Chapter 11
Galinda spent most of the week floating between giddy anticipation and gnawing nerves. Every time she thought about Elphaba—about the kiss they’d shared, the raw vulnerability of their confession—her heart fluttered uncontrollably. She found herself smiling at odd moments, tuning out during conversations, her thoughts wandering back to Elphaba’s deep, soulful eyes and the way her hands felt when they held hands.
But it wasn’t all sunshine. Despite the undeniable happiness she felt, there was also a quiet, persistent worry gnawing at the edges of her joy. Would people notice? Would they talk? What would they say if they saw her, Galinda Upland, with Elphaba? The fear lingered, but every time it surfaced, she thought of Elphaba’s lips brushing hers, her voice whispering, “You make me want to believe it could be different.” That thought, more than anything else, gave her courage.
It was late Friday afternoon when Galinda ran into Nessa and Boq in the university courtyard. Her mind was focused on the reply that she had received from Elphaba. The words had made her squeal in delight and she had read it at least ten times. She was giddy with the thought of seeing the girl at the Ozdust that evening, even though she dreaded the thought of sitting with her usual group of friends. The thought of their whispered jabs at Elphaba…or worse, their loud jeers, was enough to make her stomach turn.
“Galinda!” Nessa called out, smiling warmly as she approached, Boq trailing slightly behind her. “You’ll be at the Ozdust tonight, won’t you?”
Galinda tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yes. I’m actually going to see Elphaba.” She tried to sound casual, though her heart raced as she spoke.
Nessa’s smile widened. “Perfect. So are we. Would you like to join us?”
Galinda blinked, caught off guard. “Join you?”
“Sure,” Boq chimed in, his voice kind but a little shy. “We thought you might prefer coming with us rather than, you know, your usual crowd.” He shifted awkwardly but kept his gaze steady. “They’re not exactly…kind when it comes to Elphaba.”
Nessa nodded, her tone more matter-of-fact. “We figured it might be easier, and a little more fun, if you sat with us instead.”
For a moment, Galinda didn’t know what to say. She had expected to spend the evening feeling awkward and alone, trying to shield Elphaba from her friends’ judgment. But Nessa and Boq’s invitation felt like a lifeline.
“You’d really do that for me?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with gratitude.
“Of course,” Nessa said simply. “You mean a lot to her, you know. And…” She paused, her expression softening. “I think she means a lot to you too.”
Galinda swallowed hard, emotion welling in her chest. “Thank you,” she said sincerely. “I’d love to come with you.”
Back in her room, Galinda stood in front of her closet, biting her lip as she scanned the rows of dresses. What should she wear? She wanted to look stunning, not in the overly polished, performative way she usually did for social events, but in a way that would make Elphaba’s eyes linger, that would make her feel beautiful.
After much deliberation, she settled on a soft, flowing pink dress that flattered her figure and brought out the warmth in her complexion. The color felt like her, playful and confident, but the simplicity of the design made it feel more personal than performative.
She spent extra time on her hair, curling it to perfection, and applied just enough makeup to enhance her features without overdoing it. As she studied her reflection, she felt a wave of nervous excitement rush through her. “You can do this,” she whispered to herself. “She’s worth it.”
The air was crisp as Galinda made her way to the boats that would take them to the Ozdust. She spotted Nessa and Boq waiting near the dock, the lantern light casting a soft glow over their figures.
“You look lovely,” Nessa said warmly as Galinda approached.
“Thank you,” Galinda replied, her voice softer than usual. “You both look wonderful too.”
Boq grinned sheepishly and helped Nessa into the boat, then extended a hand to Galinda. “Shall we?”
As they glided across the water, Galinda found herself gripping the edge of the boat, her nerves mounting with each passing moment. She could hear the faint thrum of music in the distance, and her heart raced at the thought of seeing Elphaba again.
The Ozdust was buzzing when they arrived, the crowd larger than Galinda remembered from her last visit. She followed Nessa and Boq through the throng of students, grateful for their presence as they found a table near the stage.
Elphaba was already there, adjusting her guitar strap as she exchanged quiet words with her bandmates. Galinda’s breath caught the moment she saw her. Elphaba looked effortlessly striking in her usual black ensemble, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail, her sharp features illuminated by the stage lights.
Just as Galinda settled into her seat, Elphaba turned toward the crowd and their eyes met. The moment seemed to stretch, the background noise fading as Elphaba’s gaze locked onto hers. A smile slowly spread across Elphaba’s face, small but unmistakable, her usual guarded expression softening in a way Galinda had never seen before.
Nessa, sitting beside Galinda, noticed the change immediately. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile like that on stage,” she whispered to Boq, her tone tinged with surprise and quiet amusement.
Galinda’s cheeks flushed, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away. The look they shared was electric, filled with a mixture of wonder and unspoken understanding.
As the band launched into their first song, Elphaba’s focus stayed on her guitar, but her gaze kept flickering back to Galinda. Each time their eyes met, Galinda felt her heart race, a warmth spreading through her that made the crowded, noisy room feel far more intimate.
Through the rest of the performance, their silent exchanges continued. Quick glances, shy smiles, fleeting looks that lingered just long enough to leave Galinda breathless. It was as though the music, the crowd, everything around them had faded into the background, leaving only the two of them.
The last notes of the song faded, and the crowd erupted into applause. Galinda’s heart was still racing in her chest, but she couldn’t wait any longer. She stood up quickly, scanning the crowd for Elphaba. As she navigated through the people, her eyes finally locked onto Elphaba, standing to the side of the stage, still catching her breath. When Elphaba spotted her, a smile immediately spread across her face.
“I see you made it,” Elphaba said, her voice warm but low, the noise of the Ozdust still humming around them. There was a comfortable familiarity in her tone.
Galinda smiled, stepping closer. “Of course I did. You didn’t think I’d miss seeing you up there, did you?” She gave Elphaba a teasing look, her heart fluttering at the sight of her. “You were incredible, by the way.”
Elphaba’s smile softened, and she nodded. “I’m glad you’re here.” She hesitated for a moment, her gaze softening. “I’ve missed you.”
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with the truth of what they had both been feeling. Galinda’s smile softened as she stepped closer, her voice quiet but sincere. “I’ve missed you too. It’s been too long,” she admitted, a small, wistful laugh escaping her lips.
Elphaba’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, her green eyes full of meaning. “I know,” she said, her voice low. “It hasn’t been the same without you.”
Galinda’s heart beat a little faster at the tenderness in Elphaba’s voice. “I didn’t realise how much I needed this. Seeing you again, hearing you play, it…it feels like coming home,” she confessed, her voice catching slightly.
“I’m glad it’s not just me,” Elphaba replied, her tone lighter now, almost teasing. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d forgotten about me entirely.”
“Never,” Galinda said with a small shake of her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Not in a million years.”
They stood in a comfortable silence for a beat, the noise of the Ozdust seeming distant as they both basked in the quiet understanding between them. The moment felt right, like this was exactly where they were meant to be.
Galinda then raised an eyebrow, her gaze scanning Elphaba from head to toe with an exaggerated admiration. “Oz, do you know how sexy you are when you’re up on stage?” she said, her voice dripping with playful admiration. She took a step closer, her eyes twinkling. “I mean, seriously, I could hardly take my eyes off you.”
Elphaba’s cheeks flushed slightly, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “Oh, stop,” she said, a hint of teasing in her voice. But there was a warmth in her eyes that revealed just how much the compliment meant to her. “You’re not too bad yourself, you know.”
Galinda grinned, not even trying to hide the flirtation in her tone. “Well, someone has to keep up with you,” she said with a wink. “But really, I just can’t get over how…” she paused, her voice taking on a more sincere edge, “…how incredible you are. On stage. Off stage. Just incredible.”
Elphaba smiled, her expression softening even more. “Yeah. Me too,” she said, her voice low and tender.
They lingered there a moment longer, just the two of them, before the conversation naturally shifted to the buzz of the crowd around them. The world seemed a little less loud, and a little more in focus, now that they had found each other again.
After a brief pause, Elphaba raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. “So,” she said, her voice casual but inviting, “how about we head to the bar and get a drink?”
Galinda’s eyes sparkled, a smile curling at the corners of her mouth. “Now that sounds like a perfect idea,” she replied, a teasing edge in her voice.
Elphaba’s smile widened as she turned to lead the way, knowing that whatever came next, they were exactly where they needed to be.
They ended up at the bar, where Galinda ordered drinks for both of them, her hand brushing Elphaba’s as she passed her glass. They stayed close, their shoulders touching as they talked in low tones. The conversation flowed easily, the awkwardness from the week before melting away.
When a slow song began to play, Galinda surprised herself by reaching for Elphaba’s hand. “Dance with me?”
Elphaba hesitated, glancing around nervously. “Here? People will see.”
“I don’t care,” Galinda said firmly, squeezing her hand. “Do you?”
Elphaba hesitated, then shook her head. “No. I don’t.”
They stepped onto the dance floor, Galinda’s arms looping around Elphaba’s neck as Elphaba’s hands tentatively settled on her waist. They swayed together, their movements uncoordinated but earnest, their eyes locked.
“I’m proud of you,” Galinda whispered. “For letting me in. For letting yourself be seen.”
Elphaba’s throat tightened, but she didn’t respond
The music played softly as the two of them moved together, bodies swaying gently to the rhythm. There was an undeniable closeness between them, a magnetic pull that neither of them could deny. Galinda felt the warmth of Elphaba’s presence.
As the dance continued, Galinda couldn’t help but notice the subtle glances that passed between some of the other guests in the room. At first, she thought nothing of it, until she noticed a group of students whispering to each other, their eyes flicking over to her and Elphaba, then quickly away. A few of them exchanged shocked, incredulous looks as if they had seen something completely unbelievable. Some were staring openly, their expressions filled with confusion or judgment.
Galinda felt a twinge of discomfort as she realised that people were watching them, really watching them. She caught a glance from a particularly haughty girl from Shiz, and the surprise was evident in her face, as if she couldn’t believe that Galinda, the most popular girl at Shiz, was dancing with the green girl. The same girl who’d been the subject of so many whispered rumours and cruel comments.
The thought made Galinda bristle, and for a moment, doubt flickered in her chest. Was it too much? Were they being too obvious?
Her gaze shifted back to Elphaba, and she felt a sudden surge of resolve. She had nothing to hide, not from the people around them, and certainly not from Elphaba. The thought of staying quiet, of pretending, felt like it would suffocate her. She needed Elphaba, and she needed to show it. No one else’s opinions mattered.
Galinda leaned in a little closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “Elphie?” she said, her words delicate but full of longing.
Elphaba turned to her, their gazes locking, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other. Galinda’s eyes were filled with a mix of vulnerability and something more, something daring.
Galinda’s lips parted slightly, and then she asked, “Kiss me?”
Elphaba froze, her eyes briefly flicking to Galinda’s lips before meeting her gaze again. The desire was there, unmistakable, but there was also hesitation. She looked around the room, scanning the faces, the bustling crowd. Her gaze lingered on a few people whispering behind their hands, and she saw the wide-eyed stares, the furrowed brows of those who couldn’t comprehend what they were seeing.
“Are you sure?” Elphaba asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “People are watching. They’ll see.”
Galinda smiled softly, and in a quiet, almost mischievous tone, she replied, “My girlfriend just looked ridiculously hot on stage, and I haven’t kissed her in a week, so yes, I’m sure.”
Elphaba blinked, her breath catching at the use of the word “girlfriend.” The weight of it, the reality of it, made her pulse race. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, but she quickly shook it off, her expression softening.
“I don’t want to be the reason you have trouble at Shiz,” Elphaba murmured, her voice barely audible, filled with concern.
Galinda placed a hand on Elphaba’s chest, her fingers curling around the fabric of her jacket, pulling her just a little closer. She gazed up at her with eyes full of certainty. “Elphie,” she said firmly, her tone soft but resolute, “I’m not embarrassed by you. I’m not embarrassed by us.”
There was a long pause as the words hung in the air between them. Elphaba stared at her, reading the sincerity in Galinda’s eyes, the unshakable confidence in her voice.
Galinda’s expression softened, and she repeated, “Kiss me.”
Elphaba looked down at her, her heart pounding in her chest. The hesitation melted away, and with a deep breath, she leaned in. Her hand found its way to Galinda’s cheek, cupping it gently as she closed the space between them. The kiss was slow, tentative at first, as if they were both savouring the moment. But soon, it deepened, the intensity of it growing as the world around them seemed to disappear.
When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads resting together, both of them breathing heavily, Elphaba spoke, her voice a whisper. “I’m glad you’re not embarrassed.”
Galinda smiled, her fingers tracing lightly along Elphaba’s jaw. “I never will be,” she replied softly, before kissing her again, this time with more certainty, more passion, as the music swirled around them.
After a moment, Elphaba gently pulled away again, her eyes meeting Galinda’s with a soft smile. “You… called me your girlfriend,” she said, her voice quiet, almost unsure.
Galinda blinked, her lips still a little swollen from the kiss, and her smile turned warm. “Is that okay?” she asked, her voice a little hesitant now, as though she were testing the waters.
Elphaba’s heart fluttered at the question. She reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind Galinda’s ear as she answered, her voice full of affection, “Yes. It’s more than okay.”
Galinda smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Good,” she whispered, leaning in once more for another kiss.
But before they could get lost in the kiss any longer, a voice interrupted, calm and gentle.
“Galinda?” It was Nessa’s voice, warm but with a note of affection, as if she were hesitant to disturb such a tender moment. Elphaba and Galinda both pulled back from the kiss, turning to face her. Nessa was standing a little further off, but she wasn’t at all upset, just a bit apologetic. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but it’s getting late, and I think it’s time for us to head back to Shiz.”
Galinda smiled softly, clearly reluctant to leave. “Of course, Nessa,” she said, her voice sweet but laced with a hint of longing. She turned back to Elphaba, her gaze soft. “I guess I’ll have to go now. But don’t think for a second that this is over.”
Elphaba smiled at her, feeling that familiar warmth spread across her chest. “I’ll walk you to the boat,” she said, her voice steady but with an underlying affection.
Nessa stepped forward, giving Galinda a playful nudge. “We’ll wait for you by the boat,” she said gently, before adding with a teasing grin, “but only because we know how much you want to spend time with your girlfriend.”
Boq, standing nearby, nodded with a soft smile of his own. “Yeah, we can give you two a minute,” he added with a kind, understanding tone, his smile light and reassuring. “Take your time.”
Elphaba felt her heart flutter at the word “girlfriend,” but she didn’t say anything immediately. She simply turned to Galinda, watching as the other woman gave her a warm, affectionate look, as if every word was a promise.
“I’ll be right there,” Galinda whispered before leaning in for another brief kiss, just a soft brush of lips against lips, as if to reassure Elphaba that this wasn’t the end.
As the two of them slowly made their way toward the boat, Nessa and Boq allowed them a moment to gather themselves. There were no pressures, no hurry; it was clear they all understood the importance of this time.
Once they reached the boat, Galinda smiled at Elphaba one last time before turning to Nessa and Boq. “Ready to go?” she asked, though her gaze lingered on Elphaba, unwilling to fully let go.
Elphaba nodded in return, smiling back at her. “Goodbye for now, Galinda. I’ll see you next week.”
Galinda gave her a soft, lingering kiss, before making her way onto the boat. As Galinda stepped onto the boat, her smile bright and her steps light, Elphaba lingered at the edge of the dock for a moment longer. She watched Galinda with a soft, affectionate gaze, but a hint of worry flickered in her eyes. Just as Galinda waved at her, Elphaba turned to Nessa, who was still nearby, sensing the quiet urgency in her expression.
“Elphaba?” Nessa’s voice cut through her thoughts. Elphaba glanced at her sister, her face softening but her concern still evident.
“Can I… talk to you for a second?” Elphaba asked in a whisper, her gaze flicking back to Galinda. The boat was waiting, but Elphaba needed to get this off her chest before the moment slipped away.
Nessa nodded, her expression softening with understanding as she followed Elphaba to a quieter part of the dock.
“Everything okay?” Nessa asked, her arms folding as she looked at her sister.
“I…” Elphaba paused, choosing her words carefully. “I just need to ask you something. Please look out for Galinda while she’s at Shiz. I… I’m worried about what people are going to say about her, about us,” Elphaba’s voice lowered even more, her eyes searching her sister’s face. “The things people say when they see us together…she doesn’t know what it’s like yet. She’s never had to deal with the things I have… with the hate I’ve gotten for being… for being different. If anything happens, anything at all, can you write to me? Let me know?”
Nessa’s expression softened immediately, her gaze shifting from concern to a quiet understanding. “You think they’ll be cruel to her?”
Elphaba hesitated, looking back toward the boat where Galinda was chatting with some of the students. “I know what it’s like. People don’t hold back, especially when they see someone as… as bright and beautiful as her with someone like me. I just don’t want her to experience that kind of cruelty. She’s never faced that before; people judging her for who she is, for what she looks like, for being with me. She doesn’t deserve that.”
Nessa reached out and placed a hand on Elphaba’s arm, her voice soft but firm. “I get it,” she said quietly. “I’ll make sure she’s okay.”
Elphaba looked at her sister, her heart swelling with both relief and lingering concern. “I just want her to feel like she belongs. I don’t want her to feel ashamed, or like she’s doing something wrong just by being with me.” Her voice wavered a little, the vulnerability in her words stark. “She doesn’t deserve any of that… not from anyone.”
Nessa smiled, a warmth in her eyes. “Elphaba, don’t worry. Galinda is strong. And you know what? I think she’s proud of you. Proud to be with you. So if anyone tries anything, we’ll handle it. Together.”
Elphaba gave a small, grateful nod, her chest tightening with a mix of emotions. “Thank you, Nessa. I just… I don’t want her to get hurt.”
“I’ll make sure she’s okay, I promise,” Nessa reassured her, her voice steady.
Elphaba hesitated, her gaze flicking back to the boat where Galinda was now waving at her. After a long pause, she sighed softly. “I’m going to miss you.”
Nessa’s smile was soft and understanding. “I’ll miss you too, but this is a big step. I know you’ll be okay. And so will she.”
Elphaba met Nessa’s eyes one last time, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. “Goodbye, Nessa. And thank you… really.”
Nessa nodded with a knowing smile, and made her way to join Boq and Galinda.
As the boat sailed away into the night, Elphaba remained at the edge of the dock, watching until the shapes of the boat and the people in it had faded from view. She stood there a while longer, a smile on her lips, feeling content and sure of everything between them.
The boat gently rocked as they sailed back toward Shiz. Galinda leaned against the railing, her eyes focused on the water, though her mind seemed to be elsewhere; on the warmth of Elphaba’s touch, the soft kisses, and the feeling of being close to her.
Nessa, sitting across from Galinda, raised an eyebrow as she studied her sister’s girlfriend. “You two really are adorable,” she said with a teasing smirk, her tone full of that familiar sisterly affection. “You’ve been looking extra content tonight, Galinda. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so… soft.”
Galinda blushed, her heart doing a little flip at Nessa’s words, but she didn’t pull away. “Oh, stop,” she teased, but her smile never left her face. “It’s just… Elphie.”
Nessa’s gaze softened slightly as she looked at Galinda. “I’m serious,” she said, her voice quieter now, but still laced with that familiar warmth only a sister could possess. “I know my sister better than anyone else, and I can see how happy you make her. It’s… nice to see her like this, you know? Like she’s finally found someone who really sees her.”
Galinda’s smile softened, her heart swelling at Nessa’s words. “You really think that?” she asked, her voice gentle.
Nessa nodded, her expression sincere. “I do. I’ve watched Elphaba go through so much, and honestly, Galinda, I don’t think she’s ever had someone who really gets her, except for you.”
Galinda felt a surge of warmth in her chest. “I do get her,” she whispered, her voice full of affection.
Nessa smiled, her expression full of fondness for her sister and her best friend. “I can see that. It’s just… it makes me happy to see her so content, so sure of someone. She deserves that.”
Galinda smiled back at Nessa, the connection between them strengthening. “I want to make sure she always feels that way,” she said softly. “She deserves everything. All the happiness.”
Boq, who had been quiet up until that point, added with a soft smile, “You two just make sense together. I think it’s about time that Elphaba’s got someone who really knows her.”
Galinda smiled at Boq, grateful for his kind words. “Thanks, Boq,” she said, her voice sincere. “I think she deserves that. And more. And just so you know, Nessa, I’m never letting her go.”
Nessa smiled softly, giving her a knowing look. Boq, still smiling, gave Galinda a nod. “You two are really something. I haven’t seen Elphaba this happy in ages.”
Galinda smiled to herself, feeling her heart swell with affection for both her girlfriend and the people she now called friends. As the boat moved gently through the water, the night feeling warmer and more peaceful, she felt sure of one thing: this was only the beginning.