A/N Thanks for reading the story.
xxxx
Glinda has a break time where she is completely free from all the students every week. She usually uses that time to report to her parents or work on her skills. Her condition should not deteriorate. Her parents have also had contact with the Wizard. But Glinda hasn't had a other conversation with Nessa about Elphaba's past yet, so maybe something happened then that could give her clues. Her parents also give her information about a number of students they find suspicious. The mission is almost hopeless. Glinda sighs while she is putting away her sports equipment.
There is almost no clue left. The mission seems hopeless. Maybe the Wizard was wrong. Elphaba seems inflexible. Although Glinda sees that all the nasty comments affect her and she cannot imagine that Elphaba is happy. Yet Elphaba seems to be holding her own in the world.
Glinda knows the mission has only been going on for a few weeks, but she had hoped for more action and that the mission was already over. She also knows that that is what her parents want most.
Suddenly, she hears a loud honk in her ear. Through her listening device that she regularly wears to hear what Elphaba is doing, which is not much. Glinda also finds herself turning off the listening device less and less, because she doesn't want to hear Nessa belittle her sister.
Glinda feels increasingly conflicted between her desire to obey her parents so she can go on missions independently or her heart's desire to protect Elphaba. Experiencing a mission yourself is so different than from a distance. Glinda has now experienced that, and she finds it terrible.
"Hey, can't you watch where you're going?" an angry Elphaba sounds.
"Do you not know who this is?"
"I don't care who it is. Hey, wake up, will you?"
"What?" a sleepy voice responds.
"Your cart almost ran me over, and you're asleep?"
"Of course, it's daytime," the other voice says.
Then Glinda hears nothing more. She suspects the new student Pfannee mentioned has arrived. If he has a servant with a cart, he must be an important person at least.
Glinda quickly washes up and packs her sports gear. She leaves the gym. She hasn't been walking for two minutes when she hears her name. She turns around and sees Boq running towards her from the gym.
"Hey Galinda, what a coincidence to run into you here. Were you working out too?" he says with a red face.
Glinda smiles. "Yes, I find it nice to release some energy occasionally. Besides, it's important to stay fit."
"Oh Galinda, you don't need that. I mean, you're beautiful as you are."
"Oh Biq, you're so sweet."
"It's Boq, but whatever."
Glinda rolls her eyes. That boy needs a backbone, she thinks irritably. "I have to go."
"Can I walk with you?"
"There is Galinda," they hear from a distance.
Glinda and Boq both look up and see ShenShen and Pfannee running towards them.
"You'll never guess," ShenShen says, panting.
"Maybe we should tell this without the servants around," Pfannee says, looking at Boq.
"We're done anyway, come on, girls," Glinda links arms with the others and they walk away.
Boq waves after them, he looks sad. Glinda turns around and says, "Until next time."
Boq grins from ear to ear.
"You're not going to hang out with that nerd, are you?" Pfannee asks in disgust.
Glinda shrugs. "Who knows what he's good for."
The girls start laughing. "You're so good," Pfannee says.
"Well, ShenShen, tell us what happened."
ShenShen tells them about the prince who arrived and how his driver almost ran over the green freak. After she yelled at him and ran away, he invited everyone to a party. He was so smart. The way he walked and spoke. Truly a prince.'' ShenShen says dreamily
Now Glinda can put together the puzzle of sounds she just heard from her listening earpiece.
"A prince? And he's hosting a party."
The girls nod enthusiastically. "We immediately thought of you and think he should ask you."
Glinda nods. " You are so sweet that you think of me. I'll have to get dressed first. I'll come up with something so he can't resist me." She can't imagine a prince wanting anything with Elphaba. He seems the complete opposite of her, but she has to investigate all the students. In addition, it is a good boost for her popularity. Not that she needs it. People are more likely to confide in her, people are also more likely to forget her mistakes, because no one dares to say something strange about the most popular people. That's just how society works.
The girls clap their hands. "Come on, I saw the green bean in the library, so your room is safe."
Glinda lets herself be led by the girls. Before she knows it, her clothes are scattered all over the room. She's glad she hid the cameras on the closet because they'd be discovered now. She hears nothing near Elphaba from her listening earpiece, so she can fully concentrate on Pfannee and ShenShen's gossip. After half an hour, they leave the room and say goodbye. "Once the prince is at my feet, I'll tell you everything."
The girls giggle with joy. They hug Glinda one last time and walk away. Glinda takes a deep breath. She already feels her adrenaline rushing through her body. She just feels that this is an important moment and she can't ruin it. Finally some action in student life again, she thinks with satisfaction.
Glinda tosses her hair back and goes in search of the new student. If he's not the threat Oscar mentioned, then it must be Madame Morrible. Over the weeks she has already investigated everyone in her experience. The students are so well-behaved and don't do much besides studying. Some go to the pub, but they're too dumb to stay at the university.
She spots the prince by the statue. She positions herself in his line of sight and tosses her hair. She sees Nessarose with a book and a few other groups of students talking. She wonders where Elphaba is but doesn't have time to ask now; she hasn't picked up much sound from her surveillance equipment.
Soon she hears her name. She turns around with her sweetest smile and sees Boq standing there. Her smile disappears. She also notices the prince walking towards her. With a sigh, she keeps smiling; she knows Boq means no harm, she wants information from that prince.
"Miss Gaaaalinda," Boq stammers. "I heard about the party tonight. I would be honoured if you'd dance with me. I'll wait for you all evening."
"Oh Biq."
"Boq." Glinda sees the hope in Boq's eyes, she can't just reject it, it will break his heart. But she has to focus on the mission. Sometimes she also has to be heartless, even though she would rather shoot someone than hurt someone like that.
"Do you know what I would really like?"
Boq shakes his head.
Meanwhile, Glinda tries to think of something. She needs to get rid of him. Her eyes fall on Nessarose. "I... Oooh Biq, that's so sweet, but uhm If you, I mean, look at that sweet Nessarose. The poor girl can't come with us like this. It hurts me to see her suffer. Maybe you can give her a nice evening. I would appreciate that from someone. We'll see each other at the dance."
Boq turns his head and nods. "I'll do it for you, Galinda. I'll do anything for you." He runs over to Nessarose and starts talking to her. Glinda watches and smiles as Boq looks up.
"You're good," an unfamiliar voice says behind her.
Glinda turns around and comes face to face with the prince. "I don't know what you're talking about," she says as she tosses her hair back.
The prince chuckles. "I've heard rumors of a very popular girl around here."
Glinda giggles. "That's coincidental. I am popular."
The prince looks at her intently. "Have you heard about the party I'm organizing?"
"Oh really, that sounds fun. Where in the Ozdust?"
"Of course, at the most popular pub in Shiz.'' The prince starts walking around her. "By any chance, do you already have someone to go with?"
Glinda tosses her hair back again. "Coincidentally, no one has asked me yet, which is a shame. Do you know anyone?"
"Coincidentally, I'm available," he says as he looks at her again.
"So am I. Coincidentally, I'm popular," Glinda says with a flirtatious tone.
"So am I. Coincidentally, I'm going to the party." He moves closer to her.
"So am I. Maybe we're meant for each other."
"I think so too." Their noses almost touch.
"How may I address you, mysterious man?"
The prince takes a step back and bows. "I am Prince Fiyero. How may I address you, my lady."
"I am Galinda Upland of the Upper Uplands." She also curtsies.
Fiyero takes her hand and kisses it. "My lady Galinda, I'll see you tonight at eight. I'll pick you up."
"I'll be waiting for you," Glinda says as she walks away.
"Wait my beautiful princess, where can I pick you up?" Fiyero calls out.
Glinda points to the large building behind her. Somewhere on the second floor.
Fiyero raises his eyebrow. "You don't make it easy for me."
Glinda giggles. "Of course not, you're the prince and I'm the damsel in distress." Glinda is disgusted by her own behavior, but has to stay as close to Fiyero as possible, because he could be the only student who caused this, that Elphaba Wicked makes.
She heads straight to ShenShen and Pfannee's room to tell them everything. Meanwhile, she hears Nessa and Elphaba talking as she walks. It seems to be about school. So, she turns the sound off. She can no longer hear Nessa's complaints. She often finds it annoying to have the earpiece. She can concentrate less on what is happening around her. She is sure that Elphaba is safe at the moment. No one in Shiz is currently able to talk to Elphaba. They are way too afraid of Elphaba. Only Madame Morrible talks to her, but all lessons are already over. She doesn't suspect Fiyero will do anything now, since he still has a whole party to organize.
XXXXXX
"Oh Fabala, you should have been there. Boq was so shy to ask me at first. Thanks to Galinda's encouragement, he did ask me in the end," Nessa says enthusiastically.
"Galinda?" Elphaba asks in horror.
"Elphaba, don't be so sour. Without Galinda, I would have had no one," Nessa snaps.
She has noticed lately that Nessa has become increasingly angry with her. She knows Galinda has something to do with it. Unfortunately, she also notices that it only makes Nessa happier. Nessa always has different people around her. Elphaba finds it difficult to carry out her task of protecting her sister. When her father finds out, she is in big trouble. On the other hand, Nessa seems to enjoy the attention regularly. Elphaba shows her gratitude that Nessa still interacts with her by thanking her and taking care of her.
Elphaba swallows and kneels down. Her bag falls off her shoulder. With a sigh she pulls her bag over her shoulder again. She needs a new bag quickly, but her father never lets her buy a new one. "You're right. I'm really happy for you. Do you know what you're going to wear?"
Elphaba doesn't trust it at all. She usually knows right away what someone is like. But Galinda seems to be two-faced. Sometimes Galinda is very nice to her when they are alone in the room. The next moment, when Elphaba is back in the room, Galinda is very blunt again. As if she had a whole conversation with someone, but didn't get the right answer. Yet Glinda is nice to Nessa. Nessa seems to be happy with the contacts between her and Galinda.
It frustrates Elphaba that she cannot give her feelings and thoughts a place in her own body. She tries to make a choice in her life, but it's not easy not having anyone to talk to. Doctor Dillamond is very nice, but she isn't going to tell her teenage problems to the professor who has a much more important job, like saving all the Animals in Oz. Elphaba only plays a supporting role in Dillamond's major investigation. Her dream is to tell the Wizard everything, so that the Animals are treated normally again. Elphaba sighs. She knows she has to keep doing the right thing, that's the only thing she believes in anymore. People do everything for a reason. Especially an airhead like Galinda. The only reason people in Munchkinland were nice to her was because they needed something from her father. When people found out that she was not in her father's good graces, they always distanced themselves from her. As a clerk, Elphaba often walked into her father's office. Everyone was very nice to her father, but as soon as she walked in the angry eyes came her way. The true nature as Elphaba always thought. No, Elphaba doesn't trust people who suddenly act nice. If Elphaba had had her way, she would never have contacted Glinda. But for her sister, she needs to be a little nicer about Galinda.
"I've received some beautiful dresses from father. I want to wear them all. I have to look beautiful, of course. Who would have thought I'd be going to a party? Oh Elphaba, finally I can feel normal, all thanks to Fiyero and Galinda."
"Fiyero?"
"Yes, the prince organizing the party."
Elphaba's eyes widen. "You mean that sleepyhead boy who almost ran me over?"
"Oh Elphaba, don't make such a drama out of it, nothing happened. It was the driver who should have been more careful. Fiyero couldn't help it."
Elphaba rubs her face and tries to be happy for her sister, that's what is expected of her. "Come on, Nessa, let's try on the dresses."
"Elphaba, can you think of something to thank Fiyero and Galinda? Especially Galinda. She brought your bag, helped me get a boyfriend. She talks to me every now and then so I feel normal. She's so good." Nessa asks with her sweetest smile. It means that she doesn't have to do the work, but hopefully she will get the appreciation for it. ''I think she encouraged other people to talk to me. What I am most grateful for, by the way, is that I am informed about your wicked behavior. Don't think I'm happy with the way you're treating Galinda.''
Elphaba clenches her jaw. She knows there is no point in protesting. She is furious with Glinda. This is what the voice in her head means. One moment Glinda makes sure Nessa has a boyfriend, but the next she makes sure the lies are spread.
''Elphaba, don't think you'll get far with your behavior. YOU have to change. You have to find a better way than just having your way. You have to be more open to other people. Be nice to them. You can do this by coming up with a way to thank Fiyero and Galinda. You see, I'll do anything to help you. You find a way to thank them. You make sure our names are on it and everyone is happy.'' Nessa says as she takes Elphaba's hand. "Think of other people and put your wicked thoughts aside." she says seriously as she lets go of Elphaba's hand.
Elphaba sighs. "Of course, I'll think about something."
Nessa places her hand on Elphaba's again. "Thank you, just make sure to include my name too. Now I have to make myself beautiful. My boyfriend Boq deserves the most beautiful girl in Shiz. "
Elphaba nods. "And why is Boq your boyfriend? I thought he was just a friend taking you to the party."
"Elphaba, you don't understand at all. If a boy invites you to such a party, he has feelings for you. Boq and I are meant for each other."
Elphaba shrugs. "I thought it was just a regular party, paid for by the prince, so everyone's going because it's free."
Nessa glares at her sister. "Don't ruin it, and hurry up pushing my wheelchair, I want to look perfect for Boq."
Elphaba sighs and does as she's asked.
They're just finishing up when there's a knock on the door. Elphaba opens it. Boq stands nervously with a rose. "Is Nessarose ready?" he asks shyly.
Elphaba opens the door wider. Nessa rolls happily towards Boq. "What a beautiful rose, Boq. You're so thoughtful." She accepts the rose from Boq and holds it.
Madame Morrible comes up the stairs just then. "What's going on here? No boys are allowed in my room, Miss Nessarose," Madame Morrible says sternly.
Nessa starts to blush. "Oh no, Madame, Boq and I are still getting to know each other in this relationship. He's picking me up for the party."
"A relationship?" Boq asks softly.
"Oh Master Boq, will be an excellent partner for you. Now hurry along, I have more to do."
Nessa nods. "Oh Elphaba, you don't need to come tonight, I'm not sure what time we'll be back. Madame Morrible and Boq will help me tonight."
''Uhm, help with what?'' Boq asks, stunned.
Nessa looks sweetly at Boq. ''Maybe you can carry me out of the wheelchair. Madame Morrible is already old and I must be tired after such a dance."
"Uhm I uhm." Boq tries to say to get out of it. This was not the agreement with Galinda. The deal was that he would go with Nessarose and then he could dance with Galinda.
"I won't allow Boq to come into my room," Madame Morrible says firmly. ''So I'll help you. Miss Elphaba needs her rest too."
Boq looks gratefully at Madame Morrible. "Have a nice evening everyone," he says quickly, so Nessa can't say anything to Madame Morrible.
Elphaba nods and watches her sister being wheeled away by Boq.
"So, Elphaba, how's the reading going with the spell books I gave you?" Madame Morrible asks. ''I know the school year has only just started, but I expect a lot from you. Tests will be coming soon, with information contained in those books. First you have to know the theory before I let you practice.'' Madame Morrible says haughtily to show that she is the better of the two of them.
Elphaba turns around. "Very well, I've almost finished a few."
Then she remembers Galinda's wish and her sister's wish. She takes a deep breath and gathers her courage. "Madame, wouldn't it be more convenient if someone else joined the lessons? I could practice better and talk about the lessons with someone."
Madame Morrible chuckles. "Yes, that would certainly be helpful, but no one is as powerful at magic as you are. It would only hold you back."
"I think it would help me."
"Do you have someone in mind?"
Elphaba sighs. "I know Galinda Upland would love to come into your classes. We are roommates so we can practice in our room without bothering other people."
Now Madame Morrible laughs out loud. When she looks back at Elphaba's serious face, she slowly stops laughing too. "Sweet Oz. You're serious about this. Why?"
"I have my reasons."
"But Elphaba dearie, Galinda is nothing but a spoiled person who cares about no one. Your personalities are completely different. Why would you want her to join?"
Elphaba feels injustice towards Galinda. She doesn't remember Madame Morrible ever having a conversation with Galinda. Elphaba is not stupid either and realizes that Galinda is smarter than she pretends. She feels the urge to help Galinda, although Elphaba cannot place it yet. "I think everyone deserves a chance. You shouldn't judge someone based on everything you see in one day. It's very simple, Madame. You tell her tonight, or I'll stop the lessons." Elphaba walks away. She doesn't like Galinda either, but that's no reason to talk her down so much. A new form of guilt creeps up on her. Isn't it exactly what she herself did first? She didn't give Galinda a chance to talk to her. Maybe, just maybe she should give Galinda a chance. Although she cannot shake her instinct that Galinda is not who she says she is, her sense of guilt is slightly greater. Galinda has proven she belongs at this university through the admission exams, so she must have some brains. Elphaba thinks, as she walks back to her own room. The conflicting feelings and thoughts continue.
Madame Morrible feels frustrated and refuses to be guided by a lesser student. She hopes Galinda doesn't ruin her plans. She must make sure that Elphaba only trusts her. This way she can exert the most influence on Elphaba. Elphaba will do anything she asks of her. She had thought Galinda would be so disgusted with Elphaba that she would voluntarily drop out of college. Madame Morrible, thought it would be a great plan, but unfortunately she has to come up with something else to get Elphaba on her side. She shouldn't underestimate Galinda. She cannot make mistakes, a rough diamond like Elphaba only comes along once in a year of life. This is her ability to rise higher in society. People will finally respect her. Madame Morrible smiles happily. She imagines everyone bowing and cheering for her. But we are not there yet. She still has to put up with those spoiled students who think they can do whatever they want. Madame Morrible sighs, she will now have to do what Elphaba asks of her.