Chapter 25
The day after their dinner at Colwen Grounds had been spent together, wandering through the city, ducking into bookshops, and stopping by cafés. They had explored with no particular destination in mind, simply enjoying each other’s presence. Galinda had insisted on browsing through a boutique filled with intricate fabrics and delicate embroidery, excitedly pointing out patterns and colours she wanted to use in future designs. Elphaba, ever patient, had watched her with a fond smile, nodding at her every enthusiastic exclamation.
Now, two days later, Elphaba had a plan.
Galinda had woken up to find Elphaba already dressed, an unreadable expression on her face as she leaned against the doorframe.
“Come with me,” she said simply.
Galinda stretched, blinking sleepily. “Where?”
Elphaba only smiled. “You’ll see.”
Galinda had learned, by now, that when Elphaba was like this, mysterious, amused, and just a little smug, it was best to let herself be led. So she dressed quickly, letting Elphaba take her hand as they ventured outside.
Elphaba had arranged everything carefully. Before waking Galinda, she had stopped by the bakery downstairs, collecting a carefully packed picnic, which now sat hidden inside a cloth bag slung over her shoulder.
As they walked, Galinda stole curious glances at her. “You’re being very secretive this morning.”
Elphaba smirked. “Maybe I just enjoy keeping you in suspense.”
Galinda pouted. “That’s terribly unfair.”
“Life is terribly unfair,” Elphaba countered, though the teasing glint in her eyes softened the words.
They left the cobbled streets behind, following a dirt path that wound past a small stream. The air smelled of earth and early spring, and as they walked further, the city faded into the background.
And then, finally, Galinda saw it.
A vast field of tulips stretched before them, a sea of colours, swaying gently in the breeze. The sight of it stole the breath from her lungs.
“Oh, Elphie,” she whispered, eyes wide with wonder.
Elphaba squeezed her hand gently, leading her towards the lone tree that stood on a small hill overlooking the flowers. “I thought you might like it.”
Galinda turned to her, still awestruck. “Like it? It’s beautiful. It’s…” She shook her head, at a loss for words.
Elphaba sat down against the tree, setting down the cloth bag. “I take it that means you approve?”
Galinda let out a breathless laugh, lowering herself beside Elphaba. “You are so much more romantic than you pretend to be.”
Elphaba scoffed, though the tips of her ears turned pink. “I have no idea what you mean.”
Galinda leaned into her, resting her head on Elphaba’s shoulder. “You’re ridiculous.”
Elphaba let out a quiet chuckle. “Maybe.” She reached into the bag, pulling out the neatly packed food. Fresh bread, fruit, and delicate pastries, all carefully chosen from the bakery below her apartment.
Galinda gasped in delight. “You did all this for me?”
Elphaba gave her a look. “No, I did it for the tulips.”
Galinda swatted at her playfully before pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank you,” she murmured.
Elphaba hesitated for only a moment before wrapping her arms around Galinda, breathing her in. “Anything for you.
The picnic was simple, just a blanket, a few snacks, and the quiet comfort of being together. They ate leisurely, the sound of the breeze and distant birds filling the comfortable silence between them. Every so often, Galinda would pluck a tulip from the ground, twirling it between her fingers before tucking it into Elphaba’s lap, as if claiming her in some quiet, secret way.
After a while Galinda moved to lay with her head resting in Elphaba’s lap, her eyes half-closed as Elphaba absentmindedly ran her fingers through her golden curls.
“You look happy,” Elphaba murmured, watching the peaceful expression on Galinda’s face.
Galinda hummed in agreement, a lazy smile playing on her lips. “I am.” She tilted her head slightly, meeting Elphaba’s gaze. “Being with you… how could I not be?”
A pause. Then, tentatively, Elphaba reached for Galinda’s hand. “How are you really doing?” she asked, her voice quiet but firm.
Galinda stiffened slightly. “I’m fine.”
Elphaba gave her a look.
Galinda sighed, her shoulders sagging. “I…” She hesitated. “I’m trying so hard to be fine. To pretend it doesn’t hurt.” Her voice wavered. “But it does, Elphie. It hurts so much.”
Elphaba didn’t say anything. She just pulled Galinda into her arms, holding her close.
Galinda buried her face in Elphaba’s shoulder. “I don’t understand how they could just stop loving me,” she whispered.
Elphaba’s grip tightened. “You deserved so much better from them.”
Galinda let out a shuddering breath. “I just… I wanted them to be proud of me.”
Elphaba pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. “I’m proud of you.”
Galinda trembled in her arms, but after a moment, she let herself breathe again, let herself be held. “You are?”
“Of course I am,” Elphaba murmured. “You are brilliant, and kind, and so, so strong.”
Galinda pulled back slightly, her eyes searching Elphaba’s. “You mean that?”
Elphaba cupped her face gently. “With everything I have.”
Galinda swallowed hard, then, in a burst of movement, threw her arms around Elphaba’s neck, kissing her fiercely.
Elphaba made a small, startled sound but melted into it almost instantly, her fingers threading through Galinda’s golden curls.
When they finally pulled apart, Galinda rested her forehead against Elphaba’s. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Elphaba shook her head. “You don’t have to thank me. I’ll always be here.” She gave Galinda’s hand a small squeeze. “You know you’ll always have a place here with me, right?” she murmured. “No matter what happens.”
Galinda’s grip on her hand tightened. “I know.” She paused, then bit her lip. “I just… I’m worried about going back to Shiz.”
Elphaba raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
Galinda hesitated. “Because I’ll miss this,” she admitted. “I know you’ll be there on Friday, like always, but I hate not being near you during the week. You always feel too far away.”
Elphaba smiled, brushing her thumb across Galinda’s knuckles. “Leaving you is always the worst part of my week and seeing you is always the best,” she reassured her.
Galinda exhaled, as if she’d been holding onto a weight she hadn’t realised was there. “I know,” she said softly. “It’s just… you’re the only thing that makes Shiz feel like home now. If I didn’t know you were always only a few days away, I don’t think I could stand it.”
Elphaba smirked. “Well, good thing I’m not breaking the routine anytime soon, then.”
Galinda let out a small laugh, and the tension in her shoulders eased. “Good.”
Elphaba leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You’re stuck with me, Galinda. Like it or not.”
Galinda sighed contentedly, her eyes fluttering shut. “I like it,” she murmured.
Elphaba chuckled. “Thought so.”
Galinda exhaled softly, pressing a hand to her chest. “I love you,” she whispered.
Elphaba turned to look at her properly. “I love you too.”
Elphaba’s expression softened, and she gently lifted Galinda’s chin so that their eyes met. “We’ll get through it,” she said softly, her voice filled with a quiet assurance. “The next few years will be hard, but after that, we’ll have all the time we need, just the two of us.”
Galinda blinked in surprise, her heart suddenly racing. “Wait… what did you just say?”
Elphaba smiled gently, her green eyes softening. “I said, after we get through these next few years, we’ll have all the time we need. Together.”
Galinda’s breath caught in her throat. She tilted her head, a confused but hopeful expression crossing her face. “You mean that?”
Elphaba’s gaze never wavered, her voice steady and sincere. “The only future I see includes you, Galinda. I don’t see one without you in it. Not now, not ever.”
Galinda’s eyes widened, her chest swelling with emotion. “Oh, Elphie…” Her voice trembled with happiness. “I can’t even tell you how much that means to me.”
Elphaba’s lips quirked into a small smile. “I’m not going anywhere. If that’s what you want, we’ll be together, always.”
Galinda’s heart soared, and without thinking, she pulled Elphaba into a tight embrace, her voice nearly a whisper. “Yes. Yes, that’s what I want more than anything. I want you with me. Always.”
Elphaba held her close, feeling the warmth of Galinda’s love surround her. “Then that’s exactly what we’ll have,” Elphaba murmured, kissing the top of her head. “It’s a promise.”
Galinda, her heart at peace, smiled against Elphaba’s chest. “I’m so happy. I never want to be without you.”
Elphaba’s hand gently stroked through her hair, whispering, “And you won’t be.”
That warmth, that certainty, carried them all the way back to Shiz. But reality had a cruel way of creeping back in.
Galinda had barely stepped foot into her dormitory when she saw it, an envelope, just inside the doorway, her mother’s familiar handwriting on the front. The sight of it sent a cold shock through her. Her breath hitched, and her stomach twisted uncomfortably.
Elphaba, standing just behind her, caught the sudden stiffness in her posture. “Galinda?” Her voice was low, steady.
Galinda swallowed hard. “It’s from my parents.”
Elphaba stepped forward immediately, her presence grounding. She didn’t ask if Galinda wanted to open it, didn’t offer false reassurances. Instead, she simply took off her boots, took Galinda’s hand and led her to the bed, settling against the headboard and guiding Galinda between her legs. She rested her chin lightly on Galinda’s shoulder, looking down at the letter with her.
Galinda took a shaky breath and broke the seal. The paper felt heavier than it should as she unfolded it, as if it already knew the weight of its own words.
She read in silence, her eyes skimming over the opening lines.
“My dearest daughter,
I have spent every day since you left thinking of you. The house feels empty without your laughter, without the sound of your footsteps in the hall. Your father and I have spoken at length, and we realise now that we reacted poorly. It was simply the shock of it, darling. The surprise of something we had not prepared ourselves for.
But please believe me when I say this, we love you. We have always loved you, and nothing will change that. You are our daughter, and nothing in this world could make us stop wanting the very best for you.”
Galinda’s breath caught, something inside her lifting. She pressed a hand over her mouth, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. Maybe… maybe they truly meant it. Maybe they had finally accepted her.
She felt Elphaba press a gentle kiss to her temple, a quiet reassurance that she was there. Galinda exhaled shakily and kept reading.
“We only want to see you happy, to see you live the life you deserve. And that is why I must tell you about an opportunity that has presented itself, one too good to refuse.”
Her stomach twisted.
“Sir Lord Chuffrey has made a generous offer of marriage. He has expressed great admiration for you, and we know that with him, you will have stability, security, and all the comforts befitting someone of your status. If you accept, you will be welcomed home with open arms, and all will be as it should be.”
The warmth she had felt only moments ago vanished.
She read the words again, unable to believe how quickly the letter had turned. “All will be as it should be.” As if her love, her happiness, was a mistake that needed to be corrected. As if Elphaba, the person who made her feel more whole than she ever had, was something to be cast aside.
Her hands trembled.
Elphaba, however, was very, very still.
“That is…unbelievable.” The quiet fury in her voice startled Galinda out of her stunned silence. She sat up straighter, Elphaba’s arms tightening around her waist as she read over her shoulder.
Her breath was steady, but Galinda could feel the tension in her body, the way her fingers flexed against her hip, as if restraining herself from tearing the letter apart.
“So that’s their condition?” Elphaba said, her voice sharp as a blade. “You can come home if you agree to marry some aristocrat? If you erase yourself?”
Galinda’s throat felt tight. “They…” Her voice cracked, and she tried again. “They made it sound so… reasonable.”
Elphaba scoffed. “Of course they did. That’s how they trap you. Tell you they love you, tell you they only want what’s best. And then, just when you start to believe it, they remind you that their love is conditional.” Her arms wrapped fully around Galinda now, fierce and protective. “They don’t love you the way you deserve to be loved.”
Galinda let out a choked laugh, but there was no humor in it. “What do I deserve because it’s starting to feel like maybe not a lot?”
Elphaba didn’t hesitate. “Everything.” She turned Galinda in her arms, cupping her face so she had to look at her. “Love. Without conditions. Without expectations. Without if.”
Something inside Galinda broke at that, some deep, wounded part of her that had spent years bending herself into what her parents wanted, hoping it would be enough. Hoping she would be enough.
She pressed her face into Elphaba’s shoulder, and the first sob tore from her throat.
Elphaba held her as she cried, rubbing slow, soothing circles into her back. She didn’t shush her, didn’t tell her to be strong. She simply let her feel.
When Galinda finally pulled back, her eyes were red, but she wasn’t shaking anymore. She looked down at the letter, still resting on the bed beside them.
And then, with a deep breath, she picked it up and tore it in half. Like something that no longer had power over her.
Elphaba studied her. “What do you want to do?”
Galinda exhaled, long and slow. “I want to go to the Ozdust,” she said, her voice steadier now. “I want to hear you play.”
Elphaba searched her face for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”
She stood, offering her hand. Galinda took it.
She didn’t let go.
The Ozdust was quiet, just the sounds of people working and the low hum of instruments being tuned. The atmosphere charged with a restless energy that always seemed to settle just before a show.
Galinda had been here dozens of times before, but tonight, it felt different. Heavier. Maybe it was the letter still lingering in the back of her mind, or maybe it was just that she had spent all day trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her chest. Either way, she felt off balance, like the ground beneath her wasn’t quite solid.
Elphaba had disappeared the moment they arrived, heading backstage to join the rest of the band for soundcheck. Galinda had watched her go, lingering near the bar with a drink in hand, trying to focus on the familiar sight of Elphaba up on stage, where she belonged.
She was mid-sip when a voice cut through the din.
“Well, well. Look who it is.”
The sound sent a slow wave of unease crawling down her spine. She turned before she could stop herself, and there, standing far too close, was Rhea.
Galinda stiffened. It had been weeks since she had seen her last, since she had caught that awful, burning image of her lips pressed against Elphaba’s. But here she was, standing in front of her with the same smug, lazy grin that made Galinda’s skin crawl.
“Didn’t think I’d see you here,” Rhea mused, tilting her head. “I figured you’d be off doing… whatever it is girls like you do.” She let her eyes flick over Galinda, slow and deliberate, before meeting her gaze again. “But then, I suppose you like to think your little relationship is perfect , don’t you?”
Galinda didn’t flinch. “I don’t see why that’s any of your concern.”
Rhea’s lips curved into something almost amused. “Oh, I think it is.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “You know, you looked so heartbroken that night. When you saw us.”
Galinda forced herself to breathe. She would not give Rhea the satisfaction of a reaction. “And yet, you still felt the need to do it.”
Rhea shrugged. “Can you blame me? She’s beautiful.” She smirked, watching Galinda carefully. “But you already know that, don’t you?”
Galinda swallowed back the bitterness rising in her throat. “Is there a point to this conversation?”
Rhea’s smirk deepened, as if she was enjoying this more than she should. “I just think it’s funny,” she mused. “Girls like you…spoiled, pampered, perfect little things. You always think you can hold onto someone like her.” She clicked her tongue. “But you won’t. Not forever. She’s not the type.”
Galinda’s fingers curled around her glass. But still, she did not waver. “You think you know her,” she said, her voice steady. “You don’t.”
Rhea chuckled. “Maybe not. But I know enough to see how this ends.” She leaned in slightly. “You won’t be enough for her.”
Before Galinda could respond, before she could even process the sharp sting of those words, a familiar warmth ghosted against her back.
A hand, firm and steady, settled at her waist.
“Hey, darling,” Elphaba murmured, her voice a low, affectionate drawl as she pressed a kiss to the side of Galinda’s neck. “Let’s go for a walk.”
Galinda barely suppressed the shiver that ran through her. She turned her head slightly, catching Elphaba’s gaze. There was something fierce and knowing in those dark eyes, something that made her breath come just a little easier.
But Rhea… Rhea was still there, and she was watching.
“Elphaba,” she purred, stepping closer. “You’re glowing tonight.”
Elphaba didn’t even spare her a glance. “I thought when I ignored you last week, you would get the message. And yet, here you are, still trying to get my attention.”
Rhea tilted her head. “What can I say? You make an impression.” Her gaze flicked toward Galinda then, her grin sharpening. “I was just telling your girlfriend how fragile these things can be.”
Elphaba’s expression didn’t change, but Galinda could feel the subtle shift in her posture, the quiet steel settling beneath her skin. “Rhea,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “You need to leave her alone.”
Rhea arched a brow. “Touchy, aren’t we?”
Elphaba finally turned to face her fully, and for the first time, there was no trace of humour in her expression. Only quiet, unwavering certainty. “Galinda is the only girl for me.”
Something flickered across Rhea’s face, something unreadable. But she didn’t back down. “You say that now,” she murmured, her voice almost pitying. “But one day, you’ll realise she’s not enough for you. You’ll leave her. Just like everyone else does.”
Elphaba went very, very still.
And then, in a voice so soft it was almost dangerous, she said, “No.” She took a slow step forward, her grip on Galinda’s waist tightening just slightly. “You see, that’s where you’re wrong.”
Rhea blinked.
“It’s not about whether she’s enough, which she is more than,” Elphaba continued, her eyes dark with certainty. “It’s about the fact that I already have more than I ever thought I’d get. I don’t want anyone else. I don’t need anyone else.” Her expression hardened. “But even if we did split up, which we won’t, it wouldn’t be for someone cruel and unkind, like you.”
Rhea flinched.
Elphaba exhaled, slow and measured. Then she turned back to Galinda, her fingers brushing gently against her arm. “Let’s go.”
Galinda didn’t hesitate.
She slipped her hand into Elphaba’s, holding tight as they moved past Rhea, past the noise of the Ozdust, past all the things that didn’t matter.
The moment the cool night air hit them, Galinda stopped.
Before Elphaba could say anything, before she could even take another breath, Galinda reached for her, hands framing her face, lips pressing against hers with something desperate, something relieved, something full of quiet, unshakable love.
Elphaba barely had time to react before she melted into it, her hands finding Galinda’s waist, grounding her.
When they finally broke apart, Galinda rested her forehead against Elphaba’s, her breath uneven.
Elphaba swallowed, her voice lower, rougher than before. “What was that for?”
Galinda smiled softly, tracing her thumb against Elphaba’s cheek. “Just…thank you.”
Elphaba pecked her lips once again. “Just doing what I should have done a long time ago.”
The Ozdust was packed, bodies pressed together as the crowd waited eagerly for the next set. The moment Emerald Fog stepped on stage, the energy in the room shifted. Cheers erupted, a sea of voices chanting Elphaba’s name, and Galinda, sat at a table near the bar with Nessa and Boq, felt a swell of pride so strong it made her breath hitch.
She wasn’t the only one watching Elphaba with rapt attention. Fiyero sat beside her, a smirk playing on his lips as he raised his drink. “She looks good up there, doesn’t she?”
Galinda barely glanced at him. “Obviously.”
Fiyero chuckled. “Relax, sweetheart, I know she’s yours.” He took a sip of his drink before adding playfully, “Doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the view.”
Galinda shot him a glare, but before she could snap back, the first chord rang out, and the room exploded with movement. The pounding beat of the drums, the deep thrumming of the bass, and then, Elphaba’s voice. It cut through the noise, raw and electric, filling every corner of the Ozdust.
She was magnetic. Commanding. When she performed, it was as if nothing else existed, as if the entire world had no choice but to stop and listen.
Galinda swayed with the music, eyes locked onto Elphaba as she played. Every now and then, their gazes met, and despite the distance between them, Galinda felt the pull, the invisible thread that always seemed to connect them.
Beside her, Nessa and Boq clapped enthusiastically. Fiyero, meanwhile, had his arm draped lazily over the back of Galinda’s chair, watching Elphaba with a kind of lazy admiration.
“She’s ridiculous,” he mused.
Galinda tore her eyes away from the stage long enough to give him a confused look. “What?”
Fiyero grinned. “She acts like she’s so above it all, like she doesn’t care what people think. But look at her.” He gestured to the stage, where Elphaba was leaning into the mic, the corner of her lips curling as the crowd sang along with her. “She loves this. She loves being up there.”
Galinda tilted her head, considering. Maybe he had a point. Elphaba liked to pretend she wasn’t affected by attention, but on stage, she came alive in a way that suggested otherwise.
Not that Galinda minded. The confidence she had on stage was one of the first things that drew her to the other girl.
The set continued, the crowd growing wilder with each song, and by the time Elphaba played the final chord, the entire room was buzzing. As the last note rang out, applause erupted, voices cheering her name.
Elphaba’s gaze sought out Galinda’s immediately. The look in her eyes was warm, full of something soft and unspoken. Galinda felt herself blush under the intensity of it.
The band started packing up their equipment, and Galinda pushed her way through the crowd toward the stage. She barely made it a few steps before Fiyero fell into step beside her, flashing a teasing grin.
“You gonna go congratulate your girl?”
Galinda sniffed, tossing her curls. “Obviously.”
“Well, tell her she was fantastic from me.” He winked. “And tell her if she ever gets tired of you, I’d be happy to…”
Galinda smacked his arm before he could finish. “You are insufferable.”
Fiyero only laughed, stepping back just as Elphaba hopped down from the stage. Her eyes found Galinda instantly, her usual smirk tugging at her lips.
“Hey, sweet,” she murmured, her voice still slightly husky from singing.
Galinda flushed at the low rasp in her tone but didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around Elphaba’s waist. “You were incredible,” she whispered against her ear.
Elphaba huffed a quiet laugh, arms tightening around Galinda. “You’re just saying that because you like me.”
Galinda pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. “I love you.”
Elphaba’s breath caught for a fraction of a second before she relaxed, her expression softening. “Yeah,” she murmured, brushing her lips against Galinda’s forehead. “I love you too.”
From somewhere behind them, Fiyero made a dramatic gagging noise.
“Oh, shut up,” Elphaba muttered, though she didn’t let go of Galinda.
Nessa rolled up a moment later, looking thoroughly pleased. “That was amazing, Elphaba!” She beamed up at her sister. “I never get over watching you guys.”
Elphaba shrugged, rubbing the back of her neck. “You know how it is.”
Boq nodded enthusiastically. “You’re great.”
Elphaba waved him off, clearly uncomfortable with the praise, but before the conversation could continue, Galinda tugged at her hand.
“Let’s dance,” she said, barely a request.
Elphaba raised an eyebrow. “I guess I could be persuaded by a pretty girl.”
Galinda’s smile widened. “Good.”
Fiyero, leaning against a table nearby, smirked. “Ooh, a dance, just the two of you. Scandalous.”
Galinda rolled her eyes, but Elphaba only smirked. “You have no idea.”
Fiyero barked out a laugh, and Nessa swatted his arm. Boq just looked mildly confused.
Elphaba only chuckled, pressing a kiss to Galinda’s temple before whispering, “Let’s dance.”
Galinda didn’t need to be told twice. She laced their fingers together, leading her toward the dance floor.
The weekend passed in a blur of stolen moments. Lazy mornings tangled together in bed, whispered conversations under the covers, Elphaba reading while Galinda sketched, their legs intertwined on the dormitory couch. It was a rare pocket of peace, and Galinda clung to it, knowing that come Monday, Elphaba would have to leave.
When the time finally came, Galinda stood in the doorway, arms wrapped around herself as she watched Elphaba gather her things.
Elphaba glanced up, catching the look on her face. “Don’t make that face, darling.”
Galinda huffed. “What face?”
“The one that makes me want to stay forever.”
Galinda sighed, stepping forward to wind her arms around Elphaba’s waist. “And what if I want you to?”
Elphaba kissed the top of her head. “Then I’ll be back on Friday, like always.”
Galinda closed her eyes, inhaling her scent. “It’s not soon enough.”
Elphaba chuckled. “It never is.”
She pulled back just enough to tip Galinda’s chin up and kiss her, slow and sweet, like a promise.
Galinda melted into it, gripping Elphaba’s shirt tightly.
When they finally parted, Elphaba smiled. “I’ll see you soon.”
Galinda exhaled. “Not soon enough.”
Elphaba squeezed her hand one last time before slipping out the door.
Galinda stood there for a long moment, staring after her.
Then, with a deep breath, she turned back inside, counting down the days until Friday.