Four words as to why I haven't updated: summer work and camp. Can you believe there's such thing as summer algebra?! What the Oz?! Anyway, please enjoy.

The only reason I've been to the main office so many times is because I can't hear announcements in homeroom, and usually my clubs wind up getting canceled. But because I couldn't hear, I have to go to the office and tell my grandparents or whoever is picking me up from school to come and get me.

Now, although it's partly my fault I'm always in here, my knowledge of the office came in handy when the teacher brought Elphaba and I there. I made sure she sat down in a seat before I sat myself down. The teacher who brought us here began whispering to one of the secretaries. Then she pointed at Elphaba.

"With all due respect," I began, "I would greatly appreciate it if you put your finger down. My- our parents told us it's rude to point." I winked at Elphaba, who grinned.

Unfortunately, the teacher then walked over to me and leaned in. In a harsh whisper, she scolded, "Don't use an attitude like that with me."

"She wasn't using an attitude!" Elphaba cut in, but I put my hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Elphie," I spoke. "Just let her finish." Then, I realized my mistake of calling Elphaba by her actual name instead of... you know... a more normal, American name, and groaned.

But that was my other mistake: groaning. The teacher and the secretary both noticed my error and caught me red-handed. "'Elphie?'" the secretary asked. "What kind of name is 'Elphie?'"

"It's short for Elphaba," I explained. (It seemed like I was telling the truth, but I added something else) "And that name is Italian."

"Well, it's a strange name, even for an Italian."

"Again, with all due respect, could you please not insult our ethnicity?"

"Kate, just be quiet," ordered Elphaba. Realizing my big mouth was just going to get us into more trouble, I nodded and shut up. The secretary extended her hand. "I'll need to see some I.D, please," she told us.

I bit my lip to keep from groaning aloud and mentally gave myself a face-palm. I understand my parents are busy people, and they have a lot on their minds, but... seriously?! Elphaba had been with us for a couple of days, and they couldn't get her a social security number? Or a green card? Something?!

Luckily, a voice saved us by saying, "No I.D. needed." I turned to see, standing in the doorway, my science teacher. "Ms. Florence!" I sighed with relief.

"Hi, Kate," she greeted with her usual warm smile. She turned to the secretary and the teacher who brought me and Elphaba here. "I know who this is," Ms. Florence went on, "Kate loves her and looks up to her very much. They really are sisters."

I grinned and blushed slightly. Seeing as most of my teachers (and friends) found my constant talk about Wicked so annoying, it meant to me more than words could say that my science teacher was standing up for me right now, utilizing her knowledge of my passion and dedication to Elphaba to help us.

After the secretary begrudgingly agreed to let us go, Ms. Florence led us out of the front door of the school. Once we were outside, and no one could hear us, she asked us, "I know you love Wicked, but... you don't think this is a bit much?"

"What do you mean?" I replied.

"Did you really get someone to dress up as Elphaba to help you deal with your obsession or something?"

"This isn't a costume. This is the real Elphaba."

Ms. Florence, open-mouthed, looked from me to my "sister," who stayed silent and patient. She tried to talk, but no words came out. "You're absolutely sure she's the real thing?" my teacher inquired.

"Yeah," I answered. "If you need me to prove it... which I hope to Oz you won't make me prove it..."

"No. I believe you." I smiled. "However," began Ms. Florence, "I do need to ask one thing: how did she get here?"

I looked toward Elphaba, who bit her lip and became really interested in the concrete sidewalk. Guess that means I'm doing the talking.

All the while I was explaining what happened, Ms. Florence was leading us back into the building and to her classroom. She sat down behind her desk and sighed. I sat down where I usually sit for class, and Elphaba sat in the seat next to me, her face buried in her hands.

As I began to rub circles on her back, Ms. Florence finally stood up. "Kate..." she started, her voice a hoarse whisper. "Well, first of all, Elphaba... I'm so sorry."

"Fiyero survived," Elphaba informed, lifting up her face. "And I know I'm the reason my sister was killed, and I've accepted it. So don't be sorry. But now you see why Kate is trying to get me back to Oz?"

"Yes. Also... you came here by a storm, right?"

"Right."

"So, we'll just have to wait for a storm to get you back."

"I mean no disrespect, but we can't wait that long," I said, standing up. "Because Elphaba is no longer in Oz, what was supposed to happen in Wicked and/or The Wizard of Oz might not have happened. The entire plot could be reversed. Oz could fall into chaos. Dorothy could... well, no one really cares about her. But still... we need to get her back ASAP."

"Would that mean... Nessa might've lived?" Elphaba choked out hopefully.

I put a hand on her shoulder. A lump formed in my throat as I told her, "I meant that the plot might've changed after... you know... you left. Elphie, I'm sorry. I don't think she's coming back."

The green woman leaned against my shoulder. "I knew that..." she whispered, tears visibly welling up in her eyes. "But it felt good to wish..." I took my hand and brushed some of her black hair over her ear.

"When I said we were sisters back there, I meant it," I managed through the lump in my throat. "Just because Nessa died, that doesn't make you an only child now. I'm always with you, and I'm always going to be with you, even when we're worlds apart. I... I'll protect you, no m-matter what. I... I love you... sis."

Keeping my own tears back, I hugged Elphaba with all my might and reminded myself that now, it wasn't just about getting her home: it was about loving her so much that I had to let her go, so she could be happy.

And I finally cried when I heard Elphaba respond tearfully, "I love you too... little sis."