A Million Dreams
'My dearest father,
I hope everything is going well at home. I do hope that the other provinces aren't giving you too much trouble.
I miss you and I can't wait to see you for the holidays. Yes, Fabala is continuing to take such good care of me, as are my friends; Glinda, Fiyero, Ollivander and Boq. She really is the best sister I could ever have asked for. And our finals are coming along just fine, I've no doubt that we shall both receive the highest marks, Fabala especially.
Oh! I have the most thrillifying news! One of my friends, Fiyero, he's invited us both, and our friends to the Vinkus this summer. Isn't it wonderful? Please say yes and let us go, it would mean so much to me! I do hope I'll hear from you soon!
All my love,
Nessarose'
Frex stood in his study, rereading the letter he'd received from his precious daughter a few days ago. He knew he could never deny Nessarose anything, but with this request, he was torn. He barely let her out of his sight and it was only on her request, and the fact she would take Governship in his place one day that he'd sent both his daughters to university. How could he bear to see her off when she left from Munchkinland to the Vinkus for the last few weeks of the summer? And with the boy's reputation how could he be sure his intentions were pure? And Elphaba taking care of her sister? He didn't believe a word of it.
He left the mansion, getting into the waiting carriage which would take him to Shiz.
It was early in the evening by the time he reached the formidable building and he stepped out before he headed inside. He could hear the buzz of conversations between students as he approached, easily finding Madame Morrible amongst the bustle.
"Governor Thropp! What a splendiferous surprise! What brings you to Shiz this evening?"
"Madame Morrible." He nodded politely. "I wonder if you could inform me of Nessarose's progress, how is she settling in?"
"Oh, she's one of our best students, and so is Elphaba. You should be proud of both of your girls."
"I am proud of Nessarose. Do you know where I might find her?" He asked, pointedly ignoring the look he was given when he'd disregarded Elphaba.
Morrible paused. No wonder the green girl didn't want him to know she was still going to the Emerald City, which was perfect for her. Everything would fall into place after all. "She and Miss Elphaba go off campus to eat with their friends. I'm sure they'll be back soon." She told him and left him alone in the corridor.
After discussions with the professors about Nessarose's progress, and of course, being forced to listen about Elphaba's best efforts, Frex decided to head back outside into the courtyard. He'd been at the University for two and a half hours already. It didn't take him long to hear loud singing and laughter as a group of six students were headed back to campus. Elphaba was dutifully pushing Nessarose's chair, Boq walking with them so he could easily hold a conversation with Nessa, and two other boys flanking her and the blonde girl who was singing obnoxiously loud. The group looked to be joking and laughing with each other.
"Lin, stop it! My ears are bleeding!" Elphaba smirked.
Glinda continued to sing as though she hadn't heard her, but they both knew she had. "I'm gonna make you pop-u-lar!" she giggled, skipping around the two girls.
"Are you two gonna stand there like a pair of scarecrows or are you gonna help me?"
Fiyero smirked at Elphaba. "I'm not getting involved in that!"
"You were once." she shot back.
"Not now." He laughed and nudged her.
Nessa looked up at them both laughing. "You fight like an old married couple," she spoke and looked around, it was only then that she spotted Frex stood up ahead. "Father!" she called out happily. "Fabala, look!"
Glinda fell silent and she watched her friend closely, sneaking a glance at Fiyero who was looking at the male in front of them. The look on his face told her he didn't like him.
Elphaba followed Nessa's eye line, hoping she was wrong but knew she wasn't. She kept her expression neutral, pushing down the tendrils of fear creeping up her spine. "I'll... I might catch up with you later," she told her friends quietly.
Frex watched impatiently as his oldest daughter seemed to be taking her time in getting to him, he was about to call out to them when he saw her starting to push Nessa's chair to him.
"My darling girl." he smiled and bent to hug her, then stood to face Elphaba. "Elphaba. I trust you've been caring for your sister as ordered." He said coldly.
"Yes, father." Elphaba kept her voice quiet.
"I've taken the liberty of talking with your professors, Nessarose. They're quite pleased with your work. Shall we go inside?" He then walked off.
Elphaba glanced behind her, giving her friends a small shrug, being careful not to look at them for too long, and she walked off with Nessa.
"Oh, I could hit just that man with my least favourite pair of shoes!" Glinda fumed as she watched her friends retreating backs. "Did you see the way he looked at Elphie?! That's it! When we go to the City, Elphie and I are not coming back!"
Ollivander put his arms around her in a comforting way. He had dealt with that type of behaviour in his past and he didn't like to see it happening to one of his friends. He remained silent, unable to find the right words to say, but knew he needed to find Elphaba and talk to her about it at some point.
Glinda looked up at him with a soft smile and looked at Boq. "They will be alright with him, won't they?"
"Yeah." The Munchkin hoped he sounded convincing, but one look from Ollivander told him he hadn't. He knew Nessa would be alright. Elphaba may not be, depending on if she opened her mouth or not. He looked around, noticing they were now three instead of four. "Where did Fiyero go?"
The couple looked around, seeing no sign of him.
"Sweet Lurline, I hope he hasn't followed them..." Glinda sighed.
The Thropp family walked the corridors slowly, Nessa and Frex in conversation about what she'd got up to with her friends.
"Nessa, give your sister and I a moment, please." Frex looked at his sweet girl in the chair for a moment.
Nessa looked up at Elphaba, whose face was a perfect blank mask, she tried to read her sister, finding it impossible.
Elphaba hid her panic as she was lead away from Nessa, she ignored the rapid beating in her chest that for once, had nothing to do with Fiyero, and the invisible fingers twisting her stomach into knots.
Frex then moved his hand from the girl's shoulders to grab her arm painfully twisting it. "Have you really been taking care of Nessarose?"
Nessa closed her eyes tightly knowing what was happening but knew she was powerless to stop it.
Elphaba gasped in pain and she nodded. "Of course, I have! Father, please, you're hurting me!"
He tightened his grip. "Good. And you've stopped this foolishness about the Emerald City and the Wizard?"
"But Madame Morrible thou-" she was cut off by a hard slap to the face that snapped her head to the side.
"This is your last warning to forget about it, Elphaba. The Wizard will not want you. He'll have you thrown out the minute he sees you! You're green for Oz's sake, who would want you?!" He spat harshly. "No. Your rightful place is to be hidden from sight and to care for your sister. Is that understood?"
She nodded mutely.
"Now go to her." He dropped her arm and glared at her in disgust.
Elphaba nodded and fled to her sister almost tripping over her feet.
Nessa had opened her eyes again, her eyes shining with tears, and concern for her sister. She looked up and gasped. "Did he...?"
"It's fine. I deserved it." Elphaba told her quietly. They both knew it wasn't the first time he'd struck her. They knew it wouldn't be the last time either.
Nessa shook her head, clearing her face of any trace of sadness. While he would never harm her, Nessa didn't want her sister to bear any more anger. "Father, I think Fabala should be excused... She's looking a little tired after all the studying she's been doing, we're all a little tired, really... You'll still see her in the morning won't you?"
Frex glared at Elphaba over the top of Nessa's head before answering. "Of course, my sweet girl. Do you need her to help you to bed?"
"No, I can manage that for myself, thank you."
He nodded. "Very well. You can introduce me to your friends and then we'll discuss your request before I go home."
Elphaba didn't need telling twice. She turned on her heel, fleeing in the opposite direction. She flew through a door into something solid.
"Woah, what's the rush?"
She recoiled at the familiar voice, the gentleness of the touch on her arms. "Sorry, Yero..." she kept her head down so he didn't see the mark that would be blossoming on her stinging cheek. "I'm just tired..."
"Come on, I'll walk you back."
"No!" She shouted out and he froze mid-step. "No... I'll be fine... I'll see you tomorrow." She spoke quieter and pushed him away from her, running again until she reached her dorm.
Fiyero stood, confused for a moment before deciding to follow her. He knew something had happened, and he wasn't happy with the end result. Her whole demeanour had changed, he had observed her before her father showed up, she was happy, they'd been laughing at Glinda making a fool of herself. Now she looked downright terrified.
"Fiyero! There you are!" Glinda called out as he re-entered the courtyard, she crossed over to him before he reached Crage Hall, she saw it in his eyes that he was battling with a war of emotions. "Did you find Elphie?"
He nodded. "But I think something happened, Glinda. She looked afraid."
Glinda looked at the door to the dorm building sadly. "I'll talk to her. I'm sure she's okay, Fiyero."
"You don't believe that any more than I do." he scoffed.
"But you can't go charging in there, Fiyero... I know you want to protect her... I know. But you have to let her come to you on her own." She forced a smile and left him standing outside. She walked up to the room she shared with her best friend and she walked in. "Elphie?"
Elphaba looked up from her book and curled up position to see her friend there.
Even in the dim light of the room, Glinda gasped aloud as she saw the dark mark on her face. "Lurline... Elphie! What did he do to you?!" She rushed to her side and gathered her friend in her arms, wincing as the other girl tensed and flinched away. It was so reminiscent of their earlier days of friendship that she almost burst into tears. "It's alright, Elphie, I'm not going to hurt you."
"Please let me go."
"What did he do to you, Elphie?" She obediently let her friend go, settling for brushing the girl's hair with her fingers.
"Nothing he hasn't done before."
"And not even Nessa can stop this?!"
Elphaba let out a bitter laugh, looking at a spot on the floor ahead of her, seeing something that wasn't really there. "Oh, she tried. When she was just five... I was... eight, probably... That night I ended up with four cracked ribs, a broken wrist and a bloody nose."
"Why?!"
"Because I didn't see Nessa trying to get out of her chair for some cookies that our cook left out to cool. She hit her head off the table leg and fell out of her chair. She tried to tell him that it wasn't my fault." she shook her head. "She's never spoken out since."
"Oh, Elphie..." Glinda whispered tearfully, gently touching the handprint mark on her cheek, forcing herself to ignore the way she flinched again. "I wish I could take this away. You don't deserve any of this."
"Please don't tell the others? Lin, please, I couldn't bear it if people knew. I-!"
"Shh... it's okay." she cut across her friend before she could hyperventilate. "I promise, I'm not going to say anything. You might want to talk to Fiyero though..."
"What...why?"
"Because he knows something's not right... He knows you're scared." Glinda told her gently. He really did love her best friend, she could see it now. "He'd do anything to protect you..."
Elphaba knew, and that's what scared her. She sighed after a minute. "Alright... I think I'm going to go to sleep now... I'm tired. Oh... And Nessa wants to introduce you all to him tomorrow."
Glinda just hoped Fiyero could keep himself in check, nobody wanted it to get any worse for Elphie than it needed to be. "I could always hit him with an old shoe until he leaves you alone."
Elphaba laughed a little. "Thank you..."
Glinda hugged her and pressed a kiss to her hair before she leapt off her bed to go to her own. Both girls got themselves ready for bed silently and settled down to sleep.
Elphaba awoke the next morning from a restless sleep. She got up, picked up a change of clothes and she headed to the bathroom to change, barely even noticing Glinda stirring awake. She looked in the mirror, the handprint was gone, but a pale bruise was beginning to take its place on her green skin, she barely even took in the darkening circles under her eyes. She sighed and walked out, freshened up and fully dressed, straight into the waiting hands of her best friend.
Glinda, still in her nightdress, dragged her friend over to the vanity desk. "Oz... Elphie I'm just gonna put a little makeup on you to..." she trailed off. She had no idea how well it would hide it as she gently sat her friend down and gently applied a little makeup to hide the bruise. "I swear the sooner that man leaves..." the blonde muttered, her blue eyes flashing with well-contained anger.
"I know... He doesn't know that I'm still going to see the Wizard with you."
"I won't tell him, I promise. Ooh! We should all go!"
Elphaba smiled a little at the suggestion. "I can't drag Nessa into this."
"Fine... So we make it a double date!"
She rolled her eyes at the blonde.
"There, done." Glinda nodded and stepped away.
Elphaba looked in the mirror, managing another smile. "Thank you..."
Glinda grinned and flounced away to get dressed, and both girls grabbed their bags just as the door knocked. Glinda opened it, revealing Morrible standing there.
"Miss Elphaba, your sister is ready for you to help her get ready now. I hear you're going to breakfast with your father."
"Yes, Madame... We want to introduce him to our friends before our classes start this morning."
Morrible nodded and left the girls.
Glinda looked at her. "You don't normally-"
"It's... just to keep up appearances. If he sees her coming to breakfast without me."
The blonde nodded and they both left their room, walking down the stairs to Nessa's room.
"Morning, Nessa!" Glinda said brightly as she hugged the girl.
"Morning, Glinda." Nessa smiled, returning the hug as Elphaba started to help her get dressed. She observed her sister silently as she completed her task with ease, as though she'd been getting her dressed for school the entire time.
"Did you sleep well?" Elphaba asked as she wheeled her out.
"Yes, I did. Thank you." Nessa answered, not even bothering to ask the same. She knew fine well her sister hadn't slept much, she felt a stab of guilt in her gut that she could never step in and protect her sister. Even if her legs worked, Elphaba would never have allowed it.
The three girls exited the building to find the three boys already stood outside patiently waiting for them.
"I hope you boys are ready for breakfast with the Grumpy Governor of Munchkinland. It might be our last meal." Glinda snarked sarcastically.
Elphaba smirked, pride swelling in her at the blonde. "Ordinarily, I would never subject you to such atrocities. But as this is probably the only way we can get him to agree to our summer trip..."
"Glinda! Fabala!" Nessa gasped, but she knew she'd be ignored.
"As long as you don't make a habit of it, fine." Fiyero grinned.
Elphaba rolled her eyes, smiling, and the group walked to the canteen where Frex was already waiting.
"Governor Thropp." Boq nodded in greeting.
"Master Boq. Good to see you again this morning." Frex nodded.
The group headed to get their breakfast, Nessa couldn't help but smile as they each headed back to their table. "Father, you already know Boq. But let me introduce Miss Glinda, Master Ollivander and Master Fiyero," she spoke around the table at her friends.
Frex regarded them each in turn until his eyes landed on Fiyero, who seemed to be watching his eldest daughter intently. "Master Fiyero. The scandalacious Winkie Prince. Nessa, do you think this is suitable company for you? Think about your own reputation."
"If I may, sir." Fiyero spoke up, finally looking away from Elphaba at the older male. "Yes, I know my former reputation leaves a lot to be desired, but I've had some growing up to do while in this school. I no longer have the desire to do any of that any more. Haven't done for almost seven months. Your daughters are very close friends of mine and I'd never see either of them hurt."
"He really has changed, father. I wouldn't entertain his company if I didn't trust him, and Fabala wouldn't either..."
"And Miss Glinda, isn't it?" Frex continued as though Nessa hadn't spoken. "Are your parents aware of how obnoxiously loud you are?"
Glinda fumed, her cheeks flushing pink. "Momsie and Popsicle know exactly the kind of person I am, thank you! And I am Elphie and Nessa's best friend!" she snapped hotly.
"Father, please! If you're going to insult my friends, I'd much rather leave!" Nessa snapped indignantly.
"Very well, Nessarose. I apologise for speaking out of turn." Frex's tone was most insincere.
Elphaba just glared at her plate, she could feel her magic coursing through her veins, not daring to speak up as she sat between Nessa's chair and Glinda.
"Thank you." Nessa nodded, she knew he didn't mean his apology, but she knew Elphaba was going to snap and cause an embarrassing scene eventually. She adored her sister, but she hated that awful magic. "Have you thought much about my request?" She asked as the resumed their eating.
"I have, Nessa. I'm not sure I like the thought of you being so far away."
"Father, I know I look fragile in this hateful chair, but I can manage, I want to manage this trip. And it's not like I'd be on my own. Do I look like I'm on my own right now?"
He shook his head.
"Did I look alone last night with my friends?"
"You looked like you were having fun, my sweet child."
"Then please, let us go."
Frex frowned, and after a moment he nodded. "Very well. But you're both to come home for the first half of the holiday. And then you may go for the second half."
Nessa grinned widely. "Yes, of course! Thank you!"
Elphaba forced herself to look up. "Thank you, father."
"Elphaba, you are to remember your duties to your sister."
She nodded. "I will."
The group finished their breakfast, and the five who could, stood up.
"I'll see you soon, father." Nessa smiled, hugging him as he bent to her level, and Boq walked around the table to take his place at Nessa's chair.
"We have a class together now," he explained at the questioning look Frex gave him and he wheeled her away.
"Well, Governor, it's been a pleasure," Fiyero spoke dryly as he stood beside Elphaba, who lightly elbowed him. He smirked at her, linking his arm with hers, his eyes flickering to the mark beneath the makeup on her face just briefly, as he had been doing the whole time.
"We should be going now too," Elphaba spoke up as Glinda too linked her other arm. She hid a smile that threatened to break free when she realised that they were guarding her against him. She noticed Ollivander standing beside Glinda.
Frex nodded, glaring at her. "I'll see you back at home."
Elphaba nodded, hearing the thinly veiled threat of 'your friends won't protect you forever.' in his tone.
Glinda matched his glare and she walked away with her friends.
"Is he always like that?" Ollivander asked once they were out of the canteen and away from him.
"Favouring Nessa over me? Yes." The green witch was blunt.
"And with him being a cold snake?" Fiyero glared in the direction they'd come from.
"He can be worse." She shrugged. "I've dealt with worse." she added without thinking.
"What? How worse?" The prince turned his gaze on her, almost afraid of the answer, for he knew he wouldn't keep his temper in check if he knew it. He was just barely containing the urge to hit the man for the bruise he undoubtedly gave her. But Fiyero was struggling to find the words to bring it up with her.
'Oz dammit!' she cursed herself. "He once locked me in a room with no food or water because he found me outside when I should have been tending to Nessa." she decided to reveal the more tame of her punishments. The very last thing she needed or wanted was for Fiyero to get himself into trouble for her. She looked at him, giving him a look mixed with a warning and a silent plea. "Don't."
"What do you mean, don't? He can't do that to you!" He told her.
"But he does, and he can!" she sighed. "Please, Yero, don't get into trouble for me."
He looked at her, he could see the tired look in her eyes. "Have you even slept?"
"What?"
"No, she hasn't." Glinda put in.
"Lin!"
"I'm sorry, Elphie, it's true!"
"And now he's going, I'll sleep tonight! It's no big deal." she groaned and rested her head on Glinda's shoulder.
Ollivander exchanged a look with Fiyero behind the girls' backs, and he nodded. He may have only been part of this group for a short time, but he did think of them as his friends. Despite his initial reservations about Elphaba, he saw what Fiyero and Glinda saw. Beneath the sharp exterior was a young girl just crying out to be loved and cared for, and to fit in.
"I'll talk to her." Ollivander mouthed to him silently, and Fiyero nodded at him. Being the calmer of them, he knew Ollivander would have less chance of them both flying off the handle in an argument.
The four students headed to their first class in silence, they were each lost in their own thoughts.
A/N: thoughts so far? I'd love to hear them