Wickedly Hope Pancake: I would start hoping for them right now. It's not gonna be pretty.
Elphabalover101: Yes. Thank goodness!
NellytheActress: NELLY, CHILL! The world is not over! Relax! Eat a Snickers!
spiritwarrior27: It just hasn't happened yet.
Bunny (Guest): Soon. Very soon.
Elphaba'sGirl: Frex is so annoying.
I'mFlyingHighDefyingGravity: Elphaba wanting to murder them would be a BIG understatement. Let's just say that.
"I can't believe I did that," Nessa muttered, looking into her half-empty teacup. She was sitting across the table from Galinda in the café, sharing a quick snack with her. Elphaba and Fiyero were having a study date in the library.
"I'm sorry, Nessa," Galinda whispered, placing her hand on top of the brunette's.
"It's just that… she can't know about that article… but I've never lied to her before. Oz, if she were to find out about this… I don't even want to think about what she'll do."
"Me neither," Galinda agreed, sipping her tea.
Neither girl spoke for a moment. "I just feel so bad for her," Nessa whispered, deciding to be the one to break the silence.
"I thought Elphaba didn't like it when people pitied her."
"She's my sister. I have the unwritten right to pity her," Nessa said, allowing a smile to tug on the corners of her lips. "I know this may sound weird… and probably a little bit selfish, but helping Fabala makes me feel less…"
"Crippled?"
"Yeah," Nessa whispered, slowly twirling a section of her hair around her finger. "I mean, even though I can't walk, our father has always considered me to be able to do more for myself, which I was grateful for. I had friends growing up and I never really had a problem fitting in."
"And… Elphaba?"
"Father kept Elphaba inside the mansion most of the time, claiming that the world was a dangerous place and he didn't want her to get hurt. It drove Fabala crazy. She hated being babied. She still does. She wants to be independent, but…"
"Everyone babies her," Galinda finished for her.
"I've always been the tragically beautiful girl, while Elphaba's always been the poor, blind girl. One would dare to say… beautifully tragic."
Galinda sat in silence for a moment. She knew that Elphaba wouldn't have had the easiest life growing up, but she had no idea she was overprotected by her father that much.
"I know it's embarrassing for her to have her younger sister protecting her, but there have been some times when Fabala was there for me," Nessa said quietly. "If I had a nightmare, she would hear me crying and hurry into my room to comfort me. When I was lonely and wanted some company, she would be there for me, like the older sister she is."
Nessa was fast asleep in her bed. Suddenly, her face contorted into a grimace. The seven-year-old began to toss and turn in her bed, fighting the nightmare in her head. Screaming, she shot up in her bed, sweat glistening on her forehead. Whimpering, she clutched her bed sheets for dear life. Her head snapped up when she heard footsteps and the sound of fingertips gliding against the wall. Turning, she spotted a small figure standing in her doorway. Shivering, she brought the blankets to her face as she tried to inch away from the figure.
"Nessie?" the figure whispered, stretching out her hand.
"F-Fabala?" Nessa whispered, slowly lowering her hands. She watched as her sister slowly groped towards her. "Fabala," she whispered, stretching her arm out towards her.
Elphaba bumped into the footboard of Nessa's bed. Moving to the left, her hand slid across Nessa's blankets. She stopped when she felt Nessa gently grab her arm. Smiling, she sat down on the bed and pulled her younger sister into her arms.
"Fabala," Nessa whispered, throwing her arms around the green girl and burying her face in her shoulder.
"Nessie… are you alright? I heard you scream," Elphaba whispered, hugging Nessa closer.
"I… I'm fine," Nessa muttered.
"Nessie, whatever's bothering you, you can tell me. Please."
"I just had a bad dream. That's all."
Elphaba tenderly stroked her younger sister's hair. Nessa finally allowed her tears to come and cried on Elphaba's shoulder.
"Shh, it's alright," Elphaba whispered, rubbing small circles on Nessa's back. "It was just a dream."
"I was so scared."
"I know," Elphaba whispered as she waited for Nessa's sobs to die down.
Slowly, but surely, Nessa's crying ceased.
"There," Elphaba whispered soothingly. "Is that better?"
Smiling, Nessa nodded. "I love you," she whispered, wrapping her arms around Elphaba in a caring hug.
"I love you, too, Nessie," Elphaba whispered back. Her hand slowly slid up Nessa's arm to her face. Her fingers traced over her face and rested on her forehead. Smiling, Elphaba slowly leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on Nessa's forehead. "Goodnight, Nessie."
"Goodnight, Fabala," Nessa whispered sleepily as her sister helped her back under the covers. "Will you sing to me?"
"Of course," Elphaba smiled as she began to sing. "I'll be your candle on the water. My love for you will always burn. I know you're lost and drifting, but the clouds are lifting. Don't give up you have somewhere to turn."
Nessa smiled as she listened to her sister's voice.
"I'll be your candle on the water. 'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright. My soul is there beside you. Let this candle guide you. Soon you'll see a golden stream of light."
The younger Thropp felt her eyelids growing heavier with every word Elphaba sang. Yawning, she slowly began to close her eyes.
"A cold and friendless tide has found you. Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down. I'll paint a ray of hope around you. Circling in the air. Lighted by a prayer. I'll be your candle on the water. This flame inside of me will grow. Keep holding on you'll make it. Here's my hand so take it. Look for me reaching out to show. As sure as rivers flow, I'll never let you go. I'll never let you go. I'll never let you go..."
Nessa's breathing evened out as she fell asleep. Elphaba's fingers stretched out and found Nessa's face again. Smiling, she leaned forward and kissed Nessa's forehead again. "Goodnight, Nessa." She slowly slid off the bed and groped back to the doorway. Her fingers bumped against the wall and she moved to her right and, feeling the opened space of the doorway, slipped out of the room, back to her bed.
"Hello, ladies," a suave voice interrupted them. Galinda and Nessa looked up and saw Fiyero and Elphaba approaching them.
"Hi, Fiyero," Nessa smiled, looking up at the prince.
Fiyero led Elphaba to a seat and helped her sit down. "Did you have a good study date?" Galinda asked, playfully nudging Elphaba.
"I don't know if you even could call it a "study date". Fiyero wouldn't even open up the book," Elphaba said.
"Oh, it was a study date? I thought it was just a date," Fiyero said sheepishly, his face reddening.
The girls snickered. Fiyero smiled as he sat down next to Elphaba and casually wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "So, what have you girls been talking about?"
"The party," Galinda smiled, lying through her teeth.
The newspaper, Nessa mouthed.
"I still can't believe you're throwing another party," Elphaba sighed.
We are now, Galinda thought. "We are. And we're going shopping!"
"Shopping?" Elphaba questioned, raising her eyebrow.
"Yes! Shopping," Galinda smiled, jumping up to get Elphaba some tea.
"She's serious about this," Elphaba muttered, leaning back in her chair.
"Another party does sound like fun," Nessa smiled.
"And I suppose you're going to make me go?" Elphaba frowned.
"If you don't go, who will I go with?" Fiyero pouted. "You have to go."
"You're so silly," Elphaba giggled.
"So you'll go with me?"
Elphaba sighed, but gave in. "Yes, I'll go with you."
Galinda returned with Elphaba's tea. "I got you some tea, Elphie."
"Thank you," Elphaba smiled, hearing Galinda set the teacup in front of her. Her fingers slowly reached out and found the cup handle. Grasping it firmly, she slowly brought the cup to her lips. She smiled as the scent of the warm, peppermint tea floated up to her nose. Taking a delicate sip, she lowered the cup back to the table.
"When are you going to start planning?" Nessa asked.
"Right now, actually," Galinda smiled, pulling out a clipboard from her bag. "Let's see, there's the reservations, the food, the decorations, and the posters. Who wants what?"
"I'll make the posters," Nessa volunteered.
"Dibs on the food!" Fiyero smiled, touching his nose with his pointer finger.
"I'll make the reservations and Elphie, you can help me with the decorations," Galinda smiled, checking everything on the list.
"Okay," Elphaba nodded, glad she could help plan the party.
"Great! Let's all get a goodnight's sleep so we can start bright and early tomorrow morning!" Galinda smiled, standing up from the table.
Fiyero helped Elphaba to her feet and the group exited the café.
"I'll see you later, Fae," Fiyero said, giving Elphaba a goodbye kiss outside Crage Hall.
"Goodbye, Yero my Hero," Elphaba smiled.
"Yero my Hero. I like that," Fiyero laughed.
"So do I."
"Okay, lovebirds, that's enough," Galinda said, gently taking Elphaba's arm and pulling her away from Fiyero. "See you later, Fiyero."
"Okay, bye," Fiyero smiled, waving to Galinda, Elphaba, and Nessa as they disappeared inside the building.
The girls dropped Nessa off downstairs in front Madame Morrible's room before walking up the stairs to their room.
"Finally!" Galinda exclaimed, over-dramatically flopping onto her bed.
Elphaba chuckled as she folded her cane and placed it on her desk. "So, where are we having this party?"
Galinda's response was muffled, considering the fact that her face was buried in her fluffy, pink pillow.
"What?" Elphaba asked, turning towards the blonde.
"At the Ozdust. The same place as last time," Galinda repeated, lifting up her head.
"Ah. I get it," Elphaba smiled, slowly walking towards her bed and sitting down. "What else do we need to do?"
"Well, the band's already been reserved, Fiyero and Nessa are taking care of everything else. All we have to do it go shopping because I have absolutely nothing to wear!"
"I'm sure your closet is full of pretty dresses you can wear, Galinda," Elphaba said, feeling around her nightstand for her book.
"No… no… NO!" Galinda sighed, rummaging through her closet, trying to pick out a dress to wear. "We need to go shopping!"
Elphaba shifted uncomfortably on her bed, her book resting in the bowl of her lap.
"Elphie?" Galinda whispered, turning around at her roommate's lack of response.
Elphaba sighed. "I'm sorry. I… I've never been shopping before."
Galinda frowned, suddenly remembering Nessa's story. "Oh. I'm sorry, Elphie. If you don't want to come with me…"
"No, I do," Elphaba interrupted, looking up in Galinda's direction.
Galinda turned around and smiled. "Thank you, Elphie. I wouldn't have any fun without you." She skipped over to her roommate and wrapped her in a gentle hug.
Elphaba smiled as she hugged the blonde back. "Anything for you, Glin."
"Oh, Elphie! You're gonna have so much fun!" Galinda gushed as she led Elphaba through the busy streets of the town near Shiz University.
Elphaba smiled, though she was secretly thinking about how she could possibly have fun on this little outing. She wouldn't be able to see any of the articles of clothing, or what Galinda would try on, or what Galinda would make her try on. Though she trusted the blonde, she still wasn't sure about this.
Galinda frowned at her roommate's lack of response, but understood. Elphaba was probably terrified. "You do trust me, don't you?"
"I suppose," Elphaba finally said.
"You suppose?"
"I'm kidding. Of course I trust you."
"Good," Galinda said proudly, opening the door to a small boutique and leading Elphaba inside.
Elphaba stiffened as the atmosphere around her changed. "G-Glin… where are we?"
"Princess Polly!" Galinda giggled.
"This sounds like…" Elphaba never got to finish her sentence. Galinda pulled her over to one of the dress racks. Elphaba heard Galinda go through many dresses, pulling a few of them off the rack.
"Galinda…"
"Try this on, Elphie," Galinda said, gently pushing a dress into Elphaba's arms. The blonde didn't give her friend a chance to protest before leading her to the changing rooms. She gently pushed Elphaba into one of the room and closed to door behind her. She moved to sit down on one of the comfy sofas, waiting for her friend to emerge.
Elphaba frowned as she ran her fingers over the dress. It felt like it was made out of cotton. It had long sleeves that Elphaba guessed would stop below her elbows. Sliding her fingers down the dress, she discovered a large, satin bow in the back. She carefully took off the blouse and skirt she was wearing and slipped on the dress. She slowly ran her fingers over the soft cotton. She was right about the sleeves stopping right below her elbows. The skirt of the dress went all the way down to her ankles. Biting her lip, Elphaba hoped she would be able to walk without accidently tripping over it. Feeling she was ready, she reached out her hand and felt for the knob on the door.
"Galinda?" Elphaba whispered, emerging from the changing room.
The blonde looked up and gasped. Elphaba's dress was a deep purple color. The purple satin bow in the back was a nice touch to the dress. Galinda smiled as she watched the way the dress flowed over Elphaba's legs. In short, it looked beautiful on her.
"You look beautiful, Elphie," Galinda smiled, standing up and walking over to her best friend. She gently took Elphaba's hands and squeezed them.
"I… really?" Elphaba asked.
"Of course. You said you trusted me, didn't you?" Galinda giggled.
Elphaba laughed. "I did." She turned and walked back into the dressing room to change back into her normal clothes. She came out a few minutes later, wearing her blouse and skirt and carrying the dress in her hand. Galinda picked up the dress she was buying, a sparkly pink dress with short sleeves and that looked like it would just past her knees, took her arm and led her to the cashier.
"Galinda, how much does the dress cost?" Elphaba asked, feeling for the tag and turning it towards Galinda.
"Twenty-five dollars."
Elphaba nodded and searched her bag for her wallet. Locating it, she pulled out a folded twenty Oz buck bill, followed by a differently folded five Oz buck bill. The girls paid for their dresses and were on their way back to the university.
"Why is your money folded differently?" Galinda asked on their walk back.
Elphaba smiled at the blonde's question. "It's a little trick I learned so I can tell which bill is which."
"But how can you tell the difference?"
"It's easy. Ones are left unfolded. Fives are folded lengthwise. Tens are folded by width. Twenties are folded lengthwise, and then by width."
"That sounds complicated."
"It isn't, really. It just takes practice to get used to it."
Galinda smiled up at her friend. The two girls continued their walk in silence and finally returned to the university's grounds.
Galinda was helping Elphaba get ready the night of the dance. Elphaba was sitting on her roommate's bed, her roommate kneeling behind her, brushing her hair. Both girls were wearing their dresses and we're all ready. Galinda's hair was curled and bouncing off her shoulders. Her make-up was perfect. She had tried to do Elphaba's make-up, but the green girl had stubbornly refused to wear any. Deciding not to push the argument, Galinda didn't apply any makeup to Elphaba's face. She finished brushing Elphaba's hair and looked for something to adorn it with. Her eyes suddenly fell on the pink flower clip she placed in Elphaba's hair the first time she gave her a makeover. Giggling, she skipped over to Elphaba's dresser and grabbed the clip and clipped it into Elphaba's raven hair.
"You're all ready," Galinda announced, smiling at the emerald beauty.
"Thank you, Galinda," Elphaba smiled, pushing herself to her feet and walking over to her desk.
Three soft knocks came from the door.
"It's Fifi!" Galinda squealed, running to open the door. She turned the doorknob and flung the door open, revealing a very handsome Vinkun prince in a grey suit and black bow tie.
"Hello, ladies," Fiyero smiled.
"Hi, Yero," Elphaba said, turning towards him and smiling.
Fiyero's breath caught in his throat when he saw Elphaba. She looked gorgeous. Galinda did a wonderful job helping her pick out a dress.
"Fae," he breathed, approaching the emerald girl.
Elphaba grabbed her cane and turned around. "Yes?"
"You look… beautiful," the prince smiled.
Elphaba blushed and giggled. "Thank you." Her hand slowly slid up Fiyero's arm to his face. Her fingers glided across Fiyero's cheek to his nose, then down to his lips. Smiling, she stood on her toes and gently pressed her lips against Fiyero's.
"Are you ready to go?" Fiyero asked gently once they pulled away.
Elphaba nodded and she took Fiyero's arm and allowed him to lead her to the Ozdust.
Elphaba stayed close to Fiyero and Galinda the entire night. The loud music mixed with everyone else talking was giving her a headache. She wanted to go back to the quiet dorm, but also wanted to stay with Fiyero and have fun.
"Fae, would you like to dance?" Fiyero asked.
Elphaba looked up and frowned. "I… can't."
"Sure you can," Fiyero gently encouraged, helping Elphaba to her feet.
"Yero, I… never learned how to dance."
"I'll teach you."
"I don't want to make a complete fool of myself."
"You won't, Fae. I promise. Just follow me."
"Yero…"
"Elphie, just go. You'll have fun," Galinda said, taking Elphaba's cane and holding it for her.
"Glin!" the green girl protested.
"Just follow me," Fiyero whispered, leading Elphaba onto the dance floor. He took her hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist.
"I apologize in advance for the damage I'm about to do to your feet," Elphaba said, giving Fiyero a small smile.
Fiyero chuckled and kissed her nose. "You'll be fine."
A slow waltz began playing and Fiyero gently led Elphaba in the dance. "One, two, tree. One, two, three," he softly counted for her.
Elphaba followed Fiyero's lead and quickly learned the dance. She smiled as she and Fiyero glided across the dance floor. It was just the two of them. No one else was there. No one else mattered at that moment. The prince smiled as he spun Elphaba around the dance floor. The song ended and Elphaba leaned her head against Fiyero's chest.
"Now, wasn't that fun?" Fiyero smiled, resting his chin on the top of her head.
Elphaba nodded. "It was. I can't remember a time where I had fun like that. Thank you, Yero."
"Anytime, Fae," Fiyero whispered, kissing Elphaba's forehead and leading her back to the table.
Song Used: "Candle on the Water" from Pete's Dragon
BTW: Princess Polly is a real store in Australia. I shopped there when I went to Australia on a student exchange program. They have the cutest dresses ever! If you ever have the chance to go to Australia, I highly recommend shopping at Princess Polly (After you climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge ((which I did!)), of course!)
Favorite lines?