"Glinda, Glinda, wait!" called Oscar as he came running up. Glinda and Elphaba both look in surprise at the man running towards them. "Is everything you wrote in there true? Is Madame Morrible like that?" Then he noticed Elphaba standing there and gasped.

Elphaba looked surprised at the man. He seemed familiar to her.

"Um, hi, I, uh. Hi," stammered Oscar. "I'm Oscar," he suddenly said, extending his hand.

Glinda slaps her hand against her forehead. What is he doing here and why is he using her real name. Hopefully Elphaba doesn't catch on..

Elphaba shook his hand. "I'm Elphaba. Nice to meet you. Why do you call Galinda Glinda?"

Of course she realizes, Glinda thinks, frustrated. Oscar chuckled sheepishly. "That's a good question."

"It's an old joke between us," Glinda quickly said.

"So, you two know each other? How?" Elphaba asked.

"Elphaba, this is my uncle Oscar. Uncle Oscar, this is my best friend, Elphaba."

Oscar shot a confused look. "Haha, yes, I tease my little niece."

Elphaba raised an eyebrow. "How nice of you to come for Galinda on parent's day, sir"

" Please call me Oscar. I happened to be in the area."

"Yeah, it was a coincidence," Glinda chimed in. "But my uncle and I need to talk for a moment."

"Oh, okay, I'll wait here. But Oscar, do I know you from somewhere?" Elphaba asked.

Oscar looked thoughtful. "I would remember such a beautiful girl. I'm sorry, you don't look familiar."

Elphaba shrugged. She can't shake the feeling. She also thinks Galinda is acting strange, but maybe it's because of her parents. Elphaba isn't reassured, but she gives Galinda the benefit of the doubt.

Glinda guided Oscar away from their spot. "What were you thinking?" Glinda hissed angrily. "You almost gave me away."

"Sorry, I didn't see Elphaba standing there."

"She's green for Oz's sake, hard to miss," Glinda said, still upset.

"Sorry, but I wanted to talk to you about your notes. Do you really mean what you wrote about Madame Morrible?"

Glinda suddenly felt special again. Finally, someone who wanted to listen to her. She nodded vigorously. "Yes, her documents state that Elphaba is useful."

"Do you have those documents?"

"I broke into Madame Morrible's office and saw the documents. I held them up to my camera. I can read them from the screen."

"Can I read them too? I want to know what else is there."

Glinda nodded. "I'll come up with something to get Elphaba out of the room."

''I don't get it, why won't your parents discuss this important information with me, while you are so convinced of it?''

Glinda bites her lip. ''My parents think I am too emotionally involved. That I no longer have any perspective on the whole situation. Apart from the documents, she has done nothing wrong.''

Oscar looks surprised. ''And what about your feelings? Don't you spies take action based on your instincts? That keeps you alive, right?''

Glinda chuckles. ''Sort of, but it depends on the mission. In this mission, it doesn't make sense to get emotionally involved.'' Glinda has learned that by now. When she thinks about her obligatory farewell, she already has a hard time. ''But sometimes our instincts tell us that someone is in the room, or that something is about to happen.'' Now that Glinda thinks about it, and with the knowledge she has of her growing magical powers, which she has not yet told her parents about, it may be that this is why she trusts her instincts so much. What did Madame Morrible tell her again, she wonders, oh yes, your magic is like second nature to you. You have to trust it like your instincts.

''Ooh,'' Oscar looks uncertain. ''What should we do now?''

Glinda sighs. She is now going against the wishes of her team and a spy without a team, in this case her parents, in all cases her parents, she thinks gloomily, is a dead spy. Her parents taught her that, so that she felt important while helping their missions, but it was true; because how many times has Glinda saved them, by giving a warning? "Do you believe me?"

Oscar thinks for a moment and nods.

"Then we'll continue as we just discussed. I'll make sure Elphaba leaves the room, we can look at the footage of the documents and draw our own conclusions."

Oscar gives a weak smile. He looks longingly at Elphaba. "Shouldn't we tell her the truth?" Oscar wondered aloud.

"What exactly do you want to say? 'Hey, Elphie, you're a good girl, but your magic can be exploited, turning you wicked, and oh yes, I've been spying on you for the past few months to investigate who's trying to sway you to the dark side. The wizard wants you by your side if you are good. Will you still trust me?"' Glinda said sarcastically.

"I'd phrase it a bit more tactfully," the Wizard deadpanned.

Glinda rolled her eyes. "I think I'm too deep into deception to tell the truth. I'll have to hurt her either way," Glinda said, looking at Elphaba, who was still waiting patiently. "I don't know if she'll get over it," she whispered.

They paused. Elphaba made eye contact and smiled cautiously.

"Could that be why she might turn wicked? Because of my betrayal?" Glinda asked anxiously. "Because of me, she might turn wicked? Maybe we should spare her that pain."

Oscar rubbed his chin. He too is too deep in his own lies to tell Glinda that he is actually the Wizard and that Elphaba is his daughter. That he has no magical powers, but that he was looking for a way to protect his daughter and that in retrospect he chose a very roundabout method, but who cares? He hadn't thought about that his actions might make everything worse. Oscar it's not really going to happen, it's a lie what you told. Elphaba is not going to be a Wicked Witch. says a voice in his head.

"Come, let's read everything first."

Glinda nodded. They walked back to Elphaba. "Uncle Oscar would like to see my room."

Elphaba raised an eyebrow. "Was that the question I wasn't supposed to hear?"

Glinda sheepishly laughed. "I also threatened him if he calls me Glinda one more time."

Oscar laughed along and nodded.

Elphaba eyed everyone suspiciously but nodded anyway. They walked to their room. Galinda meanwhile recounted stories she and her uncle had experienced. Elphaba looked amazed and laughed along with the jokes.

Oscar struggled not to just grab Elphaba's hand or give her a hug. He had to control his paternal instincts.

xxxx

Before she reaches the door, Glinda frantically searches through her bag. She looks panicked and feels in her dress.

"What's going on?" Elphaba asks

"I think I lost my keys," she says in a small voice. "I don't get it. I just had them in my hands, right?"

Elphaba thinks deeply. "I can't remember."

"Uncle Oscar?" Galinda continues acting.

"I'm sorry Galinda, darling."

Tears well up in her eyes.

"Where did you last have your key?" Elphaba asked, concerned.

Glinda thought. "I think it was where we were just now. When you scared me, I had my keys because I was going to my room."

"Here, take my key, and I'll go check," Elphaba handed her key to Glinda.

"No, Elphie, I lost my keys, not you," Glinda tried to return the keys.

"Let your uncle show me our room," Elphaba said with a wink as she turned and walked away.

Glinda wanted to call out to stop her but kept quiet, looking proudly at Oscar. "That's how you do it."

Oscar was impressed. They quickly went inside. Glinda showed him the footage.

"Look, she's talking about the Grimmerie. I have no idea what that means," Glinda said.

Oscar critically read through the document. "I don't like how much she knows about magic," he muttered. "She clearly has knowledge of magic and knows what to do with it."

"That's bad, right?" Glinda asked to confirm.

Oscar nodded. "For example, she knows I have the Grimmerie. That's not public knowledge. No one can read it; only a very special person can. Others can learn, but it takes a lot of time."

"Do you know who that might be?"

"Someone with great power and a good soul."

"Elphie."

Oscar looked up. "Yes, like Elphaba. Maybe Madame Morrible wants to use her to read from the Grimmerie."

Glinda nodded. "Is the Grimmerie a bad book?"

"No, but it's a powerful book. A spell cannot be undone."

"Wow," Glinda had paid attention during Madame Morrible's lessons. She knew how important it was to execute a spell correctly, as things could quickly go wrong.

"Indeed, wow."

There was a knock on the door. "Can I come in?"

Glinda opened the door for Elphaba. "I actually had it in my bag," Glinda laughed apologetically as she let Elphaba in. "We've been waiting for you. We're going to have dinner later, my uncle's treat, as an apology."

Oscar looked surprised but nodded. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea." He went along with Glinda's story. This might be his chance to be with his daughter more, Oz, how wonderful. He can get to know her more.

"That's very kind, but I have to go to my father soon."

Oscar immediately looked concerned. "Should I talk to your father? Maybe I can convince him."

Elphaba shook her head. "Maybe next time."

Glinda grabbed Elphaba's hand. "Sorry, but my uncle can be very persuasive."

Elphaba squeezed Glinda's hand. "It's just two evenings. It'll be fine. You guys go."

Oscar nodded slowly. "Too bad, I hope you can make it next time. Galinda, my dearest niece, I'll see you tonight," he hugged Glinda and kissed her cheek. He did the same to Elphaba, who froze.

"Sorry," Glinda said once Oscar was gone. "He doesn't know his boundaries and he's a hugger."

"No problem," Elphaba said, still dark green. "I'll go get ready. Will you be eating with your uncle and parents?"

"They won't pick me up for another two hours. We're going to a very expensive restaurant." Her parents had deliberately chosen it so they could eat and talk about whatever they wanted without fear of being overheard.

"That's too bad. I was hoping for a distraction," Elphaba whispered softly.

"Is it that bad?" Glinda asked, concerned.

Elphaba shrugged. "It's bad now because I'm used to being appreciated. Now I see how bad his behavior is. I knew it before too, but now it's different because I've experienced the other side." Elphaba sighed and sat down. "I don't like my feelings."

Glinda laughed and sat behind Elphaba. She started loosening her hair. "Then stay a little longer with people who care about you."

Elphaba closed her eyes and enjoyed Glinda's hands massaging her head.

XXX

Oscar quickly walks across the campus, hoping he can still catch the last train back. He needs to gather information about Madame Morrible. Even though he's the Wizard of Oz, he can't just do whatever he wants.

"Excuse me, sir. May I ask why you're on this premises?" he suddenly hears.

Oscar turns around. "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize this was off-limits. I'll leave immediately."

"This is a university, only accessible to students, faculty, and parents today."

"I came to visit my niece. That's allowed, right?" he asks innocently.

"Is Galinda your niece, or Elphaba?"

Oscar nods, suddenly on guard. He gets a bad feeling from the woman in front of him. "Her name is Galinda. How do you know?"

"I saw you two talking."

Oscar immediately digs into his memory. How and when?

"I'd like to have a word with you about your niece."

"Wouldn't it be better to speak with her parents?"

"They seem to have no interest in my message. Besides, I haven't seen them yet." It has irritated her immensely, so she wants to take this opportunity to find out something and maybe get her out of school. She has listened to empty-headed parents all day. She wants to show how much power she has. People should respect her.

Oscar bites his lip.

"You seem like a concerned uncle who wants the best for his niece," Madame Morrible tries.

Oscar continues to think. It could be a trap. ''May I ask who you are?'' he tries to avoid having to go with that woman.

The woman raises her eyebrow. ''I am Madame Morrible.''

Now Oscar looks surprised. This is not good, he thinks. But on the other hand, maybe I can get information from that woman. Who is she and what exactly does she want with my daughter. Oscar it is time for you to behave like a real father and protect your daughter well. He says, as if it is going to be an easy job. But in reality he has no idea what he wants to do.

"I could also have you arrested for trespassing on restricted grounds."

Oscar's eyes widen. "I'll come with you."

Madame Morrible smiles. "How nice." She leads Oscar to her office and offers him a cup of tea. Oscar accepts the cup and sets it on the table in front of him. Madame Morrible is watching him closely to make sure he really finishes his tea. She's put more in it than she intended, but she doesn't feel like talking so much, with this strange man. She's been watching Galinda all afternoon. Eventually, she lost her. But then she saw her talking to him, this strange man she doesn't know. They were talking so secretly. Further away, she saw Elphaba standing there. She seemed to be patiently waiting for Galinda and the man to finish. Later, Elphaba walked out of their building alone. So one more moment for Galinda and the man to talk. She needs to know what's going on. Maybe it can help her fully regain Elphaba's trust. Another chance to get closer to her lofty ambitions.

Besides, it's just fun to tease students every now and then. Some think they can do anything. Morrible can feel her frustration rising. A group of arrogant, spoiled airheads, think they can get away with anything, just because mommy and daddy have a little money or because they happen to be smarter than others. Others have to work really hard for it. For everything they have achieved in their lives. It is not fair and Madame Morrible makes sure that a number of students will feel that unfairness, but not in the way that the conceited students are used to. This year it is Galinda. Oz, if anyone makes her blood boil, it is her. With that high-pitched giggle and her fake stupid comments. That someone like her would ever be allowed into the university. But Madame Morrible makes sure that she returns to her parents in tears. Although she has already expected more resistance than she thought and that only makes her angrier and more certain of her case to get rid of Galinda.

First she has to concentrate on this man. She wants to know who he is and what his relationship is to Galinda. She can't figure out what Galinda wants with this man.

"So, what would you like to talk about?" Oscar asks after a long awkward silence. Taking a sip from his tea.

"I'm concerned about Galinda's behavior. Ever since she became friends with her roommate, she's changed," Madame Morrible begins seriously, taking a sip of her tea.

Oscar follows suit. "I think she's improved. She's less arrogant than before," Oscar lies. He has no idea if it's true.

Madame Morrible grins. The sooner the better, she thinks. "That may be, but her methods have not improved. She's become insolent, skips classes, and interferes in matters she shouldn't. This behavior I'm used to from Elphaba, not Galinda."

Oscar starts to feel a bit lighter in his head. "Perhaps you should discuss this with her parents. I don't know Galinda that well." What in Oz did I just say? Oscar thinks in shock. Why didn't I listen to my feelings and follow that woman? Galinda warned me about this Madame Morrible. Why am I so Stubborn? Oscar thinks in panic. oh yeah, because I was arrogant and thought I could know everything. But now I'm in trouble. What should I do. Do I feel different yet? What did she do. Oz Oz Oz.

Madame Morrible smiles. "A higher dossier works faster indeed. I must remember that." She stands up and starts writing things down. "So, how do you really know our Galinda?"

Oscar shakes his head, but he can't control his mouth. "I asked her to look after Elphaba." He looks around in panic. He wants to get up, but it feels like his whole body isn't cooperating. "What's happening?"

Madame Morrible raises her eyebrows. She didn't expect this information. "I put something in your tea. A herb that temporarily prevents walking and another to prevent lying. I have little time; it may wear off soon." She is glad that she learned some tricks from her organization. This way she can more easily defeat the enemies, or get the information she wants. It has been useful to find some villages of the Animals.

They were glad that the Wizard made a rule that the Animals could no longer live in a city. That made their work so much easier. They had hoped that he would continue, but he stopped. So the organization that Madame Morrible is part of had to finish the work. It is a lot of work, but the result is worth it.

She has learned a lot of handy tricks. This knowledge will always come in handy. She thinks with satisfaction.

"Why does Galinda need to look after Elphaba?"

Oscar squeezes his eyes shut. This woman must not know. What will happen if she does? His reputation that he's worked on for years. All the attention. "Because she's my daughter, and I want her safe."

''So our dear Galinda lies to Elphaba all the time?'' she asks to make sure what Oscar means.

Oscar tries to resist, but his head slowly starts to nod

Madame Morrible is first too surprised to respond and then starts laughing. "This is too good to be true. I can get rid of that annoying Galinda. Elphaba will only have me to listen to. The job with the Wizard is getting position means more power. Am I finally free of these airheads? No more disdainful parents who think their sweetheart has more right than the others. No more teachers who come to complain about books that are too old. Hello, Emerald City in all its splendor."

That woman is going crazy. The power is already going to her head. Oscar thinks in panic and tries to find a way out. "Not like this. The Wizard will never work with you." Oscar shouts. This time it's from his anger and fear that he reacts. When he's afraid, he acts first before he thinks, which is a lesser quality of his, but not useful now.

Madame Morrible frowns. There's something in his tone that piques her curiosity. After working for years with those annoying students, she knows better which comments to follow up on and which not. "What do you mean? Who are you to have this information?"

Oscar now wishes he could bite off his tongue. "I'm Oscar Diggs, I'm the Wizard."

He feels relieved that he said it but immediately fears what's to come.

Madame Morrible almost faints. "What?" She shakes her head. "What?"

"I'm the Wizard of Oz. My name is Oscar," he repeats, responding to the questions Madame Morrible asked.

It remains quiet. Oscar swallows and hopes Madame Morrible won't do anything strange.

"Okay, I need to think about this. You look like a regular man. How?" Madame Morrible says, perplexed.

No, no, no, no, Oscar thinks in panic. Just for once, shut your stupid mouth. Why is my whole future at stake in a moment of arrogance? What will the people of Oz think if they find out? What if she tells them Elphaba is my daughter? No, stop talking. he thinks sternly. But his mouth seems to have a life of its own. "During the great drought, I landed here in Oz. I looked different, and I had all sorts of strange items with me, like the hot air balloon. People saw me as a savior and asked if I could end the drought. I waited a few days, then retreated into a room, saying I was working on it. The rain came naturally. I have no control over the weather." Oscar swallows. He notices that the potion is starting to wear off because he's feeling his legs again, but slowly. He cann't controle his mouth.

"People also started asking for advice on small problems. With logical thinking and a little show, I helped them. Before I knew it, everyone wanted me to be the leader of Oz. Everyone believes I have magical powers."

"Do you?" Madame Morrible asks with a penetrating gaze. ''Do you have magic?''

Oscar is so afraid that he tells the truth without prompting. "No, it's all a show, but people believe it."

Okay, Oscar, there is nothing more you can do. The truth has been told. Now it is a matter of repairing the damage. That mad woman wants a position in the palace. Keep your enemies close. You must still remain in power. Perhaps it is time to use propaganda to gain more power and to make Madame Morrible the bad guy. Then the people will turn against her. Okay, smart plan, but there is still much to be done. Stay calm Oscar. He says to himself. Oz, what has he done. His future. The people of Oz could fall under the leadership of this mad woman. He must be smart about it; no more hasty decisions. The plan to use propaganda against Madame Morrible is smart, but there is still much to be done. Will he succeed? It is her word against his. The people listen to him. But can he take the risk? Is it all worth it to him, or should he take the easy way out? Maybe that is better. The path of least resistance. As long as he remains on the throne, nothing can go wrong, right? Oscar is conflicted. Meanwhile, Madame Morrible is writing things down and making plans. She has so much information. She can hardly believe it. But the truth potion doesn't lie. She has seen him fight, lie. That always happens to those fools who think they are smarter. Now Madame Morrible is finally smarter. Oz, so many more questions. But she also knows she has less time. She feels her enthusiasm rising. This is the best day of my life.

It's quiet again. Oscar moves his legs. "What are you going to do now?" he asks, wanting to know where he stands.

Madame Morrible shakes her head. "The possibilities are endless," she whispers more to herself than to Oscar. "I need to think this over very carefully. But I want influence, over you, over Elphaba."

"Keep her out of this." He stands up immediately.

She smiles. "You have no say. Or do you want all of Oz to find out your little secret?"

Oscar sits back down, defeated.

"That's right," Madame Morrible continues mercilessly. "You have to choose between your daughter or all the people of Oz. Think about how your daughter will react when she finds out you've lied to her. Think about how the people of Oz will react when they find out you've been lying all this time? How will they react when they find out you also have a daughter? I'm only asking for something small, and you're protecting something big."

Oscar swallows. She's right, he thinks. The people of Oz will go after Elphaba. I have no protection. Another very small voice says it's nonsense and he should think of his daughter. But that voice isn't as strong as the rest. "I'll see what I can do for you," he whispers. He immediately lowers his head.

Madame Morrible looks satisfied. She can still be manipulative. She sends Oscar out of her office. Her head is too busy making plans; she doesn't go to her room. She can't have that spoiled Nessa bothering her right now. "Thank you, Oz," Madame Morrible says with relief. "Finally, I have all the luck in the world, and I'm going to take advantage of it."

XXXXX

During the weekend, Glinda keeps thinking about her conversation with her parents. She has two more weeks of college before she leaves. She has to do poorly on her exams, so she will be expelled immediately. She knows that Madame Morrible wants to help her with that. She worries about Elphaba. Maybe she should tell her; she is leaving after all. The approaching parting will hurt her more than she wants to admit. She hopes that Oscar will find more information about Madame Morrible, so that she might be able to stay later. But the exams start this week. OZ, what should she do?

"Hey Galinda, are you okay?" Elphaba asks concerned when she doesn't get a response.

"Oh, sorry, I was lost in thought. What did you ask?" Glinda says.

"Did it hurt?"

Glinda sticks out her tongue.

Elphaba laughs. "Sorry, I was asking if you're ready for the exams."

Glinda nods. She doesn't need to study anyway. "How about you?"

"Yes, now that Father was here, I didn't have to spend as much time with Nessa. I studied extra."

"Don't you mind how your father treats you?"

Elphaba shrugs. "I'm used to it. I hope it could be different, of course. But I've given up on that hope long ago. It's mostly that I'm used to how things can be different because of you and Fiyero. I don't know. You give me a feeling that I matter.'' You also give me the feeling that I can't describe and you both act strangely, she thinks afterwards.

Glinda gives a small smile. ''Glad I could help. That's what real friends are for.''

''You keep saying that, but I still don't know what real friends do.''

''Just be yourself. You have it in you.''

Elphaba sighs in frustration. ''That's of no use to me.''

Glinda laughs. ''Friendship isn't exams or something you can learn. You just have to do it. Sometimes you make mistakes, but you learn from them. It's about trusting each other and doing the best for each other.''

''You do that, don't you?''

''What?''

''Trust me?'' Elphaba asks softly, afraid of the answer.

Glinda's heart breaks. Oz, how can she be so stupid. Break the trust of such a girl. She should never have accepted this whole mission. What will happen to Elphaba? How will she trust anyone. Maybe all of these actions are what makes Elphaba Wicked? What if we are the cause instead of the solution. Why didn't Oscar see that in his magic ball? Does Oscar or the wizard really have magic powers or was it a ruse for something Glinda thinks in horror.

''Galinda?''

''Yes, of course I trust you Elphie. You are my best friend.'' Glinda stands up and gives Elphie a hug. She puts her head on Elphie's shoulder. ''I trust you. Do you trust me too?''

Elphaba hesitates. It is a question that has been playing on her mind for months, she cannot make choices. But has she ever trusted anyone in her life? Apart from Professor Dillamond, she has not really trusted anyone. She can no longer remember her mother, she does trust her sister, but to a certain extent because she knows that Nessa does not always understand her or goes to their father. The only logical answer is yes, but she is still not convinced.

''Elphie?''

"Yes," she whispers. They both feel a kind of tension coming from them, but they are not completely reassured.

Glinda nods. She stares off again.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Elphaba asks.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

"Because ever since your parents visited, you've been very distracted. You also didn't seem very happy to go out for dinner with them on Saturday. Is something wrong?"

Yes, a lot has happened, thinks Glinda. "Yes, my parents were being silly, that's all," says Glinda, knowing she had to give Elphaba something, otherwise, she'll keep asking and feeling worried.

"Nothing about the situation with Madame Morrible, because I'd like to take the blame." Elphaba is still uneasy about the whole situation with Madame Morrible. Part of that is because she doesn't fully trust Galinda and Madame Morrible and part of that is because she's not used to anyone doing something for her. It's a selfless act from Galinda. Which doesn't sit well with Elphaba.

"No," says Glinda sharply. She saw how Frex was with Elphaba; she doesn't want to know how he'll react when he hears that his eldest daughter has used magic. "My parents spoke to me as if they didn't believe in me. Not like you do," Glinda quickly fabricates. It's also part of the truth, Glinda thinks, satisfied.

Elphaba frowns. "They seem very supportive of you."

Glinda shrugs. "That's only for appearances."

Elphaba nods in understanding. "Sorry, Galinda. But you've studied well for the exams. You're going to surprise your parents. You have so much more in you than anyone says. You have to believe that," Elphaba takes Glinda's hands and squeezes them.

Glinda feels a tingling sensation and smiles. "Thanks, Elpie. It'll be alright. You must never change."

Elphaba starts to blush. "We're talking about you."

"You've helped me. More than you know. Thanks for everything," Glinda hugs Elphaba. That's the only advantage; her parents can't watch anymore. They took most of the equipment with them again for their own missions. Only the listening devices they didn't take, on Glinda's advice.

Elphaba looks confused but hugs Glinda anyway.

Glinda takes Elphaba's hand. "Come on, let's go to the first and last exam today. Maybe we can go to the city to celebrate," Glinda says excitedly. "Yes, I know, tonight we'll study," she quickly adds.

"Yeah, that sounds fun. Maybe we can invite ShenShen and Pfannee."

Glinda abruptly turns around. "What did you say?"

Elphaba chuckles. "You keep saying I need to be more social."

Glinda smiles. "Then you can go ask them," she quickly walks out of their room.

"Wait a minute. That wasn't the deal. They never say yes to me," Elphaba calls out as she grabs their bags and follows Glinda.

XXXXX Later in the weekXXXX

"Finally, the exams are over," Fiyero sighs as he sets down his tray of food. Everyone had their final exams in the morning. In the afternoon, everyone has to submit an essay, and then they have a lovely weekend of rest.

The others nod. "Let's celebrate," Nessa says enthusiastically.

Everyone nods again and starts talking. Fiyero rubs his head. "Shall we eat beforehand?" he asks Elphaba.

Elphaba nods happily. "Yes, maybe we can all go," she says joyfully to Galinda.

Glinda sees Fiyero's face and feels sorry for him. "I think he only wants to eat with you."

Fiyero looks much happier. "Yes, I meant just the two of us," he starts to blush.

Elphaba finally understands what is meant and also starts to blush. "That sounds nice."

Fiyero takes her hand and squeezes it. They happily continue eating. They work out the details of their fun evening out. Fiyero bites his lips. OZ, what has he gotten himself into. It seemed like an easy job to keep an eye on Glinda and help her, without her noticing. But now her parents have given him the assignment to have more contact with Elphaba. The girls have to be apart more. But now he is getting emotionally involved in the mission. That is something he absolutely does not want. He has to pretend that he is slowly developing feelings for Elphaba, so that he has a good reason to be closer to her more often. He is afraid that Elphaba will develop real feelings. What should he do then?

Boq looks lovingly at Nessa. Since she has changed so much, his mission has also become a lot easier. He can now send his target in the right direction. He has never had such an easy mission. He is only worried about the cameras he saw on Elphaba's room. He has not yet figured out who they belong to. He has not yet reported it to his boss. He does not know how he will react. He did give a full report on Madame Morrible. That woman is a first-class witch. He wants to tell Galinda what that witch thinks about her. But he doesn't know how to do it. He can hardly say, 'I'm a spy and this is what I found out about your headmaster.' Since Parents' Day, Madame Morrible has been acting differently than usual. He keeps a close eye on her, but she suddenly left for the Emerald City. He did discover that Madame Morrible has contacts with an illegal organization that believes that humans are better than Animals. But so far her absurd view has had no effect on his target, or on Galinda, so what should he do with this information? His employer hasn't said anything back yet. He continues to gather information. Oz knows what he can use for later. He can use the money for his family, that's what matters.

As everyone returns to their rooms, library, or other activities, Elphaba stops Glinda for a moment. "Aren't you bothered?"

"What?"

"Everyone's going out to eat tonight."

Glinda looks at her questioningly.

"Do you feel left out?"

Glinda feels a new wave of appreciation. "Oh, Elphie, don't worry about me. I'm fine being alone for a bit. Otherwise, I can always go to ShenShen and Pfannee."

"Do you mind if I'm with Fiyero? I mean, we've been to dinner before. But that was weeks ago. This feels more serious. I don't want to hurt your feelings," Elphaba says quickly, not really looking at Glinda.

Glinda grabs Elphaba's chin and makes sure they're looking at each other. "Honey, I'm not jealous of Fiyero anymore. I know you trust me. That's all I can ask of you. If you're happy with Fiyero, that's fine with me." Glinda would prefer that Fiyero stay away from her, but she can't say that now that she knows she's leaving in a week. She has to make sure Elphaba has someone else besides her. Maybe that way she can limit the damage before she leaves.

Elphaba nods. Not very convincing, she doesn't know how she feels about Fiyero herself. Yes, he is a handsome man, and she is still surprised that he chose her, but is it real love that she feels for him? When he compliments her, she feels warm inside, but that also happens when others compliment her. Will I really be happy with Fiyero? She wonders. One voice says yes wholeheartedly, the other very quietly no. The latter voice bothers her more often, only it does not tell her what to do now. She is irritated by it.

Later...

Back in their room, Glinda looks through the wardrobe for a nice dress for Elphaba. She immediately knows which one she wants to pick, the dress she bought secretly for Elphaba. As she picks up the dress and turns around, she feels all the blood drain from her face. Her heart sinks to the ground. "What is this?" she asks softly.

"It's a green letter from the Wizard," Elphaba whispers as if she can't believe she's holding the envelope.

Glinda remains silent. Elphaba looks up. "Galinda, do you know what this is?" she asks.

Glinda nods.

"It's a letter from the Wizard. How, why? This is... wow," Elphaba can only manage.

Glinda puts the dress back. Maybe this is Oscar's work. That means she doesn't have to betray Elphaba. "Quickly open it," Glinda says enthusiastically.

Elphaba nods. With trembling hands, she opens the envelope. "Dear Elphaba," she reads aloud. "I have learned from your school head Madame Morrible that you possess magical powers. I would like to invite you for an audition. I want to see for myself how powerful you are. I hope to see you next Monday. Train tickets and an overnight stay for the Sunday before are enclosed. Madame Morrible has been informed and will handle everything at school.

I hope to welcome you soon.

Best regards,

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

"Sweet Oz, do you know what this means?" Elphaba says once she has recovered from the shock.

probably not, because I'm pretty panicked. Why is Oscar writing this in Oz's name. I don't trust it. she thinks "That you'll soon know more about fashion than I do," Glinda says to lighten the mood.

"What? No, no, that I can work with the Wizard," she says happily.

Glinda laughs. "You deserve it."

"Will you come with me?" Elphaba is terrified and super excited. She wants someone to be with her.

"What?"

"Yes, why not?" Elphaba says enthusiastically. "I'd like you to come with me. You're my best friend." She thinks her friend could use some good news.

"Oh, Elphie," Glinda flies around Elphaba. "That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. I've always wanted to go to the Emerald City."

XXXX