Emerald Fog

Two weeks had passed since Galinda had last seen her parents. She had known they would not approve, but she had still clung to the hope that, in time, they might come around.

They hadn’t.

But she had tried not to think about it. She had thrown herself into her studies, into Elphaba, into anything that made it easier to forget.

Until now.

Dr. Dillamond’s lecture hall was filled with the quiet scratching of pens on paper as he paced the front of the room, his voice weaving through the intricacies of interspecies relations in Oz. Normally, Galinda would be engaged, eager to impress. But today, she was struggling to focus.

A knock at the door cut through Dr. Dillamond’s words. He paused, frowning as Madame Morrible stepped inside.

“Apologies for the interruption, Professor, but I need to speak with Miss Upland. Immediately.”

Galinda’s stomach twisted as the eyes of the class turned to her. She glanced at Fiyero, who had straightened in his seat, brow furrowed.

Dr. Dillamond nodded. “Of course.”

Galinda rose slowly, smoothing her skirt with trembling fingers before following Madame Morrible into the corridor.

The door shut behind them, and Madame Morrible turned, her hands clasped. “I was just made aware that your parents will no longer be paying your tuition,” she said briskly.

The words barely made sense.

“What?” Galinda breathed.

“Without financial support, you will be required to leave Shiz at the end of the term.”

The floor beneath her felt suddenly unsteady.

“No,” she whispered. “There must be some mistake.”

“I’m afraid not.”

Galinda let out a weak, breathless laugh, though nothing about this was funny. “They… they can’t just do that.”

Madame Morrible’s expression was unreadable. “I understand this is difficult, Miss Upland. If you have other means to cover your tuition, I suggest you make arrangements soon. Frankly, I don’t take kindly to freeloaders”

Then she turned and walked away, leaving Galinda frozen.

Her vision blurred.

Her parents had truly cut her off.

Everything she had spent years working toward; her future, her education, her life at Shiz, was slipping through her fingers.

“Galinda?”

The voice was soft, uncertain.

She turned and saw Nessa watching her, concern etched into her features.

Galinda tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat. The moment she saw the understanding in Nessa’s eyes, the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over.

Nessa took her hand. “Come with me,” she said, her voice steady.

She led Galinda away from the busy corridors, pushing open the door to an empty study room. “Tell me what happened.”

Galinda wiped at her face, taking a shaky breath. “My parents,” she whispered. “They…they’ve stopped paying my fees. I have to leave.”

Nessa’s grip on her hand tightened. “Because of Elphaba?”

Galinda nodded, her throat too tight to speak. She wiped at her face, her hands trembling as she tried to regain some composure. Her mind was spinning, and all she could hear was the sound of her heartbeat thudding in her ears.

“I don’t… I don’t even know where to go from here,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “How can they just do this? How can they leave me like this?”

Nessa squeezed her hand tighter, her expression soft with sympathy. “I know it feels like everything is falling apart right now, Galinda. But listen to me. Just because they’ve chosen this doesn’t mean it’s the end of everything for you. You’ve worked too hard for this. You’ve worked too hard for you, not for them.”

Galinda’s eyes flickered, struggling to grasp her words. “But my parents…my whole life has been about meeting their expectations. Everything I’ve done, every choice I’ve made, it’s been for them. I thought if I was good enough, they would finally see… but now, I have nothing. Nothing except…” She stopped, her voice breaking as she realised the gravity of it all.

Nessa placed her other hand on Galinda’s shoulder, her grip firm, grounding. “I’m so sorry, Galinda. I can’t pretend to understand exactly what you’re going through, but I know this much: you’re not defined by them. You’re defined by you.”

Galinda let out a bitter laugh, barely containing the sobs building up inside her. “I don’t feel like me anymore. I feel like I’m nothing. I thought I was building a future here, something of my own. And now…”

“I know,” Nessa interrupted gently, her voice steady. “It’s like the ground is just… gone beneath your feet. It’s terrifying. But I’m here, Galinda. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

The weight of Nessa’s words was comforting, but it did little to ease the overwhelming fear that gripped Galinda’s chest. She stared at the ground, her mind still reeling. “I thought they might come around eventually. That they’d see reason. But they didn’t. And now I’m just… stuck.”

Nessa gave a soft sigh, her voice filled with empathy. “Sometimes, the people we think will always be there for us, well, they let us down. It’s not fair. But it doesn’t mean you have to give up. You can still find a way to move forward.”

Galinda’s eyes flickered with a trace of hope, but the doubt was still there. “How? How do I move forward from this?” She let out a long, shaky breath. “I’m so tired, Nessa. Tired of fighting, tired of trying to make things work, when it feels like the world just keeps pushing me down.”

“I get it. But you’ve always had strength in you. You’ve made it this far. Don’t let them take that away from you. Don’t let this one thing, this one setback, define you.”

Galinda took a moment to let those words sink in, though the weight of everything still felt too much to bear. She looked at Nessa, her eyes swimming with tears. “I don’t know if I can do this, Nessa. I don’t know if I have the strength anymore.”

Nessa leaned in, her voice warm and reassuring. “You’re stronger than you think. And right now, you don’t have to do it alone. Let me help you through this.”

Galinda wiped her eyes again, the flood of emotions making it hard to keep herself steady. “I just… I don’t know where to even start. I can’t even think straight.”

Nessa smiled faintly. “Then don’t think. Let’s just take one step at a time. We’ll figure something out. Together.”

For a long moment, Nessa was quiet, deep in thought. Then, finally, she said, “I’m so sorry they’ve done this to you. Come on. Let’s go find Fiyero.”

Galinda blinked. “What? Why?”

“Because you need a distraction,” Nessa said simply. “And because I have something I need to do.”

They found Fiyero lounging outside the library, lazily tossing a ball between his hands while a group of students chatted nearby. He looked up when he saw them, grinning at first, until he saw Galinda’s face.

“What happened?” he asked, sitting up straight.

Galinda opened her mouth, but no words came.

“She just needs to sit for a bit,” Nessa said, giving him a look that made it clear now was not the time for questions.

Fiyero nodded, moving over so Galinda could sit beside him. “Alright,” he said, throwing an arm around her shoulders. “Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”

Galinda leaned into him, grateful for the comfort, but her mind was still spinning.

Nessa turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” Galinda asked, frowning.

Nessa hesitated. “There’s something I need to take care of,” she said vaguely.

Fiyero gave her a curious look but didn’t question it.

“I’ll be back soon,” Nessa promised. Then, before Galinda could protest, she was gone.

The next morning, Nessa arrived in Munchkinland, the familiar streets quiet in the early hours. She wasted no time, heading straight to the bakery beneath Elphaba’s apartment.

When she reached the door, she scowled up at the staircase leading to the second floor. There was no way she could get up there.

Luckily, Mirn, the baker’s boy, noticed her through the window and rushed outside. “Miss Nessa?” he asked, wiping his hands on his apron.

“I need to speak to Elphaba,” she said. “Can you tell her I’m here?”

Mirn nodded quickly before disappearing up the stairs. A few moments later, the door above swung open, and Elphaba appeared at the railing, looking surprised.

“Nessa?” she called. “What are you doing here?”

“Come down,” Nessa said simply. “We need to talk.”

Elphaba hesitated only a moment before making her way down.

“What’s going on?” she asked, folding her arms.

Nessa took a breath before speaking. “It’s about Galinda.”

Elphaba’s face was overcome with concern. “What happened?”

Nessa hesitated for only a second before saying, “She’s being forced to leave Shiz. Her parents won’t pay her fees anymore.”

Elphaba shot to her feet. “What?”

“She told me yesterday. Madame Morrible pulled her out of class. She was crying in the hallway when I found her.”

Elphaba turned away, running a hand through her hair. “That’s it, then? Just like that, they’re cutting her off?”

“Yes,” Nessa said simply.

Elphaba let out a sharp, humourless laugh. “Of course. Typical. I should have expected this.”

“I have an idea,” Nessa said carefully.

Elphaba exhaled, bracing herself. “What?”

“Our father could pay.”

“No.” The answer was immediate, absolute.

Nessa had expected that.

“Elphaba…”

“I said no.” Elphaba turned to face her again, her eyes blazing. “I won’t take his money.”

“I know you won’t,” Nessa said steadily. “But what if it wasn’t for you?”

Elphaba faltered slightly.

Nessa pressed on. “I know you won’t ask him for yourself. I know you won’t forgive him. And I’m not asking you to.” She took a step forward. “But ask him for her. This could change her life. She would probably have to return home to her parents if no solution is found.” She paused. “You and I both know he listens to me. If I ask, he’ll consider it. But I won’t do it without your permission.”

Elphaba’s jaw clenched.

The idea of accepting anything from their father made her stomach turn.

But this wasn’t for her.

It was for Galinda.

Elphaba looked at her sister, her expression unreadable. “You think he’ll actually agree?”

“I do,” Nessa said. “He’s different lately. I think he wants to make amends.”

Elphaba scoffed.

Nessa looked at her sister, her voice soft but firm. “Will you really let your pride get in the way of helping Galinda?”

Elphaba stilled.

A long silence stretched between them.

Finally, Elphaba exhaled sharply. “Fine. But I’m really not happy about this.”

“I know.” Nessa gave her a small, knowing smile.

Elphaba rolled her eyes. “Just go before I change my mind. Oh and Nessa, I’ll be returning with you to Shiz. I need to be there for her.”

“I wouldn’t have expected anything less,” Nessa smiled and wheeled herself away from the Bakery.

When Nessa arrived at Colwen Grounds, the estate was eerily quiet.

Nessa found her father in his study, seated at his great mahogany desk. He looked up in surprise as she entered.

“Nessarose,” he greeted. “What brings you home?”

She didn’t hesitate. “I need your help.”

He set his pen down, studying her. “With what?”

She took a steadying breath. “It’s about my friend…Elphaba’s friend.”

His expression darkened slightly, but she pressed on.

Silence.

“Elphaba’s in a relationship,” Nessa continued. “With a girl. And her girlfriend’s family has cut her off because of it. She has to leave Shiz. I was hoping that maybe you could cover her fees.”

His jaw tightened, but he remained silent.

“She is important to Elphaba,” Nessa continued. “And I know you have started to realise the mistakes you made with her. I know she won’t be ready to listen to you yet, but this could be a step toward making amends.”

He looked at her sharply. “Does she know you’re asking me this?”

Nessa met his gaze without flinching. “She agreed to let me ask.”

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, he leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. “She is… happy?”

Nessa didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

His fingers drummed against the desk. “And you truly believe this would help?”

“Yes,” Nessa said again, softer this time. “You can’t change the past. But this is something you can do now.”

For a long moment, he was quiet. Then, finally…

“Fine.”

Relief flooded through Nessa.

“I will see to it that her fees are covered,” he said. “But I don’t expect to hear a word of thanks from Elphaba. If she doesn’t want anything to do with me, I won’t force it.”

Nessa nodded. “That’s fair.”

Her father sighed, rubbing his temples. “I suppose this is the least I can do.”

“What do you mean?”

He gave her a small, tired smile. “I spent so long tearing her down and this girl has shown her she can be loved.”

Nessa let out a quiet breath. “She really does love her.”

“It seems so.” He looked at his daughter, something unreadable in his gaze. “Make sure she knows she’s taken care of.”

“I will. Thank you, Father.”

As Nessa left his study, she felt the weight of what had just happened settle over her.

Galinda would be able to stay.

Elphaba would never thank him, never forgive him, but maybe this was enough for now.

Maybe, in his own way, he was finally trying.

Elphaba arrived at Colwen Grounds the next morning, finding it the same way she always did, cold, grand, and unwelcoming. As she stepped onto the gravel path, she forced down the unease curling in her stomach. This was not her home. But today, she had to be here.

She adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder and moved toward the entrance. The door was already open, a servant having spotted her approach, and she stepped inside with nervousness in her stomach.

In the dining room, Nessa was seated at the long, polished table, a delicate cup of tea in front of her. Their father sat at the head, as always, a newspaper folded beside his plate. A half-eaten breakfast lay before him, but his attention shifted immediately as Elphaba entered.

He regarded her for a long moment before speaking.

“Elphaba.”

That was it. No welcome. No warmth. Just her name, spoken with the same measured detachment as always.

Elphaba set down her bag and pulled out a chair beside Nessa. “I came to travel back with you,” she said, directing her words at her sister.

Nessa gave a small nod as she set her cup down. “I assumed as much.”

A strained silence followed. Elphaba was acutely aware of her father’s eyes on her, but she refused to acknowledge them.

It was Nessa who spoke next. “Father has agreed to pay Galinda’s tuition.”

Elphaba’s head snapped toward her. “What?”

Nessa met her gaze evenly. “It’s settled. She doesn’t have to leave Shiz.”

Elphaba turned to their father, searching his face for some hidden motive, but he only took a slow sip of his coffee.

“I… see,” she said carefully.

His eyes flicked to her. “She is important to you,” he said simply. “And if she is important to you, then I see no reason not to help her.”

Elphaba’s fingers curled against her lap. She wanted to thank him. She wanted to refuse him. She wanted to demand why, after all this time, he was choosing now to care about something that mattered to her.

But she said nothing.

Instead, she looked away, jaw tight.

He continued, his voice as measured as ever. “Perhaps, one day, I may even meet her.”

Elphaba’s head whipped back toward him.

She had expected a transactional response, a reluctant duty fulfilled out of obligation. But this, this feigned civility, this pretence of understanding, was so unlike him that it unsettled her more than outright rejection would have.

She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

He exhaled slowly. “I have… made mistakes where you are concerned.”

Elphaba’s breath caught.

Mistakes. The word was too small, too easy. She had spent her entire life believing he saw her as little more than a burden, a disappointment, a failure. And now, suddenly, he wanted to pretend otherwise?

Her hands clenched into fists beneath the table. “It’s too late for that.”

His expression didn’t change. “I know.”

Nessa’s gaze darted between them, but she said nothing.

A thick, suffocating quiet stretched between them before he finally set his coffee down and pushed his chair back. “You should be on your way,” he said, rising to his feet. “Let your beloved know she no longer has to worry.”

Elphaba swallowed against the conflicting emotions rising in her chest.

She nodded once, stiffly, then stood. Without another word, she grabbed her bag and turned toward the door.

Nessa followed a moment later, her wheels creaking slightly against the floor.

Elphaba didn’t look back.

The journey back to Shiz was unproblematic, arriving there in good time. They stopped outside Galinda’s classroom, the door still closed as the lecture continued inside. Students’ voices drifted through the corridors, but Elphaba hardly heard them. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her fingers gripping at the sleeves of her dress.

She could feel Nessa watching her.

“You should be the one to tell her,” Nessa said quietly.

Elphaba shook her head. “No.”

Nessa frowned. “Why not?”

Elphaba exhaled sharply, staring straight ahead. “Because I don’t know how,” she admitted. “I don’t know how to tell her that the man who made my life miserable is the one making it possible for her to stay.”

Nessa was silent for a moment before nodding. “Alright,” she said. “I’ll tell her.”

Elphaba’s shoulders loosened just slightly, though the tension didn’t leave her entirely.

A few moments later, the classroom door opened, and students began filing out. Galinda was among them, walking with her usual poise, though her expression was distant, distracted. The moment her eyes landed on Elphaba, however, she froze.

“Elphie?”

Her voice was a mixture of surprise and relief. Then, in an instant, she was moving, closing the space between them, her arms instinctively pulling Elphaba against her. “What are you doing here?”

Elphaba hesitated. She hadn’t had time to prepare an answer, hadn’t thought about what she’d say once Galinda was actually in front of her, looking at her like she was the only thing keeping her world from collapsing.

“I…” She glanced at Nessa, then back at Galinda. “Nessa told me what your parents did. I needed to be here with you.”

Galinda’s face crumpled slightly, the weight of everything threatening to pull her under again. “Elphie, I…”

Nessa cleared her throat. “Can we go somewhere private to talk?”

Galinda blinked, thrown off by the sudden request. She glanced between them, confused, before her gaze settled on Elphaba, who was looking nervous, though she gave a small smile and an almost imperceptible nod.

That was all Galinda needed.

“Alright,” she said softly. “Let’s go.”

They found an empty study room just down the hall. The moment the door closed behind them, Galinda turned to Nessa, arms crossed. “What’s going on?”

Nessa took a steady breath. “I spoke to my father,” she said. “He’s agreed to cover your tuition.”

Galinda’s mouth fell open. “What?”

Nessa nodded. “You don’t have to leave.”

Galinda’s mind was spinning. “But…” She stopped, realisation hitting her like a weight. “Elphaba was okay with this?”

“She was,” Nessa assured her. “I asked for her permission first. You know she never would have agreed otherwise.” She gave Galinda a small, knowing smile. “She did this for you.”

Galinda felt her throat tighten.

“She wants you safe. She wants you happy,” Nessa continued. “And she hates what your parents have done to you.”

Galinda swallowed hard, her heart twisting at the thought of Elphaba agreeing to help from the one man she wanted nothing to do with.

She shook her head slightly, still trying to process. “But why did your father agree?”

Nessa hesitated. Then, carefully, she said, “He’s trying to make amends. He even said… that maybe one day, he’d like to meet you.”

Galinda’s breath caught. “He…what?”

“I was just as surprised as you are,” Nessa admitted. “But I think he’s realising that he can’t undo the past. So he’s trying to do something good now.”

Galinda sank onto the edge of a nearby desk, exhaling shakily. “And… Elphaba? How does she feel about all this?”

Nessa hesitated again, but this time, her voice was softer. “She couldn’t tell you herself,” she admitted. “Because she doesn’t know how to accept that he’s doing something good for her. It’s confusing for her, and I don’t think she knows how to handle it.”

Galinda’s chest ached.

“Elphaba doesn’t want thanks. She doesn’t want to talk about him,” Nessa said gently. “But she does want you to stay. Please, Galinda, accept his help.”

Galinda looked down at her hands. She had never imagined relying on someone like the Governor of Munchkinland for anything. And yet… she had no choice.

But it wasn’t really about him.

It was about Elphaba.

Galinda nodded, blinking against the tears burning her eyes. “Okay.” Her voice was quiet but sure. “I’ll accept it. Thank you, Nessa.

Nessa gave her a small, relieved smile.

Galinda wiped at her eyes quickly and stood. “I need to find Elphaba.”

“She’s waiting in your dorm,” Nessa said knowingly.

Galinda gave her a grateful smile before turning and hurrying out the door.

Elphaba was exactly where Nessa had said she’d be, sitting stiffly on the edge of her bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

The moment Galinda stepped inside, she stood, bracing herself. “Nessa told you?”

Galinda didn’t answer. Instead, she crossed the room in three quick steps and wrapped her arms around Elphaba, holding her tightly.

For a moment, Elphaba didn’t move, startled. Then, slowly, she let herself lean into the embrace.

“Thank you,” Galinda whispered.

Elphaba stiffened slightly. “You don’t have to…”

“I do,” Galinda said firmly, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes. “Not for him. For you.”

Elphaba looked away, but Galinda caught her chin gently, making her look back. “I know this isn’t easy for you,” she said softly. “But I need you to know how much this means to me.”

Elphaba swallowed hard.

Then, finally, she gave a small nod. “Okay.”

Galinda smiled, pressing a light kiss to her cheek before pulling her back into a hug.

For the first time in days, Elphaba let herself breathe.

Galinda held on a moment longer, as if needing to convince herself this was real, that she wasn’t dreaming, that Elphaba was really here, that she wasn’t about to be sent away from Shiz, from her future, from her.

When she finally pulled back, her hands still rested on Elphaba’s arms, unwilling to let go entirely. She let out a shaky laugh, blinking away the last of her tears. “I was so certain I’d have to go home.”

Elphaba swallowed, studying her closely.

Galinda shook her head, as if trying to shake off the very thought. “I had already started convincing myself that there was no other way. That my parents always get what they want.” She exhaled sharply, voice trembling. “You don’t know what it felt like, Elphie. I’ve never had to think about what my life would be if I wasn’t at Shiz. And then, suddenly, it was slipping away. Everything I had built here…everything I had with you…gone.”

Galinda let out another breath, softer this time. “And then you showed up.” Her lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “You always show up, don’t you?”

Elphaba scoffed lightly, but the corners of her mouth twitched. “Someone has to keep you out of trouble.”

Galinda’s grip on her arms tightened just slightly. “No, Elphie. You always show up. For me.”

Elphaba looked away, the weight of those words settling deep in her chest. She could feel Galinda’s gaze on her, searching, waiting.

Finally, she spoke. “I will always do everything in my power to make sure you get to live your life the way you want.” Her voice was quiet, but there was an intensity behind it, an unshakable certainty. “No one…not your parents, not me, not anyone, gets to take that from you.”

Galinda inhaled sharply, as if the words struck something deep inside her. For a long moment, they just stood there, then, without thinking, Galinda surged forward, pressing a fierce, lingering kiss to Elphaba’s lips.

Elphaba melted into it, her hands finally moving, finding Galinda’s waist.

When they pulled apart, Galinda’s forehead rested against hers, a breathless smile on her lips. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too. I love you.” She pulled Galinda back in, pressing her lips to hers in a silent promise.

It was soon enough Friday night once again, and the atmosphere at the Ozdust was electric. Galinda sat at a corner table with Nessa, Boq, Fiyero, and a few others, eagerly awaiting the start of the show. The air hummed with excitement as patrons filled the venue, all talking animatedly about the band’s upcoming performance. Galinda fidgeted with her glass of sparkling water, her eyes darting toward the stage.

“Thank you again, Nessa,” Galinda said, her voice filled with gratitude. “I can’t believe you helped with my fees. You really saved me.”

Nessa smiled softly, giving her friend a comforting squeeze on the arm. “Don’t mention it, Galinda. You’d do the same for me.”

As the lights dimmed, signalling the start of the show, Galinda’s heart started to race. She couldn’t wait to see Elphaba on stage. There was something magical about the way she transformed when she was performing; wild, free, and undeniably powerful. The band, began to play, and Elphaba took centre stage, her silhouette framed by the spotlight.

The crowd erupted into applause, but Galinda’s eyes were locked on Elphaba, her heart fluttering in her chest. There was something magnetic about her, the way she moved, the way she sang. Galinda couldn’t look away, and as their eyes met across the room, she felt a jolt of heat rush through her body. Elphaba’s smile, so small but so genuine, made Galinda feel like she was the only person in the room. It was overwhelming.

Throughout the performance, they shared moments of eye contact, and Galinda couldn’t help but feel a burning desire stir deep inside her. Elphaba looked so damn sexy under the stage lights; confident, bold, and in her element. Galinda’s thoughts drifted, her heart aching with the intense attraction she felt, the pull that was impossible to ignore.

The crowd cheered louder, their enthusiasm deafening. The energy was contagious, and Galinda couldn’t contain her excitement. She was so proud of Elphaba. She was, in that moment, the most beautiful thing in the world.

After the final song, the band left the stage to an upstanding ovation. Galinda stood, practically bouncing with anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see Elphaba, to tell her how amazing she was.

But when she scanned the room, she saw Elphaba deep in conversation with a stranger. The man was tall, dressed in an expensive suit, and his posture suggested he was an important figure. The conversation appeared serious, too serious for Galinda to just walk up and interrupt. She stood back, her excitement dimming as she watched them.

When the conversation finally ended, the stranger gave a curt nod before leaving, disappearing into the crowd. Elphaba and the band exchanged excited words, laughing, hugging, and celebrating. Galinda’s heart leapt as she finally caught Elphaba’s eye. She could see the joy in her face, and she knew something big had just happened.

As Elphaba made her way toward their table, Galinda couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer.

“Elphie!” she called out, her voice light with excitement.

Elphaba grinned, wrapping her arms around Galinda in a tight hug before pulling back to give her a quick kiss on the lips. “Hey, you!” she said, her voice full of energy and joy. “Did you enjoy the show?”

“I loved it,” Galinda responded, her voice almost breathless. “But what was all that about? Who was that man you were talking to?”

Elphaba’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Oh, that was my new manager! He’s been following us for a while, and after tonight’s performance, he offered to sign us and put us on tour! Can you believe it?”

Galinda’s jaw dropped. “Wait… a tour? You mean… like, a big one?”

“Yeah!” Elphaba replied, her grin growing wider. “He loves what we’re doing, and he thinks Emerald Fog has real potential. We’re going to travel all over Oz, play big venues…this is huge for us!” She looked at the others. “Can you believe it?”

Nessa and Boq shared a look, and Nessa smiled. “I knew it was only a matter of time. You deserve this, Elphaba.”

Fiyero, always the cool one, nodded with a smirk. “Big things ahead, huh? I like the sound of that.”

Galinda felt her heart swell with pride, and she couldn’t hold back a grin of her own. “This is incredible. You’ve worked so hard for this. You deserve it all.”

Elphaba’s eyes softened, and she gave Galinda’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Thanks, Galinda. This is just the beginning. I couldn’t have done it without you, though.”

Galinda’s heart swelled with love for Elphaba, her feelings so strong she thought they might overwhelm her. “You’ve always been amazing, Elphie. Now all of Oz is going to know it too.”

The group continued to celebrate, their laughter and chatter blending with the music still echoing in the venue. Galinda felt a mix of excitement for Elphaba’s success and a deep, unspoken longing that she couldn’t quite voice. For tonight, though, everything felt perfect. Elphaba was on her way to greatness, and Galinda would be there, cheering her on every step of the way.

The night was still alive with excitement as they returned to Shiz. The quiet halls seemed almost eerie after the deafening applause and the lively energy of the Ozdust. Galinda was floating, still on cloud nine, barely able to believe the events that had unfolded, but all she could think about was Elphaba, her incredible performance, and the whirlwind that was about to take over their lives.

They arrived at Galinda’s dorm, the door clicking shut behind them as the weight of the evening settled in. Elphaba leaned against the door, her eyes shining, the buzz of success still humming in her chest. She turned toward Galinda, a slow smile curling on her lips.

“You know, I still can’t believe it,” Galinda murmured, stepping toward Elphaba, her heart racing. “A manager… wants to sign you. You’re going to be a huge star.”

“I know,” Elphaba said softly, her voice almost dreamlike. “I’ve worked for this, but now it’s real.”

Galinda stepped closer, the words of awe tumbling out of her lips. “I’m so proud of you, Elphie. You deserve this. You were born for the stage.”

Without saying anything, Elphaba pulled Galinda into a kiss. It started slow, their lips brushing lightly, savouring the moment. But the intensity of everything; of the show, of their feelings, made the kiss deepen quickly, both of them unable to hold back. Elphaba’s hands slid down to Galinda’s waist, tugging gently as they moved toward the bed. The kiss became more urgent, more desperate, as though the two of them couldn’t keep their hands off each other for a second longer.

Galinda hands found their way to Elphaba’s clothes, pulling her closer, her lips finding Elphaba’s once more. The clothes slipped away, and before they knew it, they were under the covers, enjoying each other, tangled together in the warmth of their shared space.

A while later they lay together in Galinda’s bed, holding each other, a peaceful silence settling over them, their bodies close, both savouring the comfort of being in each other’s arms.

Eventually, Galinda broke the quiet. Her voice was soft, reflective. “I’m just so proud of you, Elphie. This is your dream. And it’s actually happening. A manager wants you… wants to sign you… this is big. This is huge.”

Elphaba took a deep breath, her fingers tracing small patterns on Galinda’s arm. She didn’t look up immediately, as if gathering her thoughts. When she finally spoke, her voice was quieter, tinged with uncertainty. “Yeah… but it’s also scary. The Ozdust… I won’t be able to play there anymore. And being away on tour… it means more distance between us.”

Galinda’s heart twisted at the thought. She knew that the dream Elphaba had been chasing all this time was now within reach. But she couldn’t ignore the pang of worry that settled in her chest. 

Elphaba’s voice was thick with emotion. “I’ll be touring, and… I won’t be able to come back as often. I’ll be on the road a lot. But we can still make this work, can’t we?”

Galinda stared at Elphaba, her heart aching.

“If you don’t want me to do this… just say the word, and I’ll stay here with you. I’ll make it work, just for you.” Elphaba added, her voice full of sincerity. 

Galinda’s heart clenched, her eyes searching Elphaba’s for reassurance. “No,” she said firmly, her voice filled with love. “I would never tell you that, Elphie. This is your dream. You’ve worked your whole life for this, and you need to follow it. The stage is where you belong. I would never, ever hold you back.”

Elphaba’s gaze softened, her chest tight with emotion. “But… I don’t want to be apart from you. It’s going to be so hard.”

Galinda reached out, cupping Elphaba’s cheek gently. “You said that in a few years we’d have all the time in the world to spend together… and that’s still true, right? We can do this. We’ll make it work. You have to do this, Elphie. You have to go out there and show Oz who you are. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.”

A tear slid down Elphaba’s cheek, but she smiled, a mixture of relief and sadness in her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with gratitude. “It’s going to be so hard, but knowing you believe in me makes it feel a little bit easier.”

Galinda kissed her softly, pulling her close. “You don’t have to thank me. I believe in you, Elphie. Always.”

Elphaba looked at her, a small, hopeful smile curving her lips. “When your on summer break… would you come be with me? Come join me on tour”

Galinda’s face lit up, her heart soaring at the thought. “Yes! Yes, absolutely! I’d love that.”

Elphaba grinned, pulling Galinda closer. “I’ll make sure there’s space for you. It’ll be amazing. You and me together for the whole of Summer”

As they lay there in the stillness of the night, the future seemed bright for both of them. Elphaba was on the verge of something incredible, and Galinda, despite the distance that might come between them, knew that she would support her every step of the way. They, together, would make this work.

The train station was bustling with people, but in that moment, everything felt distant to Galinda. The air was thick with the looming sadness of what was about to happen. She stood at the platform, Elphaba by her side, the final moments of their time together now so painfully tangible. The train was just about to leave, and Elphaba was about to step into a new chapter of her life. The band would be waiting for her in the Emerald City, ready to sign the documents that would officially launch her career. But for Galinda, it felt like the beginning of a long stretch of loneliness.

Elphaba was dressed simply, but her aura was different today; more confident, more real, like a star on the verge of truly shining. And yet, as she stood there beside Galinda, her eyes betrayed a quiet uncertainty, a sadness too deep to mask with a smile.

Galinda reached out to grasp her hand, her fingers trembling. “You know, I’m so proud of you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “This is your dream, Elphie. You’ve worked so hard for this, and you’re about to change everything for everyone. Just… just promise me you’ll keep that with you. Promise me you’ll remember that I’m here, cheering you on every step of the way.”

Elphaba squeezed her hand back, her face a mix of sadness and resolve. “I will, Galinda. I promise. But it’s hard. It’s so hard to leave you.”

Galinda bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. “I know. I wish I could come with you… but this is your moment. You’re meant for this, Elphie. I can’t hold you back. You need to do this.”

“I don’t want to do it without you,” Elphaba admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I know it’s what I have to do.”

Galinda nodded, her heart aching as she tried to smile through her tears. “You will do it. And you’re going to be amazing. I know it. You’re going to be the star of the century, Elphaba. You deserve all of this and more.”

Elphaba smiled, though it was bittersweet. She looked down at their intertwined hands, her voice breaking as she spoke. “I love you, Galinda. I always will. No matter where I am, I’ll carry you with me.”

Galinda’s eyes filled with tears as she squeezed Elphaba’s hands tighter. “I love you too,” she said, her voice shaky. “I always will. You’re my heart, Elphaba. Even if we’re apart, nothing will ever change that.”

Elphaba’s eyes glistened with emotion, a tear slipping down her cheek. She took a deep breath, the reality of the situation settling in. “Goodbye, Galinda,” she whispered, her voice trembling, the weight of the word feeling unbearable.

Galinda nodded, trying to stay composed even as her heart broke. “Goodbye, Elphie. I’ll see you soon. I’ll be right here, waiting and we have the whole Summer too.”

The sound of the train’s whistle echoed through the station, the signal that it was almost time. Elphaba stepped back, but neither of them could seem to let go, lingering in the moment just a little longer.

With one last, lingering kiss, their lips met softly, their love speaking volumes in that brief but consuming exchange. The world around them faded, the kiss a silent promise that no distance could sever what they shared.

When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested together for a moment, both fighting back tears.

Elphaba kissed her forehead and whispered, “I love you. I’ll always love you.”

Galinda closed her eyes, savouring the moment, then slowly whispered back, “I love you, Elphie. Always.”

Reluctantly, Elphaba turned, her heart heavy, but her resolve firm. She gave Galinda one last look, a smile filled with love and sadness, before she stepped onto the train. Galinda stood there, watching her, unable to hold back the tears any longer.

The train slowly began to pull away, and as the distance grew between them, Galinda held up her hand and waved, her heart aching, but her spirit full of pride. She knew this was the beginning of something incredible for Elphaba, and she could never hold her back from that.

As the train disappeared into the distance, Galinda whispered to the wind, “I love you, Elphaba Thropp.”