Not even half way through our dance, an intrusive atmosphere approached the ballroom. Turning towards the unwilling target, I already knew who it was. Elphaba had just entered, scowling, eyes daring towards anyone who's eyes were unlucky to meet them. On cue the sociable circled the outcast, laughing, recoiling away from her. In response, like a dog defending its territory, doing towards them, daring them, as they run.

I'm watching this in total confusion! "What in oz is she doing?" I thought. "Just standing there, unflinching, pretending not to have a care in the world. Is she insane? No one wants her here, and she knows that! She doesn't even run and hide in shame?" I've seen plenty of girls like her run in shame.

My thoughts were interrupted, than stabbed by guilt as she found herself in the middle of the ballroom, pulling out that wretched hat I gave earlier. My falsehood had finally caught up to me.

Starting to dance I realize probably for the first time in my life, I was ashamed of myself. This was my fault, my wrong doing, and she was paying for it. I remember back to the girls who looked down on me for being rich, and having everything. This girl was no different.

Yet, I was the one who passed the judgement this time.

"Well, I'll give her one thing, she sure doesn't give a twig of what anyone else thinks." Fyero admitted.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, at his lack of perception. "Of course she cares, she just pretends not to. I feel awful"

"It's not like you it's your fault." Fyero said innocently.

At that I couldn't help but look down at my feet in shame. Turning to Fyero, I gave him a look to say I'll be right back.

This was my mess, and I had to fix it. Walking a bit hesitantly towards the dancing green girl. I could feel the skepticism from people around the room, watching waiting to see what I was doing. Coming closer, Elphaba noticed me. Stopping for a moment, I could tell by the look in her eyes, that she knew full well what I had done. Further stinging my heart with guilt, probably allowed words of good intention slip through. Trying to lessen the tension, I gesture towards her. "May I cut in?"

Elphaba, understandably looked at me, with suspicion, but also equal confusion as the rest of the room. Not wasting anymore time, I started to mimic her style choice of dance. If someone asked me what I was doing, only Oz would know, because I must be crazy or stupid, for taking it this far. Still being one of the crowd, if one joins the rest will sure to fallow.

Seeing I wasn't making any progress, Elphaba just stood there still keeping a safe distance as I could see her puzzling in her mind as she watched me in my own shame. Than I realized, if I was going to do this, I had to do it my way.

Turning her awkward dance, and weaving it into a graceful one, leaning it towards a dance of two, my goal started to take shape.

Elphaba taking my lead, went with it, and before we knew it, everyone was dancing along with us.

Us! Not just me, but with us. Elphaba was smiling! She was actually dancing hand in hand with people. No one cared anymore, we were just all having fun. All of us. I caught a glimpse of Fyero, he looked impressed, and also enjoying this chorus. I thought I was happiest when dancing with Fyero, but now I was beaming with joy inside and out.

*

"Your very first party ever?!" I exclaimed as I clutched my pillow. Now in our dorm, we were both so giddy from the party, we couldn't think of sleep. Elphaba thought for a second.

"Do funerals count?" She asked.

"It's your very first party! Yay!" I exclaimed with hands comically in the air.

We talked the whole night, of Elphaba's family, and even finding ways to help Elphaba become popular, now that we were friends, why shouldn't I help this poor girl out of her outcast state. The party was a clear success. If we do it right, she won't be the laughing stock of the school!

Figuring coloring, makeup, fashion, social skills, it was all text book to me. Whilst piecing together our game plan, I was my cheery, happy self. Inwardly, I was growing rather annoyed.

Normally when helping the outcasts back home, they always beamed with excitement, and pride. Thankful for my good heart to help them. Elphaba wasn't doing any of that. She just sat there, smiling, or trying to be patent as I invaded her space.

"Doesn't she know what this could mean for her? I was helping her find her way, why isn't she over joyed or thankful for my guidance?" I thought to myself.

Even when finally making a break through, with pink looking good with green, Elphaba still wasn't satisfied. She just took off. Class wasn't for another three hours by that point, but into the bathroom she went, preparing for class.

"Your welcome." I murmured as she left. "Even though you protest your disinterest, I know con-definitely, you're going to grin bare it, your newfound popularity! Because now with me, you'll be one of the popular. No one will dare say anything now with my approval."

*

Admittedly I was grateful Elphaba had offered to help tutor me in history, and magic class with Madam Morrible. Sitting in Math, was a breeze, but shrewd reminder that my talents had its limits.

Finally with class done, I went to find Fyero. We planned lunch together, in the outside courtyard.

Finding him near on a bridges over a small stream, he looked lost in thought. Walking towards him, he didn't seem to notice my presence. Folding my hands behind my back, walking like a child towards him, playfully smiling before I knew that wasn't working either. Okay this was going no where.

"Umm Fyero?", I said playfully, grinning a cute grin. He looked towards me, before he snapped out of it, smiling, as I hugged him, walking hand in hand, I was very much pleased.

He didn't talk much during our lunch. Yesterday he always had something to say. However today he didn't seem his laidback self.

Thinking a bit more on it, I realized. "Duh, Galinda, it's the day after a party, of course he's going to be tired out." It was fine, I was happy to do the talking for both of us for today.

*

In the Outdoor courtyard, Diana and I were studying for our up coming essays. Looking up, I noticed Elphaba in the distance, walking whilst looking down at a book, no surprise.

Waving my hand in air, I started to call out from our table, "Elphaba, over here." Suddenly my hand was grabbed, and pulled down. Looking towards Diana in confusion.

"What are you doing?" She frantically whispered, looking towards Elphaba's direction than to me.

"What? I thought she'd like to join us." I said. Looking back at Elphaba who must have not heard me, as she was still walking, looked down at her book.

"Galinda, sweetie, I know your friends with Elphaba now, but you don't have to have her around all the time. She's just a lowly girl, bastard, daughter of who knows what. You don't have to be so good all the time."

I looked at Diana shocked. "What?!" I thought. Elphaba was may not be much of a looker, but she's kind, honest, and she's really a great person once you get to know her.

Diana was right about one thing though, she isn't the type to be with girls like us. In truth I was a coward. Diana is a girl like me, we're role models. Pretty, and popular, with all the connections our families have to offer. Elphaba was a pity friend. But to me, she wasn't. She was my friend. No, Elphaba would just have to understand.

Well, actually no, Elphaba is really has her perks. She's helped me with my history and writing classes. She really brings it all to life. However, I need her to help me pass Madame Morrible's class.

At this Diana's expression turned from frown to approving expression.

At that I went further, by stating: "Besides, if she really gets the Wizard's attention, than who do you think will get connections too?"

At that Diana wrapped her arm around me, and stated, "well when that happens don't forget your real friend", she said tentatively.

I felt my heart ache at my words, but I didn't know what else to do! Diana has connections, her family has connections, and she's also a popular. What is a girl to do? No, this was my world, and I knew better. This wasn't anything new, so why am I so upset?

*

Fyero was still not talking, it's been a week, and he still lingers in his own world. "Fyero? Dearest?" I waited for his response, but he only stared blankly ahead.

We were sitting at a local shake shop. I figured if I sat right next to him, close even, he'd be happy to be his charming self. The chocolate shake sitting in front of us, stupidly existent, as we sat there.

Thank goodness the shop was empty besides us. Otherwise I'd feel a bit embarrassed. Me Galinda Upland unable to keep the attention of a guy. Even if it's an aristocrat like Fyero,

I've even written to my parents about Fyero, being my boyfriend. They're over joyed and happy at my prospects. Father seemed unenthusiastically surprised when I mentioned my magic lessons. Clearly my father doesn't see me in the art of magic. A childhood dream, but really I'm made for flare not pulling things out of midair.

"Fyero?" I said a little too loud. He snapped out of his trance, than pulled himself together. Extremely relieved, I could feel myself relaxing against him.

"Fyero, you've been quiet lately, what's wrong?"

He smiled and brushed it aside, turning back into the Fyero I know, we chatted for an hour, finally finishing our chocolate shake, we walked home in ease despite the chill in early autumn air.

Only two months into school, and already my dreams are becoming reality. Walking up to my dorm door, I turned to give Fyero one last kiss, about to lock lips, the door behind me opened. Elphaba was also caught off guard.

"Oh, sorry!" She said, before scurrying passed us towards the elevator. She was gone before I could say anything.

Taking a sharp sigh, before turning towards Fyero, he was still looking towards the elevator. "Umm Fyero?" Snapping out it, he replied with a smile. I made sure he enjoyed my goodnight kiss, before closing the door still leaving him unsatisfied.

*

I was finishing in my journal, as Elphaba came back to our dorm room. She hesitantly walked in, looked about like any teenager not wanting to get caught, sneaking back in.

"Hey, Elphie! Where'd you go?" I watched as she made her way to her side of the room.

"Oh umm, I had a library book to return." She replied

I didn't recall a book in her hand, but really I wasn't paying attention either. "Oh okay."

"How was your date?"

"Oh, wiztacular!"

Elphaba laughed. "That's great."

For a moment I thought I heard a double meaning in her tone, but I shrugged it off. Without knowing it, I've learned to let down my guard with Elphaba.

She's always known who I am, so really no need to wear a mask around her. She doesn't have the social skills to be a threat, nor is she an enemy, so she's a safe bet. Still knowing this, it's terrifying!

I've spent my entire life, dancing this old waltz. Who is she to ignore the walls, lines, and rules. Why am I mad, or why am I not mad?

Elphaba started chatting about Nessa and her worries about the girl. Elphaba is a loving sister, but she really ought to stop worrying about her.

Nessa is fine, Boq has been a great distraction for her. Nessa is always beaming, even making me Fuge brownies as a thank you, for introducing her to Boq. These two sisters have been distanced in some way or form. Makes you pity them in a way.

Elphaba seems to becoming more open though!

Only two months of knowing each other, its becoming as if we've always known each other.

Diana's words intrude my head sometimes. Whenever with my friends, Elphaba has sensed their disapproval, and has only really came around when Boq, Nessa, and Fyero are around too. A balance comes across allowing the lines to be ignored.