Glinda angrily walks to the administration to arrange for a new key. She's particularly mad at herself for letting Elphaba's words hurt her so deeply. She can't believe how poorly she's performing on her first assignment. She's afraid of getting caught and never being allowed to participate in her parents' missions again. It's only the first day and there are already so many evaluation points. She wonders how her parents always fulfill the mission so gracefully. They never look insecure. "But," says a voice in her head. ''They've never had a mission where they had to contact their target. These are often missions to permanently remove someone or to investigate whether there is fraud." Glinda sighs. She knows she shouldn't be so hard on herself, but she's not used to anything else in her life. Her parents expect the best. If she complies, her parents are happy, otherwise things can always be improved. Because in this world, a mistake is already life-threatening. Now this mission is not life-threatening for Glinda per se, which is why her parents let her go, but still, it remains dangerous.
At the administration, she quickly gets a new key. All she had to do was ask nicely. She wonders how Elphaba handled this. Although she can imagine something about it.
She eats in the cafeteria, trying to uncover the latest gossip. She hears that the Munchkin boy is named Boq and that the girl in the wheelchair, Nessarose, is Elphaba's sister.
"Did you know that Avaric is completely interested in us? He watches us all the time. " ShenShen whispers as if it's a big secret.
"Who's Avaric?" Glinda asks innocent.
ShenShen points to a tall, muscular boy with short blond hair. "I heard he's here only because of his parents' money. Shiz is in financial trouble, so they're admitting only wealthy people to their university."
"Or Animals to get more charity money. " Pfannee jokes. Everyone laughs along.
At that moment, Elphaba enters the cafeteria. Glinda stops laughing and tries to make eye contact.
Elphaba scans the cafeteria and realizes she needs to quickly grab her food and leave. She sees Nessa sitting with a group of students. She knows she needs to protect Nessa, but she also doesn't want Nessa to become even angrier with her. She swiftly goes to get food, grabs some items, pays at the cashier, and walks away.
Glinda follows her every move and tries to figure out who else is watching her as closely as she is. She notices Avaric eyeing Elphaba. She needs to find out what Avaric is planning with her. She feels a sense of hope. This will be the fastest successful mission ever. She thinks happily. That Avaric boy is no challenge for Glinda
"I've lost my appetite," Pfannee says, setting her fork down. "Seeing green has ruined my appetite."
"Then you should never go to the Emerald City, because everything there is green," Glinda murmurs.
"Have you been to the Emerald City?" ShenShen asks. "I'm so jealous."
"Me too," Pfannee says dreamily. "It seems like such an amazing city with so much fashion sense. Much better than this backwater place."
Glinda laughs and lets her friends contradict themselves. How can people be so condescending about someone who is green, but admire a city that is the same color? "Let's go out tonight," Glinda suggests. Glinda already has a plan, to be alone with Avaric, without being too obvious
"Oh, Glinda, you're so clever, let's do that," they agree.
"We'll bring some boys along," Pfannee says, eyeing the group of boys.
"You read my mind, girls," Glinda says as she picks up her tray and disposes of the leftovers. The girls follow suit.
They approach the boys' table, and Glinda puts on her sweetest smile. "Hey guys, we're looking for a few strong boys to protect us in this backwater town. We want to explore the neighborhood. Do you know any such boys? Because I don't see any here."
The girls giggle.
Avaric turns around immediately. "No, I don't see any either. But I am one."
"Wow, someone's confident," Glinda says to Pfannee, flirtatiously smiling at Avaric.
Meanwhile, Pfannee looks on jealously at Avaric and Galinda. Avaric stands up. "I suggest we meet at the Shiz statue in an hour. I'll arrange for the strong men to protect you ladies." He stands right in front of Glinda and whispers in her ear. "Maybe I'll have to protect you all evening, even from a frog."
Glinda giggles. She puts her hands on his neck and leans in close to his ear. "Maybe I'm looking for more than just a protector; maybe I'm looking for a place to stay overnight." She releases Avaric and walks away. "Come on, girls, we need to get ready for tonight within an hour."
Avaric remains speechless with his mouth open. "Let's go, guys, I need to tidy up my room because I'm going to have fun tonight."
"You've only been in your room for an hour; how can it already be a mess?" one of the smarter boys asks.
"Because I threw my suitcase around the room. See you in an hour."
XXXXX
Glinda opens the door and finds Elphaba at her desk, eating and reading a book. Glinda has agreed with the other girls to quickly grab her dresses and then do their makeup in their room. She plans to place the microphone in Elphaba's bag tonight.
Elphaba turns around to see who's entering. "How did you get a key?" Elphaba asks in an attempt to be social. Despite her anti-social attitude, she wants nothing more than have friends.
Glinda shrugs. "Just asked for it. I'll be back late tonight, so don't stay up too long." Glinda grabs her clothes and makeup bag before leaving. ShenShen and Pfannee are waiting for her in the hallway.
"And how did it go?" ShenShen asks immediately.
Glinda rolls her eyes. It was less than a minute, and I'm still alive, she thinks. But she says, "It was terrible, every minute is too long. By the way, I'll need to borrow one of your shoes; I couldn't stand being around the green freak a second longer than necessary."
"You're so brave," Pfannee says, taking Glinda's free hand and pulling her towards their room.
Elphaba tries to hold back her tears. She heard Glinda's last remark. "Fine, then we're not friends," Elphaba says to no was exactly what she was afraid of. Galinda is nice within the walls, but as soon as they are with her friends, she says the meanest things. No, Galinda Upland gets to see the real Elphaba Thropp.
"But also think about your sister." Elphaba hears say in her head. She sighs, why can't life be easy, she thinks tiredly. She pushes her plate aside and reads a bit longer before going to help Nessa with her evening ritual.
XXXX
After an hour and a half, the girls are ready and they walk to the statue in the middle of the square.
"Ah, there you are," says Avaric as he jumps down from the statue. "We were afraid the clothes monsters on campus had attacked you."
"Oh Avaric, you're so cute when you're concerned," says Glinda as she walks over to Avaric. "Lead the way."
Pfannee watches with jealousy as Avaric puts his arm around Galinda.
ShenShen takes Pfannee's hand. "It's okay. Avaric hasn't made his choice yet; there are plenty of other boys."
Pfannee looks around and nods. She takes the hand of another cute boy.
They walk through the neighborhood looking for a bar that seems fun. Eventually, they end up at OZ-dust, where lively music plays. Drinks start flowing, and they hit the dance floor. Glinda tries to get Avaric as drunk as possible and flirts shamelessly. Avaric seems to be enjoying the attention.
Pfannee tries not to pay too much attention, knowing her friend is trying to seduce a boy she likes.
"Oh Avaric, you're so funny," says Glinda as she bites her straw. She gives Avaric a kiss on the cheek and then turns around. "I'm going to the restroom."
Relieved for the interruption, Glinda heads to the restroom. Pfannee follows her.
"Galinda, do you really like him?" Pfannee asks as the restroom door closes. Glinda had already taken her lipstick.
"Who do you mean?"
"Avaric,"
Glinda tries not to laugh. She can't admit she's trying to get information out of him by getting him drunk. "For now, he's okay. He's the cutest guy in school and he's funny. Why?"
Glinda can just read the expression on Pfannee's face. "Oh, you really like him." Glinda says to Pfannee
"What? No, not at all. You two are perfect for each other."
Glinda smiles. "Your secret is safe. I'll talk to him tonight and tell him it's nothing between us." It doesn't hurt that Pfannee is in Glinda's debt, she doubts whether Avaric could be the perpetrator, he is far too selfish.
Pfannee starts to glow. "Really?"
Glinda nods. She hopes she can get the information she needs tonight. "Yes, if he means that much to you. Besides, he's too drunk right now; I don't like that."
Pfannee throws her arms around Glinda. "Oh Galinda, you're amazing. You're the best. After Avaric falls for me, we'll find someone for you."
Glinda smiles. "I'll hold you to that." Glinda quickly washes her hands, and returns happily with Pfannee to the hall.
She immediately walks over to Avaric, who can barely stand on his feet. She takes his hand and pulls him towards the exit. She turns around to Pfannee and winks.
Pfannee understands the message and waves.
Once outside, she pushes Avaric towards an alleyway. She checks if they're alone.
"Oh Galinda, I didn't know you were that kind of girl. But okay, if you want it in the alley. I've cleaned my room for you."
He starts undoing his pants.
Glinda sighs and pushes him away. "No, I want you to tell me what you know about Elphaba."
Avaric is surprised that a girl like Glinda is so strong. "Who?"
"Elphaba, my roommate."
"Oh, the green bean. What do you want to know about her?"
"What do you know about her?"
Avaric shrugs in surprise. "She's green. I'm certainly open to getting to know her better, if that's what you want."
Glinda looks confused. "What?"
"Listen, I have limits. I won't do a Lion. I'm open to a few Animals. But I didn't know you were that kind of girl. I won't tell anyone."
Avaric lowers his pants and puts his nose in Glinda's hair. "I like unique."
Glinda rolls her eyes. This boy only thinks about sex, she thinks frustrated. She pushes him away. "Avaric, it's not going to happen between us. Maybe you should try Pfannee."
Avaric looks surprised. "Then why are we here?"
Glinda shrugs. "You tell me." She uses an old technique she learned from her mother. She now plays the innocent victim. Avaric is so drunk now that he won't remember the next morning anyway.
Avaric looks around. "You pushed me here."
"Why would I do that?"
Avaric thinks deeply. Then he starts laughing and points at himself. "Did I? No. Or did I?"
Glinda smiles and nods. "Yes, you did. But it's our secret."
Avaric nods. "Cool, you're cool Galinda. I'll say that. Want to come to my room?"
Glinda rolls her eyes. "I'll take you to your room; lean on me."
Avaric starts telling her all about what he's done in his own city on the way. Glinda couldn't care less. She now knows Avaric doesn't want anything to do with Elphaba, as no one can act this drunk.
Halfway there, Avaric starts throwing up. Glinda starts screaming. She hopes Pfannee won't be too angry now that her shoes are ruined.
Avaric starts laughing. "Look, I threw up," he says, laughing.
Glinda picks him up and drags him back to the and not in the mood to explain the story to his roommates, she lays Avaric down at his door. She quickly sneaks out of the building.
She walks quickly, softly opening the door. She takes off her shoes in the hallway and goes to the bathroom. She tries to clean the shoes as best as she can, not wanting to lose her source of information. She occasionally peeks through the bathroom door to make sure her roommate is still asleep.
She sneaks back to her bed and pulls her pyjamas out from under the covers. She quickly changes and waves her hand in front of Elphaba's face. Elphaba remains asleep. Glinda quickly searches through Elphaba's bag. She makes a hole in the seam of the bag and inserts the small device, then sews the bag back up.
She gets into bed quickly and tries to replay the events in her head. Soon, she falls asleep.
XXXX
Glinda wakes up from the sounds around her. She reflexively grabs the object she sees before her eyes.
She hears a little scream. When she is more conscious, she sees that she is holding Elphaba's wrist.
Elphaba stares at her with fearful eyes, but they quickly fill with anger.
"Can I get my wrist back, you're hurting me?" Elphaba growls
"Sorry," Glinda mumbles. She lets go of Elphaba's wrist and falls back onto her bed. "What did you actually want to do?"
''I wanted to open the window. I like it when there is fresh air. I didn't know I was immediately attacked by a ninja.'' Elphaba rubs her wrist.
Glinda laughs awkwardly. "I just have good reflexes."
Elphaba rolls her eyes. "Say that." She opens the window and takes a book from her desk. She glances at Glinda. "Um, did you sleep well?" Elphaba asks awkwardly as she sits down on her bed.
Glinda looks at her confused. She had thought that after her behavior yesterday, she had ruined her chance at a friendship with Elphaba.
Elphaba misinterprets the staring and silence. "You can also remain silent. I'm just trying to be nice. Spoiled brat.'' Elphaba says bitterly. She holds her book in front of her head and says nothing more.
Glinda looks towards the place where the camera is hanging. Can she manage to be social with Elphaba? Would her parents immediately take it the wrong way? Even if her parents are watching at all, she cannot expect them to watch the screen 24/7.
"Yes, I slept well, only dreamed of something weirds, that's why I reacted like that." She leans on her elbows
Elphaba lowers the book slightly and nods.
Glinda sighs. ''What time is it actually?''
Elphaba glances at the clock. "The canteen opens in an hour."
"Why are you awake then?" Glinda asks as she lies back down.
Elphaba shrugs. "Because I like to review the day's material early so, I'm prepared for class."
"Nerd," mumbles Glinda as she turns over, attempting to go back to sleep.
Elphaba shrugs and starts reading. She thinks she has been nice enough to Galinda for today.
After an hour, Elphaba gets dressed. Glinda stays in bed, pretending to sleep, all the while monitoring Elphaba through the mirrors. She also checks outside for any unusual activity. Using the camera software, she sends a message to her parents. She knows they like to stay informed.
She hears Elphaba leaving the room. Glinda immediately starts documenting her findings from the previous night. She's pretty sure Avaric has nothing to do with Elphaba, but he could be a good source of information. Glinda gets out of bed and gets ready for the first day of school. She's surprised to see Elphaba's bag lying there. Quickly, she checks to make sure she grabbed the right bag to hide her listening devices. All the books are in the bag. Glinda changes clothe and takes Elphaba's bag with her. She heads to the cafeteria, hoping to find Elphaba there, but no one's there yet. She heads to the library, hoping to find her roommate there, but the library is still closed. Glinda grows frustrated, where could she be? She hasn't already been attacked while I'm not doing my job properly, she thinks in frustration. She hopes that as few people as possible see her with Elphaba's bag. She doesn't know what the other students think of her.
Her last chance is that Elphaba is with her quickly returns to her own room to look up on the map where the teacher's offices are located. She curses under her breath, but she also knows that remembering everything at once is too much. She shouldn't expect so much from herself. She already accomplished a lot yesterday. No one expects her to get to know the entire campus and all the students and immediately know who will make Elphaba Wicked. Nobody expects that from me, Glinda thinks. But another voice says. "Except for your parents and they are always right." Glinda sighs. She feels her confidence drop, but quickly walks to the right building. Unfortunately, the building isn't accessible to everyone, as it's for teachers only. Glinda studies the lock and hopes to open it quickly before the door opens.
Elphaba and Nessa, coming out of the building. "Miss Galinda, what are you doing here?" Nessa asks, surprised.
"I, uh, I came to bring Elphaba her bag. She forgot her bag," Glinda stammers.
"Oh, Fabala can be so forgetful sometimes. How kind of you to think of that," says Nessa overly friendly.
She turns around and glares at Elphaba. "Pay more attention to your things; what do you say to Galinda?" she says angrily, as if scolding a misbehaving child.
Elphaba still stares at Glinda in surprise. "How did you know it was my school bag?"
"Elphaba," says Nessa in horror. "You must forgive her for her uncouth behaviour; we're trying our best to raise her properly, but she doesn't listen to her family," Nessa apologizes to Galinda.
Glinda curses in her thoughts. Somewhere, she's proud that Elphaba can observe so well. She could become a good spy, but now is not the time. "Uh, I, uh, I was, uh, looking through your things, and then I came across your bag."
"See, Elphaba, stop being so paranoid. Offer your apologies, then we can go to the cafeteria; I'm hungry," Nessa insists.
Elphaba looks at her with suspicion. "It does make sense," she says softly. "Thank you, Galinda, I did indeed forget my bag." She doesn't say she deliberately forgot her bag, hoping for a moment to avoid her sister.
Glinda smiles. "No problem. Have a good day. I'll see you in class."
Elphaba nods. She pushes Nessa towards the cafeteria. She takes care of getting the food. They sit down together at a table. Elphaba can't help but keep staring at Galinda.
"Elphaba, try not to stare," Nessa says bluntly. "It's impolite."
"Don't you find it impolite that Galinda was going through my things without permission?" Elphaba retorts.
Nessa shrugs. "She must have her reasons."
"I have my reasons for keeping an eye on Galinda. Something's not right."
"Don't be ungrateful." Nessa takes a bite of her sandwich. "Her reasons don't affect our family; yours do, that's why you're not allowed to act on them. You shouldn't get on Galinda's bad side too much. Her popularity could still come in handy. So just accept what she thinks of you, you have to think about my I mean our future."
Elphaba stares open-mouthed at her sister. "Sometimes you're incredibly insensitive." She gets up and walks away.
Nessa shakes her head. "I will break through to her someday. I won't give up," Nessa whispers as she continues eating calmly.
XXXX
Elphaba walks past Galinda's table, trying to ignore the remarks of the other students. She hears Galinda giggling loudly at the comments. She hears them calling her green monster. She knows that Galinda tells terrible stories behind her back. That has never been different in her life at other schools.
Come on, Elphaba, just a few more weeks and then you'll be old news, she tries to reassure herself. Don't let those airheads get under your skin. You know your worth. She heads straight to the classroom to start preparing for lessons, hopefully not dwelling too much on her sister's harsh words.
Glinda sees the pain in Elphaba's eyes and still wonders if it wouldn't be better to become real friends with her. This way, she'll only get angrier and eventually wicked, because how can you expect love from someone who has never known love? Glinda thinks
Glinda is lost in her thoughts, so she doesn't hear ShenShen's question. "Galinda," ShenShen calls louder.
"What? Oh, sorry," says Glinda, startled. "What was your question?" She was still thinking about the information she had overheard from Elphaba. She worries that Elphaba might suspect something is amiss. It's only the first day and she's already making big mistakes.
"How was it with Avaric yesterday?"
"Oh, nothing special. He didn't know anything," she says absentmindedly.
Pfannee looks puzzled. "Why didn't he know anything?"
Glinda starts to blush. "I mean, he didn't know who the best kisser in school was, or who the cutest boy after him is."
Pfannee puts an arm around her. "You're a good friend, but don't worry, we'll find someone for you.
Glinda smiles shyly. "I have to admit I'm surprised by the number of good-looking guys here."
Pfannee and ShenShen move closer. They tell what they know about different boys. Sometimes someone else adds something to tone down the exaggerated stories.
Everyone grunts when someone tells them to go to class.
''Who cares about the first day of school? It's all boring anyway."
Glinda giggles. "Maybe we should sit at the back of the classroom so we can get a better look at the boys." She has to go to class, otherwise she can't observe her fellow students to see who is particularly interested in Elphaba. She can intervene better when she is nearby.
At that moment, a tall boy walks past them and looks seductively at Glinda. She waves at him, and he gives her a wink.
Pfanee and ShenShen giggle with excitement. ''You are absolutely right.''
Glinda walks in the middle of the group as they walk to the classroom. "By the way, are you in Morrible's class yet?" asks one of the smarter girls in the group.
Pfannee turns to her furiously, because she was just in the middle of her story. She doesn't want anyone to take away her attention.
Glinda giggles shyly. She doesn't want her classmates to think she's not a prefect, as that could damage her popularity.
''Let's not talk about that too much. I've been listening all morning to the green freak bragging about being in class. I heard that Madame Morrible hasn't read my essay because of her yet."
''What a monster.'' ShenShen says, shocked and full of pity. ''We have to put her in her place. How dare she.'' she says with more confidence, because everyone agrees with her.
Glinda bites her lips.
Pfannee smiles. "I know something."
They walk into the room. The entire group sits at the back. No one wants to sit near Elphaba, who is already sitting in the front. She seems comfortable talking to the professor. Glinda quickly looks away when she sees Elphaba turning around, of course she heard the noise of all the students.
The girls all lean forward and ask Pfannee to express her idea.
Ginda sees that Pfannee enjoys all the attention.
The professor clears his throat. "Dear students, welcome to history class."
"Later" whispers Pfannee, who certainly takes her time to share her plan to make herself as important as possible.
Glinda sees that all the students are already staring into space, bored. Only Elphaba and the little Munchkin boy are writing furiously. Elphaba raises her finger in the air with every question.
"Of course, the green freak has to make friends with the Goat, they will be a perfect couple," Pfannee whispers. Everyone starts laughing.
Elphaba glares in their direction. Glinda looks back defiantly.
"Do you want to share something?" asks Professor Dillamond, who did not hear exactly what was said.
Everyone shut up. Professor Dillamond sighs. "Well Miss Gggllllinda, what was so funny."
Glinda's eyes fly open. How does that stupid goat know her name? Glinda thinks in alarm. She looks around and sees everyone looking at her expectantly. "It's Galinda," she says snootily. ''With a Ga.''
The students begin to nod approvingly. Elphaba rolls her eyes.
"Ooh, sorry," says Professor Dillamond. ''Miss Gaaaaglinda.'' Spit flies through the room.
Glinda stands up furiously. ''My name is Galinda. I don't understand why that's so difficult for you."
Elphaba now also stands up in anger to protect her favorite professor. "Maybe it doesn't matter how Professor Dillamond pronounces your name. Maybe he has other interests and is different."
The entire class holds its breath. Glinda raises her eyebrow. "It looks like the artichoke is steaming."
Everyone starts laughing. Elphaba slowly sinks back to her chair with dark green cheeks of shame.
"Class, everyone calms down." Professor Dillamond says sternly.
He continues with his lesson.
When the lesson finally ends, Glinda storms out of the room. She has to think about how to move forward, now that that stupid goat almost betrayed her.
When she storms out, she almost runs into Nessa, who is waiting for her sister.
"Miss Galinda, are you okay?" she asks worriedly.
Glinda can barely hold herself onto the wheelchair so that she is not on the ground. "Yeah, I'm fine." She starts to walk away, but Nessa grabs her wrist.
''If it is Elphaba then I will do everything I can to punish her. I told her to treat you more with respect, but she is such a difficult person."
Glinda nods, unable to say anything. She doesn't trust herself, with what she wants to say about the stupid mistake her parents made. She knew her fake name was too similar to her real name. Why was she so stupid to agree with her parents so quickly. She quickly walks away; she needs to go somewhere to think and get her frustration out.
XXXX