Only Trying to help

It was finally the weekend! It was much needed. Branch had been in horrible moods the last couple of days, since his mom had to return to rehab. He almost punched a whole in the wall. His dad had tried to reach out to him, but he declined every single call. His dad was the reason his mother turned out like this, it was too late for his father to fix anything. It was Saturday, everyone else was probably having a great time while branch was all alone. It was his fault for that, but today he felt extra lonely. He was really hoping that this weekend he and his mom would catch up and rekindle their relationship, but she screwed up yet again. He didn't know what to do. He didn't have to work, he finished his homework, he had nothing to do. He was stuck alone with his thoughts. He didn't feel like writing a song, it would only be a reminder of how much his life was all messed up.

Poppy was very happy about today! It was Saturday! Finally! It had been such a long week with school being back in session! And no sooner did it start, it finally ended. Today was the day poppy and her father would attend their first therapy session together. She hoped he would keep his promise to do so. She didn't tell any of her friends about it, she kept mostly her home life private. Her friends knew that her mother died and that her dad worked a lot and was dating Christine, but they didn't know about Blair and how rocky poppy and her fathers relationship was. It wasn't that she wanted to hide things from them, it was because it was hard for her to bring up since a lot of people created a picture in their mind that Poppy was a perfect person and was happy all the time. Well that wasn't always the case. Poppy arrived at the therapy office. Today they would be meeting with Dr. Cloud, a well known family therapist. When she arrived, she saw her father wasn't there yet. Dr. Cloud had a warm smile on his face as he welcomed poppy.

Dr. Cloud: hello there you must be poppy

Poppy: yes sir

Dr. Cloud: it's very nice to meet you, i thought your father was joining you

Poppy: he should be here soon

Dr. Cloud: alrighty why don't you tell me a little about yourself before we get started?

Poppy: well...I'm a senior in high school, I love to sing, I'm actually going to a school in California for that

Dr. Cloud: oh wow! That's quite impressive, you've been singing for a long time?

Poppy: my whole life! I don't know where I get it from..but it's a gift I guess

Dr. Cloud: it is indeed, if I had a great voice as yours I'd probably be in California too, but helping others is great too (smiles)

They waited 20 minutes, but peppy didn't show up. Until finally poppy received a text.

"Poppy, I'm really sorry, but something has come up, and I won't be able to make it to the session today. I'll make it up to you."

Poppy felt a rage of anger. She knew this would happen! Why did she get her hopes up?!

Dr. Cloud: everything ok?

Poppy: he's not coming

Dr. Cloud: well..that's clearly frustrating, but why don't we focus this session on you today. Usually what I do with my patients is have them together first and have them separate, but since this is the case, we'll do the separate sessions first. So poppy...tell me what would you like to gain from this session?

Poppy: I hope to be close to my father again

Dr. Cloud: again? So you were once?

Poppy: yeah..one time, but that was 10 years ago

Dr. Cloud: tell me about it

Poppy: well my mother died when I was little. It was hard on my dad, being a single father having to raise me. I almost went to live with my grandparents, but he decided against it. I sent most of my time with babysitters, because he worked so much, it almost felt like I didn't have a dad, but then she came along.

Dr. Cloud: who is this she?

Poppy: when I was around 5-6 my dad brought different women into my life, it never worked out, but right about when I was 8 he introduced me to Blair...I was skeptical at first because of the other women, but she was different. I don't remember my mom, but she felt like a mom to me, she gave me that feeling that a daughter should feel. When Blair was around, my dad was actually involved with my life. He would read me stories before bed, go to my school events, and we would do special things together. For a while I was happy, I felt like I had my dad back. And it turned out better because they got engaged, and I finally was gonna have a mom, and a family, and a brother or sister.

Dr. Cloud: so Blair was pregnant?

Poppy: yes...they found out after they got engaged, most kids who find about their having a little brother or sister, would be upset because they'd no longer be the center of attention, but I was actually looking forward to this because being an only child is actually more lonely than people think. But then...Blair had a miscarriage. It was heartbreaking for both of them, but I thought it would be ok and they would try again after they got married, so the time would be right for them, but that's not what happened. They argued, and they argued even more, and it got to the point where they broke up. That day I lost my potential mother, my father once again, and my brother or sister. So yeah, we were once close, but not anymore. My father always says he ended things with Blair because he felt he wasn't ready to replace his wife, but that's not true, he just won't admit that losing the baby hurt him a lot.

Dr. Cloud: I see...you're a very strong girl poppy...that's quite a lot for an 8 year old to go through...are you still in touch with Blair?

Poppy: yes..my father doesn't like it though

Dr. Cloud: is he currently with someone else?

Poppy: he's been with this women Christine for 4 years

Dr. Cloud: how is your relationship with her?

Poppy: there is none, I don't care for her and she feels the same

Dr. Cloud: why is that?

Poppy: I gave her a chance...when they first started dating, I did my best to get along with her. We got along pretty well for the first year of their relationship, then one day...me and her got into a heated argument...she was mad I didn't include her by inviting her to my school production, I don't know why we ended up screaming at each other, but we did. All I know is that when my father came home, he took her side. He didn't even care that she called me such horrible things. (Starts to tear up) it's..he's always putting her before me and that's not how it should be, not at all.

Dr. Cloud: (hands her tissues) poppy I'm really sorry that you feel the way you feel, but this is why I'm here now, to help. I wanna ask you a question...do you make effort in trying to fix your relationship with your dad?

Poppy: I try all I can...but I'm at the point where I've given up...what's the point? He'll never be the father he was

Dr. Cloud: but he could

Poppy: I don't know how

Dr. Cloud: well today I'm gonna give you an exercise to try with him...I want you to ask him how his day is...it will create conversation...this is the first step...and when you come back, we'll talk about your progress and we'll go from there, next time I want to see your father alone for his session and after that I'll have you both together. I'm disappointed with his absence today, but I'm glad I got to talk with you today.

Poppy: thank you Dr. cloud, I...I've never really told anyone about this before

Dr. Cloud: maybe it's time you change this, it's not healthy to keep your feelings in poppy, it seems like you have great friends (smiles) I'm sure they'd be willing to listen and help you all they can

Poppy: (nods)

Dr. Cloud: ill give your dad a call, I'll see you soon poppy

(Poppy went into her car and as soon as the door closed, she started to cry. This was the first time she ever cried uncontrollably. She had never told anyone about how much it hurt to have her and her fathers relationship be the way it was. She was also frustrated with her dad for not coming even though he promised he would. She started to drive home, but the tears keep pouring out. As soon as she pulled in the drive way and saw her father and Christine that was when she lost it.)

Poppy: (opens her car door) so that's why?! That's why you didn't come?!

Peppy: (goes silent) poppy...let me explain

Poppy: don't bother! You just showed me who's more important in your life!

Christine: poppy listen

Poppy: don't talk to me! If you want my father so badly, you can have him! I'm done! I'm so tired of your broken promises and being put last! I thought you were serious about this!

Peppy: I am but...

Poppy: but what?! You blew off our chance to fix things for her?!

Christine: excuse me?!

Peppy: listen poppy...Christine is leaving for Seattle today and she will be gone for a couple weeks so I wanted to have the chance to say goodbye...I didn't realize i made the appointment the same day, we can go to therapy anytime

Poppy: I can't believe you...why am I even surprised? Why did I even bother? I'm leaving (she drives off)

(Poppy looked in the rear view mirror and saw peppy didn't even come after her. He just continued as if she wasn't even there. She drove to Blair's house. She explained everything to her.)

Blair: that's terrible honey, I'm really sorry, that doesn't seem fair

Poppy: I don't even want to go home

Blair: well you can stay here as long as you need to, but I think your father wouldn't like this

Poppy: I don't care about what he wants anymore

Blair: oh poppy...your father does love you..

Poppy: Blair...

Blair: yes poppy seed?

Poppy: what's the real reason you and my dad ended your engagement?

Blair: I think that's something for you and your father to discuss

Poppy: every time I asked he always avoided it

Blair: your father always built up a force field around him

Poppy: I don't wanna go back Blair, I've put up with this for too long

Blair: you're always welcome here, you are technically 18. I know things are bad right now, but I think your dad will come around when he realizes he's losing you. You're a wonderful girl poppy, I would've loved to have you as my daughter.

Poppy: I wish you could've been my mom, did you ever marry after my dad?

Blair: a couple times yes, but as you can see, divorced. They never had what your father had.

Poppy: you'd hate who he is now, you brought out the best in him, did he ever tell you about my mom? That's another thing he'll never talk about with me...

Blair: he did...I don't feel like that's my place to tell you, it has to be from him

Poppy: I really thought he would come today...

Blair: I know...maybe he'll go to the next one?

Poppy: I don't know if I'll even go back, I liked Dr. Cloud, but if he's not willing to put in the effort why should I?

Peppy hugged Christine one last time, before she left for the airport. As he watched her car turn the corner, he knew he had messed up once again. Dr. Cloud had called not too long after and peppy explained everything and agreed to go in for an individual session later in the week.

As the day dragged on and darkness came about, peppy became concerned about poppy. He had tried to call her but she didn't respond. He decided she either stayed at creeks or a friends house. He knew she probably needed space and the situation would get worse if he did anything drastic.

Branch was relieved that the day finally came to an end. He didn't really do much. He felt extremely lonely living in the house alone especially since once it had been filled with people. When things weren't so complicated. Today was the worst day to be alone, he wished his mom could've held on for one more day. He picked up his guitar and started to play. He softly started a song. Memories filled his head. 3 years ago, branch had lost someone very important to him. He grieved everyday..he never fully moved on.

Branch: i miss you grandma...it's been 3 years too long..

So once again another piece of branch's puzzle, but not the whole story! Looks like poppy and peppy still got some work to do, wonder what his reaction to poppy staying with Blair could bring. Anyways hope you enjoy and don't forget to review!

~Ash