Bro'mance
Chapter 11
Silent Lullaby's
Siefer stared down the long hallway, his body stiff, and rigid, every muscle was tense. His fingers hovered at his chest, clenched and unclenched in time with his beating heart. His breathes were short, and rapid, fueling the rage, bubbling within, and rippling across his heart.
The door to the corridor swung back and forth, creaking on its hinges; an invisible phantom, beckoning entry into the world the vortex of the living.
His voice, echoes within his pounding head, making it ache in time to his breaking heart. Tears welled within his eyes, and his lip trembled, before stilling once more, curled along the edges, showing small hints of his pearly white teeth.
Elphaba…don't do this…don't push me away
Siefer watches, frozen, his breath hitches tight within his throat, as Elphaba levels him a deadly glare. Mechanically, she steps up closer, her body heat radiated off hers, washing over his chest, and making him shiver. The intensity in her eyes burned through him, searing his heart.
She rises on the tips of her toes, her nose, was but a mere whisper from touching his.
YOU ALREADY DID THAT BY LYING TO ME!
His heart clenched tight within his chest. Gasping for breath, his hands immediately flew to his chest. His fingers curled around the wrinkled fabric of his shirt; stained with his blood, where his heart pounded furiously within the safety of his ribcage.
His eyes widen as he stumbles back. Crashing into the wall, Siefer slowly slides down the wooden panel; his eyes were haunted, silent screams of his agony echoed around him, shattering the world in crystal glass.
What now Siefer…Huh? Now that you've fucked me
"Elphaba" moans Siefer.
Siefer's eyes rise, empty of any emotion or thought. His mind was shattered, the fine lines between reality and fantasy blurred into one, distorting his perception.
A phantom image of himself materializes before his eyes, Elphaba, appears, trembling before him. Her arms are wrapped loosely around her slender waist, and her delicate fingers curl into the silk of her ebony dress. Her raven hair billows around her, and her eyes stare broken back at him, shimmering with tears of pain, of agony.
Slowly, he steps towards her, but stops as Elphaba draws back. His heart clenches, seeing the fear, the hatred, the rage, burning bright within her shimmering chocolate eyes.
He had broken his promise to the emerald angel. He had sworn on his lives blood, that he would never hurt her, that he would stand by her side, protecting her from the pain of the world. And yet, it all folded in around him, crushing him.
His body goes limp as his hands lower to his sides. His left fold steps back, and balances on the tips of his toes. His right hand rises up, fingers splayed pleading silently, for Elphaba to take his hand, to come to him, to wrap his arms around her trembling form and hold her close, soothing away her pain.
Fae
Stepping back Elphaba's eyes blaze with coal fire. That was not the name to be calling her at the moment. And he quickly regretted it, the moment the words slipped from her lips.
DON'T CALL ME THAT YOU SPINELESS BASTARD!
Fae…I love you
Enough!
Siefer's body immediately went stiff, hearing the pain, the rage within her words. She had hit her breaking point, and it was all his fault.
Galinda stood frozen on the spot, her eyes never leaving the place where her friend once stood. Her heart broke for the emerald witch, for no matter the circumstances, no matter who or what they were, no one deserved the deception, the betrayal which had been played on the green girl's heart.
Pulled from her thoughts, Galinda's eyes immediately snapped to the wall. Slowly, her eyes dipped and widened, seeing Siefer sit on the ground, a crumpled mess, a broken man, who had just lost the love of his life.
Her heart went out to Siefer. True, she agreed with Fiyero and the others that he should have revealed his true identity to Elphaba, the day the two met. But inwardly, she couldn't blame him either, for keeping that a secret. Especially after learning of his brother's affections for her.
Blinking back her tears, Galinda slowly makes her way to Siefer's side. Standing before him, she kneels. Her slender hand reaches out, trembling, lithely touches his knee.
Startled, Siefer jerks away from the touch.
Yelping, Galinda loses her balance, and plops down on her butt. Her frilly dress spreads out around her, and her golden curls fall over her face. Her hands rest on either side of her tiny waist palms down, and her legs spread out before her.
If it had been under any other circumstance, Siefer, and to some extent, even Fiyero, would have found the position Galinda Upland in, to be hilarious. But not now, not when his heart was on the verge of shattering.
Sighing, Galinda's lips curl to the side. Puffing out a large wisp of air, watches, as a few strands of golden curls fly up, and land lithely against her shoulders.
Inwardly, she cursed herself for being so stupid. Of course Siefer would have jumped. He had been lost in the sea of heartache, of despair, her approach, would have gone unnoticed.
"Galinda…I'm" starts Siefer.
It broke her heart, hearing Siefer's voice so soft, so broken. Her lips curled, giving the Crowned Prince a small, watery smile. Rising back on her hunches, she stares back at Siefer.
"It's alright. I tend to have that effect on people" replies Galinda softly.
A small, wane smile graces his lips, before disappearing beneath the folds of his misery. His eyes lower to stare at the bowl of his lap.
"I love her Galinda…I love her with all my heart" whispers Siefer brokenly.
"I know you do Siefer…I know you do" whispers Galinda softly.
"I lost her…I lost the love of my life…forever"
Galinda really felt bad for the Crowned Prince. Never, in all her life, had she seen a man, a grown man nonetheless, appear so broken before her. That alone, made her heart clench within her chest.
Tears flooded her eyes, and yet she fought to keep them at bay. Her tears could be shed later. Now was not the time for such. Now was the time needed for action.
"Siefer…I know your hurting right now…but she's hurting too…she needs you" replies Galinda softly.
"You heard her…she doesn't want anything more to do to me" starts Siefer. His eyes become stormy. His lips curl as his eyes once again rise up and glare back at Fiyero.
Fiyero, he too stood rooted to the ground, his eyes stared absently at the creaking door. His hand was still fisted loosely against his chest. His bangs fell over his face darkening his appearance.
He was lost, lost in the thundercloud of his despair, of his anger, of his rage. He cursed Siefer, he cursed Avaric, but mainly, he cursed his own stupidity.
If he had only been himself, if he had never taken Avaric's advice, if he had gone to Elphaba the day after the wretched rain fell, and she fell in…if he had only fought harder to reach her…
"Brainless Wonder over there made quick of that" spat Siefer.
Knocked from his thoughts, Fiyero whirled on his brother. The rage burned bright once more within his eyes. A cold fire of rage, of hate, and of utter loathing flickered within, darkening the shimmering sapphire.
"If you hadn't stolen what was rightfully mine! Then none of this would have happened!" roars Fiyero.
Growling, Fiyero takes a threatening step towards Siefer.
His body goes stiff, every muscle within his body tenses. Slowly, he raises a gentle hand up towards Galinda. Curling his fingers around her shoulder, Siefer gently pushes her to the side, and out of harms way.
His eyes never leave Fiyero's as he gracefully rises back on his feet. Storming over towards his brother, Siefer points a menacing finger in Fiyero's face.
"If you hadn't opened your big mouth! None of this would have happened! You should have left it alone Fiyero but no, your stubbornness just had to take over!" roars Siefer.
"She's mine!" roars Fiyero, as he steps closer to Siefer.
"She doesn't belong to you! She belongs to me!" bellows Siefer, as he points his thumb towards his chest.
At first, Galinda stood there, frozen. Her eyes stared incredulously at the two brothers, screaming at each other, both throwing the fault on the other, and neither stepping up, and admitting their faults.
Growling, Galinda storms over to Siefer and Fiyero's side. Standing to the side, she reaches out. Her delicate fingers grasp hard onto both brother's shoulders.
She had enough. This had to end and Oz be damned, she was going to finish it.
Screaming, Galinda threw the brothers to the side, each stumbling, neither having expected this small, petite, fragile little blonde capable of throwing a man, both for this matter, so easily; like rag dolls.
"Ozdamnit Galinda!" swore Fiyero, as he stumbles back and crashes into the wall, making his headache pound in agony within his head.
"That's enough! YOU'RE BOTH AT BLOODY FAULT HERE! SO STOP ACTING LIKE CHILDREN AND TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL ACTS OF MERIT IN THIS!" screams Galinda.
Siefer and Fiyero stood frozen; the students at the doors shifted uncomfortably, their heads down, or looking in other directions. No one had ever seen the blonde beauty this pissed off. And none hoped to ever again. She was actually quite…scary.
Snapping her head towards Fiyero, she leveled the Prince, a fiery glare. Her arm rose, pointing an elegant finger at Fiyero's heart.
"We've already established you're brainless. And it is your fault Fiyero! If you hadn't taken Avaric's advice, none of this would have happened! Elphie wouldn't have sliced her wrists, nor tried to take her life! She wouldn't be broken" continues Galinda; her voice though, softens at the end of her tirade.
"Glin" whispers Fiyero.
Stilling her emotions, she turns and glares back at Siefer, leaning against the walls, his fingertips press against the wood paneling, as he leans forward, and his eyes wide in shock.
"And you…I think we've already established it was stupid of you not to reveal your true identity to Elphaba…but to not tell her of the arrangement?" shrieks Galinda.
She was still pretty pissed about that. Regardless if he could get out of it, Elphaba still deserved to know such.
Glaring, she watches as Siefer lowers his head to the floor in shame. His body trembles, knowing that what the blonde speaks, was the truth. No matter how hard it was, it was the truth, and it was time to accept that, and move on.
Sighing, she turns her glare to Avaric, who had at that moment of distraction, was attempting to sneak out of the hallway, and away from the blonde's tirade. He really didn't want to get hit anymore either. And said skillet, was still within reach of the blonde.
"And you!" snarls Galinda.
Startled, Avaric freezes mid-step. His face, his body doesn't move, but his eyes slowly slides to the left. Horror flickered within Avaric's eyes, seeing the rage, burning within Galinda's dark, cerulean eyes.
Forcing his body to relax, Avaric awkwardly places his foot back on the ground. Shuffling, he turns to stare back at the blonde. His hand rises to the back of his head, ruffling his hair.
"Oh gee ah" starts Avaric awkwardly. His watch, flickers into view. His face lights up, and bringing his watch up, the hand resting behind his head points at his wrist watch. "Look at the time…gotta go…class! Bye!"
Galinda watches, as Avaric takes a gigantic step down the hall. Growling, she snaps her fingers. This time, a porcelain plate appears in her hand.
Rising it up, she frowns at the dish, before the flicker of movement, once again catches her attention. Shrugging her shoulders, she turns to the side. And, winding her arm back, flings the plate towards Avaric.
Fiyero and Siefer watch amazed, as the plate spins, slicing through the air like a discus. The sound of porcelain shattering and Avaric's rather loud curse fills the hallway, eliciting a few chuckles of laughter to slip from the students lips.
Stumbling, Avaric's hand immediately flies to the back of his head, where a few pieces of porcelain still lays embedded in his hair. Whipping around, he glares maniacally back at the blonde.
"Hey! You could have killed me!" snarls Avaric.
"Oh relax…it was only a plate" snorts Galinda, rolling her eyes in a very Elphaba-like way.
Both Siefer and Fiyero chuckle, Galinda definitely has spent way too much time with her green friend.
"You could have taken my head off!" grumbles Avaric, as he rubs the back of his sore head. Every now and again, he brings his fingers up to his face, examining them for any sign of blood, or embedded pieces of porcelain.
"Serves you right for leaving. Don't think your void from my lecture Master Tenmeadows. You're just as deep into this as these two idiots" replies Galinda dryly, as she gestures towards Siefer and Fiyero.
"Hey" starts Siefer, turning his attention back to Galinda.
"We resent that remark" finishes Fiyero.
"Who was the one who decided to take Avaric's advice?" asks Galinda. By now, the blonde had wrapped her slender arms around her chest. And narrowing her eyes leans towards Fiyero.
"Well…I…but" stammers Fiyero. He really couldn't counter that remark.
Behind Galinda, Siefer laughs, watching his brother shift uncomfortably beneath the blonde's gaze. Now, he understood how the blonde managed to convince Elphaba to not only wear the dress she wore the night previous, but to convince her to get her nose out of books, and to enjoy life.
When Galinda Upland set her mind to something, there was no stopping her. No matter how stubborn a person may be, they all give up., especially when Galinda gives them her best Puppy dog eyes.
Hearing Siefer snicker, she whirls around and glares back at him.
Startled, Siefer jerks back, and slams into the wall.
Galinda couldn't help, but smile at the sight before her. Siefer, a grown man, who towered over her by at least three or four feet, sat before her, shrinking beneath her gaze, like a cornered animal.
"And who decided to not tell Elphaba the whole truth of who they were?" snarls Galinda, as she places her hands on her hips, and leans in closer.
"Me" squeaks Siefer, as he points a timid finger at himself.
"You got it" replies Galinda darkly.
Eyeing him, she slowly rises back up to her full height. Giving him one last glare, she turns and glares at Avaric, still massaging his aching skull. Millie stands next to him, rubbing her fingers up and down his arm, and cooing in his ear.
My god, she was practically wrapped around his waist!
"And you! Of all the stupid, childish, arrogant things to do!"
"Hey" whines Avaric as he turns back to Galinda. He tried, yet failed to give her his best puppy dog eyes, but they weren't working. Not on Galinda Upland.
"You just had to open your big dumb mouth didn't you? Why couldn't you just leave well enough alone! If anyone should be feeling guilty, it should be you!" snarls Galinda.
"Me?" squeaks Avaric.
"You're the one who started this whole mess!" shrieks Galinda.
"How do we fix this?" asks Siefer softly.
Slowly Galinda turns back to face Siefer, the broken man sitting before her, his face casted once more to the floor. Her face softens, and the anger ebbs away.
"Only you…know how to do that" replies Galinda softly.
"It's too late…she'll never forgive me now" whispers Siefer broken.
"You'll never know until you try" whispers Galinda softly.
"I don't even know where she could have gone" replies Siefer, his voice cracking.
"Look for her favorite spots" smiles Galinda. Shifting her weight, her right leg slides out, as her right, bends slightly. Her left arm crosses her chest, as her other rises up. One by one, she counts on her fingers, as she randomly rattles off the hiding places she knew Elphie would go to.
"She likes to climb up the Jupiter trees in the Courtyard…oh and she-"
She stops suddenly, her body goes rigid once more and her eyes widen, horror, terror flickering within. Both Siefer and Fiyero take notice.
Slowly, the two rise up on their feet. Crossing the threshold, both brother stands on either side of the stunned blonde.
"What? What Glinny?" asks Fiyero softly.
"The…the River" whispers Galinda.
"The River?" asks Siefer confused.
Her mind once again falls into the sea of memories, flowing around her. Back to the day when times were true, and there was no heartache, no drama, just the two of them. Two best friends, walking the grounds of Shiz green, hand in hand.
They were talking softly small giggles escaped out of both girls' lips as they continued on, in search of a destination unknown.
Soon enough, the sound of rushing water, fills Galinda's ears. Looking up, her eyes shimmer, as she beholds the sight of Suicide Canal.
Squealing, she ran towards Suicide Canal, dragging a very reluctant Elphaba behind her.
Reaching the bridge, Galinda pulled Elphaba to the center. Letting go, Galinda rose on her tiptoes, and folding her arms on the surface of the cobblestones, gazed hypnotically, at the raging waters beneath her. Foam bubbles to the surface, before being swept away by lapping waves. The water churned and bubbled, splattering against the embankment.
"Isn't it beautiful Elphie…so peaceful…and calm" smiles Galinda.
Elphaba watches as Galinda closes her eyes, losing herself in the symphony of the waters churning beneath her.
A small smile, crested along Elphaba's lips. Leaning towards the edge, a frown, flickers across her face, as she stares at the water; water, the bane of her existence. Water was like acid to her skin. It burned her, melted her flesh. For her, it was more excruciating than the beatings she received on a daily basis, whilst living beneath her father's roof.
"I suppose" sighs Elphaba, a ting of sadness, laced within her voice.
Noticing, Galinda turned and frowned back at her friend. Her heart cracked, seeing the sadness sparkle within her friends chocolate eyes.
"Elphie…what's the matter?" asks Galinda softly.
"Water burns me Galinda…even a little, and I become scarred. The rain, anything of that consistency chars my flesh. Even my wretched tears" replies Elphaba softly.
"Oh Elphie…I didn't" starts Galinda.
"No one does Glin…I didn't even know…until-" starts Elphaba.
"Until?" asks Galinda gulping. This was the first time Elphaba had ever opened up to her. And truthfully, it was scaring her.
"Until I was four" replies Elphaba softly. So softly, that if the blonde had not been focused on her friend, she would have missed it.
"What happened?" asks Galinda gently.
"My father…I had broken a vase…one that belonged to Mama…and…and he became so enraged…he beat me…and after he was done…he forced me to pick up the pieces. There was water in the vase…and when my fingers touched it…they burned" whispers Elphaba.
"Oh Elphie"
"I begged my father for help. He just refused…he kicked me in the chest…and stomped on my back. I fell, chest first into the puddle. I screamed…crying and writhing as the water burned my flesh. My father…he…he pressed his foot on my back…preventing me from getting up…he just stood there…laughing…as I screamed in pain…begging for release" chokes out Elphaba.
"My god" cries Galinda.
"Ever since that day…my father made it his mission…to use water…as my-" continues Elphaba.
Seeing the tears shimmer within her eyes, Galinda steps up, and rising on her tiptoes, reaches up and daintily wipes the tears from her eyes, before they could spill, and burn her cheeks.
Wiping them away, Galinda very gently cupped Elphaba's face.
"Punishment?" finishes Galinda.
Nodding, Elphaba pulls away from the blonde. Turning, she starts to make her way off the bridge.
Shaking her head, Galinda steps up behind Elphaba. Reaching out, she grabs firmly onto the green girl's wrist. Spinning her around, she grabs a hold of her arms.
"Now you listen to me Elphaba Thropp…what your father did to you…was not your fault. He is the monster not you…you never deserved such torments" replies Galinda.
"Glin…I'm an aberration…a freak…an abomination of nature" cracks Elphaba's voice, as she stares at the ground.
Smiling, Galinda lets go of Elphaba's arm. Reaching up, she slides two fingers beneath Elphaba's chin. Gently, she raises her head up, until her dark, chocolate eyes stare back into soft cerulean.
"You're not a freak…nor are you an aberration or…whatever else it was that you called yourself. Your Elphaba Melena Thropp…the most compassionate…loving girl…woman I have ever met. A girl who has a heart of gold, who cares for others, and puts the well-beings of others above her own. Who loves her sister dearly, and would protect her and me with her life. You're not a freak Elphaba…and you never will be. Your you…a beautiful…loving…strong, and smartified human being"
"Glin" whispers Elphaba softly.
"I mean it Elphie…your beautiful…your special…and your just as much a human being…as I" continues Galinda.
Giving her friend a small smile, she pulls away, and once against stands at the wall of the bridge. Resting her arms on the surface, she rises on her tiptoes, and gazes down at the raging waters below.
"Do you think I could fly?" asks Elphaba softly.
"Elphie…what?" starts Galinda, worry edged deep within her voice.
"Do you think it would hurt?" continues Elphaba.
"What…what would hurt Elphie?" asks Galinda. Slowly, she steps towards her friend.
"Do you think anyone would miss me…when I'm gone?"
"Elphie…your scaring me…what are you-" starts Galinda.
Shaking her head, Elphaba turns to face the blonde, a wane smile on her face.
"Nothing Glin…nothing"
Galinda's head snaps up her mouth agape stands rigid before Siefer and Fiyero, hovering over her. Avaric had cautiously stepped behind the blonde, hoping to avoid being smacked again.
"Glin…what's wrong?" asks Siefer gently.
"The river…oh Oz why didn't I see it before!" cries Galinda.
"The river…Glin…I think you need to lie down…you're not making any sense" teases Fiyero.
Whirling, she glares back at Fiyero, desperation shimmers within her eyes as she reaches up and grasps onto him.
"You don't understand…the River…Elphie! Elphie's at the river!" shrieks Galinda.
"Okay…and that's bad why?" asks Siefer confused.
"She's at the River!" screams Galinda.
Not waiting, Galinda lets go of Fiyero and bolts down the hall, leaving the boys confused.
Turning, Siefer stares confused back at his brother.
"Explain to me how the River is such a bad thing?" asks Siefer.
Realization dawned on Fiyero's face and like Galinda, his eyes went wide, and his mouth agape. Every muscle in his body tensed, and his heart raced.
I'm done!
"She's allergic to water…oh Oz no!" screams Fiyero.
Fiyero takes off, leaving Siefer, Avaric and the others behind. Turning to stare at Avaric, both men shrug their shoulders, turn and take off down the hall, the others following.
Galinda and Fiyero crest over the hill overlooking Suicide Canal, and the rest of Shiz. The wind howls around them, whipping her golden curls around her.
Dark cerulean and sapphire scan the fields, worry etched deep in their eyes.
"There!" cried Galinda, pointing towards the bridge.
Fiyero's head snaps back and his eyes widen. There, standing on top of the bridge, was Elphaba, arms spread out before her, her raven hair billowing in the violent breeze. Her eyes were closed; tears glistened against her cheeks, burning her skin. The dress from the night before, violently whipped around her.
"Fae!" screams Siefer.
Siefer, Avaric and the others had reached the hill. They all stood frozen, as Elphaba leaned forward, and plunged into the raging waters beneath her.
"No!" screams Galinda.