Chapter 24
When Galinda woke the next morning, the first thing she became aware of was warmth. Elphaba’s body was tangled with hers, bare skin pressed against bare skin, the sheets a mess around them. The second thing she noticed was how utterly happy she felt.
It was a rare kind of happiness, one she didn’t think she’d ever truly experienced before. A happiness that wasn’t fleeting or conditional. The kind that came with knowing you were exactly where you were meant to be.
She shifted slightly, and Elphaba let out a soft, sleepy grumble before tightening her hold, nuzzling into Galinda’s shoulder. The action sent a rush of fondness through her, and Galinda couldn’t help but smile.
“You’re clingy when you sleep,” she teased, her voice hushed.
Elphaba groaned, her voice rough with sleep. “Mmm… shut up.”
Galinda giggled, her fingers tracing idle patterns against Elphaba’s back. “No,” she said simply, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I like it.”
Elphaba hummed, tilting her head up slightly so their noses brushed. “Yeah?” she murmured.
“Mmhmm.” Galinda’s fingers trailed along Elphaba’s jaw, before she leaned down and kissed her, like they had all the time in the world.
Elphaba sighed into it, one hand slipping up to tangle in blonde curls. “We should probably get up,” she murmured against Galinda’s lips.
“Probably,” Galinda agreed, but made no effort to move.
Elphaba smirked. “You’re insatiable.”
Galinda grinned, pressing another quick kiss to her lips. “And you love it.”
Elphaba rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. “I have band practice this afternoon,” she finally admitted. “Will you be alright here on your own?”
Galinda nodded, smoothing her fingers over Elphaba’s shoulder. “I’ll be fine. I might use the time to read that book I got from the library.”
Elphaba smiled at her. “I think that’s a great idea.”
Eventually, they managed to untangle themselves from each other and get out of bed, though not without a few lingering touches, stolen kisses, and Galinda deliberately slowing Elphaba down by wrapping herself around her like a koala. When Elphaba finally had to leave, she slung her guitar over her shoulder and leaned in for one last kiss at the door.
“I’ll see you later,” she murmured against Galinda’s lips.
Galinda sighed dramatically. “If I survive without you.”
Elphaba chuckled. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And yet, you love me anyway.”
Elphaba shook her head, but her smile was unmistakable. “Yeah,” she said, pressing another quick kiss to Galinda’s forehead before stepping away. “I do.”
Galinda watched her go, her heart feeling impossibly full.
After Elphaba left, Galinda curled up on the couch with her book, but her mind kept wandering back over the last few days. It had all happened so fast, her parents finding out about her relationship, forcing her to leave, the pain of knowing they would never accept her choices, and then Elphaba…steady, unwavering, hers.
The thought of not being with Elphaba made her feel sick. It was an impossibility, not even a choice to be considered. Because this, being with Elphaba, loving Elphaba, wasn’t just something she wanted. It was something she needed. It was as necessary as breathing, as natural as the sun rising each morning. It was inevitable.
She thought about the way Elphaba had looked at her last night, the way she had sung to her, had put her heart into a song that had been written long before they ever spoke their feelings aloud.
That was her future.
Not the life her parents had mapped out for her. Not the carefully curated path of expectations and obligation.
This.
Elphaba.
Always, always Elphaba.
Taking a deep breath, Galinda pushed the thoughts aside for now and focused on her book, letting the world of fashion distract her, but the certainty remained, solid and unshakable.
Her future was with Elphaba.
And she would fight for it.
Galinda curled up in Elphaba’s desk chair, the book spread open in front of her. The pages were filled with intricate sketches and notes about garment construction, fabric choices, and the way clothing could transform a person, not just in appearance, but in presence. She traced a delicate line of stitching with her fingertip, eyes wide with wonder. She had always loved fashion, of course, but something about seeing it laid out in this way, as an art and a craft, made her heart beat a little faster. This wasn’t just about looking pretty. This was about creating something, shaping how people saw themselves and how the world saw them.
Without really thinking, she reached across the desk and plucked up a pencil. There was a stack of paper nearby, Elphaba’s, no doubt, meant for ideas for songs and lyrics. Galinda hesitated for only a moment before pulling a sheet toward her. She had always doodled, sketched ideas for dresses and accessories, but this felt different. For the first time, she wasn’t just designing for fun. She was designing with purpose.
Her hand moved quickly, the lines flowing from her mind to the page before she even fully realised what she was creating. The outfit was sharp, structured yet sleek. A tailored suit, fitted perfectly to the body, with strong, elegant lines. The jacket cinched slightly at the waist before flaring just enough to give movement. Underneath, a crisp buttoned shirt with an open collar, effortlessly stylish but not overly polished. Slim trousers tapered down to sleek, heeled boots that added just the right amount of edge. It was powerful. Distinct. And undeniably striking.
And then she paused, blinking. The figure she had drawn wasn’t just anyone. It was Elphaba.
Galinda stared at the sketch, something warm and unfamiliar blooming in her chest. She had designed this for Elphaba. Not just as a concept, but because she could see her in it. On stage, commanding every gaze, exuding confidence, mystery, and undeniable presence. The thought made her both nervous and excited. Would Elphaba even like it? Would she laugh?
She was still staring at the page when the door creaked open. Galinda’s heart leapt into her throat as Elphaba stepped inside, arms full of books.
She dropped her guitar onto the bed before making her way to Galinda. She bent over to greet her with a kiss and pulled back with a quizzical expression, noticing the paper. “What’s this?”
Galinda hesitated, gripping the paper a little tighter. She had the sudden urge to hide it, but something in her told her not to. Instead, she took a deep breath and held it out.
“I…um…I started looking at my book, and then I sort of…started sketching.” She offered a nervous smile. “Would you…would you like to see?”
Elphaba raised a brow but took the paper, her expression unreadable as she studied it. The silence stretched, and Galinda felt her stomach twist. And then-
“This is good,” Elphaba said, her voice edged with something like surprise. She looked up, meeting Galinda’s eyes. “Really good.”
Galinda’s cheeks warmed. “You think so?”
“Yes. And…” Elphaba looked back down at the sketch, her lips twitching slightly. “Is this me?”
Galinda swallowed, suddenly feeling absurdly self-conscious. “Yes,” she admitted, glancing away. “I just…I was thinking about what you might wear on stage, something that would suit you. And then, well, this happened.”
Elphaba was quiet for a long moment, her gaze flickering between the drawing and Galinda. Then, to Galinda’s utter shock, she said, “We should make it.”
Galinda blinked. “Wait. What?”
“The outfit. We should actually make it.” Elphaba gestured at the sketch like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “This is incredible, Galinda. I’d wear this.”
Galinda’s mouth opened, then closed again. “You…you would?”
Elphaba gave a small, amused nod. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
Galinda could hardly believe what she was hearing. Not only did Elphaba like her design, but she actually wanted to wear it. It was the best compliment Galinda had ever received.
“You really think it’s good?” she asked, still half-convinced she was dreaming.
“I know it is.” Elphaba’s voice was firm, serious. “And if this is what you want to do, if this is your dream, then you should do it. Because, Galinda…you can.”
The words hit something deep inside her, something she hadn’t even realised she needed to hear. A slow, radiant smile spread across her face.
Elphaba and Galinda approached the grand, looming doors of Colwen Grounds. Galinda had seen plenty of grand houses before, she had grown up in one, but this place felt different. It wasn’t just the size or the decor. It was the weight of something unspoken that lingered in the air, pressing down on Elphaba like an invisible force.
She could tell Elphaba was nervous. She hadn’t said much on the carriage ride over, and now, as they neared the door, her shoulders were stiff, her hands curled into tense fists at her sides. Galinda wanted to reach for her, to offer some kind of comfort, but she wasn’t sure if Elphaba would accept it. Instead, she settled for a gentle voice.
“You know,” she said softly, “it’s alright if you don’t want to be here.”
Elphaba glanced at her, expression carefully neutral. “I do want to be here.”
Galinda tilted her head knowingly. “That’s not what I meant.”
Elphaba sighed, glancing up at the house as though she could already hear the echoes of memories she hadn’t shared. “I’ll be fine,” she said. It wasn’t entirely convincing.
Galinda hesitated, then offered her a small smile. “Well, if it helps, I’m very glad to be here with you.”
Something in Elphaba’s expression softened. She didn’t reply, but the tension in her shoulders eased just slightly. That was enough.
Before Galinda could say anything else, the heavy doors opened.
“Galinda! Elphaba!”
Nessarose sat in her chair at the entrance, her expression warm as she greeted them.
“Thank you for inviting me,” Galinda said sincerely, stepping forward.
“Of course,” Nessa replied. “I’m really glad you both could come.”
She turned her attention to Galinda, her brow creasing slightly. “How are you doing?” she asked, her voice kind, but knowing.
Galinda hesitated for only a moment before answering truthfully. “It’s been really difficult,” she admitted. “But…” She glanced at Elphaba, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Elphaba has been really supportive. Wonderful, actually.”
Nessa’s eyes flickered to her sister, and something warm and knowing passed over her expression. She smiled softly. “I’m glad you have her to help you through this.”
Elphaba shifted slightly at the words, looking down at her boots as if unsure how to respond. Compliments weren’t something she was used to, at least not ones that acknowledged her in such a personal, meaningful way.
Nessa, perhaps sensing her discomfort, cleared her throat lightly and gestured toward the hall. “Dinner won’t be ready for a while yet,” she said, “so if you’d like, Elphaba, you could show Galinda around? I’m sure she’d love to see more of the house.”
Elphaba looked over at Galinda, who nodded eagerly. “Oh, I’d love that.”
A reluctant but amused smile ghosted over Elphaba’s lips. “Alright,” she relented.
As they walked through the halls of Colwen Grounds, Galinda took everything in, the high ceilings, the dark wooden floors, the tall bookshelves that lined many of the rooms. There was an air of cold grandeur about the place, but something about it also felt strangely untouched, as though time had settled here and refused to move forward.
Eventually, they arrived at a door that Elphaba hesitated before opening. “This was my room,” she said simply, pushing it open.
Galinda stepped inside and was immediately struck by how much it felt like her. Unlike the rest of the house, this space had personality. The walls were lined with bookshelves, filled nearly to bursting, and there was a desk pushed against the window, stacked with papers, pens, and well-worn notebooks. A modest bed sat in the corner, the blankets still dark and neatly tucked, as though waiting for her return.
Something about it felt sacred.
“This…” Galinda turned slowly, taking it all in. “This is where you grew up?”
Elphaba nodded, watching her carefully.
Galinda moved toward the bookshelf, running her fingers lightly over the spines of books, some of them so old they looked like they might fall apart if handled too roughly. “It’s incredible,” she murmured. “I feel…I don’t know. Blessed, I suppose. To be here. To see where you spent so much of your time.”
Elphaba folded her arms, leaning against the doorframe. “It was the only place I felt safe,” she admitted after a moment. “The only place no one could touch me. When I was in here, I could pretend, just for a little while, that the rest of the world didn’t exist.”
Galinda turned back to her, her heart twisting at the quiet confession.
Elphaba rarely spoke about her childhood, but when she did, it was always laced with the kind of pain Galinda couldn’t begin to imagine.
“You didn’t deserve any of that,” Galinda said softly, stepping closer. “Any of the things you went through.”
Elphaba exhaled, her gaze dropping. “I used to wonder why,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Why people hated me just for being born looking like this.” She paused. “Once, when I was a child, a group of boys threw rocks at me. I ran into the trees and hid for hours. I was too scared to come out and then it got too late, so I spent the whole night alone in the forest. I cried the whole night.”
Galinda’s breath hitched.
Tears welled in her eyes before she could stop them, and without thinking, she rushed forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Elphaba.
Elphaba stiffened at first, but then slowly, hesitantly, she let herself relax into the embrace.
“You never should have gone through that,” Galinda murmured fiercely, her grip tightening. “You never should have been treated that way. It wasn’t your fault. It was theirs.”
Elphaba swallowed hard, her body stiff in Galinda’s embrace. But Galinda didn’t let go.
Instead, she held on tighter, as if she could somehow reach into the past and shield the little girl Elphaba had been, the one who had spent a night alone in the woods, afraid and unloved.
“I wish I could have been there,” Galinda whispered, her voice trembling. “I wish I could have found you and stayed with you. I would have.”
Elphaba squeezed her eyes shut, her breath shaky.
“I hate that you went through that alone,” Galinda continued, pulling back just enough to look into Elphaba’s face. Her hands came up to cradle her cheeks, gentle but firm, like she was trying to make Elphaba hear her…to believe her. “You didn’t deserve any of it. Not a single bit of it.”
Elphaba couldn’t speak. Her throat was too tight.
Galinda exhaled shakily, brushing a stray tear from Elphaba’s cheek with her thumb. And then, softer, but no less certain, she said, “Green has become my favourite colour.”
Elphaba’s eyes snapped up, disbelieving.
Galinda smiled, though her own eyes were still damp. “I mean it,” she said. “I look at you, and I can’t imagine you any other way. I wouldn’t want you any other way.” She swallowed. “You are beautiful, Elphaba.”
Elphaba choked on a breath.
No one, no one, had ever said that to her. Her green skin had always been a problem. Something to be hidden, to be apologised for. Something that made her less.
And now Galinda was looking at her like she was more.
A sob tore from her throat before she could stop it. She tried to turn away, to cover her face, but Galinda wouldn’t let her.
“Hey,” Galinda whispered, pulling her close again, pressing their foreheads together. “It’s okay. I’m right here.”
Elphaba’s whole body trembled, her hands gripping Galinda’s arms as if she might fall apart without something to hold on to. Tears streamed down her face, the weight of years of loneliness and rejection pouring out of her all at once.
Galinda just held her, running her fingers gently through her hair, murmuring soft reassurances.
For the first time in her life, Elphaba allowed herself to believe, just for a moment, that maybe she was worth loving.
They stood like that for a long time, wrapped in each other’s arms, until Elphaba’s sobs quieted into shaky breaths. She pulled back slightly, her fingers swiping at her damp cheeks. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, embarrassed.
“Don’t be,” Galinda said immediately, tucking a stray lock of Elphaba’s hair behind her ear. “You never have to be sorry for feeling things.”
Elphaba let out a breath. She hesitated, then admitted softly, “This…this is why I love music so much.”
Galinda tilted her head, listening.
Elphaba swallowed, her gaze drifting to the worn piano in the corner of the room. “It was the only thing that ever made me feel like I was a part of something,” she murmured. “No matter how much people hated me, no matter how lonely I was, music didn’t care what colour my skin was. It was just…there.” She gave a small, wistful smile. “It made things feel less painful. Even when I felt like I had no one, I had that. And for a long time, it was the only thing that brought me any kind of joy.”
Galinda’s heart ached at the quiet confession.
Elphaba turned back to her, something unreadable in her expression. Then, after a long pause, she added, “At least…until I met you.”
Galinda’s breath caught.
The words settled between them, heavy with meaning, and she felt them down to her very bones.
“Elphie,” she whispered.
“I mean it,” Elphaba said, her voice steadier now, though her eyes were still damp. “Music was the only thing that ever made me feel like I belonged. Until you. You make me feel like I belong. Like I’m enough.”
Galinda’s eyes filled with fresh tears. Without hesitation, she reached up, cupping Elphaba’s face in her hands once more. “You are enough,” she whispered fiercely. “You always have been.”
Elphaba let out a soft, almost disbelieving laugh, shaking her head slightly as more tears slipped down her cheeks. But this time, they weren’t just tears of pain.
Galinda smiled through her own tears, pressing a soft kiss to Elphaba’s forehead before resting their foreheads together again. “I love you,” she murmured.
Elphaba exhaled shakily, her fingers curling into Galinda’s dress. “I love you too.”
Before either of them could say anything more, a knock sounded at the door, followed immediately by it creaking open.
“Elphaba?”
Nessa’s voice was laced with concern as she wheeled herself into the room. But the moment she saw Elphaba standing in the middle of the room, with red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked cheeks, her expression shifted into alarm.
“Elphaba,” Nessa repeated, her voice rising in worry. “What happened?”
Elphaba stiffened slightly, instinctively wiping at her face as if she could erase the evidence. “It’s nothing,” she said quickly, though her voice was still thick with emotion.
“Nothing?” Nessa’s brow furrowed, clearly not believing her. “You never cry.” She turned to Galinda, eyes searching. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Galinda hesitated, glancing at Elphaba before looking back at Nessa. “She was telling me a story. About when she was little,” she explained gently. “About the time she ran into the forest after some boys threw rocks at her… and spent the whole night out there alone.”
Nessa’s breath hitched.
Galinda frowned slightly. “You knew about that, right?”
There was a pause, and then, slowly, Nessa turned toward Elphaba, as if waiting for her to confirm.
Elphaba hesitated, then let out a quiet breath. “Father didn’t even notice I was gone,” she said, her voice almost too soft to hear. “Not until I walked back through the door the next morning, covered in mud and scratches.” Her expression darkened. “And even then, I don’t think he really cared. A part of me wonders if he did know. If he knew the moment I left and just… hoped I wouldn’t come back.”
A thick silence followed.
Nessa swallowed hard, her knuckles tightening in her lap. “I didn’t know that,” she admitted. Her voice was small, guilt-laced. “I didn’t know any of it.”
Elphaba blinked, surprised. “I thought you did.”
“I didn’t.” Nessa looked down, her jaw tightening. “And I should have.” She inhaled sharply. “How did I not notice? How did I let that happen?”
Elphaba said nothing.
Nessa shut her eyes for a moment, shaking her head. “I think… it was easier not to,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “It was easier to focus on my own struggles. To not look too closely at yours.” She finally met Elphaba’s gaze again, her eyes damp. “I was a terrible sister. I’m sorry.”
Elphaba let out a slow breath. Then, after a long moment, she nodded.
Nessa exhaled, as if she’d been holding her breath. She straightened slightly, composing herself. “Dinner’s almost ready,” she said, her voice steadier now. “I came to tell you both.”
Elphaba nodded, still visibly trying to pull herself back together. “We’ll be down in a minute.”
Nessa lingered for a moment longer before finally giving a small nod. “Alright,” she murmured. “Just… don’t take too long.”
With that, she turned and left, closing the door softly behind her.
As soon as she was gone, Elphaba let out a slow breath, pressing her fingers against her temples. “Well,” she muttered, “that was mortifying.”
Galinda let out a small, affectionate laugh. “I think she was just worried about you,” she pointed out.
Elphaba sighed but didn’t argue. Instead, she glanced at Galinda, something soft and unreadable in her expression. “I suppose we should go down.”
Galinda nodded but reached for her hand before she could move. “Are you alright?”
Elphaba hesitated, then squeezed Galinda’s fingers gently. “I think I will be.”
Galinda smiled, pressing one last quick kiss to Elphaba’s knuckles before leading her toward the door.
As they entered the dining room, the atmosphere was much lighter than it had been earlier. The smell of roasted vegetables and fresh bread filled the air.
Elphaba slipped into her usual seat opposite Nessa, and Galinda took the chair beside her, offering a reassuring smile. Nessa watched Elphaba carefully for a moment before speaking.
“You’re alright?” she asked quietly, concern on her face.
Elphaba nodded, brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “I’m fine,” she assured her. “Really.”
Nessa hesitated, but seeing the genuine steadiness in her sister’s expression, she let out a soft breath. “Alright,” she said, though there was something knowing in her eyes. “Then let’s enjoy dinner.”
The conversation around the table picked up, and a more cheerful energy settled over them. Galinda, determined to keep things light, glanced at Nessa.
“Have you seen much of Boq over the break?” she asked, lifting her glass of water.
Nessa perked up, her lips curling into a playful smile. “Oh, we’ve seen each other a few times,” she admitted, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with her napkin.
Galinda’s grin widened. “You sound very pleased about that,” she teased. “And you look positively radiant, might I add.”
A delicate flush crept up Nessa’s cheeks, and she let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Galinda.”
“What?” Galinda feigned innocence. “I’m simply pointing out that you look like someone who has been very well-courted over the break.”
“Maybe,” Nessa said, still blushing.
Galinda raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. “Should I be shopping for dresses? You know, for your wedding?”
Nessa’s eyes widened in surprise. “My wedding?” she echoed, her blush deepening as she stammered.
Galinda leaned in, voice dripping with mischief. “Well, the way you’ve been looking lately, I don’t imagine an engagement is far off.”
Nessa’s mouth dropped open, her blush now a full-on rosy glow. She sputtered for a moment before managing to say, “I… I’m not… I mean, it’s not like that…”
Before Galinda could tease her further, Nessa shot back, “You can talk. You two are absolutely lovesick. When’s your wedding?”
At that, Galinda burst into laughter, clearly amused by the question. But Elphaba, who had just taken a sip of water, suddenly choked, her eyes widening in surprise. She quickly sputtered, her face flushed with embarrassment as she grabbed her glass, desperately trying to swallow the water.
Galinda, still chuckling, met Elphaba’s eyes, her smile shifting into something a little more tender. “You may tease, but…” she said softly, her gaze never leaving Elphaba, “whoever gets to marry this one will be the luckiest person in all of Oz.”
Nessa blinked at Galinda, clearly taken aback by the sincerity in her voice, before she turned to Elphaba, raising an eyebrow. “See? That’s exactly what I mean. Completely lovesick.”
Elphaba rolled her eyes, but her cheeks were tinged with colour, the faintest hint of a smile playing on her lips. “You’re ridiculous,” she muttered, though it was clear there was no real irritation in her words. “Both of you.”
Nessa laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, please. I think I’ll have to start planning your wedding now.”
Galinda laughed again, clearly delighted by the teasing, and Elphaba couldn’t help but smirk as she glanced between them, her usual stoic demeanour softening just a little bit more.
Nessa calmed her laughing and tilted her head between Galinda and Elphaba. “Moving on…what have you two been up to this week?”
At that, Galinda’s entire face lit up. “Oh! We went to an open mic night! And Elphaba performed. She was truly magnificent.”
Elphaba shifted in her seat, suddenly very interested in her plate. “Galinda is exaggerating.”
Galinda gasped, placing a hand over her chest. “I most certainly am not! Nessa, she wrote a song about me and performed it in front of an entire crowd. And it was magical.”
Elphaba groaned. “Galinda.”
“What?” Galinda’s smile was almost too big for her face. “I’m allowed to be utterly besotted with my incredibly talented girlfriend.”
Elphaba covered her face with one hand, but the tips of her ears were unmistakably red.
Nessa looked between them, clearly amused. “Well, that does sound rather special,” she said, her voice kind. “I would have loved to have been there.”
Elphaba cleared her throat, desperate for a way out of this conversation. “Actually,” she said quickly, turning the attention back to Galinda, “Galinda has had a realisation about her future.”
Galinda blinked, momentarily thrown off. “Oh! Yes! That’s true.”
Nessa’s interest was piqued. “Oh?”
Galinda straightened in her chair, her excitement returning. “I’ve decided I want to work in fashion,” she announced. “And I’ve already started designing something. In fact, I designed an outfit for Elphie to wear on stage, and she wants to actually wear it.”
Nessa’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “That’s impressive,” she said. “I had no idea you designed.”
Galinda’s cheeks warmed. “Well, it’s always been something I’ve loved, but I suppose I never thought about actually pursuing it seriously.” She glanced at Elphaba, her eyes softening. “But Elphie encouraged me to.”
Elphaba shrugged, stabbing at a roasted carrot with her fork. “Because she’s good at it.”
Nessa’s gaze lingered on them for a moment before a small smile curved her lips. “Then I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I’d love to see your designs sometime.”
Galinda beamed. “I’d love that.” She set down her glass, smiling as she glanced between Elphaba and Nessa. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I just need to use the bathroom.”
“Of course,” Nessa replied with a genuine smile.
Galinda gave them both a quick smile before standing and making her way out of the room.
Once she was out of earshot, Nessa turned to Elphaba, her expression shifting to something more serious. “So… how is she?”
Elphaba exhaled, glancing briefly in the direction Galinda went before turning back to her sister. “She was…” she paused, choosing her words carefully. “She was devastated when she got here. I’ve never seen her like that before. It was like… like she was a shell of herself.”
Nessa sighed, “That bad?”
Elphaba nodded. “I mean, her parents have been so important to her, her entire life. And then, just like that, they threw her away.” Her jaw tightened slightly. “Even thinking about her hearing that…about how that must have felt…” She shook her head. “It breaks my heart and makes me so angry.”
Nessa’s expression saddened. “I can’t imagine.”
“And she’s trying, you know? She’s putting on this brave face, acting like everything’s fine, but I can see it’s not. Not really. Take tonight…she’s laughing and joking with us, but it’s all just for show.”
Nessa paused and quietly, “She must be hurting so much.”
Elaphaba nodded in agreement. “She is. But I’m just so glad she came to me. That she didn’t disappear on her own.”
Nessa reached across the table to take Elphaba’s hand. “I hope you know how proud I am of you.”
“Proud? Of me?” Elphaba’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Nessa nodded. “You’ve never been one to share your emotions, Elphaba. I’ve spent my whole life watching you keep everything locked away, like you were afraid to let anyone see too much. But with Galinda… it’s like you’re a completely different person.”
Elphaba lowered her gaze slightly, as if she was not quite sure how to respond.
Nessa continued, “and after everything you’ve been through…all the hurt you’ve faced, it’s wonderful to see you happy for once.” Nessa paused and made sure Elphaba was looking at her. “You are happy, aren’t you?”
Elphaba voice was soft but certain. “More than you could ever know.”
Before Nessa could respond, Galinda returned, her presence immediately brightening the space. She paused for a moment when she saw them, Elphaba and Nessa, holding hands and smiling at each other in a way that warmed her heart.
“Did I miss much?” teased Galinda.
Elphaba glanced at Nessa, then back at Galinda, as she let go of her sister’s hand. “Oh, just Nessa telling me how wonderful I am. Nothing new, really.”
Nessa rolled her eyes. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
Galinda grinned as she sat back down. “Well, I think you’re pretty wonderful too, if that helps.”
“It does. My ego was starting to deflate,” mocked Elphaba.
Galinda chuckled and rolled her eyes. “Tragic. I’ll have to compliment you more often.”
Nessa watched them with quiet amusement, taking in the way Elphaba’s sharp edges seemed to soften in Galinda’s presence. There was something so easy between them, something natural. They made sense.
“You two really are good for each other,” Nessa gently interrupted.
Galinda turned to her, a little surprised by the comment, but then she smiled, genuine and warm. “I like to think so.”
Elphaba glanced at Galinda. “We try.”
Nessa hesitated for a moment, then reached out to take Elphaba’s hand, giving it a small squeeze. Elphaba squeezed back, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. For so long, it had just been the two of them. Elphaba, always the protector; Nessa, always the one being protected. But now… things were different. And maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.
Galinda all too suddenly broke the heavy moment. “Well! Since I’ve returned from my harrowing journey to the bathroom, what’s next? Are we eating, talking, or should I fetch my things so we can all cry into my dresses together?”
“Tempting,” Elphaba chuckled.
Nessa laughed, “I think food first.”
Galinda nodded in agreement. “Excellent choice. Food, then crying. A perfect evening.”
Elphaba shook her head fondly.
Dinner carried on in much lighter spirits, and by the time the meal was finished, the weight that had settled over the evening seemed to have lifted.
Soon, it was time to leave.
Nessa wheeled herself to the door with them, pausing as Galinda stepped forward. “It was so lovely to see you, Nessa,” Galinda said warmly, reaching down to squeeze her hand.
Nessa smiled. “You too,” she said sincerely. Then, she hesitated, her expression softening. “And… I just want you to know that I’m here, if you ever need me. For anything.”
Galinda blinked at her in surprise, then smiled. “That means a lot,” she said, voice touched. “Thank you.”
Nessa nodded, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before letting go.
Then, just as Galinda was about to step back, Nessa’s lips twitched in amusement, her gaze flickering briefly to her neck. “Oh, and Galinda?” she said, voice deceptively innocent.
Galinda tilted her head. “Yes?”
“You might want to check a mirror when you get home,” Nessa said, a playful lilt to her tone. “You seem to have acquired a rather… conspicuous mark.”
Galinda blinked. “A mark?” she echoed in confusion.
And then, as Nessa’s words registered, her eyes widened.
Elphaba, who had been standing quietly beside her, suddenly went rigid. “Nessa,” she hissed, her entire face turning an impressive shade of red.
Nessa merely smirked.
Galinda, flustered, reached up, her fingers grazing over the side of her neck. And sure enough…there it was. A faint but unmistakable mark.
Her mouth parted in stunned realisation.
Then, slowly, a mischievous smile crept across her lips.
“Well,” she said, feigning nonchalance as she turned to Elphaba, “I suppose I should be thanking you, then.”
Elphaba groaned, covering her face with her hand. “Sweet Oz, kill me now.”
Nessa laughed outright, clearly pleased with herself. “Have a safe trip back,” she said sweetly, utterly unapologetic.
Elphaba shot her a glare. “I take back every nice thing I’ve ever thought about you.”
Nessa’s smirk widened. “Love you too.”
Elphaba exhaled heavily but leaned down nonetheless, resting a hand on Nessa’s shoulder. “Take care of yourself, alright?”
Nessa’s expression softened, and she reached up, squeezing her sister’s hand. “You too.”
With that, Elphaba stepped back, nodding once before turning toward the door. Galinda smiled once more at Nessa, then followed after her.
As the door closed behind them, silence settled between them for a moment.
Then, casually, Galinda said, “So, should I expect more of these in the future? Or was this just a special occasion?”
Elphaba groaned. “Galinda.”
Galinda grinned. “Oh, come on, it’s not my fault I didn’t notice it before. You could have warned me.”
Elphaba gave her a look. “Yes, because that would have been a normal conversation. ‘Oh, by the way, love, you might want to check your neck before we leave, as I appear to have left a rather visible sign of my affection.”’
Galinda giggled, clearly delighted. “I would have appreciated the heads-up.”
Elphaba sighed heavily but didn’t argue.
After a beat, Galinda’s teasing expression softened slightly. She tilted her head, studying Elphaba carefully. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice quieter now. “I know that was tough.”
Elphaba hesitated.
Then, finally, she let out a slow breath. “It’s… complicated,” she admitted. “But I think… I think it was a little easier this time.”
Galinda’s lips curled into a small, understanding smile. “I’m glad,” she murmured.
They walked in comfortable silence for a moment before Galinda looped her arm through Elphaba’s, leaning gently against her. “And for the record,” she added lightly, “green really is my favourite colour.”
Elphaba huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”
Galinda smiled. “You love me.”
Elphaba sighed but squeezed her arm. “I do.”
And with that, they continued their journey back home.