It was late in the afternoon when Elphaba left her room after a short nap and found the entire dormitory in chaos.
Along the corridor, girls had grouped together, discussing the Vinkan prince's arrival, plus the fact that he had reportedly invited them all to the Ozdust Ballroom (whatever that was).
"He's so hot," a tall brunette sighed rapturously, fanning herself.
"Yeah, too bad Galinda's got him already," someone else replied, smirking.
"Oh well, I hope he'll get tired of her soon – He seems like that type!"
Elphaba wrinkled her brow in disgust and turned away, heading to Nessa's room. It had always baffled her; how people could just blatantly talk about relationships in such casual terms. Apparently, this prince's arrival had literally robbed the school population of what sense they had possessed.
"It's absurd! This silly rich boy appears and everyone's off to worship him at some … cultish social gathering!" Elphaba burst out as Nessarose opened the door.
"Even me – I'm going!" Nessarose replied excitedly as she pulled Elphaba into the room and shut the door. Her eyes shone as she giggled (something Nessa doesn't usually do), "Isn't it wonderful? Boq said he was too shy to ask me at first but once Galinda had encouraged him …"
"Galinda?" Elphaba exclaimed. "Why would Galinda –"
"Stop it." Nessa interrupted, a defiant look in her eyes. "Don't you dare say another word against her!" She softened at Elphaba's surprised expression, and reached out to grasp her hand. "I know you hate her, Elphaba, but just try to understand. Finally, for this one night, I'm going to have a fun night … with this Munchkin boy Galinda found for me." Nessa sighed. "And I only wish there were something I could do for her … well, to repay her."
"So … You're going on a date. With Boq?" Elphaba repeated, unable to wrap her mind around it.
"Yes, Elphaba," Nessa affirmed. Suddenly, a thought struck her and her eyes widened in slight panic. "Elphaba, what am I going to wear?"
Elphaba gave a small laugh, feeling incredulous, yet happy, that her sister was finally going on – well, a date! "Don't worry, Nessa. If he's a gentleman at all, he's going to find you perfect no matter what you wear."
"I hope so," Nessa said quietly. "I wish … I wish that I could be good enough. For him."
"Oh, Nessa." Elphab, knelt down and looked into her sister's eyes. "You are good enough. Never doubt that. And if he hurts you, he'll have me to answer to."
Nessa gave a slightly wobbly smile. "I don't think he'll ever will, though I'll keep that in mind. I'm sure he deserves someone more whole, though."
"You're whole in your own way, Nessa. Of course you both deserve each other," Elphaba said resolutely, an idea forming in her mind. She squeezed Nessa's hand and stood up. "I need to go check on something, alright? I'll be back in a while to help you if you want me to."
"Thanks, Elphaba."
"Do me up, do me up, quickly!" Galinda sang as Pfannee and Shenshen rushed to zip up the back of her new dress. It was frilly and pink – Galinda's favourite style – and the party was a mere three hours away. This was too much of a rush!
"… Galinda, what is Oz's name?"
Galinda turned and saw Pfannee holding a pointy black hat with a slightly nauseated expression. Galinda winced inwardly, cursing her carelessness when unpacking the package that it had arrived in. The hat was angular, colourless and dumpy … All Malinda's idea of a joke.
"Pretend you didn't see that," Galinda laughed as she snatched the hat away. "My … Granny … is always sending the most hideoteous hats. I'd give it away, but I don't hate anyone that much."
A short silence ensued before Pfannee and Shenshen looked at each other and blurted out at the same time.
"Yes, you do!"
"Who?"
A loud knock sounded on the door and Elphaba's annoyed voice drifted in.
"Galinda, if those dratted friends of yours are still in there, you better get them out!"
"Oh no." Galinda looked at Shenshen and Pfannee, who had matching grins on their face. "I couldn't … could I?"
Two more sharp raps sounded, and Galinda made up her mind.
It'll just be for a laugh. I don't want that hat, anyway.
"Get out, get out!" She shooed Shenshen and Pfannee out, all trying to hide their smiles. Elphaba stomped in, shooting her friends an irritated look. As soon as the door closed, though, she turned to Galinda with a surprisingly friendly expression.
"Galinda … My sister and I were just talking about you – "
"And I was just –"
"Listen to me!" Elphaba snapped, before taking a deep breath and trying again. "I just wanted to thank you … for telling Boq to ask Nessa out. It was very kind; I've never seen Nessa this happy before. So …" She held out a hand. "Truce?"
Galinda took it hesitantly, a small bubble of guilt churning in her stomach. It wasn't exactly Nessa whom Boq had wanted to ask out … But whatever.
"I thought that you might want to wear this to the party tonight," she smiled, trying to hide her discomfort as she offered the black hat to Elphaba. Elphaba took it with a silent "oh" of surprise, and Galinda rushed on. "It's kind of, um, smart – oh wait, just like you! Not to mention that Ozmopolitan says black is this year's pink. So I saw it and thought 'Doesn't that fit Elphaba perfectly?'"
Elphaba smiled uncertainly, not quite sure how to respond. The hat was actually the first clothing-related gift that she had received, and it was kind of … Nice.
"You look quite … pink, too." Elphaba finally said, taking in Galinda's pink hair accessories, nails and dress. "I'm sure Fiyero would like it."
Galinda giggled and tossed her hair, glad that the slightly awkward moment was brushed over. "I hope he does! … Speaking of Fiyero, I really must find him. See you later, Elphaba!" Hurriedly, she strapped on her heels and swept out of the room, blowing out a relieved sigh when she turned the corner.
Elphaba sat on her bed, still holding the hat. It felt smooth and silky, and she placed it on her head, turning to look at herself in the mirror. The hat seemed to have a jaunty effect, and though Elphaba had no experience whatsoever in items that manifested from wardrobes, she thought that on the whole, it gave off a rather cheery image.
Suppose I …
Boq sighed as he sipped his punch. It would've turned out to be quite a nice evening ... if not for the sight of Miss Galinda and that prince dancing blissfully right in front of his face. Not that Miss. Nessarose was bad company. Really, she was quite a lovely lady, if not a little quiet at times (like now). Boq had a little niggling feeling that she was looking for more than one date to the Ozdust, but he resolved to deal with that later.
Galinda whirled past him again, laughing as Fiyero dipped her dramatically. As soon as she righted herself, he pulled her closer and they began moving slowly on the spot, wrapped up in the moment. Boq's fist clenched, and he forced himself to relax. He had heard many rumours about this prince, and most of them made him worried about Miss Galinda. Oz knows what manners the Prince had been taught! Boq knew he would take care of Miss Galinda so much better if she'd just give him a chance.
Just one chance …
"What's in the punch?" Nessarose's soft voice broke into his thoughts.
Boq swilled the liquid around his mouth before answering absent-mindedly, "Lemons and melons and pears."
"Oh my!" Nessa gave a slightly nervous chuckle.
"Look, Nessa –"
"Yes?" Nessa asked eagerly.
"Um, I have something to confe – to tell you, really." Boq twisted the edge of his shirt. "The reason why I asked you here tonight was because – um, I know it isn't fair, but …"
"Boq, there's no need," Nessa broke in, her smile fading slightly. "I already know why."
"You do?"
"It's because I'm in this chair, and you felt –" Nessa's voice hitched and she took a deep breath before continuing, "And you felt sorry for me."
"No, it's not that! It's because …" Now Boq was at a loss for words. How was he supposed to explain the situation; that it definitely wasn't Miss Nessarose's fault, that he had done it for Galinda? Miss Nessarose was now looking down at the floor, making Boq feel like he'd kicked a puppy.
"Well, isn't that right?"
"No!" Boq struggled again, and finally settled for words that would make her – any girl, really – happy. Hopefully, Galinda would witness it and know how chivalrous a person he really was, compared to that prince. "It's because … because you're so beautiful!"
Nessa's face lit up, and Boq grinned back in relief.
"Oh, Boq, I do think you're wonderful." Nessa said, blushing slightly. As Boq craned his neck to look for Miss Galinda to see if she saw, Nessa shyly took his hand.
"We do deserve each other, don't we?"
"Of course," Boq replied absently, searching the crowd for a sign of Galinda. She was nowhere to be seen, and Boq turned back with a sigh. Abruptly, he felt guilty. Miss Nessarose at least deserved a good time at her first party; what kind of escort was he?
I'll just be her friend for now, Boq decided. Surely, Miss Galinda would be impressed at how well I treated Miss Nessarose. An idea struck Boq then, and he smiled.
"Hey, what about dancing?"
"Dancing?" Nessa asked, stupefied.
"Yeah, let's dance! C'mon!" Boq grabbed the wheelchair handles and pushed Nessa in circles, grinning as she let out a peal of laughter.
Galinda couldn't be happier.
Her arms were wound around Fiyero's neck, their foreheads almost touching as his hands snaked around her waist. They moved together slowly, small smiles on their faces as the music from the band seeped into the warm air. Fiyero knew how to dance like a dream (Galinda had suspected dancing lessons were part of his royal schedule, and was proved right), and she had been the subject of at least one envious stare from each girl in the room.
Not to mention that Boq seemed to be hitting it off quite fairly with Nessarose. Galinda smiled in self-satisfaction. She was a genius; and all was right in the world, for now.
Out of the blue, a familiar – and not decidedly welcoming, either – voice broke into her blissful cloud.
"Miss. Upland! MISS. UPLAND!"
"Madame Morrible!" Galinda said in surprise, disentangling herself from Fiyero. "What are you doing here?"
"Believe me, my dear, I'm not quite sure myself," Madame Morrible replied, casting a disapproving glance at their surroundings. "But I have something for you."
Galinda stared in shock as a thin, silvery wand was deposited in her hands.
This looks like …
"A training wand?" Galinda gasped. "Oh, Madame! How can I express my gratitution?"
"Don't thank me." Madame Morrible waved a hand dismissively. "This was all your roommate's idea."
"What?" Galinda queried incredulously. "Elphaba?"
"Yes, Miss. Elphaba requested that I include you in sorcery class. She insisted I tell you this very night, or she would quit the seminar!"
"But why?"
"I have no idea." Madame Morrible sniffed. "However, I couldn't lose my best student, so I agreed. But ... my personal opinion is that you do not have what it takes. I do hope you prove me wrong!" She took in Galinda's stunned expression and snorted. "I doubt you will."
Without a backward glance, she strode back towards the exit.
Why, the nerve of that …
"What is it?"
"Oh, nothing," she lied, stuffing the wand into a large hidden pocket in the side of her dress. Now that her moment of anger had passed, a smidgen of guilt began to appear. Elphaba had helped her get what she wanted, and instead, she had …
"Good," Fiyero said, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to it. "Let's dance."
Galinda nodded and smiled as she twirled away.
Elphaba paused as the sounds of merriment drifted out from behind the door. It reminded her of long ago parties at home; though Father never liked them, they were necessary events to maintain political relations. She had never attended one, due to Father's desire to keep her out of sight. Nessa was the one who was brought in, as a child to be cooed over, while Elphaba had her dinner early and was sent up alone to bed.
Naturally, those sounds made her want to back off and run back to the safety of her room (which was so peaceful and quiet without Galinda and her friends).
Stop being a pansy, Elphaba, she told herself sternly. You're properly attired and your main purpose here is not for "fun", anyways. It's to check on Nessa, so get going.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door and edged in.
The first thing to assault her senses was sound. Loud, jazzy music blared from the live band in the corner, while the clinking sounds of glass echoed everywhere. People chattered and laughed as they danced, while the disco ball threw specks of light around the room.
Elphaba stopped for one moment to warily scan the surroundings, calculating the route she had to take to find Nessa.
Where is she?
A drunken student stumbled in front of Elphaba, and she sidestepped to avoid him. His eyes roved over her, and his eyes suddenly widened in recognition.
"HEY, AREN'T YOU THAT GREEN GIRL I ALMOST KNOCKED OVER?" He bellowed, unaware that he was shouting twice as loud as the music. As if someone had flicked a switch off, the room quieted until even the band musicians were silent, staring at Elphaba.
Suddenly, a loud laugh broke the silence.
"Sweet Oz, look at that hat!"
Hastily stifled chuckles rolled through the room, and Elphaba spotted Galinda in a far corner standing with Fiyero, both of them looking on. Elphaba's cheeks burned. So, she had been tricked! It wasn't some kind of fashion statement; it was to make her look like a fool.
"Who in Oz is –" Fiyero broke off as he took in that distinct green tint in her skin, even under the purple disco lights. That's …
"My roommate," whispered Galinda. She was looking oddly flushed. "Please don't stare."
"Well, how can you help it?" Fiyero asked, watching as her roommate – Elphaba – walked towards the center of the dance floor with a determined expression. Closing her eyes, she ignored the laughter and began to move her hands in an outlandish, jerky dance, before turning a circle and repeating the entire routine.
Fiyero thought she was the bravest person he'd ever met.
"I'll say this much for her." He muttered to Galinda. "She doesn't give a twig about what anyone else thinks."
"Of course she does," Galinda murmured back, glaring at a laughing couple. "She just pretends not to notice." Her hands played with the strap of her purse, before she blurted out, "I feel awful."
"Was it the drinks?"
"No, I meant that," Galinda motioned to Elphaba, who was still dancing.
"Why? It's not like it's your fault."
It's not like it's your fault, Galinda repeated silently, trying to convince herself. Yes, it wasn't her fault that Elphaba decided to show up at the Ozdust, wearing that hat, and start dancing, for Oz's sake. Definitely not her fault. But ... Out of the blue, Galinda remembered how Elphaba had smiled and said "Truce?". She had shaken Elphaba's hand. Elphaba had even complimented her on her dress! There was no need to watch her roommate now embarrass herself even more ... Not when Galinda knew how she could help.
Making up her mind, Galinda thrust the purse into Fiyero's hands with an "Excuse me" and walked towards Elphaba, her fashionable heels clicking as she held her head high. It may cause her to be laughed at, it may caused her to lose some friends, but Galinda felt infinitely lighter as she knew it was the right thing to do.
"May I … cut in?"
A fresh wave of laughter traveled through the crowd, as they prepared to watch their prima donna diss the Resident Artichoke. What they didn't expect was for said prima donna to wave her arms in the same odd manner and turn in a circle, before adding a shake of her head.
Slowly, Galinda showed Elphaba how to soften the movements, so instead of looking like puppets with cut strings, the pair were now flowing from one position to the next like fluid water. As if on cue, the band struck up a melodic tune, and the spectators began to imitate them, forgetting their laughter and actually following what Elphaba and Galinda were creating.
It was, no doubt, one of the strangest and yet most beautiful dance they had ever done in their lives.
A/N: Sorry for being so MIA lately! School has just started, and I just came back from a week-long outdoor camp with the rest of my year :)
It also took me quite a while to cough up this hairball - gross, I know - as I've been working on another one-shot and reading other Wicked fanfiction for inspiration. Mostly HollyBush stuff :) And I've also discovered the Greg Awards, which someone had mentioned earlier. I confess that I scanned the entries for my fanfic, but I wasn't surprised at its absence; I've only published it, like, a month ago? And all the authors mentioned there are such veterans of the Wicked fanfic scene. Congratulations to each and everyone nominated!
Please R&R! I'd love to know of your impressions of the characters; especially Boq. I read from an fanfic author somewhere that she/he doesn't like to reveal the exact reasons why she/he made the character do this and that, so I'm going to try out that approach. Fresh blueberries and smoothies of thy choice to anyone who shows the Review button some love!
Update: Thank you to all new reviewers. It wasn't wickedmetalviking1990 who mentioned the Greg Awards, though. He's also pointed out that Ozdust was supposed to be Galinda's "changing point", so that caused me to think a little more ... THAT'S WHY I 3 REVIEWS!