I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for their reviews and their support! Read and review, and I'll try to update soon.
"Oh my..."
"Sweet Oz!"
"What in the world is wrong with her?"
"Is that really Galinda?"
Galinda nervously clutched at Elphaba's arm. It was four hours later, and Elphaba was considerably more alert than she had been earlier that morning. She shot a protective glare at some of the more outspoken members of their class when they dared mock Galinda for her appearance.
Pfannee and Shenshen approached then, striding right past Elphaba to Galinda. "What in Oz has she done to you?" Pfannee asked.
"C'mon, dear, we'll take you back to your dorm and help you get ready." Shenshen added, glancing at Elphaba.
Galinda waved her hands. "Girls, she didn't do anything to me! She helped me. I'm perfectly fine." Galinda spoke much more confidently than she felt.
Shenshen bristled. "What has been up with you lately? Ever since the dance you and the artichoke have been attached by the hip! What happened, did you decide that since your attempt to make her popular failed, you wanted to be like her?"
For a moment, the blonde bit her lip and Elphaba prepared herself to be disappointed. But then Galinda set her chin and said, "What is this? I simply decided some things are more important than beauty, and my friend- yes- my best friend, helped me to behave more sensibly."
"You've been positively brainwashed!" Pfannee protested. "You aren't in your right mind."
"I believe I am." She glanced over to Elphaba, linking her arm through hers. "C'mon Elphie. Class starts in fifteen minutes."
Once they were out of earshot, Elphaba asked, "Did you really mean what you said back there?"
"Did I mean what?"
"What you said about being friends."
Galinda stopped. "Well, of course I did. You are my best friend. I've had many friends, but I don't think I've ever had a real best friend before."
"I don't think I've ever had a friend, much less a best friend. I think Nessa only ever tolerates me because we're sisters."
"Now that's not true! And believe it or not, Elphie, I am your best friend. Now, let's head to class."
"You see, Galinda, I've been thinking. Maybe the two of us aren't as perfect for each other as we thought...
"Galinda, I think we might be better off seeing other people! No, don't be upset, I-
"Hey Galinda? I think I'm the scum of Oz... And I think I like your roommate..
Oh, this was getting rather pathetic. Fiyero cursed himself as he sat in the little cafe just outside of the University's walls. His girlfriend was running late, and he was growing more anxious. He had been contemplating breaking up with the pretty blonde girl for weeks. He just didn't know how to do it without breaking her heart. He couldn't bear that. He didn't want to hurt her. He was just increasingly amazed by her roommate. He was considering telling Galinda he was gay, but then how would he be able to approach Elphaba?
Of course, just then the girls arrived, and all thinking stopped. For one, Elphaba was with her roommate, and he was distracted for a moment. Then he noticed his girlfriend. Or rather what she was wearing. She was completley deprived of makeup and frills and her skirt actually covered her knees.
He blinked a few times, took a deep breath, and forced a smile. "Hello, ladies,"
Elphaba led Galinda over to his table, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Hello, Fiyero." She smoothed down her skirt. "Excuse me," she said, disapearing to the ladies room.
"Is she alright?" He asked.
Galinda frowned. "She was fine until we came in here. There was a little disagreement with Miss Pfannee and Miss Shenshen this morning, but that was actually rather typical. I don't think she's upset over anything."
"A disagreement with Pfannee and Shenshen? Is everything alright?"
Galinda cocked her head. "Well, I'm sure you've noticed my appearence."
This was a dangerous situation. If he said one thing wrong, she would be angry and hurt. "I did. You seem relaxed. Comfortable."
"Well, I'm turning over a new leaf." She raised her head. "There's no reason to get dolled up just to go to class."
"That's true." He nodded.
"Well, Pfannee and Shenshen don't seem to agree. And they also don't accept my friendship with Elphie." She explained the earlier confrontation to him.
"It's good of you to stick up for her." In reality, he really was proud of her. He was pleasantly surprised that she had given up on her vain ways- and had stuck by her guns.
He also had no idea how to break up with her now- he would seem like a complete ass if he did, the day she suddenly adopted some simpler dress. It would hurt her more, and it really had nothing to do with her appearence.
And on the other hand, maybe things would be different? She really did seem more genuine now. Maybe the whole pretty and popular thing was over. Maybe now they would be able to work things out.
He was suddenly much more content with his relationship. Until Elphaba re-emerged from the bathroom, and he felt his stomach flip again.
Suddenly, things had become much more complicated.