DISCLAIMER: in the first chapter...

A/N: A little on the short side, I admit. But this was an unplanned chapter. It wasn't until you guys mentioned that I realized how much I had negleted Galinda! Next chapter, friday without fail, cause it's already written. Hope you guyes enjoy this and that it sheds some light on a few doubts. Please keep your wonderful reviews coming!

GALINDA'S VIEW ON THINGS

She was lost in thought.

Patience had never been one of her many virtues and Galinda just needed to know! Between Elphaba's trip to the Emerald City and Fiyero's indecision regarding Elphaba, Galinda had too many unsolved puzzles in her mind and it was very unnerving. She had tried to accompany her roommate on her trip, but Elphaba would have none of it. She had attempted to point Fiyero in the right direction and… Well, she wasn't sure. Subtlety didn't seem to be the Prince's forte.

Perhaps she should have just come out and said it? Galinda shock her blonde curls. Nah. Fiyero would never believe it coming from her.

"And the father?"

As if the girl hadn't recognized those beautiful eyes. Sure, Galinda could understand why Elphaba would be reluctant to share that bit of news, but it had become obvious once the drawing had improved.

Horrible things…

Shudder.

Galinda still felt a chill rising up her spine every time she remembered the way Elphaba had spoken those words. And, though she wished to know the whole truth, sometimes she wished she never learned.

A hand on her shoulder.

She turned to find her mother pointing a very stern face her way. Ladies, after all, didn't zone out. "Sorry, mother." Galinda plastered a smile, not too wide so as to draw suspicion, and asked. "You were saying?"

"A letter has arrived for you, my dear."

"Oh, thank you plenties, momsie!" Anticipation brought a real smile to her rosy lips. Could it be from one of her friends?

A plain envelope and neat writing. Elphaba! She had already twisted the letter to open it, when the returning address caught her attention. The Vinkus? Confusion graced her pretty features, but only for a moment. Then, Galinda squealed. Rather loudly. She couldn't rip the envelope open fast enough.

Her mother's stern gaze went ignored.

My dear Galinda,

I have missed you, my friend. Forgive me for taking so long to write. I have so many news to tell you, that I don't even know where to start! First, though, I have to thank you for your support and you unwavering belief in my capacity to do what needed to be done.

Now, news, because I'm sure you are dying to know.

I have met with the Wizard, and that horrible Morrible. I did everything we had discussed and I am glad to say I am not a fugitive of the law. I confess I almost blew it, when I left rather abruptly, but the Wizard has written to me and he has promised to withdraw the Animal Banns and reinstate Dr. Dillamond. The reasons are still a mystery and I don't know if I can trust him, but still! So much better than I had dared to hope.

And. I'm a little scared to tell you this, because I don't understand it myself. I'm pregnant. With Liir. Through some weird twist of fate, magical or something else completely unexplained, I am still pregnant with the child I was carrying when I cast the time spell. My father was between angry and disbelieving and I am not sure what he would have done until…

Fiyero told me you gave him a drawing of Liir. Thank you. I still have some misgivings about things going so perfectly, but I can't deny the feeling of happiness that having Fiyero with me brings. Thank you, Galinda. For helping, for being understanding and… Well, for being you.

Yes, yes, you can squeal. I am getting married to my Prince. And you better come! The invitations should be arriving soon .I better cut this short. We can talk when you come to Kiamo Eiver.

My deepest affections,

Elphie

Too many emotions went through her face before it settled on a pleasant satisfaction. Galinda was truly happy for her friend. A part of her, she couldn't deny, wished for the happy ending Elphaba had gotten. She wasn't jealous per say, just wishful. Surely there was someone in the whole of Oz just perfect for her.

Yes.

Somewhere.

"Galinda? Good news?"

"The bestest, momsie. Two of my dear friends are getting married. The Prince of the Vinkus and the sister of the future Governor of Munchkinland. We are, of course, invited." Galinda knew just the way to phrase it to make her mother happy. Connections were, after all, everything. Miela Arduennas Upland responded with a smile of her own, pride shinning in her beautiful face.

"Very good, Gally. Very good."

Her attention was distracted for all of two seconds before Galinda's mind returned to the matter at hand. "Oh, momsie, I have so much shopping to do! If you would excuse me?"

"Of course, dear. Just don't forget to inform us of the date so that travelling arrangements can be properly planned."

"Yes, momsie. I promise."

And off went Galinda, to shop. For many hours.

Shopping required a stamina few people truly possessed, but the blonde had it in spades. She also took advantage of the situation to inform herself regarding the Wizard, the Animal Banns and any more gossip she could acquired. Like Elphaba, Galinda refused to trust the Wizard, of Morrible for that matter.

Horrible things…

Not anymore and never again. She had vowed to protect her beloved Elphie and that was just what she indented to do, whether the green girl liked it or not. After all, even the strongest of people needed some support now and then.

Galinda was sure Fiyero would agree with her.

Indeed.