Umm hopefully we can overlook the fact that I haven't updated since August… sorry, my first semester of college was very hectic. But I finally made time to write. If you're still reading then you're awesome and I hope you enjoy this chapter! Happy Holidays:)
It was almost two hours later when Elphie arrived back at Colwen Grounds. She thought she would be able to sneak back in through the side door, but was caught by security.
"Halt! Who goes there?" the security officer said, about to pull out his weapon when he saw a covered up person trying to sneak into the side of the building. Elphie was startled and quickly pulled down her hood and put her hands up.
"It's me!" she said nervously.
"Miss Thropp?" the man said, confused but softening. "What are you doing out so early and unaccompanied?"
"I...wasn't feeling well. I needed some fresh air." She lied.
"Are you alright? Do you require medical attention?" he asked, becoming more concerned especially when he noticed the burns on her face.
"No thank you. I'm fine."
"Were you off property Miss?"
"Briefly."
"Did you inform anyone of your departure?"
"I didn't."
"Where did you go? Why was no one accompanying you?"
"I just went out. I didn't need to be accompanied." Elphie said, not hiding her irritation anymore.
"I disagree. Especially at very early and late hours it is imperative for the Thropp Third Decending to be well protected when she's out and about." the security guard explained.
"I told you I just needed to step out for a moment. I made it back so obviously I'm safe! Oz, I cannot handle this ridiculous interrogation!" Elphie snapped then stormed inside, knowing she would regret that outburst later. Right now she didn't care. She hated this lifestyle most of the time. It was like she was on 24 hour surveillance. She just wished that these people would let her breathe.
The security guard was taken back by her outburst, but also concerned. It was his job to ensure the safety of the each of the Eminent Thropp's grandchildren, especially the Thropp Third Descending. He decided to inform Ingrid about this incident. often seemed to be one of the only people on staff capable of dealing with Elphaba.
xxx
Elphaba made it back to the family wing unnoticed. As soon as she was in her room she went straight to the bathroom to find her oils to treat her face.
"Elphie?" A sweet familiar voice said from the doorway to the main room.
"I'm in the bathroom Lindie." Elphaba said.
"Elphie where were you?" The blonde asked when she approached the bathroom door. "I came in a while ago and you weren't here. I even checked down stairs."
"I just went out for a moment my sweet...I didn't want to wake you." Elphie said, keeping her back towards Galinda. The blonde raised an eyebrow suspiciously then turned Elphie around by the shoulders and gasped when she saw burn marks trailing down the green cheeks.
"Elphaba what happened?' She asked concerned.
"Nothing, I...nothing. I'm okay."
"You were crying?" Galinda asked, very gently stroking her cheek. The green girl nodded. She knew Elphie didn't cry often so what ever happened must have been very serious to break her down.
"Oh Elphie." she reached for a cloth and Elphie's special oil. The green girl sat down on the stool and allowed Galinda to treat her burns.
"What happened sweetheart?" The blonde asked softly after the burns were treated. The green girl could see how concerned Galinda was and took a deep breath.
"I dreamt about my mother last night." she said and the blonde waited for her to continue. "I guess being here brought a lot of things back. I felt the need to visit her grave this morning and I knew I should have told you where I was going but you were sleeping so peacefully. I've only been to her grave once before, at her funeral. I suppose I was too young to understand the reality of the situation back then. When I was there a lot of painful memories and things started coming back." Elphie explained.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Galinda asked as they headed out of the bathroom. Elphie hesitated but nodded. She had never actually told anyone all of this before, but figured Galinda was the only person she could talk to about it. They closed and locked the door, then got settled on the bed. Elphie was quiet at first. Galinda didn't want to push her so she just patiently waited until she was ready to talk.
"I've just always felt as though my sister's condition and my mother's death are my fault. At least that's all my father used to tell me. I can't help but believe that it's true…" she started and began to explain all of the thoughts and memories that were going through her head while she was at the cemetery. Galinda listened to everything, comforted Elphie when she needed it, and sniffled a couple of times when she couldn't hold back her own sensitive emotions.
"If I wasn't...the way that I am then my mother would still be here. Nessa would be able to walk and have a much easier life and poor Shell would have actually been able to meet his mother. He use to ask about her all the time. Nessa did too, she was still very young when mom died…" Elphie said, blinking back the tears that's started to form. "My parents were so afraid of them turning out like me, so maybe if I wasn't even born in the first place then-"
"Elphie, no." Galinda said when she realized this was going too far. "Please don't say that. I understand it feels like it's your fault, but I don't think it is and I'm not just bias. Your father sounds like the wrong one for forcing her to take the medicine when he knew it was bad for her."
"But he wouldn't have even had a reason to give it to her if it weren't for me." Elphie cut in.
"Not my point." Galinda said, quickly wiping away Elphie's fresh tears. "Oz wouldn't be the same without you. You were born for a reason. Even when you can't think of a reason, just remember that you're wanted, you're needed, and you're very loved by one person among others. I think you know who that is."
"I do. Thanks Lindie." Elphie said with a slight smile and gave her girlfriend a hug. "I love you."
"Of course sweetheart. I love you too." the blonde said, giving her a kiss. "Are you going to be ok?"
"Yes, I think so. Except for uh…"
"What?"
"I got caught by one of the security guards on my way back. He was interrogating me for going out and well, I kind of yelled at him…"
"Elphie!"
"I just wasn't in the mood. And it's annoying because I know they only care about my stupid title."
"I get it. But was he mad?" Galinda asked.
"I don't know, I left. But I feel like this isn't going to be over that easily." Elphie said. A few moments later there was a knock at the door, it was Maribelle.
"Excuse me Miss Elphaba, Ms. Yeti has requested that you come to her office as soon as possible." the woman said.
"Great." Elphie said under her breath. "Alright, tell Ingrid I'm coming."
"Very well. Also, breakfast has been catered to the first floor. You ladies are welcome to go down and eat with the others."
"Thanks Maribelle, I think I will." Galinda said.
"I'm not hungry." Elphie grumped.
"You gotta eat Elphie, especially after the morning you've had."
"I can't. I have to go get yelled at." Elphie said.
"I'm positive Ms. Yeti won't mind if you grab a bite. She said as soon as possible, not immediately." Maribelle didn't know exactly what the issue was but was sure Elphaba was exaggerating because Ingrid wasn't the type to yell.
"Okay fine. We'll be down to eat in a minute."
xxx
"Good morning Elphaba." Ms. Yeti said when Elphie arrived. "How are you?
"I've been better."
"Please sit." The woman said and Elphie complied. Ingrid attempted to make more small talk and Elphie was getting frustrated.
"Ingrid, we both know why you called me here, let's get on with it."
"Well I was informed by Master Jol, our newest outdoor security guard, about your sneaking out this morning as well as your little outburst. Do you care to explain?" she asked and the green girl sighed.
"I needed to visit my mother's grave and I do not wish to go into detail." Elphie said. Ingrid studied the stoic girl carefully.
"It's alright to miss her Elphaba." She said as gently as she could.
"I said I do not wish to talk about it." Elphie said, avoiding eye contact.
"Alright then." Ingrid said. "But I've reiterated to you numerous times before…"
Ingrid went on and on lecturing her about safety, security, her title, the standard procedures, protocol, expectations and political responsibilities. She initially wasn't trying to sound condescending or harsh but soon realized that she needed to because Elphaba was being more temperamental than usual.
"Are you listening Miss Elphaba?" she asked, using a formality, which she only did on rare occasions.
"Yeah, yeah... the protocol, the standard procedure...we've had this conversation so many times. I'm just sick and tired of it all. Ever since we moved back to Colwen Grounds and I came of age, my title became more relevant and I suddenly became 'important.' The 'Thropp Third Descending' is all that matters around here. I don't care. I don't want to be the stupid governor. I hate this political stuff. And I hate being here. I hate having to be protected, watched and monitored all the time." she felt anger building up inside of her but was able to control it enough so nothing bad would happen. "I only came back to this prison for my sister and I can't wait until Sunday so I can get the hell out!" Elphaba exclaimed and stalked out of the room. Immediately regretting her outburst again, but not caring enough to turn back. Ingrid was stunned and perplexed.
xxx
Elphie made her way back to the family wing. Galinda was still lingering at the small dining table, interacting with Nessa and Shell.
"Hey Elphie." Galinda smiled, but sensed something was wrong. Elphie waved to all of them, but said nothing and headed up the stairs.
"Elphaba where have you been?" Nessa asked as she was walking away. "Do not ignore me Fabala!"
"I better go make sure everything is okay." Galinda said, excusing herself from the table.
"Go. Oz, she's so moody." Nessa said, shaking her head.
xxx
Galinda hurried up the stairs to Elphie's room.
"Shit!" she heard from the outside after a loud crash before barging in. She saw that Elphie's lamp was shattered on the floor and her arm was cut.
"Oh Oz, Elphie you're bleeding!" Galinda exclaimed.
"I'm ok Lindie. It's not as bad as it looks." Elphie said going to get a towel from the bathroom.
"It looks pretty bad. How did all this happen?" she asked, referring to the broken lamp parts everywhere.
"Remember that conversation we had about my uh...powers, as you called them? And how something very intense comes over me when I'm very angry and I tend to make things move with my mind?"
"Yes, I remember."
"A similar situation occurred here. I was angry with Ingrid and I was about to lose control back there but I suppressed it best I could, then once I got back here I released it. I guess the lamp was the first thing that I focussed on so...it levitated and well...exploded for lack of better word. Hence the glass in my arm and lamp parts scattered about…" Elphie explained.
"I don't even know what to say."
"I'm a monster." Elphie sighed.
"What? No you're not." Galinda said, sitting down with Elphie.
"Yes I am. I have these unexplainable powers that I can't even control. What if I end up hurting somebody? I already hurt myself." she gestured to her cut arm.
"They might be unexplainable, but you've proven that you can control them to some extent. You were able to wait until you were away from anyone before releasing what was building up." Galinda explained.
"What about when I dumped the lunch tray on Feana?"
"Well I'd consider that an act of community service. She completely deserved it." Galinda chuckled. Elphie shook her head and couldn't help but chuckle too.
"I have an idea. When we go to my house in a couple of weeks we can talk to our Mom about this. She's a sorceress so she might have some answers." the blonde suggested.
"Our mom?" Elphie asked with emphasis on the 'our.'
"Yes. Our. You're my girlfriend and my best friend, therefore my mommy is your mommy too."
"If you say so." Elphie said amused, but admitted to herself that she did feel some sort of motherly affection towards Laura. "I think that would be a good idea to talk to her about it."
"She also mentioned getting me a training wand at some point. I'm so excited!" Galinda bubbled.
"It's normal for you Lindie...magic runs in your family. It's not for me. This use to happen on rare occasions when I was little and I would get in trouble for it. According to my father, anything magic related is a wrongdoing in the eyes of the Unnamed God."
"He seems like a complicated man."
"He is. And he's going to be here later...as if this day couldn't get any better." Elphie said sarcastically.
"I almost forgot about that. But anyway, why were you so angry with Ingrid? I assume the talk didn't go well?"
"It didn't exactly...she was more so talking at me about policies and protocol and a bunch of political shit that's only important because of my stupid title." Elphie said then proceeded to give her the gist of what happened.
"So you yelled at another adult?"
"Within reason." Elphie said stubbornly, although she felt a little guilty on the inside.
"I'm on your side Elphie. I get it. I would be frustrated if I was thrown into all of this too." Galinda said.
"Should I apologize to her?"
"I think it would be appropriate. Ingrid is your ally."
"True. I'm willing to apologize to her to clear the air...but not the security guard. He was annoying."
"Understandable. But I really think you should get your arm looked at." Glinda said noticing all the blood on the towel.
"I'm fine Lindie, it wasn't that much glass."
"Elphaba." Galinda said sternly.
"Okay, okay. I'll clean it with my antibacterial oil and Nanny probably has some bandages downstairs. But I'm not going to the infirmary."
"Fair enough." Galinda said. "What about all this?" she said referring to the mess on the floor.
"I don't even know. How am I going to explain to anybody that I exploded my lamp?"
"Well they don't need to know the exact details."
xxx
"Elphaba, child, what in Oz name happened to you?" Nanny asked when the girls came downstairs and she saw the cuts on Elphie's arm.
"I think they had a fight...and Galinda apparently won." Nessa said.
"That did not happen Nessa." Galinda said.
"My lamp...fell and the glass cut me. I already cleaned it, I just need a bandage if you don't mind Nanny."
"Alright follow me, I got my first aid kit in the back room." Nanny said. "Galinda honey let me tell you, this child used to get into so many accidents in her younger years…"
"Really Nanny?" Elphie sighed. The girls followed her to the back room and Nanny proceeded to tell Galinda some mildly embarrassing stories about Elphie's childhood accidents as she pulled out her first aid kit. Elphie sat in the chair to get her arm bandaged and tried not to cringe too hard at the stories.
"Thank you Nanny, I appreciate it." Elphie said when she was done.
"I appreciate it too, that was very entertaining." Galinda giggled and Elphie glared at her.
"Of course girls, that's what Nanny is for." the old woman chuckled. "Maribelle is on her break right now but I'll tell her to clean up your room when she comes back."
"Okay that's good." Elphie said.
"Don't forget that your father will be here this evening. We're all supposed to have a family dinner in the formal dining room around 7." Nanny informed them. Elphie sighed.
"I hear the culinary staff is making stir fry. That's you and Nessa's favorite." Nanny added.
"I do love stir fry." Elphie admitted. "I haven't had it in a while."
"I've never had stir fry." Galinda said. Elphie and Nanny both looked shocked.
"Usually you're the one getting me hip, now it's my turn to get you hip." Elphie chuckled.
"It is quite a treat Galinda. Munchkinland produce is all very fresh and delicious when prepared the right way."
"Sounds good. I'm excited to try it." the blonde wiggled.
"Thanks again Nanny. If you'll excuse us, I need to go talk with Ingrid and I need Galinda to come with me for moral support." Elphie said. Nanny smiled and let them go.
xxx
"Come in Elphaba." Ingrid said when she saw the girls at the door. "Hello Galinda. How are you?"
"I'm good." Galinda smiled and sat down beside Elphie. The green girl had a sweater on over her bandaged arm to avoid having to answer any questions. She took a deep breath.
"Ingrid, I would like to apologize for my outburst earlier. I honestly do not regret anything I said, I simply regret how I said it. It was inappropriate and I could have expressed it in a more professional manner." she said. She and Galinda had practiced what she was going to say on the way there so she hoped it sounded somewhat sincere and not like she was reading a script.
"Apology accepted. I also apologize if I came off as harsh or insensitive earlier. I just hope that I got my point across. If you should need to visit your mother again or go off property for any reason, please just let somebody know and we'll figure it out from there. If something were to happen to you it would be our responsibility." Ingrid explained.
"Understood." Elphie nodded.
"I would also like to clarify that it is my job to care about the Thropp Third Descending, but I also genuinely care about Elphaba. It's just a coincidence that you happen to be both. If you ever need to talk, I'm here. It doesn't have to be about anything political or business related." the woman added. Elphie looked at her for a moment.
"Thanks Ingrid. That actually means a lot to me." Elphie said then heard sniffles coming from Galinda.
"Really Lindie?" she smiled and passed her the box of tissues.
"I can't help it. I'm emotional."
"You are too precious." Ingrid couldn't help but chuckle.
"So we're all good now?" Galinda smiled after her tears were gone.
"I would say so." Ingrid said and Elphie nodded.
"Yay!" the blonde bubbled.
"Also Galinda, I wanted to let you know that Wilhelmina took your spa day suggestion into consideration and thinks it's a great idea so they're going to make it happen." Ingrid explained and Galinda squealed.
"Spa day?" Elphie asked confused.
"I thought it would be a good idea for Nessa and her friends to get their hair and nails and stuff done before the party tomorrow." Galinda said.
"I think she would like that."
"It's a surprise to Nessa, but I invited two of her friends to come early to participate. I can make arrangements for you two to join as well if you'd like."
"No thanks, I'm good." Elphie said a bit too quickly. Galinda had to think for a moment.
"No, we shouldn't intrude. Just let Nessa and her friends have fun together."
"Very well." Ingrid said.
xxx
Elphie and Galinda spent the rest of the afternoon alone together. They took a nap, Elphie played a couple songs on the piano, and they went on their own walk through the garden maze. They almost got lost because Elphie hadn't been in there in quite a while and it was only Galindas second time. They were relaxing later in Galinda's room when Maribelle came to inform them that Frex had just arrived and dinner was in an hour.
xxx
"Papa!" They heard Nessa squeal as they were coming down the stairs. Galinda saw Frex give Nessa a loving hug and kiss on her forehead. He was a bald man, a little bit taller than Elphie. There was a very vague resemblance between him and Shell but absolutely none for Elphaba and Nessa.
"Hello father." Elphie said.
"Fabala, is that you?" He said after giving Shell a fatherly hug.
"Yes it's me."
"It's been far too long my daughter. I'm surprised you're home." he said but made no physical contact with her. "And who is this?"
"This is my best friend from school, Galinda Upland." Elphie said. Galinda wasn't sure if she should extend her hand, but was surprised when Frex did.
"Frexspar. Nice to meet you."
"Same to you, sir." She said politely.
"Well family, I've had quite a trip here. I'm going to go unpack and freshen up and we shall catch up over dinner." He said then headed down the hall to his room.
xxx
"Tell me how these past couple weeks have been for you my Nessarose?" Frex asked.
"Very well Papa. We finished up homeschool last Friday. I made all A's, except for one B in mathematics."
"How wonderful! I'm so proud of you darling." Frex said sincerely. Elphie has all A's. Galinda thought to herself. They had been at dinner about 15 minutes and almost all of Frex's attention was on Nessa. He just saw her two weeks ago but he hadn't seen Elphie in months. When Galinda came home from college all of the attention was on her. That was mostly because she didn't have siblings but even if she did she felt like her parents would at least be a little interested in her schoolwork and campus life.
Eventually the conversation shifted to Shell, then back to Nessa.
"I can't believe my little Nessarose is going to be 16 tomorrow." Frex said astounded. "How old does that make you now Fabala?"
"I'm 19, father. I'll be 20 this October." Elphie said.
"You're an old man Frexspar. All your kids are growing up on you." Nanny chuckled.
"I see." Frex said.
"Wait...your birthday is in October?" Shell asked.
"Yes." Elphie said.
"Hm...I don't think I ever knew that." Shell shrugged. Galinda thought this whole conversation was kinda sad. How could your own father and brother not know your birthday?
"I see you liked the stir fry Lindie." Elphie smiled as the blonde scooped a little more rice and vegetables onto her plate.
"It's delicious. I'll have to see if Cook can make this for us at home."
"This is your first time having it?" Nessa asked and the blonde nodded. "Wow you Gillikinese people are really missing out."
"So, Miss Galinda, you and Elphaba are friends at uh…" Frex started.
"Shiz." Elphie filled in.
"Ah yes, Shiz."
"Yes we are. That's how we met. We're roommates." Galinda said and Frex looked a bit suspicious.
"If I may inquire, what was your motive for coming to Colwen Grounds with her?" he asked and Elphie looked annoyed.
"Father, Galinda is here because she's my best friend and I invited her. There are no ulterior motives." Elphie said. "In general, people who are not from Munchkinland tend to care a lot less about who I am, Which is why I don't need to be followed around school with bodyguards."
"I'm definitely not using Elphie for her title. Nessa can verify." Galinda said.
"She's right." Nessa nodded.
"Alright then. I have to make sure of these things. The fact that you're Gillikinese kind of through me off a bit." Frex said. "Anyway, I know you're excited about your big day tomorrow my precious daughter." he said turning his attention back to Nessa.
"I am! Galinda told me there was going to be live music but won't tell me who."
"Yeah. I've been helping out with party planning so I know the whole run down."
"I'm just curious."
"The element of surprise is what makes it all worth the while." Nanny said. "Your big day will be here before you know it."
xxx
The next morning there was a big buffet breakfast set up on the patio. Frex, Nanny, and Nessa were set up at the table eating. Assistants and staff were coming in and out to grab a plate and give birthday greetings to the Fourth Descending Thropp. Shell came out a few minutes later and said that Elphaba and Galinda were on their way. Frex had to leave shortly after to attend to a few things that morning.
"Happy birthday sis." Shell said, taking the strip of bacon off of her plate.
"Shell!"
"The bacon here always tastes better on special occasions." He chuckled after taking a bite.
"Shell. You know better." Nanny chided.
"Sorry. I'll get you some more." he said, heading over to the buffet, just as Elphie and Galinda arrived.
"It's about time." Nessa said.
"Good morning girls." Nanny said.
"Good morning." They said in unison.
"Happy birthday Nessie. Love you." Elphie said giving her sister a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Happy sweet 16!" Galinda bubbled, not sure if it was okay to hug her but Nessa smiled and allowed her to.
"Thank you both." She grinned.
"Wilhelmina said we should wait until the party to give you your actual gift, but we have this for you now." Galinda said, pulling out a bag of rainbow chewy bears.
"What's this?" Nessa asked.
"They're chewy little bears. Each color is a different flavor. They're me and Elphie's favorite candy from Shiz." Galinda explained.
"I know we didn't grow up eating candy, but trust me those are good. Galinda got me addicted." Elphie said.
"Thanks." Nessa chuckled. "I'll try them after breakfast. You two should go get some food. According to Shell the bacon is really good. I wouldn't know because he ate mine." She rolled her eyes. Galinda and Elphie made their plates then joined everyone else at the table. They all talked until everyone was done eating.
"Nessa, there is a surprise for you in about an hour. Galinda and I have been instructed to take you there."
"Really? I'm so excited. I didn't know the surprises started this early." The brunette grinned.
xxx
About an hour later they were wheeling Nessa down the hallway of Colwen Grounds, to one of the rarely used recreation rooms. Little did she know, Wilhelmina, the assistant who was coordinating most of the day, had the room set up as a spa and her friends Maddy and Raina had arrived not too long ago.
"The surprise is in there?" she asked.
"Yes. Close your eyes Nessa." Galinda said before Elphie opened the door.
"Happy birthday Nessa!" Her friends and the other assistants in the room all exclaimed.
"Oh my Oz! Maddy, Raina… What are you doing here? What is all this?" Nessa asked, very surprised.
"A little pre-birthday party pampering with your friends." Galinda bubbled.
"Enjoy." Elphie smiled before leaving them alone. Wilhelmina caught them in the hallway on the way back and said there was some last minute set up going on in the main ballroom and extra help was needed if they weren't too busy. The girls didn't have anything urgent to do so they complied.
xxx
It was later that afternoon when they decided to start getting ready for the party which was suppose to start at 2:30pm. Galinda decided to wear her strapless peach sundress with silver lace up sandals and put her hair up in a half bun style. Elphie wore a black overall dress with a gray shirt underneath and left her hair down.
"Mind if I do your hair for the party Elphie?" Galinda asked.
"It depends. What are you gonna do?"
"I watched a tutorial on OzTube for fishtail braids. I've been needing some hair to try it out on."
"You have a full head of hair right there Lindie."
"I've tried. My hair is too curly so it doesn't look right. But your hair is long, straight and just right. Pleeeeaaase Elphie." The blonde begged.
"Lindie...I don't know if I want my hair looking like a fish." Elphie said skeptically.
"You're so adorable." Galinda laughed. "It won't actually look like a fish. That's just the name. It'll look cute. Trust me." She said.
"If you say so." The green girl said and allowed her girlfriend to braid her hair.
"All done!" the blonde said and guided her love to the mirror. "See. You look beautiful."
"Wow that's quite an elaborate braid Lindie." Elphie said, examining it. "But it does look good. I'll never doubt you again my sweet."
"You're welcome." the blonde grinned.
"Thank you." Elphie smiled. She wrapped her arms around her girlfriend and kissed her softly. "Are you ready?" she asked.
"I haven't done my makeup yet."
"Don't worry Lindie, you always look good with or without it."
"Awwww Elphie. You're so sweet." Galinda gushed, but she knew Elphie only said things like that when she wanted them to just hurry up and leave. "But that won't change my mind today. Just give me 10 minutes."
"Fine. I had to try." Elphie shook her head and sat down to wait.
xxx
The party was going great so far and the ballroom looked beautiful. There were plenty of festive decorations and a huge banner with Nessarose's name and picture on it. Nessa and her friends all look gorgeous from their spa treatments. Nessa's long brown hair was in a cascaded curly updo with a tiara. She had on expensive looking accessories and a modest amount of makeup. Her nails were done to match the custom made dress she was wearing and she was using her fancy wheelchair instead of the casual one, it almost looked like a throne.
Some of her friends from town were there along with almost the entire staff of Colwen Grounds. The Eminent Thropp was present with a few other important political figures that Elphaba had to be formally introduced to. The live music was select members of the Munchkinland Symphonic band. That was quite a surprise for Nessa because they had just saw them in concert last month and she had fallen in love with their music ever since. There were also games and food as well as a huge 6-layer cake that the culinary staff worked so hard on to prepare.
Nessa was very very excited when it was time to open her presents because there was quite a lot of them. She absolutely loved the antique jewelry box that Elphaba and Galinda had gotten her. She loved almost everything else as well. Galinda thought she herself was spoiled until she saw all of the gifts Nessa was getting. Try being the governor's favorite granddaughter.
After presents, everyone who wanted got seconds on cake. There were a few more games. Goody bags were distributed and the Munchkinland Symphony played a few more songs until the party died down. It was a good day.
xxx
Friday started out as a pretty lazy day for everyone. Sleeping in and lingering at brunch. That afternoon Elphaba, Galinda, Nessa and their bodyguards went into town so Nessa could spend some of her birthday money and just to hang out a little bit. They were out for a few hours then came back to Colwen Grounds and relaxed a bit before dinner.
Later that evening everyone with the exception of Shell was in the sitting room of the family wing. Talking and just relaxing. At one point the topic of the conversation shifted to a story that was recently in the news about two gay Munchkinland men protesting to get married in Munchkinland. Elphaba and Galinda both felt awkward when Frex brought that up because they're both obviously very gay. The two men were apparently arrested and sent to court. His Eminence wanted them out of Munchkinland or in prison. So the men fled to Gillikin with no intention of returning.
"I'm glad they're gone. We don't want those filthy, ungodly sinners in Munchkinland anyway." Frex said after ranting for a while about his one-sided opinion on the issue. "Never be like them my daughters. Although I've already reiterated that to you countless times before."
"I would never do such a thing father." Nessa said.
"That's Miss Galinda's country that those faggots fled to. It's a shame that those imbecilic Gillikinese people will actually tolerate such nonsense there. It's absolutely atrocious." Frex shook his head.
"Excuse me father, but Galinda is not an imbecile." Elphie said seriously. "I won't sit here and allow you to attack my best friend."
"Watch your tone young lady. I'm not referring to Miss Galinda directly, I'm referring to her people as a whole and the ludicrous behavior that they tolerate in Gillikin." Frex said.
"Well their people don't have to leave their country or face court or prison for wanting to marry the person that they love. So they're ludicrous for being more accepting and offering basic human rights?" Elphie asked.
"No decent human should have the right to practice such immoral, revolting behavior. They get what they deserve whether it be court, prison, or a death sentence." Frex said coldly. Galinda had never experienced homophobia this strongly and was feeling very angry and sick to her stomach.
"Whoever a person falls in love with should not be a public concern in the first place. It's love, regardless of gender." Elphie said.
"Elphaba Thropp!" Frex shouted and suddenly slapped Elphie very hard across the face. The green girl flinched but composed herself quickly. Galinda gasped and covered her mouth, her eyes filled with tears. Nobody else seemed to have much of a reaction.
"No child of mine is going to support such foul, disgusting behavior!"
"Father, I-"
"Go to your room! I don't want to see you for the rest of the night!" Frex said angrily. Elphie nodded and headed up the stairs, too embarrassed to look at Galinda.
"I apologize for her behavior Miss Galinda. I don't know what has gotten into that girl." Frex shook his head.
"She's trying to defy the word of the Unnamed God. Don't worry father, I'm not like her. I believe and respect everything you have taught us." Nessa said.
"As I would expect, my precious daughter." Frex said. Galinda was very shocked, upset and unsettled with what just happened. She was worried about Elphie and extremely disturbed and uncomfortable with everything Frex had said.
"Are you alright Galinda darling?" Nanny asked.
"If you all will excuse me please." She said softly then quickly left to head upstairs. Her tears started flowing as soon as she was out of sight.
