Extract from WICKED The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Galinda was still trying to extricate herself from the embarrassing company of Elphaba, who kept on about the Quells and what they meant, and if they were any good. 'How do I know, how should I know, we're first-year girls, remember?' said Galinda, yearning to swish over to where Pfannee, Milla, and Shenshen were squeezing lemons into the teacups of a few edgy boys.

'Well, your opinion is as good as hers, I think,' said Elphaba. 'That's the real power of art, I think. Not to chide but to provoke challenge. Otherwise why bother?' A boy came up to them. Galinda thought he wasn't much to look at, but anything was better than the green leech at her side. 'How do you do?' said Galinda, not even waiting for him to get up his nerve. 'It's so nice to meet you. You must be from, let's see?'

'Well, I'm from Briscoe Hall, actually,' he said. 'But I'm a Munchkinlander originally. As you can tell.' And she could, for he hardly came up to her shoulder. He wasn't bad looking for all that. A spun-cotton mess of ill-combed golden hair, a toothy smile, a better complexion than some. The evening tunic he wore was a provincial blue, but there were flecks of silver thread running through it. He was trim, nicely so. His boots were polished and he stood a little bandy-legged, feet pointed out.

'This is what I love,' said Galinda, 'meeting strangers. This is Shiz at its finest. I am Gillikinese.' She just managed to keep herself from adding, of course, for she believed it evident in her attire. Munchkinlander girls had a habit of quieter dress, so understated that they were often mistaken, in Shiz, for servants. 'Well then, hello to you,' said the boy. 'My name is Master Boq.'

'Miss Galinda of the Arduennas of the Uplands.' And you?' said Boq, turning to Elphaba. 'Who are you?' 'I'm leaving,' she said. 'Fresh dreams, all.'

'No, don't leave,' said Boq. 'I think I know you.'

'You don't know me,' said Elphaba, pausing as she turned. 'However could you know me?' 'You're Miss Elphie. aren't you?' 'Miss Elphie!' cried Galinda gaily. 'How delightful!'

'How do you know who I am?' said Elphaba.'Master Boq from Munchkinland? I don't know you.' 'You and I played together when you were tiny,' said Boq. 'My father was the mayor of the village you were born in. I think. You were born in Rush Margins, in Wend Hardings, weren't you? You're the daughter of the unionist minister, I forget his name.'

'Frex,' said Elphaba. Her eyes looked slanted and wary.

'Frexspar the Godly!' said Boq. 'That's right. You know they still talk about him, and your mama, and the night the Clock of the Time Dragon came to Rush Margins. I was two or three years old and they took me to see it, but I don't remember that. I do remember that you were in a play set with me when I was still in short pants. Do you remember Gawnette? She was the woman who minded us. And Bfee? He is my dad. Do you remember Rush Margins?'

'This is all smoke and guesswork,' said Elphaba. 'How can I contradict? Let me tell you about what happened in your life before you can remember it. You were born a frog.' (This was unkind, as Boq did have an amphibious look about him.) 'You got sacrificed to the Clock of the Time Dragon and were turned into a boy. But on your marriage night when your wife opens her legs you'll turn back into a tadpole and -' 'Miss Elphaba!' cried Galinda, flicking open her fan to wave the flush of shame from her face. 'Your tongue!'

'Oh well, I have no childhood,' said Elphaba. 'So you can say what you like. I grew up in Quadling Country with the marsh people. I squelch when I walk. You don't want to talk to me. Talk to Miss Galinda, she's much better in parlours than I am. I have to go now.' Elphaba nodded a good night salute and escaped, almost at a run.

'Why did she say all that?' said Boq, no embarrassment in his voice, just wonder. 'Of course I remember her. How many green people are there?'

'It's just possible,' considered Galinda, 'that she didn't like being recognised on account of her skin color. I don't know for sure, but perhaps she's sensitive about it.' 'She must know that it's what people would remember.'

'Well, as far as I am aware, you are right about who she is, Galinda went on. 'They tell me her great-grandfather is the Eminent Thropp of Colwen Grounds in Nest Hardings.' 'That's the one,' Boq said. 'Elphie. I never thought I'd see her again.'

'Won't you have some more tea? I'll call the server,' Galinda said. 'Let us sit here and you can tell me all about Munchkinland. I am aquiver with curiosity.' She perched herself back on the chair-in-sympathetic-colors and looked her very best. Boq sat down, and shook his head, as if bewildered by the apparition of Elphaba.

When Galinda retired that evening, Elphaba was already in bed, blankets pulled up over her head, and a patently theatrical snore issuing forth. Galinda huffed herself into bed with a wump, annoyed that she could feel rejected by the green girl.

©1995 Gregory Maguire
The right of Gregory Maguire to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.