Chapter 26. Sometimes You Wonder
Disclaimer: *writes on paper* Not mine
Thanks to Akasharouge and Elphaba1fan for reviewing 25.
Now, I've had several people ask me to bring Elphie back. I would love to, but there's a lot more that has to happen before she can return. And there are a lot more people she has to meet before she can return.....
Elphaba woke, raising her head. She was back in the loft, on the bed, in someone's arms. Slowly, she turned, to see Fae next to her. Her hands moved to her waist, only to find Fae's arms around her waist, holding Elphaba to her.
After a few moments, everything came rushing back to her.
However, Elphaba remembered nothing beyond Fae wrapping her in her arms.
She must have calmed her down enough to bring her back to the loft, given her a sleeping draught or something, and put her to bed. Sometime in the middle of the ngiht, Elphaba must have pulled Fae to her, and snuggled down in her arms.
The teenager sat up, and looked at the woman lying next ot her.
Fae's long raven hair tumbled down her back in the knots, her eyes were closed, and her breathing even. She gently pulled Elphaba closer to her in her sleep. The girl looked around, before gently slipping out of the woman's embrace and the bed. Her feet landed on the floor, and she moved to the table. She picked up a cup, and then went to the counter. Filling the kettle with water, she heated it, and then reached around for a clean cup, placing the others in the basin.
When the kettle began whistling, Elphaba removed it, and poured a cup. Then, she fixed tea, and laid it on the table. Then, she grabbed a piece of paper, and scribbled a note on it, tucking it under the cup.
After quickly and quietly changing and brushing her hair, she pulled her boots on and grabbed Fae's spare cape, heading for the door.
"I'll be back. I promise."
She closed the door quietly behind her and hurried down the stairs and out into the street.
Her heart pounded, horrified that Fae would stop her. When no one came racing after her, she continued on, wandering around the City, taking in the shops.
She passed beggars on the street, guards patroling the city. Shops had colorful displays in their windows; cafes had their doors open.
Elphaba wandered through the delicious scents of warm bread, tea and coffee.
Quickly, Elphaba looked down at the small pouch she held in her hand. At the last minute, she'd knicked it from under Fae's pillow. Gently, the girl shook it. Coins jingled inside.
She loosened the drawstring, and poured the coins into her palm. Glittering gold and silver coins spilled out. Lots of them. Counting softly, Elphaba noted that there had to be close to fifty dollars total in the small pouch. Fae must have been saving up. She put the coins back in the pouch, and looked around.
She was standing in front of a cafe.
Biting her lip, she thought a moment. Finally, she pushed the door open, and entered. Taking a table, she sat down.
"What would you like, Miss?"
"Uh....a cup of raspberry tea, please." The waiter took her order, and five minutes later, brought her her tea. Elphaba thanked him, and settled back, sipping her tea.
When she finished, she counted out the amount, and left it on the table.
Once outside, she continued to wander around, taking in everything. This Oz seemed more desolate, more tightly contained. Street urchins ran around, picking pockets, vendors set up their wares.
She moved down the street, feeling slightly repulsed by the way things were. She continued down the street, not paying attention as she walked, her mind on Fae.
Fae, who was still asleep back in the loft.
Or, had been.
The woman jumped awake, startled by a nightmare, and looked around.
"Elphaba?" She quickly climbed out of bed, and hurried to the table. The cup of tea was steaming on the table top, but Fae's eyes moved to the note beneath.
Fae,
Went out to get some air. Will bring back a few groceries.
Don't worry, I'll be back soon.
Elphaba
Fae's jaw clenched, and she crumpled the note up. Then, she got dressed, and sat at the table.
Elphaba had told her not to worry and to wait for her to get back. As much as Fae hated to wait, and hated to follow others' orders, unless it was given by her leader, she did as told, and waited for Elphaba, planning on how to reprimand the girl when she got back.
As Fae waited for Elphaba to return, Elphaba meanwhile picked up some bread, eggs, meat, and a few vegetables. As she headed back to the corn exchange, her attention occupied by how she was going to explain to Fae why she went out, she ran into someone.
The impact sent Elphaba sprawled on her back.
Slowly, she sat up, gathered her groceries, and stood.
"I'm so sorry, I wasn't--"
She stopped, eyes widening as she was met with a head full of golden blonde curls.