Hey guys, I want to share something with you all. I really have to say…The Trolls franchise has always been there through my worse times. It all started when I lost one of my good friends in Feb 2017, and then the very next day the sequel was announced, I don't remember the next event in March but then I remember the holiday special was announced. This year on April 8th about two days before World Tour's release, my dad was given 2 months to live because he was battling cancer for the last 6 years. It was a really hard time, but watching World Tour brought a lot of happiness during that time especially with the pandemic going on. My dad passed away, on May 10th, about a month after the film's release. I love writing this story because it brings me a lot of happiness, and I really thank this franchise for this. I wish Dreamworks and the Trolls team could see this and know they made a difference in my life. I just thought I would share this, and I hope this franchise has brought you all happiness too! Alright, enough with the sad talk, let's get back to the story!

(Branch explained everything to Dr. Gristle. He seemed impressed with all that he was hearing. Branch had been very difficult when they started these sessions and wouldn't open up. Poppy had always been the center of their sessions, while Gristle was happy to see Branch rebuilding his relationship with poppy, there were other issues that needed to be discussed.

Dr. Gristle: I'm very happy to see you like this

Branch: I guess I listened to you somewhat

Dr. Gristle: this is great…this is progress

Branch: I can tell by the look on your face you're about to bring something up

Dr. Gristle: have you talked to your father?

Branch: no…why would I?

Dr. Gristle: we talked about this last time

Branch: why are you bringing him up? I have nothing to say to him

Dr. Gristle: you can't close this off Brandon

Branch: I'm sorry but I don't think talking to him would be beneficial for me

Dr. Gristle: why not?

Branch: I'm not giving him the satisfaction, he gave up his family the minute he cheated on my mom

Dr. Gristle: so, you're still hurting by this?

Branch: well who the hell would be happy about this?

Dr. Gristle: you'll stay unhappy until you make closure

Branch: fixing things with poppy makes me happy, it's the happiest I've been in a long time

Dr. Gristle: and what if she leaves then what?

Branch: why would you say such a thing?

Dr. Gristle: I'm just thinking of your future Brandon…ok maybe poppy is one piece of your happiness, but what about the other open wounds that you have? How is that being fixed? I'm just saying you can't fix everything that's going on just based on Poppy, she can't fix things only you can, you're just using her as a band aid

Branch: some things are better left unsaid especially the words I have for him

Dr. Gristle: so why do you want to just bottle this up?

Branch: you're annoying, you know that?

Dr. Gristle: answer the question Brandon

Branch: If he's out of sight, he's out of mind

Dr. Gristle: but he's not though

Branch: I'm done with this

Dr. Gristle: Brandon-

(Branch ended the skype call and slammed his laptop down. He knew Dr. Gristle had a point, but he was afraid of facing the truth. All he wanted to do was just believe his dad was a piece of shit and leave it at that. His whole life was a fucking mess, he started to rethink everything, but stopped himself. He felt so happy today, he wasn't going to give that up. For the first time in forever, he texted Poppy telling her he would see her tomorrow and wished her goodnight.)

(When poppy got home, she saw her dad wasn't home yet, so she made dinner for her and her dad, hoping it would be something they could enjoy together. While it was in the oven, Poppy went upstairs and worked on her homework for about an hour. She heard her phone go off smiled when she received the text from Branch, finally it wasn't just a bunch of one-sided texts. She wrote him goodnight. She heard her dad come back home and decided to go greet him. She knew he had gone to the therapy session today.)

Poppy: hey dad

Peppy: hey poppy…how was your…what'd you call it? Callback?

Poppy: I think it went pretty well, how did the session go?

Peppy: it was an experience

Poppy: yeah…it is

Peppy: the group session should be interesting

Poppy: hmm…um I made dinner if you want some, I thought we could eat together

Peppy: thank you…I got some work I have to do, so I might just have to take it to go

(Poppy felt the disappointment immediately…she really thought after his session that he would change somewhat.)

Poppy: oh…well I thought it would be nice…I might be busy for awhile and just wanted to spend some time

Peppy: how about after our session on Saturday we go out to dinner?

Poppy: you say that…

Peppy: anywhere you want to go, I promise, I'm just really swamped tonight

Poppy: ok…

Peppy: you don't sound happy

Poppy: well I made an effort and tried to get us to eat dinner together like normal families do and you're blowing me off

Peppy: I have work to do poppy

Poppy: if the excuse isn't Christine it's work

Peppy: (sighs) poppy…look…you're just going to have to trust that I'm going to make more of an effort, I went to the session, didn't I?

Poppy: (She tried to fight the attitude in her head, but she knew she would cause a fight if she brought up the fact that he did not go to the first session with her) ok dad…(when her chicken was done, she made him a plate) I hope you get your work done

Peppy: thank you…goodnight poppy

(Poppy went upstairs and Peppy went to his office, he had lied a little about having work to do. The truth was after his session today, he wasn't ready to tell poppy the truth about the things she didn't know about. He knew he didn't have to tell her right away, but eating with her, he might've accidentally spilled it. He enjoyed the dinner his daughter made for him, he thought about checking up on her later. Poppy went upstairs to her room, although she was annoyed with her dad, she took her mind off it by thinking about the study session with Branch tomorrow. She went to her closet to decide what to wear…she always wore dresses, maybe she needed a special one? But then again, she didn't want to make him too nervous, so she decided on the blue one with the green trimming, it was her favorite one. How should she do her hair? Up? Down? Clips? Headband? She decided hair down with some clips to keep her bangs off to the side. She played around with her hair and held up pieces of jewelry up to decide which matched, unaware her father had come up.

Peppy: got a date?

Poppy: (jumped in surprise) dad!

Peppy: sorry! Sorry! I didn't mean to scare you

Poppy: (threw down the clips and earrings) I need a second to restart my heart

Peppy: so…who's the boy?

Poppy: what?!

Peppy: the boy you're trying to look nice for

Poppy: there is no boy dad…I'm just picking my outfit out for school tomorrow

Peppy: you seemed awful happy about it, you were also humming a tune

Poppy: (shrugs her shoulders) school excites me

Peppy: you reminded me of your mother…she would do the same thing before we would go out…

Poppy: she would?

Peppy: oh yes…she was so cute when she'd do that, it was one of my favorite things about her

Poppy: I wish I could've seen that

Peppy: I'm sure you did when you were younger…she was always excited when she was getting ready, I know you and creek aren't dating anymore, meet someone else already?

Poppy: Dad, for the last time it's not a date!

Peppy: alright, alright, not a date. I just wanted to say goodnight, when do you find out about your show?

Poppy: on Friday

Peppy: well we can celebrate that too on Saturday…um poppy, I'm sorry about earlier, the truth is I was overwhelmed from therapy today…I've got a lot to learn

Poppy: I'm learning too…I'm glad we're doing this

Peppy: me too…anyways, don't stay up too late, goodnight poppy

Poppy: goodnight dad

(For a second there Poppy felt like she and peppy bonded, it was like a typical daughter/father moment with her picking out an outfit and her fathering pestering her about a boy. She had seen it with her friends parents. She couldn't help but blush a little though because she was trying to look nice for Branch. She smiled like an idiot thinking about him, she couldn't wait for tomorrow. When it became late, she changed into her pjs and got into bed. She wondered what Branch's night routine was like.

When Branch ended the call with Dr. Gristle, Dr. Gristle had texted him that they would not be doing anymore online sessions. Branch was frustrated…sometimes he couldn't even remember why he went to therapy. He got out his guitar and wrote down more lyrics to the song he was working on earlier. He started to fool around with the chords until he started hearing a tune in his head.)

Branch: (sings) Mmm…I know your favorite song…I hear it every day…Whoever made your smile made it to get in my way, and every time you laugh…you make that little sound…it's just the hardest thing…to love you, but not know how…so I spend all my nights and the dark and afraid…cause I tried to forget you, but these things just don't go away…I hate that your perfect, perfect for me, if I didn't know better than I would believe we were made for each other, but I know truth…you're no good for me, I'm no good for you…I hate that you're perfect…you're perfect for me…

(He teared a little as he sung those words, these words came from his heart. He wanted to express to Poppy about his true feelings, but what would he say? How much time should pass? Would she even feel the same? He had wanted to kiss her today so bad, but he knew that was way too forward and possibly out of line. Focus Branch…you have a study session with her tomorrow, oh how he wished it were a date it would be such a dream. He tried to focus on something else, he did his homework, but still his attention was more focused on a not so pink-haired girl who had the voice of angel. He finished it up the best he could before he turned in for the night. What are you doing to me Poppy?)

(The next day both Poppy and Branch shot out of bed, spent quite a long time standing in front of a mirror, trying to look their best before they left. When Branch arrived at school, he looked around for Poppy, he knew she usually hung out with her friends in the mornings, would this have to be the day where he'd have to talk to them? He didn't have to answer that thought as he saw Poppy smiling right in front of him. Seriously she was going to have to stop surprising him like this.)

Poppy: hi Branch!

(Dang did she always have this much energy in the morning? He took one look at her…that dress…the way her bangs swept over to the side held by her gold rose clips. Did she do this on purpose? She looked nice all the time, but this seemed different. He didn't do anything extra this morning other than just his hair.)

Branch: hi…surprised to find you here, I thought you'd be with your friends

Poppy: (smiles) you are my friend

Branch: (ouch) I mean with the others, isn't that what you normally do?

Poppy: yeah, but I thought I'd hang with you before Larkins' class, still on for that study sess?

Branch: wouldn't miss it

Poppy: good! I'll try to make it fun!

Branch: your presence alone makes it fun (Fuck why did he just say that?!)

Poppy: Aw thanks!

(Branch breathed a sign of relief. The bell rang…his eyes met hers)

Branch: well shall we?

Poppy: (rolls her eyes) let's get this over with

(When they walked down the hallway, he and poppy chatted some more but Branch couldn't shake the feeling that people were staring at him. He was walking with Poppy Kendrick after all, she was pretty, popular, and well-liked…and he was not.)

Poppy: are you ok?

Branch: yeah…just thinking about something

Poppy: about what?

Branch: just a few comebacks for Larkins in case he gets any ideas (There was no way he was telling her about what he just felt)

(They both took their seats in class and everyone waited for Larkins' wrath. He came in as usual avoiding eye contact with everyone before stepping to the front.)

Larkins: any snappy comebacks today Mr. Timberlake?

Branch: (shrugs) I can pull one out if I need to

Larkins: do you think you're funny?

Branch: no

Larkins: look around you, no one thinks you're funny or clever with this whole tough guy persona

Branch: (shrugs) I don't care what anyone thinks

Larkins: once again tough guy

(He then just started teaching as usual, not allowing anyone to stop him for questions. Branch looked at the clock, how could a class like this go by so slow? But then again, he hated this class, so it explained a lot. When the bell finally rang, Poppy and Branch walked together again. Branch tried so hard not to let the stares get to him. When they got to the theater room, poppy gave him a hug and told him she'd see him after school. He smiled as he watched her go, but then that smile faded when he saw Creek. They both stared at each other for a moment before Branch walked away. Not today Branch, not today. At lunch he helped out Mrs. Harvey again so Poppy wouldn't be tempted to sit with him. It was like the rest of the day flew by, when the final bell rang, he was nervous, Finally, he and poppy would be alone. Would much studying get done? He was about to find out. They had decided to drive separately. Poppy arrived at the Starbucks first, so she set all her stuff out and ordered her coffee. She felt nervous, this would be the first time they would hang out together in 4 years, she had to make sure she didn't say anything wrong. She spotted his green jacket before him. Before they knew it, they were sitting across from each other. They gave each other nervous smiles before Branch spoke.)

Branch: hey pops

Poppy: (smiles) hi

Branch: you got your drink?

Poppy: sure do! Are you getting something?

Branch: I'll probably get a chai tea

Poppy: (giggles)

Branch: what?

Poppy: just can't believe you don't drink coffee

Branch: coffee is full of caffeine, caffeine is bad, tea is good for the soul

Poppy: mhmm sure…

Branch: I'll be right back, get your book out, we'll go over the first few chapters

Poppy: okie dokie

(She pulled the book out as he came back sipping his tea.)

Branch: so…where are you having trouble?

Poppy: the derivatives are…a lot

Branch: which ones?

Poppy: 2nd, partial, maximum, minimal you name it

Branch: I'll try to explain this the best I can, Derivatives are all about change... they show how fast something is changing at any point…

(They went through a couple practice problems, with Branch still explaining as she did the problems. They went through at least 10 problems for an hour before Poppy looked annoyed.)

Branch: what's wrong?

Poppy: I don't know why I took this class…I don't know how I'll ace this test

Branch: you will because you're so much smarter than you give yourself credit for, and you'll keep practicing and get the hang of it

Poppy: can we take a break?

Branch: sure, it's much needed for your brain

Poppy: thank goodness! Um…Branch?

Branch: yes?

Poppy: why did you offer to help me?

Branch: because Larkins is a jerk and I don't want to see you fail

Poppy: Is there another reason?

(Branch knew what she was trying to get out of him. She was already trying to address the subject of what happened between them. While he still wasn't ready to let down his walls, at least he could be honest with her.)

Branch: I missed you… I won't lie…when I saw you in that class…I realized right in front of my eyes how much time had gone by

Poppy: it was a shock to say the least

Branch: while it's my mission to help you prove Larkins wrong…I wanted…to spend time with you again

Poppy: is that why you also joined the musical?

(Poppy knew she was pushing her luck, but she had to ask.)

Branch: well…yes…

Poppy: I mean I'm flattered, but how come you just didn't respond to my texts or calls? Why did you think joining the musical would work better?

Branch: I thought by joining the musical I could slowly work my way up…but now I'm enjoying the theater a lot and wished I joined sooner…I thought it was going to be awkward seeing you, but it feels like nothing has changed

Poppy: (smiles) well I'm happy you are! It really does…branch…was it something I did?

Branch: what?! Hell no poppy! It wasn't you…I still can't get into it, why don't we get back to studying?

Poppy: ok

(They went back to studying for a few more hours. Branch's head was spinning, his stomach was hurting. What was she thinking right now? Now she knew his reasoning…he felt guilty for not answering her calls all this time.)

Branch: poppy…do you trust in time that I will explain everything?

Poppy: of course, branch…I would never want to rush you

Branch: ok…good…how do you feel about this calculus?

Poppy: I still don't think it's fun

Branch: (laughs) well I didn't expect you to love it in one day

Poppy: I really do appreciate you helping me, maybe when the musical begins, we can study between scenes

Branch: (smirks) oh so you think you're in it?

Poppy: (blushes) I mean…

Branch: I'm just messing with you Poppifer, you were amazing…no doubt you will be casted

Poppy: I mean you could technically tell me (smirks) you are the assistant

Branch: sorry my lips are sealed

Poppy: I bet I could get it out of you (attempts puppy eyes)

Branch: no can do (laughs) good try though

Poppy: (rolls her eyes) anyways are you as brain dead as I am?

Branch: hanging in there

Poppy: I'm ready whenever you are

Branch: alright alright, I can see you're restless

Poppy: so, Branch…what do you think of eating lunch with me tomorrow?

(Branch froze. He knew she was going to ask about this eventually, he had just hoped it was later rather than sooner. He honestly wasn't sure what to say.)

Branch: I don't know Poppy

Poppy: I don't mean with everyone…just me, I'm going at your pace

Branch: it's just…they'll see me, everyone will see us

Poppy: so? Who cares what they think?

Branch: I mean I'm the loner kid who keeps to himself, and the guy that disappeared for 4 years to our friends, I'm already drawling a lot of attention to myself by being in the musical, I just don't think I'm ready for that

Poppy: what if it was someplace private?

Branch: you know a place?

Poppy: I do! Please Branch! It'll be fun!

Branch: alright…let's do it

Poppy: yayyy! You won't regret it!

Branch: I'm sure I won't, come on, let's go I think we've had enough studying for one day

Poppy: couldn't agree more!

(When they walked out together, both of them were screaming on the inside. This had better than expected.)

Poppy: by the way, sweet ride you have there

Branch: gets me where I need to go

Poppy: how about letting me drive it?

Branch: you're funny (he climbed on the motorcycle) see you tomorrow

Poppy: tomorrow

(She watched as he rode off and he looked back as he turned the corner, this was the start of something…they both knew it in their hearts. Branch wondered what this place was that Poppy would take him to. Poppy was happy to hear she was part of the reason that he came back around, yet so many questions lingered, what had happened during those 4 years?)

Of course, I had to include that song from World Tour ? Hope everyone enjoyed! Stay tuned for more, as writing really does help with grief.

~Ash