Jessie woke up earlier than Elphaba, which was actually a really good thing. It gave her time to really process exactly what happened last night. Although, the pillows, comforters, blankets, sheets, clothes, and various furniture in disarray helped confirm it. Jessie had a bright smile on her face and her eyes were barely able to leave the emerald beauty beside her.
Getting up, she quietly snuck into the living room, to find an even bigger mess. She smiled, remembering some of the highlights of making that mess. Jessie shook her head, tightening the robe around her. She made a pot of coffee, and called up room service. Sipping on her cup of coffee she straightened up a little, before signing onto her social media sites. Most of the comments were positive, and wanted to know more about Elphaba. She did get a few hate messages and drop offs on her twitter account and facebook. Considering all of the media attention about this it was nothing Jessie couldn't live with. Jessie was transparent to her fans, but she didn't make life decisions on their wishes. She learned a long time ago, the harder you try to please people the more depressed you get.
When she checked her personal email, she saw one from her younger brother Lucas. Clicking it open she rolled her eyes when she saw that it was an idea for their parents thirtieth anniversary party.
The only time anyone from Jessie's family bothered to contact her was when they wanted something. This was no different, they wanted the family to get together at an all inclusive beach resort. Her siblings - one a teacher, the other a lawyer - thought it would be a good idea to fly the entire family in for the party. However, like every other time these two got a brilliant idea for a 'family' get together, they don't have the spare money. Jessie just shook her head, of course they would stick their noses into her life when everything was going well. Why couldn't they just leave her alone?
Elphaba had slowly begun to wake up when she smelled the alluring aroma of coffee being brewed. Shifting on the bed she realizes that Jessie isn't next to her. Sitting up slowly, she looks around the room with a smirk. Last night had been amazing. She heard Jessie typing on the keyboard and slowly got out of bed. Grabbing a robe she slips it on before walking out to the sitting area. She saw Jessie shake her head and sigh. "What's wrong, love?" Elphie asked wrapping her arms around Jessie from behind.
"Nothing that won't keep." Jessie said, closing the notebook, and putting it on the table. She motioned Elphaba into her arms. Elphaba smiled as she hoped over the couch and into Jessie's lap. Jessie hugged her tightly and kissed the back of her head, "Last night was incredible."
"Yes it was." Elphaba agreed, turning to capture her lips in a proper kiss.
"My fans want to know more about you." Jessie said, getting a laugh.
"As your personal assistant? Are they that nosey?" Elphaba said with a wink.
"You've always been more than my assistant." Jessie said, holding her closer.
"I know. You've been a wonderful friend to me, Jess." Elphaba said.
"Elphie, I think…." Jessie stopped herself. Elphaba turned in Jessie's arms, so she can look into her eyes.
"You think what?" Elphaba's heart rate spiked.
"I think I want to be more than just your friend. I think I'd like to be your girlfriend., if you'll have me." Jessie said, holding her breath for the answer.
Instead of answering Elphaba buried her head in Jessie's robe crying. Jessie held her, kissing her head. Could it be true? That someone wanted her regardless of her green skin? It truly felt like a dream come true that someone genuinely wanted her.
"I wouldn't have anyone else on Earth." Elphaba managed through her tears.
"Thank you, God." Jessie whispered into the wind.
Elphaba pulled back from Jessie's shoulder so that she could lean in and give her a gentle kiss.
()
"You're welcome." Raiden said, watching the scene from across the room. He knew they couldn't see or hear him, at least for the moment. When Elphaba looked around a smirk appeared on his face. He knew she was powerful in Oz, but that power seemed to grow with each minute on Earth. Jessie had done what Raiden had known she would do. All in all, everything was on schedule.
()
Elphaba had reluctantly broke the kiss when she felt something odd in the air and began looking around the room. Jessie's hands ran up Elphie's arms, feeling goose pimples. She looked in the same direction as Elphaba.
"What is it, Elphie?" Jessie asked, worriedly.
"I don't know. You ever get the feeling you're being watched?" Elphaba finally sensed where the odd...presence...was in the room and focused on that area.
"Sometimes." Jessie said, as the doorbell rang. Elphaba was relieved, when Jessie went to answer the door. She didn't want to tell Jessie what she actually felt when she focused. She felt a strong magical presence in the room. It felt like the user was as strong as she was, if not a little stronger. She didn't believe it wasn't Shang Tsung, because it didn't feel like dark magic. In fact, it felt almost too bright. As room service set up, Elphaba continued to stare at the area where she felt the presence.
()
Raiden found himself unable to look away. He knew she could sense him, but it astounded him how accurate her senses were. She was staring straight into his eyes. The uneasy feeling that brought on was negated by the confirmation that he had indeed made the right choice. Between her and Jessie, it was easily their best hope of reuniting Sonya with her family. He nodded very pleased at the progress of his plan before vanishing.
()
Jessie and Elphaba had just finished breakfast, when they heard a knock at the door. Getting up, Jessie answered, finding Marcus on the other side.
"You two decent?" He said with a grin.
"As we're going to get." Jessie said, letting him in.
"Good morning, Elphaba. You look….rested." Marcus said, trying not to laugh, "You two do know you've got to pay for any damages, right?"
"We didn't break anything, did we, baby?" Jessie asked, sliding behind Elphaba. Jessie's arms wrapped around her stomach, her head resting on Elphie's shoulders. Marcus smiled even brighter.
"Not that I know of. Maybe a couple of records." Elphie said, winking, "Especially that holding your breath record. Jessie, I think you broke that one multiple times last night….and this morning."
"I think you got longest eye roll." Jessie said, chuckling, as she kissed Elphie's cheek. Marcus chuckled, a light blush crossing his cheeks from the mental images.
"OK, you two. Jess, the reaction in the media to what you did last night is phenomenal. The IWMMA is thrilled about the way you handled yourself. They thought carrying Maria to the stretcher and getting the crowd behind her showed the respect that they want to represent the company." Jessie's face sobered a bit.
"How's Maria?" She really did feel bad about the shot to her knee.
"She's fine. I checked on her myself last night. She's got a hyperextend knee, a broken nose, and a wired shut jaw. She's not going to be fighting anyone for at least six months." Marcus said, getting a head shake.
"Take care of her hospital bill." Jessie said.
Elphaba sighed, "Jessie, after everything she did….."
"Everything she did was instigated by Tony. She's not going to be able to work for a while. That's my fault. It's the least I can do." Jessie said, honestly.
"Marcus, is she always like this?" Elphaba asked, getting a nod.
"Ever since I've known her." He said.
"Look, I broke her jaw, it's over. I really don't think this was her doing, at least not all of it. How are the fans taking the other announcement?" Jessie asked curiously.
"Most of the feedback has been positive so far. There have been calls to IWMMA's corporate office demanding you be stripped of the title." Marcus wasn't sure how Jessie would take that. Although, he was fairly happy that so few people seem to be against Jessie and Elphaba.
"Great. What's IWMMA's stance?" Jessie asked.
"My understanding, it was unanimous that your personal life is just that, personal. Everyone had their suspicions long before this, anyway." Marcus stated.
"I didn't think we were obvious. Did you, Elphie?" She said, laughing.
"No, not at all." Elphie said, snuggling into Jessie.
"Well, it was to everyone else," Marcus looked at the clock, "I'll meet you two in the lobby." Marcus walked to the door, Jessie following him, "I'm happy for you." He whispered, patting her shoulder, before leaving.
()
Jessie took advantage of Elphaba packing, and stepped onto the balcony. Getting out her cell phone, she called her brother, Lucas. She put it on speaker before he answered.
"Jessie, I'm glad you called. The resort is only able to hold the rooms for another six days." Lucas stated flatly.
"Good to hear your voice, too, Lucas." Jessie said, rolling her eyes.
"Look, I hate to rush it, but I thought Jan had her part, but she doesn't. I really don't want to loose these rooms. Mom and dad would love it." He said.
"I'm sure they would. How much do you need?" Jessie said.
"One hundred and fifty thousand." He said, non chalantly.
"What's your portion?" That was a pretty steep price for half...
"Oh, I, uh…." He floundered.
"That's what I thought." Jessie said, a hint of anger in her voice.
"Hey, don't get smart with me. Not all of us are out gallivanting the world and getting paid insane amounts of money. Besides, after what you did last night, you need to do something for mom and dad." He snapped back.
"What did I do last night?" Jessie asked, confused.
"It doesn't surprise me. You were probably high last night. Asking that green….thing…." The disdain for Elphaba was clear in his voice.
"Thing?" Jessie could feel her blood start boiling.
"Yeah, thing. It doesn't surprise me, though. You always did attract freaks. Birds of a feather and all." He said, laughing.
"Just remember, you need money from this freak." Jessie reminded him.
"You have to do it, anyway. You embarrassed the entire family last night. Really, Jessie. Everyone knows you're lonely, but another woman? If you're that desperate for a date, I could hook you up with one of my fraternity brothers. I'm sure one of them does pro bono work." He said, with another laugh.
"I'm sorry the fact that I like this woman is such an embarrassment to you and the family. On the other hand, I didn't pick up an undercover hooker, did I?" The laughter stopped, and there was a tense silence on the phone. Jessie smirked.
She'll get bored with your fat, lazy ass soon enough, anyway. When are you gonna make the payment?" He said, ignoring the jab.
I don't know if I am. I mean, I'm such an embarrassment and all." Jessie said. Honestly, she busted her ass more than ANY of her family members and he had the nerve to call her lazy?
Oh, come on, Two Ton, I was just joking. All that time you spend in Los Angeles remove your sense of humor, sis?" He said casually.
No, not at all. You two come up with these great, grand getaways. Why aren't you funding them yourselves? You're a lawyer, Jan's a teacher." Jessie asked.
And you're a multimillionaire that won't even help your family." He snapped.
When have you guys done anything, ANYTHING to help me?" Jessie said, her temper rising.
When have you done anything but embarrass everyone? You owe this to mom and dad for all the shit you've put them and the rest of us through. Mom can't even show her face at church now. A lesbian for a daughter. Although, I still think you're a man…."
Jessie hung up too irritated with the conversation to keep listening to him. She leaned against the rail, looking over the Vegas skyline. The phone rang again. Jessie picked up. "What do you want, Lucas?"
"Look, just think about it, OK? The family would love it. And it's only a hundred and fifty grand. You give away more than that to that charity you like. Help us out, man. Mom and Dad deserve it." He actually sounded somewhat sincere.
Jessie sighed, getting her anger in check. "When's the party?"
"April 13-21. It was cheaper to book for the family for a week." He said.
"OK. How many of them are going?" Jessie wasn't really 'in the loop' on how many family members there currently were.
"Fifty RSVPs, so far. I'll email their names and cities so you can book their tickets." He said, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Fine." Jessie said.
"Thanks, TwoTon." Lucas said.
"Tell mom and dad I love them and I'll see them there." There was an awkward silence on the phone.
"Look, I can't make you not come, but it might be a good idea for you to stay away. Mom is really upset with you right now. Poor Dad hasn't heard the end of it." Lucas said solemnly.
"Pay for the family to have a vacation, and I'm not invited?" Jessie asked, barely able to believe what she just heard.
"Jessie, be reasonable. It's not like you would have a good time, anyway. Moping around the resort. Even your friend wouldn't enjoy it." He stated.
"How do you know what she would enjoy?" Jessie said, furious that he was even talking about Elphie.
"Well, she's a low class stripper, if that interview was right. She wouldn't know what to do at a five star resort. It's out of her league." He said, getting an eye roll.
"Just e-mail me the lists." Jessie said, hanging up. She turned around, grabbing the garbage can. Jessie began puking her breakfast into it. She honestly hated any time these people contacted her. It was always for something. They had done nothing but put her down her entire life. The last people she wanted to hear from or see was them.
Hearing the puking, Elphaba came running. "What happened, love? Are you sick?" Elphaba asked, worriedly, rubbing Jessie's back.
"Yeah, my stomach's upset, for some reason." Jessie said, she really didn't want to tell Elphie about the phone call.
"Come on, let's go. We'll take care of it when we get you home." Elphie said, leading her inside. Jessie was quiet on the elevator ride down.