Hey guys! I know this is long overdue, and i apologize to everyone. Honestly I had the chapter written a few months ago, but it took me this long to finish the song. I'm no good with lyrics but I hope it's at least decent. With the release of the Trolls World Tour trailer tomorrow I figured I would finally post this chapter. Anyway hope you guys like it!
Chapter 26
The next week flew by for Poppy. Between taking care of Branch, finals, and practicing her song she had no spare time. Luckily Branch mostly took care of himself, and her father and Guy could be there when she couldn't be. Of course, her professors had given her a break on her finals, allowing her a few more days to study. All she had left to do was her performance, which currently had her freaking out. Poppy had to do the performance by herself now, not that she couldn't sing it, but her stage fright was trying to flare up. She had been practicing all week, but it just didn't feel the same without Aspen.
Poppy huffed loudly as she finished singing for the umpteenth time Friday evening. Tomorrow was her big night, and she felt nowhere near ready.
"Pinky, it sounded just as good that time as it has all night. Why don't we call it a night?" Guy yelled at her from a few rows away.
She looked up to see Guy, Branch, Suki, Chenille, and Biggie all looking at her. They all had pleading eyes except for Branch. Poppy knew they were ready to go, and she knew they needed to. But she just wasn't done, the song was missing something, and she had to figure it out before she quit for the night.
Poppy shook her head at Guy as she finally got her breathing back to normal. "I can't, it just doesn't feel right. I've got to figure out a way to make up for Aspen not being here."
"Girl, it sounds great. You don't need a guy to sing with you to make that song sound amazing. I promise Cooper will be impressed tomorrow night." Suki said to her.
She smiled back at her friend, "Thanks Suki. It just feels like it's missing something, like this song really should be a duet."
Guy spoke up again, "Poppy I really tried to find a partner to sing this with you, but the lack of time did not work in our favor. But you sound awesome, partner or not. I promise, you will be amazing tomorrow."
"Aw, thank you Guy." Poppy replied, "But you guys all look tired, why don't you go home? I promise I won't stay much longer."
She heard a chorus of "Good nights" and "You sound greats" as her friends left. Branch stayed of course, she was barely "allowed" out of his sight since he'd left the hospital. He'd been a bit nicer too, and not just to her but to all their friends. Poppy wasn't sure what to make of it, but something drastic must have happened to him (other than being shot of course) while she was gone. Branch hadn't lost his sense of humor though, and he was still a smartass. Either way she still loved him.
Poppy sat down on the stage cross-legged and put her head in her hands trying to come up with any ideas that might make her performance stand out just a bit more. She looked up a minute later with as many ideas as she had five minutes ago – none- to see Branch leaning on the edge of the stage with his arms crossed looking at her.
"I can't think of anything!" She nearly yelled while throwing her hands up in the air.
"Pops, you really do look great up here. I don't think you need anyone else, and you know I really don't miss Aspen." Branch gave her a wry smile.
Poppy couldn't help but smile back. "Thanks Branch." She fidgeted with her hands nervously before continuing, "Honestly, I think I'm just afraid to be up here by myself in front of such a huge crowd. I'm scared I'm just going to freeze or faint."
Branch took her fidgeting hands in his own and Poppy looked up to meet his gaze, "I know you're scared, but you're an amazing singer. All of us are going to be here tomorrow night to support you. Just breathe and sing your song. I promise you will be fine."
Poppy couldn't help herself, she leaned forward and gave Branch a quick kiss before sitting back and smiling, "When did you get so sweet?"
"You can't tell anybody." Branch replied, pretending to look stern but is face quickly broke into a smile.
Poppy silently acted as if she were zipping her lips and throwing away the key.
"Alright come on, I don't know about you but I'm starving." He offered her a hand to help her off the stage.
She took his hand but with his rib injuries she wouldn't put any weight on him, so instead she sat down on the edge of the stage and scooted off. The two walked out of the auditorium hand in hand.
Poppy felt much better after getting some food, and then going home to lounge on the couch. She wished Branch could snuggle with her on the couch, but unfortunately, he just couldn't so instead he sat in his chair studying for the finals he had yet to take while she watched tv. Her silly shows were the best way to keep her mind off tomorrow night when she would have to sing in front of the biggest audience she'd seen yet. Poppy still wasn't 100% comfortable being up there by herself, but there was nothing to be done about it. She could either go up there alone or not at all. Her thought went on like this as she watched her sitcoms until her tired eyes finally drifted closed.
"Poppy." She heard her name as someone shook her shoulder gently at the same time.
She really didn't want to open her eyes but did once her mind comprehended that it was Branch's voice. Poppy slowly opened them to meet Branch's sky-blue eyes only a foot or so from her own.
"Hey," he said, "let's get you to bed." He reached out as if to pick her up, but Poppy shook her head.
"Don't hurt yourself Branch, I can get up myself." Poppy hoped she didn't sound condescending to him, as tired as she was, she wasn't sure what her voice sounded like. But when he extended a hand instead, she gladly took it and stood up.
She wasn't sure if Branch would follow her to the bedroom or not, but of course he did, probably making sure she didn't fall over. Poppy was tired enough that her walk to bedroom felt like a long walk on a swinging rope bridge. But finally, she made it. Poppy knew Branch stood behind her, but she didn't really care, she changed into pajamas anyway. After dressing she made her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth and then came right back to crawl into bed. Branch had changed into pajamas as well and crawled into bed before her. Slowly she made her way in beside him, she wouldn't get too close, but they could talk for a minute before she fell back to sleep.
"So really Branch, do you think tomorrow will go well?" Poppy asked him, hoping he would be completely honest with her.
"Poppy," Branch started as he grabbed one of his hand in one of hers, "You will be great, you have a beautiful voice. Just don't be afraid. Okay?"
His free hand went up to caress her cheek, and Poppy closed her eyes and sighed. She knew Branch was right, she could do this. This performance meant everything to her, and she would not mess it up. All she wanted to do with her life was sing. Of course, now she wanted to include Branch in her life, hopefully that could all work out. She was still young though and had plenty of time to figure it out.
Finally, after a minute Poppy opened her eyes, "Thank you Branch. I love you."
By way of response Branch gave a light smile and then leaned over to kiss her. The kiss didn't last long much to Poppy's chagrin, but she knew it couldn't. Branch had risked his life to save hers, all the while not knowing she wasn't in any true danger. They were both lucky the broken ribs were the worst of his injuries. His face was still bruised, but no longer swollen. He still had to wear a bandage on his head, but even that wound looked ten times better than when he'd left the hospital almost a week ago. The only real injury that was still a problem were his few broken ribs. There was nothing that could be done about those though, he just had to wait for them to heal. This meant not a lot of physical contact, which was something Poppy wanted right now, but for Branch she would put those urges aside until he was completely healed.
Luckily for Poppy it didn't take but a minute for a her to fall asleep, and luckily this night she got peaceful dreams rather than the nightmares that had been plaguing her occasionally since that night with Creek.
Poppy woke the next day feeling much better and smelling coffee and pancakes. Branch always woke before her and almost always made her breakfast, just one of the many things she loved about him. Slowly she made her to the kitchen where Branch was standing in front of the stove making pancakes. His coffee cup sat on the countertop to his right as usual and plate of pancakes to his left. Plates, forks, syrup, and butter had already been sat out as well.
"Morning." Branch said, making her jump a little. She had gotten a bit too distracted looking around the kitchen and forgotten that he had super hearing.
"Morning." She replied.
He turned to face her, "Go ahead and eat, if I know you like I think I do you're gonna be way too excited to eat later."
Poppy smiled, "I'd say you know me pretty well then, thank you for breakfast."
With that Poppy grabbed a few pancakes and syrup before heading to the couch and switching on the tv while Branch finished making breakfast for himself.
After breakfast Poppy did the dishes and took a shower. She decided to relax for the day, it would help her later on. Poppy wouldn't sing before she performed today, saving her voice was the best idea. Instead she spent the day doing her nails, hair and makeup and of course spending time with Branch.
By mid-afternoon Poppy knew she didn't have much time left. Performance didn't start until 5, but she needed to be there at 4 to make sure everything and everyone was ready to go. She decided to wear the dress that Satin and Chenille had made her and the shoes they had gotten her to match. Her pink hair was in curls in a half ponytail with her bangs swinging left across her forehead. She put on minimal make-up and had painted her nails an aqua color to go along with her dress.
As she stood in front of the bathroom mirror making sure everything was correct, the door opened up behind her to reveal Branch in a black long sleeve button up shirt, black slacks, and a light teal tie that would match her dress almost perfectly. His short black hair wasn't really styled, but he had run his hand through it like he always did making it look like he had put time and effort into it when he really hadn't. The bandage that had been around his head had been replaced by a smaller tan bandage that nearly matched his skin, making it look nearly invisible. Even though his face was still blotched red in places, he was still one of the better looking men Poppy had ever seen.
She noticed he looked her up and down as well and it made her blush.
"What do you think?" Poppy asked, gesturing to the outfit.
Branch stepped forward smiling, an actual smile which he rarely showed. "You look beautiful, like always." He lifted her chin with his hand and gave her a chaste kiss.
"Are you ready to go?" He asked her after pulling away.
Poppy nodded, "Yeah, just let me grab my things." She walked to the bedroom hoping he couldn't see how nervous she really was.
When she walked into the living room, she was surprised to see her father standing there beside Branch. His eyes lit up when he saw her.
"Oh Poppy," her father started as he walked towards her, "you look stunning." He embraced her then and she returned the gesture.
"Thanks Dad."
Peppy pulled back and looked to both the youngsters, "So, are we ready to go?"
Branch simply replied, "Yes sir," whilst Poppy had to take a quick breath before saying, "I'm ready, let's go."
The three got into Peppy's car and headed to the college for the biggest night of Poppy's life thus far.
Poppy really didn't remember the ride except for Branch reaching over and grabbing her hand in his. Next thing she knew she was walking into the music building with Branch and her father. Her father wished her luck before heading into the auditorium where he would find seats for himself and Branch. Branch followed Poppy through the door that led backstage where she found her fellow class mates as well as Guy and Suki.
Guy and Suki came over after noticing them. Guy looked snazzy in a glittering silver/white suit and shoes whilst Suki had a hot pink cocktail dress on that split in the middle to show her midriff and reconnected on her hips.
"Oh my gosh Poppy, you look so beautiful!" Suki nearly shrieked before giving Poppy a quick hug.
"Thanks Suki, you look amazing! Are you performing?"
"Thank you, but nah. Everyone else got to dress up so I figured why not. But I do get to run the music and lights." Suki replied.
"Now Suki can't be the only getting some of that, come here Pinky." Guy said before pulling Poppy in for a hug.
"You ready for tonight?" He asked her once he pulled away.
"I think so." Poppy giggled nervously. "When do I perform?"
"The line-up sheet is right over there, but I think you're fifth." Guy pointed to a wall near the stage.
"Okay, that's not too bad." Poppy said, her voice shaking a bit. She was trying to hide her nervousness, but it was no use.
Guy looked back towards the stage where somebody had yelled his name. "Alright guys, I gotta go. Ya'll can sit down over there and just chill until performances start." With that he ran off.
Poppy found the chairs he had indicated, and she and Branch sat down to wait.
As Poppy listened to the performances leading up to her's, she got even more nervous. All of the kids were really good. She knew she had a good voice, she just hoped it was good enough to impress the crowd.
She looked down at her lap where her fists were clenched to see that Branch had put one of his hands on top of both of hers. Poppy looked up to see Branch looking at her, "Poppy, it'll be fine. You have an amazing voice and you're going to kill it out there."
Poppy couldn't help but smile, "Thank you Branch, I'm just nervous."
"And now please help me welcome to the stage, Poppy!"
With that Poppy took a deep breath and stood up, "Well here goes, wish me luck okay?"
"You're gonna be fine, just sing as if no one's in the audience."
Poppy nodded and then headed onto stage but before she could get too far Guy stopped her, "Hey Pinky, there's gonna be a change to your performance so just keep an eye out, your sheet music is on the stand if you need it."
Before she could ask what he meant he ran backstage, she wasn't the best at improvising, but she'd do what she could.
The applause kept on as she headed to center stage, but it died down as she grabbed the microphone. Poppy took another deep breath before turning and nodding to the band that was on stage behind her indicating that she was ready to start. She thought she might forget the words until the music started and she waited for the right moment to begin singing. The music started out slow with piano then guitar, then one drum beat before her song began.
I used to think the world was a nice place
That's when I saw his face
I quickly realized we weren't meant to be
The world had no place for him and me
My world became dark
'Til you came in and fixed my heart
It didn't take me long to see
That all my world needed was you and me
She moved around the stage as she sang, not quite dancing yet.
Starting over
Starting over with you
Starting over
Starting over
Now the world has such a nice view
I can't believe it took me this long
To come up with this new song
Starting over
Starting over with you
The beat had picked up a bit by this time, and just as Poppy was going to start the next verse, she heard a voice start singing before she could. She looked to the side of the stage and couldn't believe her eyes. Branch was standing there with a microphone in his hand, actually singing. She had never heard him sing before, and she had a hard time believing the voice was his. Poppy ran over to the stand to check the music, and luckily Guy had highlighted all the separate parts for the song. Some of the lyrics had been changed since Branch was singing it, but she didn't mind. She didn't think her smile could get any bigger as Branch sang.
I used to think my life was fine
No one was worth my time
Being alone was my way
And that's how I thought it should stay
As he sang he walked slowly across the stage towards Poppy.
Until you wrecked into me
And showed me what happiness could be
Now after all we've been through
I couldn't imagine life without you
He finally got close enough to put his right hand out towards her. Poppy took, still totally in shock that this was happening.
Starting over
Starting over with you
Starting over
Starting over
My world is no longer so blue
Slowly they started moving across the stage together, Branch obviously couldn't dance very fast due to his injuries, but it was still nice.
Starting over
Starting over with you
Then it was time for both of them to sing.
Who would've ever thought
That we would meet by one little fall
It wasn't what either of us were looking for
But life is unpredictable
Challenges were thrown our way
Yet neither of us could fight the pull to stay away
Now that we're together
It really seems like it could last forever
And life has never been so good!
His voice matched Poppy's almost perfectly, and she didn't think she could be any happier in that moment as the two of them sang together and moved around the stage.
Poppy:
Starting over
Branch:
Starting over
Both:
Starting over with you
Poppy:
Starting over
Branch:
Starting over
Both:
I'm so glad that I found you
Poppy and Branch were both breathing hard as the song ended and smiling as big as they could. The applause they got was huge, but Poppy could barely hear as she started into Branch's ice blue eyes. Finally though she realized they were still on stage. She took Branch's hand, and both turned to bow to the crowd before running off stage.
Poppy practically jumped on Branch giving him the biggest hug she could. "That was amazing!" She squealed before setting her feet back on the floor.
"Why didn't you tell me you were going to do that?" She looked up at him with her arms still around his neck.
He shrugged, "Wouldn't have been a surprise if we told you."
She lifted up to kiss him, Poppy didn't even know how to feel right now but she didn't think she could love him anymore in that moment.
"I love you." She said when she pulled away.
"I love you too." Branch replied as he smiled down at her.
Then she pulled away, "So, you really can sing."
Branch shrugged again, "Eh, a little bit."
"Oh come on, that was amazing. That was not something you learned over night." Poppy said, knowing Branch was full of it.
"I've been practicing with G.D. all week, it's nothing really. But that song really did sound better as a duet. And even though Aspen could have sung it with you, I decided I could sing it instead." He gave her sly grin.
Poppy rolled her eyes and shook her head, knowing how Branch could still be about Aspen. "Well it was still awesome, I can't believe you did that."
Branch shoved his hands in her pockets and looked away from her, "Well I figured it was about time to put the past behind me and focus on my future."
"Aww Branch, you didn't have to go out there for me, but I'm glad you did."
Finally, he looked back at her, "I did need to go out there, and I'm glad I did too."
He reached his hand out to her, "Now, how about we join your father and watch the rest of the performances."
Poppy took his hand and they quietly snuck out to the audience to sit with her father. After they sat Peppy leaned over to his daughter and whispered, "That was amazing Poppy, you and Branch looked great up there."
She smiled, "Thanks Dad, it was so much fun."
For the next hour or so they watched the rest of the performances, but by the time it was over Poppy was starving. Her father agreed to treat her and Branch to a dinner at Poppy's choice of restaurant. She chose a nice seafood place and they all got to just sit down and relax for a while to eat dinner. It was something they hadn't gotten to do, even she and Branch hadn't gotten to have any fun in a while. With everything that happened life hadn't been easy, especially for Branch, lately. It was nice to just have a quiet to dinner and to talk. And with school ending soon for the summer, Poppy had finished all her finals and Branch still had a bit of catching up to do, but he would finish his finals before the semester ended.
After two hours of talking and eating Poppy was getting tired. She wanted to get home, take a shower, and go to bed. Her father drove them home and gave her a quick hug before heading off towards his hotel.
As soon as they walked in the door, Poppy collapsed on the couch. She heard Branch chuckled, and then felt him at her feet removing her heels.
"Thank you." She said as she looked down at him with much appreciation.
"You're welcome, I'm sure those couldn't have been comfortable." He said as she sat down in his chair, looking relieved as well.
"Not after more than 4 hours." She giggled and then let out a deep sigh of relief. Her performance was over, her first year of college was almost over, Branch had sung for her, and she felt more at peace than she had in a long time.
She closed her eyes for a few minutes before resigning to the fact that she needed a shower to get all this spray out of her hair and makeup off her face. Poppy huffed not wanting to remove herself from the couch, but she needed to. Slowly she opened her eyes and sat up. She looked over to see that Branch had gotten up from his chair. He was probably in the bedroom changing clothes. She headed down the hallway and noticed that the bedroom door was closed so she headed into the bathroom, but before she could get her shower started she heard Branch's voice, "Hey Pops, could help me with something in here real quick?"
"Yeah." She yelled back before heading that way. He probably needed help either removing or putting on clothing, he usually could do it by himself but sometimes his injured ribs could really bother him.
Poppy opened the door and stopped, frozen in shock. Branch was down on one knee in front of her holding out a small open black velvet box with a ring in it.
She was barely able to mutter out, "Branch."
"Poppy, I know this is sudden, especially with all we've been through. And you don't have to say yes now if it's too soon, but I needed you to know my intentions and how I feel. I've never felt anything for anybody like what I feel for you. I love you with everything I have, I never thought I could feel this way. I didn't think I'd ever meet anybody like you, and I don't intend to let you go. So Pops, will you…"
"Yes!" She said before he could finish.
"Yes?" Branch's face lighted up with a smile.
"Yes!" Poppy yelled this time and ran forward towards Branch. She dropped to knees and threw her arms around him. He wrapped his arms around her as well.
Poppy pulled back to kiss him, and as they kissed she could feel and taste the tears running down his face.
When the kiss was over Poppy looked at Branch to see that he did in fact have a few tears. "Oh Branch, there's no need for that."
He wiped them away quickly, "It's nothing, and don't you tell anyone."
She smiled at him, "Of course. Now, can I see that ring?"
He smiled back at her and brought it up so she could see it. It was just a 2 karat diamond, but it was in the shape of a heart. Poppy didn't know how Branch found out what kind of ring she had always wanted, but she had a feeling Branch and her father had been talking.
"You want to see if it fits?" Branch asked her.
"Yes!" Poppy held her left hand out and Branch put the ring on ring finger. It was a perfect fit.
Poppy pulled her hand back just a little to see the ring up close, "Branch, I love it!"
She hugged him again, not believing this was happening. Branch was full of surprises today.
"I love you Poppy, you have no idea how happy you make me." Branch said to her as he hugged her tightly against him.
Poppy smiled, "I love you too Branch. And even though I'm liking this new happy Branch, sometimes I miss the old grumpy Branch." She pulled back to look at him before giggling.
Branch smirked at her, "Oh trust me, he's still here. I'm sure you'll annoy me again at some point."
"Yep, especially with school ending I'll be around 24/7."
"Maybe I need to start looking for a second job."
Poppy smacked him on the arm before he could even laugh at his own joke, "Hey!"
Branch put his hands up in defeat, "You know I didn't mean it, don't beat up the injured old man."
"You're not old, just injured. And I didn't hit you that hard. Plus, you deserved it." She gave him sly smile.
"We'll just see how injured I really am." Branch showed her a mischievous smile and before she knew what was happening, he picked her up and threw her on her on the bed.
Poppy giggled and Branch sat beside on the bed before leaning down the kiss her. She couldn't believe what just happened, at 19 she was just finishing her first year of college and she was engaged. Her life had changed so much over the last year, and she wouldn't have changed it for anything, other than Branch getting injured of course. But she was so happy for the new friends she'd made and all the new experiences. Poppy really didn't know where her life would go from here, but she couldn't wait to experience it all at Branch's side.