Dani walked down the hall looking for a toilet. She had also slept with Frex. It had become very late the night before. It was easier for the driver to drop everyone off at the Governor's house. Elphaba fell asleep during the ride. Frex had taken her to her bed.

'When music was played slowly, Daddy and Miss Nilok went to dance. They danced just like in the princess books of yours.'

'Ooh that must have been so romantic. Do you think Miss Nilok and Daddy are going to get married just like in the books?'

Dani went to the room where the sound was coming from. She looked carefully through the doorway. She saw Elphaba in bed with Nessa. 'I do not know. They looked at each other all the time. Sometimes they both turned a little red. Although I don't know if it was the heat or something else.'

Wow that Elphaba has kept an eye on all that. Thought Dani.

Nessa giggled. 'I hope so. I like Miss Nilok. I see Dad laughing a lot more. You like her too, don't you?'

'I like her a lot. She is very funny and knows many things.'

The girls are okay with Frex and I getting something? I want that myself too. He is very nice and he takes good care of his children. Thought Dani.

Nessa nodded and was silent for a moment.

'What else happened?'

Elphaba thought for a moment. 'I've talked to Fiyero a lot. He is the Prince of the Vikuns. He's nice but not that smart. His parents and I did have a discussion about trade deals. But they probably thought I was joking. There were no children. We danced a lot. Only Papa and Dani thought I could dance well together, although the king and the queen could dance well together.'

'Do you think Fiyero is going to write you?'

Elphaba looked at Nessa in surprise. 'I've only known him one night. I think he forgot about me right away.'

'I feel still bad that I was not allowed to be there. Maybe I can make some friends then.'

Elphaba shrugged. 'You will be ten in four years. Then you can go too. And I want to share me friends with you. You like Collin. Maybe I can bring Boq also sometime.'

Nessa nodded happy.

Dani felt her bladder again and walked quickly to another door. Fortunately, that was the right door for the bathroom.

Dani thought about the conversation the girls had.

Dani went back to her room. Or so she thought. She opened the door and saw that Frex was in his underpants. 'Oooh sorry' Dani said quickly with a red head. 'I thought this was my room. I am so sorry.' Dani was about to close the door when Frex stopped her.

Frex quickly put on his pants. 'It does not matter. It is a big house. Why are yo uso early awake anyway?'

Dani shared what she had done and heard from the girls.

'Ooh' said Frex, rubbing his neck. 'I`m happy to hear that the girls have accepted you.'

Dani nodded. 'I'm glad about that.'

Frex swallowed. 'But I think we should take it slow. If we want to continue. I mean I have a really good time with you. But so many things have already changed for the childeren and me. I think we should take it slow.'

Dani nodded again. 'I think the same. You're a good man.'

Frex kissed Dani on the cheek. 'I'll help Nessa to get dressed and make breakfast. You can still go back to bed. Your room is one door further to the right.'

'OOh yes thank you. I am still very tired. It's been a long time since I've had such a long night.'

The rest of the holiday was pleasant and fun. The family had a nice Lurninemas where everyone got their gifts. Dani's parents could also have bought some gifts for Nesse and Elphaba. They had written a letter for Frex inviting him to come to the Emerald City.

Everything went well at school after the holidays. Nessa could read better and Frex is considering sending Nessa to school.

Elphaba is getting more and more friends. She was happy every day and had no more magical outbursts of anger. Dani's father had given her a book on magic with Frex's permission. She learned a lot about controlling her powers.

Dani has seen other children stand up for Elphaba against the group of boys who still bully her now and then. She was very satisfied with the class and rewarded that class with extra time to play outside.

Frex only went to the psychologist a few more times to come to terms with Melena's death. Dani came to the house of the Thropp more and more. More and more she continued to eat and sometimes she also slept in the house

After winter came spring. It was getting warmer. The flowers started to bloom again and the animals woke up from hibernation.

One morning Nessa woke up extra early. Today was a special day. It was her birthday. She heard that Frex, Miss Gutter, and Elphaba were already awake. She lay impatiently in her bed.

Then she heard 'one, two, three.' Three different voices began to sing. Elphaba was holding a large cake. Frex had two bags of presents with him, and Miss Gutter was clapping her hands to the beat of the song.

When the song was over, Nessa blew out the candles. Elphaba set the cake aside and took some presents from the bags. 'I made this for you.' she said proudly while giving the presents to Nessa. Nessa quickly opened the presents and saw that Elphaba had written a book and made some doll clothes. Nessa gave Elphaba a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Elphaba turned dark green and mumbled something to Nessa.

When all the presents were unwrapped, Frex helped Nessa get dressed. Miss Gutter put the cake back in the fridge. Elphaba helped Miss Gutter prepare breakfast.

'Are you okay Elphaba?'

Elphaba looked sadly through the window and nodded. She gave Miss Gutter a sad smile. 'Today is Nessa's birthday so we are going to have a party.'

Nessa happily entered with Frex. Miss Gutter had made waffles. When the bell rang, Nessa rolled quickly to the door. There was Miss Mydie with a present. Elphaba followed Nessa.

Miss Gutter stopped Frex. 'You have to talk to Elphaba. She pretends to be happy for Nessa but she is very sad.'

Frex nodded. 'I have that too,' he said sadly. He watched his children talk happily at the door.

'I miss her too. We can also think of her. But I don't want to ruin Nessa's party.'

'Then talk to her if Dani is here to distract Nessa.'

Frex nodded. Elphaba looked at him and gave him a nod.

Frex returned a encouraging nod. Everyone went on to eat breakfast. Frex made eye contact with Elphaba more often and gave her encouraging nods. When it was time for Elphaba to go to school she gave everyone a hug.

'Thank you Daddy' she whispered to him.

'I miss her too. It's okay.' Frex whispered to Elphaba back.

Elphaba ran to school. Everyone knew what day it was today. Because Melena was very popular in Munchkinland. Elphaba got a lot of pats on the back from her classmates. Elphaba was relieved to finally find herself in her place. Dani came to her.

'Is everything okay Elphaba?' she asked gently.

Elphaba looked at her sadly. 'I want everyone to leave me alone.'

'Dani nodded. I get it. Everyone means well, but you want the day to end as soon as possible.'

Elphaba nodded. For the rest of the day she did her best to just join the classes. She was kind to her classmates. When the bell rang, she ran out of the classroom as quickly as possible. She wanted to get away from everyone. She wanted peace and time for herself. Dani didn't stop her, but wrote that she should talk to Frex and Elphaba tonight. She also knew it would be a difficult day for Frex. She quickly got to work. When all of her was finished, she packed up her things and walked home. She first picked up the present for Nessa.

Nessa opened the door. She saw Dani with a present in the doorway. 'Hello birthday girl.' Dani said cheerfully. 'Have a nice day?'

Nessa nodded quickly and let Dani in. 'We did a lot of fun things. During Miss Mydie's lessons, we sang a lot of songs and went for a walk during math lessons. We went to see how old the trees were. Some trees are younger than me, but they are thicker.'

Dani laughed softly while Nessa happily talked about her day. Dani walked into the living room with Nessa where Frex was preparing for a game.

'Hi Dani' he said when he heard his daughter come in. 'We're just about to play a new game. Do you want to join? Then we eat.'

Nessa nodded, 'we are going to eat pancakes with fruit. We also put chocolate on it, which is extra tasty.'

'Hallo Frex, I will play a game with you two.' Dani said as she give her present to Nessa.

Nessa opened her present and smiled with pleasure. She had been given a book on what to know when you go to school. Frex rolled his eyes. Dani stuck out her tongue and walked to Frex.

'The girl is ready, you know that too.'Dani gave Frex a kiss. Nessa rolled her self giggled away.

Frex smiled broadly at his daughter's enthusiasm. 'Is Elphaba upstairs?'

Dani looked at Frex in surprise when she realized he was asking her. 'I do not know. I just arrived.'

Frex looked at Dani in surprise. 'Are you saying she's not with you?'

Dani shakes her head. 'She immediately ran home. All the attention she got today made her angry. The kids meant well. But we both know that Elphaba still doesn't like to be touched or the center of attention.'

'But she hasn't come home yet,' Frex said, bewildered.

Dani's eyes widened. 'I know she sometimes stays at school to help me grade other childerens work or do her homework, but I always send a note.'

Frex began to worry. 'I know that.' he snapped 'But I thought you had forgotten that now.'

Dani took a deep breath. She knew Frex wasn't really angry, but mostly worried. 'Frex takes a deep breath and thinks about where could she be.'

Frex did as he was asked. He looked at Dani. 'Sorry I shouldn't be so angry. You can't help it either. We haven't heard her come home so that means she can only be in one place. In the garden. Are you going to play with Nessa?'

Dani nodded. Nessa just came back into the living room. 'Shall we play another game?'

Dani nodded. 'We're going to play a game. Your father has to do something else.'

Nessa looked disappointed but said nothing. Frex gave her a kiss. 'I promise I'll be back soon. Today is Friday so we can play games for a long time. If you promise that you will sleep in tomorrow.'

Nessa nodded enthusiastically.

Frex picked up his coat and headed for the garden. He knew where to look.

He immediately walked to Melena's grave. On the bench he saw a green girl who was wiggling her legs. He stopped for a moment and thought about his approach. He thought what Miss Gutter and what Dani had said. He walked quietly to Elphaba.

'So here you are. It's almost dinner time.'

Elphaba looked at her father in confusion. 'What are you doing here? I've only been sitting here ten minutes, it can't be dinner time.'

At that point, Elphaba's belly started to rumble. 'I think your stomach thinks otherwise.' Frex said with a smile. he pointed to the sun, which was already slowly setting

'Oooh' said Elphaba looking at the ground. 'Are you mad?'

Frex sighed deeply. 'Today is a special day so no I'm not mad. I was especially worried.'

Elphaba nodded. 'Sorry. I wanted to get away from everyone and be with Mommy.'

Frex put his arm over Elphaba. Elphaba laid her head against Frex's side. Frex rubbed Elphaba's arm slowly. 'You know, sometimes I come here too. Then I talk to mom.'

'Don't you feel stupid?'

'At first yes, but after a while it feels like she knows everything about my life. It feels good. Have you talked to Mommy yet?'

Elphaba nodded. 'I started to talk, but I felt stupid. On the other hand it also felt good so I kept doing it.'

Frex gave a small smile. 'I'm sure Mommy will always listen to you so you can always talk to her.'

'Even now?'

'Even now.'

Elphaba took a deep breath. 'I'm sorry you're not here today. It was actually quite a fun day. Everyone is nice to me. You will be very happy to hear that I already have several friends.'

Elphaba shed a tear.' I'm sorry you aren`t here because of me. I don't deserve to have such a sweet father and sister.'

Frex was startled and looked at Elphaba who is crying. 'Elphaba honey what are you talking about?'

'Without me, Mommy would never have eaten the milk flowers. Then Nessa would not have been born prematurely with her legs tangled and Mama would never have died. It's my fault Nessa can't walk.' She sobbed.

Frex put Elphaba right on. She took her chin and made sure to look into his eyes. 'Elphaba it's not your fault. Do you hear that.'

Elphaba wanted to say something, but Frex was faster.

'Elphaba it's our fault we didn't see your beauty'. Frex swallowed, this was it. Doctor Tanron and Dani had warned me about this, he thought

'That I didn't see your beauty. You are sweet, smart and caring. You are beautiful just the way you are. It was Mommy and my choice to eat the milk flowers not yours. It's not your fault or Nessa's fault that Mommy is gone. Those things happen. Do you understand?' Frex asked gently but sternly. He wanted to make sure Elphaba didn't feel guilty. He had already suspected that Elphaba was blaming herself, but hearing it broke his heart.

Elphaba started to cry louder and hugged her father. All those years of pain, guilt and uncertainty came out. Finally her father said what she wanted to hear. That it wasn't her fault.

Frex rubbed her back. 'Sssh girl. It is well. You can miss her. I miss her too. Mommy wouldn't want you to feel guilty and neither would I. We all love you.'

'I love you too,' sobbed Elphaba. They sat there for a while. 'Can I say something to Mommy alone? Elphaba asked softly.

Frex nodded. He got up and walked away from the bench. He saw Elphaba get on her knees and on the ground.

After a minute, Elphaba returned. She took her father's hand. 'I'm ready. Thank you.'

Frex nodded. They walked back home together. Dani and Nessa had just finished the game. Dani immediately ran to Elphaba and gave her a hug.

Elphaba felt loved by her family. Something she could get used to. That night Elphaba felt less guilty and was able to really enjoy her sister's birthday for the first time. Dani and Frex also noticed that a load was off Elphaba's shoulders.

When the kids were in bed, Frex and Dani talked about all the things that had happened. Frex and Dani kissed each other. They sat on the couch together and quickly went to bed. They just got to bed and Frex kissed Dani when they heard a scream. They quickly ran to the hall. They went to Nessa's first but she was still asleep. Then they quickly ran to Elphaba's room. Elphaba sat up in bed and was crying hard.

Frex stood in the doorway and started to walk to Elphaba. When he suddenly hit the door against his nose.

'Ouch my Oz what was that.' Dani rubbed Frex's back.

'I think Elphaba has used her magic again. You don't have a nosebleed so it's not too bad.'

Frex nodded. Dani opened the door and Elphaba lay with her head on her pillow. She heard her cry. Dani and Frex walked slowly over to her. They both sat on one side of her bed. Frex rubbed Elphaba's back. Elphaba was shocked and weighed a little. 'I'm sorry I slammed the door.' she cried.

'Sssh it doesn't matter' Frex said softly.

'Come here girl.' He picked up Elphaba and put her on her lap. Elphaba buried her nose in Frex's neck. Dani also reached for Elphaba and rubbed her arm. 'Do you want to tell us why you are crying?'

Elphaba shake her head.

'Then you feel better and can sleep again.' Elphaba was silent for a moment.

'I had a nightmare' she said softly.

'What was your nightmare about then?'

'I was with the Wizard. There were two blond women one looked like a fish and the other was beautiful. There was also a monkey. I had to cast a spell from the Wizard and then the monkeys got wings. Then I ran to the attic. I cast the spell again and flew west on a broom.' Frex looked at Dani.

'I lived in the forest for a long time and helped many Animals. Everyone was afraid of me. I was also scared and sad.' Elphaba took a breath.

'Sssh girl tell me more. It was a dream. It is not real. We are here now.' Said Frex

'Well I went to help the monkeys and only just managed to escape with another man. Finally, I dreamed that I was facing a lion, a tin man, a scarecrow and a girl in a strange dress. The girl threw a bucket of water over me and I melted away. Everyone was cheering. I started screaming.'

Elphaba began to cry softly again. Frex comforted Elphaba and looked at Dani in amazement.

Dani shrugged. She also doesn't know where that weird dream came from.

'Elphaba, you are safe here and no one wants to hurt you. You are loved and you have friends.'

Elphaba nodded. She took a deep breath. 'It's going better. Thank you.'

'Come here honey' Dani said with a big smile. Elphaba crawled over to Dani and gave her a hug. 'It will be all right. We will never let anything happen to you.'

Frex walked over to Dani and Elphaba and gave them a hug too. He kissed them both on the heads. Soon many Elphaba went back to sleep.

Dani put her back to bed and tucked her in.

They quietly left the room. They looked at Elphaba with satisfaction.

'Sweet Dreams.'