The Rise of The Animal Defense Force

We deserve each other (Part 2)

Galinda was practically bursting with excitement as she prepared for her date with Fiyero at the Ozdust Ballroom that night.

'Do me up, do me up, do me up!' Her two closest friends, Pfannee and Shen-Shen were helping her to choose the most perfect outfit. 'And now, I must accessorise myself for Fiyero!'

All three girls dissolved into squealing giggles. Shen-Shen was rummaging through the hatboxes that were stacked precariously at the back of Galinda's closet when she pulled out a pointy black hat.

'Galinda, what in Oz' name?' Shen-Shen exclaimed.

'Oh! Pretend you didn't see that!' Galinda begged. 'My granny is always buying me the most hideodeous hats. I'd give it away, but I don't hate anyone that much.'

'Yes, you do!' Pfannee and Shen-Shen declared in unison as Galinda took the hat from Shen-Shen.

"Oh, noooo! I couldn't. Could I?"

Any further discussion on this topic was halted as Elphaba entered the room and Pfannee and Shen-Shen made a quick exit.

'Galinda listen, my sister and I were just talking about you just now-' Elphaba began to say, and Galinda whipped the hat behind her back to hide it from her roommate as she spoke.

And I was just talking about you!' Galinda cut her off before Elphaba could thank her for her kindness to Nessarose. 'I thought you might want to wear this to the party tonight.' She brought the hat into Elphaba's line of sight with a flourish.

It's really, um, sharp don't you think? You know black is this year's pink. You deserve each other, this hat and you, you're both so...smart!' Galinda was obviously struggling to find compliments that matched both Elphaba and the hat, but Elphaba was distracted by Galinda's kindness.

'You deserve each other so here, out of the goodness of my heart.' And with that Galinda thrust the hat into Elphaba's hands.

A few hours later most of the first-year student population had gathered at the Ozdust Ballroom. Fiyero and Galinda were the envy of everyone as they gracefully moved across the dance floor. Boq and Nessarose were located near the beverage table, an awkward silence hung between them as they searched for a topic of conversation.

'What's in the punch?' asked Nessarose, her breathy voice betrayed how nervous she felt.

'Lemons, and melons, and pears.' replied Boq automatically.

'Oh my!' Nessarose couldn't think of anything else to say in return.

'Listen, Nessa-' Boq began to say.

'Yes?' Nessa said expectantly.

'Uh, Nessa. I've got something to confess, a reason why well, why I asked you here tonight. Now I know it isn't fair.' Boq was looking at Galinda dancing with Fiyero with longing.

'Oh Boq, I know why.' Nessa said knowingly.

'You do?' He seemed genuinely surprised, and turned his attention back to her.

'It's because I'm in this chair, and you felt sorry for me. Well, isn't that right?' Boq once again glanced toward Galinda and saw Fiyero gather her deeper into his arms.

'No, no! It's because...because...' Boq looked torn between telling her the truth, but in the end he refrained. '...Because you are so beautiful!'

'Oh Boq! I think you're wonderful, and we deserve each other. Don't you see this is our chance? We deserve each other, don't we Boq?'

'You know what? Let's dance!' Boq decided and ignoring a startled 'What?' from Nessarose he wheeled her onto the dancefloor.

'Let's dance!' he repeated with more enthusiasm, although he was still stealing furtive glances at Galinda as he did so.

All at once Madame Morrible appeared, and strode deliberately towards Galinda as she tossed her hair flirtatiously at Fiyero.

'Miss Upland!' The headmistress addressed the bubbly blonde without wasting a moment.

'Madame Morrible? What are you doing here?' Galinda wasn't sure what to make of her sudden appearance.

'I have something for you.' she said as she grudgingly held out a wand.

'Oh Madame, a training wand! How can I express my gratitution?'

'Don't thank me, this was your roommate's idea. Not mine.'

'What? Elphaba?'

'Yes, Miss Elphaba requested that I include you in Sorcery class. She insisted that I tell you this very night or she would quit the seminar.' Madame Morrible went on to explain.

'But why?' Galinda's confusion was obvious.

'I have no idea. My personal opinion is that you do not have what it takes. I hope you prove me wrong. I doubt you will.' And as abruptly as she appeared she was gone, leaving Galinda at a loss for words. Fiyero noticed her bewildered expression as he walked back over to her.

'What is it?' he asked.

'I got what I wanted.' Galinda replied in a quiet voice.

'Then what's the matter?' asked Fiyero.

'Nothing.' Galinda lied.

'Good, let's dance.' Fiyero took Galinda's hand and led her back onto the dance floor.