Sorry for the late update, I had a panic attack at H-E-B and it threw me for a loop.

~o0o~

It was getting too painful to watch. Fiyero looked so happy, easing into each dance with Galinda. Since Galinda batted her eyes, he never even looked Elphaba's way. Not even for the folk dance she had admitted she enjoyed during their practicing. During an interlude, she thought he might wander by, but instead he brought Galinda punch and chatted with her. His eyes were only for her, especially when she played and sang for everyone while the musicians took their break.

She was a beautiful singer.

Elphaba decided that she hadn't been missing much when she was excluded from these events all her life. She wasn't approached for a dance, a conversation, or even a request to scoot over to make room on the bench.

It was getting late and it seemed that her practice, her hours spent stuffing herself into these petticoats and corset and brushing oils into her hair until it shone and wrangling it into this hairstyle was all for nothing.

She stood and left the room, then looked up the stairs to see the Abolar children peering through the bannister, trying to get a look at the party.

"You three should be in bed," she said, smiling slightly. "Children only grow when they sleep."

"But the sky is awake," said Ainnle.

Sure enough there were fireworks going off.

Elphaba climbed the stairs part way and sat down on a step.

"If you don't get some sleep tonight then you'll be too tired to enjoy the festivations tomorrow," she reasoned.

"No, we won't!" said Maeve. "We always stay up to listen to the fireworks."

There was a low growl and she spotted a brown cat with stripes glaring at her.

"Mr. Cocoa, that's not very nice!" Maeve scolded, wagging a finger.

Guess that answered what happened to the man she transformed.

"Go on to bed," Elphaba said to the children. "I promise you aren't missing much. Doctor's orders."

They scampered to the nursery, though she was sure they would continue to stay up.

The cat stalked over to her.

"Turn me back, witch!" he snarled. "I'll gut you like a fish."

"I certainly hope you watch your tongue around those sweet children," she said.

"My quarrel isn't with children."

"No? You sure were keen to let them die while that quack squeezed every penny out of their parents for snake oil."

"That's Jarrod's business," he sniffed. "If you change me back, I'll tell you everything you need to know."

"No," she said.

"How about I scratch your eyes out?"

"It's impossible," she said. "The spell is permanent unless the subject is already under a curse."

"Lies!" He swiped at her but she pulled her arm away in time and stood up.

"I don't lie," she said. "If you bandits were simply redistributing the wealth from rich to poor, it'd be one thing, but you're robbing the rich and the poor and keeping every penny for yourselves. Despicable."

"Like you're so virtuous!"

"At least I try to help others," she said and checked the ballroom again to see if Fiyero noticed her absence.

He and Galinda were waltzing around the floor with other well-matched couples. The sting returned and she turned away, sitting down on a bench.

The cat hopped up next to her with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"How pitiful," he sneered. "So ugly even the Scarecrow would turn his head."

"He can do whatever he likes," she said. "I'm not his wife."

"But he sure did like you before that tasty little thing came flouncing in. Though, I suppose I could make do with a troll if it were my only option."

Elphaba dug her nails into her palms.

"Coming from the man who now has to lick his ass clean every day, Mr. Cocoa," she retorted.

He growled and launched himself at her, knocking her glasses askew. She grabbed him by the scruff and held him away from her, carrying him to the front door. She dropped him and gave him a swift kick, sending him running.

Her cheek stung and she waited for someone to come see what the commotion was about, but it never came. The music and laughter didn't even dip.

Well, it wasn't a very long commotion and the fireworks were so loud. Elphaba went to the powder room and fixed her glasses, frowning at the scratch on her cheek. It wasn't very deep.

She cleaned it and dabbed at it with one of the towels.

She left just in time for the final dance. It wasn't one she had been able to master, so she collected her cloak and waited for this stupid thing to be over.

Some of the guests were staying at the Burgomaster's house while those who lived closer by called for their carriages. Elphaba waited for a bit and then poked her head into the other room to see Fiyero kissing Galinda's hand.

"I will be by within the week," Galinda said, fluttering her eyelashes. "Oh, I do hope we'll get a chance to do this again soon."

"As do I," said Fiyero. "Perhaps we'll get the chance during the festival this week."

Elphaba backed out and faced Mr. and Mrs. Abolar.

"Scarecrow is still saying his goodbyes to Miss Galinda," she said. "Thank you so much for inviting us tonight."

"Of course, dearie, anytime," said Mrs. Abolar, looking thrillified at this development.

Elphaba walked out and got into the carriage. Moments later, Fiyero climbed in and rapped his knuckles against the roof to signal they were ready to go. He hummed cheerfully as the carriage rattled along the road, seemingly wrapped up in his own thoughts.

"Had fun?" she asked, suppressing the negative feelings.

"Loads," he said. "I haven't felt this way since before I became a Scarecrow."

"Good."

It was so dark heading home like this. Elphaba wished they had brought a lantern or a candle or something. She flicked her hand to try and conjure a small light, but there was just a weird popping sound.

"Must've run over a branch," Fiyero said.

"Right," she said, gripping onto her shawl.

When they made it home, she climbed out first and briskly headed inside. She looked back to see him dancing to the tune he was humming, oblivious to everything.

Elphaba checked in Chistery's room, finding him sleeping in his hammock. She carefully moved the book in his arms to the table and adjusted his blankets. He buried his face into his pillow and sighed as he fell into a deeper sleep.

"Fresh dreams," she murmured and went up to her tower.

She closed the door behind her and paced around her room. What was even the point of going if all he was going to do was ditch her the second someone beautiful batted her eyes at him?

Forgotten so easily.

She caught her reflection in her full-length mirror. She had gone downstairs feeling so pretty for once in her life, but she just looked ridiculous, didn't she?

Slowly, she undressed and put the gown into the back of her wardrobe and the jewelry in the box. She stared at her hands. Whether they were in firelight or moonlight, she could still see the abnormal color.

She let her hair down, tossing the comb onto the small shelf of her wash stand and the ribbon in her sewing basket.

Why did this hurt? Why did seeing him dance with her hurt so much?

Elphaba climbed into bed and pressed her palms to her eyes. She hated the dark, but she couldn't stand what she saw in the light.

"You're being ridiculous," she huffed. "He can do whatever he likes."

Even so, she couldn't sleep, only dozing in and out until the fireplace died out. She quickly got up and dressed, wondering why the candle she usually found when she woke up was absent.

She would likely leave right after breakfast, so she dressed in the clothes she planned to wear to the festival: a practical skirt and blouse with a vest and a shawl. She pinned a brooch to her throat to dress it up a bit more, then wrangled her hair into the usual tight bun.

The ache in her chest hadn't eased in the slightest.

Baking usually helped her when she was upset, and instead of entering it into the pie contest, she could throw it at Fiyero's stupid head.

She went to the garden and picked the blackberries, flinching slightly each time the thorns pricked her skin. She popped a few berries into her mouth and inhaled softly at the sweetness.

It was a nice morning. Cold, but with the promise of a pleasant day. The mist would soon vanish and the sky was such a gentle color at this hour.

"Fae? You're up early."

The peace she was starting to feel vanished completely. Elphaba scowled and returned to picking the berries.

"I need to bake the pie," she said, trying to keep her voice even. "The contest is today."

He was probably just excited. She needed to calm down and not rain on his parade. She hissed as a thorn cut her thumb.

"Here, let me do that," said Fiyero, taking her basket.

She stepped back and watched him pick the berries she needed, the thorns snagging on his shirt, but otherwise not bothering him.

"Did you enjoy the gala?" she asked, though she had asked him that last night.

Part of her hoped he'd realized he ignored her and would apologize.

"I did! Galinda was great," he said. "I think she might be the one to break my curse. I mean, she passed through here before, maybe it's fate."

"Well, she is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," said Elphaba. "Pretty eyes."

"Yeah. She's perfect."

"Yes." Elphaba ignored the sick feeling that formed in her stomach. "Very perfect."

They were still friends. He was her best friend. He wasn't going to forget about her just because he found the woman who would break his curse. He was smitten, she couldn't fault him for that.

"We talked a lot! You know she's a witch?"

"Oh?"

"It'll be good to have another powerful witch around to fight the bandits," he continued. "I don't think we had a moment of silence. It feels so good to do something normal."

Elphaba swallowed back her feelings and managed a smile.

"Sounds like you'll be human again in no time."

"I sure hope so," he said. "Is this enough?"

She looked in the basket and nodded.

"Plenty," she said.

He carried them inside for her. She washed them and set them out to dry before making the pie crust. Fiyero lingered, chatting with her and watching while she worked.

Things weren't going to change. He promised she wouldn't be left behind.

By the time she took the pie out of the oven, the sun had risen and no doubt Chistery and Dr. Dillamond would be coming down for breakfast. The pie looked beautiful, the crust crisp and golden without a pale spot in sight. Some blackberry juice seeped out purple in a couple sections where the lattice was loose. The scent was heavenly and she had half a mind to eat it all herself rather than submit it. Thankfully, she had enough blackberries and crust leftover for a couple tarts. She would have them tonight with a cup of tea.

"Oh, I wish I at least had a working nose," Fiyero sighed wistfully.

"Tell you what, I'll make a pie just for you when you're human," she said. "Any flavor you like."

He grinned. "I can't wait."

Castle alerted them of an approaching visitor.

"Really?" said Elphaba. "I hope no one is sick or got hurt."

She hiked up her skirts and hurried to the foyer. She reached it just as the visitor knocked, answered it, then immediately slammed the door.

No. Not her.

Castle opened the door, smacking her in the face. Right. Manners.

"Miss Galinda Upland of the Upper Uplands," said Elphaba, ignoring her throbbing nose. "What a surprise."

"Yes, it is good to see me, isn't it?" said Galinda, tossing her golden ringlets back.

"Miss Galinda!" said Fiyero, crashing into Elphaba in his eagerness. "What brings you here?"

"Well, I thought it best to come sooner rather than later for my things," she said. "Perhaps you can give me a tour of the castle? It's such a shame I couldn't stay for long last time."

Interesting way of saying she ran away.

"Of course," said Fiyero. "Come in, please, would you care for some breakfast?"

"Don't mind if I do," she said. "How kind of you to invite me."

It's his castle, he can do what he likes, Elphaba told herself. It's his castle, he can do what he bloody well likes.

The three of them entered the dining room.

"Miss Galinda, this is Dr. Djali Dillamond, he's the new doctor for the town," said Fiyero. "And my ward, Chistery."

"Oh my!" Galinda gasped. "I didn't know Monkeys could have wings."

Chistery grinned and hopped down from his seat, offering a hand.

"N-Nice to meet you, Miss Gally— Galeen—"

"You can do it," Elphaba encouraged. "Gah-lin-dah."

He repeated it.

"Good to meet you too, Chistery," said Galinda, shaking his hand.

Chistery chattered and ran to pull a seat out for her.

"Sit. Sit. Please."

"Miss Gl-l-l-linda," said Dr. Dillamond, nodding in greeting.

"Galinda. With a 'guh,'" Galinda corrected.

"He knows," said Elphaba. "Certain syllables are difficult for him to pronounce. Like how people from Fliann can't pronounce 'p's because they don't exist in their alphabet."

Galinda hummed and sat down.

"What a lovely breakfast," she said. "Who's your cook?"

"The castle," said Fiyero. "I don't know how it works, but a meal appears for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We have a kitchen and ingredients, of course, but there's no need for cooks and kitchen maids."

"Oh! I see," she said. "I had wondered when I was here last."

Elphaba had a hard time enjoying her breakfast. There didn't seem to be anything particularly wrong with Galinda. She wasn't horrendible, but she certainly wasn't genuinely sweet, either. She was just so… blonde. She was attractive and perky and she knew it. Elphaba wished she had that sort of confidence instead of the forced I-don't-care-what-anyone-thinks type.

Chistery liked her and Dr. Dillamond was polite.

Galinda commanded attention and she certainly had Fiyero's.

Jealousy isn't healthy, Elphaba reminded herself. You could crush someone with that sort of thinking.

When the dishes cleared, she stood up.

"Allow me to show you to your things, Miss Galinda," said Elphaba.

"We can get to that," she said. "I'd love a tour of the castle first."

"Absolutely," said Fiyero, standing up and offering his arm. "Allow me."

Chistery followed them and Elphaba dropped back into her seat like her strings had been cut.

"Are you alright, Elphaba?" Dr. Dillamond asked.

"Just tired," she said softly.

She wasn't going to intervene or cause problems. This was Fiyero's business, she had done everything in her power to break his curse and she had failed.

"I should get to town," she said, getting up. "I want to submit the pie I made. Oh, I should let Fiyero know."

Castle led the way and she and Chistery found them closer to the library. She hovered just outside.

"This place is so much cleaner than the last time I was here," said Galinda. "It's a lovely castle. Did you hire staff?"

"No, it was Elphaba's doing."

"Really? One person cleaned this castle from top to bottom?"

"She doesn't really have the time for it anymore with her apprenticeship, so we have been talking about getting hired help to maintain the castle," he said.

"Oh, of course! I know all about hiring staff," said Galinda. "That's the sort of job for the lady of the house to manage and this place could certainly use a woman's touch."

What am I, a duck? Elphaba thought sourly.

"Are you volunteering for the job, Miss Galinda?"

Elphaba swallowed back her feelings and stepped into the room. They were standing so close to each other.

"Fiyero," she said. "I'm heading into town so I can submit the pie I baked. Why don't you take Miss Galinda's carriage into town so you can take your time with the tour?"

"What a splendid idea," said Galinda.

"Chistery?"

Chistery tugged on Galinda's skirt, signaling he wanted to stick by her.

"Then I'll see if Dr. Dillamond will accompany me," said Elphaba.

She turned and hurried back to the kitchen, ignoring the ache in her chest. She put the pie in a basket lined with tea towels so it wouldn't slide around and draped another one over the top.

"It smells wonderful, Miss Elphaba," said Dr. Dillamond. "Shall we?"

She nodded, removed her apron, and patted her pocket to make sure she had grabbed her money purse. She did, so she put on the pointed hat she was half-certain belonged to Galinda.

They went out to the carriage, which already had Poppy hooked up. Galinda's carriage was there too, her driver reading a newspaper in his seat. He spotted Elphaba and yelped. She ignored him and opened the door to her carriage, assisting Dr. Dillamond inside before tapping the roof.

"I know I asked earlier, but are you alright, Elphaba?" Dr. Dillamond asked. "Didn't you have a nice evening with Master Fiyero? He was so excited about it."

"He enjoyed the evening more than I did," she said. "It just reminded me that I don't belong in that world."

"What world?"

"Galas and high society," she said. "It's alright, I don't mind. I'm happiest doing my work. Making medicine, doing research. It suits me.

"You're very good at it," said Dr. Dillamond. "But it's a shame you didn't have a good time. Did you at least enjoy dancing?"

Elphaba looked down at her hands.

"He didn't dance with me," she said. "He danced with Miss Galinda all night."

"I see."

"It makes sense," she said. "In order to break his curse, he needs to receive a kiss from the most beautiful woman in the world."

Maybe Galinda would give him a peck on the cheek and then he'd stroll up to the festival as a human and he'd stop acting like a fool.

Dr. Dillamond changed the subject.

The grounds for the festival were prepared. There were stalls selling homemade goods, games, and booths for competitions: biggest grown vegetables, fattest pigs, and of course the cooking competitions. Specifically: Pie, gumbo, and fudge.

The Festival lasted a week as a celebration of the harvest, no doubt so everyone would get a chance to go no matter where they worked.

She carried her pie to the stage that had been erected.

"Miss Elphaba," said Mrs. Stout. "This pie looks wonderful! What kind is it?"

"Blackberry."

Mrs. Stout wrote down the type of pie it was and placed it down behind a number. Most of the pies there looked amazing. There were all sorts. Fruit pies, chocolate pies, cream pies, and it looked like someone submitted a steak pie.

Many of them were beautifully decorated too.

Elphaba promised herself she wouldn't be disappointed if she didn't place and wandered among the stalls. It looked like merchants from around Oz had stopped by to sell their wares. It made sense to pick festivals for these sorts of things. People had the money to spend this time of year. Actually, there seemed to be people from surrounding villages and towns visiting.

Oh. The soldiers.

Word must have spread that they weren't welcome here. Elphaba frowned. Hopefully she hadn't missed them talking about an attack tonight.

No, they were going to raid pubs tonight. That was their plan yesterday. She should've checked in this morning.

Either way, she'd be ready to fight them if necessary. She'd keep her grimoire on her for the rest of the festival, starting tomorrow.

There were a lot of merchants selling all sorts of things. Spices, cookware, textiles, pottery, jewelry. Oh, books!

Elphaba trotted over to a stall selling books and perused them with Dr. Dillamond. True, she could spend the rest of her life reading the books in the library, but some were out of date or in a language she didn't know.

"Oh, my!"

She looked sternly over her glasses at the man running the stall.

"Problem, sir?" she asked.

"I… no, miss," he said.

He looked to be in his thirties, thickly spectacled, and well-dressed in well-worn clothes. He continued to gawk at her as she perused the books.

"Can I help you?" she huffed.

He blinked. "Forgive me, I've never seen anyone like you before."

"No one has, you're not special."

"No, I suppose not," he said. "What's your name?"

"Elphaba. And yours?"

"Lin," he said, bowing his head respectfully. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Elphaba."

"Likewise," she replied, trying not to let it sound like a question.

She looked back down at the books, ultimately deciding on three. There were some she was still uncertain about but figured if she were still thinking about them later in the week, she could see if they were available, assuming he was still there.

"Do you enjoy reading, Miss Elphaba?" Lin asked.

"Yes, very much so. I'm the Court Wizard of Kiamo Ko."

"Oh!" He looked impressed. "Is the library extensive there?"

"It is, though I'm afraid it was in bad condition when I took the job."

She and Lin ended up talking for a while before she moved on to look at everything else. People stared at her. It was strange to receive those looks again. Everyone in Kiamo Ko was used to her by now. They didn't stare anymore, they only glanced. People in Munchkin City stared and she had spent her entire life there.

Still, only a handful gave her the impression that she should keep moving. She looked at some hats that claimed to be the latest fashion. They must've been very new. Most needed to be kept on with a hat pin and were far from the bonnets she had grown up learning were proper.

"Elphaba? Elphaba!"

She turned around in surprise to see Boq approach. If he was here… then that meant her father was, too.

"It's been so long," he said. "Getting hitched to the Scarecrow, I thought you were a goner."

"No, still kicking," she said. "How's Nessa?"

"Married to that rich Earl from Gillikin," said Boq. "When you're weren't at the wedding, I thought it was because the Scarecrow had done you in!"

Wedding?

"How long had he been courting her?" Elphaba asked. "I thought she was still picking between suitors…"

"Oh there'd been a lot coming by," said Boq. "But for him it was love at first sight. He was visiting Nest Hardings on business and his horse had thrown him. Nessa found him by the side of the road and sent her nurse to get help while she stayed by his side. Mr. Thropp wanted to keep their options open and accepted gifts, but Nessa was happiest to see Brandybury's the most. They're expecting their first child already. Mr. Thropp is glowing with pride at being a grandpa."

Ah. And naturally, nobody could be bothered to tell Elphaba. Nessa was getting the fairytale ending she always wanted and the wicked sister was not in the picture.

"But you don't need me to tell you that," he said.

She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Is Father here?" she asked instead.

"Yes, once my apprenticeship is complete, I'll be running things," he said, swelling importantly. "And he'll retire. Did you escape from the Scarecrow? Is that why you're here?"

"Elphie!"

Elphie?

She turned to see Galinda, Fiyero, and Chistery approach. Galinda had her hand resting in the crook of Fiyero's arm.

"Oh, wow!" Boq breathed, his eyes growing as round as moons.

Yes, that seemed to be the general consensus where Galinda was involved.

"Did you get your pie submitted?" Fiyero asked.

"Yes, we'll see how it does," said Elphaba.

He nodded then noticed Boq.

"I remember you," he said, narrowing his eyes.

Boq hummed, still entranced by Galinda.

"Fiyero, Miss Galinda, Chistery, this is Boq Underhill, he works for my father."

Fiyero paused. "He still thinks I wanted you for my wife, doesn't he?"

He could have worded that in a less hurtful way.

"Putting it bluntly, yes," she said.

"Pardon?" said Galinda.

"Oh, her father sucks," said Fiyero. "He tore up my garden, I scared him, and he bargained his daughter's life for his. I thought he'd realize that I had no way of keeping him to it, but alas, he did not."

Alas? Elphaba pursed her lips. So what, he was just being nice until someone better came along?

"I didn't realize the inconvenience I put on you," she said coolly.

"Ah, come on, we're fine now," he said. "I just mean that he cared about his own skin. That's all."

"Mm-hm."

Chistery chattered nervously, looking between them.

"Ice," he muttered. "Ice."

"Ice?" Fiyero repeated.

"IT'SAPLEASURETOMEETYOUMISSGALINDA!" Boq blurted.

Galinda smiled sweetly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bick."

"His name is Boq," said Elphaba firmly, turning back to the stall. What was she looking at again? Oh, right. Hats.

"Looking for a new chapeau?" Fiyero asked.

"Thinking on it."

"You should try on this one!" said Galinda, picking up a yellow hat decorated with pink and white flowers.

"But I already have a hat and a bonnet," said Elphaba, touching the one on her head. "Of course, I think this one might belong to you, Miss Galinda."

"It does seem familiar," she admitted. "And it is… sharp. I think you and that hat deserve each other, but at least try this one on."

Elphaba sighed through her nose and undid the ribbon at her chin. Fiyero took her pointed hat and she stooped to allow Galinda to place the yellow one on her head. She caught a wicked gleam leave Galinda's eyes, so quick she wondered if she imagined it in a fit of jealousy.

She was being ridiculous.

"Not my thing, right?" she asked and placed it back on the stand.

"Ah-ha!" Galinda plucked a decorative hat pin out of the cushion and a cluster of silk flowers, pinning them to the pointed hat. "There you are! You look beautiful, Miss Elphaba."

Elphaba looked into the mirror the hatter provided. The flowers did look nice with the hat. This had to be an olive branch. No matter her feelings, Galinda was not her enemy.

"Alright," she said and fished out her purse. "How much?"

"You have quite the eye for pretty things, Miss Galinda," said Fiyero.

"Oh, stop!" she giggled.

Elphaba took a deep breath and moved on. None of her business. Galinda was probably actually very nice. She wasn't goodly or pure evil, she was just nice. Shallow, but it was a gift to be able to live your life in a bubble. If Elphaba herself were beautiful and well-off, she'd probably be really sweet, too.

Elphaba just needed to focus on other things. She was good at that. She was good at loneliness, too.

Boq left after that, no doubt to return to his duties and Fiyero returned his attention to Galinda. Elphaba moved on, going booth by booth. She bought some tea leaves and made notes of stalls to visit later. Fiyero and Galinda followed behind her, engrossed in a conversation that didn't really seem to go anywhere or be about anything.

When she spotted her father, she hid behind Fiyero and skirted around him. She didn't want him to notice her.

After the merchant stalls, they returned to the food stalls to wait for the games to start. Galinda met back with her aunt, leaving Fiyero with Elphaba.

"Galinda seems nice," she said.

"She is," he agreed, appearing to be deep in thought. "How long do you think it takes someone to fall in love?"

He was in love with her already?

"I wouldn't know," she said. "But I think it happens slowly and then one day you wake up and wonder how you could ever live without their presence. Maybe the time varies from person to person."

He hummed, already seeming so lost without her.

Elphaba looked back at the stage where the judges were deliberating and placing ribbons of different colors by the pies. She thought she saw one placed by hers but wasn't sure.

"Oh, hey, there's a cider cart," said Fiyero. "Want one?"

"I'd like that," she said. "Once I'm able, I'm going to see how I placed."

"Okay, I'll be right back."

She waited and saw the contestants go up for their pies, so she followed suit. The winner was the beautiful looking pie with intricate lattice and stamped out leaves, which was made by the Pig, Mrs. Khinzer, who owned the bakery.

"Your pie looks amazing," said Elphaba. "What flavor is it?"

"Triple berry," she replied. "Care for a taste?"

"Alright." Elphaba accepted a fork and took a bite. The crust was flaky and the berries were the perfect mix of tart and sweet, dancing across her tongue. "Mmm! Could I have the recipe?"

"Certainly! I'll make you a card for the next time you stop by. What did you make?"

"Blackberry," she said and went over to her pie.

To her amazement, she had a red ribbon signifying second place. Feeling pleased, she tucked the ribbon into her basket while Mrs. Khinzer tried a bit.

"Oh, Miss Elphaba!" she said. "Is there nothing you can't do?"

"I've been baking since I was five," said Elphaba. "I think my range is fairly limited to simple cakes and pies, but your praise means a lot."

Mrs. Khinzer smiled and nodded, then went to join her husband.

Elphaba looked around for Fiyero as she stepped off the stage. Strangely, she couldn't find him, so she found a seat on a hay bale and waited. She looked down at the ribbon, enjoying the grain of the fabric between her fingers.

"Elphaba."

She tried not to flinch and stood up to face her father. He looked as stern as ever, though his clothes were of a higher quality.

"Father," she said.

"This was the last place I ever expected to see you," he said.

"I come to the town often," she said. "Kiamo Ko is just a carriage ride away. I'm the town healer with Dr. Dillamond now."

"The town healer? What of your husband?"

"I'm afraid to disappoint you, Father, but the scarecrow never wanted to marry me," she said. "He just never sent me back and you would know this if you actually opened my letters instead of throwing them away and only writing to ask for money!"

Frex scoffed and shook his head.

"Not even good enough for a scarecrow," he said coldly. "I suppose I'm lucky he never sent you back or you would force your sister into being a spinster like you."

"Well, she's married now, they have a contract, and once the baby is born perfectly normal will you allow me to visit?" Elphaba asked.

"Certainly not! You shouldn't even be gallivanting around like this where anyone can see! People will talk!"

"People always talk," said Elphaba. "I'm not going to lock myself away just because they can't mind their own business."

"Hmph! They'll turn on you once you lose your usefulness."

"You don't know that," she said. "And since Nessa now has a wealthy husband, I will never send you so much as a brass penny anymore!"

Wrong thing to say. He got that look that always frightened her and made her feel so small despite the fact she was taller than him.

"Really now, Elphaba, why must you be so selfish?" he growled. "I've been better to you than anyone should have been. It's because of me you're even alive; anyone else would have drowned an abomination like you! But I'm a man of the Unnamed God and should care for even the lowest of His creatures. It is your duty to ensure your living parents live comfortably."

She looked around for Fiyero and saw him chatting with some others, Galinda on his arm and Chistery drinking the cider meant for her. Frex followed her gaze and sneered.

"Even that beast has grown sick of you, then?" he said. "Well, when he kicks you to the curb I suppose I will allow you to return home. You'll need to weave more than you had been before and I can't have you leaving your room, think of who will see you."

If she had to go back…

"Go to hell," she ground out.

He knocked her basket into the mud and slapped her. Hard. She expected that, but she had hoped that the crowds would deter him.

"Stop these foolish fantasies or you will regret it," he snarled and stormed off, making sure to step on her things.

She looked up to see everyone pretending not to look so they didn't have to feel obligated to help her.

It was fine. She was needed here. As long as she was needed, everything would be alright. It didn't matter if she didn't have a life-long companion or a million friends, as long as she had a place.

She knelt down and gingerly picked her purchases out of the mud, placing them in her basket. The ribbon was probably ruined, but she'd clean it the best she could and place it in a keepsake box.

"Are you alright?"

Elphaba glanced up to see Galinda standing over her.

"I'm fine," she said shortly and stood. "Surprised you saw, I thought you and Fiyero couldn't look at anyone but each other."

"How can you help it?" she said lightly. "Who was that man that hit you?"

"My father."

"Oh!" she gasped. "Why would he do such a thing?"

"It's nothing new." Elphaba sighed and sat down on the hay bale. "He's always been this way. I don't need your pity."

Galinda conjured a large handkerchief and laid it on the hay before sitting next to her.

"You don't like me very much," she noted. "Everyone likes me!"

"I don't see much reason to," said Elphaba. "Your sweetness seems false, like you're only doing it to get something out of the people you meet. What that is, I can't figure out. You run away from the Scarecrow, but you find out he's a prince and now you can't stop flirting? Not that it's any of my business. If he wants to act a fool, that's his business."

"Hm." Galinda opened a compact mirror to study her reflection. "Doesn't seem like much gets past you."

"Whether I like you or not won't change anything about your life," said Elphaba. "I doubt anyone would understand my attitude anyway."

Fiyero approached them, Chistery not far behind.

"Are you alright, Elphaba?" he asked.

She stood. "I think I should just go back to the castle."

"But there's going to be dancing tonight," he said.

"There will be dancing every night for the next seven nights," she said. "I'm sure Miss Galinda would be more than happy to be your partner again. Just make sure Dr. Dillamond has a ride home, I left him chatting with a traveling herbalist."

"Oh, alright. See you at home then," he said. "Shall we, Miss Galinda?"

It was a perfectly reasonable response, one she could have made herself.

So why did it hurt so much?