Epilogue
A few days had passed since everything changed. Since she and Elphaba had kissed—since they had finally figured out what had been there all along.
Galinda still found herself catching little moments, little proofs of how real this was. The way Elphaba let their hands brush together when they walked, the way she no longer hesitated when Galinda curled into her side while they studied, the way she looked at her now. Like Galinda had always been something she wanted but had never thought she could have.
It was intoxicating. And Galinda had no intention of letting it go.
She was basking in the warmth of this thought when a familiar voice cut through the courtyard air.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t my favorite heart-breaker.”
Galinda looked up from her place beside Elphaba to see Mariel approaching, all confident strides and amused eyes.
Elphaba sighed heavily. “Not this again.”
Galinda smirked, tightening her grip on Elphaba’s arm. “Oh hush, Elphie, let the poor girl mourn.”
Mariel placed a hand over her heart dramatically. “Finally, someone who understands my pain.”
Then she let her hand drop, smirking at Elphaba. “Though, I must say, Miss Elphaba, I’m deeply wounded you turned me down.”
Elphaba sighed at the dramatics. “Mariel—”
“But,” Mariel continued smoothly, eyes now on Galinda, “I suppose I never stood a chance.”
Galinda blushed lightly. “You’re not here to steal my Elphie away are you?”
Mariel gasped, pressing her hands to her chest in mock horror. “I would never—unless, of course, you mess this up.” She shot Galinda a wink. “Then I will swoop in.”
Galinda raised a brow. “Oh? Is that a threat?”
Mariel smirked. “More of a promise.”
Galinda gasped, placing a dramatic hand over her heart. “How scandalous.”
Elphaba groaned, pressing her fingers to her temple. “Both of you are insufferable.”
Both women shared a laugh.
Mariel winked. “I’ll leave you to it, ladies. But Galinda,” she added, voice light but sincere, “you take care of her, alright?”
Galinda met her gaze, something quiet passing between them. A moment of understanding.
“I will,” she promised.
Mariel nodded before turning away, calling over her shoulder, “Just remember, Galinda, I’ll be waiting.”
Galinda gasped dramatically. “Why, Mariel, are you flirting with me now?”
Mariel only smirked before bidding them goodbye and departing, leaving them in peace.
Elphaba shook her head. “You two are ridiculous.”
Galinda giggled, looping her arms around Elphaba’s. “Oh, Elphie, don’t pretend you don’t love it.”
Elphaba sighed, but she didn’t pull away. “Unfortunately for me,” she muttered, “I do.”
Galinda beamed, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Good.”
And as they continued their walk through the courtyard, fingers intertwined, laughter still lingering in the air, Galinda knew—
This was exactly where she was meant to be.