"What are you guys doing here?" Galinda asked once all the hugging and excitement died down. She couldn't stop grinning.
"We came to visit, you silly goose." Lani chuckled and hugged her again.
"It's just so unexpected." She said then looked at Triss. "So this is why you couldn't tell me what you were doing yesterday."
"Yep. This is exactly why." She smiled. They girls greeted Elphie warmly as well. It was their first time actually meeting in person. The green girl had only ever seen them on a computer/cellphone screen. Beauty obviously ran in the family. Triss was kinda tall, slim and looked like a model. She had bright blue eyes like Galinda that contrasted nicely with her long dark hair. Lani was slightly shorter with a curvier body type. She had the same color eyes and her hair was a really light brown that could almost pass add blonde in certain lighting.
"Jonah is here too." Lani said, featuring to her fiance who was sitting on the step.
"Oh! Hi Jonah." Galinda said, just noticing him. She gave him a hug then introduced Elphie.
"And now it seems like the trio is complete." A familiar voice said.
"Daddy!" Galinda exclaimed when her dad appeared in the foyer. She ran towards him and hugged him. He picked her up and spun her around.
"Welcome home my little girl." He smiled and kissed her on the forehead.
"Welcome back Elphaba." He said giving his daughter's best friend a fatherly hug.
"What do you think of your surprise?" He asked.
"I love it! Best surprise ever!" Galinda said, hugging her cousins again.
"How about you two take a few minutes to go get settled then meet us all back in the living room? Cook is preparing a snack. " Laura suggest. Galinda and Elphie nodded and made their way upstairs. The blonde still couldn't stop grinning.
xxx
"Janina!" Galinda squealed when they came upstairs and saw the redheaded woman.
"Oh Galinda, I'm so glad you're home!" Janina smiled and hugged her favorite little blonde tight.
"Nice to see you again Elphaba, how are you?"
"I'm good. It's nice to see you as well." Elphie said, accepting a hug.
"This one hasn't driven you crazy yet?" she chuckled.
"Janina!"
"Oh she drives me crazy all the time, but I still love her." Elphie laughed. Galinda giggled and kissed her on the cheek.
"Where's Natiya?"
"Your mother didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?" Galinda asked a bit worriedly.
"Natiya left."
"She left? What happened?" Galinda was shocked and concerned.
"Calm down dear. Nothing bad happened. She had another opportunity and she took it."
"I don't know how I feel about that. Where did she go?" the blonde asked. Natiya and Janina were several years apart in age. Natiya was the Upland's original housekeeper. Janina came in once Galinda was born and basically served as a babysitter/nanny, which is why they had such a tight bond. Once Galinda started getting older and was able to do most basic things on her own, Janina started fulfilling more housekeeping tasks. Eventually both women were assuming the 'maid' role. But now that Galinda was away most of the time, Laura and Darol both knew that it was unnecessary to have two housekeepers. But both women had been with them for so long, they didn't want to let either of them go unless they wanted to go which is why they were okay with Natiya choosing to leave.
"She got a housekeeping job at the Maylord hotel in Gillikin National Harbour." Janina said.
"She's working at the Maylord? Oh my Oz, that's one of the best hotels in Gillikin. It's where all the important people stay." Galinda said. "I'm mad at her for leaving us but I can't be that mad. Who could turn down that opportunity?"
"It was a tough decision for her actually. We talked about it thoroughly with your parents. They encouraged her to go for it if she really wanted it. She had to move in with one of her friends who lives in that area. But your parents reassured her that this will always be a home to her and she's welcome back at anytime."
"They're so sweet. I miss Natiya but I'm happy for her." Galinda said. Janina was also happy about her sister's departure because she was getting paid more now that she was in charge of all household tasks.
"Elphaba you'll be in the same room as last time. The bathroom is right across the hall. I hope you don't mind sharing with Tristina." Janina said. Triss was staying in the other guest room down the same hallway as their rooms. Lani and Jonah were staying in the other two guest rooms down Laura and Darol's hallway.
"Oh not at all." Elphie said.
"Great. I will bring your bags up soon and get everything put away for you." the woman said. Elphie thanked her then excused herself to the restroom. Janina came into Galinda's room so they could talk a little.
"So I don't know if you're aware but I came out to Mommy and Daddy a couple weeks ago."
"I am aware. That was a very brave move, I'm proud of you." Janina said.
"They told you?"
"Yes. Mostly because they were curious if I knew prior to them knowing."
"What did you say?"
"All I said was that I had a feeling you weren't straight all along. I promised I would keep your secret safe until you were ready to share it and that's what I did. I assume they don't know about your relationship with Elphaba?"
"No not yet. I have a feeling they will very soon, if not today." Galinda said nervously.
"Don't worry too much about it dear. She's a nice girl and your parents are already very fond of her." Janina said reassuringly.
"I'm trying not to." she said, then changed the subject. "Janina, can I ask you a serious question?"
"Of course you can."
"Did you know that my dad has another daughter?" she asked. Janina was taken back by the question. She hesitated and thought for a moment.
"Well I wasn't around much before you were born. But according to Natiya there was some conflict about Darol having another child that he had no custody over. I didn't even know if it was true or not. Neither of us had ever met the child or knew anything of them because they were never talked about. I didn't even know the gender."
"Well apparently it's true. Daddy has another daughter 10 months older than me."
"How do you know?"
"Remember my friend Chloey who I've told you about?" Galinda asked and Janina nodded.
"It turns out she's my sister." she said and the woman's mouth dropped and she needed to sit down. Galinda explained everything that Chloey's mom explained to them. Elphie came back in the middle of it and listened to the story that she had already heard multiple times.
"Oh my." was all Janina could say.
"It's crazy. We're long lost sisters.."
"What does she look like?" Janina asked and Galinda pulled up a picture of her and Chloey together. If it wasn't for their eye color, vaguely different facial structure and Galinda's curlier hair, than she wouldn't have been able to tell the girls apart.
"She looks just like Darol… just like you." she said. "And he's not aware that you know she exists?"
"Nope."
"Well that oughta be an interesting conversation."
"I know. Don't worry, I'll fill you in afterwards." Galinda said. "We should probably go back downstairs Elphie. I think everyone's waiting on us."
"I think so too." Elphie said. They parted ways with Janina, shared a nice long kiss, then headed downstairs.
"Hi Cook!" Galinda bubbled when she saw the woman in the hallway.
"Galinda, there you are!" the women said, accepting an enthusiastic hug.
"I missed you! And your cooking."
"It's been far too long little one. I miss having you eat up all the food in the house." she chuckled and Galinda laughed.
"I'm glad you returned as well Elphaba. I've been experimenting with some new vegetarian dishes that I think you'll love."
"I appreciate that Cook, I can't wait to try them." Elphie smiled.
"In the meantime there are fruit kabobs in the living room if you're hungry."
"Fruit kabobs? Yum!" Galinda grinned. She took Elphie's hand and headed to the living room where everyone else was. Cook chuckled and watched them go, then went back into the kitchen to start prepping for dinner in a few hours.
xxx
"So did you guys take a train from the Emerald City to here?" Galinda asked. She and Elphie were seated in the living room, eating fruit and catching up with Laura, Darol, Lani, Triss and Jonah.
"Nah, we drove Lani's car. It was a long, slightly obnoxious roadtrip." Triss said.
"It wasn't even bad Triss. It was a good time. We all took turns driving and I provided the entertainment." Lani chuckled.
"She sung the entire way here. Literally every song on the radio was 'her song' so she had to sing along." Triss shook her head. Galinda laughed, knowing how silly and animated Lani can be.
"I didn't know you could sing Lani." Elphie said.
"I can't but that doesn't stop me." she chuckled.
"You're a great singer honey." Jonah said putting an arm around her and kissed her cheek.
"Aw thanks Jo."
"How long are you staying?" Galinda asked.
"Well unfortunately Jonah and I will only be able to stay until Thursday. I have to go back to work Friday morning. I was lucky enough to get all these days off in a row." Lani said.
"Yeah I'll have to get back to work as well. Then I start summer classes on Monday." Jonah said.
"Ah, that's right. You're currently working on your Master's degree?" Darol asked.
"Yep. Three more semesters and I should be good to go." he said proudly.
"Wonderful. Are going to go for your Doctorate?" Laura asked.
"I would love to. But I may take a few years off because around that time we'll already have our b-"
"Jonah!" Lani cut him off and put her finger to her lips. Jonah caught himself and stopped what he was going to say. This whole exchange confused everyone.
"I'm going to take a few years off before getting my PhD because...we'll have busier schedules." He said. Laura nodded and it was evident to everyone that they were hiding something.
"What about you Triss?" Galinda asked, trying not to be distracted by whatever was going on with Lani and Jonah.
"Well I'm not working so I plan to be here for a while." Triss said.
"Yay!" Galinda bubbled and hugged her..
"I thought you worked at Eternity 21?" Elphie asked.
"I did, but I quit."
"You never did tell me why." Galinda said.
"It's complicated. I'll tell you later." Triss said. Galinda noticed Lani roll her eyes at Triss and that confused her. She wondered if something had happened between them.
"So Galinda, Elphaba, how have you girls been? I know you've had a lot going on lately considering that summer break began two weeks ago and you're just now coming back home." Laura asked. Galinda and Elphie, but mostly Galinda started to share about all of the fun stuff that went on during the last month of their second semester at Shiz and about all the things they've been up to for the past two weeks. After nearly an hour of conversation, Laura and Darol both mutually decided that they needed to talk about something that they have been meaning to talk about for a while.
"Lani, Jonah, Triss, I hope you all don't mind but Laura and I need to speak with Galinda alone for a while.
"Oh no problem at all uncle Darol." Lani said.
"We'll all reconvene for dinner." he said as the three were leaving. Elphie was confused as to why they didn't ask her to leave.
"I don't want to intrude…" she said getting up.
"Oh no Elphaba darling, you're fine. We actually want to talk to Galinda as well as you."
"We're listening." Galinda said.
"Well, as I'm sure you've already assumed, this is in regards to that email you sent us."
"Are you upset with me?"
"Darling of course not. Our love for you is unconditional and it always will be." Darol said reassuringly.
"Yes, it was a surprise to hear initially as I'm sure it would be for any parent. But we appreciate your ability to be open and honest about it with us. If being a lesbian is truly who you are and attraction to females is really what you feel, then what more can we do but support you? You're old enough to understand how you feel and know what you want." Laura said. Galinda smiled and blinked back tears.
"Thanks Mommy. In hindsight I don't know why I was so afraid to tell you. You guys would never stop loving me."
"It's a sensitive topic that can be hard to bring up. It may appear to be unconventional but hopefully it's something that can be normalized in our family."
"So if you guys are completely okay with it, then what is it that we need to talk about?" Galinda asked.
"Well, as you said, your feelings didn't become completely clear until college. So of course we're wondering if you have been or currently are in a relationship with a female?" Laura asked. Galinda hesitated and glanced at Elphie, who glanced back.
"Um...yes." Galinda finally said, knowing they would find out sooner or later.
"Would you like to let us know who with?" Laura asked, although she had a strong feeling where this was headed. During Elphaba's last visit, she noticed how close and connected both of the girls were to each other. Ever since Galinda came out, it all made sense. She didn't want to make assumptions but the intuitive side of her knew. Darol had a feeling also. Galinda glanced at Elphie again and gave her a small smile and discreetly slipped her hand into hers. The green girl returned the smile.
"Elphaba is my girlfriend."
"And Galinda is my girlfriend." Elphie said. Neither Laura or Darol looked vaguely surprised to hear it. Laura just smiled at them.
"Why do you look like you already knew that? Did Janina say something?" Galinda asked.
"Why would Janina say something?" Darol asked confused.
"Nevermind."
"We didn't already know but we had a suspicion." Laura said. "But we're happy for you, baby doll."
"Really?"
"Of course. You're becoming comfortable with who you really are and you found someone who cares about you and treats you well." Laura said.
"Yes and Elphaba is a wonderful girl. You two may be very different but at the same time you're like birds of a feather." Darol said.
"When we fly we fly together." Galinda sing-songed and giggled. Her parents looked confused but Elphie grinned.
They talked a little more about the girls' relationship and asked a few questions about how long it has been going on and things like that. They even covered the issue of them living together on campus, which Laura and Darol were going to continue to allow. Separating them would be counterproductive and cruel. Laura reflected back to the time when Elphie said that she had calmed Galinda down multiple from the thunderstorm. There was another time when Galinda mentioned her mom that she treated Elphie's water burns. Laura knew the girls needed continue living together for their own good.
"One thing I want you girls to always remember is that those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Darol said.
"That's true." Galinda said after thinking for a moment. "All the people who don't mind are important to us like you and Mommy and all of our friends. And all the people who mind don't matter like Feana and the other girls and… Elphie's father."
"Oh Elphaba dear, your father is not accepting?" Laura said.
"Her father is such a horrible man!" Galinda exclaimed.
"Galinda!" Darol said, shocked to hear her speak of someone that way.
"No, she's right. He is quite horrible." Elphie said. "None of my family members are aware and I'm reluctant to tell them. My father is a Unionist priest with some very devout beliefs. Unfortunately Galinda had to hear some of his unpleasant opinions on the matter…"
"I've never heard anyone speak so cruelly." Galinda said, upset.
"Oh my darlings, I'm so sorry to hear that." Laura said.
"Well Elphaba, I want you to know that Laura and I accept you and Galinda wholeheartedly and unconditionally. We love you both and we want you to be happy. Our doors are always open and you're always more than welcome here. You're apart of the family." Darol said in a warm, fatherly way. Galinda gushed and wiped away tears. Elphie smiled and had to blink back hers.
"Thank you so much, that really means alot to me." she said.
"You guys are literally the best parents and I love you so much." Galinda said, hugging them both at the same time. Laura looked over at Elphie and extended her arm for her to come join the group hug. The green girl smiled and joined in. This is what family felt like.
"Now is there something you needed to talk to us about Galinda? I remember you mentioning some revelations with your friend Chloey?" Laura asked once the sentimental family moment died down.
"Oh yeah...um...well, it seems that Chloey is more than my friend." Galinda said and both of her parents looked puzzled. "She's my sister."
"That can't possibly be your Chloey, can it?" Laura said in a hushed voice to Darol after a very long hesitation. They were both taken back for a moment. She knew of Darol's daughter Chloey whom they never talked about. But they never thought much about Galinda's friend named Chloey, considering it was a common name for girl's their age.
"Her mom's name is Chelsea. Does that sound familiar Daddy?"
"Chelsea...oh dear." Darol mumbled. He hadn't heard that name in years.
"Chelsea told us everything. You two met up when you traveled to Wittica for work. She had a baby that turned out to be yours but there was too much conflict and you signed over all of your parental rights to her. And all this was kept secret from Chloey and I our entire lives." Galinda said. She was uncomfortable bringing this up, but just did what Elphie told her to do and presented the facts. Laura was speechless and looked at Darol, waiting for him to respond. He put his hand to his face and sighed.
"Are you alright?" Galinda asked.
"I'm alright darling. I just wasn't prepared to have this conversation yet."
"You never thought we would have to have it. Nobody planned on ever telling us. We had to find out on our own." Galinda said.
"That's not true Galinda. You would have known at some point in your life. It's just… the longer you didn't know, the harder it was to bring up."
"That's exactly what Chelsea said to Chloey…"
"I guess I'll start from the beginning." Darol said and began to tell his side of the story.
"There was a period of time where your mother and I were taking a break from our relationship for a while and during that time I was on travel for work in Wittica. I already knew Chelsea from meetings in the past. We happened to… grow rather close during the two weeks I was there. But we had a bit of a fall out towards the end of my stay because I found out she was cheating on the man she was currently seeing, Sebastian. We didn't keep in touch after I left. During that time your mother and I were able to make amends, get back together and also get engaged."
"I'm glad to hear that you weren't cheating on Mommy. I didn't want to think that." Galinda said.
"He wasn't. We were both going through a lot at the time and mutually decided that a break would be best for several months. I will admit I saw other people during that time, but none of my stories are as wild as this." Laura said. When she initially found out that Darol was the father to another woman's child it put a another big strain on their relationship. She was so upset she almost considered calling off their engagement. Thankfully that didn't happen and they were able to work things out.
"So anyway, all was well until months later I got a call from Chelsea. She had recently had a baby and demanded that I come to Wittica as soon as possible for a paternity test. So I went. The test was negative for Sebastian and positive for me. All of this was quite a surprise. I had forgotten all about my time with Chelsea and then it turned out I was the father of her child. She expected me to just go home and forget all about it but I wasn't going to do that because now I had rights over the child as her father. There was a lot of conflict and issues that we had to settle in court." He explained.
"Chloey would dominantly live with her mother and I made arrangements to visit her every few weeks or so but traveling so much did not very easily fit into my schedule. There was constant conflict between Chelsea and I, sometimes with Sebastian and occasionally your mother and I. The one thing Chelsea and I agreed on was that this was not the type of environment that a child should grow up in. Around the time she persuaded me to sign over my rights was a couple months after your mother and I found out we were pregnant with you. Over the years Chelsea changed jobs, phone numbers and addresses so we had absolutely no contact with each other. I would have loved for you to meet your sister and have a bond with her but given the circumstances that was never going to happen. We didn't want to tell you about her, then have you live with the pain of knowing that you have a sister almost your age that you would most likely never get to meet or have any relationship with. In the back of our minds we knew Chloey still existed out there somewhere. I've thought about her on occasions and wondered how she's doing. But she was never truly in our lives. I have no rights towards her, or connection with her. So as far as I've been concerned over the past 18 years, you're my only daughter Galinda." Darol said. Galinda didn't know what to say and was just trying to take in all of the information. "It's amazing how both of your paths somehow managed to cross." he added.
"Yeah it's pretty interesting." Galinda said. "The fact that all of this was kept from me for so long feels weird. But I guess there's nothing I can do about it. We're all aware now."
"Yes, I believe now their are no more major secrets between us and we have learned the importance of sharing aspects of our lives that affect others. That's how families work." Laura said.
"Do you have any lingering concerns, Galinda?"
"I was kind of worried that when Chloey came to visit and you saw her again then you would love her more than me because she was your first daughter." Galinda said. "But I know thats silly. You love me a lot."
"I do love you a lot my darling girl. You're my little princess and nobody will ever take your place." Darol smiled. "But I am very interested in meeting Chloey. She's my daughter, yet I don't know her at all. I would like to create some type of bond with her that we have always deserved to have. But I don't want to replace the father figure that she has had her whole life in Wittica. And I certainly don't want to replace my wonderful daughter that I have had my whole life in Frottica."
"I love you Daddy." Galinda said and hugged her father.
"I'm also very interested in meeting Chloey." Laura said.
"You guys will love her! She's kinda like me."
"Kinda? They're basically the same person." Elphie chuckled and so did the parents.
"Well...yeah basically." Galinda said chuckling along.
xxx
It was a couple hours later when everyone reconvened for dinner. Janina joined them as well. Darol decided to explain the whole issue of his daughter Chloey to make sure the whole family was on the same page..
"So it was true." Janina said and Darol nodded.
"Yep. I have a sister." the blonde said.
"And apparently we have another cousin." Triss said.
"It's revelations like this that keep life interesting." Jonah chuckled.
"Wow...that's actually really cool. I can't wait to meet my second little cousin." Lani said.
"I know right." Galinda said. "She's coming over when her family returns from Pertha Hills. You two will be gone by then, but you'll get to meet her someday."
"Well, as if that news wasn't surprising enough. Jonah and I have an announcement that we would like to share with everyone." Lani said. Everyone listened up.
"I had a feeling there was something you two wanted to share." Laura said.
"Have you finally set a wedding date?" Galinda asked excitedly. They had been engaged for a little over a year, but with Jonah in the midst of getting his Master's they hadn't had time for much wedding planning.
"Nope." Lani smiled.
"Awwww."
"We actually were going to set a date soon but then something else came up." Jonah said.
"What?" Galinda asked eagerly. Everyone else was very curious as well.
"I'm pregnant." Lani finally said. There were multiple surprised gasps accompanied by huge a huge squeal from the blonde one. Darol almost choked because he was not expecting that at all. He knew his nieces were grown, but through his eyes they were still his little girls. He felt a similar way back when he found out she was engaged.
"Are you ok Uncle D?" Lani asked worried as he was coughing and Laura was patting his back.
"I am, I am. I just… wow." He said when he was finally able to speak.
"You probably shouldn't have announced that while they're eating, Lan." Triss chuckled.
"You're pregnant?" Galinda said with wide eyes, still in shock.
"Yes Gally, I'm going to have a baby." Lani smiled and her little cousin squealed again.
"Oh my Oz! I'm going to be an auntie!" she said happily. She technically already was an aunt because some of her older cousins already had kids, but being an aunt to Lani's kids would be very exciting.
"That's great news Lani, congratulations." Elphie smiled.
"Yes Lani, how wonderful to hear." Laura said. Lani thanked them and was glad they were being so supportive.
"How far along are you?" Laura asked.
"In a few days it's going to be 5 weeks."
"You've been pregnant for over a month and I'm just finding out?" Galinda said. "Did you know about this Triss?"
"Of course I knew." Triss said.
"And I thought it would be fun to tell you all in person." Lani said.
"Have you told your parents?"
"Yes. Mom was a little skeptical because Jonah and I aren't married yet. But we talked it all out and she's been supportive. This whole situation was unexpected, but it is what it is. Jonah and I both want to keep the baby." Lani said and Jonah nodded. "I haven't told my dad yet, but I will soon. Who knows how he'll respond.
"Well Lani, I want you to know that we love you, we're happy for you and we'll be here for you every step of the way." Darol said.
"Thanks Uncle D." Lani smiled.
"I'm extra happy for you Lani! I can't wait for these next 8 months to hurry up. I wanna see the baby!" Galinda said and everyone chuckled.
"And Jonah my boy, I hope you understand that this means you are never allowed to leave her. Ever."
"Of course, Darol. I love Malani and I'll always be by her side. We'll be married within the next year or so and the knot will officially be tied."
"Good." Darol nodded in approval. The family continued to talk as they finished up with dinner and moved on to dessert.
xxx
Later that evening, the young people were all chilling in the informal living room.
"Can I see the baby bump?" Galinda asked eagerly and Lani chuckled.
"I'm only 5 weeks Gal, there isn't much to see yet. My doctors said it won't be noticeable until around 12 weeks." she said, slightly pulling up her shirt. There was a small pudge but nothing major. Galinda felt it anymore.
"I can't believe you're having a baby Lani! When will you guys know if its a girl or boy?"
"We'll know between 4 and 5 months. But we haven't yet decided if we want to keep it a surprise or not." Lani said. Jonah hung out with them for a bit, then went up to his room to give the girls some girl time. They talked, laughed and shared stories. At one point Triss asked a few curious questions about Elphie's family. The green girl told her a little about Shell and Nessa, but not her father.
"Elphie's Nanny is really nice. She liked telling me embarrassing stories about her." Galinda giggled.
"I can't wait until we visit your Nana again so I can hear more embarrassing stories about you." Elphie said to her.
"If you want embarrassing stories about Galinda, Triss and I have plenty." Lani said.
"It's true, we do. There's a lot and they range from mild to cringeworthy." Triss chuckled
"Don't you dare." Galinda said glaring at both of them.
"One of the first ones that comes to my mind is the amusement park incident." Lani said and Triss burst out laughing. Galinda's cheeks turned pink.
"Oh no no no. You are not telling that story!" she begged.
"I'm very interested in hearing it." Elphie said so Lani started to tell it while Galinda buried her face into a pillow.
"This was back when Gally was about 11 years old. The three of us were at an amusement park with three of our other guy cousins. There was this new roller coaster that we were all excited to get on. Keep in mind, before we went to the ride we stopped at the restrooms. Triss and the boys all used the bathroom but Gally claimed she was fine."
"Because I didn't have to go then!" Galinda interjected.
"Shhhh. Let me tell the story." Lani said then continued. Elphie chuckled and listened.
"So we get to the ride and we're waiting in line for about an hour it seemed like. Finally we're up next and of course then Gally tells me that she has to use the bathroom."
"Look, I can't control when my bladder decides to fill itself up!" The blonde cut in again.
"Stop interrupting." Triss laughed.
"And I'm like listen Gally, we're about to get on the ride. You can either go to the bathroom and miss it or hold it until we get off. She didn't want to miss the ride so she decided to hold it, which in hindsight was not a good idea. Triss paired up with one of the boys so Gally was sitting with me. To make a long story short, she wet herself on the ride...and it got on me" Lani said. Elphie gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. "She had to walk across the parked soaked while we searched for a gift shop to find clothes that we could change into."
"I said I was sorry a hundred times." Galinda said.
"It's okay Gally it was almost 8 years ago." Lani said.
"Elphaba's a nice girl, I'm sure she's not gonna blackmail you now that she knows you peed on a rollercoaster...and on your cousin." Triss chuckled.
"I won't Lindie, I promise." Elphie said, doing her best to hold in a laugh.
"Good." The blonde said. "Now that's enough embarrassing me for one night."
"I guess I'll save my story for later." Triss whispered to Elphie.
"Hey Gally, do you want your hair straightened?" Lani asked a few minutes later.
"Sure." Galinda said.
"I got this cool new hair straightener. It's basically a brush that heats up and acts as a flat iron."
"And she's been so pressed to use it on somebody." Triss added.
"Yeah, my hair is naturally straight so I can't really tell how good it works, but if it can get through your curls then I'll know it was worth the $20."
"Awesome! I'd love for you to try it out on me." Galinda bubbled.
"Great." Lani went upstairs to get the brush then came back.
"Oh I saw those on a commercial. It's so cool that you got one."
"Even if she technically doesn't need it." Triss said.
"There's nothing wrong with buying new things to try them out. Especially if I'm able to from being hardworking and responsible." Lani said, giving Triss a slight glare.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Am I not allowed to look at you?"
"It just feels like you're throwing shade."
"Why would I be throwing shade?"
"You tell me."
"I don't know. You always try to make it seem like people are attacking you when nobody is."
"Well you always seem to have something to say to me."
"You're the one who always has something to say. Learn when to stop." Lani said sternly and Triss scowled at her. Elphie was confused. This wasn't like the playful banter that Triss and Galinda usually had. The sisters genuinely seemed annoyed with each other. Galinda had been noticing something was a little off since earlier.
"Come on Gally, let's do your hair." Lani said as she sat down on the couch motioning for Galinda to come.
"I'm going to go charge my phone, it's dying. I'll be back...maybe." Triss said as she got up and left.
"Lani, is she ok?" Galinda asked concerned.
"She's fine. Don't worry about it. She's just in one of her moods." Lani said. Galinda wasn't convinced but came and sat down so Lani could do her hair. It took about 20 minutes and during that time they talked about pregnancy and babies and things like that. Galinda was hoping for a niece but she wouldn't be upset with a nephew either. Elphie was mostly just listening but contributed at some parts.
"All done." Lani said when she finished. Galinda stood up and looked in the mirror on the wall above the couch.
"Oh Lani I love it! That hot brush works great!" Galinda grinned and tossed her hair. "What do you think Elphie?"
"You look beautiful Lindie. I really like it." Elphie smiled. She didn't see Galinda with straight hair very often so it was a nice change. Her hair looked much longer when it was straightened all the way. It came midway down her back. She looked almost identical to Chloey now. "You look like your sister… more than usual." Elphie chuckled.
"You're right." Galinda chuckled looking in the mirror again. She grabbed her phone to show Lani a picture of Chloey.
"Are you sure you two are half- sisters and not fraternal twins?" Lani asked.
"Positive." Galinda laughed.
"Uncle Darol must have some crazy strong genes that overpowered both of your mothers'" she said and Galinda and Elphaba both agreed.
xxx
Later that night, Galinda washed up and got changed into her pajamas, then came over to Elphie's room. The green girl had just finished washing up.
"Elphie I remember telling you a while ago that I read it's healthier to sleep without panties on. But you basically just ignored that because you wear them anyway." Galinda said as she watched her get dressed.
"Lindie I always sleep in my underwear." the green girl said and Galinda gave her a look. "Except for on those nights." she added, referring to when they had sex.
"Come on Elphie, sleeping without undies is all the rage and your private parts will be happy that you finally set them free." the blonde said as Elphie put on her nightgown.
"Fine. If it will make you happy I'll take them off."
"It always makes me happy when you take them off." Galinda winked and giggled.
"Stop." Elphie chuckled as she removed her undergarments.
"How does it feel?"
"It feels as if I don't have underwear on. How else is it suppose to feel?" Elphie said and Galinda laughed. Elphie came over to kiss her and the kiss gradually got deeper. Galinda laid back and Elphie straddled her, which was a position they had been doing more often lately. They both got lost in each other for a few minutes.
"Lindie…" Elphie moaned when the tingles started getting too intense. Galinda was wearing pajama shorts, but the fact that Elphie's legs were spread open and she had no undergarment on was arousing them both a little too much. They slowed things down and their passion eventually turned back into playfulness.
"Elphie, if you don't mind I wanted to go talk to Triss a little bit before it gets too late. But I'll come back to kiss you and cuddle before bed." Galinda said,
"Alright my sweet, go ahead."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, I want you to enjoy your cousins while they're here. Don't be overly concerned about entertaining me. You know I don't mind alone time." Elphie said.
"True." Galinda smiled and kiss her lips. "I'll be back in a little bit."
"Okay my precious. Love you."
"Love you too." the blonde grinned then headed down the hall to her cousin's room.
xxx
"Hey big sissy Trissy." Galinda said popping her head in the door.
"Oh hey Gally. Wassup?" The older girl said. She was currently standing the by the mirror at the dresser and just finished putting her dark hair in two long braids.
"I just miss you and I'm really glad you're here." Galinda said plopping down on her bed.
"Aww I really missed you too. You know, it may have been 6 months but now that we're back together it barely even feels like we were ever apart."
"Yeah it's like we just picked up right where we left off." Galinda chuckled. Triss used the glass of water that Janina brought her and took her pills, then sat down beside her cousin.
"Those are cute PJ's."
"Thanks! I got them last semester for this big slumber party that we had in the lounge of our residents hall. It was crazy." Galinda said then proceeded to tell Triss all the details of that night including the game of truth or dare and all the drama that followed. "And that's kinda how Chloey eventually ended up finding out about me and Elphie's relationship."
"Dang. I'm glad she's cool about it now though."
"She's totally cool about it. She likes Elphie and has been super nice to her." Galinda said. "Oh my Oz! Did I ever tell you about the food fight?"
"Food fight? No you never told me" Triss said.
"It was wild! I wasn't even there for the confrontation part and I'm kinda mad missed I it. Chloey stood up for Elphie and Elphie stood up for me against this bitchy girl Feana, who used to be Chloey's roommate."
"Tell me about all it." Triss said getting comfortable and Galinda told her everything that she was told about the incident.
"Gally can I ask you something?" Triss said once they were on a different topic.
"Of course."
"It's kinda random but are you still a virgin or nah?" she asked bluntly. Galinda hesitated and started blushing. "I'll take that as a no." Triss chuckled.
"I'm not." she said a bit timidly.
"It's ok. I was just curious." Triss said. "So Elphaba was your first?"
"Yes. she's the only girl I've ever been with. I'm not having sex with a guy in this lifetime."
"Well you're a lesbian so I would assume not." Triss chuckled. "Now that it's grown on me for a while, I like the fact that you're into girls. I don't want you messing around with these fuckboys out here."
"Elphie loves me better than any guy ever could."
"I can see that from the way she treats you. She's very caring and gentle. I lost my virginity to someone who I never even want to speak to again, so I'm glad you lost yours to someone that you truly care about. That makes it special."
"You're right. But please don't tell my parents that I'm sexually active. They're ok with Elphie and I continuing to live together at school but they can't know that we have sex...very often."
"Gally why the hell would I ever tell your parents this?" Triss said.
"I don't know." Galinda said realizing that was a ridiculous request.
"I got you girl. I won't even tell Lani. Not that I planned on it."
"Thanks Triss. I wonder how Lani would feel though. She still very much sees me as a baby."
"Who knows. But she shouldn't have much to say because she was a wild one back in her youth. I can tell you an interesting secret about her if you promise to keep it between us."
"I'm listening." the blonde said perking up.
"Lani has been in...sexual situations with a few girls in the past."
"Wait what?" Galinda said very shocked and her eyes widened. "Is she bisexual?"
"No she's straight as far as I know. But she used to drink a lot with her friends during her sophomore year of college and they would start making out and get all touchy when they were alone and drunk together. Things got pretty amorous with one girl. She claims they never actually had sex but it was more than obvious she was hiding something back when she told me. So I have a strong feeling that they did."
"Wow." Galinda said, not knowing what else to say. "I never would have known that about Lani because she's so...perfect. Not that there's anything wrong about being sexual with girls. I wholeheartedly support it. But just the fact that she was drunk enough to do all that. Are you sure she's not bi?"
"I don't know. Maybe bi-curious at the time. She's always labeled herself as straight and never expressed any interest in girls outside of that experience."
"Wow." Galinda said again.
"Yeah Lani may act perfect but there's a lot you don't know about her. There's a lot I don't even know about her." Triss said.
"Speaking of Lani, has something been going on between the two of you? There seems to be some tension in the air." Galinda asked curiously.
"She's been kinda salty with me ever since I quit my job."
"But why did you quit? You were so glad to finally be working."
"I quit when I had that major relapse. It was hard enough staying motivated for school to finish up the year and barely pass my finals. There's no way I could have continued trying to balance a job with all of that. There were some days I couldn't even get out of bed." Triss explained. "I know I need to be working. But she very much knows everything that I've been going through so the fact that she would go off on me the way she did just seems really insensitive."
"What happened?" Galinda asked. Galinda knew that Lani usually means well but sometimes she has the tendency to assert her 'authority' in ways that may come off as harsh.
"She basically said that I either need to start paying rent or move out." Triss said. She had been living with Lani and Jonah for almost two years. Their apartment was walking distance from her University. Emerald City schools were very expensive so living with them was a cheaper option than living on campus since she had no scholarships. Their parents were divorced. Her mother and stepfather lived about 40 minutes away. Her dad and his partner lived even further. So this living arrangement also made her commute easier. Lani worked two jobs. Jonah had one full time job along with taking Grad classes at the University. Triss was usually occupied with school and having a job obviously didn't work out for her.
"She says I don't pay for anything around the house. I get it, I don't pay bills, I don't pay for groceries and stuff because I don't have that kind of money. Mama pays for my tuition and my therapy. But I pay for little things that I personally need with the little money I have. I had to use a chunk of my last paycheck on this stupid medication anyway. Lani said I either need to start contributing, move back in with mama or get a dorm on campus. I don't want to live with mama because I can't make that 40 minute trip back and forth everyday. I don't even have a car. I don't really want to live on campus my senior year but that's what I might have to do. I don't know how I'll afford it. Mama is already putting out a ton of money for me. I'll probably have to start taking out loans to help with the tuition."
"Do you not want to live with Lani and Jonah anymore?" Galinda asked. "I feel like if you at least try to get a job before the end of summer then it could work out."
"Even if I get a job I don't think I want to live with them. I'm not feeling it anymore. They always imply that I'm useless and lazy. Sometimes they make it seem like I'm using a legit mental illness as an excuse and I hate that. I do love them but there are times when I really can't stand them. Maybe being apart will be for the better. When I go back to the EC I'll probably be staying with Mama for the rest of the summer anyway and maybe try to find a job in her area. Then I'll see about getting a room on campus next year."
"If that's what you think is best for you." Galinda said a bit sadly.
"Are you upset about this?" Triss asked.
"I'm not. It's just... I know you guys have your differences sometimes but I'm just used to you two always being best friends. So the fact that you don't even want to live together anymore feels strange."
"Gally, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I always knew I wouldn't be living with Lani and Jonah forever. I also know they aren't gonna live in that apartment forever. They'll be married someday. They're also expecting a baby. I'll still be in school by time the baby arrives. The only extra room in the house is mine. They're gonna need the space and I don't wanna be in the way."
"I guess you have a point. Hopefully you'll be able to get a dorm next year. And it's not like you won't get to see them anymore. They're still right up the street." Galinda said.
"Right. I think it would be better that way. It seems like when you live with people for too long you start to get tired of them."
"In some cases but not all. Elphie and I have our moments but I could never get tired of her."
"Its different when It's your significant other." Triss chuckled and so did Galinda. "Also if I live on campus I'll have a meal plan so I won't be starving most nights waiting for them to come home with leftovers for me."She chuckled again.
"True." Galinda said. She could sense that her cousin was still not ok. There was something else there.
"Is anything else on your mind?"
"I don't know... I'm just really stressed about everything. I'm 21 years old and I don't even vaguely have my life together. I'm graduating next year, hopefully, and I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to do after that. I don't even know if I like my major. I just picked it because I was required to declare before junior year. I just don't know where my life is headed. It's hard for me to see myself in the future. Sometimes I wonder if I'll even make it there. I just don't know what to do. I try to act like i'm good and like I have everything together but in reality I don't. I'm lost and I'm a mess. It's so hard to always have to act ok and smile through the pain when I'm constantly falling apart on the inside." Triss said and started to cry. Galinda felt her cousins pain and held her while she released her pent up emotions through tears.
"You've been holding that in for a while haven't you?"
"I have." Triss said, wiping her eyes.
"Trissy, it's okay to be unsure about your future right now. I'm pretty sure I won't have my life figured out by time I'm your age either."
"Honestly, I didn't even expect to make it this far in life so I have no clue what I'm supposed to be doing. I feel like such a burden to everyone."
"You're not a burden. Not at all. You may not have expected to make it this far, but you did and I'm very glad you did. You're so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. I admire you for that."
"You don't think I'm a bad role model for you? I don't want you to turn out like me Gally. It's not fun."
"Of course I don't think that. You have so many amazing qualities. You're my big cousin. I've always looked up to you...and not just because you're taller." Galinda chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Triss couldn't help but smile.
"You know, Lani is a great sister and I love her a lot don't get me wrong. But if I had to give that 'best friend' title to anyone, it would be you. I know you have Elphaba, Chloey, and others. I have other friends too. Hell, you and I rarely even see each other these days. But honestly you're the one person I know I can count on for anything. We're always there for each other and it's been that way since we were little."
"That's true. Trissy, you were my very first best friend. We definitely have a bond that can't be undone. And I really do miss getting to see you in person as often as I use to." Galinda said.
"Me too." Triss said. They used to live in Frottica before her mom remarried and the moved to the Emerald City. "I miss going to dance class together, hanging out after school, going on walks, chasing down the ice cream truck." She chuckled.
"Those were the good old days! Remember when we used to have sleepovers at Nana's house? And you and I would stay up talking and laughing past bedtime." Galinda laughed.
"Yes!" Triss laughed. "And Lani would get so mad because she would actually be trying to sleep."
"Yeah and we all used to fight over who got to sleep on the top bunk. Lani always won because Nana didn't trust us up there when we were young." Galinda laughed.
"Oh my Oz! Remember when we had the fashion show for Sijo and Sady?"
"Yeah! We put them in tutus, it was so cute! Sijo hated it but Sady loved it. I always knew she was a girly girl."
"Then there was that time the three of us spent the night when Jazzy and the boys came down to visit. That was so much fun."
"It was! But Oz, eight grandkids in one house? We probably drove poor Nana crazy." Galinda chuckled. Jasmine was their oldest cousin, about 7 years older than Lani. She had four younger brothers. They were the children of Darol's other older sister. Jasmine wasn't as close as Lani, Triss and Galinda, mostly due to the age gap but the girls still loved her. The boys' ages were somewhere in the middle and out of all 8 kids, Galinda was the youngest.
"We probably did." Triss said chuckling along. The girls spent a long while talking, laughing and continuing to reminisce on fun/funny childhood memories and inside jokes.
"Wow I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time." Triss said once she caught her breath.
"Me neither." Galinda said, still giggling and wiping away a few tears.
"Gally, you and I are cousin goals to be honest." Triss said putting an arm around her.
"We totally are!" Galinda smiled as she leaned into the embrace.
"Guess what?"
"What?"
"I hate you." Triss grinned and poked her nose.
"I hate you more you big meanie!" Galinda giggled and hugged her.
"You little brat." Triss rolled her eyes and chuckled then kissed her on the cheek. They both knew that they're playful hatred meant love.
Xxx
Galinda and Tristina eventually said goodnight to each other a little after 2am and parted ways. Triss was going to hop in the shower because that's what she originally planned to do before Galinda came by. Galinda was headed back to Elphie's room as she had promised. She lightly tapped on the door and when she received no response she just walked in. Her heart melted a little bit and she smiled at the sight before her. Her adorable girlfriend had fallen asleep with her glasses on and a book in her hand. Galinda set the book on the nightstand and gently removed her glasses. While she was pulling the covers on top of her, the green girl stirred awake slightly.
"Linde? Are you ok?" she mumbled with her eyes barely open.
"I'm ok." Galinda smiled. "It's time for bed, alright?"
Elphie nodded and mumbled something else. Galinda chuckled softly as she tucked her in then kissed her forehead.
"Goodnight sweetheart. I love you." She whispered, even though Elphie was already back to sleep. She watched her for a moment then turned out the light and headed to her room.
