"How is it we don't have this stuff back in Oz?" Shell had begged to come along, and Elphaba had made the mistake of allowing him a cup off coffee. He was jittery and hyper.

Roger laughed. "Probably for the reason we typically don't allow kids to drink it."

"I'm not a kid!"

Aly smiled. "You're younger then us, so technically, yes, you are."

Elphaba giggled. "He doesn't listen to reason. Never has."

"Neither do you." Nessarose, like Aly, was sipping tea rather then coffee.

Roger shook his head, looking at Aly. "Did we always fight like this?"

"No, we're twins." Aly sipped her green tea. "Our fights were always way worse."

"Right." Roger drained his coffee. "I remember now. I tried to take your dolls, and you kicked me in the balls."

"Ouch." Elphaba smiled. "So glad there are no twins in my family."

Nessarose looked around the Life Café delicately. "So, this is what you New Yorkers do for fun?"

"No!" Aly giggled, and then winced slightly as the baby kicked. She smiled again. "Only the East Villagers come here, and only the bohemian ones."

"So what all is New York?"

"The East Village-that's us; Westport; Manhattan; Brooklyn; Harlem; Greenwich; and the Theater District. Rich people live west and south. Poor people live north and central. The artsy folk live in the East Village. The bohemians and the druggies live in Alphabet City, where we are. The higher up ones on Avenue A, the ones who can't afford an apartment but live in Benny's building so they get free rent inhabit Avenue B, the druggies, homeless and very poor but still have an apartment live on Avenue C, and no one goes to Avenue D."

"What do the letters stand for?"

"A is Alright; B is Brave; C is Cautious; and D stands for Dead."

"Oh." Nessarose sighed. "I'll make sure to stay away from Avenue D, then."

"Good girl." Roger sighed, looking at his watch. "Oh, I gotta take off. I've got a meeting with a scout in ten minutes. Later guys!"
Aly pulled herself to her feet. "My midwife is coming to the Loft later. I'll walk Elphaba and her family back."

Elphaba smiled. "Thank you. I just wish your husband could have made it."

"Oh, we're not married yet. We're going to get married after the baby comes. We moved in together because I could afford my own place."

"Oh. Well, I still wish we could have met him."

"Mark had to work today. He'll be by later tonight."

Elphaba placed a hand on Aly's back, helping her stand. "Come on; let's get you off your feet."

Aly nodded. "That would be wonderful. Thank you."