"Glinda Lyanne Upland, have you completely lost your mind?" Mr. Upland hisses through the phone. ''Of all the stupid things this is the stupidest. What were you thinking''

Glinda swallows. She knows her father is furious now. She's relieved she's not at home. As soon as Elphaba walked away to share the good news with Fiyero and Nessa, her phone started buzzing. She knows her parents overheard the conversation.

"You are not going to the Emerald City, do you hear me?I'll come and get you out of that university myself. I don't care how we explain it. But we're going to put an end to this."

"My cover is that I'm her friend. A friend wouldn't let her go alone." she tries to defend herself. But she knows her father isn't listening right now. She hopes her mother will do something. Because she doesn't know anymore. How could she say no to Elphie's proposal? Elphie was so happy, so full of hope. And maybe she said it because she wants to piss off her parents, maybe she wants to rebel against her parents. Maybe she wants to do something for herself for once and because she wants to be a good friend. More and more often she knows that she has approached it wrong, but how could she have known in advance that she might be the cause instead of the solution. Oscar hasn't written to her yet. Madame Morrible is suddenly gone. The mission is only getting worse. So many choices.

"You're going to finish the mission," she hears her mother say.

Glinda sighs. "This is my mission, and I'll do it my way," she says stubbornly.

"You have one day to abandon this foolish plan."

Glinda remains silent.

"Do you hear me, young lady? You are NOT going to the Emerald City."

"But, Dad, please." Her eyes fill with tears. She doesn't know how to feel, but she regrets her choices. Regrets towards her parents, towards Elphaba. She can't seem to get it right. "You were right, I was—am—emotionally involved in this mission. I've done stupid things. But it's also given me beautiful experiences. I've discovered friendship. Pfannee and ShenShen may not be the smartest girls, but I've had fun. I've felt normal. That counts for something too, right?"

Mrs. Upland sighs, understanding her daughter's emotions. She sees her daughter standing there alone in the room. It breaks her heart. She still remembers how she was at that age. She also rolled into the world like that through her parents, just like her husband and daughter. The big difference between her and her daughter is that she met her husband during a mission. The tension, the emotion, the feeling, made the sparks fly. She actually wanted to stop and leave that world, but because of her husband she continued. He managed to convince her of her qualities in the field. And Oz, what wonderful adventures they had before Glinda was born. She never regretted her choice, but since her daughter's mission, the feelings of that time have returned to her life. The memories, the experiences, the doubts, the fear of her parents. Glinda did not have the same experiences as she did, perhaps she would have stopped if she had never met her husband. Maybe if she had talked to her parents and said she didn't want it anymore, Glinda's life would have been different. "Sweetheart, when you're back from your trip to the Emerald City, we'll talk. You need to figure out what you really want. Whatever you choose is fine, but you need to make a choice. We'll support you as your parents and expect you to take our advice to heart."

"WHAT?" the voice echoes through both the phone and the room. "Yes, dear," Mrs. Upland says, unsure whether she's addressing her husband or daughter.

"I don't think so. You're coming home, right now." Mr. Upland says sternly on the phone. "Darling. What are you doing? This wasn't the agreement. Think about the problems this could cause. We need to help our daughter."

Mrs. Upland looks deeply into her husband's eyes. "Love, I understand. But our daughter is questioning what she wants in life, like anyone her age. The world is full of possibilities, and we ask our children to make decisions too early. Choices change with experience. Glinda is asking for time to discover herself."

Tears begin rolling down Glinda's cheeks. Her mother has unknowingly voiced exactly what she's been feeling. She doubts everything—her future, her emotions, her decisions. It's all so overwhelming, and on top of that, she has to act like a normal girl. She sinks wearily onto her bed. She's so tired. Tired of constantly making choices, tired of defending herself. She's relieved that her mother has finally said what she feels.

Mr. Upland, meanwhile, looks defeated, first at his wife and then at his daughter. He had seen everything through the camera. But now he doubts whether he interpreted everything correctly. "But... but the mission?" He lets the phone drop by his side. He has no problem interrogating criminals, but he's often at a loss for words with his wife. "I thought this is what she wanted. I was so proud of her," he whispers. "I still am proud, but I saw our future together. My daughter and I on a mission, with you safely at home. I, uh..."

Mrs. Upland smiles. "I thought the same. But since that day, when we saw her again... I realized later how much she has changed. She's no longer our little girl. In just a few months, she's grown up so much. She's different. She has experienced what normal life is like. Even though she does not choose our field of work, I still want her in my life, even though it means making the most difficult decision of our lives now and accepting it. It is not easy, my dear, but maybe she will be unhappy.'' Mrs. Upland cannot describe how much those words hurt her. It is worse than torture, even though it is the truth. She also sees that her husband takes her words to heart. It will not be easy for him either, to see his little girl grow up.

"But what if she doesn't..." He doesn't dare finish his sentence. "Is this what other parents always feel?" he asks.

Mrs. Upland shrugs. "I hope not, because it's unbearable."

Mr. Upland smiles at his wife. "You always know exactly what to say and do to calm me down and make me smile."

They both look at their daughter who is still sitting on her bed. They wonder what Glinda is thinking. Everything has turned out differently than they had expected. They don't know exactly how it happened. But their dream future with Glinda by their side during a mission, seems perhaps further away than ever. They also wonder how it is possible that they didn't see what was happening right under their noses.

Mr Upland starts laughing. ''Sometimes we really are the dumbest spies. We don't see the bigger picture, but that's what we should see.''

Mrs Upland laughs too. She hugs her husband. ''Maybe we should offer her an easier mission.''

Mrs Upland nods. They both feel lost. ''Maybe we should book a trip too. We are ready for a vacation.'' she suggests.

Mr Upland smiles. ''It's scary how well you can read my mind. Shall we go to the Emerald City?''

They look at each other and nod. ''But first.'' whispers Mr. Upland.

"Glinda, sweetheart? Can you still hear us?"

Glinda nods, then remembers her parents are on the phone. "Yes."

"Enjoy your time in the Emerald City."

Glinda's eyes widen. "Really?"

"Yes, dear. But afterward, we need to talk. So, go discover what you need to discover."

Glinda nods again, feeling relieved. She feels free. She can go and discover herself. "Thank you. I won't disappoint you."

"You never could. We'll always be proud of you."

Glinda bursts into tears. This is what she had wanted to hear from her parents. She feels supported again. ''Thank you, I love you so munch.''

Her parents watch sadly from afar, unable to do anything as Glinda lets the phone drop to the floor.

"Galinda, open up," calls Boq, knocking on the door. "Galinda, are you okay? Open the door!" he yells in panic.

Glinda quickly dries her tears and opens the door. "Boq?"

"Galinda, are you alright? I heard you talking, but I didn't hear any other voices, and then I heard you crying." He rushes into the room, looking around in a panic.

"I, uh... I..." Her eyes scan the room for anything that might give her away, and they land on the phone lying on the floor. She shuffles slowly toward her bed, intending to kick the phone under it. "It's nothing. I was just upset about the news from Elphie."

"News?" Boq starts to calm down. He had been trying to learn something from the cameras, but instead, he heard Glinda crying and talking.

"Elphie was told she's been invited by the wonderful Wizard."

"Oh wow. That's... wow."

Glinda nods and softly kicks the phone under her bed.

"But why are you sad?" Boq still doesn't fully understand.

"It means she's leaving and might never come back. My best friend is leaving."

"Oh," Boq says softly, then, "Oh!" a bit louder. He finally understands what she means.

"But you'll still be friends, right?"

Glinda smiles. "Of course, but long-distance friendships are hard. Elphie's going to be so busy. Madame Morrible is sure to pile work on her and..."

"Madame Morrible?" Boq interrupts, not in the mood for girl drama.

Glinda nods.

"What's she doing there?"

Glinda shrugs. "That's a good question." It really was a good question. She needed to remember that. She also needed to ask Oscar what exactly he was planning and why he was keeping her in the dark.

"So, nothing's wrong?"

Glinda shakes her head. "No. By the way, don't mention any of this to Elphie, okay?"

"Of course. No problem."

Glinda nods gratefully. She doesn't want Elphaba to think she's jealous.

Boq slowly walks to the door. "I'm going to get ready for my date with Nessa."

"What were you doing here anyway?"

"Yeah, what was I doing here?" Boq repeats, his face turning red as he tries to come up with a good excuse. "I was looking for fashion advice," he says slowly.

"Oh, of course. Just ask a way!" Glinda says enthusiastically, glad to have something else to focus on.

Boq has no idea what to say next. "Uhmmmm... I uhm... what should I wear?"

Glinda stares at him for a long moment, wondering if that's really his question. It's odd since he's never come to her for advice before.

"It's a special occasion this time. We won't be seeing each other for a while."

"But you both live in Munchkinland, don't you?"

Oz, he's terrible at improvisation, which is why he prefers easy missions with minimal contact and thorough preparation. "Yeah, but I live on the other side of Munchkinland."

"Oh, right, of course."

"Now, tell me about the restaurant."

"We can eat there."

Glinda waits expectantly for more.

"And drink," he adds awkwardly.

Glinda slaps her hand to her forehead.

"Is it expensive? What kind of food do they serve? Is it far away? Are you planning to give her something special?" she tries to help him along.

"Oh, no idea."

Glinda lowers her head. "Boq! You need to know something before you take your girlfriend to a restaurant."

"Oh yeah, maybe that's a problem."

Glinda sighs. "Take her to Bello. It's on the other side of the campus. It's quiet and within walking distance. There's a park nearby."

"Thanks. I'll do that. And clothes?"

"Wear a shirt and jeans. You'll be walking quite a bit, so no heavy coat."

"Oh yeah, that's practical."

"Why are you laughing?"

"I never expected practical advice from Galinda Upland."

Glinda blushes. "Nessa's not the only one who's changed."

Boq smiles. "Don't change too much. You mean a lot to us."

Glinda's eyes fill with tears. Does she really want to lose this feeling of friendship and appreciation and return to that cold home? "Thanks, Boq."

Boq nods and walks out, relieved that Galinda didn't ask too many difficult questions. Now he just has to plan the date, but he can probably expense it to the boss. At least, he hopes so.

XXX

Saying goodbye was easier than expected in Shiz. As the Wizard had written in his letter, Madame Morrible had arranged everything well. Since Galinda no longer had exams, she could easily go with Elphaba, who was getting more nervous by the day about meeting her great hero. Every evening in their room, Elphaba was talking about her ideas to tell the Wizard about her solutions of the Animals. Galinda only half listened to Elphaba's stories. Every now and then she hummed in confirmation. Fortunately, she only had to wait the weekend, otherwise Elphaba would have noticed, Glinda thinks with relief. She is much more concerned with the mission. Because this is her chance to ask Oscar why he didn't contact her. But on the other hand, this is also the chance to end the mission well for Elphaba. Then she can also calmly continue with her life. Whatever her future may be. Oz, so many questions, so few answers.

XXX

Fiyero didn't have to pretend to be happy that Elphaba was leaving. This distance allowed him to lose his feelings for Elphaba and hopefully she would lose them for him. He's just worried about Glinda. He hopes she doesn't get too emotionally involved. He was surprised that her parents told him that he didn't have to pay attention to Glinda anymore, just before he heard that Glinda was going on this life-changing trip for Elphaba. He himself is not at ease, so he secretly bought a ticket to the Emerald City. Thanks to his reputation, he can easily come up with an excuse for why he's away from the university for a few days. Not like he needs that. After these days, when Elphaba really does leave the university, he won't have to pay attention to Glinda anymore. At least that seems logical to him. Although logical thinking isn't his strong suit.

Boq bites his lip. He doesn't know what to think. He knows that Galinda is going to the Emerald City. He knows that Madame Morrible isn't happy with Galinda. He wished he didn't have such a strong sense of justice. How could he justify a trip to the Emerald City now. ''Nessa honey, would you like to go to the Emerald City?''

''Uhm, now? I mean we're in exams?'' she asks wildly as she puts her book down. They've been studying in her room since Madame Morrible left. Luckily she's been able to do more and more herself, otherwise she would have filed a complaint. But now she sees the benefits, especially with her boyfriend.

''But we still have two easys. I know how you think. You're almost done; I'm almost done. We can also turn everything in now, instead of Friday. We'll have the rest of the week to ourselves, before we get separated.''

Nessa thinks for a moment. It sounds tempting. But her nerves for the easys are not reassured. ''I don't know Boq.''

Boq kisses her softly on the neck. ''My love, please. Let me spoil you.''

Boq,'' she calls out in shock. ''Where does this behavior come from?''

Boq's eyes widen. ''I just wanted to. I mean. I know we're not going to do anything. But I want to take the next step. I don't really know. I mean I've read. I mean heard.'' Boq continues to stammer.

''Oooh boq. You meant well.'' Nessa sighs in love. ''You have such a big heart. You mean well.''

Boq nods quickly. ''I uhmmm I had the idea before. Actually I already had permission from your father...''

''What?'' Nessa interrupts him. ''But how, why? I don't get it.''

Boq blushes. He has to come up with something. Oz, calm down Boq. he thinks panicked. ''I wanted a romantic weekend away with you. I thought it was polite to ask your father and Elphaba for permission, I know you will appreciate that.''

''OOooh Boq, you are so thoughtful. We deserve each other. We were made for each other.''

Boq nods quickly. Maybe this action has jeopardized his mission, since Nessa is head over heels in love with him. He tells himself that he has to postpone the mission for a while. He has to do the right thing now and that is help Elphaba from a distance. Despite the fact that Frex only had him keep an eye on Nessa, he also feels it is his duty to help Elphaba. ''So what do you think of the idea? Just the two of us to the Emerald City.''

''Without adults?''

''Nessa, we are adults. Well, almost, but we can do this. I can feel it.''

Nessa swallows. She feels uncomfortable. ''I don't know.''

''Nessa, this is a perfect time. We can go for the vacation. Then we can go home. I want to be alone with you for a while. If things really go wrong, which I don't think they will, we can immediately book a trip back to Munchkinland.''

Nessa doubts. ''I don't know. But it all sounds good.'' she says carefully. ''If you find it too exciting, you can always go to Elphaba.''

''Elphaba?''

''Yes, Elphaba who we waved goodbye to, because she's going to meet the wizard.''

''I know who my sister is.'' she says irritably, she doesn't dare say that she's only half listened to her sister the past few days, because she wasn't really interested. She would much rather talk about her own feelings for the first exams or about what she can do herself, now that Morrible is suddenly away so much. ''But why do you mention her.''

''I thought as a stopgap, which isn't necessary, because everything will be fine. We'll take the train together, tomorrow morning. I've already seen a small hotel, we can stay there. We can visit museums, walk through the parks and everything we want, It's the Emerald City. We'll let ourselves be pampered. Come on, it sounds good.''

Nessa starts to blush. ''It all sounds wonderful.''

Boq nods approvingly. 'I'll take care of everything, honey.' He kisses her on the nose. Then he quickly walks away to take care of everything.

''But Boq.'' Nessa calls after him, but he's already gone. She sighs and rolls to the window. She sees her boyfriend walking away. Everything Galinda had told her was true. He's still with her and she doesn't try to push her way through right away. But sometimes she really has doubts. Like his so-called surprise trip. It doesn't feel quite right. But when Boq says it's going to be okay, she has to trust him.

xxx

Elphaba is having the time of her life. No one gives her a second glance in the Emerald City. Of course, she notices a different kind of behavior from Galinda and Fiyero, but her nerves and joy are unstoppable. She is going to change the world. Her father is going to be proud of her, her sister is going to appreciate her. Everyone will see her goodness, instead of her green skin. She smiles at Galinda who is standing next to her tired but also happy. Galinda has only supported her. She will also put in a good word for her against the Wizard. Things are finally going well for her.

"Come on, come on, we have so many things to see in such a short time." Elphaba drags Galinda to various museums.

"But Elphie, let's sit down and grab some coffee for one seconde please." Galinda says, trying to free her arm.

"No time for that."

"but we have time to die of thirst?"

Elphaba rolls her eyes. "Drama queen," she whispers.

Galinda playfully slaps Elphaba's arm. "Listen to who's talking."

Elphaba chuckles and rubs her arm.

"Shall we have something to drink first, before we visit the third museum today?"

Elphaba checks her watch. She's surprised Galinda voluntarily went to the first museum. They had arrived even before it opened. Luckily, it was a small museum, and they still had time to see two more before Elphaba had to meet the Wizard. "Do you think we can order coffee to-go?"

Galinda rolls her eyes. "Fine, but once we're at the museum, I'm sitting down. Oz, I can't feel my feet anymore and it's only noon. We have to party tonight.

Elphaba isn't used to walking this much either, but her enthusiasm keeps her going. "Party?"

"What did you think was going to happen after you were hired to work for the Wizard?"

Elphaba hadn't thought about it yet. She shrugs.

Glinda rolls her eyes. "We're going out to dinner and we're going to celebrate."

We'll see, I don't know what to expect. I want to prepare for everything.''

"Of course you want to prepare for your meeting with the Wizard, but a preparation for a hellish trip to museums, you don't even bother to have a drink."

Elphaba playfully smacks Galinda on the arm. "Stop whining, we're going to have a drink now."

They hurry to Oz-Bucks, where Elphaba orders a regular coffee, and Galinda lists off a whole bunch of things like drie shots of espresso, four creams, no foam for her venti mocha.

"Seriously, a whole list just to end up with a regular cappuccino?"

The poor employee didn't even know half of Galinda's wishes. So in the end Galinda decided that it was enough and ordered a regular cappuccino. "Admit it, it was funny."

Elphaba tries not to smile, but Galinda catches the twinkle in her eyes.

XXX

They hurried towards the palace.

"It's your fault we're almost late," Elphaba pants, bent over and trying to catch her breath.

Galinda stretches her arms upwards and takes a deep breath through her nose. "You just had to spend half an hour staring at a sign full of text."

"That was Oz's history, very interesting. If you hadn't had to stare at the clothing store, we wouldn't have had to run."

"If you hadn't been staring at books, we could've walked calmly, too."

The girls look at each other and burst into laughter.

"How is it that you're not out of breath?" Elphaba asks, once she has her breathing under control and has stopped laughing.

Galinda shrugs. "I told you about my athletic activities."

Elphaba raises an eyebrow.

"How else do you think I could move the whole clothing rack so easily?"

Elphaba nods thoughtfully. Such a rack is quite heavy, and she had been impressed that Galinda could move it so easily.

Elphaba and Galinda look at the large palace in front of them. Elphaba isn't sure how she should feel. It's an honor to stand here, she's about to meet her idol, and she's with her best friend. Life couldn't be better.

Galinda has seen the palace before, but from a different perspective. It remains impressive to see such a building. "Come on, let's go inside before we really get lost." She grabs Elphaba's hand.

Elphaba glances at their joined hands for a moment. Today had been a truly fun day. A day where no one stared at her, a day where she could do whatever she wanted, and a day where she could spend uninterrupted time with her best friend.

Elphaba takes a deep breath and walks with her best friend towards the large gate. A guard asks for their names and the reason for their visit. Elphaba shows the invitation. The guard nods and looks questioningly at Galinda.

"I am Galinda Upland of the Upper Uplands. I'm with her."

"There's only one name on the invitation."

"So?"

"That means Miss Thropp may enter, but you may not."

"But she's my best friend, I'm here to support her."

"Sorry, rules are rules."

"But—"

"Miss Thropp, will you proceed?" the man asks more harshly, cutting Galinda off.

"If Galinda can't come, I'm not going either," Elphaba says firmly.

"No, Elphie. You have to go in. This is your dream." And your chance to get rid of Morrible, she immediately thinks afterward.

"But what's the point of a dream if I can't share it with my friends? I'd rather not meet the Wizard than have a happy moment I can't share with anyone."

"But the Animals?" Galinda tries desperately. That will always be a weak point for Elphaba.

Elphaba visibly hesitates. "Sir, can't Miss Galinda really come? She won't cause any trouble. I need someone to support me. I'm so nervous about going to meet the wonderful Wizard alone." It was the truth, though highly exaggerated—but the guard didn't know that.

The guard nearly has tears in his eyes. What a beautiful friendship he's witnessing. "Just this once, then."

Elphaba and Galinda look at each other in shock, their mouths open. They don't need to be told twice. Elphaba quickly grabs Galinda's hand and pulls her along.

Oooh Oz. I'm so relieved Elphaba thinks as they run. My best friend is there when my dream comes true. I can do anything now. Her enthusiasm is coursing through her body. She feels like a little child.

Galinda enjoys Elphaba's smile. She wants it too. She also wants dreams to come true. Wasn't her dream to become a spy like her parents. She wonders why she suddenly has so many doubts. But one look at Elphaba and she knows, she can't share her joy with the people she really cares about. Fiyero, Boq, Nessa, Pfannee, ShenShen and Elphaba will never know what she has achieved and that hurts her. Her parents alone are no longer enough. It may sound selfish but she wants more. When they are finished with the Wizard, she is going to tell her parents. She wants more. Giggling she runs a little ahead of Elphaba, so that she will pull Elphaba forward. Yes, this is what she wants.

XXX

Sooo what do you guys think? Thanks for reading. New chapter coming soon.