The words were difficult to say, and it took a great deal of effort to get them out. It hurt, and she felt the pain again and tensed up- afraid to go through it all again. Then she heard her roomie's soft voice whisper in her ear, she didn't always hear the words but the sound of her voice was enough to allow her to continue talking. When tears, of fear, frustration, anger, or everything at once threatened to flow she felt a small hand rub her back and hold her a little tighter until she could go on. At one point she ventured to hold Glinda's hand, needing to touch her for some reason, she didn't know if this was ok, and was relived to feel soft fingers squeeze her hand. All these sensations: the gentle touches, loving words, and warm embraces- this was all new to her, no one had ever cared enough to comfort her in this way. The sensations were confusing, but they allowed her to get through the telling of her ordeal with a minimal amount of pain. "I should have been more careful" Elphaba sighed "I shouldn't have walked that way alone at that hour of the morning. I guess it's my own fault."
In one swift and graceful move Glinda detached herself from behind Elphaba and planted her in front, taking hold of her hands. "None of this is your fault Elphie, none of it," she said with an intensity that frightened them both. "You need to believe that. Someone. Hurt. You. You did nothing to deserve this. It's not your fault. Period. End of Discussion" But if I had only…" Elphie started tearfully "No!" said Glinda firmly "What happened to you was not your fault. I mean it" Elphie saw a fire in her roomies beautiful blue eyes that she had never seen before. "You are right, of course, it's just hard to accept," she said as she allowed herself to be gathered up into an embrace. "I never intended to tell anyone, even you, any of this." Elphie murmured into Glinda's chest. "I figured that" smiled Glinda, "but if you came apart- who would I go to the next time I have a crisis- I mean really Miss Elphaba- do you think I did any of this for you" Glinda giggled, trying to lighten the mood a little. For her efforts, she was rewarded with one of Elphaba's beautiful smiles. Elphaba looked Glinda square in the eye. " Thank you" she whispered with affection she never thought she could feel for her roommate, and she kissed a pale soft cheek. Glinda responded with a soft quick peck on her lips and a hug. "I love you," she said. "Whatever comes next we will get through it together. You are not alone now. You are safe and you are loved." Glinda kissed her again, and Elphaba felt those words, Hopefully, someday, she would be able to believe them as well.
The girls spent the next half an hour or so hugging, laughing, crying, wiping away each others tears and trying to alleviate the emotional tension of the last few hours. The initial trauma of the attack seemed to have abated somewhat and Elphaba seemed to be a little stronger and in less emotional pain. She was still in considerable physical pain however. "Ow" Elphaba yelp and pulled back when Glinda accidentally touched one of the bruises on her thigh. "Oh Elphie, I'm so sorry" She almost reverted back to her tearful old self, but stopped short. "It's ok Glinda, it's not your fault, I am a little sore". Glinda stood up and put her hands on her hips "No doubt" she glared as tenderly as she could at the forlorn looking green girl on the bed. "Let's look and see how "sore" you really are" "That's not necessary, really, I checked myself over and I'm fine" Elphaba stated firmly. "As the blood on your nightgown from the gash on your leg will attest." Glinda glared, crossed her arms across her chest and tapped her foot. But her voice softened "Please Elphie, You went through a terrible ordeal, you may be really hurt"
Elphaba closed her eyes forcing the images away. "Ok- you win" she sighed loudly." "I always do" giggled Glinda as she carefully helped her wounded friend to her feet and into the bathroom.