Elphie re-read the note Glinda had left for her.
My Love,
I didn't want to wake you, as you were sleeping so peacefully, and need to so badly.
Please stay in, as a favor to me, it is raining very hard.
I will return very soon.
I love you,
Lyndie
"A little cryptic. Must mean she is up to something." Elphie smiled.
Since she was dressed and well rested, Elphie thought she would go see if her fugitive love was in the house somewhere. She checked the parlor first since that seemed to be a favorite congregating place and found Glinda's mother sitting sipping coffee.
"Good morning Mrs. Upland"
"Good morning Elphaba dear. Did you sleep well?"
"Very well thank you. Have you seen Glinda?"
"Come, sit my dear. Glinda went down to the stables during a break in the rain, hoping for a quick ride.
She left strict instructions that if it was raining; she wanted you to stay here. I was not to let you out of the house" She laughed and shook her head.
"She can be a little over protective" Elphie chuckled
"I see that- She does seem to worry about you getting wet, and you do have that water allergy"
" True," Elphie said, hoping the conversation would end here.
""It is a very hard thing for me to imagine, allergic to water. It's so very unusual. I don't want to pry Elphaba dear but what exactly happens to you if you get wet. Do you sneeze, or swell, or break out in a rash?"
Elphie sighed, obviously Glinda didn't give them a complete accounting of the situation.
"You are not prying. But it's a little more complicated, and serious than that."
Seeing Mrs. Upland's confused and concerned expression
"Allow me to show you" She took a deep breath.
To her own surprise she did something she had only done two other times in her life- neither time willingly. She dipped a cloth napkin into a water glass and steeling herself against the inevitable pain, allowed two drops of water to fall on her forearm and left them there for a couple of seconds. She felt the burning and heard Mrs. Upland gasped. Unable to tolerate more, she quickly took a dry napkin and gently dabbed the drops off, flinching at the touch.
"Sweet Oz Elphaba, you're burned"
She was looking at the two very red and inflamed welts that had appeared on Elphie's arm.
"I'm sorry if I frightened you," She said keeping her voice from cracking as she recovered. "I usually never have to explain the problem, because I can cover well enough. But Glinda told you about it, as was proper, and you have a right to understand"
"Elphaba, you're burned" was all the stunned lady could say.
"I'm fine now-- really." She pulled a small vile out of her pocket;
"I usually keep this in my pocket when I'm away, just in case. It's an aloe based oil, very soothing"
She put a little on her fingers and gently rubbed it on the welts, trying not to wince.
"Elphaba, I had no idea, I'm sorry I put you through that" She was clearly upset
"Mrs. Upland, I could have tried to explain, but this was easier and quicker. And I promise, It doesn't hurt much at all anymore, and will heal in a few days. Although explaining these marks to my sensitive roomie will be difficult"
She laughed, hoping to ease the tension she had inadvertently created
Seeing that Elphaba was laughing and seemed none the worse for wear, Mrs. Upland relaxed slightly
"May I ask, is this related to your unique skin coloring?"
Prepared for this Elphie answered easily "That is what I have always thought, it's been this way since I was born. And I have learned how to protect myself."
"This demonstration for my benefit was painful for you, but caused you no permanent damage- true?"
Elphie decided it was best to be up front with this woman, as she sensed nothing but true concern from her.
"My little stunt did cause me pain, but did not permanently harm me- true." She said seriously, looking at her directly.
"And I gather that too much water at once, or prolonged exposure would do you serious ham" She said easily understanding the implications.
"Those scenarios would do me serious harm- yes." She agreed. A little surprised that she was being so candid about a topic she normally tried to gloss over.
"Galinda is aware of all of this?"
"She is, she has seen what can happen and although we have never directly spoken of the implications- I fully believe she understands what they are."
"Thank you for being so direct with me about this Elphaba. I will take you at your word that you are unharmed, and will make no more of it"
"Thank you for that" Elphie said sincerely
"Now my dear, since it is still raining and Glinda will give us both Ozma's own wrath if you go down to the stables after her, would you care to join me for some coffee and sweet bread."
Elphie accepted a cup of coffee and selected a cinnamon bun from the plate offered her.
"Thank you Mrs. Upland"
They chatted for a time about Elphie's day at Upland Manor yesterday and if her room was satisfactory and general chi-chat." Although she sensed no underlying ulterior motives in Mrs. Upland's words or demeanor, her past experiences made her a bit wary
"I went to check on my daughter during the storm yesterday," Mrs. Upland said
Elphie flushed, and Glinda's mother looked at her oddly.
"Are you well my dear, you seem to be a darker shade of green."
The comment made her flush harder
"That's my version of blushing, I'm sorry," Elphie said very embarrassed
"Oh my dear, It is I who should apologize- I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, but I heard you singing to Galinda and your voice is lovely"
Elphie thought she was going to pass out from embarrassment, but for Glinda's sake she pulled it together.
"Thank you" She said as calmly as she could manage.
" When I discovered Glinda was afraid of storms I would lie down with her, to try and comfort her, but that didn't always work, so I started singing to her, because she liked my voice. That always seems to calm her."
Mrs. Upland had tears in her eyes "Oh my dear Elphaba, you have no idea how relived I am. We were very worried about what happened to her during storms while she was at school, she said you stayed with her, but not that you went to such lengths to soothe her. I am very grateful."
"Has she always been afraid of storms?" Elphie ventured
"Since she was a baby, but instead of getting better as she got older, it seemed to get worse." She looked at the green girl sipping coffee and softened her voice
"I can see why Galinda adores you so much"
Elphie flushed again and was becoming flustered.
"Oh dear, I've upset you again"
Elphie sighed "No ma'am you haven't, I'm just very unused to so much attention. Glinda is a very special girl and a great friend to me, she has taught me a lot about friendship and caring. Compared to that, my singing her through a storm is a very small thing." She said surprising herself again.
Mrs. Upland smiled at Elphie " Not to her, my dear and I venture that you do much more for her than that."
Before Elphie could comment Cook came bustling in
"Excuse me, I need to see you Mrs. Upland"
"Of course Cook, will you excuse me Elphaba?"
"Of course"
"And Elphaba, thank you for talking with me so candidly, it comforts me to know Galinda has such a friend as you watching out for her."
She was left alone in the parlor, her emotions churning. She couldn't believe she had put water on her own skin, or that she had been so candid with Glinda's mother or that the mother of the girl she adored genuinely seemed fond of her and accepted without reservation. That was the hardest thought for her to wrap her head around. She desperately needed to talk to Glinda and was mildly irritated at her for leaving her and being gone for so long. She settled herself down and processed the morning, deciding that none of what had happened was worth becoming distressed over, so she put it away for the time being. But she still wanted to see Glinda and looked out of the window hoping to.
"Finally" she breathed as she noticed that the rain had stopped falling.
Elphie headed out the front door on her way to what she hoped were the stables. She enjoyed the smell of the flowers and the glistening drops of rain on the grass. She saw a man tending to a bed of flowers and recognized him as the gardener.
"Good morning Mr. Gardener- that is a lovely flower patch"
"Oh- Good morning- you're Miss Elphaba- Miss Galinda's school friend aren't you?
"Guilty" Elphie said amiably
"A pleasure to meet you- and it's just Gardener"
She nodded an acknoweldement. "I'm looking for the stables, could you please point me in the right direction?"
"I'll just walk you down there, it's not far and I need to go down that way anyway"
"Thank you- that's kind "
They walked, Elphie asked about the plants and flowers that dotted the landscape. Gardener was very knowledgeable. Elphie, admiring the grounds and not really paying attention to where she was going stepped into a mud puddle and slipped. Gardener grabbed her arm and around her waist to keep her from falling.
"That was close Miss Elphaba. Are you…"
Before he could finish, Elphaba looked at him, "I… " But she couldn't form words. Panicked she turned and hurried back to the house.
She ran up the stairs to her room and shut the door. She was terrified and shaking, having trouble breathing.
She sat in a chair trembling. "You're Ok, you're Ok" She said out loud over and over.
Finally her breathing calmed and she settled down. She sat there in the chair sorting through her thoughts, trying to cope with her terror.
10 or so minutes later Glinda burst through the door, frantic.
"Elphie, you're hurt! Where are you hurt?" She said racing to her friend's side.
"Glinda- what? I'm not hurt," Elphie said confused, but glad to see her.
"Gardener came to get me at the stables, he said you slipped in the mud, and your face looked like you had hurt yourself- I ran right up- what happened?"
"Glinda sit down, please and calm down- I am unharmed- I promise- I'm not hurt."
Glinda sat in a chair across from Elphie and studied her carefully
"You're not hurt. But something is very wrong- I can see it- talk to me Elphie"
"I didn't get hurt- I got scared" Elphie said quietly "I wasn't…"
Glinda's mother came bustling into the room
"Elphaba dear, are you alright? I was informed you were injured," She said very concerned.
"I'm fine, Mrs. Upland, I'm not hurt- I just slipped in the mud"
"Are you sure dear, I can send for the doctor."
Elphie was struggling to maintain control. Glinda could see it on her face.
"She was in a very unladylike and embarrassing position when she slipped is all mother"
"She is unharmed?"
"I am unharmed Mrs. Upland- I promise, just a little flustered. I must have scared poor Gardener to death"
"He was very concerned," Glinda said
"Please tell him I'm fine and I'm sorry for causing him worry." Elphie said, needing this conversation to end.
Sensing this, Glinda got up and gently got her mom to the door.
"Mother would you please have something sent up for us to drink?"
"Certainly dear- I'm glad you are Ok Elphaba"
"Thank you"
"I'll see to those drinks"
"Thanks Momsie" Glinda said kissing her on the cheek
Glinda shut the door behind her mother
"Elphie, you may not be hurt, but you are not even close to being Ok."
Elphie started trembling again, her long fingers intertwining with one another Glinda pulled her chair closer to Elphie's sitting inches away from her struggling friend.
"Talk to me Elphie- tell me, whatever it is"
There was a knock on the door, Elphie bolted up from her chair and ran into the bathroom.
Sighing Glinda went over and opened the door- Cook was carrying a tray with a pitcher of milk and a pitcher of apple juice. "Cider's not here yet Miss Galinda- sorry"
"This is fine Cook- thank you so much"
"Is Miss Elphaba alright?"
"She's fine- I promise"
Cook nodded and left. Glinda closed the door, put the tray on the side table and went into the bathroom.
Elphie was very distressed, and didn't seem to be focusing on anything.
"Come out and sit my love, we will talk it out. "
She took her by the hand and led her gently towards the bed, then went and poured them something to drink.
"Drink this Elphie" She said handing her a glass of milk.
Elphie complied and took a long drink, which seemed to snap her out of the haze she was in.
Glinda put the glasses on the nightstand and sat down on the bed. Elphie shifted, leaning back against the headboard and Glinda sat cross- legged across from her.
"Elphie shook her head "I was doing so well, no nightmares for a long time, I haven't been jumpy or really moody. I thought I was coping- finally putting all of that behind me"
"Elphie you have been coping, very well- Please tell me what happened- what frightened you"
"I don't know!" She cried out frustrated.
She was very agitated and Glinda knew better than to do much to comfort her.
"Your Gardener was walking me down to the stables to met you. I slipped in the mud and almost fell. He grabbed my arm and around my waist to keep me from falling. It was all very proper. When I was steady he released me."
She started to tremble
"I panicked Lyndie, I was terrified of that sweet man, all I could do was run back to the house. My stomach was in knots. I couldn't breath. I was terrified- I still am." She spoke softly, tears starting to fall.
Glinda handed her a napkin to dry them.
"I flashbacked- I was there, it was so real. My eyes saw that lovely Gardener but my body felt those awful men- I could feel them, smell them"
She leaned forward in to Glinda's arms her body shaking. Glinda held her close stroking her hair, until she stopped and finally got her bearings.
"All that scared me but what scared me more was the fact I couldn't distinguish between what I thought was real and what really was real.
"But you did." Glinda said, treading lightly
"I finally did, but I felt like I was going crazy- losing my grip on reality- even when your mother came in- it was like I was talking from somewhere else."
"Do you feel like that now?"
"No, I'm just scared- scared I felt like that at all"
She reached for her glass and drained it, sighing loudly
"I wouldn't be so hard on yourself Elphie. You found your bearings, you are back in control."
"I know-I know"
"I think it is unrealistic to expect that nothing will ever frighten you, especially here in unfamiliar surroundings." Glinda took her friends still trembling hands in hers
"Elphie, It's only been a month," She said softly.
"I know" she whispered
Elphie closed her eyes briefly, then got up and poured herself some more milk. "More juice?"
"No, thanks- are you feeling better my love?" Glinda hated to see her hurting so.
She followed Elphie over to the chairs and sat near her
"I am, I guess."
They sat for awhile silently, then Glinda, who could take it no longer, went and wedged herself beside Elphie in the chair, who shifted so they were both comfortable. Glinda intertwined her fingers in Elphie's and started to play with them. This had become one Glinda's favorite things, and she knew Elphie liked it too. Elphie leaned her head against Glinda's and banished her fears.
"Glinda," Elphie said after a time, "Are you wearing trousers?" She said finally noticing her roommates attire.
"It's a riding habit- Mother is arranging to have one sent for you- we can go riding together"
Elphaba laughed "You really expect me to put on trousers and get on a horse?"
" I guess the riding out fit is negotiable, but I thought you might at least try to ride.- you can ride Starlight's dam, Starshine- she is very gentle and goes slowly." She admitted to herself that the image of Elphie astride a horse was amusing.
"I'll think about it- your mom didn't mention a riding habit to me when we chatted earlier."
"You and Momsie had a chat- how grand!"
"Please, Glinda, like that wasn't your intention all along, leaving that early for the stables" She chuckled
"Elphie are you honestly suggesting that I caused it to rain, so you would stay in, and run into my mother while looking for me."
"I think you awoke saw it raining and then did what you just said." She laughed
"You give me far to much credit Elphie"
"My sweet, I don't think I give you nearly enough"
They both collapsed into a giggle fit then lapsed into the comfortable silence that had become such a big part of their time together. It seemed to do them both good, just being in proximity to one another, and it served as a form of comfort for Elphie,
Glinda picked up a sketchpad and started doodling. Elphie was reading. They sat together in the big chair, doing nothing in particular for quite awhile. Elphie was feeling like herself again. They were so relaxed that the both jumped a little at the knock at the door.
"Come in" Elphie called
"Elphaba dear- are you feeling better?"
"I am- thank you very much"
"Oh I'm so glad, May I steal Galinda away for just a moment?"
Glinda glanced at Elphie, who nodded that she was Ok now.
"Certainly Mrs. Upland"
Glinda followed her mom across the hall to her own room.
"Galinda darling- is she really fine?"
"She really is"
"Gardener explained what happened and well, I wanted to make sure that there was no- how should I put this …nothing inappropriate. She seemed so upset earlier"
"Mother- no!" Glinda was stunned at the thought. "Elphie told me what happened and said specifically that it was all very proper"
She motioned for her mom to sit and gave her an edited, and altered account of what had happened to Elphie at Shiz, and explained why she acted as she had.
" How awful for her, the poor dear" Her mom said sincerely
"She is fine now mom, really- let's just forget about this morning"
"If you think that is best dear" She kissed her daughter and left. Glinda walked back over to Elphie's room
"Is everything Ok? She said taking off her glasses and putting aside her book.
"Oh yes- she was just concerned. I gave her a version of what happened to you back at Shiz, and why you got so upset earlier." She flopped in a chair, while Elphaba shot up out of hers.
"You did what?" Her voice was tight; her hands clenched She felt angry. " Glinda, how could you!"
"Elphie, I didn't tell her what really happened" Glinda said softly hoping to soothe her
"I don't care- you had no right to tell her anything about it" She was very agitated and started to pace
" Elphaba, please-I had to tell her something- so she wouldn't think Gardener did something to upset you- I didn't think it would matter" Glinda was becoming a little irritated at Elphie's attitude.
"Wouldn't matter? Obviously you didn't think at all, as usual" Her eyes flashed angrily
"Would you please settle down. Let's talk about this" She was still irritated, but in better control than Elphie.
"Talk, about what?" Elphie was clearly angry now, her eyes cold her words hard. "How you betrayed me?"
"Elphaba, I did not betray you" Glinda was taken a back
"Like hell you didn't" She spat, standing still and looking directly into Glinda's eyes
"How could you even think that" Glinda shot back, not even trying to hide the anger in her tone.
"This was not yours to banter about at your whim. I trusted you with my scariest emotions- my darkest pain and fears and you dole it out like small talk whenever the urge arises." She was pacing again now, seething.
"What? " Glinda was incredulous. She got up and started moving around too.
"How could you think this wouldn't matter to me? Did it ever occur to you that I might need all this kept private."
"Not in this instance, no- someone else was involved, at least in my mothers mind, why is that so hard for you to comprehend?" Her voice was loud
"Uggghhh" Elphaba yelled in frustration and anger "Do you hear yourself?"
"Do you hear yourself?" Glinda's voice rose "You should have come with an owner's manual" She hurled angrily
Elphie whirled and glared hard at the angry blonde "An- owner's – manual" Her voice even colder than before.
"Don't turn this into a matter of semantics Elphaba- I need a "How to read Elphie's mind and interpret her thoughts" manual"
"I don't believe this- what am I? - Someone you turn on to coddle in your spare time or sing you to sleep. A class project- build a best friend in 5 easy steps" She had stopped pacing- but her words were venomous.
"Easy!" Glinda actually yelled, "Do you think any of this has been easy. " Glinda didn't even try to hide her ire.
""You're acting like your actions have no effect on me at all" Elphie shot back
"Do they? Have they ever?" Glinda's face was flush.
"This is impossible- Why am I even bothering? You haven't heard anything I've said." Elphie was furious
"As if you're really the model of active listening!" Glinda hissed.
"Do what you want, Galinda you always do anyway. "Elphie's voice dripped vitriol
"I am not going to be bullied Elphaba- I was trying to help, trying to protect you"
"Help me, protect me, betray me" She spat out the last two words harshly " If these concepts are interchangeable in the world of friendship and love, then I made the wrong choice!" She was livid, glaring at Glinda, who matched her glare.
"If you think that is even possible, Elphaba - maybe you did." Glinda shot back.
Elphie spun and stalked out of the room and down the hall. Glinda let out a frustrated Ugh and stalked out right after her, but in to her own room.