Father then said, "Girls, both of you are going to Shiz. Elphaba, stay out of trouble and don't get kicked out and care for Nessa. Nessa, be careful and avoid anyone who would be mean enough to hurt you." I rolled my eyes and said, "Aw, Father, no one's going to wanna mess with Nessa. She's going to make a lot of friends. Me not so much." Nessa glared at the two of us and said, "Gee, thanks for talking about me like I'm not even here." I grinned at her and said, "Sorry, Nessa." She grinned, "Whatever, Elphaba." I grinned again. Father rolled his eyes—he was used to this playful argument Nessa and I had—we'd done it till I left and we picked up with the playful bickering right when I came home. Then I asked, "When are we leaving?" "Tomorrow," he informed us. I glanced at Nessa and then I yelled, "What?" "You haven't packed anything have you?" he asked. Nessa said, "I'm ready. Why aren't you ready, Fabala?" "I only have boys' clothes and one other dress besides this one. I need more clothes." I said evenly.
Nessa and I quickly went shopping and bought a couple more dresses—all black—the other dress I'd mentioned earlier was gold with bright red around the sleeves, the neckline, and the hem—it was definitely the prettiest dress I'd ever owned and ever would own—Raoul had seen me in it once and that was when we first became a couple—he figured out that it was me when he said, "Fabie, you're the only guy who has to wear make up to seem normal." I'd elbowed him. While we were shopping, I started thinking about Raoul and Nessa said, "Elphaba, earth to Elphaba." When I didn't respond, she screamed in my ear, "ELPHABA THROPP!" I grabbed my ear and said, "Don't scream in my ear. I'm right next to you." "We're done. We can go now." she informed me. I nodded, paid for the dresses and returned home to pack up. I finished packing in ten minutes, hiding the special dress—the first dress I'd owned in eight years.