"Waltz music seems to have a very interesting effect on us" Glinda said still savoring the feel of the slow passionate kiss that she and Elphie just shared.
"Perhaps it is best if we avoid it then" Elphie smiled feeling slightly tingly but a little uncertain.
"Avoid it!" Glinda chuckled "I was going to request a victrola be set up in my room"
Elphie mumbled something and sat down on the rim of the terrace wall. The lights were still twinkling and the stars were bright in the sky.
"You're overwhelmed." Glinda stated simply
"A little, yes" Elphie said quietly "But at the same time I feel…"
"They are hiding over here Aunt Gwen" Jilla's voice interrupted them
"Oh there you are girls" Glinda's mother said coming over to them" I thought you might have gone on upstairs."
"Elphie and I were just enjoying the terrace and some quiet time," Glinda said to her mother
"Elphie was enjoying a whole lot more than that" Jilla grumbled under her breath
"What was that dear?" Gwenot said
"Nothing" Jilla smiled " The conductor is waiting"
"Oh yes, I almost forgot. Elphaba, dear I need to borrow Galinda for just a moment, Mr. Siokel would like to go over a preliminary song list for Galinda's birthday party."
"Mother, can't this wait" Glinda sighed, not wanting to leave Elphie now.
"Just for a moment darling, please"
"It's Ok Glinda, I'll wait here" Elphie smiled reassuringly "Really"
Glinda walked off reluctantly with her mother, and Jilla sat down beside Elphaba.
"How dare you insinuate that I would do anything to hurt my cousin on purpose." Jilla snapped
"Setting her up with a boy she has to slap, does not exactly seem to be in her best interest." Elphaba said outwardly calm, but inwardly seething
"Please" Jilla rolled her eyes "Galinda has been flirting with and fending off the innocent advances of boys for years. You are the one who is not in her best interest"
"I have no idea why you disapprove of me, or my friendship with Glinda, but honestly, It's none of your business." Elphie smiled tightly.
"Galinda and I have been the best of friends since we were infants. I have made it my business to keep her away from trouble. You are trouble." Jilla said stridently
"So encouraging her to have sex with virtual strangers is your idea of keeping her away from trouble?" Elphie responded calmly
"She is much brighter than you give her credit for, and she is perfectly capable of determining the right people to associate with" Jilla shot back with an air of authority.
"My thoughts exactly. Thank you for making my point." Elphie smiled sweetly "Now if you are finished with your attempt to intimidate me, I think I'll go wait for Glinda in her room."
"This is not over, you green freak, not by a long shot. Obviously you have no idea who you are dealing with"
"Apparently neither do you" Elphie said as she strode off quickly.
Gwenot had witnessed part of this exchange and knew from Jilla's posture that she was somehow irritating Elphaba, who seemed to be responding in kind. She did not intervene, hoping they would work out whatever it was out, before it got out of hand.
Glinda was just finishing up with the conductor when she saw Elphie hurry by, fingers twitching
"Uh oh" She thought. "Momsie, what happened?"
"I have no idea, she was talking, rather heatedly with your cousin."
"Great, just great" She sighed "They have developed an animosity of sorts"
"So I've noticed. Well darling you go tend to that one" She pointed up the stairs "And I'll go tend to this one" She walked off towards Jilla.
Glinda went upstairs as quickly as her dress would allow. Elphie had gone into her own room to change, but realized that she couldn't get out of her gown without assistance, which annoyed her even more than she already was.
"What are you two going on about now?" Glinda sighed sitting in one of the comfy chairs.
"I am sorry my sweet, truly" She sat across from her " Let's just drop it."
"No" Glinda snapped "I know she irritates you, but I also know you can be a tad bit irritating yourself, now tell me!"
Elphie sighed and told her about the conversation at the party that led to the one on the terrace.
"Lyndie, tell me how you wish me to respond to her and I will. You love her and I don't want you to be hurt by this."
"I want you to be exactly who you are my love, nothing less. It is I who don't want you to get hurt by this" Glinda responded honestly
"You forget my sweet, I'm used to the way Jilla has been treating me, it's the way everyone else is that is hard to deal with sometimes. She has no power to hurt me, except by hurting you, which she would never do intentionally."
"What am I going to do with you two" Glinda chuckled shaking her head
"Well I don't know about her, but you could say you forgive me, kiss me and help me get out of this thing."
"There is nothing to forgive," She said getting up, pulling Elphie up and giving her a gentle kiss.
"Now, let's get out of our finery"
She helped Elphie out of her evening gown and went to get her a nightdress while she removed her stockings and slippers.
"My feet actually hurt" Elphie said mildly surprised "I'm surprised yours are still attached to your legs."
"We'll give each other foot massages and talk. Finish changing and come over." Glinda smiled
"So we are alright?" Elphie asked quietly
"My love, we are excellent," The turquoise clad girl said as she danced out of the room.
Elphie smiled at her love's ability to just let things go, and spent a moment organizing her thoughts. Then she cleaned up, pulled her hair back, grabbed some oil for the massages and went across the hall. She walked in and saw Glinda getting her things ready for bed.
"Help me out please"
Glinda giggled as she shimmied out of her dress.
"Something amusing?" Elphie said arching an eyebrow
"Your fingers tickle"
"Well at least you are sober and cooperative this time" Elphie chuckled
"Mean green thing" Glinda smiled as she walked into the bathroom "Just for that, no striptease for you"
"It's just as well, I'd like to survive long enough to take my last oil bath" Elphie smiled
She settled in on the sofa, thinking about the mixed emotions she had been experiencing all night, most of them having to do with the beautiful blonde in the bathroom. While she was lost in thought, Glinda was watching her from the doorway. This night had been everything she had hoped for and more. She walked over and sat on Elphie's lap and put her arms around her love's neck.
"Thank you Elphie" She whispered
"For what?"
"You made this night magical. I lived my dream" She kissed the soft green cheek and laid her head on her shoulder
Elphie said nothing and simply held her love for a short while
"Lyndie" She said shifting "I like this arrangement, I do, but I like circulation in my legs as well"
"Oh dear, Elphie, I'm sorry," Glinda said hopping up quickly
"It's Ok these gangly legs of mine were just worn out, we will figure out how to do this." She said reassuringly
Glinda had gone to sit down to sit on the other side of the sofa and they got into a comfortable position for foot rubs. Glinda put some oil on her hands and rubbed them together to warm it. Taking one of Elphie's feet, she slowly and gently started to massage it. Elphie was doing the exact same thing to Glinda's foot. They massaged in silence for awhile, Glinda letting out a little moan of pleasure every so often when Elphie hit a sensitive spot.
Gwenot peeked into the partly open door to her daughter's room.
"May I come in?" She asked
"Sure Momsie" Glinda said continuing to massage.
"I see you are indoctrinating Elphaba into the family tradition of post dancing foot rubs" She smiled
"And she is doing a wonderful job" Elphie smiled.
"Momsie, How did it go with Jilla?"
She's stubborn and has something against you Elphaba, I don't know what, or why"
"Honestly, neither do I, but I'm not going to let her bother me too much."
"Good girl. She'll get over it eventually"
"I hope soon," Glinda said
"Galinda, I want you to know I was very proud of you tonight. You were mature and responsible as well as being lovely. I received compliments on you all night long," Gwenot said addressing her daughter, who had tears in her eyes.
"Thank you Momsie" She sniffled
"And Elphaba darling, I was so impressed with how you carried yourself all evening, you handled yourself with grace and elegance. You have a right to be very proud of yourself. I am certainly proud of you."
"Me too!" Glinda said turning her head so her tears would not fall on Elphie's foot.
"Thank you Gwenot, I'm still a little overwhelmed by the whole thing, but thank you"
Goodnight my darlings" She said getting up.
She kissed Glinda on the cheek and Elphie on the forehead.
"I must be off. Your father is waiting; we have our own foot rubs and other post ball activities to look forward to. " She said winking at her daughter
Glinda giggled. "I love you Momsie."
"Goodnight Gwenot" Elphie said
As her mother left and shut the door, Glinda was still giggling
"What's amusing now?" Elphie asked
"My mother. She gets rather …frisky, after dancing all night" She giggled some more.
Elphie's eyes shot up and she groaned
"Oz help me, it's genetic" She said straight-faced.
"We Arduenna women are a lusty bunch" She was still giggling.
She picked up Elphie's other foot, warmed some more oil and continued to massage
"We should talk about what happened tonight." Glinda said when the giggling subsided
"I do not feel like talking about Jilla right now." Elphie said
"Not Jilla, Elphaba. We kissed."
"I know, I was present, and much to my own surprise, a willing participant"
"A willing, able and extremely competent participant" Glinda smiled. "I wanted to do that all night. I saw you dancing, and you were so beautiful. I was a little jealous of all those men who got to hold you and move with you around the floor,"
Elphie flushed slightly. "I wish I understood what I felt. My senses seemed so heightened when I saw you dancing, or anything for that matter. I don't feel like I had the right to feel like that. Then you kissed me. My head told me to pull away; that I wasn't worthy of this, but my heart made me stay and my body obeyed. I was outnumbered by myself" She chuckled a little
"Lucky for me" Glinda said massaging around Elphie's ankles. "Do you still feel overwhelmed my love?"
"Unfortunately yes, but it's not because I didn't like what we did, It's just… I don't…" She was struggling
Glinda shifted and Elphie moved so that she could hold her love in her arms. Glinda snuggled and took Elphie's fingers.
"It's Ok Elphie, I know you are tired and confused. Frankly, I experienced some very strong emotions I need to try and figure out too. We can snuggle now and talk tomorrow."
"Thank you Lyndie" She kissed her cheek.
They sat together, in their usual way for a long time. Elphie's mind was busy sorting through her feelings, when she noticed Glinda nodding off.
"Lyndie, let's go to bed." She said rousing the sleepy blonde.
"Mmmmmm Ok Elphie, Come on."
"Not together my sweet."
"Elphie!" Glinda pouted
"Glinda, You cousin already dislikes me, If she pops in in the morning and sees us curled up together, she'll hate me."
"Who cares?" Glinda huffed
"You do my sweet, besides, now that I know what you Arduenna women are like after a dance, I fear for my safety" She chuckled and walked Glinda to her bed.
"Elphie" Glinda giggled and pulled her into a goodnight kiss then hugged her.
"Alright, but only because you insist." She yawned then kissed the pale green tinged lips again "Fresh dreams my love"
"I would say the same to you, but I have no doubt that they will be whether I do or not." She chuckled and headed out the door turning off the lights.
"I love you Elphie" Glinda said with a tone in her voice Elphie couldn't quite place
"And I you Lyndie" She said as she shut the door and went to her own bed.
Glinda drifted off to sleep dreaming of dancing with her Elphie. Elphie sat up in her bed all night, her emotions churning. She was desperately trying to figure out why she felt so unworthy of Glinda all of a sudden, and she needed to figure out what that kiss meant to her. Doing what she knew how to do best, Elphie retreated into her head and sorted everything out, or at least tried to.
There was no breakfast planned, every one knew there would be a brunch around mid-day, allowing time to sleep in. Around mid-morning, since she wasn't sleeping anyway, Elphie washed and dressed and folded herself into a chair to read. It was very close to mid-day when Glinda, dressed very casually appeared in her doorway
"I figured you'd be up already" She smiled
"I never really was down" She smiled back
"I figured that too, did it help?" She sat on the arm of Elphie's chair
"Mostly, Did you sleep well my sweet?"
"Not enough, but very well. I had the nicest dream, "
"I'm glad. Good morning Lyndie"
"Good morning my love" She pulled Elphie up into a hug, then kissed her lightly.
They heard Jilla and Pajul in the hallway, and Elphie pushed her friend away. Glinda sighed, but didn't comment.
"Come on, let's go eat. And play nice!" She gave Elphie a final quick kiss before she opened the door.
"'Morning cousins" Glinda said to their backs.
"I didn't think you felt us peons were worthy of an audience so early on the morning after the ball" Jilla laughed. Then she saw Elphie appear behind Glinda.
"Oh now I see why." She said with a hint of displeasure.
"Don't start Jilla" Pajul whispered
"Fine" She said through clenched teeth. "Let's eat, I'm starving" She took Glinda's arm and headed down the steps.
"Looks like it's you and me again Elphaba." Pajul laughed
"Looks like" Elphie smiled
Everyone was down in the dining room already eating when the four walked in.
Jilla maneuvered so Glinda was sitting between her and her mother
"Did everyone sleep well?" Gwenot said
Everyone either nodded or agreed they had. Jilla leveled a stare at Elphie, who sat across from Glinda.
They talked about the ball and the dances and partners and the new gossip they learned. Although they didn't speak to one another, there was tension between Elphie and Jilla, mostly because Jilla made off hand remarks or backhanded comments aimed at her.
"So what was everyone's favorite part?"
"I'll bet Elphie's was out on the terrace after the dance was over" Jilla said with a hint of snip in her voice
"That was very nice" She smiled "But I think the dance with Byjon was a true highlight for me" Elphie said sweetly.
She said that because she knew Jilla wanted a dance and didn't get one.
"It's a good thing it was a waltz," Jilla said.
Before Elphie could comment Glinda stood up "I can't take this any more!" She cried and fled the room
Elphie leapt up to go after her, but was restrained by Samion
"No Elphaba, her mother will see to her," He said firmly, but kindly
"Jilla, what is the matter with you?" Greda said
"Nothing mother, I'm sorry," She said very insincerely.
There was a tense silence for awhile until Gwenot came back in the room
"Jilla, Elphaba come with me please," She said sternly
Elphie got up, feeling miserable and walked quietly over to Gwenot.
"Is this necessary Auntie, Just let me talk to her alone"
"Jilla, please do as I ask" Gwenot said
"Fine" She huffed
She led them to the parlor. Glinda was sitting in a chair, she had been crying, but now looked slightly angry. Gwenot pointed to the sofa and feuders sat.
"Whatever is going on is disrupting my household and upsetting my daughter and I will no longer allow it"
"Aunt…"
"Jilla, please listen. If you have something against Elphaba, If she has done something to offend you, or otherwise bring about your horrible attitude towards her, tell us now."
"Why bother, you all think she is Ozma herself" Jilla snapped
"Jilla, you are my cousin and a dear friend, but I can not take this. Tell me what Elphie has done to you to make you so angry."
"It's not what she has done to me it is what she has done to you. You are not the same girl who was here over winter break."
Elphie was getting very agitated by all of this; She hated being treated like she was invisible.
"I am still in the room" She said evenly "Don't talk to her, tell me, to my face what you have against me."
She turned "I think you are a liar, you have not been up front about you magical abilities, or your position, and I think you are using Galinda and her connections to further your own agenda, in whatever manner you can."
"What?" Elphie said incredulous
"Jilla that is ridiculous" Gwenot said.
"Is it Aunt Gwen? Ask Miss Elphaba what was going on last night out on the terrace" She smirked at Elphie, who felt her legs go weak, when she realized, as did Glinda that Jilla saw them kissing.
"Jilla, I am perfectly aware of the things that might have occurred out on the terrace last night." Gwenot said calmly.
Elphie had sat back down on the sofa looking pale and terrified. Glinda couldn't do anything about it yet and it was killing her. Jilla was enjoying her discomfort immensely
"I don't think you are aware of this," She said feeling confident
"Jilla, why are you doing this?" Glinda said softly
"To protect you from someone who you don't even know is using you. Your mother should know what is going on "
"She knows, Jilla. I suspect she has since we arrived." She looked at her mother who smiled and nodded.
Elphie was on the verge of a total collapse. Glinda knew it and Gwenot sensed it.
"Jilla although I think this is none of your business and I am appalled at your manners, I want to clear this misunderstanding up, before someone truly gets hurt." Gwenot said, "Even though clearing it up is going to hurt someone terribly." Gwenot said
"Who her" She pointed to Elphie who had regained a little control
"No, me" Glinda said, "Why you won't trust me and believe me, I can't understand. I've tried to tell you that Elphie is no threat to anyone."
"Tell her Lyndie" Elphie said "Get this over with, if she insists on pursuing this, even to your detriment, just tell her"
She turned and looked in shock at her friend.
"You would have told her sooner or later" Elphie smiled "Make it sooner, before her paranoia gets any worse"
Gwenot suppressed a chuckle and nodded approval towards Elphie. Jilla glared at her
"Jilla, I don't what it will take to ease your mind, but she's right I would have told you sooner or later, Although I would have waited until I understood it better myself."
She took a deep breath and Elphie closed her eyes
"I'm in love with Elphaba, Jilla. What you saw was me kissing her, not the other way around."
"You can't be serious!" Jilla exclaimed
"I am, and I will talk to you about it, and you can accept it or not as you choose. But I will not tolerate any more hostility towards her, no more accusations, or snide comments. I mean it Jilla. I love you dearly, but if you force me choose between you two, I will choose her." Glinda spoke calmly, but with strength
Jilla was astounded by this news. She thought her cousin had lost her mind. Elphie was back on the verge of total collapse again.
"Now, Jilla if you wish to discuss this, wait here. I'm going to speak with Elphie privately for a moment. Whether you want it to or not, this does concern her."
She held out her hand. Elphie took it and the hurried across the hall to the library.
"Elphie, oh Elphie" Glinda said when she closed the door "I'm so sorry" She started to cry.
"Lyndie, this is not your fault. It's Jilla's and mine." She gathered the distressed girl up in her arms and held her close.
"Shhh my sweet. It's Ok" She whispered softly "Your cousin honestly thinks she is trying to protect you from a mean green thing"
Glinda hit her lightly, but chuckled "Stop that- you don't need to defend her."
"Trust me I'm not. But I don't know if I would act any differently if I thought someone was hurting you."
"I love you Elphaba"
She kissed her love firmly, then snuggled in her arms
"I love you too, now go work this through with your cousin, however you need to."
Glinda sighed "Ok, but I'm not happy with her right now."
Elphie stroked her cheek, "I have faith in you and trust you to do what's best. Now go"
She pushed her love away and Glinda reluctantly left.
As soon as Glinda left with Elphaba Jilla stood up.
"Aunt Gwen, do you believe this? She thinks she is in love."
"Jilla I am not pleased with you right now and I am not on your side. You have hurt your cousin deeply, by not trusting her and you have hurt me as well"
"Ok I went about this all wrong, but she deserves better than Elphaba."
"You know nothing about her, Jilla. How dare you act as judge in a situation you know nothing about."
"What do you know besides what Galinda told you?" Jilla shot back
"How stupid do you think we are Jilla. Really. As soon as we heard that Galinda wasn't getting along with her roommate we had her checked out, in case we needed to change the situation. And more importantly, I've spoken with her at length since she's been here. She has been nothing but open and honest with me, even though it was extremely difficult for her. I've also observed them together, and can see how devoted they are to one another. What have you bothered to do besides snipe and not believe what you were told."
Gwenot was uncharacteristically harsh and Jilla felt the sting.
"Jilla, You need to understand that you walked into the middle of a situation and rushed to judgement. Ask your cousin whatever you need to, believe what you hear, then let this go, for her sake if nothing else"
Gwenot's voice was softer, calmer.
"I'll try" Jilla said as sincerely as she could.
Glinda came then, looking very upset.
"Momsie, go be with Elphie please, she put on a brave face, but she is very upset."
"Of course dear"
She left and Glinda walked over to the sofa and sat by her cousin.
"I am so angry with you"
"I get that, and your mother already read me the riot act. So spare me the how dare yous. How can you be in love with her?"
Glinda told her cousin select bits and pieces about her and Elphie's life together at Shiz, and the newness of their feelings.
"And since you were so pigheaded, I'm talking to you not to my benefit but to yours, are you satisfied now?"
Jilla asked more questions and Glinda did the best she could with answers.
"Jilla, I can't talk about this, because there is nothing to talk about, and even if there was I would never disrespect Elphie like that."
"She's shy right?" Jilla sniped
"Jilla, accept this or not, but I meant what I said earlier."
"Galinda, how can I accept the fact that you fell in love with a green girl, Hell I can get used to the fact that she's a she. But an unattractive green she. You can do so much better. She's green!"
Glinda got up "I love you Jilla, but I don't like you very much right now, and I'm hurt and disappointed."
She started to leave but Jilla grabbed her arm.
"Cousin, please let's try this again, please" She looked desperate
Glinda sat down and they talked some more,
Gwenot went over to the library and saw Elphie pacing by the double doors looking out of the window.
"Elphaba darling" She spoke quietly
Elphie startled slightly and turned
"Hello Gwenot" She sounded tense and scared
"Galinda sent me to stay with you, but if you prefer to be alone, I shall leave" She spoke sincerely
"No, no, please sit with me"
The green girl and the older woman sat facing each other
"I'm sorry Gwenot, for creating so much conflict" She sounded sincere and miserable.
"Elphaba, none of this is your fault" Gwenot said soothingly.
"Perhaps not, but I should not have engaged her, I've been in these situations before and I know better."
"You have a right to react if you choose. "
"I hate seeing Glinda so upset with her cousin, She loves her and enjoys her company. Maybe Jilla is right and being with me is not in her best interest" Elphie sighed
"I am not going to dignify that remark with a response. Now I want to hear no more about this. Am I clear?" She spoke in a firm motherly tone.
"Yes ma'am" Elphie looked unhappy and the fact that she got no sleep was catching up to her.
"Elphaba, I'm not angry with you. I just need you to understand that Jilla's issues are hers and hers alone. You can not make them yours. My daughter needs you, and speaking as her mother you are in her best interest."
"I wish I knew how to respond to that" Elphie sighed
"I think you do." She said as Greda and Robil came in.
"Are we interrupting?" Greda said
"Not at all" Elphaba said.
"Good. Gwenot, We are almost ready to go, and we would like a few moments with Elphaba before we do."
Gwenot looked at Elphie, who nodded.
"Remember what I said darling" She said walking out.
Jilla's parents had come over and sat down on the couch near Elphaba.
Greda looked embarrassed "I'm sorry dear that our Jilla has caused you so much distress."
"Please, please don't give it another thought. She is entitled to her opinion of me, and I've taken no offense"
"You are very kind. I'm sorry we didn't get to know you better, but time was short." Greda said
"I am sorry as well. Glinda speaks of you all with such great affection. It is obvious that you are an important part of her life."
"As she is in ours. I hope she can forgive Jilla"
"As do I" Elphie said sincerely.
"We are hoping that Galinda, and you as well will still accompany us to dinner in town before our train leaves."
"I am positive that Glinda will enjoy that, I however, must decline. I think she would like some time with you alone"
"We are disappointed of course, but understand. You will see us off?"
"Of course"
"We will see you later then." They took her hands warmly, then left.
Elphie followed after them and saw everyone gathered in the hall.
"Elphaba, I know I have no right to ask this, but may I see you privately for a moment." Jilla asked
"Certainly Jilla" and she headed to the parlor, glancing back at Glinda who shrugged.
"Elphaba, Galinda means a lot to me and after talking with her I can see that you mean a lot to her. I judged you unfairly, and although I don't understand her attraction to you, I can accept it because you seem to make her very happy, and that's what is important. I did not mean to hurt her, but I admit I wanted to scare you away."
"I'm not that easily frightened" Elphie smiled
"I learned that. Please accept my apology for misjudging your motives."
"Accepted, of course." Elphie said
"Thank you. That will please Galinda. In time, I hope we can form a friendship, if only for her sake."
"That is my hope as well." Elphie was being as diplomatic as she could.
"Good. Now I need to finish packing. Thank you for speaking with me." She turned and walked out the door, a sly smirk on her face.
Glinda had changed and was sitting in a chair in Elphie's room waiting anxiously for her to return. She had no idea what Jilla wanted with her.
"Hi" Elphie said coming in her room
"Hi" Glinda said getting up and looking Elphie over. "No visible bruises, that's a good sign"
"She simply apologized, my sweet. She still doesn't like me, but she seems to accept the fact that you do"
"I'm relieved. Now go get changed, you and I are going to dinner with them be fore they leave."
"No, Lyndie, Your Aunt and Uncle asked me already and I declined, stating that I was sure you would want some time alone with them."
"But Elphie…"
"Please my sweet, I'm very tired and not really able to take much more socializing or emotional scenes."
"Of course my love, I almost forgot you didn't sleep." She hugged her love and was just getting ready to kiss her when her mother's voice called
"Girls, time to go"
"See them off?"
"I was planning on it. I will be right here when you return" She kissed Glinda very softly.
Down in the foyer Elphie participated in the farewell rituals, standing with Glinda's parents as they drove away.
"Elphaba dear, Samion and I will be in our suite if you require anything and cook has some light fare in the kitchen if you get hungry. Alright?"
"That's fine, I'll be in my room"
They parted and Elphie went to her room. When Glinda came home three or so hours later she found her love sitting against pillows on her bed, book open on her lap, glasses on and sound asleep. She smiled at the sight.
Gently she took off Elphie's shoes and stockings, folded up her glasses and put them on the nightstand, closed the book and kissed her gently. Elphie stirred slightly, mumbling, but not waking. Glinda covered her with a blanket and went to get ready for bed, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.