DISCLAIMER: in the fisrt chapter...

A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed and even to those who may have been to lazy to review, but chose to continue reading my story. With classes starting again, I should reestablish my regular updates. This story is not nearly close to being finished!

CHAPTER 14: Class, gossip and more confusion than before

Nice.

Apparently being the wife of the scandalous Fiyero Tiggular made Elphaba de center of every gossip. If she thought being green had made her feel conspicuous every time she had entered class, she soon discovered that it had nothing on the horrible sensation of every single eye staring at her every second of the day. It was enough to leave Elphaba on edge.

She glared at the stupid looking red-head to her left and closed her book rather forcibly, making Galinda, who sat on her right, jump a bit. The blonde refrained from commenting, though, already quite aware of the curious stares and hushed gossip.

"Lunch, Elphie?"

The green girl didn't answer, only rose from her seat and, with long strides, rushed out of the class. Galinda knew she had heard her, so, with much calmer motions, took her time following her friend. It was as Galinda was departed that the words in coming from behind her registered.

"… can you imagine being married to a green pole?"

"Oh, I know! I bet he has to seek company from other girls just to keep safe."

"I heard that they haven't consummated their marriage, if you know what I mean."

Sniggers and laughs followed the mean comment, but Galinda had heard quite enough. If Elphaba was willing to put up with Fiyero's philandering, far from her to disagree. However, the blonde vowed to herself to have a long talk with her roommate about what other people were saying. With a slight toss of her beautiful blond locks, Galinda sauntered away from the gossiping group.

She found Elphaba half hidden behind a pillar, with her head down and her book clutched tightly against her chest; almost like a shield. When Galinda neared her friend, she raised her eyes to meet Galinda's blue ones and the two shared a smile. Comfort and reassurance.

"Hungry?"

"Sure." Shrug; very convincing.

"So, I am sure you noticed the many glances." She snorted, but Galinda chose to continued as if she hadn't heard it. "And after what I accidently heard, I thought maybe…"

Whatever else she had planned to say was lost when, not to steps inside the cafeteria, Fiyero appeared in front of them. With a smile that seemed far too sincere to be anything but, the Prince caught Elphaba's hand in his and gently kissed it. Galinda didn't have to look to know that everyone was watching the scene unfolding. She just wished he didn't try to flirt with her like the last time they had met face to face.

Fiyero, fortunately surprising, merely offered a nod her way, before turning his attention back to Elphaba who wore a knowing look and a sarcastic smile. All of which, Galinda noted with interested, disappeared when her husband came to stand by her side and put his arm around her waist.

"So, my dear, can I be presumptuous and invited myself to your table for lunch?"

"Huh, if you wish to, Fiyero." Sweet Lurline! Elphaba was trying to act nonchalant, but Galinda saw right through it and would have made herself scarce if her roommate hadn't shot a pleading look her way.

Fiyero behaved like the perfect gentleman, which only served to increase Elphaba's suspicion at his behavior. What was he up to? It was a question she was unable to answer throughout the pleasant, though somewhat casual lunch. Their talk seemed to be steered clear of the rumors and gossip that surrounded them, focusing on insignificant details like her favorite food and her classes for the day. When they finished, Fiyero offered to carry their trays away, leaving Galinda and Elphaba alone for a moment.

"Hey, Elphie, I forgot to ask. Have you talked Nessa, yet?"

Elphaba, too absorbed by Fiyero's every move, took a second to really grasp the words her roommate had spoken. Then, she frowned. And sighed.

"No." The green girl looked down at her hands, playing with the gold ring around her finger. "I saw her, this morning, but she turned away and avoided me." Galinda was sad to note that Elphaba seemed resigned at her sister's attitude, which only served to make her even angrier to the spoiled girl.

"I'm sure, once you manage to talk, that everything will be alright." Elphaba looked skeptical at that, but didn't have the chance to retort, because Fiyero returned.

"So, I'm off." He offered a hand to help her stand, which Elphaba took without thinking. "See you later?" She nodded, still a bit reluctant to buy this act Fiyero was putting up for, she could only guess, the gossipers' sake. Though, it was nice to spend time with him.

Elphaba expect him to turn away and leave after that, so it was understandable that she turned, herself, to face Galinda. Or, she would have, if Fiyero's hand hadn't circled her waist gently and brought his lips to briefly meet hers. It was a tender kiss, one couples share without thinking much when meeting or parting. It completely caught Elphaba by surprise, though.

Specially the part where goosebumps rose up her spine at the contact of his hand and his lips. She wasn't going to think about it, though.

No, Fiyero left casually, seemingly oblivious of the stares that followed his exit. And, Elphaba was going to act exactly like him. It was no big deal. No big deal. She faced Galinda and asked if she was ready to go to class and was proud to note her voice betrayed none of her insecurities. Galinda merely nodded.

Elphaba's eyes narrowed, though, when she caught sight of the smirk her blonde friend was sporting. When Galinda saw this, she offered a smile and motioned for them to leave. Against her natural instincts, the green girl let it go.

For now.

"Ah, Elphaba! You forgot again! And I surely didn't remember."

"What?"

"The blue diamonds."

Realization dawned and Elphaba sighed. "Can't believe it slipped my mind again!" Then she shrugged, being practical. "I guess I'll go to the library later to do some research."

"Weren't you going to ask Fiyero?" Rose actually tinted green cheeks and Elphaba looked down, clutching her bag.

"Ah, well, I'm sure he's busy. Besides, he may not even know."

Galinda didn't think she sounded all that convincing, but choose to let it go. The blonde had no desire to prod her friend's temper. It was, in all likelihood, already short after the morning they had. Best to leave it to another time. So, Galinda put it out of her mind, linked her arm with Elphaba's and proceeded to gossip about the same people that had been gossiping about her. Without realizing, Elphaba soon relaxed, a little, and truly laughed at Galinda's wild speculations based on insignificant pieces of rumor she had collected.

It was nice to have a friend, after all.