A/N: Ok! So this is a very crucial chapter. Elphaba makes a big discision. DONT WORRY! THIS IS NOT THE END!! It's far from it. I at least have 6 more chapters planned out so far and there will be more. So read and find out what I am talking about here. Review if you would like to. The reviews actually halp my story.

Disclaimer: I could wile away the hours confirmin with the flowers, consultin with the rain...Oh my head I'd be scratching while my thoughts were busy hatching... ff I only own Wicked. (result of listening to Wizard of Oz soundtrack)

Elphaba ran back to her room, envelope in hand, completely forgetting the earlier occurrences that day. She was going to meet the wonderful Wizard. She was going to meet the one person who could change everything. She could tell him about Doctor Dillamond and her views on Animal rights. She could learn from him and maybe, just maybe, he could take her under his wing. Her powers could help her future be unlimited when she is standing there with the Wizard. Her dreams were all coming true. She might not even have to go back to Shiz!

But then there was Fiyero to think about…

The only man she has ever come to love and, more importantly, the only man who has loved her back. What would he think? Surely, she could not just take off without telling him. He was her boyfriend for Oz sakes. He was her boyfriend alright, but their love caused them to suffer some consequences. He would be out of his mind to give up his schooling and go with her, but that was probably the choice he would make.

Then there was Galinda to think of too. Elphaba knew that she crushed Galinda with her poor choice of continuing her romance with Fiyero while he was still dating her. She was the only friend Elphaba really had. Sure, they started out loathing each other and went back to that horrendous feeling again, but there was still hope their friendship could be rekindled one day, when everything blew over. Maybe they can even work together with the Wizard, since Galinda is taking sorcery with Madame Morrible, at Elphaba's request.

Who said that she couldn't dream?

Elphaba opened the door cautiously, afraid if Galinda was in there and still angry. (Which she was certain to be since she tended to act her shoe size, not her age and Galinda has very small feet). Elphaba poked her head into the door to find the room empty, just as Galinda left it earlier. Her perfume still lingered in the air, giving Elphaba a slight headache. There was a date book on Galinda's bed. The day's date was circled in pink pen and read 'Fiyero + Me Anniversary!' The conscience in the back of Elphaba's mind, which she frequently ignored because her father told her it was a sign of having a soul, was telling her that she should apologize to Galinda immediately. She never listened to it before, so what was the point of listening to it at this particular moment?

Elphaba needed to get away from all of this. She had the magic ticket right in her hand.

Knowing the solution to her problem, Elphaba headed towards her small closet that was across from her pathetic excuse for a bed. She removed her suitcase. It hadn't seen the light of day since the day of Elphaba's arrival at Shiz, and the collection of dust of top of it told that story. She opened her suitcase and drew a deep breath. She knew that this was what she had to do.

Elphaba began ripping her clothes off the hangers in the closet. She did not worry about damaging any of the worn in articles of clothing. They were not that exquisite in any way shape or form, so she did not mind. Elphaba flung the clothes onto the bed. She made sure everything was emptied from her closet.

She folded the clothes as small as she could so she could fit everything in the only suitcase she had. She packed everything in sight – her dresses, her other pair of shoes, a few books, and the silly hat Galinda gave her. She contemplated whether to bring it or not, because it would always remind her of when they became friends. She decided to pack it because one day she could look at it and not feel sick.

As she continued packing, she could not help but think of all the mixed emotions she was experiencing. She was angry at Galinda for the fight. She felt guilty for being with Fiyero when Galinda was technically still with them. She was still over the moon with Fiyero's love for her. But, the feeling that was strongest of all was the feeling of remorse for herself because she was going to leave all that she knew behind.

Elphaba swiped the last of her possessions – the green bottle of miracle elixir that was her mothers – and left her room, possibly for the last time. The hallways were unusually silent as she made her way back to Madame Morrible's office. Once arriving at the door, she raised her hand and knocked three times with force that could have broken the door down.

"Come in," she heard Madame Morrible call. Elphaba left her bags in the doorway. She did not want to alarm Madame Morrible and have the old carp talk her out of leaving.

Elphaba cautiously opened the door to the now familiar office and stepped in. Madame Morrible looked up from a paper she was reading. She motioned for Elphaba to sit down.

"Oh no, that's alright, I don't need to sit. I just have a question." Elphaba played with her hands while waiting for Madame Morrible's reply.

"And what may the question be?" asked Madame Morrible. She moved papers around on her desk and moved books back onto her bookshelf.

"I was just wondering," Elphaba said in an almost whisper, afraid of anyone hearing, "when am I allowed to leave to go to the Emerald City?"

Madame Morrible smirked. Her plan was working. She did not want to seem too desperate and to happy to send the little green brat off. She walked over to Elphaba and rested her hand on her shoulder.

"Anytime dear, anytime."

That was all Elphaba needed to know. She said a quick thank you and a goodbye and grabbed her suitcase. She was leaving tonight and no one could tell her not to. Even though she did not want to tell anyone she was leaving, she knew she had to do one thing. She found a piece of paper and wrote in her neatest handwriting: I will always love you – Elphaba. She slipped the paper under Fiyero's door and was off.

The nearest train station was not too far. She had some money saved, so she contemplated on renting a carriage, but she decided she could get there quicker by foot. The sooner she could get to the Emerald City and out of Shiz, the better.

Typically, Elphaba would take a more mature approach than running away. She was always told that running away was not the answer. It did not matter anymore. She was going to be a new person; a person that was not always looked down upon because of her beliefs or her skin color. She was going to be somebody.

Elphaba reached the train station and bought the cheapest ticket she could. She got on the rain and watched the large buildings of Shiz that were already in the distance shrink even more. The night wrapped around her and she fell into a deed dreamless slumber.

With one train ride, Elphaba's life changed forever.