WEEK 36
Your once wiggly baby now favours certain body positions. Typically, your baby will enjoy resting with his head down and his rump toward your ribs—the idealplacement for delivery. Your baby's movements will become less frequent as he has less wiggle room. From now Baby's growth will be slow and steady as he continues to put on weight and fill out.
Elphaba had long become accustomed over the past months to waking up and finding sudden changes had occurred in her body overnight. Thankfully, the rate at which her stomach expanded seemed to be slowing, if not stopping; but it was still a surprise to Elphaba to wake up one morning and discover her stomach was suddenly quite lower than it had been the night previous.
It made Fiyero nervous.
"That's supposed to happen, right? Like- the baby's not about to fall out, is it?"
Elphaba looked at him in amusement. "You really haven't read this part of the books, have you?"
This was an important week for the couple, and indeed for the Vinkus. This was the week that construction would begin on the Grasslands Projects. Plans had been finalised and approved, builders hired and all they were missing, was a name.
The entire royal family and all their guests were planning on attending. Fiyero had told Elphaba that whilst spending time with the men during her baby shower, they had told Frex about the plans and the Governor had been rather impressed- or so Fiyero thought.
"It's always hard to tell with your father," he said and Elphaba nodded knowingly.
One afternoon, they, Boq, Galinda, Nessa and Halim sat around having afternoon tea at Elphaba and Fiyero's manor. Fiyero raised the topic and they began to brainstorm names.
"Well, who are the houses for, exactly?" Halim asked.
Elphaba and Fiyero exchanged a glance.
"People who need a home," Fiyero said simply. "People like Jewel, or Rayen. People who can't work, or can't find work."
"People who are down on their luck," Elphaba said slowly.
At her tone, Fiyero looked to his wife. "I know that tone. What are you thinking, Fae?"
"The Fortunatorium," She said.
Galinda frowned. "What does that mean? It's not Gilikinese. Is it Munchkin or Vinkun?"
"It's Vinkun," Fiyero answered, a grin spreading over his face as he looked at Elphaba. "It means 'the lucky house'."
"I do like that," Nessa said eagerly.
"Me too," Boq agreed. "Sounds perfect."
"So we're all agreed?" Fiyero asked happily and everyone nodded. "I've got to send a message to my parents."
Elphaba laughed as he bent down and kissed her fiercely, before bounding out of the room.
"So, now we just need a name for the baby now," Elphaba sighed, rubbing her stomach.
"Don't worry, Elphie," Galinda reassured her. "You'll find the perfect name for the baby too."
"Are many people coming to the groundbreaking?" Boq asked.
"It's mostly a few government officials, the press and the royal family," Elphaba explained. "This will actually be my last official royal duty," she admitted. "For a few months, anyway."
"Do you have to do anything?" Nessa asked her sister.
Elphaba made a speech. "Make a speech. Fiyero was supposed to do it, but said it should be me because 'I started it' apparently, when I met Jewel. I think he's just getting out of work, but whatever. And then Fiyero does the ceremonial first shovel of soil that these things always have."
"Yeah, what's the point of that?" Halim frowned.
Elphaba shrugged. "It's a ground breaking. They want the ground to be broken."
"Well, of course," Halim replied sarcastically.
"I just hope it doesn't rain," Elphaba said darkly.
Galinda giggled and rolled her eyes. "You're such a pessimist, Elphie. How did we ever become friends?"
Elphaba laughed and racked her brain. "Oz, if I know. I guess we had no choice. Or one of us would have killed the other before long."
Galinda smirked at Boq. "See, she says 'one of us', but she means she would have killed me."
Elphaba grinned, but didn't deny it.
Fortunately, the day of the groundbreaking ceremony dawned bright and sunny. They had breakfast, and then set out in the carriages for the grasslands were the townhouses were to be built.
Galinda and Nessa seemed oddly excited, and finally Elphaba asked them what they found so thrillifying.
"Just getting to see you in your princess capacity," Galinda explained.
"We don't get to see it much," Nessa added.
Elphaba rolled her eyes. "I'm glad I can be of service to entertain the two of you."
But when Elphaba thought about it, she realised they were right. Nessa, in fact, had never seen Elphaba in any large capacity in her role of Princess of the Vinkus. The closest she had come before was the balcony appearance the royal family made at Lurlinemas when she had spent the holidays with them in their Shiz days. Likewise, her father had never seen her in the role either.
Elphaba never really got nervous about public speaking, but these thoughts did make her nervous slightly.
"Don't worry," Kastle soothed her. "All anyone's going to talk about is that you look like you're about to give birth any day now."
Elphaba glared lightly at her sister-in-law. "Thanks, Kastle," she replied dryly.
The first thing to happen was the Minister for Public Works, who gave a brief statement about when they expected the town houses to be completed, and all the basic information and thanks that were expected to be given.
"I'd now like to turn things over to Her Royal Highness, Princess Elphaba to address you all. Your Highness?"
Elphaba stepped forward to the podium that had been placed there for the occasion, although she had to stand back far enough due to her stomach that she thought it unnecessary.
She didn't really do a lot of public speaking, and as she felt all eyes on her, she cleared her throat awkwardly.
"During my visits to the Girl's Centre, I've had the pleasure of meeting girls and young women of all ages and from all walks of life," she began. "Girls who come from single parent homes, who come because their parent is working day and night to keep a roof over their head and clothes on their backs. Girls who have a parent who is sick, or disabled and who can't work either for a period of time, or forever. Girls and women who have to worry far too much about money than they should be at their age.
And recently, back in April, I met a young girl who, like myself, is about to become a mother for the first time. The difference is, that this girl is sixteen years old; and while I have been blessed with the support of my husband, our family and friends throughout this monumental life-changing time in my life, this girl has no one.
Despite the lack of support from those she knows, she is determined to keep and raise her child on her own, which is a courageous decision for someone so young and one that I admire her for very much. I've done what I can do support her, as have the staff and some of the older girls at the Girl's Centre. But it became increasingly obvious to myself and others in recent months that the biggest issues facing this young mother would be an income and housing.
This is why we are creating these townhouses. For people who are in desperate need for cheap, affordable housing. Whether they're sixteen or thirty. We hope by constructing these homes, we can help ease some of the stress these families face, so that they no longer have to worry about struggling to provide a roof over their heads.
When tragedy strikes, not everyone is fortunate enough to have a support network around them. We've chosen the name The Fortunatorium, because it means 'the lucky house'. And it is our aim that these houses will provide luck to those who will call them home. This is not a charity, or a sign of pity, it is a helping hand to those who need one. Whether that be for a short time, or for the rest of their lives.
It is also our hope... my hope, that the people who come into these townhouses will be able to form a network with one another. And therefore, have a support system with those who know their circumstances and the daily stress and struggles they go through."
Elphaba paused and then continued, words she hadn't planned on saying coming from her mouth before she knew it.
"Although the grasslands were chosen primarily as a location of convenience, given it's close proximity to the city, but also allowing a true community to form over time; I don't believe a better site could have been chosen. Although I never knew this area in its former glory, I know that this was once a place of great beauty- namely as my husband still won't shut up about it," she added with a small smile and there was laughter from the crowd.
"The grassfire that struck this area and destroyed it was a tragedy. But I believe that by constructing these homes, we are bringing a time of good fortune and change to the land as much as the people. The Fortunatorium will be a new beginning for both the grasslands and the families who will live on them, and I look forward to watching the roots of a new community begin to form here, proof that the soil is perhaps not beyond damaged after all. Thank you."
Fiyero was beaming at her as she resumed her seat.
"That was perfect, Fae," he murmured to her.
Elphaba made a face. "It was corny," she complained.
"That's why it was perfect. Don't you listen to any of my speeches?"
"I try not to," she teased.
They were interrupted as Fiyero was called upon to perform his part of the ceremony, the symbolic first shovel of dirt.
"I'm glad there'll be a photo of this," Kastle whispered to Elphaba.
"Why?" she frowned in confusion.
"Fiyero doing manual labour? It's a miracle. We'll need the photo as proof that it happened," she sniggered and Elphaba supressed laughter with difficulty.
Fiyero fulfilled his role and posed for photos, and that was the official end of the ceremony. Unofficially, the press lingered in order to get more photos with both Elphaba and Fiyero- which Elphaba complied with reluctantly, and to ask questions. Elphaba and Fiyero had agreed beforehand to keep Jewel's personal information out of the press; they didn't want her, her ex-boyfriend or her family to be hounded by the press.
However, Rayen had given them permission to use her story as an example for the types of people these homes would benefit, and Elphaba did tell it to reporters who asked more about her motivation for the project.
After a few minutes, Elphaba felt the need to sit down, and excused herself as she left Fiyero to finish up.
"Are you okay, Elphie?" Galinda asked sympathetically as her friend returned and sat down on one of the chairs provided.
Elphaba smiled slightly. "Yeah, my back is just hurting. As per usual. I can't wait to get home and take my shoes off."
"I thought your speech was great, Fabala," Nessa said warmly and Elphaba was pleased by her sister's comment.
"Thanks, Nessie."
"It's a practical use of the land. I daresay it will be quite useful when it's complete," Frex commented.
Elphaba decided that was her father's attempt at a compliment. "I hope so," she replied after a moment's pause.
Fiyero appeared at her side moments later. "OK, let's go, before they think of more questions for us."
Elphaba laughed as he helped her to her feet. "I will agree with that. I'm starved."
Everyone was invited back to Kiamo Ko for dinner that night, and as they discussed different interactions they'd had with the press, Galinda laughed and turned to Elphaba and Fiyero.
"Do you remember that reporter who turned up on campus when everyone found out you two were married?"
Elphaba rolled her eyes. "I remember him interviewing those idiotic bimbos who abused me for breaking Fiyero's nose."
Fiyero patted said nose. "Well, can you blame them? My nose was exquisite and you destroyed it's perfection."
Elphaba, Kastle and Ibrahim all snorted in unison.
Nessa laughed. "Were those the girls who cornered you in the bathroom? And wanted you to apologise to the nose?"
"Yes," her sister laughed.
"You're kidding, right?" Anton asked in disbelief, and Elphaba shook her head.
"Nope. They were dead serious. You would have thought I had shot him or something."
"Well... again, perfection," Fiyero said modestly, gesturing to the nose.
"I'm sorry, would you and the nose like to be alone in the bedroom tonight?" Elphaba retorted and Fiyero made a face at her.
The five of them began to exchange Shiz stories, as the others listened in amusement. But after what felt like the hundredth joke of the night about him running Elphaba over, Fiyero protested.
"Ok, that's it," he announced decisively. "We're going to settle this once and for all. We'll both tell our versions of the story and everyone else can decide. Agreed?"
Elphaba stared at him and raised an eyebrow. "What version do you have?" she demanded. "You were asleep in the backseat!"
"You just start," he commanded her and she rolled her eyes.
"Fine, fine."
"Oh, good," Kastle said with enthusiasm, straightening in her seat. "I've been dying to hear this story for three years."
Elphaba grinned at her sister in law before beginning. "It's not that long of a story, really. I was on my way back from the library, heading to my room and the next thing I know this carriage is hurdling right towards me at a hundred miles an hour and I tried to move and it tried to swerve around me, and then it hit me. The next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital."
"Fiyero? Your side of the story?" Kasmira asked her son.
Fiyero paused. "Well, actually, I was asleep," he admitted. "So, I just know what Avaric told me. That he was driving along and this weird green girl stepped out into the road and it was too late to stop, so he tried to swerve and she fell and hit her head."
Elphaba raised an eyebrow. "Weird green girl? Well, I suppose I've been called worse," she sighed.
"I'm siding with Elphie on this one," Galinda spoke up. "I saw her injuries and they wouldn't happen just from falling."
Boq chuckled. "Glin, sweetie, you weren't even friends with Elphaba then," he reminded her fiancée.
Kastle looked shocked. "Really?"
"Oh, no, we loathed one another," Elphaba answered flatly. "Galinda only spoke to me to try and get to Fiyero."
"That wasn't it!" Galinda protested indignantly, and then sighed as Elphaba looked at her sceptically. "OK, a little."
"So, I think we're all siding with Elphaba's version of events?" Nessa asked the room and everyone else nodded.
Fiyero sighed. "Fine. But can we please remember that I was just a passenger? Blame Avaric."
Elphaba rolled her eyes, but agreed.