Two days later Galinda found herself in front of the closed bathroom door, arms crossed at her chest as she tapped her foot impatiently on the floor. The door finally opened and Elphaba walked out, nearly bumping into the small blonde.
"Sweet Oz, Galinda, what are you doing?" Elphaba asked, her hand clutching her heart.
"You said you'd think about it," Galinda said, her voice hopeful. Elphaba rolled her eyes and pushed past Galinda.
"It's only been fifteen minutes since you asked me, Galinda!" Elphaba responded, walking over to her bed.
"That's plenty of time to think about it!" Galinda argued, following Elphaba and standing at the foot of her bed.
"Fine. No," Elphaba said picking up a book and settling down on her bed.
"But Elphie!" Galinda whined, sitting down on the edge of the bed, "You said you had fun last time!"
"I did have fun and I think I've fulfilled my 'fun quota' for the entire year," Elphaba said, not looking up from her book once.
"Elphieee! C'mon, please?" Galinda begged, crawling further onto the bed. Elphaba ignored her and continued reading.
"Elphieee," Galinda said in a sing-song voice, but Elphaba just pulled the book closer to her, hiding her face behind it. Galinda frowned and scooted closer, then after a moment of hesitation grabbed the book from her roommate's hands hiding it behind her back.
"Galinda," Elphaba said in a warning tone.
"Tell me why," Galinda said, scooting backwards when Elphaba's hand tried to grab the book back.
"Give me my book," Elphaba said a little annoyed. Galinda shook her head.
"Then tell me why," Galinda said, her voice sounding braver than she felt at commanding her roommate to do something. Elphaba sighed and shook her head.
"Because I don't want to Galinda! Unlike you, I don't enjoy being around people. I don't enjoy putting myself on display. I don't enjoy going out into town every other day. I don't enjoy any of it Galinda! I'm not a good friend, that's why I don't have any. I don't know why you keep pushing me to be sociable when I'd rather be alone!" Elphaba was nearly screaming by the time she finished. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stormed over to her desk, immediately organizing anything that may be out of place. Galinda sat frozen on the bed, book still behind her back. Her heart rate had sped up at hearing Elphaba's raised voice and she could feel tears gather in her eyes. She let out a shaky breath then turned to face her roommate.
Elphaba was sitting down at the desk now, her forehead resting in the palm of her hands. The long raven braid rested against her back, nearly reaching her tailbone, blending in with her equally dark dress. Galinda could tell she was taking in deep breaths, her shoulders rising and falling slowly. The blonde slowly got up from the bed and walked cautiously over to the her roommate, stopping when she was a few feet away.
"Elphie?" she asked gently, taking another step towards the desk. Elphaba lifted her head, her hands coming together as if in prayer, fingers intertwined. She rested her chin against them, eyes closed. Galinda walked closer until she was inches away from Elphaba. She gently placed the book on the desk next to her elbow. Elphaba's eyes opened and she looked down at the book. She could feel how close Galinda was and the hairs on her neck rose as a slight shiver ran up her spine.
"I'm sorry Elphie," Galinda said in a quiet voice, "I-I didn't mean to make you angry with me." Elphaba turned her head towards the small blonde but stayed silent.
"I just wanted to spend some more time with you," the blonde added softly. It took all of Galinda's will power not to let the tears fall that had gathered in her eyes. The last thing she needed was for Elphaba to take pity on her, if that was at all possible for her roommate.
Elphaba felt a pang of guilt as she looked into her roommate's watery blue eyes. She had wanted to get through to the small blonde, let her know that she didn't like to be sociable with people. But she hadn't meant to push her to the verge of tears. She reminded Elphaba of a small child who had just been scolded for doing something wrong. And she was the one who had done the scolding. She felt the urge to take her small body in her arms and sooth away the hurt she had caused. Elphaba let out a long breath.
"I'm not angry with you, Galinda," Elphaba said softly, "I didn't mean to raise my voice at you." Galinda stared at her roommate, her hand playing with a curly strand of hair.
"I'm still sorry, I know sometimes I act like a child, my papa never fails to remind me..." Galinda's voice trailed off quietly.
"I didn't mean to push you," Galinda said when Elphaba didn't speak, "I just...I dunno...thought it would be nice to go out again." Elphaba sighed then turned to face her roommate.
"I told you I'm no good at being a friend," Elphaba said quietly, her eyes trained on the hand that was twirling golden hair.
"But, Elphie you're not even giving it a chance," Galinda said, her hand dropping to her side.
"How can I give it a chance when I'm not sure why you want to be my friend," Elphaba said closing her eyes, "for all I know you're just toying with me to earn a couple laughs from your group of airheaded friends." Galinda eyebrows knitted together, but she stayed silent for a moment.
"You think that low of me?" she asked, almost fearful to the answer. Elphaba shrugged.
"Not you personally...just the population in general," Elphaba said, a note of sadness in her voice.
"Elphie, I would never toy with you like that. If I didn't like you I would be rooming with Milla right now," Galinda said softly.
"But why do you like me? What could you possibly see in me that makes you want to be my friend?" Elphaba asked, staring into Galinda's eyes. Looking for that one sign that the blonde might be laughing at her inside.
"Well for starters you're honest, a trait not a lot of people carry. You're compassionate, you took care of me Elphie. You helped me through my panic attacks and stupid decisions. Not a lot of people have done that for me," Galinda watched Elphaba as she spoke, her eyes taking in her reaction to what she was saying.
"You're different from everyone, and I don't mean your skin color. You notice things and cherish what most people take for granted. There's just this certain charisma about you that I'm attracted to," Galinda said, her heart pounding just a little at what she had just allowed herself to say. Elphaba stared at her for a while, her mind going a million miles a second, trying to process everything the small blonde had just told her. Never before had anyone said nice things about her like Galinda had just said. It felt a little strange receiving so many compliments, and she realized that she didn't know how to respond to them all.
A few more minutes of silence went by; both girls stared at each other. Every now and then Galinda would avert her eyes and look down at her hands as she picked at her own nails. Elphaba sighed and closed her eyes for a few seconds before she said anything.
"Okay," she said, opening her eyes and looked at the small blonde. Galinda raised her eyes to Elphaba, a confused look on her face.
"What?" she asked, her eyebrows knitted together.
"Okay," Elphaba repeated then added, "I'll go with you."
"You don't have to, I don't want you to feel obligated to go," Galinda said, still looking at her roommate sitting at the desk. Elphaba sighed again.
"I'm not going because I feel obligated to Galinda," Elphaba said softly, "I'm going because I enjoy spending time with you, even if it is outside this room." Galinda felt a small swell in her chest, and she felt like she would explode with happiness. She tried not to show too much of it, but could not help the small smile that appeared on her lips.
"Really, Elphie?" she asked excitedly. Elphaba nodded and stood up from the chair. As soon as she did this Galinda had thrown her arms around her neck, pulling her into a hug. Elphaba stiffend at first but relaxed and placed her own arms around the small blonde's waist.
Galinda was enjoying the closeness and feel of her roommate's arms around her. She could smell that sweetness of sandalwood on her green skin and found herself wanting it to rub onto her own body. The hug lasted longer than a normal hug should and Galinda soon pulled away from the sweet smelling girl, a blush on her face that she tried to hide by turning and going to the wardrobe.
"W-well we should, um...get ready," Galinda said, going through her dresses, trying to get her mind off her roommate and how good she felt in her arms. After a minute, she pulled out a long, thick brown dress with pink trimming and stitching. When she turned around, she found that Elphaba was watching her from the same spot. They locked eyes again for a few moments before Galinda looked away. She headed for the bathroom, barely grazing Elphaba as she went.
When the door closed, Elphaba walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out one of her black winter dresses. Making sure that their room was locked, she quickly changed, then figuring that the blonde would be in the bathroom for a good twenty minutes, Elphaba made herself comfortable on her bed and opened one of her books.
In the bathroom, Galinda dressed quickly. She had been itching to go back out with Elphaba since their last outing. She hadn't expected to get into a fight in the process of asking her, but she was glad Elphaba agreed. Galinda was still a little shocked that she had actually told Elphaba she was attracted to her, and was glad that her roommate hadn't caught on to the real meaning behind her words. Realizing she was ready far too quickly, Galinda took the time to look around. She didn't want to appear too eager by being ready this fast. Despite her curious nature, Galinda had never once looked at Elphaba's things in the bathroom. She had seen various bottles and containers in the wooden cabinet over the toilet, but seeing as they weren't hers she never really looked at them. But now that she had time, Galinda figured it wouldn't hurt to look.
Galinda knelt on the toilet cover and opened the wooden cabinet. There were various bottles lined up on the top shelf. Some of them long and slender, others were short and fat and Galinda noticed that they were all organized by color.
She reached up and grabbed one of the yellow bottles. Upon opening the cap, a Galinda became aware of a familiar, sweet scent. Galinda closed her eyes and took in the fragrance. She replaced the cap after a moment and put it back in the correct spot. She took down a second bottle, which once opened she found to be filled with an off-white cream. It smelled like a sweet musk and Galinda was tempted to rub some on her skin, but thought better of it. Figuring she had been in the bathroom long enough, Galinda replaced the cap and put it back in the cabinet before closing the door. She looked at herself briefly in the mirror before heading out of the bathroom.
Galinda was not surprised at all to see Elphaba absorbed in a book, and couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her lips. Elphaba looked up at Galinda over the rim of her glasses.
"Something funny?" she asked, a small smirk on her face. Galinda only giggled again.
"I somehow knew you would be reading," she said walking over to her own bed.
"Well it only makes sense, you were in your natural habitat primping and priming. I merely thought I would venture into my own," Elphaba said sounding slightly bored as she closed her book and placed her glasses on the nightstand. She got up and walked over to the wardrobe, extracting her coat before turning to the small blonde.
"So where are we going?" she asked in a listless tone. Galinda pulled her own jacket on and shrugged. She had noticed that Elphaba had changed into an almost elegant black dress, and admired the way it clung to some parts of her body.
"Um, I dunno. I thought we could just walk around until we found something interesting to do," Galinda said almost cautiously, "I mean if we can't find anything we can come back," she added when she saw the look on Elphaba's face. Elphaba nodded and offered a slight smile as she pulled her own jacket on and wrapped her scarf around her neck. She made sure she had her gloves in her pockets then looked at the blonde, "Okay, let's go," she said while buttoning her jacket up to her chin. Galinda smiled and draped her pink scarf around her neck before grabbing her purse.
Once again, they headed out the door.
X
They had been in the village for a couple hours, Galinda basically dragged Elphaba to and from different stores where she bought a new pair of snow boots that where knee high and laced up the side, the heel on them made her a little more than an inch and a half taller. Elphaba averted her eyes when Galinda had tried them on, lifting her dress up past her knees so she could see them in the mirror.
Galinda noted how bored Elphaba looked, and after paying for a new deep green frilly dress for herself, she led Elphaba out into the cool air towards the bookstore. Upon entering, Elphaba's eyes lit up and she sighed happily. She browsed most of the shelves before picking two books, Animal and animal Behavior: Is There a Difference? and History of Animals.
While she paid for them Galinda browsed the shelves, her eyes catching on a massive book titled The Art of Sorcery. She pulled it off the shelf and flipped through the pages, stopping every now and then to look at a picture. It explained in detail how to do different spells and incantations, Galinda turned it over to look at the price. Her heart nearly stopped. She would never be caught dead paying that much for a book. She turned it back over, letting her fingers run over the intricate designs on the cover.
"What are you looking at?" a voice asked from behind her. Galinda jumped, nearly dropping the book and spun on her heels.
"Sweet Lurline Elphaba, you scared me," Galinda said, the large book clutched to her chest.
"What in Oz is that?" Elphaba asked, indicating the book. Galinda looked down at it, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.
"Nothing, just a book," she said, placing it back on the shelf behind her. When she turned around she found Elphaba smirking at her.
"What?" the blonde asked, as she picked up her many bags and started walking towards the door. Elphaba didn't say anything and followed the blonde out of the shop.
They entered the crisp November air, both of them pulling their coats tighter against their bodies, Galinda once again walking close to Elphaba. They walked down the street, their hands stuffed deep into their pockets. Galinda kept glancing over at her roommate and noticed that she watched her feet when she walked. She looked ahead of her and saw a painted sign leaning against a large run down carriage. The words "Get your photo taken" sprawled out on the cardboard.
"Oooo! Elphie look!" Galinda said, pointing towards the sign. But before she could answer Galinda had grabbed hold of her arm and was dragging her towards the carriage.
"Good afternoon, misses," An old man dressed in ratty clothing said, appearing from behind the carriage. Galinda could feel Elphaba tense up and made sure she kept a firm grip on her arm.
"Hello, sir, I saw your sign and wondered if you minded taking our picture?" Galinda asked kindly. She could almost feel the glare that Elphaba had cast her way.
"You aren't even going to ask me if I want to take part in this?" Elphaba asked Galinda, eying the photographer standing before them out of the corner of her eye.
"Please, Elphie? Just one?" Galinda asked, giving her best pout, both her hands gripping Elphaba's arm. Elphaba glared at the small blonde for a moment, her expression softening the more she looked into her big pleading blue eyes. She sighed, shaking her head.
"Fine, but only one," Elphaba said, "not like I have a choice. You're going to make me do it one way or another, might as well give in now."
"It's about time you realized that Elphie," Galinda said giggling as she dragged her underneath the small canopy.
"Alright, you two just stand over there in front of the sheet and I'll get the camera ready," The old man said, walking over to the broken door of the carriage. Galinda pulled Elphaba in front of the sheet, not releasing her arm once they were there. She was really excited and surprised that Elphaba was going along with this.
The old man came back with a small package of film and inserted it into the camera. He bent down a bit, looking at the two girls through the small hole, adjusting the camera so it would capture them both.
"Miss, could you move a little closer please?" the man asked, pointing towards Galinda. The blonde nodded, inching closer to Elphaba who rolled her eyes and pulled the blonde so she was tucked underneath her arm. Galinda fought the blush that rose to her cheeks as Elphaba wrapped her arm around her shoulder, pulling their bodies a little closer. She hesitantly let her hand rest on Elphaba's lower back and looked up at the photographer.
It took all of Galinda's will power not to lean further into Elphaba and press her entire body against her. She closed her eyes for a moment as the old man adjusted the camera, and breathed in the scent of sandalwood, a scent that would forever remind her of Elphaba.
"Very nice, very nice. Okay ladies, on the count of three," the old man said, holding up his fingers as he started to count, "One, two, three!" On three, he clicked the button, forever capturing the moment between the two roommates. Galinda had managed to deliver a smile and hoped that Elphaba had at least looked happy to be there.
"Alright ladies, thank you! You can come by in an hour to pick up the picture and pay," he said removing the used film and placing it in a protective box. Galinda reluctantly moved away from Elphaba and said thank you to the photographer before leaving the small carriage. Galinda linked her arm in Elphaba's again as they walked down the street.
"Thank you, Elphie," she said sincerely as they walked at a slow pace.
"Sure," Elphaba said, "but now we have to find something to do for an hour." Galinda smiled at her and opened her mouth to say something when someone interrupted them.
"Elphaba, Miss Galinda," came a familiar voice. Both girls turned around to see Nessarose wheeling towards them.
"Nessa," Elphaba said, removing her arm from Galinda's and walking towards her sister, missing the slight frown on the blonde's face.
"What in Oz are you doing here?" Nessarose asked a small smirk on her face.
"Galinda invited me to go with her," Elphaba said looking back at the small blonde.
"How did you convince her to go with you, Miss Galinda?" Nessarose asked teasingly.
"I have my ways," Galinda said smiling. Elphaba rolled her eyes.
"Well I hope you didn't have to resort to violence," Nessarose chuckled. Now that they were together, Galinda noticed for the first time how similar the sisters were. They both had the same eyes, and similar body structures, although Nessarose was a bit fuller in the hips and breasts than Elphaba, and her hair was a shade of light brown, but just as straight. She didn't possess the high cheekbones and prominent nose that Elphaba had, but instead had softer features.
"Galinda!" a voice sounded from behind them. Galinda turned and saw Milla walking towards her with Pfannee, Shenshen and a few boys, one of which Pfannee was hanging off of. Galinda smiled and walked towards her friends. She embraced Milla briefly, noting that it wasn't as nice as when she had hugged Elphaba earlier in the day.
"Milla, what're you doing in town?" Galinda asked, nodded to the other girls and boys, one of whom was looking at her with great interest. His skin was dark with blue diamonds. Galinda knew she had met him but couldn't remember his name.
"We're just out shopping, Pfannee wanted to get a new dress for the end of finals party," Milla said glancing behind the blonde at her roommate and waving, "you are going aren't you?" Milla asked, returning her attention to the small blonde.
"Um, after what happened last time, I'll have to think about it," Galinda said, trying to ignore Pfannee who she could see was whispering into the ear of a very tall, dark-haired boy, both of them looking in Elphaba's direction.
"Galinda, I'm going to catch up with Nessarose, we'll just be over there," Elphaba said, pointing to a bench across the street. Galinda nodded and watched her go, catching herself before she stared far longer than appropriate.
"Miss Galinda, I don't know if you remember me. I'm Master Fiyero, I was at Miss Pfannee's party," Fiyero said, walking up to the small blonde.
"Of course I remember you," Galinda said smiling sweetly at him. She looked over Fiyero's shoulder to see Pfannee staring at her. Her eyes shifted to Elphaba then back at the blonde, an evil smirk on her face.
"What brings you into town?" Fiyero asked, catching Galinda's attention.
"Well, I'm here with my roommate, Miss Elphaba," Galinda said, nodding towards where Elphaba and Nessarose were sitting. Fiyero nodded.
"Yeah, I've met her...well sort of," Fiyero said grinning as he remembered the less than friendly conversation he had had with Elphaba.
"Galinda, did you want to join us?" Milla asked, "We're going to that new boutique down the street."
"Well actually..."
"Let's just go, Milla. It's obvious that Galinda would rather spend her afternoon with the likes of the green thing than with us," Pfannee cut in her voice cold. Galinda glared at her.
"The green thing has a name," Galinda said calmly, not wishing to pick a fight with her, "and I asked Elphaba to come to town with me, I am not going to leave her behind. She's my friend," she said sternly. Pfannee snickered.
"You would be the one to cuddle up to that snake, she's coiled herself right around you. Be careful she doesn't seduce you, or we'll be looking at more than one green person in Oz," Pfannee said, her voice grating over Galinda's ears. She was positively furious.
"The only snake I see around here is you Miss Pfannee," Galinda spat out, regretting it the moment the words left her mouth. Galinda shivered involuntarily as Pfannee glared at her, her eyes shooting daggers.
"I'd watch what you say Miss Galinda, you never know what delicate information might slither into the open," Pfannee said glancing over at Elphaba then back at Galinda before she turned and started walking down the street, Shenshen and the few boys following. Milla and Fiyero stayed behind.
"You know it's pointless to pick a fight with her, Galinda," Milla said a frown on her face, "she fights dirty."
"I know," Galinda said, her mind still going over what had just happened.
"You gonna be okay?" Milla asked. "I can hang with you if you want, Boq has classes till three, we could go to the Peach and Kidneys and get a few drinks," she offered, playfully pushing Galinda's shoulder.
"Not today, I told Elphi-aba that I would spend the day with her," Galinda said, blushing at her almost slip up of Elphaba's nickname. Milla nodded.
"Okay, but we need to plan a girls night, just you and me. Because if I have to spend another full day with Pfannee and her croonies than I just might jump into Suicide Canal," Milla said, giggling at the last part. Galinda smiled at her.
"Okay, how about next weekend before the party?" Galinda offered, both girls seemingly oblivious to the fact that Fiyero was still there with them.
"Sounds like a date," Milla said cheerfully looking down the street where Pfannee and the rest had disappeared, "well we better get going," she said, referring to Fiyero and herself.
"Well it's good to see I wasn't forgotten in this conversation," Fiyero replied, making both girls giggle.
"Yea, I have to go pick up a package with Elphaba. I'll see you later," Galinda said, giving Milla a hug then turned to Fiyero, "It was lovely seeing you again, Master Fiyero," she said smiling at him.
"Likewise, Miss Galinda. I hope to see more of you," he replied moving in and kissing her on the cheek. When he pulled away he saw the uncomfortable blush on the blonde's cheek.
"Oh, sorry. Winkie tradition, that's how we say goodbye. Sometimes I forget I'm not at home," Fiyero said, offering an apologetic smile.
"Oh...um it's okay...you just caught me by surprise," Galinda said a bit nervously, "well, I'll see you guys later," she said waving as they walked down the street. Galinda turned around and saw that Elphaba was sitting on the bench alone.
"Are you ready to go get the picture?" Galinda asked once she was in range, her mind still on what Pfannee had said. Elphaba stood up and nodded. They made their way to the broken down carriage in silence. Both lost in their own thoughts. When they get there, the old man was waiting at the entrance of the canopy, an envelope in his hands.
"Hello again, ladies, your picture is all ready for you. And it was such a beautiful one that I am including the picture frame at no charge!" The old man said excitedly. Galinda paid for the picture, with a few quarreled protests from Elphaba. The old man thanked them and handed the envelope over.
"I could have at least paid for half of it," Elphaba argued as they walked towards the school.
"Oh, don't worry about it Elph..." Galinda trailed off as she looked down at the picture of them. She was struck at how natural they looked standing so close to one another, it was truly beautiful. Elphaba had the smallest of smiles, her head tilted to the side while her arm was wrapped almost possessively around the blonde's shoulder pulling her close to her own body. Galinda had a contented smile on her face, as if she had always hugged her roommate the way she was.
Galinda felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Elphaba standing close to her, looking at the picture.
"Well?" Galinda asked, a smile on her face. She found it incredibly difficult to concentrate when Elphaba was so close, her blue eyes trailed down to her dark lips, wanting so badly to feel if they were as soft as her hands were. Galinda looked back at the picture, removing temptation.
I can't think like that, she thought taking in a deep breath. She could see her and Elphaba's reflection in the glass covering the picture. Elphaba had a pensive look on her face, as if deciding if she liked it or not.
"It's okay," Elphaba finally said, as she moved away from the blonde and started walking again. Galinda rolled her eyes.
"I think it's beautiful," she said, catching up with Elphaba who looked down at the blonde and smirked. Silence followed as they made their way back to the school. The temperature had dropped some degrees and Galinda huddled closer to Elphaba as the wind blew icy air in their faces.
"You didn't have to do that you know," Elphaba said, once the wind had died down a bit. Galinda rolled her eyes.
"Oh really Elphie...it wasn't much money..."
"I didn't mean the picture Galinda," Elphaba said, the wind picking up again and blowing small snow tornados across the ground.
"I meant you didn't have to stick up for me," she said glancing over at the blonde.
"Of course I did, you're my friend, Elphie," Galinda replied looking at Elphaba.
"I get that we're friends, Galinda, I do. But it's only going to put your social status in jeopardy, and I'm not worth it," Elphaba said, a note of sadness in her voice. Galinda stopped walking and watched Elphaba for a few moments before running to catch up with her.
"You're worth it to me," Galinda said softly still staring at her roommate. Elphaba looked back at her.
"Well either way, you don't need to do it. It'll only make it worse for yourself. I know how to deal with it, I've been green all my life Galinda, but if you start reproaching everything everyone says about me they will start in on you," Elphaba said, her voice calm.
"I'm sorry, Elphie, but I'm not just going to sit around and listen to..."
"I'm asking you as a friend, Galinda," Elphaba interrupted, "please, just let it go. It's never going to stop no matter what anyone says. I don't want them to turn on you," she added her voice stern but soft. Galinda looked at her and sighed.
"I'll try but I can't promise anything," Galinda said defeated, her shoulders slumping a little.
"Thank you for doing it though. I've never had anyone aside from my sister stick up for me like that," Elphaba said, eliciting a small smile from the blonde.
"You're welcome," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She clutched the picture frame to her chest with one hand, and linked her other through Elphaba's. She rested her head against her the taller girl's shoulder as they walked to rest of the way in silence.
X
A week later Galinda woke up to a knock on her door. She groggily opened her eyes and glanced toward the door, willing it to magically open. The knock came again.
"Who is it?" Galinda asked as loudly as she could, her voice a little scratchy.
"Madame Morrible," came an authoritative voice from behind the door. Galinda sat bolt upright in bed.
What in Oz could she want so early?
"May I come in?" She asked her voice muffled by the door. Galinda looked around the room quickly.
"Yes," the blonde said. The door opened and Madame Morrible walked in. Galinda had to squint her eyes a little at how bright her outfit was.
"Good morning, dear!" She said cheerily, her skirts sweeping around her legs as she walked. The headmistress stopped in front of Galinda's bed and looked around the room, an envelope tucked underneath her long red fingernails.
"Good morning, Madame," Galinda said still sitting in bed, "Is there something wrong?" she asked when the headmistress didn't say anything.
"Oh I hope not. This letter came a few days ago for you, I would have gotten it to you sooner but you know how things get around here," she said chuckling as she finished her sentence. The headmistress handed the envelope over to the small blonde, her long nails scraping against the paper as the blonde slid it out of her grasp.
"Thank you," Galinda said, looking down at her father's neat loopy handwriting. Had he been sent home a letter about her grades? Galinda thought as she nervously opened the envelope. Just then, Ama Clutch walked through the door carrying a few pieces of wood for the fireplace.
"Good day, Madame Head," Ama Clutch said as she walked over to a small bin and dropped the wood in, "My Galinda hasn't done anything wrong has she?"
"Oh goodness no. I was just giving her a letter that came for her," The Headmistress said sweetly, smiling down at Galinda as she removed the letter from the envelope and held it in shaky hands.
"Ah yes, well if you wont need my Galinda for anything else would you mind me having a word with her, alone?" Ama Clutch asked, noting the horrified expression on the small blonde's face.
"Oh of course not, I have to be on my way anyways. Hope all is well, Miss Galinda. Good day to you both," the Headmistress said, leaving in a flurry of bright skirts. Ama Clutch hobbled over to the blonde's bed and stood over her.
"What's your father have to say?" Ama Clutch asked, pulling at a splinter that had wedged itself into her pinky finger. Galinda was silent for a moment, her eyes scanning the page a few times.
"Mama's sick," she said softly, handing the letter over. Ama Clutch took it from her and began reading.
"Well being sick doesn't warrant him writing...Oh Lurline child," Ama Clutch said, reading over the part about her mother. She looked up at the small blonde, then sat down on the bed.
Galinda had her eyes closed and willed herself not to cry. Her heart was pounding a little faster than normal and she could feel her throat closing up, making it hard to breathe. The blonde could feel her attack coming on and she tried to focus on her breathing just like Elphaba had told her. She took in one shaky breath after another, and found herself wanting Elphaba to be there with her, holding her hands and telling her things would be fine. When she opened her eyes and saw her Ama there instead of her roommate, her breath bacame more ragged.
"Ama...ca-can you...my-my pills..." Galinda said between gasps of air, silent tears sliding down her cheeks. Ama Clutch got up and walked into the bathroom. She emerged with a glass of water and one of the pills.
"Here you go, deary," she said, handing both over to the shaking blonde. Galinda took the pill and swallowed it with the water. She drained the glass then handed it to her Ama, her breath still coming in short gasps. She closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing properly, thoughts of her mother and Elphaba flying through her head.
"There, there deary," Ama Clutch said pulling the small blonde into a hug.
"Mama's dying isn't she," Galinda asked softly, tears threatening to spill.
"Everyone is dying gradually, deary, it just takes some time," Ama Clutch said pulling out of the hug.
"Is there a cure for what she has?" Galinda asked biting her bottom lip.
"There is, but it doesn't work on everyone. All we can do is pray and hope for the best," Ama Clutch said. Galinda nodded, and laid back down.
"I don't feel much like going to classes today Ama," she said softly, turning onto her side so she was facing her roommate's side of the room.
"Of course, deary, I'll inform the Headmistress so she doesn't think your skipping out," Ama Clutch said, squeezing the blonde's shoulder before getting up. She walked over to the fire and got a log burning before she left.
Galinda closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around herself. She wished that somehow Elphaba could hold her, or at least be in the room with her. The blonde found it too quiet without the occasional flipping of pages from a book, or the scratch of a quill on paper. But Elphaba wouldn't be back in the room until well after lunch time. Sighing, Galinda closed her eyes, and for the first time in a long time, she prayed.
X
It was after lunch, both Galinda and Elphaba were in their room, the crackling of the fire almost echoed through the quiet room.
Elphaba had noticed how sad her roommate looked when she walked into the room after her last final. She asked her what was wrong, but the blonde just shrugged it off and told her she didn't want to talk about it. So Elphaba dropped the subject and went over to her desk to write, knowing that if the blonde wanted her to know what was bothering her, she would tell her.
Galinda had changed into a plain yellow dress that danced around her ankles when she walked. She was sitting on her bed atop her comforter, knees tucked up underneath her chin as she watched Elphaba write. She looked over to the window and noted that it was snowing lightly, and she shivered slightly.
"Elphie?" Galinda asked in a small quiet voice.
"Yea," Elphaba responded, not looking up form the letter she was writing.
"What happens when we die?" Galinda asked, picking at the shoelace on her boots. Elphaba stopped writing and looked over at the blonde. She looked so small curled up against the head board, a pensive look graced her soft features. Elphaba got up and walked over to the window, resting her head against the cool glass and watching the snow fall softly to the ground.
Galinda looked up when Elphaba didn't respond. She hugged her legs and rested her cheek on her knees so she was facing her roommate, her golden hair falling over her shoulders in long curls. Her light blue eyes were resting on her roommate, and she couldn't help but notice how elegant and beautiful she looked standing by the window. Her dark purple dress contrasting beautifully against her emerald skin and the whiteness of the wall and window seemed to make her glow. She was breathtaking, like a silent dark angel staring out into the depths of the snow.
"Elphie?" she asked again.
"I'm not sure I could answer that question, Galinda," she said softly, her breath a puff of air against the window, making it fog. She carefully brought her finger up and traced small designs with her nail.
"Why not?" Galinda asked, her head lifting from her knees as she watched Elphaba draw on the window.
"Well," Elphaba began, then finding she really didn't have an answer she replied, "I don't know Galinda. Why do you ask?" She asked, turning towards her roommate. The small blonde closed her eyes again and shrugged.
"Does death scare you?" Galinda asked, her voice quivering on 'death'. Elphaba thought for a moment before responding.
"No, it doesn't. Does it scare you?" She asked in return, leaning against the wall next to the window. Her arms wrapped around herself. Galinda opened her eyes but didn't look at Elphaba.
"A little," she replied, her voice quiet. Elphaba regarded the small blonde from across the room. She looked so small and scared, like a fragile china doll, its beauty crafted for people to look at but not touch.
Elphaba pushed herself from the wall and walked over to Galinda's bed, the blonde looked up at her as she sat down on the comforter. "I don't think there's anything to be afraid of my sweet. Death is just a path that every living thing must take at some point," Elphaba said softly, tucking a strand of golden hair behind the blonde's ear. Galinda didn't respond as she looked into the sandy depths of Elphaba's eyes. A single tear leaked out of her blue ones and fell down her cheek. Elphaba swiped her thumb across it, ignoring the small pinprick it caused. She searched the crystal eyes that were glossed over like glass.
"Galinda, are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her sharp features. Galinda cast her eyes down at the comforter, as if embarrassed.
"Do you think it's peaceful?" she asked, instead of answering. Elphaba looked confused for a moment.
"Is death peaceful?" she asked, dipping her head to try and catch the blonde's eyes again.
"Yea. Do you think it's peaceful afterwards. Maybe warm and full of light?" Galinda asked still not looking at her roommate. Elphaba sighed.
"I don't know if I believe in an after life Galinda," she replied truthfully, looking down at her hands. Galinda's eyes landed on the picture of them sitting on her nightstand.
"What do you believe in, Elphie?" she asked, staring at the glare the fire cast over the glass on the picture. Elphaba thought for a moment.
"I believe in you," she said softly, looking at the small blonde. Galinda looked up at Elphaba, unshed tears in her eyes. Her bottom lip trembled a little and she looked away.
"Do you believe in love?" She asked, her voice shaking a little. Elphaba slid closer to Galinda and brought her hand up to cup her cheek. Galinda closed her eyes and pushed into the contact, her hand resting on Elphaba's wrist.
"I believe in the concept of love," Elphaba said, removing her hand from the blonde's face, Galinda's hand still wrapped around her thin wrist.
"Galinda what's wrong?" Elphaba asked, her concern growing stronger, "Look at me please?" Elphaba asked in a pleading tone when the blonde didn't say anything.
Galinda's eyes opened at the tone in Elphaba's voice and found herself once again lost in the sandy pools of her eyes. Galinda felt like she was being pulled beneath the surface, drowning in the sandy depths. Her breath became a little more shallow, like she was being suffocated by them. She noticed how close they were, she could feel Elphaba's warm breath on her face.
Galinda struggled with herself, tried to keep control of her emotions. She fought not to lean in, but eventually lost the battle with herself. She gave in to desire and leaned in, capturing the dark lips with her pink ones.
It took Elphaba a few seconds to realize what was going on. Her eyes were still open, having been caught by surprise. Her lips unmoving against the unbelievably soft lips of her roommate. Elphaba squeezed her eyes shut then opened them again. Galinda was still there, lips pressed against her own. Her heart beating wildly as it sunk in.
Galinda's kissing me.
When Galinda felt Elphaba unmoving against her own lips, tears started to fall down her cheek. She swallowed thickly as Elphaba pulled away slowly. She brought her hands up to her mouth, choking back a sob, not daring to look at her roommate. More tears flowed over her cheeks and a sob escaped her lips. When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she jumped up off the bed and left the room, leaving the door wide open.
Elphaba sat in shock on the bed. Her mind replaying what had just happened. Galinda, her roommate, miss upper class blonde beauty had kissed her. Not in a friendly way either. Elphaba brought her hand up and traced her lips. They tingled where the blonde's had touched her own.
Elphaba looked at the window and saw the falling snow, then looked over at the door that was still wide open. She knew Galinda had probably gone to the garden with Datura, and she hadn't brought her coat. Elphaba got off the bed and pulled her coat on, quickly pulling her gloves, hat and scarf on before grabbing Galinda's coat and heading out the door.
She all but ran down the halls to the cafeteria. There were a few people having a late lunch as Elphaba sped through the room and out the door. The crisp air nipped at her cheeks and nose as she hurried towards the garden, Galinda's jacket tucked underneath her arms. She made it to the entrance and slowed down. Still shivering against the cold, Elphaba walked in. She looked around frantically, her boots crunching in the new snow. She finally saw Galinda curled into a ball on the bench under the apple tree. Her head resting on her knees that were pulled close to her upper body by her arms wrapped around her legs. Her whole body was shaking, and Elphaba wasn't sure if it was because of the cold or the fact that she was crying. Elphaba hurried over to the bench, and stood in front of the shaking blonde. She noticed that Datura was sitting underneath the bench, her blue eyes peering up at Elphaba.
"Galinda?" Elphaba asked, sitting down next to the small blonde. She heard a muffled sob and placed her hand on the blonde's shaking shoulder.
"Galinda please, put your coat on. You'll freeze to death," Elphaba offered, her voice soft and pleading. Galinda uncurled herself form the ball she was in and threw herself at Elphaba.
"Elphie...I-I'm s-so sorry..." Galinda cried, burying her face in Elphaba's scarf covered neck.
"Galinda it's okay..."
"No it's n-not...it's wrong...i'm w-wrong...d-don't hate m-me...Elphie..." loud sobs escaped between her words as she clutched to her roommate. Fat tears seeping into Elphaba's scarf, "P-please...don't tell my p-papa...Elphia...please...I'm s-sorry..." Elphaba was at a loss for words. She grasped Galina's shaking shoulders and pulled her away so she could look at her.
"Galinda, I could never hate you," Elphaba said, wiping tears away with her gloved hand. Galinda closed her eyes and shook her head, her lips almost blue from the cold.
"H-how can you...how c-can you say that...I-I-I-I...it's wrong...I'm di-disgustin-ing...I should...I shouldn't of...I kissed you!" Galinda stuttered, her body shaking violently as more sobs escaped into the air in large puffs of white.
"Galinda, you're not disgusting, please put your coat on and we can talk..."
"I'm soooo sorry E-Elphi...Elphaba...please...don't hate me..."
"Galinda.." But Elphaba was cut off by another loud sob. She thought desperately on what to do to get the blonde to calm down so she could get her inside. Finally, she gave in to instinct, grabbed hold of the blonde's wet face and brought her lips down on Galinda's.
Galinda's heart was pounding a thousand times a second, her sobs stopped the moment Elphaba's dark lips landed on her own. Her eyes stayed closed as Elphaba pulled away for a moment, her breath warming her tear stained face. Then she felt Elphaba's lips on her again, and her heart stopped. Everything her father had told her, all the hateful words evaporated as Elphaba kissed her. One of the only thoughts in her mind being how anyone could think something so soft and heavenly was wrong.
Time seemed to stand still as they kissed, neither girl dared deepen it. Elphaba's gloved thumbs caressed Galinda's cheeks. She didn't really know what she was doing, but she did know that it felt right, so she kept her lips against Galinda's full pink ones. Eventually pulling away and kissing the side of Galinda's mouth before pulling her into a hug.
Galinda's breathing was shallow and she clung to Elphaba's jacket as if her life depended on it. More tears escaped her closed eyes as Elphaba kissed the top of the blonde's head, rocking back and forth a bit while she cooed soothing words. Galinda had never heard Elphaba talk so softly, and found it extremely comforting.
Everything was quiet around them, you could almost hear the snow flakes hitting the ground. Elphaba pulled away from the hug in order to put the jacket on the shaking blonde. They felt something small brush against their legs. They both looked down to find Datura rubbing her body against Galinda's yellow skirt, meowing softly. Galinda bent over and scooped the small cat in her arms, holding her to her chest as she looked at Elphaba.
The two stared at each other for a moment. Elphaba stepped closer and brought her hand up to cup the blonde's cheek, her thumb wiping away the fresh tears that had fallen. Galinda brought her hand up and laced her fingers with Elphaba's, closing her eyes.
"C'mon, I'll walk you to the room. I have to be somewhere in a little bit," Elphaba said softly. Galinda nodded, holding Datura closer. She felt the small cat shiver and unbuttoned part of her jacket to slide the small cat inside before buttoning it back up. Elphaba shook her head, a smile on her face and pulled the small blonde to her, wrapping her arm around her shoulders so she was tucked close to her. They slowly made their way into the warmth of the building. Both their minds lingering on the kiss they had just shared.