Chapter 12

Elphaba locked herself in her bedroom from the moment she returned home. Looking out of the window, she replayed the scene in her head on what had happened that afternoon with Fiyero. He had definitely changed his feelings quickly for her. She was a fool to have gone there. Her relationship with the prince ended before it even had a start.

She needed to be alone to think things through. Thankful that Glinda had gone out with her new boyfriend, Elphaba broke down and cried. Her father would tell her that crying was only for the weak. She didn't care. Her heart felt as if it had been ripped out of her chest.

xxxxx

Fiyero walked through the interior of the castle. This wasn't the life he had ever imagined. Lonely. Of all the women he could have, he had fallen in love with Elphaba Thropp...the one woman who didn't want him.

Fiyero checked in on Sara. She was sleeping soundly. He laid on his bed, his hands behind his head. He admitted to himself that he was a stupid brainless fool who hadn't given Elphaba a chance to speak. Anger had gotten the better of him...angry that Sara had gotten hurt...angry that Elphaba hadn't come rushing out that door to him after reading his letter. Most of all, angry at himself for lashing out at her. He lost her before she was even his.

Knowing Elphaba, there was no way that she would ever forgive him. He wondered why she came to the castle. Was it to get her things or was she returning home to them? Maybe she did love him, but he stupidly hadn't given her a chance to confess her love to him. He hurled his pillow across the room which knocked a chair over.

"Daddy! Daddy!"

"Coming, sweetie!" He ran into Sara's bedroom. "What's the matter? Is your arm hurting?"

"No. I heard a noise."

"I bumped into a chair, that's all," he lied. "Sorry I woke you up. Do you want me to stay in your room tonight?"

The little girl shook her head. "Fae-Fae's not coming back."

Fiyero sat on her bed. "Sara, I'm so sorry. We'll be fine. Don't worry."

With her good arm, she pushed her father away. "Go away, daddy. You yelled at Fae-Fae."

"I...I didn't know you knew..."

"Nana said it was a surprise."

"Surprise? That Fae-Fae was back?"

"Uh-huh. I heard you yell."

'Sweetie, sometimes grown ups have disagreements."

"You yelled. Go away, daddy."

"It makes me sad that you're mad at Daddy."

Sara stared at her father, then pulled her blanket over her head.

Fiyero could see Elphaba and Marcella in her all rolled up in one. "Okay, fine!"

xxxxx

It's been weeks since anyone had mentioned Elphaba's name. Fiyero entered Sara's playroom. "Hey! What are you two doing?"

"Playing with my dolls. See, daddy!" Sara held up a doll's dress. "Nana made this."

"Very pretty. Did you tell her thank you?"

"Thank you, Nana."

Marcella was seated on the floor, and carried her onto her lap. "You're welcome, baby."

"Thanks, Marcella."

"I left a letter on your desk. It was delivered by a friend who came by to collect some things that was left behind." Marcella frowned.

Fiyero sighed. "Okay, I know what that means." He headed to his office. Finding a white envelope on his desk, he tore it open.

Fiyero,

Now it's my turn to write you a letter, at least this way, you won't be raising your voice at me. You never gave me a chance to explain why I was at the castle that day. It doesn't matter anymore, it was foolish of me to have gone there.

After reading your letter, I did open the front door, well...after several minutes, but you were no where around. Against my better judgment and with Glinda's persistent urging, I stupidly found myself at Kiamo Ko. I was welcomed by your men guarding the castle, and especially by Marcella. She is a wonderful person and the perfect nana. If I could chose to have another mother, it would be her.

I do hope that Sara is healing quickly, it's been two weeks since her fall. She must be back running around, and doing her favorite things. I really miss her a lot. I do agree with Marcella about getting rid of that pony. Playing with her dolls and dollhouse is a lot more safer. But then, of course, I'm not her parent. You do what's best for her.

I do apologize for my unexpected presence that day, and for upsetting you. It was not my intent. There were a lot of things I needed to say, but you quickly cleared that up. After awhile listening to you, I felt like the cowardly lion...no courage at all on telling you the real reason I was at your place.

I'd like to thank you for opening your home to me these past months. I've found a place of my own, which is close to the school. Glinda begged me to stay with her, but I didn't want to be an imposition to anyone. I love my two bedroom cottage. It does get lonely at times especially during the nights. But...there's no place like home.

Take care of yourself and that little princess of yours.

Loving someone doesn't necessarily mean you'll be together for the rest of your life. I guess I can live with that since I was destined to be alone.

Sincerely,

Elphaba

Fiyero reread the letter and smiled. Elphaba said she loved him...not in so many words, but he knew she did.

TBC - Chapter 13