HEY Y'ALL! HAPPY 20 YEARS! I am so excited for Wicked Day coming up!
Though I have been writing other stories and starting a few, I want to get this one out of the way. This was written a month ago and I couldn't find the time to post it after editing and editing. I've been at work and all day and every day for a week, it's been stuck in my brain and I want to get it out.
Currently I am staying in a cabin in the mountains in the south for a wedding this weekend. I'm enjoying it all except not getting any sleep past few nights because my body and mind are really out of whack. UGH! Not even on a 13 hour road trip I ever slept. Ever!
Anyways, please leave positive reviews and PM to me WaitJustAClockTick for ideas to keep me going. And be sure to check out my other stories as well. I'll try to post the next chapter of Nessa's Birthday Wish as soon as I get back. Till next time, GOODNIGHT! PEACE!
The Ozbucks cafe is buzzing as exams are underway. The semester is coming to and end and exam week is just beginning. Lots of students grabbed themselves coffee and breakfast as the staff try to get through the morning rush.
Soon things cooled down and the door opens. Fiyero walks in and orders his coffee and breakfast sandwich.
As soon as he got his order, he spots Nessarose who is eating her breakfast while looking over her politics notes.
"Morning Nessa," he greets sounding cheerful though he was nervous and annoyed about exam week.
She looks up and smiled. "Good morning Fiyero."
"Are you ready for exams?"
"Almost. Just going over Politics. It's so hard. My sister was supposed to come and help me but she isn't here yet."
"I can help you if you want," he said sitting down in a chair across from her. "Well Politics isn't my best subject but I can try. We can quiz each other."
Nessa looked skeptical but answers reluctantly. "Alright."
After a few minutes of them quizzing each other with very little effort, they just gave up.
"I wish that Fabala is here. She may not take politics but she would've been a help."
"I agree," Fiyero said. "I wish she was here too. I hardly seen her for the past couple days."
"Really?"
"Yeah. She doesn't show up for dinner anymore which I found odd. She did mention she was working on a chemistry project with Milla which they're still working on right now. The last time I saw her was three days ago…"
Fiyero's Flashback
"Hey Fae!"
The green girl was walking across campus after class got out but stops and turns around as her boyfriend catches up to her out of breath.
"Oz, you walk fast," he pants. "Hey. I was wondering if you and I can go to the Wilted Rose for dinner later?"
Elphaba frowned a little before saying, "I can't Fiyero."
"If this is about finding a fish bone in your pasta last time we went there, I can make sure that it'll never happen again-"
"It's not about that Fiyero. I can't go to dinner with you."
His face fell. "Why not?"
"You know why," his girlfriend said. "I have to do that chemistry project with Miss Milla at the library."
"It's been a month Fae. I'm sure the project can wait."
"It's due after the exams are over," she said quickly.
Fiyero asks, "Can you maybe take a break?"
"I can't. I have to study!"
"Fae, you are overstressed. Why don't we go to the poppy fields and study out there? There's fresh air and the view is nice and relaxing-"
Elphaba interrupts again.
"Fiyero, please! I don't have the time to talk!"
The prince stopped at his green girlfriend's mini outburst with the look of hurt on his face.
She saw that look, giving a long sigh and immediately apologized. "I'm sorry for snapping like that. I love you Fiyero, I really do. But this is important right now. I need to keep my grades up. I promise that after all of this is over next Friday, I'll be all yours."
"All is forgiven Fae. I didn't mean to pester you," her boyfriend said gently. "But I hardly see you anymore. I felt like I only seen you less and less for the past couple of days. Is everything ok?"
"Everything is fine Fiyero."
But then she sneezed.
"Bless you," he says as she sniffles.
"Thanks," she said taking a deep breath. "It's those allergies. Driving me insane."
Before Fiyero can say anything, Elphaba says walking away in a brisk pace, "I gotta go, I love you Yero!"
He just stands there in the middle of the courtyard and calls out after her, "I love you too Fae!"
He couldn't help but wonder that the green girl was hiding something. At least she still loves him.
End Flashback
"Obviously, that green girl never stops. She always has something going on," he said shaking his head. "I just hope she doesn't go completely bananas over the whole thing."
Nessa nodded. "She was always like this whenever there's an exam-"
"OUT OF MY WAY!"
Everyone in the entire cafe turned to Avaric who bolted right out the cafe door covering his mouth with his hand looking sick. That in turn caused several patrons to stop eating and throw their food away in disgust.
"Bad breakfast?" Fiyero grimaced throwing his breakfast away in a nearby trash bin.
"Most likely the nerves," the younger Thropp said shrugging.
"Oh yeah, my stomach would flip too," Fiyero agrees with a nod before changing the subject. "Anyways Nessa, when was the last time you saw your sister?"
"It was yesterday outside of a new cafe that I picked…"
Nessa's Flashback
"Sorry I'm late Nessa, I had to do some quick studying and forgot what time it was-"
"It's fine Fabala," the wheelchair bound girl replies. "I haven't ordered anything yet."
Her green sister went to sit down across from her and asked, "Are you ready for exams this week?"
Nessa shrugged. "Yes. But I need to brush up on politics a little bit."
"I'm sure you'll get there Nessa. Maybe I can help you before it starts tomorrow."
"I'd like that."
The waiter shows up to to the table. "Ready miss?"
"I would like a grilled chicken salad with a side bowl of clam chowder," Nessa replies reading for the menu.
The waiter writes it down and his eyes went over over to Elphaba a little disgusted by her skin color before clearing his throat.
"And for you miss?"
"Actually I am fine thank you," the green girl replies politely.
The waiter nodded and walked away.
Concerned, Nessa asked Elphaba, "Aren't you hungry?"
"Not really. Big breakfast this morning," she said sounding a little hoarse.
Her sister's frowned when she looked over her sister's appearance. Her emerald color turned into a lighter but sickly shade of green and she has dark circles under her eyes.
"Are you alright Fabala? You don't look like… Yourself."
"I'm fine Nessie, it's the project and exams I'm stressed out about."
Her sister didn't look convinced but nodded. "I understand. Exams are brutal but it looks like you have been working nonstop."
Elphaba coughed a little and cleared her throat. "And to top it all, I have allergies. They just wouldn't go away."
"It's fine. But can you at least eat something?"
"I told you Nessa I already ate," the green girl said. "I appreciate the thought but I am fine. Really."
Nessa was about to say something when they both heard a weird rumbling sound. Elphaba sat stiff as a board with a bit of look on horror on her face realizing it was coming from her stomach.
"What in Oz was that?" Nessa asked her sister.
"What was what?"
"Did you hear that? It sounded like a growl," her sister said looking around for the source of the noise.
Elphaba lies, "I didn't hear anything Nessa."
"But I heard it just now-"
Their conversation was interrupted when the waiter came back with the food and putting it in front of Nessa. "Your grilled chicken salad and clam chowder Miss."
"Thank you. Now Fabala, are you sure that you want anything?"
Elphaba shook her head. "No thank you. For the up-tenth time, I am fine."
"Alright." Nessa starts to dig in as Elphaba couldn't help but watch with an envious look in her eyes as her stomach growls.
Her sister noticed and asked gesturing to the food. "Do you want some?"
"Nessie, you and I both know I'm a vegetarian right?"
"I'll eat all the chicken pieces and you can eat the salad-"
"No!" Elphaba interrupts not wanting to start an arguement. "Nessa please. I'm good."
"Fabala you look like you are skin and bones. I'll order you something-"
"Can we please drop this conversation? Don't worry about me," the green girl said assuring her sister.
"I'm just trying to help-"
"I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP!"
All of the sudden, the bowl full of clam chowder flipped over by itself and spilled the contents onto Nessa's lap.
Nessa exclaims in shock Elphaba gasped realizing what she had done.
"Oh Nessa, I am so sorry, I'll help you clean it up-"
"No!" Nessa snaps with an angry and disappointed glare on her face. "I'm sorry for trying to help you! And I'm sorry to be such a bother to you Elphaba! You know I am so worried about you but who am I kidding! You are just so plain stubborn, you know that?"
"If you hadn't pestered me so much, none of this would be happening," Elphaba argued back sniffling a little.
That silenced her sister who looked away.
"You know what? I'm gonna go," the green girl said tiredly getting up out of her chair and puts her bag over her shoulder.
Nessa's face softened when she realized that their relationship might be crumbling down over some silly sibling arguement.
"Fabala I-"
"It's fine Nessa. It's not your fault. It really isn't. Hold on."
Elphaba looks at the soup that's soaking on Nessa's uniform and said, "Reversio."
The younger Thropp was confused at first but the soup and bowl lifted itself back up and onto the table. Nessa's uniform is now bone dry and clean as if it was back to normal again.
"Don't worry, the soup is eft untouched like nothing had happened," the green girl explains. "I gotta go to class. I'll see you later Nessie."
She walked away leaving a speechless Nessarose.
End Flashback.
"… I didn't mean to start a fight with her. I was just so worried and concerned-"
"You're her sister. You have every single right to be," Fiyero said agreeing with her.
"Hey guys!"
They turned to see Boq coming over with his books, breakfast sandwich and cup of coffee.
"Good morning Boq," Nessa greets waving her hand.
"Morning," Fiyero said.
The Munchkin sets his stuff on the table.
"Ready for exams?"
"Nope."
"Yes."
Nessa and Fiyero both looked at each other.
Boq speaks, "I couldn't help but overhear while I was ordering coffee. Are you two talking about Elphaba?"
"Yeah," Fiyero said. "We're kinda worried about her. I hardly see her anymore because she studies hard on her exams and working on a project. She never turns up for dinner and now Nessa told me that doesn't eat at all."
"And sleep," the Munchkin finishes pointing it out to them.
"What?"
"Yeah. It was during the last literature class couple days ago. She looked so tired that she fell asleep in the middle of the lecture-"
"What?!" Fiyero and Nessa both said together at the same time.
"Elphaba, asleep in class?!" Fiyero said slowly in disbelief. "That NEVER happens!"
Nessa shook her head. "Not my sister."
The Munchkin agrees, "I know. It's hard to believe but it's true…"
Boq's flashback
Boq steps in the lecture hall where literature class is. He found the green girl alone in the back reading over her notebooks.
He put his stuff down at his seat and went up to her.
"Afternoon Elphaba," he greets and she greets back not looking up from her book. "Good afternoon Boq."
"Studying?"
"I have to. Exams are a few days away!"
"Tell me about it," Boq snorts but looks at the green girl's tired face though her eyes are glued to the book.
"El? Are you ok?"
"I'm fine," replied the green girl. "Why?"
"You don't look fine. You look tired."
"It was the studying I did the night before and I forgot what time it was," she tells him still not looking up.
The Munchkin didn't look convinced but bought it anyways.
"Alright then," he said going back to his seat as more student filed in and sitting down. Finally their professor came in and began the lecture.
It was a half hour later when the said lecture started to bore pretty much every student in the room.
Ugh, since when did this lecture get so boring? Boq thought annoyed.
He turned back to look at Elphaba a couple chairs away from him expecting to see her writing notes but instead saw her head lolling back and forth slowly and her eyes closed. She was holding a pencil but wasn't writing.
He looked closely and realized that she was asleep.
Boq was surprised by the sight as it has never happened before. He thought for a moment and decided to get the green girl to stay awake otherwise she'll end up banging her head on her desk.
He took a piece of paper out of his notebook and wrote something down before folding it into a paper airplane and waited for when the professor turns his back on the class and Boq turns back, flinging the plane that flies straight to Elphaba bumping her on her cheek which woke her up.
Looking down she saw a paper airplane on her desk and opened it revealing a note.
"Hey. I just had to wake you up before you'll fall out of your chair. It's not like you to fall asleep in the middle of class. Are you sure you're ok?"
She knew who's handwriting it was and her eyes went over to Boq's concerned face. She took out a piece of paper and wrote:
"I'm alright Boq. I was just resting my eyes. Thank you."
She folded it into an airplane, whispers a chant no one else hears and the plane started to fly on its own past the students and onto Boq's desk.
The Munchkin saw the plane land in front of him and opened it. He read the note and looked back at the green girl who was back to writing her notes catching up.
End flashback.
"I tried to stop her before she left the classroom but she dashed right out of there like she was late for something," he finished.
Fiyero and Nessa are now very worried.
"She mentioned that she's been studying for exams. But I think she's overdoing it," he said.
"That's what we're thinking too. I know it's the exams, but it's too much." Fiyero said. "Also she's been working on a project with-"
Just then the door burst open getting most of the customers attention and in stomps the blonde girl who goes to the counter ordering her coffee and she looked like she was about to take one of her heels and stab someone with them.
"One vanilla espresso latte with triple shots and whipped cream, and a strawberry muffin," she said taking out her money and slamming it on the counter scaring the barista. "And make sure it's ready as soon as possible please?"
"Oh Shiz…" Boq winces after hearing his girlfriend's order.
"What?" Nessa asked.
"She gets double shots of espresso when she's mad."
"She ordered triple Boq."
Boq's eyes widened in horror and immediately hides behind Nessa's wheelchair crouching down. "Hide me!"
"Why?"
The barista quickly makes the drink handing it to Galinda and she immediately drinks it.
"Keep the change," she calls out stomping toward the group.
"Are you alright Glin," Nessa asked her friend.
"Peachy," she replies her voice full of sarcasm still drinking her coffee.
"What's up with the attitude," questioned Fiyero looking around behind her wondering if Elphaba came in with her. "And where's Fae?"
She growled a little bit in frustration turning to her ex-boyfriend and starts gently, "Hey Fiyero… Can I tell you something about your girlfriend?"
"Sure?"
"She is the most STUBBORN PERSON I HAVE EVER MET IN MY LIFE!" She exclaims angrily and dramatically before taking another sip of her coffee.
"Wait," Boq says standing back up behind Nessa's wheelchair. "This is nothing to do with me Galinda?"
"No Boq, you're fine."
"Oh thank Lurline!" He praises happily.
"What has she done now?" Nessa asks facepalming.
"Well we had a fight just before I left…"
Galinda's Flashback
"Elphie!"
"Hmmm?" The green girl asked sitting at her desk reading her notebook not looking up.
"Where have you been last night?"
"I told you I was at the library."
Galinda frowned. "All night?!"
"Not all night-"
"Elphie, if you spent all that time studying at the library then why are are you still studying now? When I woke up at some point last night, I saw you still at you at your desk reading."
"Exams are important Glin," Elphaba replies but a sneeze came up she tried to hold in but failed.
"Bless you Elphie. Anyways I'm going to Ozbucks to grab breakfast and meet with the others. Wanna come?"
"No thanks," Elphaba said politely. "The exam doesn't start till 10 so I'll do some quick studying. I'll meet you there."
"Elphie I feel like you have studied enough. Also I feel like I don't see you much anymore."
Elphaba tried to protest but that was stopped by another sneeze. Galinda starts getting concerned. She gets a closer look at the green girl's appearance. She has very sickly pale color on her face, large dark circles under her eyelids and her nose as red and swollen as a tomato.
"Are you getting sick Elphie?"
She wipes her nose with the sleeve of her uniform which disgusts Galinda a little.
"I'm fine Glin," Elphaba snaps before having a coughing fit and sniffles.
Galinda went over to put her hand on the green girl's forehead.
"You feel warm-"
"Will you please take your hand off my forehead?"
"Sorry Elphie!"
She immediately takes her hand away and says, "But I'm concerned about you."
"I said I'm fine Glin!" The green girl retorts annoyed. "I'm not sick! It was only allergies!"
"Elphie, I know you are lying."
"It really is," she coughs trying to get the blonde girl off her back. "Look. After all exams are over, I'll focus on getting rid of the allergies."
Galinda's eyes widened. "The end is on Friday Elphie! You need to focus on resting and getting better now!"
"I don't need to rest and for the last time I said I am fine!" She shouts sounding hoarse. "Look! This is a waste of my time so will you please leave?!"
The blonde was a little hurt.
"Why do you have to be so stubborn about it?"
The green girl rolled her eyes and sat down immediately going back to studying refusing to answer.
"Really? You're not going to answer me?!"
Elphaha chose to ignore her roommate and kept reading over her notes.
That's when Galinda had enough.
"Fine then! Be that way! Be stubborn and bury you head in your books for all I care and ignore everyone and everything around you!"
The green girl continues to ignore her though deep down she felt her heart pang by those words.
"And you know what, you are right! This is a waste of time! It's like I'm taking to some brick wall!"
With that, Galinda storms out the door and slams it behind her leaving Elphaba alone in the dorm.
End flashback.
"And that's how I ended up here, all moodified and frustrated."
The other three couldn't believe what they were hearing.
"I said it before," Fiyero starts, "And I'm going to say it again. That green girl never stops. Not just exams but she and Milla are working on a project-"
"What project?" Galinda asked looking confused.
"The chemistry project they are working on every day at the library."
"But Milla told me they finished that project a month ago!"
Fiyero's eyebrows raised. "What? She said she was still working on it."
Boq went over to his friend and says in his ear, "I hate to tell you this Fiyero but I think she lied to all of us."
The prince was about to say something when he saw Milla walk in and went to the counter.
"One water bottle and a ginger ale please?"
He walks over to her followed by the group. "Milla," he calls.
She turns around and smiles. "Hi Master Fiyero. How are you?"
"I'm fine," he answers hastily, "But listen. I want to ask you about Elphaba. Did she do a chemistry project with you?"
"Yes?" Milla answers, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"Are you still working on it with her?"
"We finished it a while ago," she said still confused.
The blonde deadpans the prince. "Told you."
The other girl asked, "Wait, she told you that we were still working on a project right now?"
Fiyero nodded. "Yesterday. Why?"
"She stopped coming to chemistry three weeks ago," Milla replies after a brief pause.
"What?!" Shouts Fiyero.
"I don't know why. The last time I saw her she was talking with her professor about something and at next class she never came anymore. It looked like she dropped out of that class."
The four had a very surprised look on their faces.
"Water bottle and ginger ale?" The barista asked holding the items and Milla takes them.
"Thank you." She turns to the shocked group. "I'd stay and chat but I gotta go give this to Avaric. He's puking his guts outside right now. And not just him, I saw several students looking pretty nauseous on the way here. I'm sure they're all nervous about the exam but you all might wanna stay away just in case. I'll see you later."
With that she walked away.
"So not only she was lying to all of us, but she was skipping classes too," Fiyero says now very worried.
"That does not sound like Elphie," said Galinda shaking her head.
"Did you say that she looks sick?" The prince asks his ex girlfriend.
"She really is sick Fiyero."
Boq theorizes, "I think it's because she haven't ate nor slept. And with colds going around for the past two weeks or so it's most likely she'll get a pneumonia."
"But why would she do this?" Nessa asked thinking it over. "I'm starting to think that this isn't just about exams at all."
"I agree."
"Something is up and I'm gonna find out," he said getting ready to leave. "Is she still in your dorm Glin?"
"I think so."
"Alright. We'll be there in time for the exam. But Glin, can you maybe run to the market really quick and get some essentials for her? Just in case she's really sick?"
Galinda nodded finishing her coffee and walking out of Ozbucks. Fiyero walks out of Ozbucks and heads over to Crange Hall.
Meanwhile back in their dorm, it right after Galinda had left and Elphaba was still studying.
The green girl's chocolate brown eyes looked over the words until her vision starts to feel fuzzy. Even with glasses on she can tell but she kept reading.
She yawned and rubbed her eyes blinking them to clear her vision. She coughed again and cleared her throat.
She wipes her runny nose with the sleeve of her arm sniffling while she kept reading until her head starts to loll as she can't keep her eyes open. She takes off her glasses and rubbed her eyes again.
Mmmmmm… A short nap would be nice…
Nope! No time for a nap Elphaba! Exams are going to start soon!
But then again, the exam I'm taking doesn't start for another two hours…
Must! Keep! Studying!
As Elphaba fights a battle with herself, her eyelids grow extremely heavy to the point she can't even read a thing anymore.
I guess I'll rest my eyes a little… Yeah… Just rest my eyes for a minute and back to studying… She tells to herself finally closing her eyes unaware that she puts her head down on her notebook.
Since when did my notebook get… so… comfortable…
Not long after that, Fiyero had made it Crange Hall, walked up the stairs and down the hallway to Galinda and Elphaba's dorm.
As soon as he made it, he knocks on the door.
"Fae?"
There was no answer.
He knocks the door again. "Fae?"
Again no answer.
"I'm coming in."
His hand went to the doorknob thankfully finding it unlocked. He opened the door, eyes searching the room until it lands on the green girl who has her head on her open notebook fast asleep.
As he stepped closer, he saw the features on her face confirming what Galinda said was true. She did look sickly pale and stuffed up.
Snores escape her open mouth which concerns Fiyero a little though relieved that it's a sign that she's still alive. Of all times Elphaba had slept as far as he knew, she NEVER snores.
The palm of his hand gently went to her green sweaty forehead and sure enough, she has a fever.
"Oh Fae…" He sighs his hand gently sliding to her cheek.
The green girl jerks awake at the touch and opened her eyes though it's a struggle.
"Yero…" She croaks.
"Shhhhhh Fae," he soothes stroking her raven black hair. "Don't talk. You just fell asleep. That's all."
Suddenly her eyes went wide open and she sat upright, ignoring the pain throbbing in her head and the stiffness of her neck. She looks at the clock at her bedside table behind her.
"I fell asleep?! The exam! I'm going to miss it!"
She immediately gets up out of her chair and stumbles as she was going to head for the door but Fiyero stopped her.
"Fae stop!"
"I have to go! If I don't show up or I'm late then I'm going to fail!"
She was almost at the door when Fiyero dashed past her and blocked the door with both his arms outstretched.
"Woah woah WOAH! You are not going anywhere in this condition Fae."
"I am fine Fiyero!" She says claiming to be but the sneeze gave it away. "It's just my allergies."
"Nice try green girl."
Elphaba tries to get around him but he wouldn't budge. "Fiyero, move! I need to go!"
She even pushes him but she was too weak.
"Elphaba. Elphaba stop!"
He bent down, his arms immediately wrapped around the green girl's waist and picked her up, hoisting her over his right shoulder and carries her across the room while she tries hitting him on his back.
"Put me down!"
"I won't let you go until you agree that you are not to leave this room," he said calmly but firmly.
"But I have to go! The exam-"
He says gently putting her down on her feet still holding her tightly in his grip, "Fae. Look at yourself. You're clearly exhaustified and you're sick. You have bags under your eyes, your nose is all red and stuffed up, you sound really congested, the color on your face is looking about twenty shades paler than normal, no offense," he stops for a moment when he receives a death glare.
"And when I touched your forehead you are burning up."
Elphaba doesn't look into his eyes seemingly ignoring him trying to get out of his grip.
Fiyero was silent for a moment before giving an ultimatum.
"Here's what we're going to do. It's either you get in your pajamas and get in bed right now or I'm going to take you straight to the infirmary."
The green girl wouldn't answer him looking away.
"Did you hear what I said?"
Elphaba's chocolate brown eyes finally look into his sapphire blue eyes.
"Is there a third option?"
"Nope. There's only two and you're stuck with it."
"How about you leave and I'll take care of myself-"
"Absolutely not," he said shaking his head. "I am going to stay here to make sure you get better."
She tries to scowl at him but the pain in her head was too much to bear so she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples.
"Either bed or infirmary. Your choice," he said very sternly like a parent telling a child what to do.
Elphaba now knew that there is no way out of this argument and also knew that she can't take the exams like this. But she still stubbornly refused to admit that he's right.
"Fine," she finally said with a tired sigh.
Fiyero smiles as he lets her go from his grasp and she walks slowly over to her dresser and pulls out her soft dark blue pajamas. She was about to go to the bathroom to change but Fiyero stopped her because he figured that once he's out of her sight she'll try to pull something. Of course she protested but he won that round again. Grumbling under her breath, she tells him to turn around so she could change.
"You can look now."
He turned back around seeing her in her pajamas and smiled again.
"Happy?" She asked looking annoyed.
"I will be once you get in bed," he replies.
Elphaba wipes her nose with her pajama sleeve as she goes to her bed and crawls under the covers as he takes the pillows propping them against the headboard having her lean back while sitting up.
"Don't move," he said as he goes to the bathroom gets the thermometer from the medicine cabinet and brings it back out along with a cup of water which he puts on the nightstand.
"I need to check your temperature Fae," he said sticking a thermometer in her mouth despite her protest.
"Is it under your tongue?"
She rolled her eyes in annoyance and moved the thermometer under her tongue.
The door suddenly opened and Galinda waltzed in holding a big paper bag.
"There you both are!"
She closes the door and went over to the couple. Elphaba looked confused eyeing the clock on the beside table next to her. The exams are starting right now. What is she doing back so soon?
It was Fiyero who questions what Elphaba was thinking. "Galinda? What are you doing here? I thought you're taking the exam."
Galinda puts the bag down on the foot of Elphaba's bed before answering. "Funny thing. The exams are canceled and postponed to next week."
"Wha?" Elphaba tries to speak but the thermometer almost fell out of her mouth and luckily Fiyero caught it and kept it under her tongue.
"Hold it still Fae," he said before looking toward Galinda. "What happened? Why is it cancelled?"
"Because apparently nearly half of the student body are down with the flu," Galinda explains.
"What?"
"Yeah. Turns out not only Elphie is sick."
She turns to Elphaba who still has a thermometer in her mouth still in shock about what she heard.
"I had a feeling that you are really sick Elphie so after I found out there isn't any exams, I went to the market to get you a few necessities you needed."
She then proceeded to take a few items out. "I have extra tissues in case you run out. Medicine to make you feel better. Chest cream to your sinuses. It smells like mint by the way…"
The green girl watches as Galinda pulls more items out.
"Cherry flavored lozenges to soothe your throat," she continues, "A compress for your forehead. And I made a quick stop at Ozbucks on the way here to get you a container of soup. Don't worry there's no meat in it. And also a cup of chamomile tea with ginger and honey. Not only it will help you heal, but it also will make you sleepy and judging the state you're in right now, it's sure to knock you right out like a punch."
Fiyero asks his green girlfriend, "Isn't that nice of her Fae?"
Elphaba nodded but she felt bad about the fight she had with Galinda that morning and she wanted to apologize. But the look on her face told Galinda already.
"I know what you're going to say and I forgive you Elphie for our little fight earlier. I was just so worried about you."
The green girl smiled a little but couldn't speak as she still has a thermometer in her mouth which Fiyero finally takes out and reads the numbers.
"102.6. Oz Fae! You're almost at 103! It's like you've been sick for days," he said worried.
The green girl coughs reaching for the nightstand and took a glass of water and sipped it to clear her throat a little. She looks at the soup container and her stomach growled loudly and hungrily.
Her green cheeks turned red in embarrassment when they heard that noise. Galinda knowing what she needs at the moment opens the lid of the container and holds it in front of her which she reluctantly took. She was even given a spoon which she used.
"Did you eat anything at all this morning?" Her best friend asked while she takes a few spoonfuls of soup.
"Yes."
Fiyero shook his head with a frown as Elphaba eats her soup. "No you didn't. In fact you hardly ever eat at all. We haven't seen you in the cafeteria for the past couple of days whenever we had dinner together."
"I told you I had a project to do with-"
"Yeah, about that. We found out that you lied," The prince said. "In fact, Milla told us you dropped out of Chemistry a few weeks ago."
Elphaba swallowed the soup contents realizing she's been caught.
Fiyero asked slowly, "Fae, did you eat anything?"
The green girl replies confidently, "Yes I have. You saw me eat an apple the other day!"
"Anything else?" The blonde questions. Both of them knew full well that Elphaba was lying.
"And I had pasta and a salad yesterday for lunch with-"
"That is not what Nessa told me," The prince said. "She said that you weren't eating anything when she was with you yesterday."
The chocolate brown eyes looked away and at the container which is now empty. Galinda takes it to throw away and came back to sit on the foot of the bed.
He continues, "And Boq noticed you were dozing off in the last literature class which is very unlike you. Did you sleep at all?"
The green girl nodded quickly. "I have."
Clearly she was still lying through her teeth and the blonde girl wasn't having it.
"No you haven't. I didn't see you at night before I went to bed and in the morning when I woke up. But when I woke up in the middle of the night at one point, I saw that you were in bed. It's like you only had a few short hours."
"And not to mention the fact that I walked in to find you sleeping on your books a couple minutes ago," her boyfriend said pointing it out.
Elphaba eyes went downcast to the blankets on her lap.
"Fae," Fiyero starts questioning, "What's going on?"
"It's only exams. They stress me out." The green girl tries to say and the prince shook his head.
"It's more than that. There's clearly something else going on. Can you tell me?"
She is not answering and not looking up.
Galinda beg her while stroking the green girl's long raven black hair forgetting about the argument they had earlier. "Come on Elphie, you can tell us. I'm your best friend and Fiyero is your boyfriend. You can tell us."
Elphaba looks up at the worried expressions on the faces of the ones who really care for her so much. She thought it all over for a minute. She didn't realize that she has been pushing herself away from her friends and shutting everyone else out.
It's time they knew.
Finally, Elphaba tells the truth.
Elphaba's Flashback
"I'll see you in Life Sciences later," the green girl said as she stuffed her books into her bag.
Galinda replies opening door about to get breakfast, "Yup! See you there Elphie!"
She was about to step out but looked down on the floor and picks it up.
"Oh Elphie! There's a letter for you!"
Elphaba came over and took it from the blonde girl's hands.
"Thank you Glin."
"Bye Elphie!" The blonde chirps as she walks out the door.
Elphaba went to sit in her desk chair and examined the envelope and saw her name on it.
It was her father's handwriting.
She looked over at the address on the top left seeing that it came from Munchkinland.
She opened it and pulls out the letter and reads.
"Elphaba,
I did not send you to this school to only focus on yourself, I sent you here to take care of your sister and you did not follow my commands. You are a useless girl and a disgrace to the family. For that I will no longer pay for your tuition at Shiz. And don't bother coming home. Since Nessa claims she doesn't need your care then you are no longer welcome in my house. This will be my final letter to you. You are to expect nothing else from me.
Frexspar Thropp."
Elphaba couldn't believe what she just read. Of course she knew her father hated her but cutting her off and disowning her is a whole new level.
She crumbled the letter and tossed it in the garbage as tears form in her eyes.
She doesn't want to leave Shiz. She has wanted to go for years and now it'll get taken away. She wants to continue her studies and stay close with her sister, friends and boyfriend. Also where will she live?
The green girl wiped her tears as she got up, left the room and went over to Madame Morrible's office to tell her everything in the letter.
After she finished explaining her situation, the headmistress took pity and tells her that she'll make sure to cover the expenses to continue her education but unfortunately she can't provide her any housing after the semester is over.
After thinking for a little while, Elphaba decides that she needs to find a job to provide for a roof over her head. Of course she can't tell anyone, not even her friends that she's now broke and possibly homeless otherwise they'll want to help her. Deep down she did but she feels embarrassed and wants to be on her own two feet and make sure she makes enough money to last her by the end of the school year.
She knew that the library had a help wanted sign and went to see if there's really a position. And there is, but it's a nightshift job. She has to work from five pm. to midnight when she locks up the doors.
But regardless it's better than nothing.
She took the job and started working right away. She works six days a week. She gets paid every week but it was barely enough to cover.
She still had to stop going to Chemistry class so she can get to the library on time. Luckily she was able to pass that class long ago so she was exempt for the rest of semester.
Over the month, she ended up saving every single paycheck and went extremely frugal with what money she had. She even stopped buying food for herself only to have a free apple from the cafeteria which is the only thing she eats every day.
As far as sleep goes, it was difficult for her. Working all those long hours plus being a full time student is beyond exhaustifying. She got at least three hours of sleep every night. She did have Sunday off but she used that day to catch up on her work and studies when she could've been sleeping all day.
She managed to keep herself awake by using the caffeinated spell though that spell only lasted a few hours. But even with that spell, the tiredness was weighting even more on her.
The past few days it got worse, her throat felt funny and her nose started to feel stuffy. She knew there was a cold going around Shiz and might've caught it but didn't know that it was much more than that. She hadn't realized that her immune system was weakening because she's been neglecting her body's needs.
But throughout all of this. She kept on going.
Flashback ends.
Fiyero and Galinda can't believe their ears when Elphaba finished. How could her own father do that to her?
"Oh Fae, why didn't you say anything to us?"
"Yeah," Galinda says sounding upset, "We would've helped you!"
"I don't want your pity," she said bluntly. "I am perfectly capable of handling things on my own."
Then she sneezed again.
"Oh you are huh?" Galinda said her voice giving her a tissue which her roommate blew into.
"Bless you Fae," her boyfriend says. "Does Nessa know about any of this?"
Elphaba shook her head sniffling taking her cup of tea which was sitting on the nightstand. "There was never a word about it. I think father hadn't wrote to her or told her yet."
She sips her tea.
Fiyero was silent for a moment before he spoke, "Elphaba, you know I love you right?"
She nodded in reply.
"And someone who loves you would do anything for you?" He asked.
The green girl had a feeling where this was going.
"I'm not a charity case," she said finishing her tea and put it on the nightstand.
Galinda immediately speaks for Fiyero, "We're not saying that you are. We just want to help you with your situation."
"But I don't want your help! I don't want anyone's help!"
"Why not?" The blonde asked wanting an answer.
"Because…"
"Because what?"
Tears started to form in the green girl's eyes.
Her voice cracks when she answers, "… No one ever helped me before. Not even my own father. When I was around eight, I was in grade school back in Munchkinland."
She coughs and takes a sip of water before continuing, "I was sitting by a tree reading while the kids played during recess. Of course I had no friends. I always dreaded going to school every morning. One day a group of kids came up to me and taunted me, calling me names, then it got worse from there. They took my book and ripped the pages out. It wasn't even mine, it was the school's. Two kids grabbed me, pulled me up and then punched me."
Galinda gasped and Fiyero looks at her in sympathy.
Elphaba takes another sip and continues, "I fell to the ground as they kept taunting me and kicking me. I wish I have done something but I was too weak to defend myself. It all happened so fast. I ended up with a bloody nose, a black eye and bruises all over my torso. I was not broken thank Oz, but only my heart was. The worst part was that every student and staff member saw it all and they laughed. Even none of the adults stopped to help me. I looked at my teacher hoping she would help me but she didn't. She just told me to get up and go back to class. I went to her and told her what happened but she gave a note to hand to my father that he owes the school money for a book replacement. I went home in tears hoping my father would help me. I told him everything that's been going on and you know what he said?"
She stops there and coughed and tears fall down her cheeks as she tells what happened next though it was the most saddest moment in her life.
"He said, 'You deserve it. That's what you get for being a freak. An ugly abomination.' He slapped me and sent me upstairs to the attic which was my room and I locked myself in. I cried the entire rest of the day and that was when I decided that I don't need anyone. I made a vow to myself. If no one would help me just because I was different then so be it!"
She was crying now, tears running down her cheeks. She felt two pairs of arms wrap around her. She looked up seeing her best friend and boyfriend hugging her. She leans her head against Fiyero's chest sobbing and coughing at the same time.
Galinda who was heartbroken by Elphie's story was sobbing too. "I'm so sorry Elphie! I didn't know!"
"It's alright Fae, shhhhhh…" Fiyero soothes her rubbing her back getting her to calm down. Deep down inside, he was angry. Very angry. He wanted nothing more than go to take a carriage, go right to Munchkinland just to go beat Frex up for not only abusing his daughter physically and emotionally, but also disowning her and throwing her out of her home was really messed up.
After a few minutes, Elphaba stopped crying and looks up to her boyfriend, her eyes all red and puffy now very tired. "It doesn't matter anymore. I'm never going back there ever again. But I have nowhere else to go so I have no choice but to make a living otherwise I'll end up on the streets."
She lets go of the hug leaving a wet spot of tears and mucus on the shoulder of Fiyero's blazer. She takes an unused tissue and wipes it off as Fiyero spoke not minding it one bit.
"I understand Fae. We understand what you are going through and how you feel, but overdoing yourself is never the best way to go. Elphaba, it's no wonder you are so sick. If you kept this up, you would've ended up more worse than this."
The green girl takes another tissue and blows her nose.
"We were very worried about you. We don't want anything bad happening to you."
"Yeah," the blonde agrees as soon as she stopped crying. "You are literally working yourself to death Elphie. Studying and working nonstop. It's way too much."
"I know," Elphaba sighs finally admitting it. "I know. But where will I live? The semester is almost over and I barely have enough to rent myself any shelter, not even a room at the inns nearby. I might as well find some cardboard box and make a shelter out of it-"
"You are not going to live in a cardboard box Fae," her boyfriend interrupts sounding very serious.
"Then where will I go?"
"Come with me," he says with a smile taking her green hands in his pale ones. "You can come live with me from now on."
"Or me," Galinda says raising her hand smiling.
"I have a guest room."
"So do I."
"And my parents wouldn't even mind. They really wanted to meet you at some point."
"And mine too."
Elphaba was now getting overwhelmed as her head continues throbbing. She rubs her temples.
"Really? You'd let me live with you?"
"Of course," said Fiyero kissing her on the forehead feeling the heat coming from it. "I love you very much Fae."
"But I don't want to be a burden to either of you," his green girlfriend said her voice full of concern and congestion. She coughs again
"You won't be. We would love to have you with us!"
"There. Problem solved," Galinda said smiling brightly.
Elphaba thought for a moment more before apologizing. "I'm sorry for lying and making you worry. I guess I was taking on too much."
"And being stubborn to everybody around you?" Galinda adds with a pointed look on her face.
She admits it sighing loudly and shrugging her shoulders. "Yes and that too."
"It's alright Fae. We forgive you."
"But am I going to still work in the library?" Elphaba asked. "I still need money for other expenses like books and food."
"Of course. But maybe shorten your hours a little bit," Fiyero said using his hand gesturing how short.
Galinda adds, "And as for studying, maybe don't go overboardifed and put in too many all-nighters."
"And another thing. Can you please stop being so stubborn and let us help you from now on?"
Elphaba snorts and rolls her eyes. "Only when I really do," she replies slowly standing her ground. "But that is it! And I can't help being that way."
"I understand. Just don't be afraid to come to us when you really need help. Do you promise from now on?"
She started thinking it over again though her brain starts to feel fuzzy.
"Pinky promise?" Galinda said holding up her pinky finger with a pouty look on her face complete with puppy eyes.
The green girl grumbles under her breath, "What are we five?" But she agrees to the promise and lifts her green pinky wrapping it around Galinda's.
She lets go and leans back on the pillows now feeling the effects of the tea Galinda had given her.
"Told you that tea can work its magic on you," Galinda says with a giggle as the green girl's eyelids start to flutter shut.
Fiyero smiled stroking her hair again. "Time for bed Fae. You'll feel a lot better when you wake up."
"But I'm not…" Elphaba paused to yawn. "Sleepy. It's not even lunch hour yet." She stifled another yawn.
Her boyfriend smiles in amusement. "I caught that. You have to sleep Fae."
"No I don't."
"Yes you do. You just yawned twice in less than fifteen seconds."
"Maybe because I was bored out of my mind?"
That was when Galinda decides to leave the couple alone.
"Well. I'm going to have a sleepover at Shenshen's tonight since she's not ill. I want to stay here and help but I don't want to get sick too. Are you alright with staying here with her Fiyero?"
"Yes," he answered still stroking the sleepy green girl's hair. "Until she gets better."
The blonde gets her nightgown out of the drawer and an already prepared overnight sleepover bag out of her wardrobe. She uses it whenever she spends the night at one of her friend's dorm.
"I am no doctor or nurse or whatever, but make sure she takes her medicine before she goes to sleep."
He nodded in agreement. "Oh absolutely."
"I'll go find Boq and Nessa and tell them what happened," she said taking her stuff and goes to the door. "And I'll tell the librarian that she can't make it for her shift tonight."
Fiyero stops her for a moment. "Galinda, can you make sure to get more food for Elphaba later? She needs to eat something when she wakes up."
She nodded. "Of course. I'll see you later. Feel better Elphie!"
With that, Galinda walked out the door and closing it.
"Better give you that medicine Fae-Fae," he said taking the bottle off the nightstand and opened it. He took a little cup and poured some dark purple liquid in it. He sniffed the contents inside and it smelled horrendible.
"Who in Oz's name made this? This stuff can make anyone feel worse than better." He grimaced giving the cup to Elphaba.
"I don't need it." She flat out refused even turning her head away.
He gives her a look and her eyebrows raised in exasperation.
"You just said that it'll make me worse than better!"
"I was only joking! Just drink it."
The green girl still refused the medicine.
"Elphaba… You want to feel better right away, don't you?" Said Fiyero staring at her, eyebrows raised with a stern look on his face
The green girl's head slowly turned back to the cup her boyfriend is holding. She thought for a moment that she wanted to get better right away. She gingerly takes the cup and reluctantly let the foul tasting liquid into her mouth.
Her eyes widened and tries so hard to resist spitting it out. It took her a few moments and mentally counting to three before finally swallowing the medicine which made her gag and shudder a little. The prince gave her a cup of water to flush away the taste which she gratefully accepts.
"Alright green girl, ready for some shut-eye?"
Elphaba was about to say no but another yawn came up instead which made the prince chuckle.
"I'm going to take it as a yes. Now lay down."
Rolling her eyes, she lays down as Fiyero pulls the covers up to her neck tucking her in.
"There you go, all snug as a bug in a rug. Do you need anything else?"
She shakes her head no as her eyelids start to fall close again but tries to keep them open.
"Good. Now close your eyes and go to sleep."
"Are you gonna stay?" Asked Elphaba sounding very tired and hoarse.
"Of course I am. Remember, I am staying with you until you get better," he replies walking over to close the curtains so that it can darken the room.
He went back to her bed and found her on her side curled up in a fetal position shivering. Even under her blankets and covers she still feels cold. This broke Fiyero's heart hearing her teeth chattering. She looked so small and vulnerable.
"Are you cold?"
Elphaba sneezed into her blanket before murmuring an answer, "Mmmhmm."
"Scoot over."
The green girl obeyed too sleepy and cold to protest. He climbs in under the covers taking off of his royal blue blazer wearing only an undershirt. He laid down wrapping his arms around her and she snuggles into him laying her head on his chest. As he rubs her back with his hand soothingly, Fiyero felt her high body temperature radiating his as well.
"Y'know, you could get sick too so I wouldn't stay in this position for too long," she warns after coughing a little and finally relaxing, closing her eyes
"That's no problem," said Fiyero. "I already had my vaccinations a month ago."
"If you say so," slurred Elphaba sleepily nuzzling her head in his chest.
"Are you warm now Fae?"
There was no answer, instead he heard snoring. He look down and saw that she had fallen fast asleep.
He chuckles lightly so he doesn't wake her and gave her a light kiss on the head.
"Sleep tight Fae."
Over a week had passed and Elphaba is back to her usual self again. After being bedridden she was feeling better and got back to studying and working at the library only this time she cut the hours short so that she would leave extra free hours. And she resorts to study for at least one or two hours a day and not many hours straight. She stopped pulling all-nighters so that she can get actual sleep and she managed to eat a good amount of food every day. Of course her friends had to make sure that she does.
Every student (most who are recovering from the flu) had taken their exam. Elphaba of course had passed with flying colors and as did everyone else. After the semester had ended, the students began their departure for the break.
Elphaba had her things packed and put on the carriage she and Fiyero are using to travel to the Vinkus.
"You'll love Vinkun food Fae," Fiyero said putting his things in the carriage. "Some may be spicy but there is a mild tasting ones you would like. And don't worry, I'll tell the cooks to make it vegetarian for you."
Elphaba smiled in return. "Thank you for doing this Fiyero."
"Fae, anytime," he said giving her a kiss on the forehead.
"Hey Elphie!"
They turned around to see Galinda, Boq and Nessa heading over to the couple.
"You can't leave without a goodbye silly!"
The two go to hug each other and the blonde whispers into the green girl's ear. "If he does anything stupid, you can pack up and stay with me."
Elphaba laughed a little. "I'll keep that in mind Glin."
They both left go of the hug and Nessa wheeled over to her sister with a sad look on her face.
"I'm so sorry Fabala. I had no idea-"
But her sister cut her off. "It's alright Nessie. It's all in the past now. Everything will be alright."
"But I'll still be your sister no matter what."
Elphaba's green hands took soft milky white ones and nodded. "Of course. I'll still write to you and you can come visit anytime."
With that, the two sisters gave each other a hug.
Fiyero puts his hand on her shoulder having her let go of the hug and he asked her, "Ready to go?"
She nodded exchanging goodbye with Galinda and Boq before hopping on the carriage followed by Fiyero.
They wave goodbye to their friends as they journey on the yellow brick road to the Vinkus.