The Ozdust Ballroom

When Elphaba awoke that Friday morning, she was shocked to not see Galinda in the room. Part of her wanted to make sure she was okay, but then remembered, she was a big girl and could handle herself. So she laid back down, picking up a book from her side table. A few moments later, the door had swung open, revealing her roommate rushing in. 

“Oh! Elphie, I didn’t mean to wake you.” She smiled, as if nothing was wrong.

“It’s fine,” she replied, going back to her book. 

“Elphie, I um, I brought you something.” Galinda stumbled over her words. She pulled out a bag of Elphaba’s favorite tea, a fresh bouquet of poppies, and a small note that Galinda had taken the time to perfect in the lobby of their dorm. She placed it on her desk, and gave her a soft smile before returning to her side of the room, trying to 

ignore how Elphaba picked up the note to read it. Inside she wrote..

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Elphaba,

I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, and I’m not asking for it yet. But I wanted to show you how sorry I am for everything. I don’t think I could ever say enough to truly express how sorry I am for what happened. I let my own foolishness get in the way of what matters most: you. You’ve always been there for me, even when I didn’t deserve it. I really miss you and our late night talks… and our sleepovers in each other's beds. I have brought you your favorite tea since I knew you ran out a few days ago and some flowers to hopefully brighten up your day. I hope you know how much I love you, and how much I regret that night- I was truly being an awful person Elphaba, and I am deeply ashamed of how I treated you. 

I’ll wait as long as it takes to make things right. You mean more to me than I can put into words.

With all the love in my heart,
Galinda

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Galinda tried to not pay attention while her friend read the note, trying to seem like it didn’t matter much to her, even though it was clear it did. Elphaba placed the note down and nodded at the girl across the room.

“Thank you.” Was all she said. The apology was clear, and the way Galinda had written it made her want to say ‘screw it, okay, lets go back to being normal’ but she couldn’t. She was still hurt, but she did admit that his helped her a little bit more. It gave her some hope that things could go back to normal. 

“You don’t have to apologize.”

“I appreciate the gesture, Galinda, it is very kind of you.” She smiled sadly, “But I think I will just need some time.” 

“Oh- yes. Of course, whatever you need.” Galinda’s heart raced. 

“Well, we um, we have class so, I am going to get ready.” She got up and headed to the restroom, leaving Galinda alone. It wasn’t a make up per say, but a step in the right direction. And when they sat next to each other, although Elphaba didn’t specifically give her her notes to copy, she did slightly move it closer to the girl and not hide it with her arm as she had the previous days. And for the first time she did attend lunch with her friends that day. She didn’t talk much but she was there and it made things semi normal.

“Hey, Elphaba,” Galinda says later that evening, her voice tentative, “I was thinking… maybe we could try again?”

Elphaba raises an eyebrow, looking at her with curiosity. “Try again?” she asks, clearly not sure where this is going.

“Yeah,” Galinda continues, swallowing her nerves, “I know I’ve messed up, and I know you probably don’t want to be around me, but I was hoping… we could go to the Ozdust again?”

“Oh Galinda, I don’t think I’m quite ready to go back there just yet.” She responded, shaking her head slightly as she doodled on some paged. 

“Well, Celeste will be there and we can all hang out- like that first night we all met?” She added, trying to persuade her friend. But this turned Elphaba even further. 

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said, “I’m sorry.”

“I won’t drink, Elphaba, please.”

“I’m not going, Galinda.” Her voice raised slightly, making her take a small step back. “I’m sorry- I shouldn’t have raised my voice."

“It’s okay- I understand.”

“I’m not really mad at you anymore Galinda, sure I am still a little hurt but- I just need time and I don’t think I can stand to be around Celeste anytime soon.” She tells her. She knew Elphaba was right- this whole situation is messy, and she’s the one who caused it. But the thought of not having Elphaba by her side, of not being able to fix things, made her feel terribly sick. 

“Okay, I understand.” She said, and part of Elphaba wished she had stayed. Wish she had chosen her over Celeste, even though they weren’t a “thing”. She had hope Galinda would say, let just stay in tonight and have a movie night or talk, or anything. But Galinda had not taken the hint and begun getting ready for her night out, thinking hopefully her night out with Celeste would get her mind of the situation. However, it didn’t.

As Galinda and her friends arrives, they found a table just like always and sent the boys to get drinks as the girls waited. Galinda slightly uncomfortable that she was sitting with her roommate's sister.

“So,” Nessa started, “How has my sister been?” She asked curiously, causing Galinda to play with her fingers in her lap. She’s her sister, how should she know? 

“She’s been fine.” Galinda lied, hoping for the conversation to end. But of course, it didn’t.

“Oh, okay- have you two talked about everything?” She asked, hoping for more insight since she herself had barely talked to her sister. 

“Umm, yes!” she smiled, “And, things are, getting better.” 

“I assume she didn’t want to come tonight.”

“Yes, um, she wasn’t up for it.” Galinda nodded, starting to scan the room for Celeste. The boy had come back, handing them each one drink that they took together. 

“Well, tonights a little different without our life of the party here,” Fiyero had joked, “But we shall make the best of it.” 

“Yes! Exactly.” Galinda smiled, or tried to smile, but all she could think about is what her friend was doing. Shortly after, Celeste had appeared, tapping Galinda on the shoulder and starting to drag her off. 

“Wait, wait!” Galinda laughed,, they were in the middle of telling me something that happened in Ms. Luz’s class!” She smiled at the girl who was pulling her away. 

“Well, babe, can’t you hear that story later?” 

“I suppose-” 

“What?” No!” Fiyero had raised his voice, convincing her to stay. The group following his direction and telling her to let Galinda stay to hear the ending. She eventually did, and sat awkwardly at the table as the group talked and laughed. Galinda had enjoyed this, talking with Celeste and her friends- even though her best friend wasn’t there. She wanted to say, ‘see! Isn’t this fun, hanging out with my friends?’ but when she turned to face the girl she was clearly bored and bothered as she texted on her phone under the table. 

Galinda had shoved her slightly, getting her attention. The girl had forced a smile in response, but Galinda couldn’t notice.

“Having fun?” She asked cheerfully, hoping to make things feel normal.

“Yeah, it’s great.” She responded, looking back at her phone. “I’m going to the restroom,” she announced a few moments later, her voice full of annoyance.

Galinda immediately perked up. “Oh! I’ll come with you-”

“No, it’s fine,” Celeste cut her off with a wave of her hand. “Stay. I’ll be quick.” Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, leaving Galinda seated awkwardly at the table. Her friends continued talking and Galinda joined in their conversation, until she realized Celeste had been gone too long. 

“Hey, I’m um- I’m gonna go see if she’s okay.” She smiled to the group, placing a hand on Fiyero who nodded to her. 

“Celeste!” Galinda called out, her tone a mix of relief and mild annoyance as she entered the restroom. “What are you doing over here? You’ve been gone ages!”

“Oh, sorry.” She responded, leaning against the wall.

“Well, you just left me at the table with everyone. I thought you’d come back! You said you’d be quick.”

Celeste sighed, setting her glass down on the sink. “Alright, alright,” she said, holding up her hands in surrender. “I’ll come back. But just for a few more minutes, okay? This really isn’t my scene, I like dancing and drinking- not chit chatting at the table.”

“Oh, I see. I’m sorry- I just, never mind.” She shook her head, “We’ll only head back for a bit.” Celeste had finished her drink and tossed it in the trash. 

“Okay, I'm going to get another drink and I’ll meet you at the table.” She told the blonde who stood awkwardly at the door, walking past her and to one of the bar stands. Galinda had walked back alone to the table where her friends exchanged looks with each other as she seemed visibly upset. But they did not push her further.

“Are you okay?” Galinda asked softly as Celeste had returned to the table, brushing her hand against Celeste’s arm. Thinking about how tonight was supposed to be "special". Was this what she was talking about?? Her just being terribly rude?

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Celeste replied sharply, pulling her arm away. 

Galinda felt her hear racing, “I just thought something may be bothering you, or-”

“Nothing’s bothering me,” Celeste interrupted, and the group tried to ignore the two’s tension they brought to the table. Galinda tried to let the subject go, but she couldn’t help the way she felt when all she was doing was texting on her phone.

“I know you said you’re okay but-”

“Galinda, can you stop?” Celeste cut her off, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of her friends. “You’re being clingy, and it’s a little much.”

Galinda froze, her cheeks flushing as her friends exchanged awkward glances. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat and forced a laugh, trying to cover her embarrassment.

“I…I didn’t mean to,” she stammered, her voice quieter now, more privately to the girl. After no response, now it was Galinda’s tun to excuse herself. “I’m um, just going to use the restroom really quickly.” She offered a small smile, tears forming in her eye’s as she walked to the restroom. 

“Well, I guess I should tend to the drama queen.” Celeste told her friends who sat watching the interaction, and followed after the girl. Galinda stood in front of the mirror, wishing her best friend was there. She would tell her everything was going to be okay, and that Celeste was overreacting, and she’d maybe even tell her she wasn’t being very nice and take her home. And Oz know’s what she’s doing now all alone. Then, the door had opened to reveal Celeste walking in. 

“Celeste?” Galinda asked hesitantly.

“Did I do something wrong? I just feel like- like-I don’t know, like you’re upset with me or something.” Galinda asked truthfully. “I thought tonight was going to be ‘special’ or something.”

Celeste scoffed, tilting her head. “I’m not upset. You’re just being… needy. It’s not a good look, babe.” 

She bit her lip, forcing herself to meet Celeste’s gaze. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” she trailed off. The words clearly knocking her confidence down even further than it was tonight. No one had even told her how beautiful she looked in her dress tonight! Or complimented her new perfume. Or noticed that she changed her make up- which Elphaba always noticed by saying “you have a different color on your face” and point to her eyes, or “you have a longer line on your eyes” referring to the girls eyeliner.

“It’s fine, let’s just go.” She held the door open, waiting for the girl to pick herself up and get moving.

Galinda felt her friends’ concerned glances, but no one said anything. All the two did was sit back down. The evening she had hoped would be fun and carefree had turned into a night of quiet heartbreak, and she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe Elphaba and Fiyero had been right about Celeste the whole time. The group had decided to get up and dance finally, but Galinda stayed still with the girl at her side. She attempted to grab her hand and pull her out to the floor, but the girl refused now.

“Come on,” she said softly, her voice almost pleading as she reached for Celeste’s hand. “Let’s dance. You always have so much fun when we do.”

Celeste glanced at her, her expression cold. “I don’t feel like dancing,” she said flatly, pulling her hand back before Galinda could fully grasp it.

Galinda blinked, her heart sinking. “But you said earlier that-”

“I said I don’t feel like it,” Celeste snapped.  She pulled out her phone again as Galinda muttered ‘oh’ and let her hand fall to her side. She watched at as her friends danced together and looked fully excited to be there. She wanted to join them, but now she also didn’t feel like jumping and dancing. A few moments later, a familiar voice  approached her as she looked down at her dress.

“Hey, Galinda,” a voice said with a gentle smile. Fiyero stood there, smiling and holding out his hand. “How about a dance?”

Galinda looked up, surprised. “Oh, I don’t know, Fiyero…” she trailed off, glancing at Celeste, who was still scrolling on her phone with complete disinterest.

“Come on,” Fiyero encouraged, leaning down a little to meet her eye level. “It’s a party, right? Let’s make it fun again.” Galinda hesitated to take his hand, knowing she may get upset with Galinda, but Celeste did not bat an eye at the two. 

“Alright,” she said softly, allowing him to guide her to the dance floor.

The music was lively, and Fiyero spun her around playfully, doing his best to make her smile. For a moment, it worked- Galinda laughed, her natural charm lighting up her face. But as they swayed and twirled, everything came rushing back to her. Elphaba and Celeste- both girl extremely upset with her. She felt lucky at last someone liked her. Her face had dropped and her dancing became less energetic.

Fiyero noticed immediately. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his tone soft as they slowed their pace.

Galinda hesitated, biting her lip. “It’s just- Celeste,” she admitted, her voice barely audible over the music. “She’s been acting… different tonight. And,” Her voice wavered as she looked down at their hands, her fingers tightening. “She’s not even wearing the necklace I gave her last Friday.”

“I see, I’m so sorry Galinda.” He told her, giving her a small smile.

“I thought she’d love it, it was special! Or I thought it was, maybe she thought it was stupid? Maybe it’s silly but-”

“Forgive me if I am wrong but, it is not silly. That something you bought for her out of the goodness of your heart- it means something.”

“I suppose you are right.” She nodded. “I just wanted her to care more, I guess.” 

“Yes, well, you deserve someone who care’s a lot about you.” He said, giving her a small twirl.

“I’m sorry it wasn’t you.” She admitted, feeling guilty for breaking up with him, she wanted to like him. He was a great guy! I mean look at him now, dancing with his ex girlfriend who is currently talking to a woman. 

“Don’t apologize, you and I both know we weren’t each others cup of tea, one can say.” He winked at her and she smiled again. “But, it’s okay, cause we make even better friends, okay?” 

“Okay.” She let a small laugh out. “I wish Elphaba were here.”

Fiyero tilted his head slightly to hear her better. “Elphaba?”

“Yes, she’d make everything right, FIyero.” She glances over to Celeste’s spot at the table, but she is no longer there. 

“I know you miss her, Galinda, thing’s will get better, okay?”

“I know, or I hope so! I feel awful, Fiyero. The things I said to her, the way I treated her that night. It’s been eating me up inside.” Her voice grew quieter, that her could barely hear what she was saying. “I would do anything to have her here right now.”

 “You know, Galinda,” he said, guiding her in a slow spin, “Elphaba might act tough, but she cares about you a lot. She wouldn’t have stuck around that night if she didn’t.”

Galinda sniffled, a weak smile tugging at her lips. “I don’t deserve her, not after how I’ve been.”

“That’s not true,” he smiled knowing about her confession even after everything she had said to the poor girl last week.

“Thank you for being a good friend.” She smiled, and he nodded, bringing her into a hug.

“Always.” Then he glanced toward the restrooms. “I’m going to step away for a moment. Don’t wander off, okay?”

Galinda nodded absentmindedly, her thoughts consuming her as he disappeared into the crowd.

Once he was out of sight, Fiyero pulled his phone from his pocket and quickly typed out a message to Elphaba:

"Elphaba, I know you don’t want to be here, but it’s a Galinda emergency. She needs you, like, now. Please. Ballroom ASAP!” 

He had hesitated to send it, but as he spotted the girl wandering around aimlessly figured it was a worth a shot. If anyone could fix this, help her, it would be Elphaba. She would know what to do and make the poor girl happy again. As Elphaba had sat in their room, rereading the same page over and over again- she got the message from the boy. 

What did that even mean? Was Galinda hurt? Or had she simply made another impulsive choice that was now spiraling out of control? Elphaba sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. “Why should I go?” she muttered aloud, clearly frustrated and torn.. “She didn’t care how I felt when she said those things… when she chose Celeste over me, again and again.” Her mind raced back to maybe she was hurt or crying- maybe someone had said something to her. Regardless, she took it upon herself to do as the boy said, and take care of the “emergancy”. Although, this did not mean forgiveness.

As Fiyero lingered near the edge of the ballroom, he spotted Galinda weaving her way toward the bar where Celeste stood, drink in hand, casually chatting with someone Fiyero didn’t recognize. Galinda approached her with a hesitant smile, and watched as his friend tapped the girls shoulders. And when she had turned around she watched as the interaction between them was certainly not a good one. Not how Galinda’s shoulders dropped, how the woman's face was smiling and laughing, and how he noticed Galinda hug her arms and walk away quickly, brushing tears off her face, and back to their table. He kept checking his phone for any indication that Elphaba was in fact on her way. 

As Fiyreo awaited Elphaba, he went to join the girl at the table. She did not acknowledge him rather just play with her trembling hands. “Maybe we should go?” He asked, and she shook her head. 

“No, it’s fine.” She wiped another tear, “Nessarose is having fun and I don’t want to go back to the dormitory.”

“Why?”

“Because! Everyone hates me! Even Elphaba, I am the last person she’d want to see.” She cried, putting her head on the table. He gently rubbed her back. “I’m not trying to ruin anyone’s night.” She continued to sob and he placed a hand on her back, checking for any update on Elphaba. 

“You’re not, trust me.”

“Well, when I found her at the bar, I said I was cold, and I-” She choked on her words for a moment, trying to hold herself together. “I asked for her jacket, just- just to help, you know? How people do that for each other? And she told me I was spoiled! That I was being ridiculous and overdramatic.”

“She said that?” He asked in disbelief, reading a text from his phone that Elphaba was nearing the post.

“Oh, Fiyero, she said much worse things!” She shook her head. “She told me she never even liked me like that! She was just using me as a distraction?! And she felt bad telling me because I was too attached.” She finger quoted. “And I am not her type, much too annoying anyway, and too perky for her liking.”

“Well, you are none of those things-”

“And she said I was wayyyy to complicated, saying I would never ever find someone to put up with me! And she didn’t understand how any of y’all could either, that you just liked me becuase I was popular.” She hiccuped. “But then she added, ‘i don’t know what would cause you to be so popular in the first place’ and I wanted to tell her, because I am a nice person- but she said it’s because I’m a spoiled brat who’s parents are rich. Oh Fiyero, is that true?”

“Why of course not, Galinda,” he told the girl as she continued to talk about how much she hated herself and how this was the worst night ever. As the girl rambled, he locked on eyes on Elphaba as she walked in. “Umm, Galinda, if you’ll excuse me for a moment- I will be right back, okay?”

“Okay?” She cried, as Fiyero placed a hand on her head and ran to get the girl awkwardly in the corner. “Why is everyone running away from me!” She sobbed and put her head down on the table, muttering that now she had lost the only other friend she had. It’s probably because I am too dramatic. She thought, her heart racing. Am I too needy? Too much? Do I really just make everyone run off?

“Elphaba!” Fireyo called to her, “Right here!”

“Yes, I see you- what’s wrong?” She asked seriously.

“Look, she’s a mess.” He explained, as the two looked at the girl face down on the table. “Something and some words, between her and Celeste were spoken.” 

“Oh,” was all she could say. “What do you mean?”

“Look, it’s best if you just go to her, she’s really going through it and misses you.”

“Well, what did she tell her?” She asked, crossing her arms and now looking for the other girl.

“Oh Oz, I dont remember everything!” He sighed, “Just that she’s spoiled, she never actually liked her, too needy… basically unloveable. So you need to be there, like 5 minutes ago!” He ushered her over but Elphaba stood still.

“No, I need to find Celeste and have a talk with her.” She shoved him out of her way, only leading him to grab her arm.

“No! No you do not, you  friend needs you right now, you starting stuff with Celeste is not helping anyone.” He told her, and she took a deep breath. 

“Fine!” She said and he dropped her hand.

“And Elphaba!” He called, “Give her your jacket.” He motioned to his own.

“Why?” She mouthed, halfway across the room as she was approaching the girl who did not have a clue what was going on. 

“Because I said so!” He mouthed back and she waved him off. 

“Galinda?” Elphaba asked, pulling a chair out to sit next to the poor girl. She practically jumped out of her seat. Looking at her as if she wasn’t really there. 

“Yes, it’s me. I’m here.” She tried to joke, but it landed flat. “What’s wrong?” She grabbed the girls hands, but all Galinda could do was bite her lips so they wouldn’t tremble. “It’s okay, I’m not judging you.” She reassure and they say silent for a second.

“I just- I just don’t know what to do anymore!” She finally said, “I don’t even- ugh.” She cried, shaking her head.

“It’s okay, I’m here.” She told her, smiling gently at her. Galinda met her eyes, making her too smile slightly.

 “Celeste,” She started, “she said all these horrible things to me. Like how she- she doesn’t want me. She said I was just some… some side thing for her to play with, and that I wasn’t worth anything- that I was just there for sex and nothing more. And we never even did it! And- and she told me I was too clingy. Too much. And I just don’t get it, Elphie, is that true?"

“Absolutely not Galinda-”

“Am I- am I that bad? Am I really so annoying? Why do I always mess everything up?" She interrupted her friend, leaning into her now.

Elphaba held her carefully, There was no denying the ache in her heart as she saw the girl who had once been so vibrantand outgoing, now struggling with this crushing insecurity so suddenly. “Galinda, no, you are none of those things. She doesn’t know you like I know you, okay? If she really got to know you she would never say those things! And you are not bad, not annoying, nor clingy!”

“But I messed up so much," she whispered, barely above a breath. "I pushed you away, and now I feel like- like no one will ever love me the way you do."

Elphaba’s eyes softened at Galinda’s words. The vulnerability in her voice causing her to want to cry as well. “Galinda, I could never not love you.” As she held the girl, she could` feel her trembling into her, and she had remembered what Fiyero had said. “Are you cold?” 

“I- um, no.” She stuttered. “A little bit,” she sat up again, “But I’ll be fine.” 

“Here, it’s okay.” She smiled, taking off one of her layers and offering it to the girl. “I can feel you shaking and it’s practically freezing outside.”

“Are you sure?” She took the jacket from her hands. “Won’t you be cold?”

“I have layers, Galinda, unlike some people who don’t wear jackets out not matter the degree because it will “ruin the aesthetic’ as one might say.” She joked and fixed the jacket around her friend.

“Well, that is true, Elphie. I have this beautiful dress on and if I am wearing this coat over- no one will see!” 

“So why do you wear it now?”

“Because, I guess maybe it is a tad bit colder than I had thought.” She admitted. “And this is very warm, Elphie. And it smells like you.” She was practically swallowed whole in the coat, it was adorable to the girl watching her. “Thank you.” She said, wiping one last tear away. 

“It’s no issue at all. But we should get out of here, okay?” She grabbed the girls hands tighter.

“Okay, yeah,” she sniffled, “I think I really want to go home.”

“Me too.” The two stood up, Elphaba waving Fiyero as they were about to walk out. 

“Well well well,” a voice said, causing the two to stop and turn. Celeste, who had apparently found a new girl already.  “Little Miss Perfect and her green shadow! Let me guess, Galinda- you needed someone to keep you from embarrassing yourself again? Or are you just following orders like a good little puppy?”

Galinda froze in place, the color draining from her cheeks. She clutched Elphaba’s jacket tightly around her shoulders, willing herself not to cry. Elphaba instantly had stepped in, not wanting there to be anymore words said about her. 

“You’ve done enough damage for the night, Celeste. We’re just heading home, okay?” She told her.

“Yes well, so was I- with Lucy.” She tilts her head to the brunette girl she has her arm around. “She gets it. You don’t get attached. You don’t act like some desperate little puppy hoping for scraps of affection. She actually knows how to have fun without ruining it.” She glanced back at Galinda. “Unlike someone I could mention.”

“I think you need to stop, Celeste.” Elphaba said, holding up the blonde with her arm.

“And I think, your little friend over there needs to grow up.”

“Okay, and I think you need to learn to shut the fuck up.” ELphaba raised her voice, stepping closer to the girl.

“Why should I? It’s not like she’ll stand up for herself. Galinda always does what she’s told- she’s too busy trying to be perfect for everyone else to have a real backbone.” She let out a laugh. “Honestly, you’d make the perfect girlfriend for someone who wants a doormat. All ditzy and eager to please.” 

Elphaba had had enough, she stepped even closer, grabbing her the collar of her blazer and pushing her against the wall. 

“Elphie, stop!” Galinda cried, “Please, it’s not worth it!” But Elphaba didn’t want to stop, not until someone physically removed her off the girl who stood shocked.

“Hey, none of that!” Fiyero had told her, placing her off to the side. “And you, you need to leave.” He told the girl who was now straightening her jacket.

“Or what? She’s the one who shoved me!” She exclaimed, pointing to Elphaba, who was standing now with the blonde.

“I don’t care!” He exclaimed, “As Prince of Winkie Country, I can get away with a lot more than you know- and I’ll have you know,” he whispered, “The good family friends of mine actually own this ballroom, so maybe it’s best if you leave now.”

She brushed herself off some more. “Fine, have fun babysittintg.” She shoved him out of the way and made her way out. 

“Elphaba! Don’t you ever do that again!” Galinda had scolded her friend, though secretly she had enjoyed it. 

“I’m sorry, I just got caught up in the moment- I couldn’t handle hearing her talk like that about you.” She cupped her face.

“I don’t want you getting hurt over me.”

“Bold of you to assume I would be the one getting hurt.” She joked, and Fiyero interrupted the two, letting them know the boat was ready for them. “Let’s go.” They bored on the boat, sitting in silence as the took the short ride back. Elphaba noticing Galinda’s long face as she watched the reflection of the sky in the water

“Stop thinking about her,” she said gently, breaking the silence.

Galinda blinked, looking up at her. “What?”

“Celeste.” Elphaba leaned against the railing. “She doesn’t matter.”

“I know,” she smiled. “I’m not really thinking about her right now though.” She admitted quietly. 

“Then what?”

Galinda hesitated, her fingers brushing against the fabric of the jacket. “All I could think about while I was sitting there, feeling so silly, was how much I wished you’d been there with me from the start. Because when you’re around, I feel…safe. Like I can be myself.”

“Oh-”

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to ramble.” She chuckled to herself, “You probably think I am ridiculous.”

“I don’t, trust me.” She paused, “I feel the same way.” 

“Really?” She reached for her hand, “Oh Elphie, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend.” 

Elphaba felt her chest tightened. Friend. Right. She contemplated risking everything and telling her her true feelings. 

“Galinda,” she began, her voice quieter now, “I don’t just think of you as a friend.”

Galinda’s head snapped toward her, eyes wide. “What? What do you mean?”

Elphaba took a steadying breath. “I mean, I care about you. More than I should, probably. I’ve tried to.. to ignore it? But I can’t. You mean so much to me, and seeing you with someone like Celeste- someone who doesn’t appreciate you the way you deserve- it drives me crazy.” She told her. Galinda stared at her, too stunned to tell anything. For a moment, all she could do was process the words, her heart racing.

“I-I don’t know what to say,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Elphaba said quickly, looking away. “I just, I thought you should know. That’s all.”

“Elphie I-” she stopped, not quite knowing what to say. “Oh Oz, I don’t know how to say this.”

“Galinda, I told you don’t have to say anything- and it’s okay if you don’t I just-”

“I just- I don’t know how to say it,” she admitted finally, her voice small.

“You don’t know how to say what?” Elphaba tilted her head, studying her face that made Galinda’s cheeks flush. 

Galinda’s throat felt tight, and she let out a nervous laugh. “You’ve already said it,” she whispered.

“And?” Elphaba prompted, her voice careful and steady, though her heart was racing.

“And I don’t know how I could possibly say it as well as you did,” Galinda admitted, tightening the jacket even tighter.

“I don’t understand.” She continued, not wanting to misinterpret the situation. 

Galinda took a shaky breath, her cheeks burning. “Elphie, I-I like you too. More than a friend. More than anything.” She breathed in again. “But i just, I didn’t want to mess us up, mess this up. I mean you have just been so incredible to me.”

“And you have too.”

“And I felt awful after last friday, I really didn’t want to loose you.” She admitted.

“I know, and I know you felt terrible. And I accept everything, okay?” Elphaba fully faced her, adjusting her jacket on the smaller girl. 

“Thank you, for everything.” Galinda smiled, and Elphaba had placed a small kiss on the girls head. 

“Thank you for everything as well.” The boat pulled into the the front of the school. “Now, let get ready for bed?”

“Oh Oz, yes! It has been dreadful sleeping in a different bed than you.” She hugged the girl, Elphaba then held her hand to help her out. 

“I know, we won’t do that anymore, okay?” 

“Promise?”

“Promise.”