Elphaba softly tucked Galinda into bed and sat beside her, stroking her hair gently. “Are you okay, sweet heart?”
Galinda dug her face further into her pillow and shook her head, unable to say a word. Elphaba climbed under the covers and held the poor girl tightly.
“It’s okay, my sweet. It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m here.”
Galinda just held her girlfriend tighter and nuzzled into Elphaba’s pretty green neck, taking in her scent. Peppermint tea. Soft flowers. Lavender body wash. Home.
Galinda’s breathing got a bit more controllable after that. She had been on the verge of hyperventilating but was starting to calm down. She still felt fragile, like any misstep could cause her to break down all over again. But for now she was calm. She just needed her Elphie.
Elphaba noticed the shift and whispered to Galinda. “Would you like me to put your playlist on repeat?” Galinda looked up at her with those doe eyes and nodded. Elphaba reached over for Galinda’s phone, opened the music app, and pressed play. Soft acoustic music began to play, the sound of some indie folk singer reminding them both they’re going to be fine. It was all going to be okay.
The older girl pulled the younger one in close and kissed the top of her head. The blonde nuzzled back in to her girlfriends neck and sighed.
“I’m sorry… about all of this.” Galinda’s words were barely audible.
Elphaba just kept stroking the girls hair and kissed her lightly on the forehead again.
“It’s not your fault you know…the anxiety attacks? You don’t have to apologize for those.”
“But.. you’re the one who has to deal with them. I don’t want you or anyone else to be forced to take care of me.. I don’t want to be-“
Elphaba guided Galinda’s face gently so she was looking into the blonde girl's beautiful brown eyes.
“You. Are. Not. A. Burden.”
Tears started forming in those beautiful brown eyes. Galinda tried to blink them back but they just fell down her cheek. Elphaba pulled the poor girl in again. “Shhh. It’s okay. You’re okay…”
“I.. I know I’m not.. but..”
“You still feel like it?”
Galinda nodded while trying to wipe away the tears on her sleeves. Elphaba gently rubbed her thumb across Galinda’s cheek instead, wiping them away and softly kissed her forehead.
“You don’t have to worry about that with me. You never do.”
“…I know…” a little whimper came out.
“It’s okay to not be okay, my sweet. We can just stay here as long as you want.”
And so they stayed there exchanging soft words and kisses, letting the peace and quiet perform it’s healing magic in its own time. Elphaba eventually got Galinda a cup of hot chocolate that she sipped on as they snuggled and watched an animated movie on Elphaba’s laptop. One of Galinda’s favorites. There was no rush, just peace.
It was all going to be okay. Galinda thought to herself.
I’m going to be okay.