Checking in
Elphaba was perfectly fine staying in the dorm, buried in books and avoiding unnecessary human interaction. But Glinda, determined and persuasive as ever, had other ideas.
"Come on, Elphie," Glinda whined, tugging on her sleeve. "It’s a gorgeous day, and we’ve been inside all morning. We deserve a break."
Elphaba sighed, already regretting not putting up more of a fight. "We just had brunch yesterday. How much more fresh air do you need?"
Glinda gasped. "Are you suggesting we only breathe the outside air once a weekend? No wonder you’re so grumpy all the time."
Elphaba rolled her eyes, but allowed herself to be dragged outside anyway.
They strolled through campus, the autumn air crisp but pleasant, sunlight filtering through the golden leaves. Glinda linked her arm through Elphaba’s, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"You know," Glinda mused, tipping her head back to enjoy the warmth of the sun, "you’re a terrible influence on me."
Elphaba arched a brow. "Am I?"
"Yes! I should be networking, making connections, securing my future! Instead, I’m—"
"—forcing me to take a walk? Sounds productive."
Glinda shot her a look, but there was no real heat in it.
They wandered toward a quiet café just off campus, Glinda practically skipping inside while Elphaba grumbled under her breath about how pointless this was. But when they sat down with their drinks, there was a comfortable lull in the conversation, the kind that didn’t need to be filled.
Elphaba watched as Glinda absently stirred her coffee, a rare moment where she wasn’t performing, wasn’t trying to be anything for anyone. Just existing.
"What?" Glinda caught her staring, lips quirking into a smirk. "Falling in love with me, Elphie?"
Elphaba immediately scowled, shifting her focus to her tea. "You wish."
Glinda giggled, far too delighted with herself.
A breeze drifted in from the open café doors, and Elphaba wasn’t in a hurry to leave.
-
Back in the dorm, Elphaba hesitated before finally picking up her phone.
The screen flashed Nessarose.
She sighed before answering, bracing herself. "Hey, Nessa."
"Oh, so you do remember I exist." Nessa’s voice was sharp, but not entirely unkind.
Elphaba rubbed her temples. "I’ve been busy."
"Mmm. Too busy to acknowledge that I go to school here too? Or just too busy pretending I don’t exist?"
Elphaba exhaled slowly. "Nessa—"
"No, seriously, Fabala. You live a few buildings away from me and haven’t even stopped by. Do you even know where my dorm is?"
Elphaba closed her eyes. Guilt settled deep, pressing against her ribs. She did know. She just… hadn’t gone. And there was no good excuse for it.
"I know, I should’ve come by," she admitted, voice tight. "I just…"
"Didn’t feel like it?" Nessa finished for her. "Right. Good to know where we stand."
Elphaba winced. "That’s not it."
"Then what is it?" Nessa’s voice wasn’t raised, but the edge was there, sharp and cutting. "Because from where I’m sitting, you made a promise to look out for me, and then the second we got here, you dropped off the face of the earth."
Elphaba gritted her teeth, frustration curling in her stomach. "You don’t need me to do everything for you. You’ve always been good at getting people to do things for you, Nessa. You don’t need me like you did when we were kids."
"That’s not the point," Nessa snapped. "But whatever. Nanny’s been checking in on me, unlike you."
Elphaba’s stomach twisted, but she couldn’t help but soften at the mention of their childhood caretaker. "Nanny’s still fussing over you, huh?"
Nessa huffed, but there was affection in it. "Of course. She hovers worse than ever. She’s convinced if she leaves me alone for more than an hour, I’ll starve or forget how to function."
Elphaba let out a small, genuine chuckle. "That sounds about right. She used to do the same to me. You know, before you were born and she decided you were the favorite."
"Oh, please," Nessa scoffed, but the edge had faded from her voice. "She still asks about you. And don’t pretend you don’t love it."
Elphaba sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Fine. Maybe I do."
"Then prove it by actually coming over tomorrow."
Elphaba sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright. I’ll be there."
"Good." There was a pause, then, softer, "I missed you, you know. Even if you didn’t miss me."
Elphaba swallowed. "I do. Miss you, I mean."
"Yeah, yeah." Nessa’s voice was lighter now. "You can prove it by showing up. Love you."
Elphaba hesitated. Too long.
Then, finally, she muttered, "Yeah. You too."
She hung up, staring at her phone for a long time.
She hesitated, then scrolled through her contacts, pressing call on another name.
After a few rings, a much younger voice picked up. "Fabala?"
"Hey, Shell. Just… checking in."
A pause, then Shell’s voice came through, muffled like he was chewing something. "Oh. Damn. Hold on." The sound of rustling, a quick gulp, and then, "You never call first. Are you dying?"
Elphaba rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched. "Charming. I check in and get insults."
"Nah, I’m just surprised." There was a beat of silence, then, softer, "You good?"
Elphaba hesitated, glancing at Glinda, who was blatantly pretending not to listen. "I’m fine. Just figured I should say hi."
"Right. And you definitely didn’t just get guilt-tripped by Nessa."
Elphaba sighed. "She may have… mentioned something."
Shell giggled, the sound boyish and carefree. "Figures. She’s been pissed. I mean, valid, but you know how she gets. Did Nessa make you promise to visit tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"Good. Maybe she’ll stop ranting about it then. And hey—" Shell’s voice turned teasing. "You making any friends yet, or still scaring people off?"
Elphaba shot a pointed look at Glinda, who was suddenly very busy adjusting a throw pillow. "Depends on who you ask."
Shell snorted. "That bad, huh?"
Elphaba smirked. "Worse."
From the other side of the room, Glinda—who had been pretending not to eavesdrop—watched her carefully.