Many, many, many warm and happy thanks to my reviewers, whogave me veryhelpful constructive criticism. I had no idea that POV changes mattered at all when a story's written in the third person, so I really appreciate your bringing that to my attention. A little confusion I must clear up: When Elphaba's face got wet in the last chapter, I had meant for it only to be in the consistency of steam or mist, and that was why it didn't effect her so strongly. I thought I had explained that in there, but I must have forgotten. Sorry about that. In other news, I'm still not very confident with this plot-line, so any pointers in that or any regard are, as always, deeply appreciated.
I messed around with the time-line in the book, so don't try and use that as a guide anymore, or you'll be confused.
I own nothing but my own twisted mind. And even it has been applying for emancipation lately.
When Elphaba entered her dorm room, Galinda was sitting up at her vanity. The moment the door opened, Galinda tried to pretend she had not been waiting for Elphaba but instead was brushing her hair for bed. Unfortunately, in her hurry to grab her brush, she fumbled it and it bounced off the table and landed in her lap.
"Waiting up for me?" Elphaba sneered.
Galinda looked away and used the mirror to set her face calm and disconnected.
"Why, Miss Galinda," Elphaba said, putting a hand over her heart in mock sentiment. "I had no idea you cared."
"Miss Elphaba," Galinda started in a patronizing tone, "I think we need to talk."
"Yes." Elphaba interrupted her. "You've just reminded me. I promised Master Boq that you would speak to him."
Galinda's arguments and complaints were instantly forgotten. "You did what?" She shouted, deeply insulted.
Elphaba groaned. "Must I repeat myself? I've never been one to break promises, Miss Galinda, so I would appreciate it if you would help me keep this one."
"Why did you do that?" Galinda's face was going pink. If she was seen speaking with that Munchkin, it would be the end of her social acceptance at that school. She might as well pack up and go home.
Elphaba set her teeth and glared at Galinda in a sleepy sort of way, as though she had been angry for a long time and was getting bored and annoyed with it. "Because he likes you."
"I've noticed." She answered haughtily, then continued, "but Miss Elphaba, I don't like him. He's a Munchkin, for Lurline's sake! What will people say?"
"Do you really care that much about what other people say about you?" Elphaba was challenging her, and Galinda reacted just as Elphaba had hoped she would.
She straightened her back. "Of course I don't care what other people say about me! They should be worried about what I say about them!"
"Then meet with him." Elphaba offered. "He really is a nice boy. Maybe your opinion of him will change once you get to know him."
"But I -"
"You're not trying to say anything against Munchkinlanders, are you?" Elphaba asked, squaring her shoulders andknowing Galinda was aware that Elphaba was born in Nest Hardings.
"No, I -" Galinda's posture had shrank.
"Then what's stopping you from meeting with him?"
"I don't like him!" Galinda shouted, becoming frustrated.
"You've hardly ever spoken to him, Miss Galinda." Elphaba retorted. "How can you tell whether you like him or not?"
"I just -"
"Surely you aren't the kind of person that judges based solely on appearances. Really Galinda, I wouldn't have guessed you to be so shallow." Elphaba couldn't believe how manipulating she was being. What she was doing to naive, self-conscious little Galinda made her sick to her stomach. But this was what Boq wanted - to have Galinda meet with him, and Elphaba had promised to get him what he desired.
Galinda let out an exasperated growl. "Fine! I'll do it!" She shouted, then pointed a finger at Elphaba. "But you're coming with, Miss Elphaba! I'm not taking any chances and letting him think this is a date!"
"Good, then it's settled," Elphaba said, and went to her closet to change into her nightdress.
She curled up in bed with her back to her roommate, and lay awake long after Galinda had climbed into her own squeaky bed and turned out her light. Everything had gone exactly how she had planned. That is, except Galinda's last remark. Elphaba was to go with her? She had not expected anything of the sort to happen. Boq would be truly disappointed if he did not get time alone with Galinda, and Elphaba knew that. She wanted him to be happy, to get what he wanted - even if that was someone else - and she was doomed to fail already. Not only this, but Elphaba was not certain she would be able to control her anger and frustration at this small and blind man when in the same room with him and his object of affection, whom Elphaba also deeply resented. But then again, did she really want for things to go smoothly between the two of them? Her answer was all at once "of course" and "hell no."
