As the sun set to give way to the harvest moon, the people left the main part of the town square and lined the streets. The lamplighters came out and illuminated the path, and excited chatter filled the air about the upcoming event.
The Thropps and Glinda sat on a grand dais towards the middle of the parade route. Glinda was surprised when Nessa invited her to sit with them for the parade. But she didn't dwell on it, taking it as a small token of goodwill for surviving the weekend with minimal incidents.
"Did Elphaba tell you about the Parade of the Giants, Miss Upland?" Nessa asked.
"She did, Your Eminence," Glinda nodded. "She spoke very fondly of trying to figure out how the statues worked when she was a child."
"There are new statues this year."
Elphaba glanced over at her sister. "They're not using the old ones anymore?"
"They are, but there are also new figureheads added to the lineup. And because of that, they were made with a newer design. So there'll be a stark contrast."
They continued their small talk as the marching band music grew louder. As they rounded the corner, Glinda caught a glimpse of the first giants. The wooden statues towered over the lampposts, with heads that were disproportionately larger than their bodies. While their heads were made of paper mâché and their bodies made of wood, their brightly colorful clothes appeared to be made of real clothes that moved and flowed in the breeze. She had never seen clothes that large and lifelike before, but she saw the dancer's feet and legs peeking out from under the clothes.
She didn't know who the figures were, but it didn't matter. She was too enthralled with the novelty to worry about a potential history test.
The regiments of the marching band played upbeat tunes that the giants bounced and spun to. Glinda found herself completely mesmerized by the spectacle, clapping and bouncing in her seat. Shell quickly joined in her merriment, while Frex, Elphaba, and Nessa were more subdued in their enjoyment.
"Here's one of the new puppets," Shell pointed out.
Glinda followed his gaze. The statue was around the same height, if not slightly taller, and had the same paper mâché head, though it looked better crafted. The clothes were still as vibrant, and Glinda quickly noticed the new addition. Its wooden arms were moving like a marionette doll, just without the strings.
The people seemed delighted with the new puppets, watching them wave and dance around. Even Nessa looked filled with childlike excitement when one of the puppets turned and waved to her. She waved back, which delighted the people even more. The giants interacted with the crowd, pulling a few to dance with them as the band played on.
All too soon, the last of the giants passed, and the festivities ended. Nessa gave one final short goodwill speech and a 'happy feast', and led her family off the dais.
"Did you have fun today?" Elphaba asked once she and Glinda were settled in their carriage.
"I had a wonderful time. I almost don't want this weekend to end," she giggled. "But I know you're eager to return to the Emerald City tomorrow."
"Somehow, hiding here seemed harder than hiding there."
"I know. I felt it, too. But it's almost over." She took her hands. "You did great."
"You mean when I didn't drop the basket? Thank you. And you were beautiful."
"You mean when I had to dance in front of everyone with no rehearsal? Thank you."
Elphaba chuckled. "Oz, I can't wait to be home again."
"Me neither. I bought some fun souvenir trinkets for Ama Clutch. I hope she's feeling better."
The carriage pulled through the gilded gates and up the hill to the mansion. The door was open, meaning Nessa was already inside, and probably waiting for them. Figuring it was best to not keep Nessa waiting, the girls hurried up the stairs, and not only to escape from the evening chill. Glinda immediately excused herself to freshen up.
"Dinner should be ready in a few minutes," Nessa said, trying to fend off Shell's brotherly annoying pokes. "Father went to – Shell, I said stop poking me! Oz, you had all day to burn off your excess energy. There's no reason for you to be this wound up."
Shell gave up annoying Nessa and sauntered over to Elphaba with a wide smirk.
"Don't even think about it," Elphaba warned.
Instead of a poke, Shell wrapped his arms around his big sister. Elphaba quickly recovered from her momentary startle and returned the hug.
"I'm thrilled you came back, Fabala," Shell whispered.
"I am, too, Shell." She was surprised by how easily it slipped out. But she was even more surprised by how she actually meant it.
"Will you come back for Lurlinemas?"
"I'm sorry, Shelly, but I have responsibilities in the city." She frowned as his face fell. She felt bad for disappointing him. She had done her best for her brother, everything to keep him happy and safe, but she couldn't give him everything anymore.
"When will you come back?"
"I… don't know. It might not be for a while, and I –"
"Oh. Alright. I understand," Shell interrupted, pulling away. "I'll… get ready for dinner."
"Shell!" Elphaba called after her brother as he hurried away.
"Leave him, Elphaba," Nessa sighed. "He can't always get his way, and needs to learn how to handle disappointments properly."
You're one to talk, Elphaba thought, and knew better than to say it out loud. "I'm not trying to teach him a lesson."
Nessa hummed. "You're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes. After breakfast."
"Of course you want to eat our food before leaving."
Elphaba rolled her eyes. "I'll miss you, too, Nessa."
"You will, because Oz knows when you'll decide to come back. Let's hope it's not for my funeral, since you're so busy and important in the Emerald City."
"So cynical, Nessie. I'd sooner come to your wedding."
"I see you've spoken to Father."
"And I have been persuaded to not chase away any of your potential suitors. Unless you have some you want me to chase away."
Nessa tucked her hair behind her ear. "No."
"Would you tell me if there were?"
"No."
Elphaba chuckled and kissed her sister's hair. Nessa grabbed her arm and melted into the affection. "I suppose I can be rather overprotective and intimidating."
"You are, but it's not always a bad thing. I'm… I'm glad you came home. Even if it's just for the weekend."
"… I'm glad I came home, too."
"You're far too good a liar. Go freshen up for dinner."
"Yes, Nessie." Elphaba laughed and squeezed Nessa's hand.
"Miss Upland, I wish to speak to you."
Glinda looked up at the brunette. They had just finished dinner and were having coffee in the parlor. She couldn't read Nessa, and had given up trying, but something about her tone was different; seemingly softer. "Of course, Your Eminence." She stood and followed Nessa out, glancing over her shoulder at Elphaba, who looked just as worried as the previous times.
The Governor led her down the hall and out of the residential part of the mansion. She opened a mahogany door and headed in, turning on the lights. "Close the door, please," she commanded without turning around.
Glinda obeyed, staying by the door as she looked around what appeared to be the Governor's office. It looked like Elphaba's, minus the colors and homey feeling. She could tell that Nessa's sofa wasn't meant for naps and cuddle sessions.
Nessa wheeled to a worn spot across from the sofa and motioned for Glinda to join her. The blonde sat on the stiff leather, folding her hands in her lap and offering Nessa a small smile, hoping she didn't look as nervous as she felt.
"Did you enjoy yourself this weekend?" Nessa asked.
"I did, Your Eminence."
"You did well in the Maypole dance. Thank you for filling in."
"Of course. Is… Is there something specific you wish to speak to me about?"
Nessa nodded. "As you know, I wasn't too fond of your presence initially. Not through any fault of yours, but Elphaba neglected to tell me she wanted to bring a guest. But since it got her to come home without a fuss, I decided not to make a fuss. Until…" She looked Glinda up and down.
"Until…?" Glinda gulped.
"I know."
"You know?"
"Don't play dim with me, Miss Upland. I know about you and my sister. And don't try to play yesterday morning off as you just trying to be "helpful" with Elphaba's unfortunately located burns."
Oh, sweet Oz, I'm in trouble. Elphie's in trouble. We're both in trouble. And we almost made it through unscathed, Glinda thought. She opened her mouth to voice a hopefully believable retort, but Nessa was faster.
"My father told me that Elphaba told him that you have a fiancée. I know that's a lie, putting aside your lack of an engagement ring."
"Your Eminence, I –"
"Let me finish. Now, whether you love her or are in love with her is your prerogative. You managed to conceal it well enough."
"If I may ask, how did you know?"
"I knew the second she introduced you. I knew because she brought you home. There were other little hints after that you tried to hide, but I noticed anyway. Elphaba thinks I can't see past my nose, but I'm more observant than she gives me credit for." She sighed. "She doesn't make friends easily. She's never played well with others, though that's not entirely her fault. I know you're her first friend, because she wouldn't have brought you all the way here from the Emerald City unless you were special."
"I –"
"Miss Upland, do you... find men attractive?"
She shifted. "Generally, yes. However, the types of men my parents are trying to force upon me are nowhere near what I envisioned for myself."
"So you're using Elphaba as a place filler?"
"No. Elphaba is not a place filler. I love her dearly, and she loves me. I know what we share now doesn't have a long-term realistic outcome, but right now, we're happy."
"The calm before the storm."
"More like 'the eye of the hurricane'. The world around us is crazy, but we're in a peaceful place."
Nessa considered the alternate metaphor. "So you wish to marry and start a family?"
"Yes, but I'm not in that part of my life yet."
"This is a phase?"
"Not all phases have abrupt endings. Some phases linger even after new ones start. While Elphaba is part of this phase of my life, she is more than just a phase."
"And you're more than a phase in Elphaba's life?"
"I can't speak for her, but I know my feelings are reciprocated."
Nessa was silent for a moment, mulling over all Glinda said. "I will tell you, my father believes the fiancée lie. The Unnamed God frowns upon lying, but… it is better that he doesn't find out the truth. Though, I don't suppose he'll ask again, so I won't have to actually lie, which will absolve my soul of the brunt of the sin."
"You will keep this secret?"
She straightened. "I will. My sister is just as, if not more, stubborn than me. I know better than to try and fight her on certain issues. She knows where I stand. She thinks I'm a spoilt brat, and that I only help others when it benefits me. But I've grown and changed into a mature adult, and I've noticed a change in her. She's… happier. She's smiling. You make her smile. Growing up, I thought she didn't know how to smile. And I couldn't forgive myself if I gave her another reason not to come home." Her lips twitched. "You are a kind woman, Miss Upland. I'm glad Elphaba has you in her life now. Even though I disagree with your current relationship, I will not argue, shame, condemn, or 'out' the two of you. But you won't tell her that I know."
"Thank you, Your Eminence."
"And I trust the two of you will maintain discretion."
"We will. We do."
"When she asks what we talked about, you will say that I extended a personal invitation to you for next year's harvest festival."
"She'll believe that?"
"She'll have to. It's the truth."
Glinda smiled. "Thank you."
Nessa nodded. "I have some work I want to get a head start on. My advisors advised me not to work this weekend, but tomorrow brings a whole new pile of paperwork. Thank you for indulging my prying questions, Miss Upland. You're dismissed."
Glinda stood and curtsied. Her hand was on the doorknob when Nessa's voice broke through the silence.
"Glinda, take care of my sister. Please."
It almost shocked her that Nessa remembered her first name. She turned and smiled. "I will. I promise. Even if my fake fiancée ever becomes real, I will always make sure Elphaba is loved."
"Not in the same way as your fiancée, I hope."
Glinda accidentally snorted at the unexpected comeback, and apologetically covered her mouth. She relaxed when she also saw Nessa apologetically covering her mouth.
Elphaba breathed a sigh of relief as the Colwen Grounds gates loudly closed behind them. "Thank Oz that's over. And we escaped in one piece."
"My poor Elphie. You were so stressed." Glinda said, turning to massage Elphaba's shoulders.
"No more hiding. No more family obligations. And no more Sudden Storms."
"I preferred our sneaking in the Opera House, anyway."
"I was pleasantly surprised with how this all turned out. There wasn't as much shouting and tears as my previous visits."
"I do more than ballet. I also double as a family buffer."
"Nothing surprised me more than Nessa last night. She… asked me to sing her to sleep with our old childhood lullaby. She said it was the least I could do before leaving her for Oz knows how long, and I obliged, of course. I haven't sung that in years, and I'm surprised I still remembered it."
"I do love you, Fabala. You know that, right?"
"Yes, Nessa. I know."
"Do you really?"
"I know."
"You believe it, right?"
"Yes, Nessie. I love you."
Nessa smirked sleepily, her eyelids fluttering closed. "I know."
"Did it work?"
"Like a charm. Just like when she was little." She turned to face Glinda, signaling she had enough of the shoulder massages. "I'm glad you came."
"I'm glad I came, too. Thank you for sharing this with me. Now I must think of something to share with you."
"You've already shared so much with me."
"I can share more. In fact, I'll share everything!"
"Even your post-show chocolates?"
Glinda faltered. "I'll share… most things."
Elphaba laughed as their carriage slowed into the train depot. They traveled in the same private compartment from their arrival. They spent their train ride in comfortable silence; Elphaba reading by the window, and Glinda watching the scenery whiz by.
The tick-tock the train crossed the border into the Emerald City, Glinda bounced out of her chair and flounced over to Elphaba, who was almost finished with her book.
"Glinda?" Elphaba blinked.
"We're home," Glinda grinned, sitting on Elphaba's lap and pulling her into a kiss.
…
The girls were back in the city a little after noon. Elphaba caught a cab for them and gave the driver Glinda's address. Glinda smiled at the familiar streets and the familiarly-dressed people that filled them. She couldn't wait to tell Ama Clutch all about her weekend.
She was going to take the rest of the day to rest, then go back into performances that evening, so she wouldn't see Elphaba again until the following day. She bid her companion a cheerful farewell and bounced out of the cab, her valise flying behind her.
"Ama, I'm home!" she called as soon as she unlocked the door. "Ama?"
She had expected Ama Clutch to be waiting by the door for her arrival. Frowning, she checked the parlor and dining room. No Ama Clutch. She checked the bedrooms, bathrooms, and even the kitchen. Still no Ama Clutch. Not even a clue as to where she was. She wouldn't have gone out to the town. Not without leaving a note, and especially not without her handbag, which was still handing on the hall hook.
"Ama Clutch!"
"Miss Upland."
Glinda whipped around, coming face-to-face with the butler. "Henv, hello. Where is Ama Clutch?"