Misunderstood
Disclaimer: I do not own Wicked or any of the characters involved with it, with the exception of the ones that I create.
Chapter 5: And so it begins…
Glinda soon reappeared back at her mansion. The trip had turned out much better than she had planned! Instead of sharing mutual grief over the death of Elphaba, it turned out that Elphie had actually come back to life! Oh, it had been so exhilarating to see her again. They had even come up with a plan to ensure that her dear friend would never be in life threatening danger ever again. Or so they hoped. This plan has to be sure fire. Two of the best students to attend Shiz did come up with it after all. Glinda giggled and made her way across the courtyard. It seemed as though she were still on a high from the unexpected encounter at Kiamo Ko. I hope that I continue to remain this way, without having to put on some kind of act. I never really was all that good at acting…she bid hello to her servants and the rest of the staff. If this feeling should stay, it will make carrying out the plan much simpler. She walked into the entryway, and was immediately met with her assistant, Shenshen. "Hello there Shen! I hope I wasn't missed too terribly during my brief absence." Shenshen merely smiled and curtsied. "Hello Glinda. Everything went fine while you were away. However, you are expected to make an appearance at the unveiling of the Shiz memorial today. I had told the coordinating committee that you were out of town on an unexpected trip, but do you think that you can still make it? A surprise appearance at a large event would be exactly what is needed to boost you back into the lap of high society." At this statement, Glinda grinned widely. "Well of course I can make it today. I'll go and choose my gown now." You still haven't changed, have you Shenshen? Still obsessing over how you can be more liked and popular. Just like the days at the university. What a shame.
The Good Witch began to rummage through her huge wardrobe. In order to have a successful and immensely fruitful appearance, one needed the right gown. She was having trouble deciding between a light blue gown covered in extremely rare diamonds and a light pink gown accented with opals on the collar. The blue one was indeed stunning, but she didn't exactly want to blind the attendees! Finally she settled on the pink gown. Once she got it on, she settled down at her vanity to fix her hair and makeup. She looked in the mirror and was hit with a sudden realization. Although she looked the same, she was no longer the same person as before. Now she was more daring, more willing to take any kind of risk. Before, she had been comfortable in her sheltered life. Now that Elphaba was back in her life, she had no doubts that she would continue to change even more. Instead of caking on the makeup, this time she only accented her eyes, cheeks and lips. Looking in the mirror, she looked much better than when she caked on the makeup. Even though she was changing rapidly, she kept her hair the same. Finally, she was ready to go. "Shenshen, get the carriage ready. I'll be down soon." She slipped on her crystal slippers and left the room.
The carriage was ready and waiting. It was one of her finest, which made her very happy with her assistant. She got in, being careful not to dirty the dress, and they set off. While Shenshen was rattling off the list of things that needed and were expected to be done at the opening of the memorial, Glinda was busy concentrating on the plan that she and Elphie had devised. In order for us to even have the smallest chance in succeeding, I have to get along with the new administration. I need to be the best Galinda that I can muster up. I'll flounce all that I can. Glinda shivered at the thought. She hated the government of Oz. She hated that they had relentlessly persecuted Elphaba and that they had ultimately been the cause of her death. Becoming friendly with them was the last thing that she would do, were the circumstances different. But, Elphie needed her and she would make whatever sacrifices necessary to help her friend out. I should have a goal set in mind before I enter this. I need to get at least one thing done while I'm here. The carriage ambled on, and Shenshen still hadn't shut up. They arrived, and as they did, Glinda knew exactly what she would do in order to entice them.
A grand stage had been set up. Behind the stage, there was a humongous white curtain blocking the view of the new memorial. The ceremony had already started. The new curator of the memorial was giving a commentary on how much patience, love, and effort had been put into building the glorious establishment. The guests of honor were sitting on both sides of the stage, waiting for their turns to give speeches on what great experiences that they had had while attending Shiz. As Glinda walked in, a moment of silence was being held for Madame Morrible. After it ended, the first speaker came up to the podium. It was Avaric. He talked on and on about how much fun he had at Briscoe Hall with the boys his age. He talked about how on the weekends, how they would go out to pubs and out to the Philosophy Club, only to "miss" Shiz and return to it quickly. His speech was very redundant, and when he finished speaking, the audience cheered out of relief that he was done. The speeches continued on and on. Shenshen waited until the right time (right after the last speech had been given) to tell the committee that Glinda the Good had arrived. The curator came up to the podium once more and announced, "Before we unveil the Shiz University Memorial, we have a surprise in store. It turns out that one of the most famous students to ever attend Shiz is in fact here." At this the audience became engaged and murmured excitedly. "May I present….Glinda the Good!" and he gestured to her. The audience erupted in cheers and applause. The noise was so loud, it was a complete roar. Glinda gracefully nodded to the people, and they quieted down. She cleared her voice and smiled, "Fellow Ozians. Let us rejoice that such an important place in the lives of many citizens is being commemorated today! It is here that I learned everything that I know today, and made many lifelong friendships." More applause and cheering. She waved her hand to calm them. "And so, without further ado, I give you…the Shiz University Memorial!" The white curtain fell, and a glorious building made up of pure emerald was revealed. The audience as well as the guests was in awe. "Follow me everyone!" and the curator set off.
Before the leaders of Oz could go on the grand tour, Glinda cornered them. The Tinman and the Scarecrow were pleased to see her. "Glinda, how nice it is to see you again! We are so sorry to hear about your husband. Our prayers to the Unnamed God are with you." She smiled and curtseyed. "Thank you. I am so glad to see that you are both doing so well after your victory over the Wicked Witch! I'm sorry that I couldn't attend of the celebrations that were held initially. I had some unfinished business that needed to be taken attended to after my husband's funeral." The Tinman smiled. "Dear Glinda, we understand completely. Most of the celebration was for Dorothy though…" he said with a bit of jealousy tinting his voice. The Scarecrow tried to make up where his friend had faulted "Of course, most of what happened up at Kiamo Ko was due to her. She deserved it." This was her last glimmer of opportunity for the night. If Glinda didn't take advantage of it now, she had lost. "Oh really? Seeing as you both didn't have quite the celebration you deserved, why don't you come over to my mansion? I'll throw a grand banquet, and you two will be the guests of honor." She smiled her toothiest Galinda smile. Both men were elated. "That sounds absolutely wonderful. When should we be expected?" They both looked eagerly at her. It's working, yes! "I'll be expecting you tomorrow night, around eight o' clock or so." The men thanked her and bid her farewell, walking off to tour the memorial.
And so it begins Elphie. Phase one of our plan is complete. Glinda headed back to the awaiting carriage, recounting the events of the day. She and Shenshen had a peaceful ride back home. Once she got back, she began with preparation for the coming night's festivities. She ordered the chefs to make the best food that they possibly could, no matter how much it cost. She had her decorators go out and look for the finest materials to be set up around and outside the mansion. Glinda ordered her assistant to draw up a guest list with only the most prestigious people, and to get on inviting them. Once she was done with beginning the preparations, she retired to her room. I am absolutely exhausted. Getting a banquet ready is no easy feat. Not by a long shot. She pulled on her nightgown and lay down in bed. Today went fairly well. She sighed and turned over, contented. If everything goes according to plan tomorrow, I will have the administration in the palm of my hand. Tomorrow…and with that, she drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep.
A.N.: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I worked very hard on it. The next one should be up within several days. Thanks for all the reviews this far. I know I sound redundant, but I really look forward to them. The input is absolutely wonderful. Thanks especially to gatermage!