Elphaba walks across campus to the cafeteria. More and more often she looks forward to eating in the cafeteria with her friends. If someone had told her months ago that she would have friends, she would have laughed out loud at that person. It didn't all go smoothly. She first had to figure out what it's like to be friends.

She sees how Boq is having dinner with Glinda and Nessa. Out of the corner of her eye she sees Fiyero coming with two trays full of food. Her attention is beckoned by Glinda who is waving exuberantly. With a smile Elphaba walks towards the group. Soon they are talking about the latest news and complaints about the lessons. Boq grabs his biology homework and Fiyero starts copying his work. Nessa looks at the boys in surprise. "Don't ask anything." says Boq. "He can write it again this time, against my will."

Fiyero looks up very happy from his work. "He lost a bet." He takes a bite of his sandwich and goes back to writing.

"Did you know that Morrible goes to some conference for educators in the Emarald City on the weekends?" Glinda asks enthusiastically.

"Yes, because Dr. Dillamond is going too. That's why we don't have lessons on Monday morning. Maybe we'll have lessons in the afternoon. Dr Dillamond is enthusiastic about his own lessons. But he also said that such a conference is very tiring."

Glinda pouts. ''Why don't I know? That means that I can also meet up with friends on Sunday evenings for my social life instead of doing homework in the books.'' She looks excited again.

Everyone shrugs.

''But that means there will be a party in your room? '' Fiyero asks with a smile towards Nessa. '' This must be Morrible's first time gone. Take advantage of it right away.''

''Shouldn't you spend more time on your homework than on organizing a party for my sister?'' asks Elphie dryly. "Maybe you're not sitting here doing your homework at the last minute."

Fiyero shrugs. "I'll finish it on time anyway and I'll have time for a party. So, who's better here?"

Elphaba rolls her eyes. "Me, since I did all the homework myself. I helped Glinda and Nessa and I still have to do the extra reading."

''Show off.'' Fiyero mumbles as he copies Boq's answers.

"By the way, I still don't agree with you copying my homework." Boq mumbles.

Fiyero smirks. "You shouldn't have lost a bet."

Boq begins to blush.

"So, you see Nessa, you have to listen to me. I'm the smartest.''

Elphaba wants to say something but gets an elbow bump from Glinda. Fiyero looks contentedly at Glinda who looks innocently at Elphaba. ''So, are you going to throw a party?'' Fiyero asks hopefully.

''I don't know.''

"Aaah come on Nessa, think of the freedom you have now that your roommate isn't here."

"Ooh she's definitely going to enjoy her freedom," says Boq with a shy smile as he puts his arm around Nessa.

Elphaba immediately glared at Boq who sheepishly takes his arm away.

Glinda immediately claps her hands. "That's so romantic."

''What's romantic about Morrible's room?'' Fiyero asks with his mouth full of food.

"There is nothing romantic about the room, but Boq can make it very romantic."

"I certainly plan to, since it's her birthday on Sunday. I don't want to hear anything more about it.'' Boq says with a red head.

"Oooh'' screams Glinda as she claps her hands. ''This is going to be a perfect weekend for you. Friday your birthday party. Saturday evening romantic with Boq and Sunday is your birthday. Then you can rest on Monday before Madame Morrible comes back. I'm so jealous."

Nessa blushes and nods.

"I have to go?" says Boq as he stands up. He glances at Fiyero who nods that he has copied everything. He packs his things.

Nessa looks surprised. "We have class together in half an hour, don't we?"

"Yes, but now I have time to arrange the last things. I'll see you in class."

Nessa crosses her arms. "I want to know what it is."

Boq gives a small kiss on her forehead. "Then it's no surprise, baby"

Boq quickly hurries out of the cafeteria. He can't deny his girlfriend at anything, even if it's a surprise. He hopes that his ideas will bring back the sparkle in his relationship with Nessa that has disappeared in recent months. Nessa is so much better when they're alone together than when they're in public.

''Aaah Nessa don't look so glum, he's planning something for you. By the way, we can talk about Friday night, are you sure you don't want to have a big party, after all, you only turn 20 once."

Nessa looks at Glinda again. "I like to keep it small with my friends. Dad probably doesn't like it if I party a lot. That's not good for my reputation."

Fiyero snorts. "My reputation is also good, and I party every weekend."

"That's why you have the reputation of a playboy and my sister doesn't."

Fiyero sticks out his tongue. "All I'm saying is that it's okay if you throw a party. People may even appreciate it."

"That's true." Glinda says quickly. "You get good connections with a good party. You give people the chance to admire you. You are the centre of attention and you get all the attention. It's your birthday."

"Fabala, what do you think?" Nessa asks uncertainly.

Elphaba shrugs. "It's your party. You're old and wise enough to make a choice about a party. I don't see why you can throw a party. Father agrees with whatever you want."

"Think of all the people you make happy with a party." Fiyero whispers in Nessa's ear. "Imagine if next week around this time all the people are friendly to you because you threw a party."

Elphaba rolls her eyes. All that nonsense about a party is not for her, but she knows her sister really wants it. Although Nessa has doubts, because if something goes wrong, the consequences are for her. Nessa has always been protected by their father. If something went wrong, Frex and Elphaba could fix it. Nessa never felt the consequences. Nessa is also not one to do something thoughtless, so Elphaba didn't have to solve that much either.

Nessa is used to blaming Elphaba for everything. But here on Shiz, Elphaba has people in her corner, which is something new for the Thropp sisters. Something they both have to get used to.

Elphaba sighs. "Nessa, we're having a party for you. First, we'll have dinner with the small circle and around 20:00 there's a party for everyone from Shiz at the Oz dust.''

Everyone looks at Elphaba with their mouths open.

"Do you want a party?" Glinda asks after finding her voice.

"Of course not, but Nessa really wants it. We're going to throw a blast. We have a couple of days to arrange everything. We've got the two biggest partygoers in all Shiz on our team, so it shouldn't be that hard. Friday afternoon we have time to decorate. So why not?"

"Okay, if Elphaba says it's going to be okay and that it's allowed, then it's okay." Nessa says uncertainly, but with a look that Elphaba knows all too well. A look that says, if it goes wrong, it's your fault.

Glinda screams again and immediately stands up. ''Okay Fiyero you arrange it the ballroom at the OZ dust. Elphie and I arrange the decorations. We also have to buy a dress."

"I already have a dress," the Thropp sisters say at the same time.

"I have to see which dress you have first, so we don't have the same thing." Glinda says to Nessa. "Although a new dress for your birthday is normal."

"I already got one from my father. He had one specially made for me.'' says Nessa blushing.

Glinda tries to hide her envy. ''And your black frocks don't count as dresses.'' Glinda says sternly to Elphie.

"Ladies, you're going to fight this out later." Fiyero says, wiping his mouth on a serving plate. "I'll get you a big cake too."

''Which you're going to eat alone.'' Elphie mumbles under her breath. Glinda elbows her and Fiyero looks pleased.

"Think of it as a present from me," he continues. "I'll make sure everyone knows about the best birthday party this month."

Before anyone can stop him, he stands on the table and screams. "This Friday is the party in the Oz dust, everyone is welcome so make sure you're there!"

Elphie struggles not to laugh. ''So, this is how the great prince of the Vinkus announces a party? How are you doing in your country? Are you going to stand on the market screaming?'' Elphie laughs.

Fiyero begins to blush. "It's the easiest way.''

Glinda rolls her eyes. "Come on, Elphie, we're going to arrange proper invitations too.

Elphie immediately stops laughing and gapes at Glinda. "Why are we doing it?" she asks indignantly.

"Because you have to be nice to me. '' says Fiyero after sticking out his tongue.

"Maybe you should be smarter."

"Because we're going to do it in a decent way," Glinda says in a tone that leaves no room for discussion before Fiyero can answers.

"The only reason I agreed to a party is because you guys would do all the work." Elphie mumbles.

Glinda ignores Elphaba. "Nessa, you just have to show up in a nice dress. We take care of everything. I'm excited already!"

"Glin, we have to go to class too," says Elphie dryly as she is pulled along by Glinda.

"Sweet Oz Elphie, you need to learn what has more priorities." Glinda stands still and let's go of Elphie's hand.

Elphaba rolls her eyes. She grabs Glinda by the wrist and pulls her to class. "We'll go to class together and then we'll go to town to arrange everything, I'll even buy you dinner."

Glinda immediately beams. "Are you sure?" She walks at the same pace as Elphie.

Elphaba nods.

"But I have to change, that takes a lot of time."

''Or treat yourself with a new dress.'' Elphie didn't think Glinda could shine any more, but it looks like Glinda is glowing now.

Glinda looks around quickly. "You are the best friend I could ever wish for." She quickly kisses Elphie on the cheek. ''But you're a better girlfriend.'' she whispers in Elphie's ear. She skips to her class. She is already making a list in her mind of things to do.

Elphie looks on with satisfaction. Yep, she never thought that her nemesis would become her girlfriend. But somehow it worked out and they are the happiest couple in all Shiz which no one knows. They know that Nessa and Frex disapprove of their relationship, but their main fear is that they will be split up as roommates and they want to avoid that at all costs.

XXXXX

"Elphie, why are you so sad?" Glinda asks as they sit in a private room in their favourite restaurant. Despite wanting to keep their relationship a secret at school, there are some people who know anyway. It is important to both of them that they can go to people when they have relationship problems. It is also nice to have several places in Shiz where they can be themselves.

Elphaba looks surprised. ''What do you mean sad? I've done everything you asked. I have to give my honest opinion about everything. You bought me a beautiful new dress. Why do you think I'm sad?"

Glinda takes Elphaba's hand. "Because I know how you think. You are more distracted than usual. If you had been cheerful, you would have made more sarcastic remarks and you would have noticed more quickly that I was buying you more clothes. Come tell me."

Elphaba sighs. "It's that time of year."

Glinda looks surprised. ''It's spring. Most people are happy in spring."

"I mean Nessa's birthday."

Glinda looks doubtful. Then she begins to understand. "Ooh Oz. I didn't think about it at all. And I kept whining about the party. Oz Elphie why didn't you say I was hurting you."

Elphaba smiles. "You didn't hurt me. People quickly forget. In addition, Nessa makes everyone think of her."

"That doesn't make it right."

Elphie shrugs. "You'd think I was used to it."

"No, it's quite normal that you never get used to the day your mother died. You have every right to remember that day the way you want. ''

Elphie nods slowly. The first dishes are brought.

"Father made sure Nessa got extra attention these days. That is why she now receives letters from him every day. It's his way of getting through these days too.'' Elphie says softly, after Glinda continued to stare at her.

"What did you do?"

Elphie shrugs. "I went along with what Father did. Nessa had almost a birthday week. Or two weeks. I also tried to stay away from father as much as possible. He was always extra irritable, and he took it out on me."

Glinda frowns.

"He never hit me. The worst part was that I had to go to bed without food for two nights. You know that. He just got angry faster and then sent me to my room."

''Elphie, he has and is emotionally abusing you; you are allowed to recognize that."

''Can we please stop talking about this,'' Elphie whispers.

Glinda sighs. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have brought it up."

"I should have told you about it sooner, Nessa has been announcing for weeks that her birthday is coming up."

"Can we talk about the party?"

Elphie smiles. "Of course, the party is far enough from it."

Glinda smiles. She wants to do so many things for her girlfriend to make up the past, but also knows that it is not possible. She can only make the future better.

XXXX

The posters are put up the next day. Nessa is immediately surrounded by people who indicate that they think it's a great idea or ask what kind of gift Nessa wants. Elphaba watches from a distance. She knows this is what Nessa wants. Although she also knows that Nessa lives in a fantasy world and that this is not the best for Nessa. But if there are people who keep her fantasy world alive, she can do nothing else.

''Perhaps the posters are a better idea. The personal invitations for dinner are also very nice."

Elphaba startled and sees that Fiyero has come to stand next to her. "We did our best to exceed your loud invitation, it was hard work, but we succeeded. By the way, the dinner invitations are only for our circle of friends," she says sarcastically.

Fiyero chuckles. "Sometimes you have to take drastic measures to get out of the annoying chores."

Elphaba rolls her eyes. "Did you manage to arrange a dance room at the Oz dust?"

Fiyero nods. "I have arranged the largest room. We have to provide our own snacks. They provide the drinks. We will receive the bill the following Monday."

"Sounds fine. We sorted that out quickly."

''It doesn't matter what you know, but who you know. Good connections are important."

''But you can also have good connections without being at the pub every night.'' Elphaba says irritated, because she has already had this discussion with Fiyero a hundred times.

"I don't see how. You have to enjoy life and you do that by living it."

"Bye Fiyero, I'm going to my class."

"You know I'm right." Fiyero calls after her.

XXXX

So, after our last class we go to a catering to arrange something? Glinda writes on a piece of paper and give it to Elphie.

Elphaba rolls her eyes but doesn't write back. class is only a few minutes away and she knows she has to convince her friend by talking instead of writing notes.

Once the teacher has finished his lesson, they walk slowly to the cafeteria so they can talk for a while.

"Can't we go to the store and buy something? They also have snacks there."

Glinda looks around. ''Elphie Sometimes I wonder why we are in a relationship. You know who I am, right? I want everything to be perfect. We make sure that other people do the work. If we are going to buy snacks in stores, we also have to refill it ourselves. If we are going to hire a catering, we don't have to do anything."

''Yes but.''

No, no buts. We also got to party, so we make other people worry about the food. I'll make sure it's within budget."

''That's fine though."

''Elphie, what's the problem?"

Elphaba sighs and grabs Glinda's shoulder so they can look into each other's eyes. ''We spend almost all of our time organizing the party. We still have homework to do tonight.'' says Elphaba sternly.

Glinda starts to protest but closes her mouth. "I forgot," she mutters.

Elphaba's heart immediately hurts. ''You know what, I'll help you with your homework and it will go faster. We can go quickly after homework."

Glinda immediately beams. ''Are you sure?''

Elphaba nods. "But don't think I'm going to say all the answers."

Glinda immediately hugs Elphaba. ''Thank you for looking for a solution for everything. Come on, let's tell the good news to the rest. I can hardly wait for Friday night. It takes so long.'' Glinda exaggerates.

Elphaba smiles as she lets Glinda pull her along. ''It's Friday in three days. It's faster than you think."

XXXX

"Only Morrible comes up with these weird assignments. Why do we need to know all the spells in the book?" asks Glinda pouting. "It's just mean, and I don't get it."

During class, Morrible announced that there will be a test on the spells. So, on Thursday night, the girls are still learning everything, much to Glinda's dismay.

Elphaba remains calm. ''You don't need to know the book by heart. It's about learning how to look up a spell. For example, to extinguish a fire you can search under fire, water or extinguish. If you look under fire, there is a good chance that the fire will get bigger, under water there is a good chance that you will say a spell that causes rain and when extinguishing you will find a spell that puts out the fire in small places. You should be aware of that."

Glinda reluctantly picks up her book again. "But how am I supposed to know which spell to look up and when?"

''Then you first have to assess the situation properly. ''

"Can't someone tell me?"

Elphaba chuckles. "No, but you are smart enough. You will succeed in this."

"You have more faith in me than I have in myself."

''Good example. What words do you look for when you want to give someone self-confidence''

''I don't know.''

You're close, there's no such spell."

Glinda rolls her eyes. "Elphaba this is serious. Madame Morrible asks too much of me."

"My sweet clever Glinda. You can do everything. You tamed the mean green monster. You threw a party for Nessa in less than a week. You have shown Madame Morrible that you do have magical powers worth developing. So, the only thing standing in the way now is your own insecurity."

Glinda gets tears in her eyes. "How did I deserve you?"

''You did all that yourself.'' Elphaba takes Glinda in her arms and kisses her softly against her cheek. ''You can do anything. Trust yourself a little. You know it. Where should you look if you want to make a plant grow faster?''

''Under the name of the plant, because all plants are different and therefore require different needs.''

''See you can do it. Where should you look to stop the rain?"

"Under the word 'Elphie', because you are the sun and warmth in my life."

Elphie can't help but smile. "And if you're someone other than Glinda?"

"Then you have to look under the word 'stop'." Glinda looks deep into Elphaba's eyes. ''I love you. Without you I would have stopped studying long ago."

''I love you too. Without you I'd still be the mean green monster."

"You never were. You've always been my soft melon."

Elphaba blushes but says nothing. They stay in each other's arms for a few minutes. ''We should go to sleep. Tomorrow is Nessa's party."

"Mmmmm I can sleep like this."

Elphie chuckles. Slowly they prepare for the night. They wish each other good night and give each other several kisses.

Glinda wakes up in the night. She has no idea why. She turns over and wants to continue sleeping, but then she sees a figure at the window. She is slightly startled. When she looks closer, she sees that it is Elphaba. She stands up softly and wraps a blanket around Elphaba.

"Why are you awake?" Elphaba asks.

''No idea. Why are you awake?"

"I can't sleep."

Glinda nods understandably. She puts her arm around Elphaba and rests her head on Elphaba's shoulders. Since Glinda realizes that Nessa's birthday also means Melena's death, she has much more patience for Elphaba. She's been watching for signs of sadness all week or she's planning to keep Elphaba busy, so she doesn't have to think about the guilt.

"Is it weird that it still affects me after all these years?"

"No, definitely not, because you lived for years thinking it was your fault, which it isn't."

''Sometimes I wish I could go back in time without all the guilt. I don't remember much about my mother, but I do know that she treated me with love."

"Can't you really remember anything about the time with your mother?"

"I was three, so I can remember very little. I only remember the good feeling."

"Then hold on to that. I bet your mom doesn't want you lying awake at night with guilt. Especially if those feelings aren't necessary."

"I think you're right, but it's still difficult."

"Come then you can lie in bed with me, if you still fall asleep it's nice and otherwise you can still serve as my cuddly toy."

"You know how to make something beautiful out of every situation."

''Call it a talent. Tomorrow night, I mean tonight it's getting late too. We have to try and sleep a little bit longer."

"Thank you for saving me again."

"I will always do that."

They kiss. Elphaba feels Glinda slowly drifting off to sleep. She stays awake for a long time and is surprised that the alarm clock wakes her up. "Maybe Glinda works better as a cuddly toy than I thought."

She kisses Glinda on the cheek until she starts to wake up. Glinda giggles and tries to sleep if possible, until Elphaba gives her a long kiss on the mouth. "You're the best cuddly toy I've ever had."

Elphaba chuckles and kisses Glinda on the cheek. "Let's go to our lessons."

Glinda pouting. "You're not the best cuddle toy anymore."

"If you come to the bathroom, I maybe become the best kisser."

Glinda almost runs to the bathroom and hugs Elphie. "Yep, you are the absolute best kisser."

Elphie blushes. "You're a little better."

The girls finished just in time. During breakfast everyone is excited for tonight's party. Nessa in particular was a piece of nerves. She blames Elphaba for everything and complains of a headache. Elphaba wants to take care of her but Boq takes over. For Elphaba, the day can't go by fast enough.

Elphaba have to confesses that the party is a great success. There are more people than she thought. She even enjoys the party. Many people talk to Nessa and some even compliment her on her dress. Elphaba is having so much fun that she doesn't realize she's getting tipsy.

Glinda watches from a distance and takes care of all the little problems, like a torn dress or a glass of wine falling over someone. She too notices that Elphaba is starting to get tipsy. She embraces Elphaba with joy. "I'm glad you're having a good evening too."

"This is a perfect evening and it's all because of you."

"Hey," they say indignantly behind them. "I've arranged the room."

Elphaba rolls her eyes. "It's a perfect evening by both of you. Thank you. Nessa is having a fantastic time."

Fiyero nods approvingly. "Just so you know," he says, looking around for someone to join on the dance floor. When he finds no one, he pulls Elphaba and Glinda with him. "Let's go dance."

Glinda shrugs and begins to twist her hips. Elphaba looks lost and tries her best to imitate Glinda.

Glinda starts laughing and pulls Elphie towards her. She puts her hands on Elphaba's hips and demonstrates how to move. Elphaba is aware of what is happening, but no one seems to think anything of it. She looks into Glinda's eyes and relaxes. "Relax Elphie, nobody thinks it's weird if I give you dance lessons in public and especially if Fiyero is there."

Elphie turns to see Fiyero wink at her. She tries to relax and finds herself having a good time again. Yep, it was a fun night. Until...

XXXX