Master Norven accompanied Glinda and Elphie to the train depot, due to the late hour. He saw to their baggage and made sure their accommodations were acceptable. Then he wished them a good spring recess and left them.

"I can't believe he pulled this off," Glinda said

"We need to mention his helpfulness to Madame Head when we return" Elphie noted.

The train lurched and started off down the tracks. Glinda took a deep breath and let it out heavily.

"Glad we are gone?" Elphie asked

Glinda nodded.

"Me too" Elphie agreed.

They looked out the window of their compartment, watching Shiz glide by and fade into the distance. The relief they both felt at leaving it behind, if only for awhile, was palatable

"Lyndie, are you sure you are Ok? You look a little pale." She moved over to her friend's side, stroked her cheek and put her arm around her.

"I'm better now- It's just everything happened so fast today- I was irritated at you this morning- caught in an small explosion that sent me to the dispensary this afternoon, told you I was, for all intents and purposes, in love with you this evening and now I'm on a train on my way to my parents house, wrapped in the arms of the same girl I was irritated with this morning and in love with this evening."

"I'm exhausted just hearing about it" Elphie kissed her best friend's head and chuckled. "Is any of that specifically troubling you, or is it just a general sense of overload?"

Glinda smiled "Well, obviously I'm no longer irritated with you, I wasn't seriously injured, although from my behavior one would think I was. I'm still hopelessly in love with you, and wrapped in your arms on our way to my parents, so I guess just general overload."

"My sweet I can identify with that feeling, believe me. I will do whatever it takes to get you through this before we arrive at your parents." Elphie said softly stroking Glinda's blonde curls.

"Just saying those things out loud is helping me put this day in perspective. I was very lucky today- some people were seriously injured."

"I know- In the note I sent to your parents- I only said we would explain our early arrival when we got there. I hope that was Ok- I meant to tell you earlier, but I was distracted by an absolutely adorable blonde, who I happen to love beyond measure, telling me she is in love with me." She chuckled.

"Elphaba Thropp, you are in love with another adorable blonde- you mean green thing" Glinda laughed

"And it is fine that you sent that note to my parents" She sent Elphie back to her seat.

"I hope you are as understanding when I tell you what I told my parents about you"

Elphie groaned "I will be I'm sure, tell me"

"When I wrote them, telling them you were coming- I told them about your allergy, or sensitivity or whatever it is, to water- my guess is they will tell a few select staff members"

"Staff members?" Elphie said looking unhappy.

"Yes, for example- Sargy, my maid- and your maid while you are there. She draws me a bath. If she never draws you a bath, and all your towels are always oily- I'm sure she would be very confused"

"You have a maid? What have I gotten myself into?" Elphie said rolling her eyes. "But that does make sense. So who else will know what an aberration I am"

"Elphie that is not funny- you know I dislike when you talk like that" the small girl said frowning

"I'm sorry my sweet" Elphie said regretting her use of the strong word "I really am- so who else?"

"Probably Cook and Gardner"

"I can understand the cook, but the gardener?"

"Only speculating: since my parents never, ever interfere with his schedule- if they suddenly tell him not to water somewhere, because we are out walking- he may just quit- He is sweet, but temperamental."

"I guess that makes sense too- but I feel bad that my presence is going to disrupt things so much"

"I didn't say that it was going to my love, but I know my parents- they will want to make sure you feel at home- this is one way they will see to that."

"Are there other ways? Or do I even want to know?"

"You might not- but I'm going to tell you anyway. I asked them to explain to the staff that you are green, that you were born that way- and that is that."

Elphie just stared at her roomie

"Oh Elphie you are angry with me"

"No Lyndie, I'm not- not at all. I know this is no big deal- It's ok"

"Honestly?"

"Honestly my sweet- In a way I'm glad you did- I takes a lot of pressure off of me."

Glinda smiled and relaxed "This is going to be a wonderful vacation Elphie, you'll see."

"I know" The green girl smiled. "Would you like to go and see if we can find something to drink- it's late, but the bar car might still be open."

"Sure- let's explore the train- I'm to hyper to sleep now anyway"

Elphie laughed and took her hand. They saw the conductor, collecting tickets and had to go back to get theirs. He told them the bar car was open until midnight and they had about half an hour. The girls headed off down the narrow passageway until they entered the noisy, smoky bar car. As usual Elphie was the object of much curiosity, which she ignored, but Glinda bristled at.

"My sweet, you have got to stop letting people like this get to you- really"

"I know- but It is still an unpleasant reminder of how I used to behave."

"I don't even think about that any more- we've come too far to dwell on that, way to far- so please try- for me"

"For you- I'll try"
"Ladies, what can I do you for?" the barkeep asked

Elphie turned to face him

"Sweet Lurline, your green!" He said

"Only because I'm so crazy jealous that those brutes over there were making eyes at my girl" Elphie said winking at Glinda, who tried not to giggle.

"What have you got that's non-alcoholic?" She said, trying to stifle her own glee.

The flustered barkeep handed them a list. She showed it to Glinda, who pointed to what she wanted.

"I'll have a glass of milk and my woman will take a Munchkinberry juice- to go"

She put her arm around Glinda's waist and pulled her close.

"We will also take some cheese and crackers."

"Right away ma'am the barkeep stammered.

Glinda climbed up on a barstool and Elphie stood behind her, whispering in her ear to try and keep a straight face. The more Elphie whispered the harder it was to do. At last their order arrived

"Pay the man sweetie" Elphie said using her well-practiced non- chalant look.

Glinda complied and Elphie took the food and drinks, Glinda slipped her arm through Elphie's and walked very seductively to the door, before she walked out she turned and said in an airy, sexy voice

"Bye Boys"

They exited to hoots and catcalls.

They barely kept it together as the all but sprinted down the passageway. As soon as they were in their compartment, they both broke into spasms of laughter.

"Elphie you are awful- really you are. What in Oz got into you?" she said trying to catch her breath, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"What about you? You wanton hussy"

They flopped in their seats laughing uproariously. When they finally regained their composure Glinda commented

"One day you really need to tell me about how you know so much about bars- bawdy tunes, teasing barkeeps. The secret life of Elphie."

"I have to retain some mystery my sweet," She chuckled

Glinda started to comment but changed her mind. Elphie noticed.

"I know you think I am this walking, talking enigma, but I have been more open with you than I have been with anyone-ever. But we all have things we need to keep to ourselves. And don't start to pout- because you have your mysteries as well my sweet." She laughed

Glinda was tempted to be offended, but realized Elphie was quite correct "I guess I do" she chuckled

They finished their snack, chatting about their little stunt in the bar car earlier. Glinda yawned.

"I think I need some sleep Elphie"

She reached into the overhead compartment and pulled out pillows and blankets.

"Do you want to switch the couches into the bed?" Elphie asked starting to perform the task.

"As much as I would enjoy cuddling, snuggling and falling asleep in your arms, on a train. I think that for the next few hours, I shall stretch out on this couch by myself and just dream of cuddling and snuggling with you on a train" She winked at her flustered friend.

Elphie flushed the deepest shade of green Glinda had yet to see.

She kissed Elphie lightly "This comes with the territory, my love" she said gently.

She stretched out on the couch covering herself with a blanket and closing her eyes.

A little confused, Elphie sighed and looked at her friend. "What in Oz am I going to do with her?" She thought. "I'll love her, and allow her to love me. What else can I do?" she whispered into the night.

Elphie looked out the window into the dark night. She felt the train sway and jolt around slightly, and heard the light clatter of the wheels against the tracks. She let those things guide her to a place she hadn't really visited for awhile- the world inside her head. So many things were swirling around in there it took her some time to sort them out. After she did she realized that the vast majority of them included Glinda. The next few hours she mused. First she tried to pinpoint when, exactly, that she knew she loved her roomie. When she realized the daunting nature of that task, she decided it didn't really matter.

All that mattered is that she knew she did, and she wanted to make sure she understood what that meant. If what she felt for her father, siblings and Nanny was love- then what she felt for Glinda had to be something else, because it was deeper, so much more profound, far more confusing and scarier. She knew that there were different types of love, for different types of people in one's life. When Glinda told her earlier that she was actually in love with her, that added a new twist to her love puzzle. Was that depth of emotion that had frightened her so when she was singing to Glinda the other night. She thought so, but all her orderly thoughts were starting to swirl and merge in her head.

"Why can't emotions be orderly and clear cut?" She said to herself.

She continued her musings, focusing on their imminent arrival in Frottica. She was much more anxious than she had let on to Glinda. For her, this trip held more pitfalls than leaving home and going to Shiz had. Why? Glinda. As with almost everything in her life now- it came back around to that beautiful girl sleeping a few feet from her. She glanced over at the figure stretched out under the blanket and sighed. Glinda had told her much about her home, parents and life, but she was still unable to imagine what this trip would turn into.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the jolt caused by the slowing of the train.

Glinda awoke with a start; she was frightened but got her bearings quickly when she saw Elphie.

What's going on Elphie?" She yawned

"I have no idea my sweet- maybe a scheduled stop- why don't you try and go back to sleep"

"Uh-Uh, Not that I don't want to return to that wonderful dream" She smiled slyly "but you look upset my love. Is something the matter?" She stretched and sat up

"Nothings the matter, my sweet- I've just been thinking is all"

"About what?"

"As it happens- mostly you"

"Well, normally I'd sat goody to that comment, but seeing your face when I woke up, I don't think that word will do"

"No you can still go with goody- mostly I was thinking about how much I love you"

"Goody then" She chuckled "But there's more to this isn't there?"

"Lyndie, what if I don't fit in at your house? What if I'm overwhelmed and can't relate well. What if I embarrass you? What if…"

Glinda went over and snuggled with her friend putting the long green arms around her. Elphaba preferred to do the holding, as opposed to being held.

"Elphie, please settle down, you've thought yourself into a tizzy." She stroked the soft hands that were around her. "None of that is going to happen" Glinda said gently

"You don't know that" Elphie whispered "It's happened before"

Glinda removed herself from Elphie's arms and turned to face her,

"Elphaba Thropp, I want you to look at me," She said sternly. Elphie did, looking very unhappy

"Do you think for a minute I would have brought you with me if I thought you would somehow get hurt in the process. Honestly Elphie, you have got to give yourself some credit."

"Maybe you need to give me less" Elphie sighed

"Stop this nonsense right now- Elphie where is this coming from, why are you so anxious all of a sudden?"

"It's not all of a sudden- I've been anxious since you proposed this little trip- but now, there is so much more at stake" Elphie sighed.

Glinda repositioned herself in Elphie's arms, now having an idea what was going on inside that overly analytical mind of hers.

"Talk to me Elphie, my love- remember- no fear"

"I know I was over reacting. But I want you to be happy and enjoy your trip home. But let's face it, I'm not the most likeable individual you know"

"No I don't know- Elphie you are not the same girl who started school. Not only have you captured my heart, you have friends in your classes now- and you have won over my friends who used to think you were evil incarnate

She chuckled and luckily so did Elphie.

"There is not a chance in hell that my parents won't like you I know them- I know you- I know you came along to please me and I don't expect you to become a debutante social butterfly- Actually I wouldn't want you to anyway. Just be who you are. The girl I adore, eccentricities, insecurities and all." She leaned up and kissed her friend.

"You are so sure about all of this- you are always so sure" Elphie said squeezing Glinda and feeling her snuggle close

"I'm sure of you my love- that's all I need. Everything else will fall into place- you'll see"

They sat in the comfortable silence they cherished for a long while. Elphie thought Glinda might have drifted back to sleep. But she was wide- awake, listening to her love's heartbeat, feeling her chest rise and fall.

"What am I going to do with her?" Glinda thought, but she already knew the answer.

"I love you Elphie"

"I love you too Lyndie"

"Are you feeling better now my love? I don't want you to be anxious about this- if ever you are we shall leave at once"

"I'm no longer anxious, my sweet and yes I feel better now. And there will be no need for us to leave early"

Glinda sighed happily

"Glinda just please remember who I am and how I can get"

"How could I ever forget, my love- who you are and how you get is what I fell in love with- You will have all the alone time you require, I promise- Ok?"

"Ok" She laid her head on Glinda's

Glinda drifted back to sleep in Elphie's arms, mumbling, sighing and occasionally giggling. Elphie was feeling much better about the whole trip, not that she wasn't nervous, but she wasn't frantic anymore. She held Glinda, alternating between stroking her cheek, and her hair, and watched the sun inch it's way up as the train chugged closer and closer to Frottica. In a few hours the girl in her arms would be home. Glinda shifted and stretched, sitting up

"Hi" She said sleepily

"Hi yourself- I'm terrified to ask what you were dreaming about"

Glinda only smiled and kissed her friend's cheek "I wasn't planning on telling you now anyway. Maybe someday, when you're older." She winked.

Before Elphie could blush, or comment Glinda squealed:

"Elphie look- the sun is up- we will be home in a few hours" The sleepy girl instantly turned into the squirmy girl, making Elphie laugh.

They heard the food cart coming down the passageway.

"Here or the bar car?" Elphie asked

"Oh I can't show my face in there after last night" Glinda laughed

"Here it is then"

She opened the door to their compartment and hailed the server.

"Breakfast Miss?" She said stopping by their door

"Do you have any fig buns?"

"Sure do- just made- still warm too"

"Yummy" Glinda said from inside- "I'll take two"

"Three fig buns, a carafe of coffee, a glass of milk and a glass of water- Oh and some heavy cream if you have it."

The server gathered the requests and brought a tray into the compartment. Elphie paid her and thanked her.

"Warm fig buns, a great start to a great vacation" Glinda bubbled

She poured some coffee for herself and Elphie

"Elphie, coffee for you only if you promise to behave."

"I'll be an angel," She said putting her hand over her heart

"I just said behave not change completely" She chuckled pouring cream into the green girl's coffee

"These fig buns are wonderful," Glinda said

"They are indeed" Elphie agreed

They ate and sipped coffee and chatted about things Glinda wanted to do while she was home. She was excited and bubbly. Elphie loved seeing her like this. The train stopped and when the conductor called out the stop Glinda clapped her hands and squeaked.

"Only two more stops" She bounced in her seat

"Are you finished with breakfast, my sweet. - I'd like to move this tray before you knock it over" She laughed

"Yes, just leave the water"

Elphie put the water and milk glasses on the table and put the tray in the passageway for pick up.

Glinda was all but impossible to contain. She bounced and wriggled and couldn't sit still. As they went through the next stop and Frottica was very close. It only got worse.

"Elphie- I'm so excited."

"I never would have guessed" Elphie said straight faced

"Promise me, my love, that you are fine with this"

"I'm perfectly fine- so please don't fret about it- I shall tell you if anything starts to trouble me- I promise."

Glinda gathered her best friend in the world, and the love of her life up in a huge hug and kissed her softly.

"After a hug like that, I'd agree to anything" Elphie said

"That was what I was counting on." Glinda smiled

"Frottica, next stop Frottica" The conductor sing-songed up and down the passageway

"Elphie, we're here, we're here!" She started to skip out of the door, and not even the jerking train could stop her.

Elphie had no interest in trying to settle her exuberant roomie down- not that she could anyway. So she gathered up their things took a deep breath and followed Glinda out of the door and prepared herself for spring recess.

Glinda waited in the passageway for Elphie and took her things.

"Sorry" She said sheepishly

Elphie laughed "Just hold my hand and all will be forgiven"

Glinda took her hand, kissed it and grasped it tightly, shifting from foot to foot waiting for the train to come to a complete stop. When it finally did, she settled down briefly.

"I love you Elphaba Thropp" She whispered

"And I you, Galinda Upland"