"My parents gave me an ultimatum. If I don't go back with them tomorrow to marry the man they picked out for me, they'll cut me off. Completely. No money. No nothing. And don't get me started about how they didn't care about Ama Clutch!"

Glinda had burst into Elphaba's office, and immediately started ranting, even before she registered that Elphaba was even there. Elphaba had startled and made to stop her, then she saw her red, puffy eyes, wet cheeks, and frizzy hair. She was so shocked that she couldn't move out from behind her desk, and now she had to watch as Glinda paced around her office.

"I knew they would do this! That's not a surprise. Or, well… it's a surprise that it's happening now. It's… been ten years. I haven't seen my parents in almost ten years, and… they didn't even say 'hello', or that they missed me, or ask how I was doing, or… and they didn't even care about Ama Clutch! My mother said she wanted to sack her for 'dereliction of duty'. Imagine if they found out about Munchkinland! I… I…"

"Glinda." Elphaba finally came out from around her desk and pulled her into her arms. "If it's money you need, I can –"

"I already told you, I don't want your money!" She stiffened and pushed Elphaba away.

"Glinda, I know you're feeling… I can't imagine what you're feeling. But you must listen to me. This… I'm not offering you charity. I'm offering you protection. Money is the only thing that can protect you. I know you feel like you don't have another option, but you do. Let me protect you. Please."

"I'm not nothing if I don't have money!"

"I never said… my sweet, come here," Elphaba whispered, taking her hands.

"My parents said that. And I thought about it, and they're right. Even after all these years, my parents still hold this control over me. I don't have a choice. I need… I don't want them to take me! Elphie, don't let them take me!"

Elphaba held the hysterical girl against her body, rocking her as she stroked her hair. "I know you don't want me pulling strings for you at the opera house, and I won't, but this is different. It's so much bigger. I… I have an idea."

Glinda looked up at her as she wiped her eyes. "What is it?"

"You have an invitation to the Wizard's Lurlinemas ball."

"As your plus-one. It's your name on both invitations. They… they won't allow me to stay just for that."

Elphaba took a deep breath, bracing herself. "Tell them your presence is a command from the Wizard's heir."

"What? Elphaba, be serious. I can't say that. The Wizard doesn't have an heir."

"You're right. He doesn't have an heir. But he has a daughter." She led her to the sofa and sat down with her. "Glinda, what I'm about to tell you, you must promise me never to tell anyone. Ever. You must take this secret to your grave."

"I promise, but I don't understand. Why would I –"

"I told you that I inherited this opera house from my mother's special friend. That man… was more than her friend. He was her lover. He… he is my father."

"Elphaba…"

"And… he's currently the Wizard."

Glinda blinked at the green woman. "Excuse me?"

"Frexspar Thropp isn't my biological father. When he left Munchkinland on one of his missions, the Wizard – before he was the Wizard – seduced my mother. They had a secret affair that resulted in me being conceived, and it continued until she died. My father was none the wiser, since my mother also had sex with him, then claimed I was born early. My sister and brother also don't know the truth."

"You're… you're…"

"This is what I wanted to tell you before. That you thought I just wasn't ready to admit. And you were correct. I don't consider the Wizard my father, though he tries. Those invitations are him 'trying'."

Glinda brushed her hair from her face. "What does this mean? For us? For… for everything?"

She met her gaze. "It means you can tell your parents that you've caught the attention of someone very important and close to the Wizard, and they have arranged a match for you. A match that you will meet at the Lurlinemas Ball. Show them the invitation. No one can refuse the Wizard."

She sniffed and nodded. "Alright. If it means there's a possibility I'll be able to stay here."

"It will. They'll be many titled people, not just people with money. That would be enough to please your parents."

"They… they already have the marriage contract."

"Did you sign it?"

"No. Of course not."

"Then it's not binding. You're an adult. They can't make that decision for you. If they wanted to do this without your consent, they should've done it before you turned eighteen."

"They weren't paying attention to me before I turned eighteen… or after." Now significantly calmer, Glinda leaned back against the pillows. "Okay. I'll tell my parents. They'd rather see me with someone rich and titled than someone who just owns a bunch of emerald mines. If it doesn't prevent it, it will at least delay it until after Lurlinemas. It's not ideal, but I can make it work."

Elphaba squeezed her hand. "This will work out, my sweet."

"Glinda, don't be ridiculous," Larena scoffed. "There's no possibility you met someone close to the Wizard at that opera house."

"There are many influential people who visit and work in the opera house," Glinda said, fighting to keep her voice confident and strong. "People from all across Oz come. It's a landmark building. I've even performed for the Governor of Munchkinland. I'm making connections."

"What connections?" Highmuster asked, leaning forward and folding his hands.

"Connections that led to me getting invited to the Wizard's exclusive Lurlinemas Eve Ball."

"Let me see this invitation," Larena commanded.

Glinda pulled the invitation from her bag and handed it to her mother. Larena held it up to the light. The official seal reflected the light, confirming its authenticity, and she handed it to her husband.

"I was promised introductions with many rich and titled people from across Oz. Barons and Dukes, all in want of a wife."

"Of a proper wife, not a ballet dancer."

"Being a dancer in one of the most prestigious operas isn't a frowned-upon career." She took the invitation from her father and held it against her chest.

"You're not even an important dancer, Glinda. You're always in the back."

How would you know? You've never been to a performance, Glinda thought, unable to keep it from flashing across her face.

"And this isn't your name on the invitation. It says 'Elphaba Thropp'."

"Thropp? As in the Governor of Munchkinland?" Larena asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. The same Governor of Munchkinland that came here and saw me perform a very importantly complicated solo," Glinda said, a bit of pride seeping into her voice. The news that Elphaba was the opera house owner wasn't public knowledge yet, but knowing how rumors spread innuendo and outuendo in the opera house, it wouldn't take long. Still, she kept it to herself. "Elphaba is her sister."

"She is your strong connection? Isn't she the green one?"

Glinda winced, but quickly recovered. "She is green, yet as the Governor's sister, she wields much power and influence. She currently resides here in the city, and I've met her on several occasions. She is close with people close to the Wizard, and since we share a close relationship, she has invited me as her guest. It was practically a command, and I couldn't refuse." She prided herself on how she was able to spin the story Elphaba told her to say. She wouldn't have to play her "Wizard's daughter' card if she played the game correctly. "Ama Clutch has also met and vetted her."

Larena scoffed again, signaling that a tactic change might be in order.

"I just think it was very unfair of you to assume I didn't have a match for myself. I've spent my entire time here making connections. It took time, but it's finally starting to pay off."

"Glinda –"

"And that marriage contract isn't valid without my signature."

Her parents' faces dropped for a tick-tock, as if surprised that Glinda was knowledgeable of that. Glinda fought a smirk at catching their bluff. Did they not think her smart enough to know that? She wasn't; Elphaba had to tell her, but her parents didn't need to know that.

"What will we tell Mr. Waith? He is expecting you," Larena asked.

"Tell him that I have been delayed with Emerald City business. Besides, he doesn't sound like he's going anywhere. If he wants me, he can prove his worth."

"If he'll still have you at all!"

"Mother –"

"I knew moving to this city would be bad for you. It's turned you into a defiant woman who doesn't know when to quit. You are being delusional, but you will soon come to your senses." Larena stood, grabbed her coat, and marched out of the townhouse.

Glinda didn't flinch as the door slammed, and looked back at her father. "Father –"

"You've upset your mother," the older man frowned.

"If I don't have someone of higher status interested in me after the Lurlinemas Ball… I will marry Mr. Waith," she breathed.

Highmuster looked his daughter up and down, then rose to his feet. "Very well." He made to follow his wife out, but stopped. "We're just looking out for your best interest, Glinda."

"I know you know what's best for me," Glinda admitted. "But you don't know me. I'm more than just an unimportant ballet dancer in the back."

"Glinda –"

"I must go see about Ama Clutch. The doctor said that she might be able to come home today. Assuming she still has her job despite her 'dereliction of duty'."

Highmuster frowned, but didn't say another word as he grabbed his coat and traced his wife's steps out the door without another word to his daughter. Glinda peaked out from behind the closed curtains as they left. Now that they were here, she felt more distant from them than before.

She didn't need their love. She had Elphie. She had Ama Clutch. And she'd have someone else other than her neglectful parents.

…

"It worked! Oh, Elphie! It worked! For now, at least. And I didn't have to spill your secret that you permitted me to spill. I just need to find a titled gentleman who will be willing to pretend until Lurlinemas," Glinda reported to Elphaba the next day. "He can't just be rich; he needs to be rich and nobility to outrank Mr. Waith."

"That sounds easier said than done."

"How so?"

Elphaba couldn't explain how there was the risk of those pretend feelings becoming real. She didn't know why she couldn't, seeing as it was a simple enough explication. She leaned back in her chair. "What would you do after Lurlinemas if there's still no wedding?"

"I will cross that bridge when I get to it. I just need for them to think I've found a husband so I can figure out how to survive without one."

"I thought you said you wanted to get married one day?"

"I do. But the pressure from my parents is putting a damper on my dreams. It's complicated. I know that marrying will mean I might have to give up my dreams here at the opera house, but it's clear I don't have as much time as I thought. Who knows; if I find the right man, I might not hate giving it all up."

She knew Glinda disagreed with what she was saying; she was forcing herself to be rational and realistic.

"The winter ballet might be my last show here. Whatever it is, my part is probably already set in stone. But finally having a chance to dance a lead…" She shook her head. "There's no use thinking about it. Minds have already been made up." She turned her attention to Elphaba. "Have people been annoying you since you emerged from the shadows?"

"Not as much as I expected," Elphaba admitted with a small smile. "No one's found my office or my reserved seat in the auditorium. It's only been four days, though. Ask me again in a few weeks."

"It'll be Lurlinemas in a few weeks."

"It'll be Lurlinemas in one month," Elphaba corrected.

"Same difference."

"I always considered a 'few weeks' to mean 'three weeks', so if it's longer than three weeks, it's not the 'same difference'."

Glinda rolled her eyes and sat across from Elphaba, leaning her elbows against her desk. "Change the subject, Elphie. Talk about…" The clock chimed, and she sighed. "We'll talk later. Greyling wants the corps girls for a note session. She's going to yell at me for almost missing the last entrance." She pushed away from the desk and stood, wiggling her fingers at Elphaba as she hurried out.

Elphaba returned the gesture as Glinda closed the door behind her, an idea already forming in her head. If Glinda wouldn't let her take care of her, then she would personally find someone who would.

"More tea, Ama Clutch?"

"No thank you, Duckie."

"Do you want more light?"

"The light is fine, Duckie."

"Shall I fluff your –"

"Glinda," Ama Clutch interrupted with a light chuckle. "I'm fine." She placed her hand on top of Glinda's. "You can stop fussing."

"I can't stop fussing. You deserve all the fuss." Glinda grabbed another pillow and gently scooted it under Ama Clutch's bandaged foot. "I'm just so happy to have you back home. I've missed you."

"I see you faired just fine without me for the time being."

"Barely. If you hadn't returned, I would've lost my head."

The old woman hummed. "How much have I missed?"

"I bought you presents from Munchkinland. I had such a grand time. They're in my trunk. I didn't even unpack everything yet."

"Another reason I'm sure you're glad I'm home," Ama Clutch chuckled.

Glinda blushed. "Being an adult on my own was hard. Being an adult with an adultier-adult is much more manageable. But I did a good job on my own. I'm still alive."

"You're much more capable than you give yourself credit for, my Glinda."

"But if I'm too capable, then I won't need you anymore. And I want to need you."

Ama Clutch leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I understand. But you know, it's part of my job to prepare you for your future. And that includes being an adult on your own."

"Which includes marrying and starting a family," Glinda recited.

"Have you heard from your parents?"

"Have you?"

"No."

So they never went to the hospital. Good, Glinda thought. "Why do you ask?"

Ama Clutch gave her a knowing look, and the younger girl sighed.

"They came by to say they found a man willing to marry a ballet girl because she comes from a rich family. They wanted me to come with them, but I told them I was about to meet a worthier match."

"Is that the truth?"

"It can be the truth. It will be the truth. I will go to the Wizard's Lurlinemas Ball and make a suitable match on my own. As an adult." She ran a hand through her blonde curls. "If I don't… I agreed to return to Frottica to marry the man they chose for me."

"They actually traveled down here?"

"It surprised me, too. They planned to come to collect me. And the next time they come, they might be successful. Ama, I know this sounds childish, but… I don't want to leave… Elphie."

"Glinda, you know I will never lie to you. I've never seen you happier since you met Elphaba. But I did warn you."

"You warned me to be careful."

"With your feelings, because you knew what you had with her wouldn't be able to last. And I want you to be happy, Duckie. I wanted this to work out for you."

"Really? You thought I would marry Elphaba?"

"My mind isn't that far gone. Perhaps you'd find a man oblivious enough not to notice an affair, or rich enough not to care. You'd have money, and you'd be happy with Elphaba."

"You thought I'd be unfaithful?"

"The reason many marriages last is because it's not just between two people. It happens to many couples."

Had it happened to her parents? Were they having these extramarital affairs that Ama Clutch spoke of? And were any of them…

Now that she thought about it, were her parents even happily married? She knew divorce wasn't an option for them due to their status, money, and not wanting to cause a scandal, but she couldn't imagine her parents cheating on each other.

But then again, her parents didn't know her, and she didn't know her parents.

…

Glinda tied her pointe shoe ribbons tighter than she meant to. She thought it would give her ankles extra support, but it just hurt her feet. This led to her gripping the barre in Greyling's class, which led to the old instructor locking a death glare on her until she loosened her grip.

Pfannee, ShenShen, and Milla noticed their friend withdrawing into herself. They thought she was starting to return to her old self, and now, she was back to the way she was the previous week.

"Glinda, how about we go to the malls before the show tonight?" Milla suggested as they changed out of their dance attire.

"I… maybe later, Milla," Glinda said. She really wanted to go, but she just wasn't up for it.

"Are you upset because Greyling asked Genniey to demonstrate the Thesa solo, even though you've been practicing it for weeks?"

Well, she wasn't, but now that Milla brought it up… "No. I'm just tired. My feet hurt, so I was gripping the barre, and Greyling looked like she wanted to cut off my hands so I wouldn't grip the barre."

"You were holding onto it like it was your lifeline."

"I've never done that before. I'm… I'm losing focus. I have a lot going on."

"All the more reason to take a break."

Glinda nodded. "You're right. I'd love to go shopping with you, Milla."

The redhead beamed. "Wonderful. Let me just grab my bag and we can –"

"Milla! Glinda!" Pfannee called, hurrying over to her friends. "You'll never guess what's happening!"

"Glinda and I are going shopping," Milla offered, but Pfannee waved her off.

"Shopping will have to wait!"

"Words I'd never thought you'd say," Glinda blinked.

"For good reason. Morrible is posting the cast lists for the anniversary performances and the winter ballet."

"Right now?" ShenShen asked, overhearing from the other side of the room.

"Right now! She was supposed to post it first thing tomorrow morning, but she received it early from the printers. On the main board backstage in the auditorium," Pfannee confirmed, which started a mini frenzy of girls rushing to change and see their potential parts.

"You have a knack for hearing rumors about the activities of the higher-ups," ShenShen said, grabbing Milla and Glinda's hands as they hurried after Pfannee.

"It's served us well thus far."

"I've always wondered how you manage to overhear things from them," Milla mused.

"Just being in the vicinity of the right place at the right time. I have impeccable hearing, mixed with them seemingly not knowing how to keep their voices down."

The girls reached their destination in record time. If they rushed like that during performances, they'd be able to make it to their places on time more times than not. They weren't the first ones there, but still got good spots as they waited for Morrible.

"I see nothing stays secret for long here," the opera house director said to the gathered crowd, which parted to give her easy access to the board. She unrolled the large paper and tacked it at the top and bottom before retreating through the part, turning just in time to see the girls swarm the board.

She quickly left as the sound of the usual squeals, gasps, and disappointed moans filled the backstage area.