nessa nodded.
"I hope you're right," she said. Boq turned his focus back to Glinda.
"How about we go find Fiyero?" he asked. Glinda nodded and the pair stood up. "We'll see you later on, alright Nessa?"
"Alright," Nessa said. Glinda gave her a little wave, which she returned, and then Boq and Glinda went off in search of Boq. Nessa watched them go.
'Why did he seem too eager to head off with Glinda right this second to find Fiyero? He usually takes me to class.' Nessa pondered to herself. She let out a sigh. She had finally been able to catch the boy of her dreams, thanks to Glinda, and now it seemed like she was losing him. It wasn't fair! It was bad enough that she had to spend her days stuck in a wheelchair. She had had to watch all the other kids running around and playing with each other growing up. Always watching, never able to participate. There were so many things that she would never do. Sometimes she got so mad at Elphaba – sure she was green, but at least she could walk. And she had magical powers. What did Nessa have? A wheelchair. A stupid, old wheelchair. Nessa chided herself. It was hardly Elphaba's fault that she was confined to a chair. It was all just so frustrating.
Things had been so boring, one day blending into the other, hoping that someday someone might see past her chair. Then Glinda had worked her magic and Boq had asked her out! From that point on, the Munchkin boy had been hers and she truly meant it when she had told him she thought they were perfect for each other. They were. He was so kind and sweet and she loved him dearly. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him. But their earlier conversation...that look shared with Glinda. When was the last time he told her he loved her? Nessa's frown deepened and she started wheeling herself to class. Glinda was a good friend and she cared about her, but Nessa would not lose her boyfriend to her. She would fight if necessary. She let out another sigh.
Maybe she was just imagining things. Maybe the look shared between Boq and Glinda was nothing more than friendship, maybe she was getting herself worked up for nothing. Boq had been distant lately, yes, but things had been so hard. Hadn't they all changed? Sooner or later he'd go back to the way he was and everything would be fine. Maybe later Nessa and Boq would have a good laugh over her silly worries.
And if not, if something was indeed going on that would cost her Boq, then she was prepared to fight. Boq was hers and she was his and no one was going to get in the way of what they had. Not even a beautiful blonde named Glinda.