The Space Between: Beginnings

17. Confessions

Rain knocked on the door to Doctor Dillamond's office and went in. Doctor Dillamond smiled and said, "It's a good thing that there's at least one person in this school who's willing to help me. Sometimes it seems as though this place is no better than Oz."

"It isn't," Rain replied, sighing. "Most of the school still thinks I'm a freak. I know my mother had it harder, but will it be any better for me if I choose to show everyone what I really look like?"

"Maybe that's what your mother wishes to protect you from."

"But...wouldn't it have been easier to face if I had been subjected to it from the start? I mean, I know the Isle isn't Auradon; at most, people would be scared of me-"

"Why, though?"

"Try being the daughter of the person who's best friends with the Mistress of All Evil herself. Add that to the fact that my real self happens to basically be a younger version of my mom. I guess anyone would mistake me for her. Not that it's a bad thing entirely, but-"

"Have you told anyone else? Aside from those who already know?"

"Just my roomie. She didn't mind all that much. But then, Tip doesn't know, even if I plan on telling him eventually. I guess he'll more than likely want to leave me when he knows, so that's no biggie. I'm more worried about Glinda."

"And why would that be?"

Rain sighed deeply and whispered, "I...I don't think she knows my mom is still alive. In fact, I never really told her who my mom is in the first place. I don't know...I don't think Glinda knows she is alive. And they were so close...on my first day, I realised that Glinda hasn't forgotten her. And I just don't want to...I mean, it's like it's my fault Mom never told Glinda that she's still alive."

"It isn't your fault, dearie," Doctor Dillamond smiled. "If you really want her to know, just go ahead and tell her. She has been as a daughter to me the past ten years. Just like your mother used to be back at Shiz. They were devoted to each other. Just like you and Miss Audrey. Would you ever lie to her?"

"No, I wouldn't," Rain replied, looking down as she blushed deeply.

"Then, there's the answer to your question. Tell Miss Glinda the truth. I know it's hard, and maybe she will not be able to accept it right now. But she will, eventually."

"Okay, Doctor Dillamond. I'll tell her today," Rain replied, a small smile on her face as she sat down.
***
Later that day, Glinda looked up to see Rain standing in front of her. Somehow, she had noticed a strong resemblance between Rain and a girl she had known and loved long ago. But they couldn't be related, could they? After all, she was dead, and so was her sister. And their brother didn't seem like the type of have children. She smiled and greeted Rain, "Hi, have a seat."

Rain smiled back and said, "No, I...it's okay. I just had a confession to make, if you'd be willing to listen."

"I've been listening to confessions for the last ten years, darling," Glinda smiled. "Nothing will leave this room, I promise."

"Okay," Rain said, taking a deep breath. "Are you familiar with the name 'Elphaba Thropp' ?"

"Hmm, yes, it sounds familiar. We were friends. I mean, I knew her. We crossed paths long ago. In school. Back then, I had no idea of what she would eventually become. Or what I would become. We were both different people then."

"Funny, Mom says that all the time. She regrets being evil, you know. She regrets leaving you behind. Sometimes she wishes she had taken you along," Rain sighed, fingering the silver chain around her wrist until her fingers rested on the clasp.