Rifiuto: Non Miriena

August, Day Six

Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she buttoned the dark purple blouse before grabbing the black kitten heels and slipping into them. She winced slightly, as her toes scraped against the insides of the shoes. After the rehearsals she'd had the day before, it was a wonder she could stand, let alone walk. She checked her reflection in the mirror hanging in the closet, as she heard the blonde- er, light brunette now- stretch and wake up.

"Finally decided to get up?" She asked, putting a pair of simple onyx dew drops on. She glanced into the room, and saw Galinda slowly sit up. The girl looked around, before glancing into the closet.

"What time is it?" Elphaba grabbed her coat, a pair of gloves, a hat and a scarf, followed by her purse, and slipped out of the closet, closing the door behind her.

"Seven ten."

"Where are you going?"

"Out."

"At seven in the morning? What's so important that it can't wait until later?"

Elphaba turned at the door. She stared at her roommate for several roommates, forgetting what they'd planned. But all too soon, it came flooding back, and she smirked.

"If you must know, I'm meeting Fiyero for coffee, and then meeting the girls for dance rehearsal. We have a recital coming up in December, and we need to work it out. Now if there's anything else, let me know." Galinda shook her head. "Good. Sweet dreams."

Then, she slipped out of the dorm, closed the door, and hurried out of the building, bundling up against the wind. She hurried out of campus, rushing to the Wilted Rose. While she was meeting the other girls in the studio at two for afternoon rehearsal, she had agreed to meet Fiyero and the others at the Wilted Rose to go over their plan. Once she got there, she slipped into the booth next to Fiyero, stealing a quick kiss.

"Hey, you made it."

"Of course I would. I wouldn't miss this for the world."

"So, what do we have, so far?" Boq asked, as the coffee arrived.

"Well, we know she's trying to reinvent herself." Fiyero said, as Elphaba stole a bite of his cinnamon roll.

"She's got a crush on me." Avaric put in.

"Fabala doesn't trust her." Nessa put in.

"And I won't, even if she somehow magically turns nice." Elphaba said, popping the bite into her mouth. "And by then, I'll probably be in the City."

"What?"

The others looked at her, all except for Nessa, who knew Elphaba's secret. After several moments of 'What do you mean you'll be in the City?', 'You aren't running out on us, are you?' and 'You're hiding something, aren't you, Elphie?', she finally gave in.

"I... The Wizard wants to see me. He wants me to be his Grand Vizier. And..." She bit her lip. "I found out from Madame Sektu last night, that... all the major dance companies want me. I have auditions for the Emerald City Ballet, the Ozian Dance Academy, and the Emerald Company of Dance as well as several others."

"That's great!"

"Congrats, Elphie!"

"Wow, Fabala, wow!"

Congratulations went all around for several minutes until Avaric asked, "When do you leave." Elphaba took a deep breath.

"Next week. Silence filled the small booth, as she turned to Fiyero. "And, I want you to come with me." She said, reaching for his hand. He started at her, shocked beyond words.

"What?"

She took his hand in her gloved one, as she stared into his eyes. "Come with me, Yero. To the Emerald City." Her voice was so full of wonder, so full of quiet excitement, that he couldn't help feeling drawn in by the light in her eyes. After a moment, he nodded.

"Of course."

She threw her arms around his neck, holding him close before pulling away and kissing him. When they parted, she turned to Nessa and reached for her hand.

"Nessie-"

"It's okay, Fabala. I don't want to go. I'd prefer to stay here. It's your adventure, not mine. Besides, you'll probably stop by to see Mama, and... better you than me. You know Mama and I don't get along." Nessa whispered, grasping her sister's gloved hand. She squeezed gently, giving her a small smile.

It was well known among the Thropp family that Nessa didn't like, nor forgive Melena for leaving them, even though she was only three at the time. Melena lived in the city, in a nice penthouse apartment. She worked as a model and dancer, even teaching dance classes. Over the years, Melena had come to visit her children, but Elphaba had always expressed wanting to move to the City with Melena. She belonged in the City, she was happy there. Nessa was happier in the country.

"Go Fabala. You'll have fun. You'll enjoy it. It'll be good for you." Elphaba gave her a small smile, before getting up and hugging her sister. When she sat back down, Avaric asked,

"When do you leave? What day?"

"Monday."

They continued to talk about Elphaba's trip, until Nessa steered them back on the real topic of why they'd gathered together: getting rid of Galinda.

"How do we-"

"If we just go along with the plan, it should work." Boq told them as they got up to leave. "Remember, stick to the plan."

They all agreed, as they headed back to Shiz, each going their seperate ways once they got to campus. As Elphaba led Fiyero into her dorm to get her dance things, she said,

"So be ready by six-thirty on Monday."

"I'll meet you here." Fiyero said, kissing her as she stood in front of her closet.

"What's happening Monday?" The two looked up, to see Galinda come out of the bathroom, in a towel, hair damp. Elphaba eyed her for a moment, before saying,

"If you must know, Yero and I are going to the City for a week. I have some dance auditions, and I want Fiyero to come with me." She didn't tell her the whole truth, but most of it. Then, she slung her dance bag over her shoulder, grabbed Fiyero's hand, and left, pulling him with her.