Glinda heard Elphie's distinctive boot clomp in the hallway and got very wiggly in anticipation of giving her the good news. Nurse had come to examine her while Elphie had been out and all had gone well. But as soon as she saw Elphie's face all her wiggling stopped.
Elphie threw open the door and stomped into their room, seething.
"Elphie, What happened? What's wrong?" Glinda said, knowing enough to just stay put.
She stormed over and threw the book bags loaded with books and assignments down on her cot.
"What's wrong? What's wrong?" She said in a deceptively calm tone.
"The condescending, misogynistic old geezers that are in charge of things around here. That is what's wrong."
Elphie paced furiously twitching and mumbling to her self. Gwenot was taken aback She had seen Elphaba upset and pacing before, but not like this. Galinda looked like she had been through this before so she followed her daughter's lead and kept silent and out of the way.
"Those bastards had the audacity to lecture me on study habits and self discipline. Me." She spat.
"What in the hell has my whole life been about, besides self discipline."
"And study habits." Her fists were clenching and unclenching at her side and her eyes were shooting flames.
"How many of those old codgers got into Shiz without having any formal schooling! Poor study habits my ass! I study as a recreational activity!" She was pacing, hitting the air with her fists.
Gwenot's eyes shot open in surprise and she glanced over to Glinda who simply nodded. Glinda had figured out that this was about the APEs, but would have to let this run its course before she would be able to get any specifics. She had never, ever heard Elphie talk like this, swear like this and was a little worried.
Where do they get off calling me irresponsible! I missed one session, One! And for a good reason, and they make me out to be a slacker." Her voice was strained.
She was still pacing and twitching, her eyes wild with anger and her words laced with venom.
"And that isn't even the real reason. Those misogynists want me to quite, to think that I am not good enough for their precious exam and their Advanced Placement classes because I wasn't born with a penis!"
This time Glinda's eyes flew open in surprise, Elphie never spoke like this, ever.
"Well I have had it!" She stopped pacing, but her hands started clenching again.
"Why should I waste my time in a system that doesn't care if I succeed or not, I am sick to death of dealing with men like them. I am not even going to bother with the meeting tonight."
"What meeting Elphaba?" Glinda spoke loudly and firmly.
"The one for the AP candidates, to decide what to do this week, but why bother? I am a slacker remember, with poor study habits and no self-discipline. I am sick of trying, no more APE study group. As a matter of fact no APE period. Those bastards would probably find a way for me to fail anyway."
Elphie was still seething and started pacing again. Glinda decided to take charge of this rant, before it got too far out of hand. She knew that Elphie probably had no intention of not taking the exam. What she was afraid of is that she was so upset that she might just shut down before she worked it through. She got up and strode over to the moving Elphaba.
"Elphaba, listen to me."
"Why? You're not the one taking this exam. It has nothing to do with you." Elphie hissed.
"Well I beg to differ. Elphaba Thropp you sit down, shut up and listen to me right now!"
She spoke with firmness and authority and Elphaba complied, but glared at her, Gwenot simply sat on her bed staring at her daughter in amazement.
"I will be damned if I am going to sit by and watch you throw away this opportunity, it is what you have worked for your entire life." She said angrily, glaring right back.
She learned long ago when to fight fire with fire where Elphaba's tirades were concerned.
"This…"Elphie started.
"I am not finished yet Elphaba. I will not allow you to let those misogynic old men win this fight. They want you out, but they can't force you out. You deserve to take that test as much as anyone else."
"I know that Glinda, but maybe, just maybe I don't think a stupid exam is worth this kind of exasperation.
What have ever had to fight like this for any way?"
"Are you kidding me with this?" Glinda said incredulously. "I'm blonde, cute, with a bubbly personality and nice breasts. The world in general thinks I'm a silly ninny, only good for being taken care of, hosting dinner parties and sex on demand! You don't think I still have to fight that stereotype, especially here at Shiz. I have fought like hell to be seen as someone with a few brains and something worthwhile to say. So come down off of your self-righteous pedestal Miss Thropp. And try to remember you are not the only female in that APE program."
Elphaba was still angry and still glaring. Gwenot was dumbstruck. She had never seen Elphaba this angry and had no idea her daughter was capable of the kind of response she gave. But it was obvious they had done this intense whatever it was before.
"Now hear me and hear me good Elphaba, You will go to that meeting tonight and see what is going on. If you think you are going to cop out on your study mates, some of who may be in the same boat you are, you are sadly mistaken. Now go, get out of here and pace the halls twitch in the parlor and mumble all the expletives you like, but this is not up for negotiation. You have every right to be angry, but no right to jeopardize your future, to jeopardize our future, because of it. The APEs are too important to you, and to us, for you to throw them away because you are being a hot head and are angry with a few pompous jackasses, because they acting like pompous jackasses. You have vented, now go and pace off the rest of your anger, then we can talk if you wish, but you are going to that meeting tonight. End of discussion. I am sick, literally, and do not have the energy for any more of this, now go!" She looked directly into the fuming girl's eyes matching her glare.
Elphie huffed, shot daggers at her then stalked out of the room, knowing full well that she was right.
Glinda flopped down on her bed, exhausted.
"Are you going to tell me what just happened?" Gwenot said going over to her trembling daughter.
"Elphie has a temper, a very volatile temper at times. I was fighting fire with fire." She sighed.
Glinda put her head on her mother's shoulder and cried.
She sobbed for awhile, letting go of the residual anger and frustration, then sat up and dried her tears.
"Feel better darling?"
"Much. We were not angry with each other, mama. We were actually angry at the same thing. I only intervened on her rant because she was losing control of it. She usually rants and raves her way to a solution, and I just listen. But I have had to confront her before. This was different though, I've never heard her swear like that, or be so ready to give up solely because she was angry. She was losing control of her emotions and was very close to shutting down."
"She does internalize things a great deal. Darling, I had no idea you were capable of whatever it was you did."
"I didn't either until I met her. We have had a few royal battles. This wasn't so much an argument as it was talking to her in a way she would hear in the heat of the moment." She chuckled.
"And people think I am difficult."
They talked for a while longer. Glinda explained to her mother what Elphie had told her about how she had received her pre-Shiz education. And confided in her that the last time she sent Elphie away to pace it off when she was angry, she didn't come back for almost five days. And sending her out this time was very difficult and frightening for her.
Elphie stormed down to the parlor. She was livid. Livid because the professors were morons and because Glinda was right. She paced around mumbling to herself trying to get a grip on her anger. It took a little while of intense pacing and uncontrollable twitching before she felt in control enough to sit down. She couldn't believe she let the mentors get to her like that. She had no intention of giving up everything she had worked so hard for, but she might have anyway. She hadn't been consumed by anger like this in a very long time. She sat for a little while, until she felt closer to normal. She did not want to stay gone too long, because she realized that Glinda had confronted her insecurity about her leaving when she was angry. By the time she felt she was ready to go back, she had been gone a little under an hour.
Glinda went in and washed her face, then took a pain pill. She now understood the edict against overdoing it. She felt really bad for Elphie; she was being treated very unfairly. She went and sat in her chair and chatted with her mother.
Elphie went back down the hall and opened the door to their room. She held opened her arms and Glinda put herself into them without a word. Elphie held her close for a moment then led her to sit down on her bed.
"I am sorry. My behavior and language was unconscionable, even if I was angry." Elphie said quietly.
"Elphie, you had every right to be angry. You are being treated very unfairly."
"I have always been treated unfairly. You think I would be used to it by now. Are you all right my sweet? You look tired."
"I had to exert a great deal of energy very recently, but it was for a good cause, so it was worth it." She put her arms around Elphie and hugged her.
"It is alright Elphie, it will all work out." She whispered in her ear.
"Gwenot, please forgive my outburst. Glinda may be used to my temper, but you are not."
"There is nothing to forgive my darling. You should be proud of yourself that you feel safe enough with Galinda to express yourself in that manner and know it will be alright." Gwenot said soothingly.
"We can talk about this later." Elphie said. "So are we able to eat together in the café?"
"Yes we are." Glinda said happily. "Do we have time before your meeting?"
"Yes, we do, and you are dressed and everything. Are you hungry?"
"Very."
Gwenot left the room first and Glinda took the opportunity of her mother's turned back to give Elphie a firm kiss, and a soft caresses on her cheek.
"I love you Elphie."
They caught up to Gwenot and took a slow walk down to the café. Elphie was subdued, but Glinda was chattering happily about her visit by the nurse. They went to the table on the patio that she and Glinda preferred then signaled for the waiter. They ordered drinks and dinner then settled in to talk.
"Elphie the nurse said I can come down to the café and eat every day and even take a very short walk outside, and hot baths." She said excitedly, but she was obviously tired.
"Lyndie, that is good news. What are your restrictions?" She smiled
"No classes all week, naps, no strenuous activity, and lots of rest." Glinda pouted slightly.
"The nurse said her immune system is not quite back up to par yet and she will tire very quickly until her system is back to normal. She said there have been a few students who have relapsed from trying to do too much, too soon." Gwenot added.
"We can handle this Lyndie, no big deal." Elphie said lightly.
The waiter brought their dinners and while they ate Elphie told them about the class work situation.
"We can both study together in our room, or down here on the patio, if you are up to it, and I only need to check in with my professors, and turn in your work once a day all week."
"That sounds Ok I guess, but I am already tired of staying in." Glinda said.
"The nurse said by the weekend she may be able to do a little more, maybe a longer walk. They will check her over again at the end of the week."
"That reminds me, I need to go in for my booster shot tomorrow. I'll go see our professors, then stop by the dispensary on my way back."
"Elphie, come get me, I'll accompany you." Glinda said.
Elphie smiled "My sweet, there is no need for that really."
"Why not?" Glinda was confused.
"Lyndie, first off, you faint at the sight of needles, remember. You will have to be on the other side of the room. Second, you hate it when I swear, angry tirades aside, and swearing is likely to occur. And third, I do not require that sort of comforting."
"But maybe I require providing it to you sometimes." Glinda said gently
Elphie sighed and looked into her love's earnest face, realizing that the shot wasn't the issue.
"Alright my sweet, if it will please you, you may accompany me."
They chatted for awhile longer about class work and Glinda's restrictions while they had dessert.
"Elphie, do you have some more time before your meeting." Glinda said as she finished off the last of her pie.
"Yes my sweet, I do." Elphie said still picking at her custard. She had not really eaten very much.
"Mama, would you mind if I spoke privately with Elphie for a little while before she goes to her meeting."
"Of course not darling, I'll meet you back in the room." Gwenot smiled at both of the girls.
Elphaba had been unusually subdued and had not really eaten much. She assumed that her daughter was going to provide her with some encouragement. She took a glass of iced tea and went upstairs.
Glinda pulled her chair close to Elphie's.
"You're nervous." It wasn't a question, and Elphie didn't treat it as such.
"Sweetheart, I am very sorry I was harsh with you earlier, but you were seriously close to shutting down."
"I know, Lyndie, it is fine."
"No it's not Elphie. Those professors got to you. They frightened you. They do not have any control over whether you can study or not, or even take the APEs or not."
"I know." Elphie sighed.
"Do you? Too many men have or have had control over what you do your entire life, Your great grandfather, your father, and the Shiz entrance committee, among others. I know you're still angry, I think in part because somewhere deep inside you, I think you believe them, at least a little. Even I know that the way to get your attention is to speak to you in a firm, strict voice." Glinda spoke gently, lovingly.
Elphie did not respond. There was no need. Glinda was right, and they both knew it.
"My love you want to be an Advanced Scholar, and you know full well that you are more than capable of studying for, taking, and passing that test, whether you are ready to admit it to yourself or not. Now go to that meeting; hear what they have to say. If it does not suit you, show them a little of what I saw an hour or so ago, but without the vulgarity." She smiled, as did Elphie.
"Show them that passion and fire. Show them the Elphie I know and love."
Elphie looked into her love's eyes. "Come my sweet, I will walk you back to our room. I know you are tired."
They walked arm in arm upstairs, but Elphie led Glinda into the parlor instead of their room.
She looked around, then pulled Glinda into a kiss. It was soft and gentle, but also lingering and expressive. Then she pulled her love close and buried her head in her shoulder for just a moment, a rare move from Elphaba.
"Thank you my precious, for everything. I love you so much."
"I love you too Elphie, now you need to go before you are late." She smiled.
"I will not be late, I may be a slacker, but I am a prompt slacker." Elphie grinned.
Glinda waggled her finger at her scowling happily then took her hand and they went back to the room.
"I will be back soon." She said to Glinda and Gwenot when she dropped her off.
Glinda gave her a quick kiss. "Show them what you've got, my clever girl."
She stood in the doorway and watched Elphie hurry down the hall.
"Is she all right?" Gwenot asked.
Glinda went and sat on her bed leaning up against the headboard. "I hope so. I'm not sure, but I think that meeting with her mentors shook what little confidence she had, and frightened her. And I don't think it was what they said so much as how they said it. I think she realizes that too."
She picked up her doll and held it close to her.
"Learning, studying, researching new things, solving problems, making connections. That is what she does, all she has ever wanted to do. Learn." Glinda sighed.
"Your intuitive skills seem to be developing rather early darling." Gwenot said going to sit by her obviously exhausted daughter.
"Not really. Only in regards to Elphie, and only sporadically."
"Be that as it may, they are still developing and are very accurate it seems." Gwenot said with a touch of pride.
"Are you all right my darling?"
"Yes, I am, just very tired and achy. I did not understand what the nurse meant by overdoing until now."
Gwenot kissed her daughter's cheek. "Why don't I go run you that steaming hot bath you are now permitted to take, with some of those new bath salts?"
"Ohhhh that sounds wonderful. Will you sit and talk with me, please?"
"Of course darling."
Glinda settled into her first steaming bath in many days and felt the effervescent bath salts tingling and soothing. And into her second heart to heart talk with her mother. Both activities were needed and comforting.
Elphie walked into the classroom the APE candidates used for study, her stomach churning. She thought about what Glinda had told her and willed herself to relax.
"Good evening Miss Elphaba." It was the upper level student who had warned her about the mentors, Curiv.
"Good evening Master Curiv." Elphie said politely. "We appear to be early."
"Perhaps, but I know that there are at least five of us who are just beginning to recover from the flu. Some of the ones here are in various stages of recovery also. You were not stricken?"
"I was not, but my roommate was. I have been assisting in her care. She is recovering nicely now. And you?"
"Thank Oz no. I know that some of the candidates were intimidated away by the mentors when they went to discuss their options."
Elphie started seething again, but kept it under tight control.
"I had that experience this afternoon when I approached them. I almost did not come tonight because of their lecturing, but my roommate, who is also my best friend, explained how that would be a big mistake on my part."
"Well good for your best friend. If I may be so bold Miss Elphaba, if anyone belongs here, it is you." Curiv said blushing slightly.
"I thank you for that Master Curiv, but I think that if someone was invited to take these exams, then they belong here, no mater what their class or gender."
"Brava, Elphaba" Said an upper level girl who had joined the little ad hoc discussion group.
"They lectured me too because I was out sick two days last week."
It wasn't long before the thirteen candidates present were in a discussion about the difficulties they had faced when dealing with the mentors. Elphie smiled inwardly at how correct her love had been. The candidates were not concerned that the mentors were not there yet because they had a tendency to show up when it pleased them. So in the meantime they discussed their various situations and needs and possible options.
It was Elphaba, bolstered by her conversation with Glinda, and her need to not leave her alone at night until she was fully recovered, that posed the obvious solution.
"Maybe for just this week." She said tentatively. "We can divide into smaller groups and meet where and when it is most convenient for those who are recovering from influenza."
"That is a perfect solution, we can inform the ones who are not here." Said one boy.
"We can be in groups of say four or five and meet in dorm parlors, the café, or where ever it is closest for the recovering people, so they do not have to go very far." Said one of the few girls.
"Is that what you had in mind Miss Elphaba?" Curiv asked excitedly.
"That was my thinking, yes. If everyone thinks it would work." Elphaba said uncomfortable with the attention and acknowledgement.
"I don't think the mentors are going to like this idea." Said one upper level boy. "They would have to leave their bastion of power and consort with us common folk."
Elphie chuckled in spite of herself.
"Well they are not here yet, so lets just work this out." Said another boy.
They gathered around the chalkboard and scribbled information about everyone, even those absent. They put where everyone resided, who was recovering, who was assisting someone who was recovering, convenient times and possible meeting locations. Elphie sat apart furiously writing down everything and shaping the schedule as it emerged. There were a few minor disagreements and clashes of egos, and two upper level boys thought it was a very bad idea and refused to participate, but generally they seemed to be setting aside individual attitudes for the sake of the group.
"What nonsense is this?" A booming voice interrupted and startled the group.
The mentors filed in to the room and took their usual places in the front. The candidates filed back to their seats silently. The Chairman of the mentor committee went over to the board, looked at it with disdain and erased it.
"We have not got all night."
"We have met and decided that there is no need to change our current study schedule. We will meet tomorrow as we agreed to at the beginning."
"Excuse me, professor, but we think that a little flexibility is called for, at least this week." Said one of the upper level boys.
"Some of us are recovering from the influenza outbreak and are on restricted activity." Said another.
"So all of the group must accommodate a few who succumbed to the illness, or who feel the need to assist someone who did." The chair said leveling a stern look at Elphaba.
Elphaba's seething of a little earlier had settled into a slow simmer, but was now back up to a full boil.
While the mentors stated their case and thwarted any opposition Elphie settled herself down. She heard Glinda's sweet, loving voice in her ear
"…hear what they have to say. If it does not suit you, show them a little of what I saw an hour or so ago, but without the vulgarity."
She smiled inwardly. Glinda was right, as usual. If ever she was going to stand up for something, this was a start. She wanted to be able to study at an advanced level, and she was capable of doing so. She wanted to have the opportunity to do her best, as did everyone here. And that was the key. She knew she would not be able to assert herself, just for her own benefit. Not yet. But She could do it for her fellow candidates, and for Glinda. The outcome of this test would indeed affect both of their futures. She was becoming overwhelmed and decided it was now or never.
She tuned back in to the conversation, which not surprisingly, had not really gone anywhere. Elphie took a deep breath, sought for and felt Glinda's presence and stood up.
"Excuse me." She said with all of the confidence she could muster. "I mean no disrespect, as I'm sure no one here does. But we have come up with what we think is a reasonable plan for this week."
"A plan, you all devised a plan." The chair almost sneered.
Elphie held her anger and emerging sarcasm more or less at bay.
"Sirs, you left a group of Shiz's best and brightest together for an extended period of time. We identified a mutual problem and we solved it. What else did you think could occur in this situation? We are all here right now because we take this exam and our academic futures very seriously, That is why we came up with a plan for this week."
"And you naturally assume that as the so called best and brightest, you know better than we how to manage the Advanced Placement Exams." He said smugly, looking sternly at Elphaba.
Elphie felt her resolve start to falter, luckily she had spurred some of the others into action.
"That is not what we think at all sirs." Curiv said standing up. "We think the study system in place is the best one possible. You arranged it so we could learn from each other, study with people outside of our own fields and support one another. We have all benefited greatly."
Everyone nodded.
"Miss Elphaba's idea will allow us to continue studying in that vein, even though some of our number are on restricted activity and others are not going to be able to attend these evening sessions for a few days."
Most of the members of the mentor committee were appalled at being challenged in such a manor, but a few seemed impressed with the initiative that the candidates had taken, especially the usually reserved, but very intelligent, green freshman girl.
"The exam is only a few weeks away, and none of you best and brightest is even remotely prepared. If you wish to waste your limited time pursuing Miss Thropps ill-advised plan we can not stop you. We however will not waste our valuable time and resources. We will convene here tomorrow night as scheduled. Good night ladies and gentleman."
He nodded curtly to the room and the mentors left abruptly, leaving the group a little stunned.
After a moment of shocked silence one of the girls spoke.
"Why must they be so rigid about everything?"
"Not all of us are." Came a mild voice from the doorway.
"Professor." Curiv said in surprise as the group rose in greeting.
"Oh please sit down." He smiled.
He was one of the younger mentors, younger being a relative term. He was in his mid fifties and a popular professor in the Chemistry department.
"Professor Thiol, we…"
"I am not here for recriminations. There are a few of us who do not agree with the Chair and the others. We think a little flexibility is in order. Prepare your plan and schedule and bring it to my office tomorrow morning. The other rebel mentors and me will be there and will be as accommodating as we are able. And you keep believing that you are the best and brightest that Shiz has to offer, because you are. And most of you are more than just remotely ready for these exams." He looked at Elphaba, who flushed slightly.
"Thank you Professor" Elphaba managed to get out.
"Think nothing of it. There are actually professors on this campus that want students to achieve all they are capable of. He smiled at the group and left as quietly as he had come.
"Wow." Said a voice from the back row
"No kidding, do you think he was for real?" Said someone else.
"I have him for a class and he is very genuine in there." Said someone else. "But the Chair erased our working schedule, so it's a moot point."
"Elphaba copied it down. We can go from there." Curiv said. "Those of you who need to leave and get some rest, please do so, we can inform you what we come up with."
No one left. They transferred Elphaba's information back onto the board and set to work. It took forty-five minutes, but together they worked out a time and place schedule, study assignments and other duties and guidelines, including informing those absent and talking to the Professors. Every one copied everything from the board, making extras for those absent. As everyone was leaving they thanked and congratulated Elphaba on her brilliant idea. She tried to accept the praise with grace, but only marginally succeeded.
"Miss Elphaba." Curiv said timidly. "I don't mean this to be forward, but I have to go to the café and take something to my Aunt. It is very late and I would feel better if you would allow me to escort you back to Crage Hall."
"Master Curiv, I would appreciate that, thank you." And she meant it. It was late and she was feeling a little nervous. "But please, May we dispense with the formalities?" She smiled slightly.
"As you wish, Elphaba."
It wasn't far from the Humanities Building to the café.
"Oh no they are closing." Elphaba said disappointedly. "I wanted to get a snack for my roommate."
"I think I can help there." He grinned.
He motioned to Elphaba to follow him in. The door was open, but the café had just closed.
"My Aunt is a baker here." He grinned.
Auntie, good evening. This is Miss Elphaba Thropp. She is in my APE study group. Her roommate is recovering from the flu and needs a snack. Can you help?"
"Why of course Curiv. Miss Thropp, how about some cookies?"
"That is very kind of you, thank you." Elphie acknowledged.
The woman pulled a tray of cinnamon almond cookies out of the oven. She put some of the hot fresh cookies on a plate and put it, along with a pitcher of milk and one of water on a tray.
"Here you go dear, I hope this satisfies your roommates snack craving."
"I am positive it will, she has a terrible sweet tooth. Thank you so much ma'am. I'll see you in the morning Curiv. Thank you too."
She nodded and hurried upstairs with her unexpected treat.
Glinda had enjoyed both her bath and her talk with her mother immensely and was now sitting on her bed, looking over her assignments; she was tired, but coping. Elphie had been gone for close to three hours and she was not sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing.
"Darling, you are worn out, you can talk to Elphaba in the morning." Gwenot said
"Nope. I need to see her tonight." Glinda said.
She went back to her books, but for just a little while.
"I'm home." Elphie chuckled coming into the room.
"Hi Elphie!" Glinda grinned broadly trying to judge her love's demeanor.
"I brought a snack, and an unexpected one at that. Warm fresh from the oven cookies."
She started to explain about the cookies as she poured drinks and put the cookies on the nightstand, handing one to Glinda, who was delighted. She sat beside her love, who immediately put herself into the arms that beckoned her. When they all had cookies, she proceeded to tell them everything that had happened at her meeting, everything. Glinda listened with growing pride, tears forming in her eyes.
Elphie, I am so proud of you." Glinda said giving her a light kiss. "It sounded as though you were amazing."
"Elphaba, that took a lot of courage on your part. I am very proud also." Gwenot said
"I know this is wrong, but it made me feel…a little powerful."
They talked for a little while longer, until all of the cookies were gone and Glinda was yawning incessantly.
"You are overly tired my sweet." She got up and poured Glinda some more water then handed her the glass and a pill, then sat back down across from her. Gwenot had gone into the bathroom to get ready for bed, so they had a little time.
"Everything I was able to do tonight was because I heard your voice, and felt your presence." She said looking into Glinda's eyes
Glinda stroked Elphie's cheek "Don't sell your self short my love. You can do whatever you set your clever mind too." She kissed Elphie softly and repeatedly, until she finally settled on a kiss and let it linger.
You are not supposed to overdo my sweet." Elphie chuckled.
"I over did already. A few little, but much needed kisses, are not going to matter." Glinda responded.
"You need to sleep my precious and I have some work to do, if I am going to pull this off tomorrow."
"You go work, my love. And I'll go to sleep. I am very proud of you." She smiled at her love.
"May I please have just one more kiss, a proper good night kiss."
Elphie obliged, and the events of the day seemed to melt away as her lips merged with Glinda's.
"Will that do?" She asked as she pulled away, stroking her love's hair.
"For the time being, seeing as my I am at decreased energy capacity. Good night Elphie, I love you."
"And I you my sweet. Good night."
Glinda snuggled down and Elphie covered her up and kissed her cheek.
"You can feel free to tuck me in, even when I'm better if you want."
"Good night Lyndie." Elphie chuckled.
Elphie went over to her desk and sat down with her notes from the meeting, she worked for about half an hour when Gwenot emerged, ready for bed. She pulled a chair up to Elphie's desk.
"You did well tonight my darling. I am truly proud of you." Gwenot said sincerely.
"Thank you Gwenot, it was an odd feeling."
"Do you think you have all of your class work and study group activities under control?"
"I believe so, the group I am studying with is going to meet in the café right after lunch. Glinda can either do her homework down there with us, or can rest up her if she is tired. It will only be for a few hours. Then the rest of my studying I can do in our room. I do not have to be gone at night this week, and only for a few hours during the day. It should be fine."
"Good. We agreed if you were comfortable with the situation, I would leave tomorrow evening after dinner. There is a train that leaves at 8: 30."
"I am comfortable, but you need to be as well. If you think you need to stay, you are welcome Gwenot. Glinda has enjoyed your visit very much. I think it really helped her feel better to have you near."
"Elphaba darling, I am completely comfortable, you have gone to extraordinary lengths to see to Galinda's well-being. My daughter could not be in better or more loving hands."
"I do love her, so the lengths do not seem that extraordinary to me. I can make your arrangements, through our porter tomorrow morning if you would like me to."
"I would appreciate that very much. Are you going to be able to join us for breakfast?"
"I don't think so, unless Glinda wakes up very early, but I will come to get her, as promised, before I go to the dispensary. Then afterward we can go to lunch before my study session."
"Fine darling." She kissed Elphaba's forehead. "Good night Elphaba, please do not work too late."
"I won't, Good night Gwenot."
The older women gave her daughter a kiss then got into her bed and Elphaba turned out all of the lights except for her desk lamp. She checked on Glinda too, taking in her beautiful face, then sat at her desk and finished the study schedule plan for the professors and her assignments to turn in tomorrow.
After about three hours, she went in a bathed quickly then slipped into her cot, exhausted. Today had been a day of emotional extremes, but she had survived and had actually come out on top, with her sanity intact. She allowed herself a moment of feeling pride and accomplishment followed by what she had come to know was a strong affection for Gwenot. Then she fell asleep allowing herself to completely feel the extreme love and deep emotional attachment she had for Glinda. As usual, one set of emotions at a time, to prevent being overwhelmed.
Elphaba awoke after a deep, dreamless and uninterrupted sleep. Glinda had slept peacefully all night again and Elphie took that as a very good sign. She dressed quickly, gathered her things and went down for a quick breakfast. She spent the next couple of hours talking with her class professors, handing in her assignments from the previous day and preparing for the APE study group later on. Then she checked in with Glinda's professors and collected some class notes and readings for her. She was just in time to met Curiv for their meeting with the so-called rebel mentors. That meeting went better than she could have ever hoped. They were impressed with the study schedule and the guidelines to facilitate an exchange of information between groups. They agreed to help, with one of the three attending each session all week. They even hinted that if this worked out, they might be able to modify and use it until the exams. After thanking the professors, she hurried to see Norven, then up to the room to get Glinda.
"Hi Elphie!" Glinda said from her bed.
"Good morning my sweet." She went over and kissed her, sitting beside her on the bed.
"Are you ready to go. Good morning Gwenot." She greeted her as she came out of the bathroom.
"I am, but are you? You are the one getting poked in the behind." Glinda giggled.
"Ha Ha. And yes I am ready. Gwenot are you ready as well, Master Norven has time to assist you with all your arrangements while I am at the dispensary."
"Wonderful. I too am ready." Gwenot smiled.
The three women left and went first to the porters' office.
"You and Glinda can do what you need to and I'll come back for you when I am finished."
"Ha. Nice try you mean green thing, but I am coming with you." Glinda smiled.
They left Gwenot in Norven's capable hands and went to the dispensary. They only had to wait a short time. Elphie was fine, but Glinda was fidgety and a little upset.
"I'm the one getting the shot Lyndie." Elphie chuckled as the followed the nurse into an exam room.
Nurse Ligur appeared within a few minutes.
"Hello dears. Are you ready Miss Elphaba?"
"As I can be." She smiled at Glinda and handed the nurse her bottle of antiseptic oil
She climbed up onto the table and lay down on her side, unhappy about, but resigned to the entire arrangement. Glinda stood beside her, facing away, but taking her hand none the less.
"Here we go." Said the nurse "Don't tense up dear and swear if you must."
Elphie chuckled, but it was interrupted by the shot.
"Damnit!" She said through clenched teeth as she involuntarily griped Glinda's hand.
She let out a small grunt and an ouch as the nurse rubbed the site.
"All done Miss Elphaba. Just stay put for a minute or two. Miss Glinda, how are you?"
"I'm doing Ok, Those new pills are great and I slept all night without waking up. I took a hot bath last night with no bad effects." She smiled, now facing the nurse and still holding Elphie's reluctant hand.
Elphie sat up wincing.
"Nurse I was wondering. Mrs. Upland is leaving today, and If I promise to make very sure this one does not over do it and she takes a long nap today, do you think it would harm her if we took her mother out for dinner and then accompanied her to the train station."
"Hmmm. If she naps and does not exert herself, I think that would be acceptable, but easy does it Miss Galinda, and lots of rest before hand."
"I promise nurse." Glinda wiggled at the unexpected surprise.
"As do I."
The nurse left them and Glinda hugged Elphie with fervor. Elphie got down from the table and after she gave her sore hip a final rub, they went to get Gwenot. She was finished with her task and had gone ahead to the café. Elphie made arrangements for Mr. Frama to come for them at 6, and then they met Gwenot at their table.
Elphie sat down gingerly flinching slightly and Glinda wiggled and bubbled telling her mother about Elphie's surprise. They ordered then ate and talked their way through a leisurely lunch, ceasing only when Elphie saw her study group convening inside.
"Now, you take a good nap while I'm gone. I'll be up in a few hours."
She took Glinda's fingers, whispered I love you in her ear, said goodbye and went to meet her group.
The study session went very well, they got much accomplished and Elphie took copious notes. When she got back to the room. Both Glinda and Gwenot were sleeping. Some of Glinda's completed assignments were on her desk and her books were scattered about. Gwenot's bags were packed and by the door. She pushed back the wave of sadness she felt at the thought of Gwenot leaving and settled down at her desk to do her own homework. Before she knew the sleepers were awake and it was almost time to go.
It had been a good day, a hectic fast paced, good day. She liked these sorts of days.