Strange sounds awoke Glinda. She looked around the room and saw no one. She got up slowly and saw Elphaba on her knees scraping the bathroom.
Glinda was amazed. She knew that Elphaba had already cleaned the bathroom yesterday. She thought of the night where they had a romantic dinner and kissed. Glinda had had a wonderful evening where she had been happily resting against Elphaba. Elphaba automatically started stroking Glinda. A wonderful feeling that Glinda had missed.
Elphaba had told everything she wanted to do to work on her nightmares and her break downs. Glinda had cried as she expressed her feelings about that terrible Sunday and reassured Elphaba of their love. But did nothing that made Elphaba feel uncomfortable. At the end of the evening, Glinda had had a fantastic evening.
She did not understand that Elphaba is now scrubbing the bathroom in the morning.
''Elphie are you okay?'' Glinda asked softly?
''Glin,'' Elphie said, startled. ''Yes, it's going well. I didn't wake you up, did I?''
Glinda shake her head. ''I just wonder why you're scrubbing the bathroom.''
Elphie shrugged. ''I had nothing better to do.''
''You mean you have nothing better to do than sleep at six in the moring?''
Elphaba shrugged again. She didn't look at Glinda. Glinda studied Elphie. She took Elphaba's hand and pulled her to her bed. They lay down in it together. Glinda crept close to Elphaba. Elphaba put her arms over Glinda. ''Tell me what you've been thinking about?'' Glinda said softly after a while.
Elphaba sighed. ''How did you know?''
''You are easy to read. You only cleaning at ridiculous times when you have problems. You didn't look at me when you spoke to me. That means you are not completely honest. Now you're stalling and hoping I drop the topic, but that's not going to happen. You can tell what is bothering you. I'll help you.''
Elphaba smiles. She felt warm inside. She knew that she now had people around her who care about her. She remembered her promise to Leanne. Telling her feelings to someone she trusts couldn't hurt.
''I don't know what to expect from this afternoon. Maybe it's a big mistake on my part and then I pull Nessa with my own selfishness. We are now building our bond better. What if she chooses father. What if father can escape and come after you. What if I ...''
''Elphie, take it easy,'' Glinda said when she started to feel panic in Elphie. ''Take a deep breath.''
Elphaba obeyed.
Glinda pushed Elphaba away and looked into her eyes. ''You have to listen to me carefully. You go to your father so that you are reassured that we are safe. Nessa is going because you convinced her to talk to your father so she doesn't regret anything later. Nessa has already indicated a few times that she is choosing your side. I was always with her and I heard she stood up for you. Don't worry, it's gonna be fine this afternoon.'' She crawled into Elphaba again.
''Maybe I should go with you,'' Glinda muttered.
''No, you don't have to. I was driving myself crazy with what if. My father still causes negative feelings. You also have lessons.''
Glinda sighs. ''But it is important to you. I want to help you.''
''You are already a great help Glin. You do more for me than you can ever imagine. I'm forever grateful to you.'' She gave Glinda a kiss. ''You can just go to class. I'll walk you to your classroom.''
''That's so sweet of you. But first let's see how you feel after your breakfast,'' Glinda said sternly while giving Elphie a kiss.
They talked even more about what they were going to do today. Glinda wanted to go into town with Pfannee and Shenshen for some clothes after her first class, but she knew she wasn't going to buy anything. Elphaba rolled her eyes, she couldn't understand things like that. Slowly they got up when it was time to get ready for the day.
''Are you afraid to face the people?''
Elphaba turned as she fastened her blouse. Glinda was combing her hair.
''No, surprisingly I am not. People didn't look at me any differently than they did before my father punished me again.''
Elphaba picked up her own comb and began to comb her hair.
Glinda put on her lipstick. ''Yes, but people know now, it will be different.''
Elphaba nodded. ''I also think that's why I was a bit more nervous yesterday when I was waiting with your mother for Dr. Damien. But I went out with people I trusted. I felt safe. At least I think that I felt that. ''
Glinda stopped looking for the right shoes and hugged Elphie. ''I'm glad to hear that.''
''I was glad we had lunch with the whole group. I noticed that nobody looked at me strange. Well stranger than usual. Life went on as usual.''
''I'm so proud of you. You're my hero.''
Elphaba had her hair in a braid. She was just about to put on her shoes when Glinda took off her braid.
''You are so much more beautiful with your hair loose. I also deserve to look at something beautiful''. she whispered in Elphaba's ear.
Elphaba's heart was racing. Her mouth became very dry. She could only nod. Glinda just started to giggle when she saw Elphaba like this. She ran her hands through Elphaba's hair. She took her coat and smoothed her dress. Elphaba stood up and give Glinda a very long kiss.
XXX
''The agreement is that you only go out in the morning and then you go back to the room. There you can do as much homework as possible and read in your bed. No exceptions because you are so sweet now.'' Glinda stressed the last part as they go to the school cafeteria for breakfast together.
Elphaba rolled her eyes.
Glinda pay extra attention to whether Elphaba takes enough food. After a nod of approval from Glinda, Elphaba took her food to the table where Nessa was waiting.
''Good morning Nessa. Shall I get you breakfast?''
''No, Fabala, I can take it myself.''
Elphaba looked at her sister in surprise. ''Are you sure?''
Nessa nodded as she rolled off to get some breakfast. Elphaba sat down and waited for the others to return to the table.
''I think Nessa slept badly too because of father.''
''What?'' Glinda ask in surprise when she sat down next to Elphaba. ''She's getting food herself. In addition, she looks bad. I am worry about her.''
Glinda took her hand and gave Elphie a smile. ''You know Nessa wants to become independent now. Turning down your help is one of the things she has to do. She told me she slept well. So you can turn off your big sister mode and eat quietly.''
Elphie wanted to say something more, but the others joined them at the table. Elphaba enjoyed being with her friends again. She went crazy from being stuck in her bed for a day and a half. Sometimes a student came by and said they were happy to see Elphaba again. Glinda laughed loudly at Elphie's expression. ''How can you deal with so much attention?'' Elphie asked. She could handle people staring at her or walking around her in a big curve. But people who really went to talk to her, she was not used to.
''You get used to it.'' said Fiyero as he smiled at one girl who waved at him. ''People often want to touch you too,'' he added with a shrug.
Elphaba looked at him in horror. ''You don't mean it. When people touch me I go crazy.'' Elphaba said slightly in panic.
''Don't worry,'' said Glinda. ''People are not likely to touch you. People are now just being polite to you and genuinely concerned. Just enjoy it. This is an advantage if you are popular like me. Or famous like Fiyero.''
Elphaba looked around the table. Fiyero and Nessa were nodding as Boq shrugged.
Elphaba was happy when everyone had finished eating. She took Nessa and Glinda to their classroom. Elphaba walked quietly back to her room. She went back to her room where she could rest for a while. Soon she fell asleep with a book on her stomach in bed.
When Glinda went to see Elphie, she saw that Elphaba was busy writing. Glinda had brought a bowl of fruit for Elphie. Elphaba was startled when Glinda was placed the bowl of fruit on her side. ''What are you doing?'' asked Glinda curiously after they kissed each other.
''I fell asleep after reading another book from your mother. I thought it would be a good idea to start in my dream journal.''
''Did you have a nightmare?'' Glinda asked in concern.
''No, not really a nightmare, but it wasn't a good dream either. I don't really know much anymore, just vague feelings.''
Glinda nodded. ''I have notes for you.'' Glinda took the notions out of her bag and handed them to Elphie.
''Thank you Glin. You know that I appreciate it very much and that I really care about you.'' Elphaba said as she pulled Glinda close to her.
Glinda smiles. ''I know that.''
''You also know I still can't believe the prettiest, smartest, sweetest girl is mine.'' Elphaba kissed Glinda with a lot of passion. ''You also know that I would do anything for you. My heart is yours.'' Elphaba added quickly before Glinda could say anything.
Glinda giggled and kissed Elphie. ''You made me feel so much better .'' Glinda said softly. Glinda hugged Elphie tightly. They paused like that until Glinda's stomach grumble.
Elphaba chuckles. ''I think someone needs to eat something.''
Glinda laughed. She took a sandwich from her bag and began to eat. They talked to each other. Glinda told Elphaba about her short tripp tot he town with Pfannee, Shenshen and Milla.
''Are you sure I don't have to go with you? I can miss art class once.''
Elphaba shake her head. ''I know that you like art. You're good at it too. Just enjoy the lessons. I'll tell you everything when we get back.''
Glinda pout a bit, but also wanted to go to her art class which she really likes.
Elphaba had some time to herself before she had to pick up Nessa. Elphaba started reading again. Although she did not get very far in her book, her thoughts kept drifting to her dream and her past.
XXX
Nessa was waiting patiently in her room. She had to admit that she was quite afraid of talking to her father. She was also happy to see her father. But now she was going to look at him differently. She opened the door when there was a knock. ''I am ready'' she said to Elphaba.
Elphaba nodded and started to push Nessa. She was glad she could lean on Nessa's chair. Although she would never admit it, she was still quite weak.
Chef Juilan was already waiting for them. ''We're going to your father. We are not going to open the cell door and you have to stay behind the line,'' he explained as they walk to Frex's cell.
The sisters saw several cells on the sides. Here and there was a prisoner who looked curiously at the visitors. There were two thick white stripes on the floor. They walking in between those stripes.
''Here is your father. When you're done, you walk back between the stripes and knock on the door.'' He said while pointing to the cell.
The sisters nod. Juilan walked away. Elphaba pushed Nessa in front of their father's cell. Frex got up right away when he saw Nessa. ''Nessie, how glad I am to see you,'' he said cheerfully while walking to the bars.
''Hello father'' said Nessa shortly. It broke her heart to see her father like this. But she couldn't ignore the facts. She knew what her father did, was wrong.
''Nessie is something wrong?'' Frex was aware that his youngest daughter spoke with a cold tone.
"Daddy how can you treat Fabala like that?" Nessa asked with tears in her eyes. ''For years you hurt her when she didn't do anything wrong. Why?''
Frex first glared at Elphaba . ''What did you say to her?'' he asked coldly. ''How can you tell this to your little sister.'' He asked as he grew increasingly angry.
''No, I came up with this myself. I only saw Elphaba lying unconscious at the doctor's station.'' Nessa said angrily. Frex and Elphaba looked amazed to Nessa. Never before had she raised her voice to her father. Frex glared again at Elphaba before bending his knees to sit at eye level with his daughter.
''Nessa you must realize I did this for you,'' he said in a sweet voice. ''All I do is to protect you, to give you a good future. I love you''
''What about Elphaba?''
''She is the reason why you are in the chair. It is her fault. My sweet Rose''
Elphaba winced. This wasn't the first time she'd heard it was her fault, but it hurt when she heard it. She also didn't know how Nessa would react if she learned it was her fault.
''What is her fault?''
''That you are in the chair forever and that you never met Mommy.
''Why is it her fault?'' Asked Nessa who did not know what to feel.
Frex sighed. It hurt him to have to explain this to his youngest daughter. But he knew that sooner or later it would happen. ''Because your sister has taken so much shame to our name with her weird color that makes her look like a sin. Then she also has angry outbursts with magic which caused even more shame. I wanted to get rid of Elphaba right away, but your mother had too big a heart. Just like you, you always see the good in other people even when they don`t deserved.''
''Why is it her fault?'' Nessa asked again, in a harsh tone so that Frex wouldn't wander. She had to admit she is shocked by the way her father talks about her sister.
Frex swallowed. ''When we heard that Mama was pregnant with you. I wanted to do everything I could to make you good. Mommy and I decided that Mommy was going to chew milk flowers. That's how we knew you would be born normally. But because of the milk flowers, your delivery started earlier. Mama died from the blood loss and your legs were completely tangled. I was so mad at Elphaba because it's her fault that Mommy is dead and you are stuck in a chair. It wouldn't have been necessary if your sister hadn't been so sinful. I did everything I could to make up for her sin. But I soon found out that she sometimes needed some extra guidance to make her behave. See it then Nessa I did it for you. your sister had to be punished for her sins.''
Everyone was silent. Nessa was busy processing what her father was saying. Elphaba waited patiently for her sister's answer. She was terrified that Nessa would side with Frex.
''This is really the worst bullshit I've ever heard. Father! Are you crazy?!'' Nessa said started in a soft voice, but the last she cried out to her father.
Elphaba had to hold the chair to keep it from rolling over the white line. ''How can you blame her. It's not like she chose this to be born green. You chose to let mama eat those flowers. I looked up what those flowers can do to you. It is because of the flowers that Mommy gave birth earlier to me. That was your choice not Elphaba's.''
Nessa turned angrily. ''I don't want anything to do with you anymore. I was hoping it was a good reason why you did it. That you had to do it for someone. I do not know. But this is just ... There are no words for it. Why Elphaba? Because you could easily blame her when she was three years old. Because you are weak that's why. Nessa yelled at her father. Tears ran down Nessa's cheeks. ''Why Elphaba?'' she said softly as she drove away.
For a moment Elphaba wasn't sure what to do. She looked at Frex and saw a man on his knees in his cell. Despite he is being her father, she was happy. She is reassured that her loved ones are safe. She decided to go after Nessa. Her little sister needs her.
''Do you want to know the other reason? Frex asked Elphaba after Elphaba had to turn around to follow Nessa.
Elpahab stood still in her place.
''I suppose you still have that green bottle.''
Elphaba didn't turn around but she nodded anyway.
''Your mother got that bottle from a man. She thought she had hidden it well, but she wasn't. When Nessa was born I found the bottle with a love letter for him. Of course I was devastated by the loss of Melena. I burned the letter. But I will never forget the sentences: Dear Oscar, our love provided my greatest gift. Your greatest wish to start a family comes true. Elphaba is your daughter and she looks so much like you.'' Frex said the sentences with such disgust in his voice.
''You were born as sin because you are one too, that's why I treated you like a sin. You deserved everything I did to you. Because of you I am reminded every day that my WIFE, my love of my life cheated with a other guy. The people in the village knew who you were. I couldn't remove you from my life anymore, when your mother passed away. So I decided the best for Nessa. You had to take care of all her needs. But even in that you still fail.''
Elphaba finally turned around. ''I came here to see if I was finally safe. If the people I care about were finally safe from you. That you couldn't carry out the threats you always spoke out. I had nothing to do with what Nessa did. But Oz felt good to hear that Nessa now hates you too. Your so-called reasons for mistreating me are worthless. I couldn't help it. You're a pathetic man. You lost Nessa.''
With that she walked away.
''Nessa will find out that everything I do was for her. She will know she made a mistake to turn her back on me. She will realis that I love her more than anything. Then she will come back and together we can move on. Elphaba you will regret it. Do you hear me. Regret it! She LOVES ME MORE THEN YOU!''
But Elphaba walked away with a satisfied smile. She didn't hear anything Frex said. Although she was concerned about the new revelation that she is not Frex's daughter.
XXX
Nessa was in tears with Chef Juilan. ''I don't know if this was intended, but it happened,'' he said, confused. He was not used to a crying girl standing by him.
Elphaba smiled at him. ''Nessie, I am so proud of you. I'm so glad you stood up for me.'' Elphie took the crying Nessa from Juilan, who was happy to have his hands free again. The sisters sat together for a while. When Nessa was done sniffling they looked at Juilan.
''What will happen to him now?''
''He's going to the Southstairs tomorrow for at least 20 years. Then it is considered whether he should stay longer or not. If he becomes a danger to you, you will be guarded or he will be locked up again. After those 20 years, you will also be asked if he can contact you. You can request an arrangement that you can visit him in the southstairs. But that is your choice''
''Do we have to decide that now?'' Elphie asked after she saw a frightened look from Nessa.
"No, we'll see that by then."
Elphie nodded. ''Can we go now? "
"Yes, if you don't want to say any more to Frex, you can go.''
''Nessa are you ready to go?''
''I think I've heard everything I need to hear.''
Elphie nodded. They said goodbye to Juilian.
XXX
Elphie walks back to campus with Nessa. They walked along the suicide canal.
''Nessa, would you like to have dinner in my room with Glinda? I have to tell you both something.''
''I would really like that. I don't need to be alone with Madame Morrible right now.''
''Good, Glinda will finish her class in twenty minutes. Shall we wait there for her?''
Nessa nodded. The sisters wait for Glinda in silence. They didn't know what to say to each other. Nessa felt so bad about her father. She didn't know how to ask for forgiveness from her sister.
Elphie didn't know how to tell Nessa she might be her half sister. The sisters were glad that Glinda happily came away from class to break the silence. She thought it was a good idea that they would eat in their room, but she was concerned that the sisters would remain so quiet.
Glinda provided the food while Elphaba carried Nessa upstairs. Elphaba didn't want to get started on the difficult topic just yet so asked Glinda how her day was after they all had dinner.
Glinda took the hint and talked happily about her new artwork. ''We are going to talk about architecture. We have to choose a building and copy it. But I don't know which one. There are such beautiful buildings in Oz. Think of the Wizard's Palace, or the churches of Munchkinland, or theaters in Gillikus or the castles of the Vinkus. It is also difficult to make those choices.'' Glinda sighs.
When they had finished eating it was time for the subject anyway. ''So how did it go?'' Glinda asked cautiously.
Nessa immediately started to cry. Elphie went to comfort her sister and began to tell the story. As expected, Glinda got angry. ''How can he think like that? What a ... Aarrh when I get my hands on him.''
''Calm down Glin, you can't help it. It's his way of thinking. But that is not everything.''
She went to her bed and took out the green bottle.
''What is that?'' Nessa asks while she's sniffling
Glinda also looked at Elphie questioningly. She knew what the bottle was and what it meant, but she didn't understand why Elphie took it out.
''This is a bottle from mom. When father had cleaned up all of Mom's things, I found it in the waste bin. I knew it was Mom's because I had often seen it lying in her makeup stuff. I decided to keep it as a reminder of her.'' Elphie took a deep breathe. ''What I didn't know is that Mom had a letter with it. father burned it after he read it. Apparently she got this bottle from my father.'' She said as she kept looking at Nessa.
There was silence until Glinda began to speak slowly. ''So you want to say that Frex is not your real dad?''
Elphaba nodded. She kept looking at Nessa.
''But that means we are half sisters,'' she whispered.
''Yes, maybe by law but I love you like a real sister,'' Elphie said quickly as she got on her knees with Nessa. ''Think about all the things we did together. This news does not change our past. I keep loving you. You are really annoying sometimes so you are really my sister.''
Nessa had to giggle through her tears. ''I love you Fabala. I'm sorry about all that happened in the past.''
''It's not your fault. I love you too.'' At that moment all uncertainties with the Thropp sisters disappeared. They would continue to support each other no matter what happened. Their sister moment was interrupted by a hard crying Glinda.
''Oh sorry keep up with your sisters moment. But it was so beautiful and good. Sweet Oz. I want to be your sister too.'' Glinda walked up to them and gave them a hug.
''Drama Queen'' Elphie said to Nessa without a sound when they looked at each other. Nessa started to laugh again. ''We love you too Glinda.''
Soon there was a smile on everyone's face. She did some homework together. Until it was time for Nessa to go. Elphie walked with her while Glinda went to tidy up.
''Fabala, I was thinking. Now that Frex isn't your real dad, do you want to find your real dad?''
Elphie shrugged. ''I don`t know. I want to know who is the other half of my DNA. But I don't know where to look.''
''Perhaps we can look for a holiday in the Lurlinemas with the things of Mum or Dad, if the minister allows it at least.''
''Why do you want me to find my father?''
''I want to do something to make me feel less guilty. I also want to give you the chance to feel the love of a father. And I know you have questions too. I also know that you will never answer these questions if you know that you can hurt me with it. So I hereby give you permission.''
Elphaba stood still. She had not yet realized that she indeed wanted her sister's permission to search for her real father. ''Thank you Nessa. I think it's a good idea.'' She gave Nessa a smile.
Nessa took Elphie's hand and rubbed it with her thumb. ''You're a good sister. Never forget that.''
Elphie helped Nessa put to bed. She continued to talk to Madame Morrible, who was happy that Elphaba was going back to school on Friday.
When Elphaba returned to her room, she was attacked by Glinda who hugged her so hard that Elphaba had to seek support from the walls. "I've missed you too Glin,'' Elphaba gave her a kiss.
Elphie related everything that had happened between her and Nessa. Glinda immediately wanted to go to Munchkinland to help them. ''Elphie this is going to be so much fun! The three of us stay together throughout the holiday!''
Elphie gave her a small smile. ''But first we have to pass our exams.'' Immediately Glinda glared at Elphie. ''Should you ruin the moment?''
Elphie started to laugh softly. ''We only have a week to learn and then the mid-term exams begin. We have two weeks with different exams on different days''
With a sigh, Glinda dropped to the bed. ''But we don't have to learn now, do we?''
Elphaba shrugged. ''If it were up to me, we would have started learning last week. But I know it well made. Saturday we go shopping and then we learn.''
Glinda's face went from happy to frowning to thoughtful to happy again. ''Deal!'' She pulled Elphaba onto the bed and they started kissing.
XXX
The sentence Elphaba says to Nessa: You are really annoying too, so then you are really my sister.
I always use them for my brothers. I have four half brothers by law. But they annoy me just as much as my real brother does. So I see them as my real brothers too.