In the morning, the friends had decided to take it easy. They played games, talked about Shiz and old memories. They looked at Elphie's new book. Oscar came to check if everything was going well. Everyone thanked him kindly except Elphaba. Oscar left the room feeling bad and Glinda was angry with Elphie. But it was not time to discuss it as Fiyero asked for help with his homework while Nessa and Milla wanted to talk to Glinda about the latest fashion in the Emerald City. They left the room with the permission of the doctor and walked around the gardens. Elphaba, along with Boq, was helping fiyero with his political assignment but they were also talking about how to surprise the girls for dinner in the Emerald City in the room.
The doctor came in after lunch to teach Elphaba to walk with crutches. After three unsuccessful attempts, Elphaba was already able to walk reasonably on crutches. In the middle of the afternoon Oscar came to see how everyone was doing.
''Hi,'' he said all cheerfully as he walked through the door. Everyone greeted him cheerfully back, only Elphaba was reluctant.
''I want to tell you that Miss Claudy and Frex are behind closed doors. They have maximum security and no one is allowed to visit them.''
Glinda looks relieved. She still fears Frex and Claudy will escape and come after Elphie.
''No one can see them?'' Nessa asks carefully.
Oscar looks at her for a long time. ''Do you want to see them?'' he asks briefly.
''That's her right to see father,'' Elphie quickly says to protect her sister.
''Fabala,'' Nessa says sternly. Oscar looks sadly at the floor.
''I just want to know if I have a chance to see him again if I want to.''
''His punishment is now increasing because he was consciously torturing someone. He also injured a guard. But if you really want to see him, you can.''
Elphaba wants to make another comment, but Glinda glares at her.
''Guys, please leave the room,'' Glinda says after a minute of silence.
Elphie glares at Glinda. ''No you don't have to.''
''Yes, because we are going to talk.''
Everyone looks amazed between the two girlfriends. They slowly left the room. ''We'll talk further down the hall,'' Glinda heard Oscar say to Nessa.
''Shut up.'' Glinda says stern when Elphaba opens her mouth to say something.
''Why? I can and will protect my sister.''
Glinda sighs. ''Elphie, you're curt with Oscar. This isn`t about protecting Nessa. He hasn't done anything wrong. Maybe he was just a little curt with Nessa. But give the guy a break. He wants to protect his daughter from the man who tortured her.''
Elphaba glares at the ground. ''Every time we talk about him this morning you changed the subject and you were rude to him.'' Glinda continued. ''When we were talking before breakfast, you said you were mad at Oscar. Why?''
''Because he deserves it. It's his fault Claudy could hurt you.'' Elphie says still angrily.
''I already said I don't blame him for that. They didn't really hurt me. Only they used me against you. Oscar has done everything to make it right. He saved you.''
Elphie blinks a few times. She knows Glinda is right. But she struggles with her own feelings.
''Why are you mad at him?'' Glinda continues.
''Because...''
''And don't say it's his fault, because that's bullshit. You know that too.'' Glinda interrupts her.
''I don't know what you're talking about and I don't want to talk about it. You had no right to send our friends out of the room.''
''You change the subject and I was right because you are curt with your father.''
''His name is Oscar.''
''And he is your father.''
''That's why you were endangered by him. If he hadn't appointed Claudy to come to Shiz, this wouldn`t happend.'' Elphaba bites her lip. She doesn't want to explode for Glinda. She's not mad at her. She is frustrated because she cannot protect Glinda. She is frustrated knowing what Oscar has done for her and starts to trust him. It's scary to trust everyone.
''He would have done that without you. Madame Morrible left. You know that too. Why are you mad at him?''
''Shut up about it. We talk in circles.''
''Are you going to act normal to Oscar? We talk in circles because you don't say what your problem is with Oscar. With your father. Why are you mad at him?''
''I'm not mad at him, I'm starting to trust him!'' Elphie shouts. Fill Elphaba's eyes with tears. ''I trust him and it scares me. Glin, I don't know what I want, what I can do. How can I trust someone I've only known for a few weeks? How can I trust him as a father?'' she whispers.
Glinda walks up to her and hugs her hard. ''Let it all go. You've been through a lot.''
After a few seconds, Elphie hugs Glinda back. ''I'm so sorry, but I'm so confused. I thought I had everything under control, but it isn't.''
''Sssh honey it will be fine. We can talk there with each other, with Oscar. But you have to tell us your feelings so we can help each other.''
Elphie was just about to say something when they hear a voice from the doorframe. ''That was spoken of like a real psychologist. You're absolutely right Glinda.''
''Mumsie!'' happily says Glinda as she flies around her mother's neck.
''Glinda, I'm so glad to see you again. Oscar just told everything and I didn't come in right away. He's still talking to your dad.''
Glinda immediately started to cry. ''I'm so glad you are here. We need your help.''
Elphie prefers to say she doesn't need any help. But know that she would be lying. She bites her lip She's sorting out her thoughts and hopes Leanne hasn't heard too much about their discussion.
Leanne whispers to her daughter and is happy to see that everything is going well for her.
''Elphaba, it is good to see you again. We heard good stories about you after your departure from the Lurlinemas holiday''
''Leanne, I'm glad you arrived safely.''
Leanne nods and sits on the chair at Elphaba. Glinda returns to her chair in the corner. She is still very tired. Glinda is happy that her mother is taking over the conversation. They have time to catch up later, but now Elphaba is more important.
Leanne remains silent and Glinda is about to speak when Elphaba opens her mouth. ''I'm sorry Glinda is involved in this. If Oscar hadn't been my father it wouldn't have happened and she would have been safe.'' Elphaba looks at her feet instead of looking at Leanne when she talks.
Leanna nods. ''Elphaba. I've heard from several sources that it's not yours or Oscar's fault. I also think you don't believe that.''
Elphaba remains silent and Glinda nods, but also remains silent.
''I just got to hear some of the argument between the two of you. Understandably, you can't just trust someone right now. But you also know that Oscar is not Frex.''
Elphaba nods.
''Nobody expects you to jump into Oscar's arms now, but have you talked to him about how he feels about everything?''
Elphie shakes her head.
''I did.'' Glinda says softly. ''He said he hated seeing you like that. He walked over to you several times the first night to see how you were doing. He put you at ease one night when you had a bad dream.''
Elphie looks at Glinda with an open mouth. Then she looks at her hands that are on her stomach.
'I haven't treated him fairly.'' she whispers.
''That's right.'' says Leanne, "But" She waits for Elphaba to look at her. ''Oscar understands. He is sad and would love to have a relationship with you. But understand that you are a bit reluctant. When you are ready, he wants a conversation with you.''
Elphaba thinks deeply and long. ''Do you want to help me?''
Leanne smiles when she hears her daughter calling. ''Of course we will help you. You are not alone for a moment.''
''What my enthusiastic daughter says.''
Elphie smiles and nods. ''I think I should apologize to everyone and certainly Oscar.''
''Shall we bring them in?''
Glinda meanwhile walks over to Elphie and gives her a kiss. ''Yes that is good.'' Elphie says, blushing.
Everyone comes into the room and Glinda flies around her father's neck.
Oscar enters unsure but looks happier when Leanne nods at him and Elphie smiles.
''I have to apologize for my behavior. You all want to help me and I appreciate that. I'm just a little insecure about my own feelings.''
''That's understandable,'' Nessa says, taking her sister's hand.
''We are here to help you.'' Fiyero says, putting his hand on Nessa's shoulder.
Elphie nods gratefully. The friends listen to Leanne and decide not to talk about it for the rest of the day. They eat with them all and have a good time. Glinda spends some time alone with her parents and when Glinda comes back Elphie is sleeping.
''It took a while, but she lost the fight again,'' Boq says with a smile.
''That girl really doesn't appreciate a good night's sleep,'' says Fiyero.
''Maybe she just doesn't want to miss anything. I didn't want that in the past as a little girl.'' Milla says reasonably.
Nessa raises her eyebrow. ''Do you compare Fabala to a little girl?''
''Mmm maybe you are right. then she's just stubborn.''
Glinda smiles and takes Elphie's hand. ''Get all the rest you need,'' Glinda whispers, and Elphie's face immediately relaxes.
XXX
The next day everyone convince Glinda to go to town her parents. Glinda herself wanted to stay with Elphie to help her. But Elphie agreed with Leanne that Glinda stepped out of the situation for a moment to relax. After the consultation, a compromise was made that Glinda could stay with Elphie all morning. In the afternoon, Elphie and Nessa went to the garden to get some sister bonding time. They discussed the letter that Travid and Hault had sent. They had written that they were very shocked by the actions of Frex but also glad that everything was now going in the better direction. Elphie convinced Nessa to go to town with Fiyero. Elphie wanted some alone time herself, and she knew what Fiyero was up to.
Nessa was picked up by Fiyero, and Elphie tried as best she could to hop up to the bench with her crutches.
She was lost in her own thoughts. She looks at the flowers and the small stream that runs through the garden. She looks at the birds that fly over and sees that certain trees are blossom again because the weather is getting warmer.
''So here you are?'' Elphie looks up in alarm and sees Oscar approaching. ''The doctor said you weren't there for your check-up. I volunteered to look for you.''
Elphie starts blushing and nods. ''I'm sorry, I forgot I had that appointment. I had completely forgotten about time.''
''It's not a problem. The doctor didn't seem too worried. I also come here more often to empty my head and just let the time tick away. It gives a certain peace of mind.''
Elphaba nods. Oscar sits down on the couch next to Elphie and together they look in the garden. ''I have not treated you fairly'' Elphie whispers after a while.
''You have already apologized. I accepted it. It's okay,'' says Oscar with a small smile. ''I'm the one who has to apologize to you,'' he continues after a short pause.
Elphie looks at the man in confusion. ''If I hadn't left Melena alone, this wouldn't have happened. Your life would be less bad''
Elphaba shrugs. ''My life wasn't all bad. I've also thought about what my life would be like with you. But I'm not mad at you about that.''
Oscar nods with satisfaction.
Elphie bites her lip. She sees that Oscar has left in his own thoughts again. She knows that Leanne recommended that she talk to Oscar about everything. She is still unsure about going it alone. But her gut also says she can do it on her own. She knows Oscar won't hurt her.
After a little discussion in her head, she takes a breathsays softly ''Is it true that you,'' Oscar looks at her expectantly. Elphie took a deep breath again to organize her thoughts and start over. ''Glinda said you reassured me during a nightmare. She said I called you daddy?'' Elphie says with a little more confidence.
Oscar nods. ''Yes, you were mumbling. I held your hand and it seemed to relax you.''
Elphie nods. ''I, uhm I. I don't know much about it anymore. But thanks. I know I had a bad dream and there was a voice that calmed me down.''
''Glad I could help you, Elphaba. You are important to me.'' Oscar is happy that Elphaba asking him questions, but he is still careful with his answers so as not to scare her away.
Elphie nods and quickly looks the other way.
''During the torture when you came in, it was your voice that gave me hope. Thanks. I don't know what you said, but I tink that you where saying the right words.''
Oscar nods. ''Basically, Frex thinks Nessa is important and I think you are important.''
Elphie nods. ''Thank you.'' Elphaba is still nervous, but the conversation seems so natural that Elphie couldn't stop. She likes the conversation and notices that she is getting more and more comfortable with Oscar.
They both process what was said.
''Did you like that I called you daddy?''
Oscar looks very confused at Elphaba at first and then he puts on the biggest smile he can give. ''It makes me the happiest man in Oz. I would give up everything if that would help show you how much I care and be happy that you are my daughter.''
Elphie opens her mouth to object, but Oscar raises his hand.
''I also know that your love cannot buy. I know I can show my love to you by doing what I say. I said I was going to do something against the oppression of the Animals. So that's what I'm doing now.''
Elphie nods with satisfaction. ''How are things going with that?'' asks Elphie who is proud of herself for having the conversation with Oscar, but she's also happy to be able to change the subject.
''I've had a few conversations with different Animals and institutions. This weekend the first school will open in the Emerald city so that the Animals can learn to speak again that have been forgotten.''
Elphie flies around Oscar's neck. It wasn't a smart move because her ankle hurt immediately, but it didn't matter to her. ''Thank you. Oscar you make me happy with the news. The idea that Doctor Dillamond can stay makes me happy.''
Oscar returns the hug. ''I notice.'' He tried not to hug Elphaba too hard for fear of hurting her or leaving her.
After a few seconds, Elphie realized what she was doing. She let go of Oscar.
''Sorry, I didn't mean to. Sorry.'' stammers Elphie as she sits back down.
''You weren't doing anything wrong,'' say Oscar, running his hand over Elphie's cheek.
Elphie forces herself not to back off and enjoy the feeling. The latter does not really work and Oscar notices that Elphie no longer likes it. He takes Elphie's hand. ''Thank you for trying.''
Elphie squeezes his hand. ''Thank you for helping the Animals.''
''Elphaba, I say it now and I will always keep saying it. You opened my eyes.''
Elphie blushes and nods. She opens her mouth to say something, but she immediately closes it again.
''What are you trying to say?''
Elphaba is blushing more. ''I just want to indicate that. Uh, I mean. it would be nice for Glinda and her parents. There is someone who is very important to Glinda.''
Oscar starts to laugh. ''Elphaba, just say it.''
''Glinda has a friend who is a Sheep. I was wondering if we can invite her as a surprise to Glinda. They haven't seen each other for a long time.''
Oscar thinks for a moment. ''I think it is possible. Do you know her name?''
Elphaba nods. ''Her name is Allseen. Her parents probably own a clothes shop. Last thing I know is they moved to the Emerald City for the Lurlinemas.''
Oscar nods. ''Okay, I can work with that, I will get my assistants to work immediately.'' Oscar gets up.
''Is that now necessary? I mean, do you have to go now?'' Elphaba asks in a small voice.
Oscar looks at Elphie in surprise and shakes his head. ''No, we can stay a little longer. The nurse has not yet started a search for us. But I'm starting to get it fresh.''
''Thank you. I like it,'' says Elphie. ''The cold makes your blood flow faster to get it warmer. It used to give me a good feeling to warm up inside. I remember Mom took me in her arms to let me warm up. It felt safe and good.''
Oscar nods. ''I can imagine.''
They continue to watch the birds fly by. Oscar tells what he knows about the birds and what will happen on Saturday. Elphie thought it was a good idea to have her sister and friends there. She actually wants to go back to Shiz on Sunday just like her friends. But Oscar convinced her to wait first what the doctor and Leanne say.
After half an hour they walk in together. back into the palace. When they are almost back at the doctor's station, Elphie stops. ''What is Elphaba?'' Oscar asks concerned.
''I want to thank you for the nice conversation. I didn't mean to, but it felt good.''
Oscar can breathe a sigh of relief again. ''Yes, I liked it a lot too. Thank you for giving me a chance.''
Elphie looks at the floor and hops on with her crutches. ''You deserve it. Daddy,'' she whispers. Elphie continues quickly without turning around.
Oscar stops and his heart shoots up to his throat. He gets a huge smile on his face and jumps into the air with two hands. He almost hops through the palace. Glinda just came around the corner and almost bumped into Glinda and her parents.
''Oscar,'' says Glinda is surprised. ''Why are you so happy?''
Oscar grabs Glinda and kisses her cheeks. ''You are the best daughter-in-law I could ever wish for.'' He says chuckles. ''Thanks to you I have the best day of my life. I couldn`t be happier.''
He skips on and the other three look at each other in surprise.
XXX
Glinda tries to explain Oscar's reaction, but she couldn't come up with anything. She became a little irritated that Elphie had just been checked by the doctor when that appointment was much earlier.
Leanne reassured her that she still has to be patient.
Glinda really enjoyed being out of the palace and walking through the Emerald City with her parents. They've talked about her horses, about her parents' work, about her school work. It was relaxing and normal, as if nothing was wrong. Leanne has given Glinda some tips on how to deal with Elphie so she can better deal with the nightmares.
Leanne was thinking it would be good for Glinda and Elphaba to get back to the old life as soon as possible. She had yet to discuss it with Oscar and the doctor, but she is confident that everyone will be fine.
After half an hour the doctor was done and Glinda almost flew into the room. Samual and Leanne look at each other in surprise and start to chuckle. One day she will learn to be patient. ' Samual says as they walk into the room hand in hand.
"Keep dreaming, I don't think it's ever going to happen and that's okay at all."
Glinda was already on Elphie's bed, telling what she had seen in town. Elphie listens intently and laughs at Glinda's jokes. When Glinda has finished talking Elphie tells that she has talked to Oscar. Everyone is very proud of her. "That's why he was so happy," Glinda shouts with satisfaction. "Elphie, that was a really good thing of you. I'm so proud of you.'
Indeed it was. You make great strides. What did the doctor actually say. '
Elphie blushes, because of all of Glinda's cheerfulness and the events, she had forgotten to tell the doctor's results. He says everything looks fine. I no longer have a bandage on my back. The wounds are still small scrapes. I have to rest my ankle for a few more days. I can go back to my room tonight. '
That is wonderful.
Elphie nods. He also says I can go back to Shiz with everyone on Sunday. But Oscar also said to discuss it with you.
Leanne nods. I do agree that you should get back to your old rhythm as soon as possible. But I still want to wait and see. Today is Wednesday, Friday we will determine how you feel.
Elphie nods enthusiastically, she would like to go back to school. Glinda in it gets a pout. Are you sure you want to go back and can go to Shiz? she asks cautiously.
Of course, I'm tired of lying in bed. I want to do something and I want to learn.
You can do that in bed too. I think it is too soon.
Elphie frowns. Why? The doctor says I can go. If your mother agrees, we can go back anyway. You can go to Pfannee and Shenshen again. Elphie doesn't understand why Glinda is so reluctant to go back to Shiz.
Elphaba, I think Glinda herself is also scared by everything that has happened. Do you want me to talk to you too Friday?
Glinda gets tears in her eyes and nods. Elphie is shocked by the reaction and immediately hugs Glinda. Glinda starts to cry louder. It's okay Glin, I was selfish. I should have thought about your feelings too. We will talk about what you want. But we have to go back to Shiz someday.
Glinda nods. But I'm afraid something will happen as soon as we leave the palace.
You just got back from town. Nothing happened.
I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about you. I couldn't do anything to protect you. Who says I can do it if it works again.
I'm not mad at you Glin. You saved me again. You don't have to worry. It's a normal response from you.
Glinda looks surprised. Since when have you known such things?
After the first time, I read a few books about the feelings and reactions of the person being abused and the loved one.
Glinda proudly agreed. She gives Elphie a kiss. They continue to talk for a while. Glinda, meanwhile, goes to Oscar to report the good news. Elphie demands that she now eat in the dining room with everyone and no longer in the bed. Just before dinner she signs her letter of resignation and happily hops after Glinda who is listening to Milla's story.
XXX
Oscar is sitting at his desk. He puts his head in his hands wearily. It is Sunday morning and yesterday he had a busy day with the opening of the new school. There were many good responses and a few negative ones, but that didn't stop the fun. Oscar felt such a proud father when he saw Elphaba smile and talk to Ally and Glinda. Oscar had immediately turned it into a kind of party. There were a lot of people on the street and a lot of food stalls.
Madame Morrible had opened everything with Glinda, and Oscar could watch from a distance, so that no one could actually see the Wonderfull Wizard.
Elphie, Glinda and the rest return to Shiz on Sunday afternoon and return late at night. They had Dr. Dillamond in the arm and asked if they could still be free on Monday.
Despite the fact that Elphaba and Glinda are doing better, he is still concerned. He has had a nice chat with Leanne about the situation and understands his feelings better, but still feels he has failed as a father. That's when someone knocks on the door. ''Come in,'' he says wearily.
''I didn't want to disturb you,'' Elphie says shyly when she enters.
''You never disturb me, come in,'' says Oscar quickly. ''Did you have a good chat with Chistery?''
Elphaba nods. ''It's a great Monkey. I want to thank you for putting him in touch with Ally, she seems to be getting attached to him. Thank you again for finding her.''
''It was a small effort, there are not that many sheep called Allseen in Oz. They work as salespeople. The family was pleasantly surprised by the offer and spread the words for us.''
''Glinda, in particular, was very happy when she saw Ally and her family.''
Oscar nods. ''It was beautiful to see. The whole day was a great success and no one had a negative feeling.
Elphie nods. ''But I didn't come here to talk about that,'' Elphie, rubbing her arms nervously. She gets up and starts pacing. Which is a bit difficult because of her ankle. She sits down quickly. Yesterday she had walked on crutches and now she was allowed to walk a little bit without crutches. Elphie immediately takes advantage of that, much to the dismay of the rest of the group.
''I want you to know that I've heard and seen everything you've done for me in the past few days. But also for Glinda. I heard you know I'm dating Glinda. At first I didn't know how to feel that, but I'm relieved you accepted it. It means more to me than I can understand.'' Oscar nods and feels that Elphaba wants to tell more. After a few seconds she continues. ''I know I'm not the easiest to deal with. But I'm doing my best to make it as easy as possible with you. After all, you are my father.''
Oscar nods.
''I just wanted to say that.'' Elphie gets up before Oscar can respond. ''I'll talk to you in the afternoon, Dad. Thanks for everything.'' With a dark green head, Elphie quickly walked out of the office.
Oscar sits for a while and then jumps into the air with two fists. ''Yes! I'm daddy,'' he shouts cheerfully. This was the third time Elphaba has called him Daddy and every time it was a great feeling. With a big smile he goes to receive the people in the throne room. From now on he knew everything was going to be fine. Elphie would join him when she finished school. He can be the father he always wanted to be. Everyone has a good future ahead of them.
XXX
This is the last chapter. I want to thank everyone for reading and for the reviews.
Maybe one day I will continue with the story because so much can still happen, but for now I think it's enough. I have tried to end it successfully.
Thanks again and stay healthy.