AN. This one was a lot of fun to write. It's like a dozen meet-cutes inside a Fiyeraba meet-cute.
The Oz Herald, Wednesday November 16 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
The girl walking down Brickle Lane wearing the red boots around 11.45 am
Those boots are so cute! Where did you get them?
Blue dress on the Pertha Hills line who got off at the Shiz station (m4w, 19)
I was the tall guy who almost fell on you when the train slowed. We laughed, but I didn't get to catch your name before you got off the train. Coffee?
To the green girl on platform 4 around 7.20 am (m4w, 27)
When my alarm went off this morning and I saw how dark it was, and heard on the radio that storms were forecast, it took all my willpower to get out of bed and not skip work. I'm glad I didn't now. The city always looks greener underneath the clouds, yet nothing shone brighter than you this morning.
The mom with the three kids in Oz Deer Park on the afternoon of the 15th
I couldn't help but notice that you seemed a bit overwhelmed trying to wrangle the kids. From one mom to another, I just want to give you a shout out. You're doing great. Take a breath.
The Oz Herald, Monday November 21 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
The pretty green girl at the newsstand at the train station this morning (m4w, 27)
I was buying a paper and a coffee this morning, and I saw you there looking at the books. I've never seen anyone consider a purchase so deeply at that hour of the morning. It was remarkable. I kind of envy you. And then I've spent all day wondering which book you ended up buying.
To the cutie who gets the 9.03 am train on the City Circle line every day (m4m, 33)
I think you're a catch. Are you single? I'd love to take you to dinner
For my love (w4m, 47)
Oh my darling. Today- November 20- is twenty-five years to the day since we first met. I remember it like it was yesterday- sitting in that table in the corner of The Coffee Pot in that yellow dress you loved. I was only wearing it because I was behind on laundry- it had been a gift from my grandmother that I was too polite to donate yet. But because you loved it and always seemed so happy when I wore it, soon enough it became one of my favourite dresses. So many of my favourite moments happened in that dress… and with you. Happy anniversary, love of my life. I miss you.
The Oz Herald, Tuesday November 22 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
You were knitting on your morning commute (w4w, 24)
I was utterly transfixed watching your fingers move as you spoke to your friend, as you turned balls of yarn into… I want to say a hat?... before my very eyes. Is it art or magic? Or both? Anyway, I never thought knitting could be so captivating. I'd love to see you again.
Birthday boy (w4m, 21)
You walked past me on Garland Ave with a large bunch of balloons, and looked rather embarrassed at all the attention they were getting you. Happy birthday! If you're single, I'd love to buy you a birthday drink. Friday night, 8pm, The Duke's Footman?
If you're dating a guy (20 ish) with brown hair, blue eyes and who goes to the CEC…
He's cheating on you. He was in The Tea Emporium with a red-head, talking about how he can "make up a study trip" to go away with her for New Years. Just a heads up. Got your back, girl
GG reading The Bell Tower on Platform 4 this morning (m4w, 27)
Is that the book you bought the other day? I've heard good things about it- Froth Gunner is a great author. I have the book at home, but I haven't read it yet. If I did, we could talk about it?
Any Dalida Endicott fans out there? (w26)
I've got a spare ticket to her EC show next Saturday (Dec 3rd), and I'd hate for it to go to waste. Will let it go for $80!
The Oz Herald, Friday November 25 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
The 27m who keeps writing in about the green girl…
Do you mean GREEN green? Like, literally green? I need more information!
"That little white farmhouse, our promised land" (w27)
To the Dalida Endicott fan in Tuesday's issue- I'd LOVE to go. I missed out on tickets and was gutted. $80 seems too low though. Dinner at Savour & Vine before the show… 5pm- my treat?
The Lioness who works on Market St (m4w, 5?)
I'm the Tiger who always passes you on the corner every afternoon, but we never get a chance to talk. I'd be lion if I said I didn't find you absolutely pawsome! Want to go out sometime?
Curly-haired brunette who spends lunch in the park (nb4w, 34)
I heard you laugh as you were feeding the ducks and I was captivated. It was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard, and it made a really crappy day so much better. I almost went to say hello, but I was late for a meeting. I just wanted to say thank you.
Traum High School 1906 (m4m, 48)
To the man in the blue coat on the 5 pm train yesterday. I didn't want to seem like an idiot if I was wrong, but I feel like maybe we went to school together? Traum, class of 1906. If I'm right, you sat in the front row next to the window in Mr Rapp's third period English class? I sat behind you, and flirted awkwardly. If it is you who I'm thinking of, I just want you to know that it was really good to see you. I would have liked the chance to catch up, if I'd been braver.
I don't get it
The joke about the green girl- can someone explain it?
The Oz Herald, Tuesday November 29 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
PSA re: Green Girl
Don't be [censored by editors]. Yes, there's a girl. Yes, she's green. It's not a joke, it's not a conspiracy. Be decent people. Sincerely, 27m.
Orange Umbrella (w4m 30)
A very kind gentleman gave me his umbrella this morning (Monday) in the sudden rainshower. I'd love to get his name and return the umbrella. It was on the corner of Lahr and Haley street. He was wearing a shirt with a blue and green logo. Blond hair and blue eyes and a short beard. Thank you.
The Oz Herald, Tuesday November 29 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
To the blonde girl in the pink coat with GG walking through the EC Station around 7.10am on Monday morning (27m)
Noticed you were looking around a lot as you walked with your friend through the station. Looking for me?
SOS (w4?, 18)
I had REALLY intense eye contact with a dark-haired, dark eyed person on the way to catch the public carriage to Munchkinland this afternoon. They yelled out "you're cute!" to me and I was so flustered I yelled back "I know" instead of "you too" and then naturally had to run away to die of mortification (also to catch the carriage). I'm sorry! But I did think you were really cute. Your eyes are incredible.
Nym's disappearance on SO THE DRAMA (m4w 22)
To the girls debating about Nym's disappearance while sitting at the bar at BAR last night… it was absolutely Whipple's carriage she climbed into. If you listened close enough, you could hear the driver say 'whoa, Alt' when the carriage came to a halt- ALT as in ALTHOND, Whipple's favourite horse that he rescued and tamed last year. It's Whipple's carriage. They're eloping. You're welcome.
Blonde beauty in the red dress at The Crystal Cavern on Saturday night around 11pm (m4w 20)
I was the guy in the grey suit and black shirt. We flirted, you grabbed my butt, we danced and then you disappeared when I went to get us drinks. I'd love to dance with you again. At the very least, I wish I'd gotten your name.
Girl in the green sweater across the bar at Haven on Monday night (m4w 27)
We locked eyes for a second, and in that moment, I told my friend that I've met my future wife. He called me an idiot. I'd love to prove him wrong. Buy you a drink the night this goes to print? 7pm at Haven?
The Oz Herald, Thursday December 1 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
Do these things actually work?
Asking for science. And for a friend. The friend is me.
Happy birthday angel!
We love you. Mom, Dad and Lon. xx
To the idiot who thought Whipple and Nym were eloping…
HA! You have no clue. Have you ever heard a full episode of the show? Nym was absolutely kidnapped by Shye.
To the 27m who keeps writing in- from the girl in the pink coat:
Yes, I was looking for you. I need to check out this person who is like, practically stalking my best friend! What if you're a psychopath? SHOW YOURSELF. Why don't you talk to her? PS. Just FYI- she is single. But you will have to answer a carefully constructed questionnaire I've made before I'll let you go out with her- you need to prove you're good enough for her. There's 49 questions and an essay question.
ATTN: CRASH CADDEL (w4m, 29)
Or the Crash Caddel look-alike I saw browsing the shoe department in Otsby's on Tuesday afternoon around 4.30pm. You're beautiful. Are you single? I work the fragrance counter, and would love to see you again (even if you're not actually Crash. But obviously in an ideal world, it is Crash).
The Oz Herald, Monday December 5 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
Editor's Note:
We got SO many messages from people after Thursday's 1938 issue in response to "Do these things actually work?" that we just had to share some success stories. Please enjoy this special edition of Here's Looking At You.
Love on the Rails
Three years ago, I wrote in about a girl I met on the train. Her friend found it and we connected. We dated for a year and a half. I loved her, and then I screwed it up. But I'm still glad I wrote in and had that time with her. It may not have ended happily, but without HLAY, I wouldn't have had her.
Family Ties
Not a romance story, but I found my birth mom through HLAY. We're not super close now, but I now have two half-siblings. I'd call that a success.
Ego boost (26m)
Someone posted about me once. Not really a success story- I didn't seek out the guy who was posting about me (I was fresh out of a breakup and not ready to even think about dating again), but it made me feel good to think that someone still thought I was "super hot", when my ex was horrendible. It really boosted my spirits and two months later I met my now-husband.
I met the love of my life here (w56)
My husband wrote in after spotting me on the street with the boy I was dating at the time as he was passing judgement on the new hat I was wearing. He (my husband) thought I deserved better, and honestly, he was right. So I ended it. He'd left enough details for me to know where he'd been, so I watched and finally tracked him down. We were married six months later. Happily married for thirty-two years with five children.
My partner wrote in about me…
We're getting married next month.
I was a barista at Grounded and someone posted about me
I didn't see it, but two of my regular customers did and noticed it was me. They told me about it, and I realised it was a girl who had started coming in the last few weeks. When she came in next, I asked her out. We've been together for three years now, and she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. And I'm hoping that if this is printed, she'll agree to be my wife. Estel, I love you. Marry me?
The Oz Herald, Tuesday December 6 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
Another success story for the books!
I took the chance for a cheap ticket to a Dalida Endicott concert. And I think I met either my best friend or the love of my life. Either way, I'm so thrillified with how it's all panned out! (PS. The concert was also amazing).
Dear Editors:
This column is such a joke. Why can't people just TALK to one another?
Guy in the vet waiting room on Garland with the brown and white spaniel (w4m 31)
I was the woman in the red coat with the little white terrier. We kept locking eyes, but I didn't have the courage to say anything to you. But I thought you were really sweet and your dog was adorable. I hope this isn't super weird, but I just wanted to say that I thought I felt some kind of spark when we locked eyes. That doesn't usually happen to me, and even though I read HLAY religiously, I never dreamed I'd ever submit anything. But I couldn't help it this time.
To GG's BFF (m27)
A questionnaire? With an essay question? Look, I'll be honest- school was never really my thing. But I'll be willing to have a go.
Girl with terrier at vet on Garland (m4w 30)
I hope this isn't creepy, but I've been kicking myself all day for not talking to you in the waiting room today. I was the guy with the spaniel. If you're interested, I've told the vet receptionist to pass on my details, if you give her the password (HINT: the password is your dog's name- I heard it when the vet called you back into the office). If not, that's totally fine. No pressure. I just had to take a chance.
The Oz Herald, Friday December 16 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
Missing GG (m28)
Hey GG, I haven't seen you around the station lately. I hope you're okay. Sorry if I scared you off.
To the hot guy in a suit who got swept up with me in the revolving door of Otsby's on Thursday evening around 6pm (w4m 26)
I've been thinking about it ever since. I think it would be a great story to tell our grandchildren one day. Coffee?
Stuck train companion (m4m, 31)
The Pertha Hills line got stuck between Wittica and Frottica on Wednesday around 2pm for about three hours. The man in the blue coat who was in the seat next to me, I've never had a conversation flow that easy. Art, Literature, Philosophy, spirituality… those three hours went by in the blink of an eye. And it was only when I finally got off the train and onto the next leg of my journey that I realised I can list so many things about you- the way you spoke about your grandparents; the way your eyes light up when you talk about Vinkun art; your favourite book and why it resonates so deeply with you. But I never got your name. And I feel like an idiot for that. I feel like I could keep talking to you for the rest of my life and it would all go by in a dizzingly blur. I'd like to find out for sure though.
The Oz Herald, Monday December 19 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
To the 28m in Friday's 1938 issue:
Is this the same 27m who's been writing, or do I have two stalkers now? -Green Girl (you didn't scare me off. I had the flu).
Lurlinemas Date (w4m 37)
I can't stand another holiday trying to justify to my family why I'm single, and have left it too late to meet someone organically. Any guy (preferably employed, 36-40, single) have no plans for the holidays and wanna help a gal out? Meet me at The Duke's Footman Wednesday night at 7pm if you're interested.
I woke up alone… (m4w, 22)
I thought we had a great time, and then I woke up alone. It was almost like you were never even here- except for the silver chain you left on the nightstand. It seems old and possibly fairly important. Do you want it back? I don't know how to find you, but you mentioned liking the HLAY column, so…
Saviour (w4w, 25)
To the girl who stepped in when I was being harassed on Market St- thank you. I was too shaken to say it properly at the time. I'd love to buy you a drink or something to say thank you.
The Oz Herald, Thursday December 22 1938 issue: Here's Looking at You
To GG, from 27-28m
It's me! I had a birthday. So you know… I chose to age chronologically this time around. I'm glad you're feeling better. I saw you this morning (Tuesday) and I didn't really realise until then that seeing you has become a part of my morning routine. And not seeing you kind of threw me off. My Tuesday was much brighter. If I don't see you before Lurlinemas, I hope you have a good holiday (also is your best friend serious about that questionnaire?)
IF ANYONE WANTS TO DATE PAOL TRIPP: A WARNING
He's a lying, cheating, lazy, selfish asshole. You're welcome.
To the cutie who insisted on buying me a drink at Revolve on Tuesday night (w4m 22)
I'd love to repay the favour some time. Saturday night? 9pm?
I've fallen in love with my best friend
I'm going to keep this super vague, because I don't want to make it awkward. I'm not going to specify any gender or location. But if you do happen to see this and think that I'm talking to you, just know that I love you more than I ever knew it was possible to love another person. I didn't plan on this, but I can't regret it either. I won't ever say anything, because I can't risk losing you. You're my friend, my family, my other half. And that means everything to me. I just needed to put this out into the void.
Cute girl with glasses at the EC main library (w4w 24)
I'd love to talk books with you. Lunch?
Searching for the boy next door! (w4m 33)
Looking for the boy who lived next door to my family when I was a child. I realise this may sound odd, but our families were super close and my dad just-
"Um, hi?"
Elphaba lifted her gaze from the newspaper slowly, blinking up at the man who had appeared next to the bench on the platform. He was shifting his weight slightly and seemed oddly sheepish considering Elphaba had never seen him before in her life. Which meant that it didn't take her long to realise who this must be.
"My stalker, I presume?" she asked dryly, putting down the paper.
The man chuckled. "I prefer 'secret admirer'. 'Stalker' implies that I followed you home and hid in the bushes or something, I think."
"I don't know how much of a secret it is when you were putting notes in the paper," Elphaba couldn't help but point out.
Her stalker/admirer paused. "You may have something of a point," he conceded. He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small box. "Uh, here. This is for you."
Elphaba looked between the box and his face hesitantly for a moment before she accepted it. "It's… tea?" she said. Inspecting the contents.
"Lemongrass and ginger," he confirmed. "It's good for flu recovery. I mean, at least, my mom swears by it. She always gave it to me. It could just be like a placebo thing, I guess. But it also doesn't hurt, right?"
Elphaba felt oddly touched by the gesture. "Thank you."
The man nodded. "You're welcome."
He offered her a smile and then turned away with a small wave. He'd gone only a few steps before Elphaba's curiosity got the better of her.
"Wait," she blurted.
The man turned and she put the paper and box of tea aside, wrapping both her hands securely around her coffee cup.
"Why?"
"Why what?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Why would you do that? Write in to the paper about me?"
He laughed. "Why wouldn't I?"
Elphaba had no response to that.
His face sobered slightly and he came closer to the bench. "I noticed you. I thought you were pretty," he said simply and Elphaba's cheeks grew hot. "So, I wrote in. It's the whole point of the column. I didn't really think about it too hard."
He paused, and then tentatively sat down on the other end of the bench. Elphaba eyed him warily, but said nothing.
"How soon did you notice?"
"I didn't," Elphaba said honestly. "I don't read the Looking at You column. But my best friend found the first one immediately and pointed it out to me. As did my neighbour. And my colleagues. And many, many other people."
The man coughed to cover a laugh. "Sorry?"
"There's not exactly a plethora of green people in Oz," Elphaba said.
She'd lost track of the number of times strangers had stopped her in the street just to ask her about the notes in the paper and if she had met the writer.
The man looked sheepish again. "Sorry," he repeated. "I'll stop."
Elphaba had been awkward, slightly uncomfortable, annoyed and vaguely amused by the notes in the paper since the first one had appeared six weeks ago. But the look on his face made her feel… something. Elphaba wasn't exactly sure what.
"You could have just… come said hello," she said, even though to be fair, Elphaba had no idea how she would have reacted to some strange man coming up to her and… telling her she was pretty?
Okay, she definishly would have thought he was insane or trying to scam her for money.
"I could have," the man said slowly. "Although the first time I saw you, I was on my usual platform. Over there," he said, pointing across the tracks.
"Ah," Elphaba said lamely, for a lack of anything else to say.
The man cleared his throat, straightened his shoulders and then held out a hand. "Hi. I'm Fiyero."
Elphaba hesitated and then shook his hand. "Elphaba," she returned.
Fiyero's face brightened. "Elphaba," he repeated. "It's nice to meet you."
Elphaba's cheeks still felt too warm, considering how cold the platform was. She paused awkwardly, not sure what to do now. Fiyero though, just released her hand and rose to his feet.
"Well, I should get back to my platform before I miss my train. But maybe I'll see you around?"
"Every weekday morning," Elphaba said and then felt stupid for saying so.
Fiyero just grinned. "Great. Have a good Lurlinemas Elphaba."
He gave a small wave and then began to walk away again.
"Wait," Elphaba said again.
Fiyero turned back and Elphaba faltered, wrestling with herself before she reached into her bag and pulled out the envelope Glinda had forced upon her three weeks ago. Elphaba had almost thrown it out a dozen times since then, yet somehow… here it was.
"Galinda, my best friend," she explained hesitantly. "She made this-"
"The questionnaire!" Fiyero exclaimed brightly, reaching for it. "Forty-nine questions and an essay, right?"
Elphaba blushed as he read the message on the envelope: For Elphie's stalker if he ever actually talks to her.
"You don't have to-"
"Oh no, I'm gonna do it," Fiyero said firmly, slipping the envelope into his satchel. "Is your friend a hard grader? Because like I said, school was never really my thing. Apparently my essay structure is 'deplorable'," he said, making finger quotes around the word.
Elphaba made a noise that may have been an attempt at a chuckle. She wasn't actually sure. "Galinda's essays at university tended to favour form over content," she said weakly. "So I'm sure she won't judge too harshly."
Fiyero grinned in a way that made her stomach flip. "Good to know."
Elphaba was saved from thinking of what to say to that by the whistle of her approaching train. Fiyero winced, checking his watch and gestured towards his platform.
"My train comes like three minutes after yours," he said hurriedly. "My boss will kill me if I'm late. I'll get the answers back to you as soon as I can," he promised, already backing away. "See you later, green girl!"
He was gone before Elphaba could say anything else. She spent the entire train ride wondering if she was going to need to start catching an earlier train to work.
AN. Have a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays/Manic Monday!