My buddy "Denpa Wave Chick Saki" co-wrote this with me. Enjoy!

Elphaba woke up early the next morning and quickly got to work preparing the blonde's things for her day ahead. She collected up all the necessary books and notebooks, stacking them on the desk, while doing her best to keep from waking her up. She moved into the bathroom and turned the faucet on in the tub, watching it fill up.

Galinda opened her eyes with a groan. She sat up, looking around, and finally decided to head to the bathroom. "Well, you aren't exactly the quietest person in the morning..." She didn't say anything else, as she stripped off her night dress and got into the tub.

"O-oh, you're awake!" Elphaba stood up, turning to face her. "I'm sorry, I was trying to keep from waking you."

"Well, clearly, it didn't work."

"I apologize..." Elphaba left the bathroom, heading back into the bedroom. She went to her suitcase and pulled out her navy dress, quickly changing into it. She picked up the small green bottle off her bed and placed it back in her suitcase as well. "Is there anything else you require?" Elphaba called to the blonde.

Galinda sat up and started to wash herself with a sigh."Actually, yes. I'll be needing you to come and wash my back for me."

Elphaba felt her face immediately grow hot, as she heard that. It was true she had seen the blonde naked before, but they were both almost grown women now and, well... "Y-yes. I'll be right there." Elphaba headed into the bathroom and stood by the wall, her gaze on the floor. "Just...let me know when you'd like...my assistance." Galinda finished cleaning the rest of her body, holding out the soap for Elphaba when she was done. Elphaba approached the blonde, taking the soap from her and feeling the slight burn in her hand. She got down on her knees and began to rub the soap up and down Galinda's back. The blonde's back stayed tensed up, but she leaned forward a little bit so Elphaba could reach everything. It seemed like an eternity, but Elphaba finally finished. She set the soap down and stood. "I-I've finished. Is there anything else you need?"

"Hand me a towel, and then you're done." She stood and started to get out of the bathtub. Elphaba grabbed a towel from the rack and held it out to the blonde, her gaze on the floor. Galinda stepped into the towel and pulled it from her hands, not caring about the fact that she was naked. She waved her hand at her. "You're done. Now, shoo."

Elphaba nodded, before she quickly left the room. Once back in the bedroom, she put her hands to her face, hoping it wasn't too dark green. She shook that feeling off, before she started to load the blonde's notebooks and books and other supplies into one of her bags, hoping it was the one Galinda wanted.

Galinda left the bathroom and headed for her closet, glancing at Elphaba on the way. "Wrong bag, vegetable..." She stepped into the closet to grab a white dress and put it on, moving over to her vanity when she was finished.

The green woman sighed. Yes, she had seen that coming. She unloaded the bag. "Which bag would you like, Miss?"

"The navy blue one." Galinda finished brushing her hair, deciding to leave it down for the day. She clipped a small, sparkly barrette on and then started with her makeup.

Elphaba found the requested bag and began loading everything into it. When she finished, she held it out to the blonde. "You have History this morning with Dr. Dillamond, then Art Studio, and then Introduction to Sorcery with Madame Morrible after lunch."

Galinda sighed. "Very well. I have a feeling I'm going to hate that witch's class..." She did one last lipstick check in the mirror before grabbing her bag and walking out the door.

Elphaba followed her. "With all due respect, Miss Galinda, you were the one who wanted to take up sorcery."

"I wanted to take the class, yes. But that does not mean that I'm going to like having her as the teacher."

"May I ask what you have against Madame Morrible?"

"She's so...so...gah! She's so serious! I'm tired of dealing with such serious people."

"I see. Well, as much as I hate to say it: that may become something you will have to get used to. You're entering politics, Miss Galinda. It is not exactly a profession for entertainment."

"You think I don't realize that? You know what? Just shush yourself, vegetable. Your opinion isn't wanted here."

"Yes, Miss Galinda." Elphabafell silent, as she and Galinda entered the dining hall.

"Much better..." Upon entering the dining hall Galinda motioned to an empty table in the corner. "You go sit over there. I'm going to sit with my friends." She moved for the empty seat at the table with Pfannee and the other girls.

Elphaba moved to stand in the corner, watching the blonde and ignoring the stares she was receiving...as well as the giggles and whispers. Normally, Elphaba wouldn't have been humiliated, but she had never been surrounded by her peers before. Now it was embarrassing to be treated like a trained animal.

Galinda thoroughly enjoyed her breakfast with the girls. They cemented their friendship by deciding that the girls should go shopping with her that afternoon. When breakfast was finished, Galinda left the building, not even waiting for Elphaba, and headed for her first class.

Elphaba quickly followed the blonde into the next building and into Dr. Dillamond's class. Elphaba had heard of him and was excited to meet him, but when they arrived, she saw that he was not yet present. She had a feeling that Galinda did not know her professor was an Animal and considered it only fair to warn her. "Miss Galinda, if I may?"

Galinda took a seat closer to the back of the classroom than the front. "Yes, yes. Go ahead..." Then she felt somebody slide into the chair next. She sighed, having a feeling about who it was.

"Miss Galinda, I am not sure if you are aware, but Dr. Dillamond...well...he is a Goat. He's brilliant of course..."

Galinda gave a small shudder. "A minor...setback, true. But I must deal with it..."

"A setback? Galinda, he's brilliant! It shouldn't matter that he's an Animal! In fact, that should make it that much more incredible!" Elphaba's eyes lit up, and she forgot that she had accidentally dropped the honorific. "His work is really quite impressive. You should be thankful that you have him as a teacher."

The blonde pierced her with a glare. "Yet again, you are giving your opinion when it is not wanted."

"B-but, Miss Galinda, really-"

Galinda motioned at her. "No. Shush. It's not wanted."

Elphaba sighed but remained silent as she stood beside the blonde's desk. "Yes, Miss Galinda..."

"Much better." Galinda turned from her, only to see a far too excited Boq staring at her. She gave a small smile. "Oh, hello again, Bick."

Boq smiled at her. "Hello, Miss Galinda. I was afraid you would never notice me."

"Oh, how could I possible ignore you, Bick?"

"Yes, your enthusiasm is far too much for Miss Galinda to ignore." Elphaba kept her gaze straight ahead.

Galinda smacked her in the arm, turning back to Boq. "Please excuse her, Bick. She's a little...unrefined." Elphaba winced as her burns throbbed dully.

"So are you excited for Dr. Dillamond's class? I've heard he's brilliant," Boq spoke up again.

"Really? I've heard so too. I am quite excited," Galinda smiled politely. Elphaba chose this moment to clear her throat and let out a small cough.

Boq looked at her. "Is...something wrong, Miss..."

"Don't concern yourself with me."

Galinda smacked her on the arm again with a glare. "Ignore her. She's inconsequential." Elphaba winced again.

Boq looked from Elphaba to Galinda. "So...she is your...?"

"Um...my escort, I suppose." Elphaba coughed again.

It was at that moment that Dr. Dillamond entered the room, setting his bag on the front desk. "Good morning students, and allow me to be the first to welcome you to your first day of class at Shiz." Galinda gave a sigh and took out her note papers, quite happy that Boq couldn't talk to her anymore during the class. Dr. Dillamond started to continue, but his eyes fell on the standing Elphaba. "You can sit down, Miss..."

Elphaba realized he was addressing her. "Oh...I'm not...I'm just..." She looked down at Galinda.

Galinda stood, speaking to Dr. Dillamond. "Please excuse her, Doctor. It is my Father's wishes that she escort me everywhere."

The Goat turned his attention to the blonde. "So...you are Miss Glinda then?"

"Yes, I am GAlinda Arduenna."

"I see...and is there a reason your 'escort' cannot sit?"

Galinda turned to the green woman. "I don't know. Is there?"

Elphaba turned to Dr. Dillamond. "I am not a student here, sir. I would not take a seat from someone who really deserves it."

Dr. Dillamond nodded. "What is your name?"

"Elphaba, sir."

He nodded again. "Yes, well, Miss Elphaba...you seem educated enough. Take a seat. If you are in my room, you are welcome to learn. Everyone deserves that at least." Elphaba wasn't sure how to react. She wasn't usually treated with such cordialness. She nodded, before she sat beside the blonde. Galinda ground her teeth. She was not going to like this professor much either...

Elphaba, meanwhile, was thoroughly enjoying herself, as she immersed herself in the Goat's lecture. Galinda found it quite hard to concentrate, because she found it so dull. She fiddled with her pen. The class eventually ended, and the students all filed out. "Miss Glinda...if I may have a word with you?"

"Of course, Doctor." She moved up to the front of the class to speak with him. "What is it you'd like to talk to me about?"

Dillamond looked at Elphaba. "You too, Miss Elphaba." Elphaba approached the two. "Now...what is business this about an 'escort'?"

"My Father seems to believe that it would be safer for there to always be somebody with me...a kind of bodyguard of sorts, I suppose."

"I see...and this 'bodyguard' is to be treated in such a manner?"

Elphaba spoke up. "Doctor, if I may, I have watched out for Miss Galinda my whole life, and I can assure you, my life with her is better than life on the streets with no family."

"Miss Glinda, I have not had time to get to know you personally, but I can tell from your...demeanor that you don't exactly...respect Miss Elphaba as a classmate."

"That is because she isn't a classmate. She's an employee under my jurisdiction. Not a student."

"I see...well, while you are both in my classroom, you will treat her with more respect...and that means that you stop striking her."

"Doctor, please..." Elphaba tried to say.

Galinda's teeth ground together. "Whatever you say, Doctor. It is your classroom, so I will abide by your rules..."

Elphaba didn't like her tone. "Doctor Dillamond, please, I realize that you are trying to help, but the way Miss Galinda and I are is the way it should be."

Dillamond looked at both girls. "I see the problem is worse than I thought..." he stood. "I will see you both tomorrow." He left the room.

Galinda frowned, as she left the room too. She was muttering under her breath, "Definitely not going to like this class..." She walked down the corridors to her art class.

Elphaba followed her, feeling somewhat unsettled. While Dr. Dillamond had been trying to help, Elphaba had a feeling he may have actually made it worse. "M-Miss Galinda...you shouldn't really place too much into what he said...he doesn't understand the situation, that's all."

"No, no. He understands it quite well. He just believes that what he thinks is the only proper way..."

Elphaba chose not to comment on that, because Dr. Dillamond was right. "Well...is what he believes so...wrong?"

"More like unrealistic." When she reached the art classroom, her eyes immediately lit up, but she hid her reaction. She went to take a seat.

Elphaba stood by her chair again, noticing that the professor was a rather eccentric looking woman. "This is an interesting class choice for you, Miss Galinda. I do not recall you showing interest in art."

"I figured it would be an easy grade..." She lied. She was actually very much in love with the arts.

"I see..." Elphaba directed her gaze forward again as the class began. The professor seemed to take an instant liking to Galinda, which did not surprise the green woman.

"Hello class. I am Professor Riviera, and I am here to help you on your journey to becoming artists. I don't have too many rules, I promise." She smiled at them all. "Rule 1: Turn assignments in on time. Rule 2: No paint fights unless they are preplanned events that are approved by me first. And Rule 3: Only constructive criticism is allowed in this classroom. We are here to give you an outlet to express your feelings, and we don't want that to be hindered by rude comments, now do we? I, myself, will only give criticism in private to each individual student. This class is not about seeing who is the best..."

Elphaba rolled her eyes. "Oh please..." she muttered under her breath. She could already tell by the way she was looking at Galinda who she thought was 'the best.'

"I think she likes you, Miss Galinda."

Galinda turned to look at her. "Why wouldn't she?" Elphaba sighed, as she looked ahead again, watching as the lesson began. It was much harder for her to pay attention during this class, as it did not interest her much. Finally, blissfully, it ended, and Elphaba sighed in relief. "You stay here. I want to talk to Professor Riviera alone." Galinda quickly gathered up her things and rushed to the front of the classroom. She held out her hand. "Hello, Professor. I'm Galinda Arduenna. I am so looking forward to your class. Did you get the portfolio I sent to you in advance?" Elphaba watched her, as she moved to stand just outside the door. Galinda was acting a little odd...she chose to ignore it.

Riviera took her hand, shaking it excitedly. "Oh yes, Dear. I did. You have a lot of potential and could go very far in the art world with a talent like yours. It's such a pleasure to finally meet you."

Galinda smiled. "Do you truly mean that? Because I would very much like honest opinions on my work. I...I'd rather not have it be judged just because of...well, because of my standing, if you know what I mean."

"Of course not, My Dear. Just to get it out there, when it comes to art, I may be a painfully honest critic at times. But you have nothing to worry about. With a little bit of refining you will be as good as a professional. Now you should hurry along. I have another class coming in soon."

Galinda gave her another shake of the hand and a smile. "Thank you so much, Professor. I can't wait until the next class." She headed for the door, giving her a wave goodbye as she left. When she was out in the hallway, she headed for her room, her shoulders slumping.

Elphaba noticed and followed after her. "Miss Galinda, you seem to have lost your perfect posture. Is there something I can get for you for lunch? Your next class will be starting in an hour."

"I'm not in the mood for anything in particular. Just bring a box back to the room." She kept heading back towards Crage Hall.

"Miss Galinda, at the risk of being a bother...is something wrong?"

"No. I am just really not looking forward to being stuck in a room with Madame Morrible for 3 hours..."

"There will be other students...If you hate it so much, why not just drop the class?"

"Father thinks it will look better if I have sorcery training. So he also signed me up for a private session with her in addition to her lecture."

"Ah, I see."

"Just go get my lunch, alright? I don't want to talk about this with you."

Elphaba stopped. "Yes, Miss Galinda." She turned and went down to the dining hall, filling a box with food and returning to the room about ten minutes later. "Miss Galinda? I have your food." Galinda took the box and sat on her bed to start eating it. Elphaba stood against the wall. "Is there anything else I can get for you?"

"No. There isn't anything else for right now."

Elphaba nodded. "I realize it is not my place, Miss Galinda, but is there perhaps something you'd like to...get off your mind?"

Galinda got off the bed and went to sit at her vanity. "No. There is nothing I wish to speak about, and you were correct in saying it is not your place to ask."

"Perhaps it would make you feel better though? It may help you to relieve some stress perhaps?"

"Would you stop asking? No! I will not confide in you as if you were my friend!"

Elphaba nodded again. "I understand." Silence. "I...overheard your friends earlier. It appears they are in Madame Morrible's class as well. You won't be alone."

"Oh, that's good."

"Yes...now you'll actually have an excuse to not pay attention."

"And yet again, you are letting your sarcasm get the best of you."

"Pardon? Do you not appreciate my sarcasm?"

"If you don't learn to curb your tongue, vegetable, another incident might just happen."

"Incident? You mean you'll push me into the tub again?"

"If need be..."

"Miss Galinda, I do believe this is what Dr. Dillamond was referring to when he spoke of 'respect.'"

"I will give you respect when I believe you deserve it."

"And when will that be, Miss Galinda? At my funeral? I have worked my entire life for you, allowed you to beat and humiliate me, and not once have I complained or received a 'thank you.' If I have not earned your respect by now...I never will."

"It's your job to work for me. I am not required to say 'thank you' when my Father has been paying you and providing you with a room and food."

'You father does not pay me."

"Good. I never did think you deserved it."

"Even paid people you only meet once at a business are given a 'thank you.' What makes you think I don't deserve that as well?"

"Because you should be on the streets. You were an unwanted child, and yet my Father took you in. You've received enough kindness from him. You don't need any more."

"Kindness? Is that what you call it? It was pity, Miss Galinda, and if there's one thing I can't stand, it's pity. Besides, your father needed someone who could serve you. I just happened to be picked."

"Pity still provided you with a roof of your head, food in your mouth, and the ability to be as close to nobility as you are."

"I couldn't care less about your nobility. If you didn't have my sister with you, I would have left long ago. But I can't bring myself to destroy the life that she has been given."

"Well then that's your own fault. Don't complain about what you have if you're not willing to change it for yourself." Galinda threw her box in the trash. "I've lost my appetite..." She then grabbed her bag and walked out the door, heading for Morrible's class.

Something inside the green woman snapped and, before she knew what she was doing, she grabbed the blonde's arm, pushing her against the wall. "You don't care about Nessa at all. She's just something to make you look better. I choose to stay because leaving her in your care would be worse than taking her out on the streets with me! She is not a doll, Galinda! She is a person!"

"Oh really? Ask her that. I'm her sister, now. Not you. She loves me more than she will ever love you." Elphaba felt as though she'd been punched in the stomach. "She will never know that you're her sister."

Elphaba released the blonde, stepping back, her gaze down. "Nessa...does love me. Maybe in a different way than you. And I will tell her...someday."

"Oh, you mean as a friend? A confidant? But never a sister."

Elphaba glared up at the blonde and suddenly found her hand wrapped around her throat. "You need to stop tormenting me...No one can protect you from your own bodyguard." Galinda gasped for breath, her fingers clawing at Elphaba's hands. The green woman tightened her grip, before she realized what she was actually doing. She released the blonde, taking a step back. "I...I'm sorry, Miss Galinda. I don't know what came over me."

Galinda collapsed to the ground, coughing. "You...will not...get...away with...this..."

Elphaba winced. "I apologize..." She kneeled down to help the blonde stand. Galinda slapped her hand away, pulling herself up. She glared at her before walking down the corridors. She went to the cafe to grab a cup of ice water to soothe her throat, and then headed for Morrible's room, a glower on her face the entire time. Elphaba followed her, waiting until the blonde was seated, before she chose to speak. "Please...please don't tell your father about this. I-I didn't mean it...I don't know what happened..." Galinda continued to glare fixedly in front of her, refusing to look at her. Her hand moved up to rub her throat, as she took a drink of her water. Elphaba didn't like the silence. "Miss Galinda, please. You know Nessa is a sensitive subject for me. I-I just had a temporary...lapse...If you tell your father, he'll have me shot."

Galinda cut her off with a motion of her hand. "Just shut your mouth. I will not talk to you about this right now." Elphaba nodded, as her gaze went down to the floor.

Morrible entered the room just then. "Good afternoon students! I am glad to see that so many of you are enthusiastic about sorcery! Now if you would take out your textbooks and open to the first chapter." Galinda pulled out her textbook and set it on the table in front of her, opening to the correct page. The lesson continued and after the lecture was over, all the students left except the very few that had been signed up for Morrible's seminar. Galinda gave a sigh, wishing she could leave with the others. But she had to stay. "As I expect, you are all looking forward to actually performing feats of sorcery, and I do not wish to disappoint, so here are your training wands." She handed the small wands out.

"Now our first lesson today will be levitation." Galinda took her wand in her hand, unable to hold back a slight smile when she thought of actually doing magic. Morrible set out several small objects on the desk. "Alright. Choose an object and focus. Focus on making it levitate to your will." Elphaba stood back against the wall, watching them. She had never seen Galinda perform magic. She doubted the blonde actually could. Galinda focused on one of the objects. After a few seconds, she let out a giggle of glee when it started to rise. Morrible turned to look. "Ah...very impressive, Miss Galinda...though magic will be more than just parlor tricks."

Elphaba raised her eyebrows. That was a little impressive. She looked at the object and was surprised to see it suddenly move to the side. Wait...she had just thought about that...Elphaba was confused now. She didn't have magic...did she? Elphaba looked at it again, willing it higher and smiling slightly when that happened. Galinda looked at the other object, confused. Morrible looked confused as well. "Who is doing this?" Elphaba suddenly realized what she was doing and lost focus. The object fell to the ground. Morrible looked at Galinda. "Did you do that?"

Galinda shook her head with wide eyes. "N-no, Madame."

"Then who did?" No one replied. Elphaba kept her gaze down. Morrible nodded. "Very well...I think we are done for the day." She left the room suddenly, leaving everyone a little confused.

Galinda gathered up her things and put them in her bag. She headed for the door, twirling her wand in her fingers playfully. Elphaba opened her mouth to say something, but stopped. She chose to instead follow the blonde out. Galinda headed back to her room to get ready to go shopping. Elphaba leaned against the wall, her gaze down. "Me...It was...me."

Galinda turned to her. "What was you? Did you choke somebody else too?"

Elphaba shook her head. "I...made the object...rise."

"What?"

Elphaba looked at her. "I...I don't know. I just looked at it...and it did what I wanted." She looked back down.

Galinda's fists clenched and she whipped around, grabbing her purse. "Let's go. The girls are waiting to go shopping." She stalked out the door.

"The...girls?" Elphaba followed her. "Who exactly are we talking about?"

"Pfannee, Milla, and Shenshen. I invited them to go shopping with me."

"Oh...I see." Elphaba silently noted that the carriage was built to hold four. "So...I suppose you would like me to fetch your carriage?"

"Yes, I would." Elphaba nodded before she left the blonde to do as she wanted. Soon enough the carriage was brought around, waiting for the four girls. Elphaba jumped down off the back. Galinda and the girls climbed into the carriage, ignoring Elphaba.

The green woman closed the door, before she jumped onto the back again as the carriage started off. The green woman pulled her dress collar up to cover her mouth and nose as dust flew up. They soon reached the city, and Elphaba jumped down, moving to open the door. Galinda climbed out, smiling back at the other girls as they got out after her. "Oh you are so right, Milla! That style of skirt is simply horrendous."

Shenshen laughed. "And the worst part was that she didn't even realize it. She actually thought it looked good!"

Elphaba had no interest in what they were saying, so she chose to just follow behind them as they started walking. The girls headed into the nearest dress shop. Elphaba followed, with much reluctance

As Galinda picked out dresses off of the rack, she threw them at Elphaba to add to her pile in the dressing room. When she felt like she had enough, she and the other girls went in to try their dresses on. They came out to parade each one around for each other. Elphaba was about ready to kill herself, but she had to keep her cool. She was in enough trouble with the blonde already. She couldn't understand the necessity of trying on so many dresses. Galinda was showing off one of the dresses, when she noticed a dress hanging behind the front desk. She called for the store assistant. "Might I please try that one on?" The assistant pulled it down and handed it to her. Galinda held it in her arms, her hand running down the beautiful material. She gave a squeal of glee before running into her dressing room to put it on. She came out of the room and looked at herself in the full view mirror, her mouth dropping.

The other girls immediately started fawning over her. "Oh, Galinda! That's the most beautiful dress I've ever seen! I love the material." Pfannee gently lifted some of the skirt in her hand.

"Look at the beading! It's so intricate! And there's so much of it!"

"It's such a beautiful color. Please tell me you're going to get it. You simply must."

Galinda looked at the beautiful one shouldered, floor length emerald gown. It was elaborately decorated with beaded designs that sparkled like real emeralds. "I think I will. This is the exact color of the palace." She smiled. "Wouldn't it just be perfect for my birthday ball?" The other girls eagerly nodded in agreement. Elphaba looked up at the dress Galinda was wearing, seeing that it was green. Green looked very nice on the blonde...Elphaba shook her head, trying to clear that from her mind. Galinda did another turn in front of the mirror with a grin. "I am most definitely getting this dress...It's amazing."

When Galinda's friends retreated to their own dressing rooms, it left the green woman alone with the blonde. "Green...looks very nice on you, Miss Galinda." Elphaba's dark gaze was fixed on her sapphire eyes.

Galinda glared at her before turning back towards her dressing room. "Nobody asked for your opinion, vegetable."

Elphaba looked down. "I know that...It's worth whatever you'll pay for it."

Galinda closed the dressing room door behind her. She stripped off the dress and pulled on the dress she came in wearing. She carried the green dress and three other dresses out to go pay for them, throwing them into Elphaba's arms afterwards. She, Shenshen, Pfannee, and Milla left the store and headed for another shop a few doors down.

Elphaba sighed, as she slung the bags over her shoulder. How good of Miss Galinda to deem her worthy enough to carry her bags for her. She followed the girls into the next store, which was filled with an assortment of shoes. Galinda wandered around the store, determined to find the perfect pair of shoes to go with her new green dress. The other girls set out to help while they looked for themselves too. Elphaba followed the blonde, her gaze falling on the perfect pair to match the dress. She started to open her mouth, but stopped. No one asked her opinion, right? Galinda kept looking until Milla called her name. She turned to see her pointing at the perfect pair of shoes for the dress. She rushed over and reached up to grab them, but they were just out of her reach. Elphaba saw the blonde struggling, and she approached. She gently moved the blonde aside, as she reached up, easily grabbing the shoes and holding them out to the blonde. "Here."

Galinda took them from her hand, turning to sit on the bench and try them on. She stood up and walked around in them a little bit, her grin growing. Elphaba watched the blonde, wondering how such material possessions could make her so happy. Still, she said nothing. Galinda took the shoes off again, rushing to the counter to buy them. After purchasing them, she settled on one of the chairs to wait for the other girls with a content smile on her face. Elphaba picked up the bag with the shoes, as she moved to stand beside the blonde's chair. "You seem happy enough."

"Of course I am. I just found the most amazing dress and the perfect shoes to go with them."

"I am...happy for you, but may I ask one thing? What...happiness is there in these?"

Galinda shook her head. "You wouldn't get it."

"Try to explain. Is it their appearance? Their show of wealth?"

"Their appearance. I like to surround myself with beautiful things. Is that so bad?"

Elphaba shook her head. "No...there is nothing wrong with wanting to fill a voids in one's life."

"I do not have any voids. I couldn't be happier, in fact."

"Really?" Elphaba directed her dark gaze at Galinda. "Are you really happy?"

"Yes, I am. I am the heir to the throne of Oz, I'm learning to use magic, and I'm the most popular girl in school."

"That's all true...but are you happy?"

"With all that I have, who wouldn't be happy?"

"You." Elphaba's dark eyes pierced her sapphire ones.

"Stop trying to analyze my every word! You are not my friend, so I don't need to tell you every little thing I think!"

Elphaba's eyes narrowed. "If I don't, who will? You think those airheads you call friends will? They'll only reinforce what is keeping you trapped in this lie. If I don't show you the truth...who will, Miss Galinda?"

"There isn't any truth to show. My life is fine the way it is. So stop trying to change it."

Elphaba shook her head. "I can't change it. Only you can do that."

"Well, I don't want to change anything."

Elphaba nodded and directed her gaze ahead. "It is sad...that you force yourself to live in such misery."

"I am not miserable! I have the perfect life that everybody dreams of having! I am living my dream." Elphaba didn't reply. Her gaze stared straight ahead. The blonde stayed silent as well until the other girls finished their shopping and came over to meet them. She stood with a smile, and they left the store to head back to the carriage. Elphaba loaded all the packages on the top of the carriage, before she jumped onto the back, the carriage heading back to Shiz. They soon arrived and the green woman untied the packages, jumping down and opening the door. Galinda climbed out first again, the other girls following and grabbing their own packages before they all went inside Crage Hall. The blonde left her packages with Elphaba, who followed her back up to their room, where she dropped the packages on Galinda's bed. "Is there anything I can do for you between now and dinner?"

Galinda shook her head, shooing her away, as she moved to sit in one of the sitting room's plush chairs with the other girls. "We don't need you here, vegetable. Leave." She turned back to her friends. Elphaba moved into the bedroom, where her eyes fell on Galinda's history textbook. She pulled it from the bag and sat on her cot as she began to read. Galinda spent the next hour talking with her friends, before they all separated to go get ready for dinner. She went back into the room, ignoring Elphaba and going straight to her closet to put on one of her new dresses. Elphaba was lying on her back, her eyes closed. The open book was lying across her chest and her glasses were hanging on by one ear. The blonde finished getting dressed and brushing her hair, grabbing one of her pillows and throwing it at Elphaba. "I'm going to dinner, vegetable. Have my bath ready when I get back."

Elphaba jerked away when the pillow hit her, and she sat bolt upright, reaching up to fix her glasses. Her world came back into focus, and she turned her attention to Galinda. "Hmm? Oh...yes, Miss Galinda." Elphaba laid back down, repositioning her pillow. Galinda shook her head and left the room, heading down to the lobby where she had planned to meet her friends.

The green woman sat back up. Wait...Galinda had left? Elphaba dropped the book, as she scrambled out of bed, grabbing her cloak and throwing it over her shoulders, pulling the hood over her head. She headed down the stairs and just as she entered the lobby, her eyes fell on Galinda. She quickly ducked back around the corner, her heart racing as she prayed Galinda hadn't seen her. But Galinda had noticed the black figure jump back into hiding. She politely excused herself for a minute from her friends and went around the corner, pushing Elphaba up against the wall. "What do you think you're doing, vegetable?"

Elphaba winced, as she felt Galinda's nails dig into her shoulder. "I...I...I just came to get a cup of...coffee..."

Galinda tightly gripped the green woman's burned forearms. "You're so full of shit! I do not need to be followed every second of every day, Ozdamnit! I can go to dinner by myself, thank you very much."

"I...I wasn't following you!" Elphaba didn't know why so insisted on lying.

"Oh, please. You're a horrible liar, and you take your job far too seriously."

"Is that so wrong?"

"It is when it's annoying me."

"These are young men, Miss Galinda, and they all have one thing on their minds. You are beautiful and powerful. They take one look at you and they immediately start thinking with the wrong head. You think you can protect yourself, but if one of them attacked you, you would be helpless! I am here to make sure that never happens! Besides that, your standing puts you at risk! Shiz is not a safe haven. If someone wants to hurt your father, they will use you. I will not allow that to happen."

Galinda gave one last hard squeeze to Elphaba's injuries before pushing off of her with a glare. "If you're going to follow me, then you better work on hiding yourself better. I want to be seen with you as little as humanly possible." She turned and went back into the lobby pasting a smile on her face.

Maybe Galinda didn't want her around...but Elphaba knew that she had to stay because one day...one day Galinda would need her...and Elphaba was not about to live the rest of her life feeling guilty.