This chapter turned out to be much longer than usual. You're welcome.
There was a small buffet set up on the patio. The server had just finished setting the table when Elphaba and Galinda arrived.
"Everything is all set. Enjoy your lunch ladies." he said.
"Thank you." Elphaba said. The man bowed and nodded.
"Yes, thank you. The food looks very yummy." Galinda said, which made him smile before heading out. Elphaba and Galinda went ahead and made their plates. As soon as they sat down, Nessa and Nanny arrived outside. Elphaba got up without being asked, to get food for Nessa so Nanny would be able to get her own.
After Elphie prepared Nessa's plate, she sat down and started to eat. Galinda did the same.
"Excuse me." Nessa said.
"Yes?"
"You've been gone for so long that you forgot how to say grace?" she asked. "I don't know what they do where you're from Miss Galinda, but don't follow Elphaba's lead. Our family thanks the Unnamed God for our food before we eat it."
"As far as I'm concerned the Unnamed God had no part in this. The culinary staff prepared it and I put it on the plate for you..." Ephie said.
"What are we going to do with you child." Nanny shook her head as she sat down. "That's quite disrespectful."
"Very." Nessa agreed.
"I apologize." Elphie sighed.
"Me too. I wasn't aware of what you all do." Galinda said.
Nanny led them in a brief prayer before they continued eating. That was one aspect about being home that bothered Elphie. Everyone was so religious with the exception of her. One would think that with a preacher for a father she'd be religiously brainwashed like Nessa, but Elphaba just wasn't. She didn't believe it. Her father had implied several times before that she would be 'going to hell' anyway.
"Where is Shell?" she asked after a few moments.
"On his way." Nanny said. "The boy needs to learn the meaning of personal hygiene. I told him if he doesn't start taking baths himself then I'm gonna come in there and give him one."
"That oughta get him to start." Elphie chuckled.
"Elphaba child, why is there no meat on your plate?" Nanny asked.
"You know I don't eat meat Nanny."
"I know but I don't understand. You need some meat on those skinny bones of yours. You need the protein."
"There are many other ways to obtain protein other than meat Nanny. I assure you I have a well balanced and healthy diet." Elphie explained then heard Nessa groan.
"Is something wrong?"
"I don't like cauliflower."
"Then don't eat it."
"You shouldn't have put it on my plate in the first place! You know I don't like it. Maybe if you were here more often you would remember these things." Nessa crossed her arms. Elphaba rolled her eyes and took the offending cauliflower off of Nessa's plate and onto her own.
"Better?"
"Thank you." the brunette said, exasperated. Galinda just sat and watched this scene playout. Wow. Anyone who use to think I was a brat has got to see this.
Shell strolled in a few minutes later and they all talked while they ate.
"So exactly where are you from Miss Galinda?" Nessa asked.
"I'm from Gillikin. Born and raised in Frottica."
"I figured you were Gillikinese. You have that vibe about you." Nessa said and Galinda didn't know exactly what that meant. Galinda and Elphaba went on to share a little bit about their studies and their lives at Shiz. Nessa appeared to be frustrated with Elphie for some reason and didn't seem to like Galinda. They talked a little more and the sisters occasionally went back and forth with each other. Nanny had to intervene a few times to get them back on track.
"So how long is Galinda going to be here?" Nessa asked.
"As long as I'm here." Elphaba said. Nessa narrowed her eyes.
"Which is?"
"Just until next Sunday."
"Really Fabala?" Nessa frowned. "I can't believe you abandon me for so long then you only come home for a week." she said and Elphaba was starting to realize why she was so frustrated. Galinda was catching on also.
"I'll probably come back before the summer is over Nessie, but Galinda and I have plans." Elphie explained and Nessa rolled her eyes. "At least I'll be here for your birthday." she added and the conversation shifted around to that.
"I am quite excited about my birthday."
"I'm sure you are. According to Galinda, birthday parties are very exciting. She's had a bunch of them."
"They are. And your sweet 16 is usually the most memorable one."Galinda said.
"Some of my new friends from town will be coming. Which reminds me, I need to text Maddy to see if she can make it." Nessa said.
"Is that an Oz phone 6?" Elphie asked when she saw her sister pull out her phone.
"Yes. Jealous?"
"When did you get that?"
"Father gave it to me when we saw him two weeks ago. It was an early birthday present." Nessa said.
"He got me the Ozphone 5." Shell said and pulled his out of his pocket.
"Yeah, Shell is too young to have the same phone as me. He needs to stay at least a step behind." Nessa said.
"I don't care. I'm just glad to finally have a cellphone. All my friends do."
Galinda didn't think it was fair that Elphie didn't get a new phone when she's the one that really needs one. Elphie didn't think anything of it. She thought it was a miracle that her father even got her the phone that she has.
"I have the same phone as you Nessa. 6's are pretty awesome." Galinda said.
"Yes...they're very nice." Nessa said. She didn't want to like Galinda.
"I hear a lot of kids in middle school have cell phones. I'm glad I'm prepared now." Shell said.
"Middle school?" Elphie asked.
"Oh I forgot to tell you sis, I'm going to school next year!" Shell said excitedly.
"Yes he'll be attending one of the private schools in the area." Nanny said.
"That's wonderful Shell."
"I think you'll really like it." Galinda said.
"I think so too. Homeschool just wasn't for me."
"I had the option as well, but I prefer to resume my homeschooling." Nessa said.
"Do what's best for you Nessie." Elphaba said.
"I think it would be best for you as well. What is the purpose of traveling hours away for months at a time just for education. If college is that important to you then you could always do it online."
"I'm not going to take college classes online. I prefer the live experience. Also I could never return to homeschooling after my experience at Shiz. My whole life has changed in just one year." Elphie said and only Galinda knew exactly what she was talking about.
"It's true Nessa. Shiz is a really great school. Who knows, maybe you'll end up applying there someday." the blonde said.
"That's not going to happen." Nessa rolled her eyes.
"Speaking of Shiz, I bought you all a little something." Elphie said and both her siblings faces lit up.
"Ooh presents?" Shell said excitedly.
"Sort of." Elphie chuckled and distributed the little gifts she got them from the campus store that she brought down with her.
"I was going to suggest that you take your sister for a walk in the garden maze, but it looks like it's going to rain." Nanny said once everyone finished eating.
"There's a garden maze here?" Galinda asked.
"Yes there is. Too bad Elphaba can't take you. Her peculiar water allergy is an inconvenience to us all."
"Well my bad Nessa, it's not like I can controll it." Elphie said. "You'll get a chance to see the maze sometime while you're here Lindie." she said to her girlfriend.
xxx
The rest of the afternoon went by. Elphie and Galinda spent most of it napping, exhausted from their early start to the day. Before dinner they went to go find Ingrid to see if Galinda's ID was ready, which in fact it was. Galinda thought Ingrid seemed very nice and had a good sense of humor. Much to Elphie's dismay, the woman resumed the embarrassing story that she didn't get to tell earlier.
"By the way Elphaba, your grandfather has requested some one on one time with you tomorrow. He apparently has some important Eminent Thropp business to discuss." Ingrid said. Elphie groaned.
"Can I politely decline?"
"I'm afraid not." the woman said.
"Can I rudely decline?"
"Elphaba."
"I did not come here for this political nonsense." Elphie sighed.
"I'm aware of that and so is he. But as you know, your title as the Third Descending Thropp is far more relevant now that you're over the age of 18. You need to start preparing." Ingrid explained.
"Alright, I'll sit through a meeting with Grandfather." Elphie sighed. "But what about Galinda? I can't just leave her alone."
"I'm sure Nessa and Nanny won't mind keeping her company."
"Would you be okay with that my sweet? Feel free to say no." Elphie said. Ingrid noticed what she called Galinda, but didn't think much of it.
"Well...I don't think Nessa would be okay with it." the blonde said.
"I'm sorry if her attitude this afternoon upset you Lindie." Elphie said, knowing how sensitive her girlfriend's feelings were. "Don't let it get to you. Nessa can be quite a brat most of the time."
"It's fine Elphie, really." Galinda said. "And yes, I noticed."
"Hm...Galinda, how would you like to help with some party planning tomorrow? I know some of the staff members putting it all together would love an extra set of hands." Ingrid suggested.
"Ooh I would love that! It's sounds like a lot of fun." the blonde bubbled.
"Then it's settled." Ingrid smiled.
xxx
That evening Elphie was able to give Galinda a little tour of Colwen Grounds. The blonde was very fascinated by the architecture and design. Some parts were kind of creepy but others were quite interesting and beautiful. It was a huge building so she couldn't see all of it but she got to see most of it. They eventually made their way back to the family wing. Elphie showed her some of the other rooms upstairs, including her old childhood room. It was very small and was basically just used as a storage room now. There were few other rooms, including a small den which had a piano in it. Galinda grinned broadly and reminded Elphie of the promise she made.
"You said next time we're around a piano together you would play for me. There's a piano right there."
"I was hoping you wouldn't remember that."
"Pleeeeaaassseee?"
"Alright, alright. I'll play a song for you. But it's been awhile since I've played so don't judge me if I mess up."
"Come on Elphie, have I ever judged you before?"
"Well yes. Yes you have." Elphie smiled.
"Just play the piano." Galinda chuckled.
Elphie sat down on the piano stool and Galinda sat beside her. The green girl began to play a beautiful melody and Galinda's heart melted when she started singing.
"What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in, and you kicking me out. You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down. What's going on in that beautiful mind. I'm on your magical mystery ride. And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright. My head's under water but I'm breathing fine. You're crazy and I'm out of my mind….
'Cause all of me loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning
even when I lose I'm winning… 'cause I give you all of me and you give me all of you, oh oh."
After the last note Elphaba stared lovingly into Galinda's teary eyes and was about to lean in and kiss her. Both girls were startled when they heard clapping from the doorway.
"Shell!" Elphie said, more surprised than angry. "Shouldn't you be in bed?" she asked as she slid a few inches away from Galinda.
"I was, but I heard music so I had to investigate. Nobody ever plays this piano anymore." Shell said, coming all the way in the room. "You're really good sis."
"I know isn't she just amazing? You're so talented Elphie, I can't believe it." Galinda said, which was what Elphie had said to her the first time she saw her dance.
"Thank you." Elphie said modestly.
"Who taught you how to play piano?" Galinda asked.
"My mom." Elphie responded, then was quiet for a while.
"Hey Elphaba, remember the moose song we use to sing?" Shell asked, breaking the silence.
"Oh Oz. I do." Elphie chuckled.
"What's the moose song?" Galinda asked, amused.
"A silly song I use to entertain Nessa and Shell with when they were little."
"Can we sing it? Please?" Shell asked.
"Yeah Elphie, please? I wanna hear it." Galinda giggled.
"Alright, alright. You two have to repeat after me." Elphie said. "I can't believe we're doing this."
"There was a moose." she sang.
"There was a moose." Galinda and Shell repeated.
"Who liked to drink a lot of juice." she sang and the other two continued to repeat each line.
"The moose's name was Fred.
He liked to drink his juice in bed.
Apple, grape or lime.
He liked to drink it all the time.
He drank his juice with care.
And spilled it all in his hair.
Now he's a sticky moose,
Who likes to drink a lot of juice.
Singing oh-ay-oh,
Way-oh way-oh way-oh way-oh,
Way-oh way-oh,
Way-oh way-oh way-oh way-oh." Elphie sang. Galinda and Shell repeated when they were suppose to, then burst into laughter at the end.
"That was fun and very funny." Galinda laughed. "Where'd you get that from?"
"It's a song that little kids in Quadling Country use to sing." Elphie chuckled. A few minutes later Galinda yawned.
"I didn't realize it was so late. Want to get ready for bed?" Elphie asked and the blonde nodded. "You should have already been in bed anyway." She said, referring to Shell.
"I'm not tired."
"Shell it's almost midnight."
"Fiiiine."
"Come on I'll tuck you in." Elphie offered and Shell gave in.
"I'm gonna go get my pajamas on." Galinda said to Elphie when they passed her room.
"Okay, I'll meet you back here after I change so we can...say goodnight."
"I can't wait." Galinda whispered in her ear and smiled before skipping away.
xxx
The next morning after breakfast, Elphie and Galinda had some private time together. But not too long afterwards Elphie had to go to her meeting with her grandfather. Galinda was able to accompany her briefly and was formally introduced to the Eminent Thropp. She didn't stay long. She was sent to go help some of the other staff members with planning and preparation for Nessa's birthday party. She did things like assemble goody bags with party trinkets and help arrange the ballroom where the party would be held. After about two hours she went to go have lunch with Nanny and Nessa. Shell was out visiting one of his friends and Elphaba would be eating lunch with the Eminent Thropp.
xxx
Lunch was set up for Galinda, Nessa and Nanny in another outdoor location. There was a fancy picnic table near a small pond with an elegant fountain. Lunch was very delicious. They had sandwhich wraps, fresh munchkin berry juice, pita chips along with a cheesy spinach dip that Galinda had never had before.
"This dip is really good." she said. "We don't have this in Gillikin."
"It's a spinach and artichoke dip. It's quite popular in Munchkinland." Nanny explained.
"We can never enjoy the dip with Shell around. He's always double dipping." Nessa said.
"That boy is a mess." Nanny shook her head.
"Little brothers seem interesting." Galinda chuckled.
"Do you have siblings Galinda?" Nessa asked.
"No, I'm an only child." As far as I know.
They continued eating their lunch, asking Galinda a few questions here and there. Nessa still appeared to not like her very much. She was rather confrontational and suspicious. Galinda tried not to think much of it, although she wanted to get along with her.
After they ate, Nessa wanted to go for a walk in the garden maze.
"I may have to sit out. I'm too old to keep up with you kids." Nanny said. "Maybe Galinda can accompany you?"
"I wouldn't mind that. I really want to see the garden maze." the blonde said. "And Elphie's busy so I got nothing else to do."
"Okay." Nessa sighed.
xxx
Galinda pushed Nessa's wheelchair as she walked through the maze. There were an abundance of bright flowers and plants that made it look very pretty. Their walk was quite silent for a while.
"Why are you friends with Elphaba?" Nessa asked bluntly, catching Galinda off guard a little.
"Because we get along well and like each other's company." she said.
"But why are you friends with her? Is there something that you want out of it?"
"What would I want?" Galinda asked confused.
"Don't play dumb. Elphaba holds quite an important title. She's the next ruler of Munchkinland. You must want something. Money? Power? Popularity?"
"Nessa I don't want anything. That would imply that I'm just using Elphaba for my own personal gain and I am most certainly not. We are genuinely best friends. I care about Elphaba's title just as much as she does and if you know anything about your sister then you know that she doesn't care about it at all. Most of the time I don't even acknowledge it, mainly because she doesn't like to. I don't need your money. My parents are quite rich and spoil me rotten. I'm Gilikinese, therefore I am not interested in having any 'power' in Munchkinland. And I'm already considered to be quite popular." Galinda said. "I'm not using Elphaba for her title or for anything. I don't want anything. And I'm not a threat to you guys. Do you believe me?"
"I suppose. I apologize if I offended you by making such assumptions. But why else would you befriend Elphaba if not for her title? Have you met her?"
"Yes I have met her. And lived with her for a year. We get along very well. I've never had a friend that I value as much as her. I genuinely like her. Why is that so hard for you to understand?"
"Because Elphaba is not the type of person that most people like...she's quite awkward and eccentric." Nessa said. "How do you willingly put up with her?"
"I happen adore to her awkwardness and all of her eccentricities. I often wonder how she puts up with me, I'm probably the difficult one." Galinda said.
"I find that hard to believe."
"Trust me Nessa, I'm a handful." the blonde chuckled. "I admit, Elphie has her moments, but that doesn't change how I feel about her."
"I see. She's my sister. She's always been there for me and taken care of me for as long as I can remember. I may not like her all of the time, but I do love her."
"I love your sister too… as my best friend." the blonde said, catching herself.
"How Elphaba managed to find a friend like you, I will never understand." Nessa said. "Didn't you hate her?"
"Our relationship was kind of bumpy in the beginning, yes. But after awhile we got to know each other better and grew much closer. I'd say we go together quite nicely. We balance each other out." Galinda explained.
"You do seem to be on opposite ends of the personality spectrum."
"Yeah we get that a lot." Galinda chuckled. "Do you know where we're going?" she asked. They had just been walking aimlessly through the maze for a while.
"Oh I wasn't even paying attention. But I've been in here so many times. There's a huge fountain in the middle along with benches and flowers, it's very pretty." Nessa said.
"How do we get to the middle?"
"Take this right then follow it all the way around then we should get there."
"Okay. I'm the driver, you're the GPS." Galinda said, referring to the fact that she was pushing her wheelchair and Nessa was giving directions. Nessa looked back at her and actually laughed and so did Galinda. She felt accomplished, like she had just broken whatever barrier was between them. They eventually made it to the middle of the maze and Galinda agreed that it was very pretty. The girls stayed there for a while and were able to have a fun, lighthearted, non confrontational conversation. They were unaware of how much time had passed and eventually decided to go back to find Nanny.
xxx
Elphie had a long afternoon. She was relieved when her meeting with her grandfather was over with. She stopped by the library briefly and found her little brother in there. They talked for a while then she left him alone. She was headed back to the family wing, quite eager to see her girlfriend.
xxx
When Nessa, Nanny and Galinda finished their walk, they made their way back inside and chatted for a while. Nessa was feeling a bit tired and had Nanny take her back to her room for a nap. Nanny returned to the the sitting room to keep Galinda company. Galinda liked Nanny because she vaguely reminded her of her Nana. They talked for a while and Nanny told quite a few interesting stories about Elphaba when she was younger that Galinda found quite amusing.
As soon as Elphie walked in, Galinda started giggling uncontrollably. Elphie looked at her, then looked at Nanny and knew exactly what happened.
"And I thought Ingrid was the one I couldn't leave you alone with. Alright, what embarrassing stories has she told you so far?" Elphie asked as she sat down.
"When you were a baby you liked to bite everything, including yourself. There were a couple occasions when you spit in the Eminent Thropp's face. Also when you were about two years old you peed on the floor in the lobby." she giggled. Elphie blushed and covered her face with her hands.
"Really Nanny? I have one friend and you try to scare her away from me?" Elphie said with a slight smile.
"I'm not trying to make her run away, just giving her something to tease you about." the old woman chuckled.
"My Nana told you many embarrassing stories about me when you visited. Now we're even." Galinda said.
"I suppose you're right."
"Let's just hope we never get into a fight because I have so much information to blackmail you with." Galinda joked.
"Oh I hope to Oz that won't ever happen. But if it does, I happen to know some juicy things about you as well." Elphie chuckled. Nanny thought it was interesting seeing the girls interact. She didn't think she had ever seen Elphaba as happy as she was when she was with Galinda. Maybe all she needed in her life was somebody to call a friend. Nanny was becoming quite fond of Galinda herself. She was very sweet, charming, and not disabled or discolored in any way.
"I learned a few interesting things about Shell and Nessa also." Galinda said.
"I know Shell is currently on the computers in the library, but where is Nessa?" Elphie asked curiously.
"She's napping. We had a fun afternoon. We had lunch and the girls went on a walk in the garden maze. She was in here chatting with us until she excused herself about a half hour ago." Nanny explained.
"How did you like the garden maze Lindie?" Elphie asked.
"It was pretty cool!" Galinda said. "I also think Nessa is starting to warm up to me."
"Really?" Elphie asked surprised.
"Yeah. We talked a little and got some of her concerns out of the way. Then we were able to have a decent conversation. She's not bad."
"Wow. That was...fast." Elphie said.
"Mama use to always tell me that when you're continuously nice to people then eventually they won't have a reason not to like you."
"I guess that's why people don't like me. I obviously don't have the patience to be nice to everybody." Elphie joked. "But I'm glad you two are getting along. It means a lot to me."
"Me too." Galinda said.
"How was your meeting with His Eminence?"
"Stupid."
"Elphaba." Nanny chided.
"Well it was. But Ingrid said I won't have to deal with anything else political for the rest of the week. Except for Thursday because Grandfather wants to formally introduce me to some important people that will be making a brief appearance at Nessa's party."
"Well that's good." Galinda said. She couldn't help staring at Elphie's lips. They hadn't kissed since this morning. Elphie noticed where she was staring and smiled.
"Nanny would you excuse us please? I need Galinda's help with something upstairs." Elphie said and the blonde grinned.
"Oh of course, I need to go check on Nessa anyway." Nanny said getting up to leave. Elphie and Galinda quickly made their way upstairs. They reached Elphie's room first so that's where they went, locking the door behind them. They stared at each other briefly then eagerly pressed their lips together. They kissed deeply, passionately, hungrily and vigorously. After about 10 minutes of intense making out, they slowed things down because Elphie made it very clear that sex was not an option here.
xxx
"Hi Ingrid!" Galinda bubbled when she and Elphie stopped by her office later that evening. The woman smiled. She thought that Elphaba's little friend was quite a bundle of energy and excitement. She brightened up every room she walked into. They were quite an opposite, interesting pair.
"Hello ladies, how can I help you?"
"Elphie has an idea." Galinda said excitedly.
"Do tell Miss Elphaba." Ingrid said both amused and intrigued.
"I was wondering if you could make arrangements for Galinda and I to go to the outlet stores in town tomorrow. I want her to experience more of Munchkinland, aside from being trapped in this building. We could also get birthday presents for Nessa while we're out."
"And I love shopping." Galinda added.
"That sounds like an excellent idea. I will make transportation arrangements and have Masters Keeth and Gus escort you."
"We don't have to be followed around by security the whole time do we?" Elphie asked.
"Elphaba you know it's against protocol for me to send you out into such a public place with no protection. We can't let anything happen to our Third Descending Thropp. Think of them as your bodyguards, just there to keep you safe." Ingrid said.
"Alright." Elphie sighed, knowing that her title is the only thing that really matters here. She was starting to miss Shiz, where she and Galinda could hang out together without bodyguards.
xxx
The next day Nessarose had a dress fitting, Shell was doing whatever it is that eleven year old boys do and Elphaba and Galinda were headed into town. Munchkin towns were very different from Gillikin, but they weren't bad. There were a bunch of different stores that Galinda had never heard of, so they had to go in all of them. Masters Keeth and Gus were doing their jobs but also being respectful of the girls and simply waited outside of each store they went into.
Galinda and Elphaba spent most of their time so far shopping for themselves then finally realized that they needed to shop for Nessa. They ended up in an antique store that sold jewelry and a variety of different things.
"Um Elphie… I think that guy is following us. He was in the last two stores and now he's here." Galinda said quietly. Elphaba's alerts went up and she glanced at the guy behind them, accidentally making eye contact.
"Elphaba?" the guy said.
"Can I help you?" Elphie said, eyeing him cautiously.
"You don't remember me?" He asked, coming closer.
"I don't know you...how do you know me?" Elphie said, taking a step back.
"We went to daycare together." the Munchkin boy said. Elphie hesitated for a moment before realizing who he was.
"Boq?"
"Yeah!"
"I can't believe you even remembered me, that was so many years ago."
"Well you are the only green skinned person I've ever met. That's not very easy to forget." He chuckled. "I see you've outgrown those fangs of yours."
Galinda raised an eyebrow and Elphie rolled her eyes.
"Yes I have. And did you really have to stalk us all the way here Boq? I was about to get my bodyguards on you." Elphie said.
"I apologize if I frightened you and your friend here." he looked into Galinda's eyes and smiled. "Hello, I'm Boq." He extended his hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Boq, I'm Galinda." she smiled and shook his hand.
"Oh I assure you, the pleasure is all mine Miss Galinda." he said as he continued to shake her hand.
"Um...alright." the blonde smiled, discreetly trying to pull her hand back without being rude.
"How come I don't see you around Munchkinland anymore Elphaba?" Boq asked.
"I haven't really lived in Munchkinland for years, and I spent this past year in college."
"Oh really? Which one?"
"Shiz University."
"Wow, small world. I'm transferring to Shiz in the fall. I took a year off after graduation to work, but now I want to get back into studying."
"That's good. I think you'll like it." Elphie said.
"I assume you attend Shiz also Miss Galinda?"
"I do." the blonde said.
"Ah, beautiful and smart." Boq said. The girls both knew he was flirting. Elphie wanted to put her arm around Galinda's waist and tell him to back off.
"Thank you." Galinda said politely.
"So what brings you back to Munchkinland Elphaba? Preparing to be the governor?" he asked.
"Absolutely not." Elphaba said. "Right now we're just here for the week to celebrate my sister's birthday."
"Oh yes. Miss Nessarose. I've seen her around, as well as your brother Shell."
"I'm sure you have." Elphie said, ready for this conversation to end.
"Well I wish Nessarose a wonderful birthday." Boq said. "We'll have to catch up sometime Elphaba. If not this week, then next semester at Shiz."
"Yeah, we'll see." Elphie said.
"It was very nice meeting you Miss Galinda. I would truly love to get to know you better." the Munchkin said, shaking her hand once more.
"Same to you." Galinda said politely.
"Uh Boq just so you know, Galinda is not single." Elphie said seriously. Boq blushed deeply.
"Oh, well I- I'm sorry if it seemed as though I was trying to...um, It was nice seeing you Elphaba. Have a nice day Miss Galinda." he said before hurrying off. Galinda burst out laughing once he was gone.
"He's a nice boy, but way too flirtatious."
"I know right, he wasn't even trying to hide it."
"I wonder how he would have reacted if you told him that I'm your girlfriend." Galinda chuckled.
"That would have made him more uncomfortable than he already was." Elphie laughed.
"So you two were friends when you were little?"
"I wouldn't call us friends, but he was the only child that didn't run away from me, think I was a monster, throw things at me, or try to poke me with a stick." Elphie said.
"Where was this? I thought you didn't go to kindergarten." Galinda said, trying not to be disturbed by the mean things that the kids did to her Elphie.
"It wasn't kindergarten. It was some type of daycare. Nanny convinced my mom to take me there when I was about three or four because she felt like I needed to interact with other kids so I could be normal. Although I am the farthest thing from ever being normal and that experience damaged me more than it helped me."
"Oh I see. What was Boq talking about when he said you had fangs?"
"When I was little I apparently had some unusually sharp and pointy teeth. Nobody knew why but they fell out eventually and the permanent ones grew in normal as you can see."
"Well that's interesting." Galinda said.
"That's what most people said, among other things." Elphie said. They continued looking around the store and found an elegant jewelry box that Nessa would love. It was kind of expensive so they just decided it would be a present from both of them, although Elphie voluntarily paid for the whole thing. They each got her a card as well, then went off too look around and do some more shopping. They got little gifts for Chloey and Galinda's parent and Nana as well.
xxx
It was late that night. Elphaba was in her bed reading when she saw a petite blue eyed girl peeking through her doorway.
"Lindie? What are you doing up?"
"I couldn't sleep." She said, coming all the way in the room and closing the door behind her. Elphie scooted over in her bed and patted the space beside her. Galinda climbed in and put herself in Elphie's welcoming arms.
"Is everything okay?" She asked, kissing her forehead.
"I'm fine, I was just feeling kinda lonely in my room. I needed to be with you."
"I understand my sweet, I've become quite use to falling asleep with you in the same room with me as well." Elphie said. "You can stay here for a while, but not all night.
"I'll take what I can get." Galinda said and snuggled against her. They kissed, cuddled and talked for awhile but mostly kissed. Before they knew it almost an hour had gone by.
"It's getting really late, are you ready to go back to bed?" Elphie asked.
"I'm kind of hungry actually." Galinda said sheepishly.
"I am too, now that I think about it."
"Is it too late to ask Maribelle for a snack?"
"Not really, catering to us is her job. But I never liked relying on maids to get me everything. When I was little I use to just sneak down to the kitchen myself and raid the fridge." Elphie said.
"You were quite a sneaky little one Elphie." Galinda giggled.
"I know." she chuckled. "Do you want to do that?"
"Well you technically live here, and when you live somewhere it's required that you raid the fridge every so often." she giggled. "If you think it's okay, I'm all for it."
"We'll be fine, just don't giggle too loudly. Come on." Elphie said as she climbed out the bed and put on her socks. Galinda stepped into her slippers and took Elphie's hand before heading out. There was a door on their floor that led to the main building so they didn't have to go all the way down stairs. They exited the family wing and made their way down to the kitchen as quietly as possible, Galinda trying her best to contain her giggles. They got some juice pouches, cookies and pretzels and made their way back without getting caught. They ate in Galinda's room. When they were done, Elphie stayed with her until she fell asleep before heading back to her own room.
xxx
Elphaba woke up from a slightly disturbing dream. She only remembered bits and pieces of it. Her mother was in it. That was the main part she remembered. She didn't dream of her mother often. She blamed being at Colwen Grounds for triggering these memories. Elphie reached beneath her pillow for her little green bottle and held it tightly. She felt a sudden strange urge to go visit her mother's grave. She had only been there once since the funeral almost 12 years ago. Melena was buried in the ancestral cemetery, which was walking distance away from Colwen Grounds. Elphie couldn't shake the urge and figured she would have no better opportunity to go than now. She checked the time and it was a little after 6am. Nothing was taking place early that morning so she figured that her siblings and Galinda would be sleeping in.
The green girl quickly put on some simple clothes and a black hoodie. After putting on her shoes she grabbed her phone and ID pass. She quietly made her way down the hallway. She knew she could get in trouble for sneaking out like this and knew she should at least tell somebody where she was going, but she didn't want to make a big deal of it. She considered waking Galinda to tell her, but when she peeked into her room, the blonde was sleeping so soundly. A warmth filled Elphies chest and she silently closed the door, not wanting to concern or disturb her.
She snuck out the door that she and Galinda snuck out of last night, inwardly chuckling at the memory. She quietly made her way downstairs to one of the rarely used side doors that she knew led out of the building. She put her hood over her head and stepped out. Silently closing the door behind her. The standby security wasn't at the door, but she could see them nearby and surprisingly made it past them. Once she was off of the property she could relax a little bit. She took her time walking to the cemetery. When she arrived, she spent awhile searching for the grave that read 'Melena Thropp.' Once she found it, she just stared at it for a moment.
Elphie eventually sat down, leaning against the tombstone. For some reason she kind of liked cemeteries. They were just so peaceful. She admitted to herself that she missed her mother. Ever since she died she tried not to think about her too often because it hurt. Sometimes she felt like she had to think about her because she didn't want to forget her completely. She remembered how she looked of course, but couldn't really remember what her voice sounded like. She didn't know if her mother genuinely liked her, but it appeared that way. She was never cruel to her. Her mother was the first person to ever say 'I love you' to her. Her father had never said it before. Elphaba and her siblings exchanged 'I love yous' every so often, but that just seemed obligatory. All she had now of her mother were memories. Those memories just seemed so far into the past that they didn't even feel real anymore.
She started to feel all of the guilt that her father had imposed upon her over the years. He made Melena take a special milkflower based medicine when she was pregnant with Nessa to prevent the baby from turning out like Elphaba. She had an adverse reaction to the medication and Nessa ended up being born too early, her legs were tangled up and the doctors said she would never be able to walk. When they found out Melena was pregnant for the third time, Frex still didn't want to take any chances and forced her to take a modified version of the medicine, to prevent the baby from turning out like Elphaba. Shell was born healthy and normal but Melena didn't survive the delivery. Frex blamed Elphaba for her sister's condition and her mother's death. It was her fault. If she was normal then they wouldn't have been so paranoid about their other children turning out like her and her mother would still be here.
Elphaba sat there in silence for a while, thinking about all of these things. She suddenly felt a tight feeling in her throat. It was a familiar feeling but she didn't experience it often. Tears were welling in her eyes. She tried blinking them back before they could burn her, but they kept coming. She brought her knees to her chest and allowed herself to cry for a few long moments.
The song Elphie plays on the piano is "All of me" by John Legend and "the moose song" is actually a Girl Scout song haha
