Even though she stayed at the park until two AM to help clean, Elphaba still managed to wake up before noon. She glanced at the clock and groaned, seeing she slept through her math class, but overcame her grogginess and perked up when Galinda appeared with Ozbucks coffee, practically downing the entire venti cup in one big gulp.
"Geez, Elphie! You're worse than me," the blonde chuckled, brushing her hair. "My seminar is meeting this afternoon to debrief. We're also deciding how to announce the amount we raised. We've mentioned it before, and the general consensus was to have a reveal party, if you and Miss Villy are okay with that."
"A reveal party?"
"Yes, with cake and soda and an assortment of alcohol. We could decorate the shop and have it there."
"I think that'd be nice. Thank you again for all this. Yesterday morning, before you came, Miss Villy told me she was applying for a business loan to reopen, but this is going to make it easier for her. Now she won't have to borrow so much."
"How much is the loan?"
"Sixteen thousand dollars."
Her face fell. "I don't think we raised that much. Dr. Bon Cavalish got an outside financial team, saying, 'we had enough work on our plates', so we won't know the final amount until the check comes."
"Glin, we appreciate everything you and your classmates did. Miss Villy made the decision to reopen regardless, but now she'll have less of a financial strain. Every bit helps." She gave her a hug. "No matter what, we're still celebrating your hard work."
"Okay. Do you have any classes today?"
"I only had my math class this morning, but I slept through it."
Galinda's seminar scheduled the party for that Saturday afternoon, with only a few days left to start the reopening process before the bank fully took it away. They set up the shop with a few tables, chairs, and minimal decorations of multicolored streamers and balloons, with soft, radio music playing in the background.
Villy had a large slice of chocolate cake and a small cup of wine, engaging in animated conversations with everyone, but her eyes betrayed her desire to hide her nerves. She was enjoying the party, but couldn't ignore her overarching anticipation of how much money they raised, and wanted to avoid bringing up any worrying feelings. Everyone wanted to think positive, though knew their thoughts in the current moment weren't going to influence the number already printed on the check.
Elphaba stayed in the corner, swirling her sparkling water around her cup as she watched everyone mingle.
"Hey, you. Socialize," Villy said, appearing by her side and poking her arm.
"I'm okay right here."
"You're being a wallflower."
"I'm just nervous."
"I know. You wear your emotions on your sleeve, embroidered with…" She rubbed her arm, as if reading her, "apprehension, nostalgia, and excitement."
"You're good."
She smiled softly. "I know you very well. We're reopening regardless, Elphaba."
"I know, and Galinda and her classmates worked so hard. And you said the loan –"
"I also said to let me worry about the financial side of this. I told Geri I'd apply for the loan, but wanted to wait until we found out the results from the party. Now I won't have to apply for the full amount. Did you have cake yet?"
"Not yet."
Villy took her hand and led her over to the table, cutting her a small piece. The sugar gave her more energy and she let go of her spot on the wall, mostly talking with Galinda and Fiyero.
Once everyone had a few slices of cake and drinks to start them all off, Galinda took the lead and took the envelope from the professor. "Here goes," she said, carefully tearing it open and slowly pulling out the check. She fell silent, her face blank as she stared at the piece of paper.
"Galinda?" Villy pressed, a bit of panic sneaking into her voice, and Geri gently tightened his grip around her waist. "What does it say?"
The blonde took a deep breath. "Sixteen thousand, one hundred twenty-one dollars!" she squealed, bouncing and waving the check in the air.
The room erupted into a cheer that could have been heard all the way in Quox. Champagne bottles popped, students laughed and high-fived. Elphaba's disbelief quickly melted into relief as Fiyero pulled her into a passionate kiss. The prince kissed his girlfriend with such gusto that she almost fell over, but he steadied her against him, wrapping his arms around her waist. He lifted her feet off the floor and spun her around in his arms. "Congratulations," he whispered, their noses touching.
"I know we're celebrating because that's a lot of money, but is it enough to really make a difference?" one of the students asked cautiously, not wanting to put a damper on the festivating.
"Yes! More than just a difference! That, combined with the seven thousand from the insurance money, is just enough to reopen without the business loan!" Villy laughed, accepting her own kiss from her boyfriend, snuggling closer as he gently wiped the tears from her cheek.
"Well, in that case… Woohoo!"
"We did it! We did it!" the students cheered as Dr. Bon Cavalish applauded them for a job well done. Villy immediately joined in the congratulations, laughing and thanking each student personally. "We're all still standing to tell the tale!" they chanted, causing more laughter.
The dressmaker gave Elphaba the longest hug of all, both crying, making the cheers reach a deafening volume. The two didn't say anything. They didn't have to, but knew they had lots of work to do. Villy had to wait until Monday to go to the bank, deposit the check into the store's account, and start the reopening process. She ended up applying for a small, personal loan to help pay the back rent payments, with a bit of help from some money in her savings account.
"I didn't want to fully dip into my savings. This is much more doable than the business loan. Flexible payments and a low interest rate, and I'm confident it won't take years to pay off."
Geri stayed by her side the entire process, reading and going over all the documents with her and making sure she understood everything, even coaching her on what questions to ask. Once her application was approved and all their paperwork was in order, the two went to Tip Bank and got everything finalized.
"The shop is fully yours once again, Miss Doiir," the notary smiled, stamping the deed next to her signature and sliding it across the table. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," she smiled, taking the paper and sliding it into her folder.
Geri slipped his hand into hers and she gave it a squeeze before standing. "Congratulations, Dovey," he smiled as they left together, giving her a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Thank you." She waited until they got to the corner to return the kiss. "For everything. I love you, my bodyguard."
"I know."
She let go of his arm and indignantly placed it on her hip. "You know?"
"Yes. And I love you, too."
She and Geri made a date out of repainting, and they both managed to leave with slashes of paint on their faces, clothes, and arms. She was also hard at work with Elphaba, recutting patterns and remaking dresses. At first, she was worried about how they were going to get all it done, but then her assistant informed her of another surprise.
"The students in the sewing and costume design classes at both Shiz University and Deckens College have volunteered to help us remake the clothes. They formed a big club in their free time, using the Shiz gymnasium. Their first official meeting is tomorrow evening, and they want both of us to come."
The two seamstresses were greeted with loud applause when they entered the university gymnasium, all setup and ready to go. Villy and Elphaba worked with everyone, and Villy taught them a few of her special tricks, including mini-lessons on fabric identification and how to strengthen their fingers' sensitivity.
"I told you you'd make a great teacher," Elphaba said, hanging their collection of shamrock halter dresses. She reached for another hanger, smiling with Fiyero handed it to her. She was glad her boyfriend came with her and was making himself useful.
"I can't believe they're doing this for free," Villy admitted. "Using their own time to help us."
"We already know how much the Shiz students love you, and you're a Deckens alumna, so it makes sense."
"Mmm. Come look at this."
Elphaba and Fiyero followed her to her office, and she gasped when she saw the twinkling string lights all over the ceiling. "This is new."
"They look like stars," the prince added, momentarily mesmerized.
"I figured I could add a bit more personality to my office this time. They'll probably be distracting, but making them twinkle is optional. I like them."
The green girl's gaze landed on a new desk sign that wasn't part of the old office décor. Her raised eyebrow and smirk happened simultaneously as she looked at the rectangular name plaque. "'She who must be obeyed'?" she read.
"Yes. It's my new, official title. I think I've outgrown 'Villy of the Valley'... and 'Villian'," she laughed, walking to her desk and cautiously groping for the large box of fabrics on the floor. "These cottons just arrived today. Let's sort through them and get them labeled." She cut the tape and threw the flaps open, grabbing the first fabric she touched. "What shade of brown is this?"
The green girl wrinkled her nose. "Bad breath."
She gave her a look. "Elphaba."
"Sorry. Um… ber. Yeah, umber."
Villy made a face, but typed and printed the label. The two went to work, quickly falling back into their old routine, complete with friendly banters and quips, joined by the Vinkun prince.
"I can't believe how many different names there are for different shades, especially brown," Fiyero commented.
"Every color has numerous tints, tones, and shades, and I like to get as specific as I can. I might not remember all of them, but certain names help me visualize the colors better than just saying 'light blue' or 'dark red'," Villy explained. "Colors are symbolic and convey different emotions and meanings, and that's very important to me. 'Seaweed' and 'basil' are both 'dark greens', but I think of two completely different things when I hear them."
Elphaba hummed. "The same goes with patterns. Polka-dots have a different personality than stripes."
"I've never seen you wear polka-dots," Fiyero mused.
"And you never will."
He took the fabric she shoved into his hands to fold. "What's that color that's an off-white pale-cream blue?" he asked.
"Fiyero… what?" Elphaba blinked. "Off-white pale-cream blue?"
"I don't know how else to describe it."
"Then I can't answer your question," Villy said, trying to think of a memory. "Off-white pale cream blue. Well, it's light, so…" She pulled a thick binder from her desk drawer and flipped through the pages of colors, looking for the description that matched the closest. "You mean pastel?"
Fiyero thought for a moment, looking at the color she was pointing at. "… Yeah, that."
"I've never heard it described like that before."
"I apparently have a lot to learn."
"You should add it to your color chart," Elphaba laughed, and the dressmaker rolled her eyes with a noncommittal grunt.
Finally, after weeks of hard work and preparation, the grand reopening event was held in late July. Villy hadn't expected to be ready in two months, but figured it was from all the outside help they got. The grand reopening was advertised on a large scale, befitting a nationally acclaimed dressmaker, which led to a great turnout. All of Ovelained Street was packed and blocked off to motor traffic. Camera flashes and clicks filled the air as reporters all called for Villy and Elphaba's attention, hoping to get an exclusive comment.
The two stood in front of the door under their new sign, surrounded with hot pink and black balloons, and a long, hot pink ribbon in front of them, separating them from the press and public.
"Thank you all for coming here today," Villy smiled, her voice loud and clear, even without a microphone. "I'm so happy to be standing here today to reopen my shop. I never realized what a staple it was on the city, and all of Oz, until everyone gathered together in the park to raise money to help me reopen. That event was a huge success and through a lot of hard work and help, we're here today. I put a lot of love and passion into my work, and it was so nice to feel all that returned back to me. I want to thank my family; my parents, my siblings, and my nieces and nephews, who have always supported me in whatever I needed. Also, my boyfriend, Gerium, and his daughter, Nyris, for being my rocks and keeping me grounded throughout this uncertain process."
The five-year-old's cheering voice was easily identifiable above the applause.
"And everyone who was involved in planning the party fundraiser in the park. There are so many of you to name, but you know who you are. I've had the chance to personally thank you before, but wanted to thank you again now, publicly."
In the middle of the crowd, Galinda blushed.
"And, of course, this wonderfully talented girl standing next to me." She turned to Elphaba with a smile. "She's been amazing, especially these past few months. I've been trying to think of ways to phrase my thanks and sing her praises –"
Elphaba made a noise that only Villy heard, and she bit back a laugh.
"But I know how much she hates it when I gush over her, but she knows I mean every word I say. I couldn't have asked for a better partner… or friend."
Elphaba gently wrapped an arm around her boss's waist, and she quickly returned the side hug, fully aware that photographers were going crazy over this moment.
"I suppose we should open up now, right?" Villy asked rhetorically.
The crowd cheered their agreement. Fiyero stepped forward and handed the two women a pair of large, ceremonial scissors.
"One… two… three!" Villy counted as she and Elphaba cut the ribbon to more cheers and applause. She couldn't stop laughing, wiping tears from her face as flashes and clicks filled her vision and ears. She was comforted knowing Geri was also taking pictures, though she had no idea where he was standing.
She and Elphaba stayed outside for a bit longer, posing for photos and answering questions from the reporters, before heading in to get to work. They still answered questions and took photos as they helped customers. Within the hour, more than half their stock was gone and alternated who went to the back to grab more clothes. They were kept busy for the rest of the day, right until closing.
"Wow," Villy sighed as she lounged against the counter after locking the door. "Today was the busiest day I've ever had. But it felt amazing."
"It did," Elphaba agreed, retying her ponytail. "I'm exhausted, but it felt good to be back in the swing."
"You're happily exhausted?"
"Yeah."
"Today made me realize how much I can actually handle, which was much more than I'm used to. It's probably 'cause I have extra adrenaline pumping through my system. Either way, it felt surreal." She turned towards the green girl. "You're the best. Let's close up."
"M'kay." She started counting the money and Villy went to make sure all the dresses were fully stocked.
They remained busy, finally calming down in mid-August. Elphaba was using her break to prepare for her third year of college, finalizing classes she needed to complete for her history major. She had grabbed the mail before going to the back, promising Villy she would go through it. She skimmed the letters, organizing them between invoices, orders, and fanmail, but paused when saw a letter from Munchkinland. The return address made her breath hitch and she slowly tore it open, her eyes silently dancing over the neat writing.
"Elphaba! Elphaba!"
Elphaba looked up as the lights flickered, her gaze orienting on her boss. "Huh?"
"At least the lights were on this time. That's new. What are you doing?"
"I… received a letter."
"From?"
"Munchkinland."
She thought for a moment. "Your family?"
"Specifically my sister. She saw our photos from the reopening in the paper."
"What did she say?"
"She demands to know what happened to me all those years ago and why I haven't been in contact. Though, I think she knows why. She feels I've abandoned her, which couldn't be further from the truth. She confesses how much she's missed me, though I wonder how truthful that is. She… wants to see me again."
"Do you want to see her?"
"I haven't seen her in five, almost six, years. She's seventeen now… or eighteen. I… I don't know." It hit her that she used to be so close with her sister, and now couldn't even definitively state her age. "She wants me to come back to Munchkinland, back to the Governor's Mansion, back –" She glanced at the letter. "Home. She said, 'come back home, Fabala'. Wants me to just drop everything and return. That place was never home to me. It was a house. A large, empty, cold building. I have a home here, with you, Galinda, and Fiyero. I don't need Munchkinland anymore."
"Do you miss Nessa?"
"I do. I do miss her. But going back to that toxic place would just resurface too many memories that I don't think I have the strength to deal with. I want to see her again, and I know her wheelchair makes long-distance traveling difficult, but I really don't want to go back."
"Then you don't have to."
"I don't even know what Father told her about my leaving, but I know it wasn't the truth. Regardless, she has a lot of nerve demanding anything from me. She sees how busy and happy I am here, and she still chooses to make it about her. She's always been like that, but now… now I can see how one-sided our 'loving relationship' was. She has everything, but when I get one thing, she wants to take it away from me. No, I didn't make an effort to reach out to her, but I felt like I couldn't. I was fifteen. What was I supposed to do?"
"Does she know you made her dress?"
"She knows it came from the shop, but I don't think she knows for sure." She wiped her hair from her face with a groan, staring at the letter before quickly ripping it to shreds. "I'm not going back to Munchkinland. Seeing Nessa again isn't worth all the extra pain. I love her, and I've done everything I could for her, but it's not enough. And… I don't know if anything ever will be." She threw the remains in the trash, watching as they slowly slipped from her hands.
"I know this is a painful decision for you, and I'll support whichever you choose. I understand that your relationship with your father is very different from the one you shared with your sister, but I can see the conflicting intersectionality of it all."
"I've changed and grown a lot since then, and I know she has, too. I don't want to go back to the way things were. If she decides to come to Shiz for whatever reason, I will see her, but under no circumstances will I see Father. I will make that very clear."
"You tore up her letter. You're not going to write back?"
"I don't want to get her hopes, nor mine, up. If I choose to respond, I won't need her letter as a reference. I don't even know if we have anything further to say to one another."
Villy nodded, though she couldn't imagine doing the same. As spread out as her family was, they always made an effort to visit, or at least write, every so often. But as much as she had in common with her young employee, there were some things that will always be different. "I understand, Elphaba. You must do what's best for yourself." At least that was something she could relate to. "There's nothing wrong with that."
"Then why do I feel guilty?"
"Because, despite everything you've been through, she's your little sister and you still love her, and you're trying to find a way to work this out, while working through your own feelings."
"I took care of her. I was more of a mother to her than a sister. I was raised to believe that our mother's death was my fault, while I know it's not logical, I still feel that way deep down. Especially after I left, since I felt like I was leaving her alone."
"You didn't just up and leave, Elphaba."
"I know. I was forced to leave, but I still feel like I could have done something more for her. I don't know what specifically, just… something."
"This isn't something you can sort out overnight. You can take all the time you need."
"I suppose I can." She straightened. "You wanted me for something?"
"Oh. Um… I completely forgot. I got distracted by family talk. That was much more important. I'll remember later," she said with a dismissive wave.
"My break's almost done. I'll be back to the front in a few minutes."
Villy nodded and went back to the front. Elphaba finished her break, mostly because she knew Villy would berate her for coming back early, and came out just as a group of teenage girls entered the shop. She spent the rest of the day working side-by-side with her boss, and neither of them would've wanted it any other way.
One more chapter!