1Disclaimer: I don't know how this chapter will turn out, it may be original or it may be totally taken from Wicked. Could be a little of both. I don't know yet, but just in case- I don't own anything. Nothing at all what-so-ever. Alright? R&R please.

Chapter 8: Thanks? None

Glinda stood in her room, staring at the lovely blue dress she was wearing. It had been so long since Elphie had left, but Glinda hadn't forgotten her at all. With a long, noisy sigh she went out to greet the Ozians.

She stood on her platform and listened to them as they fussed, then raised her voice to calm them. "Fellow Ozians. As terrifying as terror is, let us set aside our panic for this one day," she smiled brightly, "and celebrate! Oh what a celebration we'll have today! Let's have a celebration the Glinda way!" She giggled girlishly, then stopped when Madam Morrible piped up.

"Finally a day that's totally wicked witch free, we couldn't be happier thank goodness!"

A banner that said "Congratulations" tumbled down behind them.

"This is an engagement party?" Fiyero looked at Glinda.

She beamed. "Yes! Are you surprised?"

"Yes." His eyes were wide, and he did indeed look quite surprised.

Glinda smiled at him, then turned back to the Ozians. "Yes! We couldn't be happier," addressing Fiyero, "right dear? Couldn't be happier right here, look what we've got. A fairytale plot! Our very own happy ending where we couldn't be happier. True dear? Couldn't be happier! And we're happy to share our ending vicariously with all of you! He couldn't look handsomer, I couldn't feel humbler, we couldn't be happier! Because happy is what happens when all your dreams come true."

Madam Morrible took over then. "Oh, and Glinda dear we're happy for you! As press secretary I have striven to ensure that all of Oz knows of your braverism!" She turned to the crowd and started to spin a completely fictional story. "The day you were first summoned to an audience with Oz, and although he did not tell you why initially, when you bowed before his throne he declared you'd hence be known as 'Glinda the Good' officially!"

Glinda frowned. Eh? That wasn't how it went. Glancing at Fiyero she caught him scowling disgustedly. Her thoughts were cut short by Madam Morrible again. "Then with a jealous SQUEAL, the wicked witch burst from concealment where she had been lurking surreptitially!"

Everyone gasped, then began gossiping as loud as they could. "I hear she has an extra eyes that always remains awake!" "I hear that she can shed her skin as easily as a snake!" "I hear some rebel animals are giving her food and shelter!" Then the most preposterous, "I hear her soul is so unclean, pure water can melt her!"

"What?" Fiyero burst out, thoroughly enraged.

"Melt her?" The crowd questioned, then took to heart. "Please! Somebody go and melt her!"

Fiyero threw up his hands and marched away. "Do you hear that- water will melt her?! People are so empty-headed, they'll believe anything!"

"Fiyero!" Glinda chased him, but he was gone. Turning glumly, she was confronted by the curious crowd. "Oh, yes!" she called behind her nervously. "Thanks plenty dearest! He's gone to fetch me a refreshment. He's so thoughtful that way." She looked thoughtful herself as she went back up onto her platform.

Looking at the sea of unconvinced faces, she knew she would have to say something. "That's why, I couldn't be happier!" The faces became happy again, but a little concerned for their idol. "No, I couldn't be happier. Though it is, I admit, the tiniest bit unlike I anticipated. But I couldn't be happier! Simply couldn't be happier." Hm, it was time to teach these simpletons a lesson. No matter what you do, you'll never get everything you want.

"Well, not simply. 'Cause getting your dreams, it's strange but it seems a little, well, complicated. There's a kind of a sort of, cost. There's a couple of things get, lost. There are bridges you cross you didn't know you crossed until you've crossed, and if that joy, that- thrill. Doesn't thrill like you think it will. Still, with this perfect finale, the cheers and the bally hoo! Who wouldn't be happier? So, I couldn't be happier. Because happy is what happens, when all your dreams come true." A pause. "Well, isn't it? Happy is what happens when your dreams come true!"

There was another onlooker, one not joining in with the festivities of the crowd. It watched the crowd disdainfully as the message Glinda was trying to give them went over their heads and they danced, blissfully unaware.

"I couldn't be happier!" Glinda sang, on the verge of tears, "today! Thank goodness for today!" The crowd sang then stopped, going about their own way.

"What's wrong dear girl?" Madam Morrible put a hand on Glinda's shoulder.

Glinda just sighed shakily. "Oh, I still miss her. Fiyero doesn't love me, I've lost my best friend, and it feels like there's a rip in this stupid dress somewhere!" She started squirming, trying to re-arrange the pretty thing.

"I miss you too Glinda." Elphaba said in a quiet voice, just above Madam Morrible and her friend. "And there's a hole is just behind your sleeve, though I doubt you'll ever find it."

"And I always get the feeling she's right next to me, like old times!" Glinda suddenly burst out. Elphaba jumped and shrank further into the shadows. Why wouldn't Madam Morrible leave so she could talk with her friend!

"It'll pass dear. It'll pass. Now let's go get something to eat."

"No," Elphaba's heart leapt as Glinda refused, "I'm gonna stay here a moment longer and try and fix this dress."

Madam Morrible gave her a 'suit yourself' look and stalked away, leaving Glinda squirming around in her dress. "Mph, stupid thing! I shoulda worn the pink! Dysfunctional, too small, not even big enough up top, dreadful color-"

Elphaba raised her voice. "Then how come you never wear green? It is my favorite color."

"Elphie!" Glinda looked around, her face a mask of delight. "Where are you?"

Elphaba frowned. Why should she tell her? "Lift your hand, yes like that. Now touch it to your forehead. I'm in there."

"No!" She wined, letting her hand drop. "I miss you so much I'm imagining you! Oh, Elphie, I'm sorry." She sat down and looked as if she would cry. "I was stupid not to go with you. Now I have everything I want and I'm miserable."

"Oh, yeah, I don't have anything I want and I'm perfectly content." Elphaba clipped sarcastically. "How do you think I feel, living in the woods and having to steal food to live? Do you think I'm having fun? Do you think my life is any happier than yours? Do you think I'm completely care-free like you are, with all your perfect dresses and shoes?"

"I'm sorry!" Glinda wailed. "I wish you could take me away Elphie! I'll trade places with you! You deserve the power and glory, not me."

Elphaba laughed scornfully, liking the way it echoed in the deserted square. "I know. Just remember tonight, when you're eating your nice hot dinner where I am. Picture Elphie sitting on the forest floor, eating roots and berries. Oh no! It's raining! Bye bye Elphie! She's just a little green puddle now. Poor Elphie. I guess water can melt her."

"Elphie!" Glinda leapt up. "Don't do this to me! You'll drive me mad!"

"You are mad! Who do you think you are talking to? The real Elphaba?"

Glinda's lower lip trembled. "I- I don't wanna be crazy."

Elphaba cackled bitterly. "Too bad! You already are! Stop looking for me, I don't want to be found. Good-bye, Galinda." She sat down on her broom and took off, listening to Glinda's heart-breaking wails.

"Elphie! Don't go! No, Elphaba!!"

.-.

Wow, that was intense! So now Glinda thinks she's crazy. I wonder If I could go anywhere with that? Hmmm, well anyhoo! Sorry if I made Elphaba seem a little nasty, but she is bitter about Glinda staying behind. Wouldn't you? I suppose she did get a little creepy at one point, but hey! She's Elphaba! Please review!