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Elphaba Thropp absolutely loathes her roommate, Galinda Upland. Loathes her with every fiber of her being. Loathes how much her luggage hoards all the space in their shared dorm. Loathes how she uses up all the hot water in the bathroom. Turns on her obnoxious pink lamp for no reason other than aggravating Elphaba. Loathes her high-pitched singing voice. The way she never stops twirling around their dorm or taps her feet out of sync to whatever tune is playing in her head. There isn’t a thing that she likes about Galinda. Absolutely nothing. Not even the gentle curl of her hair. How stunning she is when she sings. The slight bit of muscle in her arms and shoulders, and how they flex during their sparring lessons. Her big brown doe-like eyes that glare so viciously at her as she sneers at Elphaba. Elphaba Thropp loathes Galinda Upland. There is nothing more to it than that.
Elphaba is on her way to her chemistry class when she accidentally barrels into Galinda. She falls backwards, books flying all around her. Galinda is so busy flirting with one of Elphaba’s classmates that she doesn't even pay attention to her surroundings. Galinda always acts as if she owns the place. Not caring in the slightest that other students are trying to get to class. It is absolutely ridiculous.
Galinda doesn’t even bother to help, instead glaring at Elphaba. “Watch where you’re going! You don’t own the hallways.”
Oh, that is rich coming from her. Elphaba curls her lips. “You’re one to talk! If you’re going to flirt with someone, at least leave some space for others to walk.”
Elphaba’s classmate, Nyla, gazes shyly at her over Galinda’s shoulder. “Hiya, Elphaba, how are you doing? It’s a beautiful day out today. I passed Professor Tilla’s exam. I told you how much I–”
Galinda coughs loudly, interrupting Nyla’s rambling. “Nyla, don't talk to Elphaba. She’s very rude and awfully peculiar.”
Nyla gives Elphaba a sympathetic look before Galinda drags her away with a flourish. Elphaba feels that same rush of anger and resentment boil inside her chest. Of course, Elphaba can't be cordial with at least one classmate in this school without Galinda having a say in it. She really wants to make Elphaba suffer as much as possible at Shiz. Elphaba has done nothing to warrant Galinda being so cruel. She is loathsome.
~
Elphaba feels tears prick in her eyes as she scrambles around her dorm. Where in Oz is it?! She looks under every nook and cranny for her essay for Dr. Dillamond’s class. She worked so hard on it, barely getting a wink of sleep until it looked right. She’d rewritten it three times, just to make sure it followed the specific guidelines. Now the paper is nowhere to be found. The paper is due today.
“By Oz, you make an awful lot of noise. Some of us are trying to sleep.”
Elphaba ignores Galinda’s grumbling. Her essay is far more important than whatever Galinda is complaining about. She needs to find that paper. She has to. The floor begins to tremble as she resumes her search, and tears begin to leak from her eyes. She doesn’t care if she’s being sensitive. She worked so hard on this essay, and now it’s gone. Without realizing it, Elphaba starts to openly sob as she comes up with nothing.
“E-Elphaba?” Galinda’s voice is soft but still hesitant.
Elphaba sinks to her knees as she cries.
“Elphaba, what’s wrong?”
Elphaba ignores Galinda’s questions. She isn’t being sincere with her. Galinda is simply looking for more ammunition to use against her. Tease her relentlessly again. Make her out to be an utter fool. She isn’t going to let her.
Elphaba wipes her eyes, gathering herself. Crying isn’t going to bring her essay back to her. She starts to get up when she hears a knock on the door. She walks over to answer. Madame Morrible is standing on the other side with a stack of papers in her hand. Elphaba’s full name is etched on the top of the first page. Her essay for Dr. Dillamond.
“Hello there, Dearie. I came to return this to you.” Madame Morrible passes the papers over to Elphaba.
Elphaba sighs in relief, holding the papers close to her chest. “Madame Morrible, thank you so much. I was so worried about this. I can't believe I left these in your classroom.”
”Actually, Miss Elphaba, you didn't.”
Elphaba’s heart drops. “What?” She doesn’t understand.
“Miss Galinda gave them to me yesterday. She told me that it was for me, but Miss Galinda forgets I can read, apparently.” Madame Morrible narrows her eyes at Galinda.
Elphaba drops her papers to the floor, swiveling around to face Galinda.
Galinda squeaks. “Elphaba–”
“How dare you?! Why would you do such a horriendable thing?” Elphaba knows why, but she wants to hear it from Galinda’s mouth. Why would she be so cruel as to do something like this?
There is a small trace of guilt on Galinda’s face, but mischief as well. She narrows her eyes at Elphaba. “Well… it was because you snored too loudly.” She says it like she doesn't believe what she is saying.
The lamp next to Galinda’s bed shatters, eliciting a squeak from Galinda. Their dorm begins to shake with Elphaba’s rage and embarrassment. She feels so humiliated. She can only imagine the look on Madame Morrible’s face as Elphaba reaches further inside for her magic. Hoping one of Galinda’s bright pink suitcases falls to the floor and spills all over the place. She hopes all of Galinda’s pink clothes change to bright green. She wants Galinda to be just as humiliated and angry as she felt. It’s what she deserves.
“Elphaba! My clothes!” Galinda shrieks as one of her dresses indeed changes to a bright green. “Why, you loathsome, wicked thing. You ruined my outfit!”
“You almost made me fail one of my classes!” Elphaba shouts back. She would’ve passed Dr. Dillamond’s class just fine, but it’s the principle of the matter. She’s a star student, and she wants to keep it that way. Galinda is trying to kick her out because she’s cruel. She’s just as wicked as the rest of the student body.
“Oh, relax. You would’ve been just fine. You’re such a bright student, after all.” Galinda snorts, turning her nose in disgust.
Madame Morrible coughs. “Well, I’m going to return to my quarters. Miss Elphaba, I hope to see you for our seminar later.” She doesn’t wait for Elphaba’s reply before walking away from Galinda and Elphaba’s dorm.
Elphaba feels the sting of humiliation and anger linger inside of her as she stomps past Galinda, gathering her bag and books for the rest of the day. She didn't have the time to continue to be petty. She plans to succeed in her classes without the useless squabbling with Galinda. She is too grown to partake in nonsense. Even though part of her gets a rush from trying to one-up Galinda in things. She deserves to be knocked down a peg.
“Are you going to turn my clothes back?”
“Change.”
“W-what?”
Elphaba huffs before giving Galinda a stern look. “You want me to change your clothes back to their original color. Pink was it?” She teases.
Galinda’s cheeks tint a bright pink. “Yes. It was quite rude of you to make them green. I don’t even like green.”
“I’m aware.”
Galinda gasps quietly, shivering a little at Elphaba’s soft but cold tone. Her cheeks darken more until her face is as red as a cherry. Elphaba thinks it is a bit strange that Galinda is that affected by what she said. She spoke the truth. Galinda is treating her poorly because she’s green. She’s different.
Elphaba rolls her eyes, brushing past Galinda without another word.
~
The day continues to go on without a hitch. Once Elphaba reaches Dr. Dillamond’s class, she gives the professor her paper before Galinda can pull any more tricks. The class goes by smoothly and without any more magical outbursts.
As Elphaba walks down towards Madame Morrible’s seminar she feels a strong sense of déjà vu. There is Galinda flirting with Nyla again in the exact same hallway. Blocking her way. Elphaba doesn’t bother engaging with the duo. She does not want to embarrass herself in front of Nyla. She is already upset enough with Galinda.
“You’re quite beautiful,” Galinda says rather loudly to Nyla.
Nyla chuckles. “You’ve already said that, Galinda.”
“Bears repeating.” Galinda curls her leg around Nyla’s, smiling.
Elphaba’s cheeks burn at the sight. Why did she stop walking? She should continue past them. She didn’t want any more issues. Galinda is just being flirtatious as usual with Nyla. What is the big deal? Elphaba rolls her eyes, continuing her walk, but slows down as Galinda says:
“Would you perhaps want to study later? I’m absolutely awful at Professor Tilla’s class. You said that you passed her exam not too long ago. I’m sure Elphaba won’t mind.”
“Oh, oh, s-sure, Galinda. That would be really nice, actually. I’d love that a lot. I—”
“Don’t fret about it, Nyla dearest.”
Elphaba frowns. Of course, Galinda didn’t bother asking her if it would be alright if Nyla could come over. She doubts there would be any studying done. That thought alone makes Elphaba walk faster to Madame Morrible’s seminar.
~
Elphaba can’t concentrate. She has a quiz on Friday for Professor Rolina’s history class. It is a small portion of her grade, but regardless, she wants a good grade. As she predicted, Nyla and Galinda are too busy playing around in front of Elphaba. Galinda continues playing with Nyla’s hair and giving her sensual touches.
Elphaba’s face flushes as Galinda makes brief eye contact with her. Nyla does too.
“Sorry, Elphaba. Studying is so boring. I don’t know how you do it.” Galinda flips her hair over her shoulder before kissing Nyla’s cheek.
Nyla blushes so deeply that Elphaba hardly recognizes her. “Galinda,”
Elphaba can’t stand it. How can Nyla be so smitten with this annoying blonde? If only she knew half of the things Galinda has done. Doesn’t surprise Elphaba since everyone at Shiz likes Galinda so much. Being popular and whatnot.
Galinda glances once more at Elphaba before kissing Nyla’s neck and cheek again.
Elphaba feels very hot and embarrassed, so she runs to the balcony and shuts the door behind her. Her heart doesn’t stop racing in her chest as she slides down on the floor. What is wrong with her? Galinda is just being obnoxiously flirty. How is that her concern? Elphaba has seen many students act the same in public, and she just ignores them. Her heart doesn’t race nor does she sweat at the sight. It’s the strangest feeling.
Later that night, Elphaba tosses and turns. Her head repeats the memories of Galinda flirting with Nyla so openly in front of her. Galinda looking her way as she did so. She starts to sweat again as she buries her face in her pillow.
“Would you stay still over there?! You’re making so much noise!” Galinda shouts from across the room.
Elphaba growls, throwing her pillow across the room.
Galinda squeaks in indignation. “Elphaba!”
Elphaba sits up in her bed facing Galinda’s side of the room. “I’m so sorry I’m disturbing your beauty sleep,” she spits sarcastically. She’s being a bit rude towards Galinda, but she hardly cares.
“You should be. Not getting enough sleep will give me bags under my eyes. Not that you’d care, you probably have them under your eyes all the time.”
Elphaba’s magic thrums inside her again. ‘Don’t let her get to you again.’ She flops back on her bed, not even bothering with a comeback. She has to get ready for classes in the morning. Hopefully, she can get some sleep. Without thinking so much about Galinda flirting with Nyla.
Elphaba wakes up the next morning to find all of Galinda’s belongings next to her bed. Blocking Elphaba’s exit. She snarls in annoyance as she pushes them aside. She is starting to get to her wits' end with Galinda.
“Laaaa la laaaa laaaa.”
Elphaba winces at Galinda’s loud singing from behind their bathroom door. She spares a look at the clock. 6:30 am. It is far too early for singing. Elphaba has half a mind to bang on the door to get Galinda to knock it off. Before she can even do that, Galinda opens the door twirling around in her pink towel.
Elphaba’s breath catches in her throat as Galinda’s arms flex as she spins around with her eyes closed. Her eyes linger on Galinda’s skin. Oz. She is very pretty. Not that Elphaba ever thought otherwise, but she never saw Galinda with just a towel on. She saw her bare arms before during their sparring lessons. She looks strong for someone of her petite stature. Elphaba has a bit of muscle on her, too but she isn’t as comfortable showing it off as Galinda is. She wonders if Galinda even notices her own muscles. She probably does. Appearance is everything to Galinda.
Elphaba feels like shaking herself. What is the matter with her? This is Galinda Upland. Yes, she’s pretty and looks fairly strong and could easily do a few pull-ups—
“Oz! What are you staring at?!” Galinda squeaks loudly. Her cheeks burn. “Haven’t you heard the concept of privacy? I thought you left for your classes already.”
Elphaba blinks slowly, her head still spinning with thoughts of Galinda. “Uh. I—”
Galinda huffs pointedly, then looks at her belongings on the floor. “Hey, how dare you throw my stuff around like that? That’s not nice.”
Some nerve she has talking about being nice. Regardless, Elphaba goes to pick up some of Galinda’s belongings to put them back on her side of the room.
“Leave my stuff alone! Don’t touch them.” Galinda bends down to stop Elphaba, but something coils in Elphaba’s stomach at the idea of Galinda getting too close to her.
Elphaba feels the windows shake as her body grows taut with tension. Galinda is so close to her, and she smells wonderful. Like poppies. Her favorite flower. Elphaba’s eyes widen at the thought, and she shouts: “Stay back!”
Galinda yelps as a window shatters. “Elphaba, not again!”
Elphaba runs out of the dorm room, ignoring Galinda’s protests. She runs so fast that she nearly barrels into Madame Morrible walking down the halls. Oh Oz.
“Dearie, why are you running down the halls this early?”
Elphaba feels so ashamed at her mentor seeing her so distressed. Running like a child who is playing tag with a friend. Except she’s running from something far worse. Galinda Upland. Who did nothing wrong. She just wanted to pick up her belongings. Even though she put them beside Elphaba’s bed to begin with. Elphaba was so frightened at how close Galinda was. Galinda would never physically hurt Elphaba but her beauty was overwhelming her. Oh no. She is just as bad as Nyla. Could she be smitten with Galinda?? No. She is just confused.
“Elphaba Thropp! Elphaba! Wait until I tell Miss Coddle you broke our— Madame Morrible!” Galinda is wearing her own Shiz uniform (of course, it does not adhere to the Shiz standard dress code) as she stomps up to Morrible and Elphaba. “Madame Morrible, I hate to disturb you or offend you in any way—”
“Enough.” Madame Morrible snips coldly at Galinda, making Elphaba wince a little at her tone. “Ladies, many of the staff, including me, have been getting numerous complaints about your behavior the past few days, and frankly, I don’t care for it. Nor should it even concern me, but every day, I get a complaint from one of your fellow students. I can only ignore it for so long. Miss Elphaba, this behavior is unbecoming of you as well. I expected more from my pupil.”
Elphaba feels tears of shame prickle in her eyes. She feels a brick of disappointment weighing in her chest. She feels like a failure. She failed at meeting Madame Morrible’s expectations. “I’m sorry, Madame Morrible.”
“I’m afraid that won’t cut it this time, Dearie. I had an idea for a punishment in mind. I spoke to your professors. Same for you, Miss Galinda, and they suggested this… ridiculous idea, but I’m going to do it anyway.”
Galinda stares at Madame Morrible agape. “What is it?”
“Follow me.”
~
Madame Morrible directs Elphaba and Galinda to two empty chairs in one of the abandoned classrooms that is about to be renovated. It is quite small. There are no windows or any sign of life, frankly. It looks depressing.
Elphaba sits on the chair, staring obediently at Madame Morrible. If she is to sit on a chair as punishment, so be it. She will not make a fool of herself again.
Galinda whines, as she does, complaining about the dust.
“Now, for 30 minutes, you both will hold hands.”
Elphaba’s eyes feel like they are about to pop out of their sockets. What in the name of Oz?! What kind of punishment is this? Holding hands with her roommate, all because they can’t seem to get along. This is absurd.
Galinda gasps loudly at the suggestion from Madame Morrible. “Madame Morrible, you can’t possibly be serious.”
”I am. You two will do as the faculty suggested, or you’ll both be expelled without question. I don’t want to do that now that I have someone as talented as Elphaba as a student. Galinda, I wouldn’t mind at all if you left.”
Galinda turns away, cradling her cheek as if Madame Morrible slapped her. Madame Morrible is a bit cruel to Galinda. Sure, she’s a pain, but she doesn't deserve to get treated in such a manner. Elphaba is ready to defend her, but Madame Morrible walks away with a flourish.
“You two have 30 minutes.” Madame Morrible shuts the door behind her, leaving the girls alone.
Elphaba waits patiently to see who will grab whose hand first. She would do it, but she’s afraid of Galinda’s reaction. She was caught off guard when Elphaba arrived at Shiz and Galinda discovered she was green. There was no look of disgust, just curiosity, but that didn't mean she wanted to hold her hand. Why would she?
Galinda, surprisingly, grabs Elphaba’s hand in a rush, covering her reddened face with her other hand. Elphaba blushes too, doing the same. Galinda’s hand is so soft and warm in hers. Her heart starts to beat a little faster again.
“I’m only doing this so I don't get kicked out,” Galinda says hurriedly, not looking at Elphaba directly.
“I-I know.” Elphaba stutters, squeezing their joined hands together.
“Ouch! Not so tight. You’ll crush my hand,” Galinda whines.
”I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.” Elphaba loosens her tight grip, feeling guilty. She can feel sweat trickle down her face as she tries to steady her heart. It is so loud that she’s surprised Galinda can't hear it. She needs to get a hold of her emotions. She is going to be fine. This is just a ridiculous punishment that she can get over with and go back to her classes like any other day.
“I'm sorry if I was rude to you this morning and scared you.”
Elphaba slowly removes her hand from her face, looking at Galinda. She didn't know how to respond to that. She hadn’t expected an apology from Galinda. It doesn’t sound forced. When she pulled that prank with her paper for Dr. Dillamond’s class, she seemed a little guilty about it. Still, Elphaba doesn't fully trust her intentions. This could be a ploy to look good during their punishment.
”I really do mean it. I didn't mind that you stared at me either. I know I’m quite a sight.” Galinda smiles softly behind her hand, tossing her hair side to side. Moving their joined hands together in the process.
Elphaba’s chest flushes. “That was an accident. It’s not polite to stare. I was just angry. That was rude of me.”
”You’re a beautiful sight too, you know?”
Elphaba squeezes her hand again. “Don’t say things like that!”
Galinda finally looks at her with her big brown eyes. “Why? I tell Nyla that all the time— oh, Oz.” She looks petrified at what she just admitted.
Elphaba’s mouth grows dry. “You’ve told her that. W-why? I don't—”
”I'm sorry, it’s nothing. I just… it doesn’t matter. I meant what I said.”
Elphaba can hardly believe that her roommate is talking so openly about how beautiful she is to Nyla. Elphaba doesn't believe it. Doesn’t believe that she is beautiful, anyway. No one ever said it to her. Galinda telling Nyla that she can't believe. No matter how sincere she is in her apology.
“I'm sorry that I treated you so badly. It’s not becoming of me. I’ve been so wicked to you.”
Elphaba grows hot with anger. “Why are you saying these things?! After these 30 minutes, we’ll just go back to how things were before. You don't have to do all these extra things just to appease me. I know what you think of me. The things that you say about me. I know this is because I’m green and you’re jealous that Madame Morrible picked me, but I had no say in that. It is not my fault. I know you want to succeed at Shiz but truly I know—”
”Elphaba, I mean it.”
Elphaba doesn't believe her. She can’t. She won’t. How can anyone be sincere with her? “I don't believe you. Why should I?”
Galinda presses their joined hands towards her lips in a kiss. Elphaba gasps loudly, making a few chairs fall to the floor.
She tries to pull away, but Galinda has a firm grip. “We can't break apart. We’ll get in trouble. You can’t run again like you’ve done before. You have to stay and face the truth and believe the words that I say.”
Elphaba narrows her eyes despite the butterflies in her stomach. “I don't.”
”I know that you do. I saw the way you looked at me earlier. The way you looked at me when you first moved to our dorm. The way you looked when I was flirting with Nyla.”
”You looked at me, too.”
”I wanted you to see me, Elphaba.”
Elphaba looks away from her, tears starting to fall down her cheeks. Her heart and skin’s reactions didn't feel like her own. She feels as if she’s walking on air. Nothing can pull her down from this high. It isn’t much, but Galinda’s words were soft caresses to her heart. Soothing her and reassuring her that everything would be okay. It is all so overwhelming to her.
“I’ve told Nyla about how I felt. She wanted to help me. That’s why we flirted around you. I now see I only annoyed you more. I didn't know what else to do. I know how much you hate me. I couldn’t bear the humiliation of you rejecting me.”
”I never hated you, Galinda.” Elphaba looks back at Galinda. “You annoyed me and angered me many times, but I never hated you. I thought you…You hated me.”
Galinda gasps softly. “No. I never did. You fascinated me, Elphaba. I don't hate you. I could never hate anybody.”
”Somehow I doubt that.”
“Well, if I did, I would certainly tell you.”
Someway, somehow that makes Elphaba giggle. In turn, Galinda giggles as well. A loud timer breaks the girls’ laughter. Their time was up. Galinda doesn’t let go of Elphaba’s hand. Elphaba glances down at them. She likes the feeling of her hand in hers. It’s soothing. Almost loving.
“I did notice you staring at my arms a few times. I didn't know you were attracted to muscles, Miss Elphaba.” Galinda teases.
Elphaba squeaks. She was that obvious. “I– I—”
”Yours are certainly impressive.” Galinda blushes as she says it. “Quite beautiful, actually.”
”Galinda,”
”What? I can't compliment them?” Galinda pouts as she stands up, pulling Elphaba with her. “That’s not fair. Friends give each other compliments.”
Elphaba jolts. “Friend?” She’s never had a friend before.
“Of course. We’re not super close friends, but maybe we’ll grow to be more over time.” Galinda kisses Elphaba’s knuckles and then her cheek. Her kiss was a little too close to her lips. Elphaba shoves down that ball of disappointment at the thought. It is too soon for an actual kiss, but maybe a little one wouldn’t hurt.
“Galinda?”
”Yes?”
”May I… is it okay if we…”
Galinda squeals. “Kiss? You want to kiss me? Oh, Elphaba, you romantic.”
Elphaba looks around the room in confusion. Is she talking to her? Romantic? Elphaba barely knows anything about wooing a woman. Her books told her fascinating details about how to explore a crush, but she can only remember bits and pieces. Kissing, flirting with a woman is beyond Elphaba’s skill set. How does she even do that? There has to be some-
Galinda cups Elphaba’s cheeks, waiting patiently for the kiss to happen. She looks at Elphaba softly. Elphaba nods, still feeling dazed. Galinda kisses her with all the passion in the world. Elphaba’s knees wobble as she wraps her arms around Galinda’s waist. It is all so heavenly. Elphaba feels like she’s lying on a cloud. It is serene. Comforting to have Galinda’s lips pressed against hers. She’s so gentle with her. Never once biting or nipping at her tongue or lips. For a first kiss, this is everything to Elphaba. She never wants to pull away.
Galinda, sadly, does, looking just as starry-eyed as Elphaba. “See Elphaba? Like I said, we can be more than just friends.”
Elphaba hoped that what Galinda said would become a reality.