Elphaba smiled, as she hung up the cheesy lettering and banner. She didn't see the big deal in a new year, not even after doing research about the holiday. Well, she didn't see the point in throwing a large party for it at the very least. However, here she was decorating decorating and making appitizers. With the banner done, she checked the two bottles of champagne in the refrigerator and made sure the four glasses were clean. After that, she sat in the living room and turned on the TV. Jessie hadn't been around all day, not that Elphaba expected her to be lounging around. She knew Jessie was up to something, but figured it was OK she did have Josey with her after all.
"Nice job in here, Elphaba." Marcus said from behind her, startling her.
"Can you knock?" She asked, a bit irritated that he had startled her.
Marcus knocked on the counter, getting a smirk. "Sorry, I was looking for Jess."
"I think her and Josey are out after Christmas shopping. Josey says it's always good to wait until new years eve to weed out the suckers." She said.
"She got Jessie to shop? That's a miracle in and of itself." Marcus said, chuckling more.
"She should be back later." Elphaba said.
"I wanted to let her know her next fight date. It's going to be March 20th in Aspen." Marcus said.
"Nice." Elphaba said.
"Nice isn't the first word that jumps to mind. The altitude difference means we have to leave tomorrow for Aspen. It's useless to train here. Jessie has to get accustomed to breathing and moving at the high altitude." He said.
"So you want me to start looking for a place up there?" Elphaba asked.
Marcus sat down on the couch. "No, we've already got a place up there. Jessie bought a small cabin in the mountains a few years ago. We only use it when we're training for a fight in high altitude. Plus, she likes the seclusion. I wanted to warn you that we may be gone for a while."
"I'll start packing right away." Elphaba said.
"Are you sure, Elphie? This cabin isn't exactly the lap of luxury. It's got TV, running water, and electricity. That's about it, and the nearest neighbor is ten miles away. The city is about twenty minutes away. Not much up there." He sounded a bit sad that they would be so isolated.
"Jessie will be, and that's all that matters to me." Elphaba said, emphatically. Honestly, it sounded like a great idea to Elphie. Being in the limelight so much really wore her out, a few weeks away from all of the cameras and interviews would be nice.
"OK, but don't say I didn't warn you." Marcus said, hearing the phone ring.
"I won't." She said, picking up the reciever. Seeing Lucas' number, she rolled her eyes before silencing the ring, and letting the machine get itl.
"Brother or sister?" Marcus asked, knowingly.
"Brother." Elphaba said.
"Hi, this is Jess and Elphie. Leave a message at the tone." The beep was heard, before a sigh.
"Two ton, this is Lucas. Your cell doesn't seem to be working. I was notified there were four extra rooms booked. I asked you before, now I'm telling you. You are not invited, especially not with your so called friends. Don't even think about embarrassing mom like that. Keep your fat ass away from us."The slam of the phone was heard loud and clear, as Marcus looked at Elphaba.
"Sounds like he's not happy." He said.
"Nope, he's not. He's not going to be any happier when I change the house number, too." Elphaba said, getting a laugh, "You've known her longer. Are they always like this?"
"Pretty much. Mom and Dad I've never met. They don't call at all. They wouldn't even answer the phone when I called to tell them their daughter was laid up in the hospital. Her brother's only response was he wasn't paying for it. The sister is worse. She actually asked me Jessie who, and told me I had the wrong number." Marcus sighed deeply, he honestly didn't understand how people could be so cruel to their own family.
"Sounds like a charming family." Elphaba said, rolling her eyes.
"Oh, yeah, very charming. Jessie won't talk about them at all. It took hacking her computer to even get their numbers. The only one that called to check on her was her cousin, Pat. Once she woke up, even Pat stopped calling. When the money started rolling in, they started contacting her once a year for the family vacation. Because she owed them something for putting up with her for all of these years." Marcus said, shaking his head.
"Why does she do this?" Elphaba asked, confused.
"Honestly, I wish I knew. I guess she thinks if she does enough, maybe they'll care about her. Poor kid's fighting a loosing battle. I honestly suspect no one in that family would care if she had died in that coma." He said sadly.
"Well, she doesn't need their crap." Elphaba said, deleting the message.
"She is not going to be happy with you when she finds out she's going anyway." Marcus said.
"For a little better than a fifth of a million dollars total, she's going to get something out of it." Elphaba said, getting a nod of agreement.
()
There were certain places where Jessie felt completely out of place. A jewelry store was definitely one of them. "You really think she's going to like this?" Jessie asked, nervously.
"I think she's going to love it." Josey said, smiling brightly.
"I hope you're right." Jessie said, as the associate handed her a small box.
"It is an excellent choice ma'am." She said, handing Jessie her receipt.
"Thank you, ma'am." Jessie said, excitedly, as Josey collected the receipt.
"If she doesn't, I'll take them off your hands." Josey said, grinning, getting a laugh and an arm draped over her shoulder.
()
Jessie came in after dropping Josey off at her mom's, catching Mike and Rick ending their classes. She loved the look of shock and awe on their faces, when she showed them what was in the box.
"Jessie, those are beautiful." Mike said.
"Thanks. Think Elphie will like them?" Jessie asked.
"I don't see how she wouldn't. How much did that run?" Rick asked.
"A little better than six grand." She answered, grinning.
"It was well worth it." Rick said, whistling. Seeing Elphaba coming, a curious look on her face, Jessie slid the box back into her jacket pocket.
"What's going on?" Elphaba asked, walking over.
"Nothing." They answered in unison.
Elphaba raised her eyebrow, "Uh huh." She said, looking at Jessie.
"No, really. We were discussing what movie they were bringing for Movie Night next week." Jessie said, trying to maintain eye contact.
"Yeah, we found a martial arts movie Jessie would like." Rick said, sincerely.
"Well, we might have to cancel it. Jess, your next fight has been set." Elphaba said.
"Awesome! Who am I fighting?" Jessie asked.
"Kelly 'The Machine' Walsh. It's going to be in Aspen on March 20th." Elphaba said.
"Guess we're heading to the cabin, boys." Jessie said, grinning.
()
The party was a tame affair. The boys had a few glasses of champagne, and Elphaba and Jessie had two glasses themselves. Jessie's arm seemed to be surgically attached to Elphaba. As midnight drew closer, she managed to get Elphaba out on the balcony.
"So, this is your first new years, huh?" Jessie asked.
"Yes, first one." She said, nodding.
"Then, as your girlfriend, I am obligated to make it one you will never forget." Jessie said, getting the jewelry box from her pocket.
"Oh, Jess, you shouldn't…." All protests were silenced, when Jessie cracked open the box. Elphaba stared in wide eyed shock. Inside the box were a pair of earrings, each a teardrop emerald surrounded by diamonds, "Oh, sweet Oz." Elphie breathed.
"You like it?" Jessie whispered.
"Jessie, it's too much. You got me clothes, a PDA, a new computer, and a smart phone for Christmas, and now this? It's too much, Jessie." Elphaba said, in disbelief.
"I just…I want you to be happy. To have the best of everything." Jessie said, looking down.
Elphaba lifted up her chin gently. "I am happy. I already have the best. I have you. You don't have to buy me the world, Jessie. I couldn't care for you any more than I do now." Elphaba said, brushing a few tears off Jessie's cheek.
"I saw them in the window, and instantly thought of you." Jessie said, her voice cracking. Had she really been trying to buy Elphaba's affection?
"They are stunning, Jessie. And I appreciate you thinking of me all the time. I just want you to understand that all of this, even those earrings, couldn't hold a candle to how much you mean to me. Just being with you here makes this special." Elphaba said, the truth of her words evident in her eyes.
"Ten, nine, eight…." They heard the guys from inside, "Five, four, three, two…." Before she heard one, Jessie locked Elphaba into a deep kiss. Neither seemed to notice the fireworks filling the sky behind them.
However, Marcus saw both the fireworks in the sky and on the balcony as they new year began. He motioned to Rick and Mike, who smiled, watching the two lovers. Looking back at each other, the three decided to leave.
()
The final press conference was over, the day before valentine's day. They had signed the contracts, and posed for pictures for the press. Jessie looked even more ripped than usual. Since getting to Aspen, she had been running in the snow, chopping wood, rock climbing, and basically anything Marcus thought would help her learn to move and fight in the altitude. She did her normal routine on top of that. At the moment she looked close to burnout, something that Marcus had noticed. It was normal for Jessie to get like this before a big fight, and he hoped Elphaba being there was grounding her a bit. Jessie never really lacked focus, but she did lack perspective something Elphaba provided in abundance. Marcus just had to keep Jessie focused for another twenty days.
"Good luck, Machine." Jessie said, extending her hand.
Machine, a ripped blonde, smiled before shaking it. "You, too, Blade. Always a good fight when we lock up." She said, patting her on the shoulder. Both smiled, holding the handshake for the cameras. When it was over they went to the back.
"Kelly, I want you to meet someone," Jessie said, leading her over to Elphaba, "Kelly, this is my girlfriend, Elphaba. Elphaba, this is Kelly "The Machine" Walsh." Jessie said.
"It's a pleasure." Elphaba said.
Kelly shook her hand, "You too. It's nice to see Jess happy for a switch." Kelly said, winking at Jess.
"I'm always happy." Jessie protested.
"Not like this. You didn't even growl at the reporters. I thought they found a stand in." Kelly said, laughing.
"I'm not that bad, am I?" Jessie said, chuckling.
"Yeah, but that's why we love you. You'll tell them what you think, even if it's not popular. Keeps them in check." Kelly said.
"Kelly, come on! We've got a flight to catch." One of her trainers called.
"See you next month Jess. Elphaba, it was a pleasure." Kelly said, before heading out.
Elphaba and Jessie followed suit, heading to the pickup truck. "She seems nice." Elphaba said.
"She is, and she is an incredible fighter." Jessie said, opening the door so Elphaba could get in first.
"I don't know why, I was expecting you two to hate each other." Elphaba said.
"Never. The IWMMA is about competition. When we meet in the ring, it's all business, but we don't have any problems with each other outside of the ring." Jessie said, truthfully. The only personal fight she had was with Maria, and really didn't care for that. They were still talking about Kelly, as they drove off towards the cabins.
()
Marcus found Jessie where he expected her to be, in the TV room watching fight tape. Jessie had a look of complete concentration on her face, as she watched the tape of her first professional fight against the Machine.
"You don't need to go that far back, Jess." Marcus said, sitting on the couch next to her.
"Yeah, I do. Watch this." Jessie rewound the video to one of the times Kelly had her locked in the ground and pound.
"Jessie, you've gotten a lot better." Marcus said.
"I know. But I'm starting to loose focus. If I loose focus, like that kid did," She points to herself, "Then I'm gonna be right back there on my back."
"So don't loose focus." Marcus said, as though it were obvious.
"It's not that easy. Especially right now. I need a break, Marcus. My body is telling me I need a break." Jessie said.
"You know the rules, Jessie. No breaks. Do you think Kelly is taking a break?" Marcus said.
"I think she will be tomorrow. It's Valentine's day, Marcus. I've been training for forty three days straight. I'm taking tomorrow off, and I'm spending it with Elphaba." Jessie stated.
"Jessie, it's business. You know that. You can't do that." Marcus felt like this was a losing battle already, but he really didn't think Jessie could afford the time off.
"The hell I can't." Jessie said, matter of factly.
"You can't. Do you want to end up like that kid?" Marcus said as he pointed at the tape.
"One day, Marcus. One fucking day. I've never had a girlfriend before. I want to spend valentine's day with my girlfriend." Jessie said through her teeth.
"Jessie, there's time for the lovey dubby crap after the fight. Right now, you need to focus hard on the fight." Marcus voice was starting to rise as his anger built up within him.
"Fuck you, Marcus. I've ignored her since we've been here. I'm not doing it tomorrow." Jessie said, storming out.
()
Elphaba had heard the yelling from their bedroom. Tightening her robe, she went downstairs, just in time to see the door to the cabin slam as Jessie left. She walked to the TV room, finding Marcus shaking his head.
"Everything OK down here?" Elphaba asked, already knowing the answer.
"It's fine, Elphie. She's just in a mood. Must be her time of the month, or something." Marcus said, having no intention of telling her what it was really about.
Elphaba didn't buy it for a second, but she knew pushing wasn't going to help. "What am I watching?" She asked, motioning to the TV screen.
"Jessie's first fight." He said, motioning for her to sit down. He rewound it to the beginning. For the next half hour, Elphaba groaned and flinched at every blow Kelly landed mercilessly on Jess. It was a far cry from the fighter she knew. By the end of the one sided match, Jessie had to be carried out of the ring. Elphaba was amazed to see that she was still trying to fight.
"Damn." Elphaba said, shaking her head.
"Yeah. She didn't speak to me for a week for throwing in the towel. The IWMMA signed her at the hospital that night, and Kelly came to the ER to shake her hand. They've been friends ever since." Marcus said.
"She got hurt bad?" Elphaba asked, somewhat nervously.
"Her orbital bone was broken. Four cracked ribs, broken nose, fractured jaw, and a ruptured eardrum. You know what her first words were when she woke up in the ambulance?" Marcus asked.
"Did I win?" They both turned, to see Jessie, a bottle of sports drink in her hand.
"You cool down?" Marcus asked.
Jessie shook her head, "Not a fucking chance. I meant it, Marcus."
"Meant what?" Elphaba asked.
"Nothing, baby. Don't worry about it. Don't make any plans for tomorrow either. It's just you and me." Jessie stated.
"Jessie, the fight is next month. Are you sure you can afford a day off?" Elphaba asked, worried. The last thing she wanted was a repeat of her first fight.
"Elphie, it's Valentines day. I want to spend it with you." Jessie said.
"And I want to spend it with you, but not if there's even a remote chance that you're going to end up like that first fight." Elphaba said, her concern obvious.
Jessie sighed softly, "Elphie, that was six years ago. I'm a better fighter now than I was then. We're talking about one day. I've been going forty three straight. My body is tired, my mind is tired, and my heart is going to be with you anyway." Jessie said, truthfully, as she pulled Elphie into a hug.
"Baby, we can celebrate later. When you're still the champ." Elphaba said, clinging to her.
"I don't loose, Elphie." Jessie said, kissing her head.
Marcus immediately felt bad for telling Jessie no breaks. Sighing heavily, "OK, Jess. Tell you what. No training, no movies, for two days. Then no bitching when we start again. But you've got to keep up your runs. Your cardio is fundemental."
Jessie grinned wide, "I promise, Marcus. I'll even do ten miles."
Elphaba smirked as she looked from Marcus back to Jessie, "Oh I don't think you will need to run that far Jess. I can think up a few cardio excersices for you that are way more fun than running." Elphaba said, chuckling.
"Of that I have no doubt." Marcus said, shaking his head, "Just remember, we need to train hard. I'm not being a heartless asshole, Jess. I know how much that belt means to you. And I know you're almost burned out. Just make sure you come back ready to get back to work."
"That's a promise. Thanks, Marcus." Jessie said, hugging him, "I'm sorry, man."
"The fact that you're willing to fight for this means it's important. Don't ever apologize for fighting for the woman you love." He whispered the last part.
"Marcus….." Jessie said, choking up.
"Enjoy your two days." Marcus said, patting her shoulder, as he walked out.
()
True to her word, Jessie ran to the end of the five mile driveway and back first thing in the morning. She always tried to do it before the sun came out, just to make it cooler. It didn't help much though, because she was still drenched in sweat and winded when she got back. As she was walking around, cooling down, Elphaba came outside.
"Hey, beautiful! Why aren't you sleeping? You didn't have a nightmare, did you?" Jessie asked, suddenly more worried about Elphie than anything else.
"No, I'm OK. I just woke up in bed alone." She said with a slight pout before handing Jessie a cup of coffee.
Jessie looked at her, the sunrise hitting that emerald skin perfectly, and her smile grew. "Sorry, I try to take care of the runs before the sun comes up and it gets even hotter." She said, kissing Elphaba's cheek. She pulled back, seeing an odd look on Elphie's face, "What's wrong?"
"Jess, you stink. Drink your coffee and take a shower." Elphaba said.
Jessie smirked, "No worse than I smell after one of our more adventurous evenings."
"Yes, but by then, we're both sweaty and stinky, so it doesn't matter." Elphaba said, blushing furiously.
"I'll be right back." Jessie said, going upstairs. She took a quick shower before changing into a fresh pair of sweats. She went to the closet, getting out the box of chocolates she had picked up on their last trip to the store. Going downstairs, she found Elphie in the kitchen making pancakes, "Hey, beautiful. Happy Valentine's day." Jessie said, putting the heart shaped box on the counter.
"Thank you." Elphaba said, taking out the last pancake, before kissing her cheek.
"You're welcome." Jessie said, hugging her tightly. They held each other for a few minutes, before Mike walked in.
"Ohhhh, pancakes!" Mike said, walking past them and getting himself a plate.
"And good morning to you, too, Mikey." She said, watching him make a plate for himself. Pretty soon, Marcus and Rick were over, doing the same thing. When Jessie was done, she got her guitar out of the closet. She sat on the front porch beginning to practice. Jessie stopped when she heard the door open, and Marcus walked out.
"Marcus, I need a favor." Jessie said.
"Sure, Jess. What's up." He asked.
Jessie set the guitar down. "I'm thinking of taking Elphie up to Miracle Bluff tonight. Cooking out for her. Any chance you and Rick and Mike would take some supplies up there for a fire and tent?"
"Good chance. How's the song coming?" He asked, knowing already what she was planning.
"I'm torn between two." She admitted.
"You'll know which one when the time is right." He said, getting a sigh.
"I hope so! I want this to be perfect." Jessie said, quietly.
"Jessie, listen to me. If you sang row row row your boat, she would think it was incredible. Just trust yourself." Marcus said.
"Yes, sir." Jessie said, her hand rubbing the strings of the guitar.
"In fact, I'll take that up with us. It'll be in the cave." Marcus said, taking the guitar out of Jessie's hands.
"But I need to practice….." Jessie complained.
`"No, you don't. You're going to practice your way right out of doing it. Surf and Turf?" Marcus asked.
"Please. Thanks, Marcus." Jessie said, hugging him.
"I'm honored to be asked." He said, rubbing her back.
()
Jessie was surprised that Elphaba was willing to dirt bike halfway up the mountain. She skidded the bike to a halt on a cliff face, as the sun was beginning to set. Elphaba gasped, looking at the view.
"Jessie, it's breathtaking." She breathed.
"I'm glad you like it. We're going to be sleeping up here tonight." Jessie said, not going anywhere near the cliff. She had a major fear of heights. Instead, she began building the fire. Once it got lit, she went into the cave, getting the cooler. The steaks she had ordered were marinated and ready, getting a wide smile out of her. The lobster tails were cracked , preboiled, and ready to be grilled. She made a mental note to thank Marcus, as she got her and Elphaba a drink, and put the grill on the fire.
"Jessie, you've got to look down. The view is amazing." Elphaba said, awestruck.
"No, thanks. I can see it fine from here." Jessie said, going back into the cave. The less time she spent looking down the better. Her short response got Elphie's attention. She went into the cave, and raised an eyebrow. Jessie was pale and sweating.
"Are you OK, Jess?" Elphaba asked, worriedly.
"I'm….I'm fine. I'm just scared of heights." She admitted, sitting down. The room felt like it was spinning, as Jessie closed her eyes.
"Then why did you bring me up here, silly." Elphaba asked with a grin on her face.
"Because I know you love nature, and this is the best view on the property." Jessie said, sipping the drink in her hand.
"Jessie, can anyone see us from here?" Elphaba asked, an idea stirring in her mind.
"Not really. I own a hundred acres." She said, getting a nod.
"Let me take you flying. It'll cure your fear of heights." Elphaba said, softly. Jessie looked at her like she had grown a second head.
"Are you kidding? Elphie, I….I can't." She said, shaking her head.
"Yes, you can. Trust me, I won't let you fall." Elphaba said, looking her in the eyes. Jessie could see how sincere the offer really was.
"Let me think about it, OK?" Jessie said.
"OK." Elphaba said, clearly disappointed. Jessie cringed at that, she saw the moon coming out while the grill was still heating up. She shook her head and cracked a smile, she honestly couldn't believe she was about to do this. "We have about ten or fifteen minutes before that grill's ready, if you're ready to take that flight." Jessie said, hugging her from behind.
"Really?" Elphie asked, excitedly.
"Really." Jessie said, nodding.
Seconds later, Jessie watched wide eyed, as the broom she had from Halloween appeared in Elphie's hands. "Get on and hold on love." Elphaba said, before she thought about it.
Apparently Jessie didn't notice, because she climbed on, as Elphaba blushed deeply. Jessie wrapped her arms around Elphaba, resting her head on Elphie's shoulder. "I trust you completely, my angel." Jessie said, her voice quaking a little, "I love you." Jessie said.
Elphaba felt her heart catch when she heard those words. She didn't move for a moment, but then turned her head slowly. "Thank you Jessie, and..." She almost said those three words but hesitated.
Elphaba eased the broom out of the cave and up into the night sky. She was grateful that the broom didn't require her concentration. In fact, it almost had a mind of it's own, as it zipped into the night sky. Once they were high amongst the clouds, she turned to look at Jessie. "This is why I love flying, the view is breathtaking. Although..." She swallows hard before turning to look into Jessie's eyes. "I've finally found someone I love more than anything else in this world or Oz."
Jessie's heart was already racing from her little slip up of those three little words. The flight up even higher than the mountain did nothing to slow down that heart rate. Elphie's words once they were hovering; however, nearly stopped her heart completely. Did Elphie just say that she loves her back? Could this really be happening? Finally finding her words, "Y-you love me? Truly?"
Elphaba nodded her head slowly before answering, "Yes Jessie, I love you." Elphaba turns so that she is now facing Jessie and pulls her into a gentle kiss.