The day after Dr. Dillamond was fired and replaced, class continued on as usual. Well, mostly usual. The chatter of students was louder than usual, and a stray ball of paper flew across the room. In the back corner, Galinda rhythmically tapped her newly-painted nails against her books. She tried not to dwell on the increased amount of wide-eyed stares and whispered comments directed at her roommate. Oz knew she'd heard enough wild stories about what Elphaba had done in class yesterday. She only wished she could've seen it play out before her own eyes. Why did all the best gossip material happen when she wasn't looking?
As Dr. Nikidik entered the room and took his place in front of the chalkboard, the students continued talking even after he loudly cleared his throat. It hadn't quite sunk in that he was to be their permanent new professor and that Dillamond wouldn't be back the next day. Or next week. Or ever. What if he never taught anywhere ever again?
"Quiet!" Dr. Nikidik barked. Slowly, reluctantly, the chatter faded to silence. "Time to take roll call," he droned nasally, adjusting his glasses. Galinda stared down at the desk while bouncing one leg up and down. Dr. Dillamond had never bothered with roll call. It was a stupid thing to do anyway. They were adults. No need to treat them like five-year-olds.
Roll began. Soon, she had the 'pleasure' of hearing every single one of her classmates' names horribly butchered, punctured only by snickering whenever the name was truly mangled beyond repair. She tuned out for a bit as the professor continued on. Nobody would think her annoying for correcting Dillamond on his pronunciation ever again now that they knew what it was like, she thought. She should be glad for that. Should be.
She began listening again once the list neared the end of the alphabet, if only to see how her friends' names were interpreted. And interpreted they were. "Elphaba Thorpe?" Nikidik asked.
"It's Thropp, actually."
"Duly noted, Miss Thorpe. Now, where's Nessarose Thorpe?"
Nessa briefly raised her hand, paying no attention to how Elphaba shot her best steely glare at the teacher. A few people in front of her turned to stare as if expecting another magic show, but she didn't acknowledge them, or even look them in the eye.
Dr. Nikidik continued down the list. "Fiyaro...Tigaler?"
Fiyero halfheartedly raised his hand. Leaning back in his chair, he grumbled about how he was a member of a royal family, and yet they still couldn't get his name right.
The professor ran off a few more names before calling out, "And finally, Galinda Upland."
Galinda raised her hand.
Perfect pronunciation, without a hitch. She should've been pleased, but her stomach twisted uncomfortably and she felt vaguely sick.
She'd gotten what she wanted. Why wasn't she happy?