A/N Thanks for the reviews and reading this story.
XXX
Glinda reads through all the papers she has. She bites her lip. She's frustrated that she couldn't figure out which room Elphaba is staying in. Even with the help of her parents and Oscar, she couldn't find anything. They were briefly worried that Elphaba wouldn't come to Shiz. But her sister is enrolled. According to all the documents she could get, Nessa doesn't go anywhere without her older sister. The father does everything to protect his youngest daughter. Glinda hopes that Frex, Elphaba's father, has forgotten her. But what father forgets his own daughter?
Glinda reads through the reports from child services again. Despite clear signs of neglect, they never intervened because her father is the governor of Munchkinland. Although Glinda finds it all strange, she can do nothing but accept the information. She briefly reads through Nessarose's medical records, the younger sister who is in a wheelchair.
She looks at her fake ID-card, which states that she is Galinda Upland from the Upper Uplands. She personally thinks her name is too similar to her real name, but her parents are convinced that everything will be fine. She thinks her parents are too calm about everything. She expected them to worry more about her safety. She was anticipating more safety speeches from them, much more than she received. She bites her lip. She hopes her parents haven't arranged anything.
Glinda is happy with the opportunity she has been given to prove herself as a spy. But she's also afraid she's going to mess it up. She doesn't want her parents to be disappointed in her. That is the disadvantage in her life, she has no one to rely on other than her parents. She is very dependent on them. She also wants more in life than just sitting behind the cameras and giving her parents directions. She wants to enjoy life. She wants to discover who she is as a person. To achieve this, she must act as her parents would like.
She thinks back to her father's words. He has given her a lot of advice. Like becoming roommates with Elphaba, but not friends. Because betraying your friends is the worst thing that exists. That's why Glinda has almost no friends. With her parents' work, it's not smart to have friends. The more you have, the more you can lose. Her parents have turned the absence of friends into values in material possessions. So, Glinda got everything she wanted. When it became clear that Glinda wanted the same as her parents, her parents started training her. That's why her father's further advice is all useless. Yet Glinda did listen obediently when her father said she should connect with the popular girls, so she always has information and she had to be the first in the room to set up the cameras and many more pieces of advice. Glinda is sure everything will be fine. Her parents have trained her well and she trusts in that. "Don't become friends with Elphaba," she says aloud. "How hard can it be?"
She sighs and looks at the list of potential dangers for this Elphaba. It could be the headmistress; she's very interested in power. But the Wizard also appears on their list Without him knowing. There are a few students with questionable pasts who might do something to turn Elphaba bad. She starts reading about Avaric.
She hears through the train's communication system that they're almost at Shiz. She packs up all her things and takes a deep breath. "Okay, Glinda, from now on you're Galinda Upland from the Upper Uplands. You came to Shiz to find a boy. You need to find the popular girls so you can stay informed about what's happening on campus. You'll update your parents weekly via phone. Step 1 is to become roommates with Elphaba. You have to figure out which classes Elphaba has and stay popular at the same time.'' Glinda sighs deeply. Maybe she expects too much of herself. But her parents expect her to do everything very well. Who is she to doubt her parents' expectations and takes another deep breath and steps out of her private compartment. She smiles kindly at everyone she meets. As soon as the train stops, she goes to the baggage compartment and has her suitcases placed on a cart. Even before leaving the station, an unknown boy pushes her cart. Glinda nods approvingly. She doesn't have to worry about her own popularity. She looks stunning with her beautiful blonde curls.
Before she even steps onto the grounds of Shiz, she's surrounded by fellow students. Because everyone wants her attention, it's difficult for her to focus on finding Elphaba. She makes her way to the student administration where she receives her schedule and the key to her private room. She hears many students making disappointed sounds. She smiles and says, "Don't worry, I'll be walking around campus enough to talk to everyone."
Everyone starts murmuring about how kind and good she is.
It was her father's idea to get her a private room. ''In a regular room, the chance that Elphaba will come to your room is much smaller. It is much more difficult to keep your identity secret."
Glinda immediately suggested that perhaps she could offer a part of her room as a way of getting to know each other.
"No," her mother had told her sternly. ''Elphaba must not know that you have deliberately arranged for her to come to your room. Try using a different way.''
Glinda still remembers how annoying she found her mother's reaction. "How do you want me to do it?" she asked irritably.
"If you really want to be a spy, you have to find out for yourself," her father had said mysteriously.
Glinda had felt very small. She doesn't want her parents to expect too much from her. She wants to be a good spy.
Back on the square, she tries to find Elphaba. It's not easy, as there are groups of students talking to each other or with parents or teachers everywhere. Soon she hears people gasping in shock. That can only mean one thing, Glinda thinks.
A furious green girl is headed their way. Glinda doesn't understand the students' reaction. Yes, it's startling that someone is green, but to greet her like this is excessive.
"What are you all looking at?" she shouts around.
"Yeah, she's ready for the madhouse," Glinda whispers more to herself. The students around her hear and start laughing.
''That's so funny, isn't it ShenShen. ''a girl says too loudly.
"Our Galinda is so funny."
Elphaba looks angrily at the laughter. Glinda swallows as their eyes meet. This isn't good, Glinda thinks.
Elphaba can almost hear her heart breaking. She had so hoped, no, she so wished, that Shiz would be different from Munchkinland. Elphaba shakes her head. Don't wish, that hurts the least, she thinks gloomily. Elphaba thinks back to all the insults she has already received. No, I won't let anyone walk all over me, Elphaba thinks angrily. I'll show those spoiled people what Elphaba Thropp is made of. Elphaba walks toward the group. "Hello, I'm Elphaba. Can I join in the laughter?" she asks bitterly As she extends her hand.
Glinda takes a step back. She feels her heart in her throat. She looks at Elphaba's hand with wide eyes. She doesn't know what to do. Glinda is too surprised by how everything is unfolding. She's a secret spy for Oz's sake, she thinks angrily at herself. Why can't she react normally here?
Before she can introduce herself, the other students react.
"Eww, do you think Galinda is going to shake your hand? Who do you think you are, green freak? Come Pfanne, we have to protect Galinda." says the girl named ShenShen.
"Stay away from us. We don't want to be contaminated by your green, filthy hands," says Pfannee, ''If you can't take a joke, you're worse than you looks.''
Glinda feels she has to make a choice. But the choice is easy to make. If she's nice to Elphaba, there's a chance they'll become friends. Her parents absolutely don't allow that. Glinda looks with an open mouth at the others but quickly recovers and looks challengingly at Elphaba. Okay, gaining popularity and becoming roommates with Elphaba isn't going to work. First, focus on popularity. "Go to your own kind," she says.
Glinda swallows as she sees the pain in Elphaba's eyes. She feels guilty. But Elphaba's eyes quickly fill with anger again. Glinda understands why Elphaba is turning wicked, with such a world around her.
Before Elphaba can say anything, she hears her father calling her name.
"Elphaba! Come here immediately. You're embarrassing yourself and your sister." I only gave that thing one task, Frex thinks angrily. She can't do that herself. She's ruining my precious Nessarose's grand entrance.
A wheelchair-bound girl comes out from behind her father. She is clearly ashamed of her family. The sister looks furiously at Elphaba, but her angry look disappears when she briefly makes eye contact with Glinda.
Elphaba turns and walks toward her father. He grabs her arm firmly and hisses, "Stop drawing attention to yourself and focus on your sister." Elphaba is ashamed that everyone can see how her father treats her. She listens obediently to her father and hopes that everything will be over soon. Then she can create a new image about herself, then everyone will be afraid of her, instead of her being afraid of everyone.
Glinda tries to catch what's happening with Elphaba. But everyone starts talking to her.
"Sweet Oz, how can someone live like that?"
"Why is she even still alive?"
"I feel sorry for her sister."
''Does she has a sister?''
Glinda bites her lip. She wants to know why everyone thinks this way about the green girl. She hasn't done anything except speak bitterly and look green.
"I hope I can get into Madame Morrible's magic classes," Glinda starts. "I don't want to spend my first day dealing with the green freak. I want to get to know my friends." Glinda hopes that enrolling in magic classes is a good idea, considering Elphaba herself has magic; there's a good chance she'll be there. For the other classes, she had to guess.
"Oh, Galinda, you're so good. You're going to do so many good things," ShenShen flatters.
How do you know that? Glinda thinks and wants to ask, but she nods with a big smile.
"It's really good of you to use your magic for other people."
I don't even know if I have magic, but yeah, keep thinking that Glinda thinks.
"Um, Galinda," someone suddenly says. Glinda looks around and sees a Munchkin boy nervously standing next to her.
"What do you want, creep?" Pfannee asks with her hands on her hips.
"Yeah, leave Galinda alone," ShenShen joins in.
The boy immediately takes a few steps back and bows his head.
"How long have you known each other?" Glinda asks with a smile.
"Not at all," Pfannee and ShenShen say simultaneously. "But we're definitely going to be best friends." They all burst into laughter because they said the same thing at the same time.
"Yeah, I think we'll be good friends," says Glinda as she explores the surroundings.
"Ladies and gentlemen," a woman who looks like a fish suddenly calls out very loudly. Glinda immediately recognizes her as Madame Morrible. "Welcome to Shiz. We have high expectations for our students and hope that everyone feels safe. Fun and learning go hand in hand at this university. To achieve that, everyone must adhere to the rules. Therefore, no bullying, everyone wears appropriate clothing, and follows the rules posted all over campus." Madame Morrible says enthusiastically. Glinda's trained ears hear the undertones in Madame Morrible's speech. "If anyone doesn't follow the rules, it should be reported to me. Then we can take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all students and teachers." Madame Morrible's eyes rest briefly on Glinda. Madame Morrible eventually averts her eyes. "Now I would like all parents to leave the premises and all students to go to their rooms to prepare well for their first day of classes tomorrow. If there are any questions about room assignments, you can come and ask. Have fun learning!"
Everyone starts mumbling again. Glinda sees parents saying goodbye to their children. She feels that the tension for her first mission is slowly subsiding. She has already received various sources of information on campus. She just has to make sure she becomes roommates with Elphaba. Unfortunately, that is more difficult than she had hoped. She had hoped she could bribe someone. She has to think of something else and quickly.
Glinda observes her surroundings to be as prepared as possible. She sees Frex handing a box to Elphaba, then giving a kiss on Nessa's head before walking away. Nessa looks at Elphaba and her father with pity. Elphaba tries to take Nessa's hand, but Nessa pulls her hand away.
Elphaba puts the box in the wheelchair's basket and walks towards Madame Morrible.
"Excuse me, I need to go to Madame Morrible to ask if I'm in her class, I haven't heard anything." says Glinda, to the other girls who are returning from saying goodbye to their parents. She really wants to know what Elphaba is going to say to Madame Morrible. The more she knows the better.
The others nod understandingly and follow her. Glinda rolls her eyes. She doesn't want everyone to follow her like a puppy, but that's the downside of being popular. Now she has to implement what she said. She just wanted to hear what Elphaba is going to say to Madame Morrible
"Excuse me, Madame Morrible, I'm Galinda Upland from the Upper Uplands. I was wondering if you've read my essay yet. 'Magicwand does it need a point?" Glinda asks innocently.
Madame Morrible looks offended at Glinda. Who does she think she is to ask me this question, Madame Morrible thinks. "Right, I'll be very clear. I don't let just anyone into my class."
Glinda nods understandingly. "That's logical; you're also an important woman but know that I have a lot of talent too." She is suddenly interrupted by Elphaba.
"Excuse me, Madame Morrible, we, my sister and I, haven't received our room numbers yet." Elphaba asks politely.
"How dare that green freak talk through Galinda," ShenShen whispers. "She hasn't learned any manners from her cucumber family."
Elphaba glares angrily at the group of ladies but says nothing. She gives Madame Morrible another smiles because this is important for her sister.
"Oh yes, Nessarose, isn't it?"
Elphaba nods.
"She'll be staying with me in my room so I can attend to her needs," Madame Morrible says enthusiastically.
"But I've been taking care of her all her life," Elphaba says bewildered and completely confused by this new information.
"The governor didn't mention anything about a maid," Madame Morrible says bitingly.
The girls start giggling loudly. ''With those clothes and that attitude, she's much less than a maid'' Pfannee says.
Glinda sees Elphaba's hands trembling.
"I am his daughter," Elphaba says shortly. Her eyes are filled with anger again. How dare those empty-headed people insult me again, Elphaba thinks furiously
"He didn't say anything," Madame Morrible, unimpressed by Elphaba's words. "I'll take your sister then." Madame Morrible grabs the handles of the wheelchair and begins to push Nessa away.
The group of students hear everything and start laughing. "Even her own parents didn't want her." ShenShen giggles out loud, so Elphaba is sure to hear.
Something snapped inside Elphaba. "No," she shouts angrily. "You're not touching my sister." Sparks start flying from Elphaba's fingers. The wind starts blowing harder around her. Glinda has to brace herself to not be blown away. The students grip their bags and caps tightly.
"Elphaba, stop this now," a shrill voice says. "You promised it would be different here."
The wind calms down. Elphaba kneels by the wheelchair. "Sorry, Nessie, I, um, I don't know what came over me. Forgive me."
Glinda's heart breaks hearing the older sister's plea. She now realizes that she may be using the wrong approach. What would she be like if she was only bullied? With all the information she has about Elphaba's past. Wouldn't Elphaba's danger come from society itself and not from a person. Glinda wonders.
No, stay on the mission, she hears her father say in her head. Don't think too much during a mission. If you start to doubt, accidents happen.
The younger sister seems unimpressed by her older sister's plea. She sticks her nose in the air. "You've disappointed me again," she says haughtily "You need to learn to control yourself so you cannot bring more shame upon our family. Should I call father now?"
"No, sorry, my dear Nessie."
"Sorry, sorry? My dear child, never apologize for your magical powers. You're a natural talent. Have you ever thought about a career in magic?"
Elphaba looks surprised at Madame Morrible. "Mmmmagic? Nnatural talent? No," she stammers.
Glinda looks around in alarm. "What should I do? What if the green freak ends up in Madame Morrible's class and I don't?" she asks in a panic to Pfannee and ShenShen.
"You have to do something," the boy says bravely. Immediately, Pfannee and ShenShen shoot him death glares. He steps back shyly.
"You have to do something," ShenShen says as if it was her idea. "You have to report it to Madame Morrible."
Glinda rolls her eyes and refocuses her attention on the headmistress and the green student. Now she can only hope that Madame Morrible will offer Elphaba a chance. Glinda smikrs, If she doesn't become a spy, she can always become an actress.
"We'll have to find a place for you so you can participate in my classes. I'll help you control your powers. Maybe you can even meet the Wizard."
Elphaba's mouth drops open in surprise. "The Wizard? The Wonderful Wizard? Nessa, do you hear that?"
Nessa looks amazed at Madame Morrible. "Are you sure Elphaba has talent?" She asks in such a tone that she can't believe anyone sees the good in her older sister.
Madame Morrible nods proudly. "Who among the students would like to share a room with Elphaba?" Madame Morrible shouts.
Glinda smiles. This is going exactly according to my plan, she thinks contentedly. "Madame Morrible," she says innocently while raising her hand.
Everyone gasps.
"OH YES, Galinda Upland from the Upper Uplands. How nice of you to offer."
Glinda looks around in surprise. Her hand is placed on Elphaba's hand.
They both feel a spark of electricity through their hands. They both pull their hands away.
"That's settled then," Madame Morrible says proudly. "Let's go quickly." She takes Nessarose with her.
Glinda is taken away by her friends, and Elphaba is left alone. She can't believe everything that has happened.
Glinda is just relieved to be taken away quickly. "What happened?" she asks in a panic. "Am I stuck with the green freak?" She pretends to faint.
Pfannee and ShenShen practically carry her to the building where all the rooms are. "No need to worry, Galinda," Pfannee says as she fans her with her hand. "We'll think of something. You don't have to be alone with the green freak."
ShenShen nods.
"But what are we going to come up with?"
Everyone remains silent. Glinda stands more on her own feet. "You know, ladies, I'm going to my room and arrange everything so that the green freak leaves on her own. I'm not just going to share my private room."
The girls nod. "Oh, Galinda, you're so smart."
Glinda rolls her eyes, wondering how it's possible that those two made it to university.
XXXXX
Glinda takes her suitcases and brings them into her room. Once inside, she immediately begins unpacking her equipment. She explores where to best position the cameras. One camera looks outside to check for snipers. Another camera is placed at the front of the door so she can see who's just outside the door. She sets up another camera facing Elphaba's bed, anticipating its arrival. Glinda chooses the bed by the window so she can protect Elphaba in case someone tries to enter through the window.
She quickly ensures all signals are correct, seeing herself on the small screen. Later, she will contact her parents to confirm if they have video feed as well. She hopes Elphaba will first help her sister and handle other matters before returning to her own room. Glinda swiftly unpacks her clothes and ensures the cameras are not visible to her roommate. There's a knock on the door to bring in the new bed.
Glinda hides her equipment and opens the door. The boys bring in the bed and a small desk. After moving a few things around, they leave. Glinda makes sure she has a clear view of everything. She just needs to place the listening device somewhere she can follow Elphaba closely. She calls her parents using her phone. They answer promptly.
"And do you have video?"
"Yes, everything is visible. Do you have audio?" Mr. Upland asks.
"I haven't placed that yet.''
''How did it go? Do you already know which classes she will take? Have you already suspected who it could be?''
Glinda hears the hope in her father's voice.
"No, Things are going differently than planned."
Oooh, well you're doing your best."
Glinda swallows. She knows her father means well, but it doesn't come across that way. She gathers all her courage. ''But we've become roommates.
"Good. Make friends with the others quickly and find out who will lead her into the wrong crowd. The sooner we sort this out, the sooner you can come home."
Glinda rolls her eyes. Does her father always have to be so condescending? She definitely did something. Her irritation gives her the final push to suggest her idea to her father. "Everything'll be fine, but I don't think one person is going to influence her." Glinda says bravely.
"What do you mean?"
Glinda gets a little hope that her father will go along with her different approach. Maybe she can turn her mission around. Her parents will be so proud and give her more freedom. Glinda is so preoccupied that she almost forgets her father's question. "You should see how everyone reacts to her. I would be swayed too. I think we need to change her experience with people."
"Hmm," Mr. Upland says. "I'm not sure, Glinda. That sounds complex. Normally I think it's good that you come up with your own ideas, but now I don't want things to go wrong. Stick to the original plan. Keep an eye on Madame Morrible and Avaric, while your mother and I monitor the surroundings."
"Okay, we'll touch base in a week." She knows her father didn't mean it that way, but it comes across as if the missions go wrong because of her ideas. While the ideas are often good. It's so frustrating to be so dependent on your parents.
"Alright, Glinda, be careful." Mr. Upland tries to cheer up his daughter. He realizes he made a mistake, but he wants to protect his daughter. No one touches their little girl and they will personally take care of that if necessary.
Glinda smiles. "I love you both." She throws her phone in her suitcase and slides it under her bed. She lies down on the bed and thinks. She takes out her diary and starts writing about what she has done and what the next steps will be. If she continues with the original plan, she must now investigate Avaric. She needs to know if he's really a threat, or just a boy who makes bad choices.
But when she starts making her own plans. She writes it down carefully in her diary. Maybe I should be nicer to her. Maybe I should show society that Elphaba is doing good things. Glinda bites her pen. When she realizes what she is writing down, she crosses it all out. She has to do what her parents want her to do. The more she implements her own ideas, the greater the chance that her parents will never let her go. She starts writing down the things she still needs to do.
Yes, her father is right. That's very difficult. Maybe not feasible either. Says a voice in her head, as she lets her thoughts wander again. She tries to let go of the idea, but something is nagging at her. Maybe it's her good natural self or something else. Elphaba's eyes never leave her. They were so troubled with way too many emotions for a nineteen-year-old. They were actually quite beautiful. Glinda shakes her head.
They're roommates anyway, so she'll do her best to be nice.
She closes her diary and tucks it under her pillow. She gets off the bed and starts looking for Avaric. She'll have to come up with another way to get into Madame Morrible's class. She hopes they'll be in at least three classes together.
She puts the earpiece in her ear, staying in touch with her parents. If they see anything suspicious on the cameras, she'll hear about it through her earpiece. It's hidden so well that no one can see it. Luckily, technology has improved, so she can also hear what's going on around her. If she places the listening device near Elphaba later, she can easily switch channels. It's a lot for her first mission, but she knows she's ready. Her parents have trained her for years. All those little puzzles and martial arts weren't for nothing. She wants to make her parents proud and take action herself.
When she opens the door, she sees Elphaba about to knock. "Hey," Glinda says nervously trying to be nice.
"Hi," Elphaba responds curtly. "May I come in?"
"Of course, don't you have a key?"
"No, this is a private room for one person only. This means that only one key is issued, and you picked up the key from administration," Elphaba says dryly.
"Couldn't they give you a spare key?"
"Yes, but they didn't."
Glinda looks surprised as Elphaba walks in. Elphaba sets her suitcase down with a sigh. "Could you please stop staring at me? I'm green, that's not going to change." Elphaba is tired. She's tired of everyone staring at her. She wants to be left alone for a while.
Glinda starts blushing. "Sorry, that wasn't my intention. I was just wondering why they didn't give you a spare key. Here, take my key, I'll arrange the spare key." Glinda extends her hand to give Elphaba the key.
Elphaba looks at Glinda in surprise.
Glinda starts feeling uncomfortable. "What?"
Elphaba shakes her head. "Nothing, I just can't figure you out." She takes the key from Glinda.
"What do you mean?" Glinda asks, crossing her arms, afraid that her mission would already come to an end.
"Outside on campus, you were mocking me and calling me a green freak. Now inside, you're polite and kind to me. It's a bit strange, don't you think?" Elphaba asks suspiciously. Elphaba is not that easy to play. Glinda first has to prove that she is really nice to her. If there's one thing Elphaba hates, it's lies and hypocritical people, she already knows enough of them.
Glinda starts to blush more. She hadn't expected Elphaba to figure her out so quickly. "Well, I won't be nice to you if that's what you want," Glinda says.
"I want honesty. I have no tolerance for lies. So, if you hate me outside these walls, you don't have to be nice to me in here," Elphaba continues unpacking her suitcase.
Glinda rolls her eyes. "Whatever you want." She walks out of the room. So much for her plan to be nice. Her father was absolutely right. The plan is not feasible. But is the mission feasible? Is it only one person who ensures that Elphaba becomes Wicked, or are there several factors? Glinda asks herself.
Glinda shakes her head. Stick to her father's plan, which is the best "First Avarian." she says sternly to herself. Even though she has decided that she doesn't like Elphaba, she still has to protect her from someone.
Elphaba sits down with a sigh. She hopes she hasn't lost her only chance at friendship. But what is friendship if her friend isn't even honest with her and bullies her outside the safety of their room?
With a sigh, she hangs up her clothes in the smaller closet Galinda has saved for her.
XXXX Meanwhile at the Uplands' house XXXX
Mr. Upland hangs up the phone and looks back at the camera screens. He sees Glinda lying on her bed.
"What do you think?" Mrs. Upland asks anxiously. Now that her little girl is truly on a mission, she finds it more frightening than she wants to admit.
"She's starting to draw her own conclusions. She's becoming a good spy. But still, I'd feel more reassured if our spy were to make more contact with her," Mr. Upland says.
Mrs. Upland puts a hand on her husband's shoulder. "It'll be okay. She has all the support she needs. We have to learn to let go of our little girl. It's only been the first three hours; we need to give our spies some time."
Mr. Upland rolls his eyes. "But not too much time, or else I'm traveling to Shiz. You keep watching the screen, and I'll send a message to our Wizard named Oscar."
Mrs. Upland smiles and takes over her husband's chair.
xxx
a/n For the record. For the other students it is Galinda. For the readers it is Glinda.
The story takes place in the time when they had landlines, but no mobile phones.
If there are any uncertainties, please let me know. Thanks for reading my story!