(Poppy arrived at school excited! She also felt really nervous, this was routine for cast list day. Her and her friends would always meet and look at the cast list together, but this time it would be different. She wanted Branch to be included, she knew he wasn't part of the cast, but he was still part of the show. She played with her mother's poppy necklace as she waited for her friends. Though she was excited, she couldn't help but admit that she was distracted by a certain someone. Poppy had to hide her smiles when she returned home after her and Branch's cozy meeting. She was going to have to work to hide it from her friends since they were more likely to pry into her business than her father. She saw them pull up and tried to rid her thoughts of Branch and his passionate lips.)

Satin: Poppy are you ready?!

Suki: Come on! We have to get there!

Poppy: hey guys, um do you think we could wait for Branch?

Guy: Branch? Why?

Poppy: well, he's part of the show too

Biggie: but this is our tradition

Poppy: what's one more? Branch was part of our group for awhile

(The group looked at each other. Some had smirks on their faces while some rolled their eyes)

Chenille: you two seem to be spending a lot of time together lately

Biggie: where were you at lunch yesterday?

(Poppy felt the red coming to her cheeks. She knew if she lied about her whereabouts, her face would give it away. Yet if she told them, they'd ask more questions and wasn't ready to give answers yet. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Branch's motorcycle.)

Poppy: why are we still talking? Aren't we going to check?

Satin: (smirks) I thought we were waiting for Branch

Poppy: well waiting is making me nervous, let's go!

(She walked slowly behind the group. They were lost in their conversation. She waited for Branch and motioned for him to hurry. He looked hesitant about walking with them, Poppy walked slower until he caught up with her.)

Branch: what's the rush? The cast list will be there all day

Poppy: this is what we do

Branch: (chuckles) Why am I not surprised? I'm not in the cast, so you should really go with your friends

Poppy: but I want you to be a part of it

Branch: This is your last year. Go enjoy it with your friends. I'll be part of it from afar

Poppy: are you sure? I'll try and find you so we can walk to class

Branch: oh, my dearest Poppy, go. I'll be perfectly fine. I want you to enjoy this moment with them

(Poppy felt hesitant, but knew Branch was right. Why did he always have to be logical? She almost reached for a kiss but stopped herself. They both laughed a little before Poppy went to find her friends which luckily for her, they were still engaged in their conversation and didn't notice Poppy's separation. When they reached Mrs. Harvey's room, there was a huge crowd. Poppy squeezed her way through until she got a clear view. She started to squeal! She got the part of Christine! Some of her friends saw and squealed for her. They looked at the other parts, Biggie got Rauol, Guy got Monsieur Richard Firmin, Suki got Madame Giry, and Satin and Chenille would share the role of Meg. Bridget had been cast as Carlotta. They knew she would be furious, but they were all beaming at the sight of playing good parts! They noticed that no one had been cast as the Phantom which confused some. Branch stood in the back but was smiling. He knew Poppy would land Christine without a doubt and was happy to see her happy. They did not see Bridget come up and were not prepared for the reaction she gave.)

Bridget: what?! NOOOO! This is not ok!

(Everyone froze. No one dared to say a word. Bridget spotted Poppy and headed for her, when Branch saw this, he immediately went into defense mode.)

Bridget: I should've gotten the part of Christine not you! You've played all the leads long enough! (she turned to everyone else) isn't anyone going to agree with me?! (she was met with silence) you're not pretty enough to be her! I don't know why Mrs. Harvey casted you as her!

(Bridget was screaming more hateful thoughts in Poppy's face while everyone stood frozen. Branch was ready to go and defend Poppy even if it meant he'd be humiliated, but he was saved by Mrs. Harvey.)

Mrs. Harvey: Bridget! My office, now!

Bridget: Mrs. Harvey I-

Mrs. Harvey: Now Bridget!

(When Bridget reluctantly followed Mrs. Harvey, Poppy stood there. She looked defeated. She was shaking and trying to hold back tears. Everyone started hugging and comforting her. Branch didn't know if he should get in there or wait until it cleared out. Before he decided what to do, Poppy walked away and refused to look at anyone. The bell rang, so he decided that his best bet was just to get to class and talk to her later.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Harvey and Bridget sat in her office and discussed the scene she had caused.)

Mrs. Harvey: what was that all about?

Bridget: I'm sorry Mrs. Harvey, I don't know what came over me

Mrs. Harvey: well it seems like you were angry at Poppy for getting the lead

Bridget: she always gets the lead! I was working really hard this summer on my singing! Looks like it was just a waste!

Mrs. Harvey: Bridget, I cast you as Carlotta because of your improved vocal range, this role has a high range. It wasn't right for the part of Christine. Poppy has a sweet tenderness in her voice that Christine has

Bridget: it's not fair! I deserved this part!

Mrs. Harvey: from the behavior I saw out there, that's showing me something otherwise. I'm very disappointed in you Bridget

Bridget: just admit it! Poppy's your favorite that's why you always cast her!

Mrs. Harvey: Poppy has earned the parts she has because not only does she bring her voice to the table, but she also displays good sportsmanship. She congratulates others and takes the time to help other castmates. What you did to Poppy was not good sportsmanship. In a production, we all have to be a team, and you have to treat your teammates with respect no matter what.

Bridget: but I-

Mrs. Harvey: I'm afraid I can't allow this type of behavior onstage, so Bridget you will not get to be in the show

Bridget: what?! No! Please Mrs. Harvey!

Mrs. Harvey: I'm sorry Bridget, I have to set an example for this cast, and I can't reward this behavior

Bridget: you don't understand-

Mrs. Harvey: my decision is final Bridget. You will also have to apologize to Poppy for the way you acted towards her, now get to class before you are late

(Bridget stormed out of the room and left school. She fought the tears. She knew she had messed up but was disappointed in not landing the lead. She drove off not knowing where she was going to go. Meanwhile Branch went to Larkin's class and didn't see Poppy there. He started to feel worried, he didn't want Larkins to notice her gone. A wave of relief washed over him as he saw her hurry in on the last ring of the late bell.)

Larkins: late today are we flower?

(Poppy ignored his comment and took her seat.)

Larkins: I asked you a question, it's disrespectful not to answer

Poppy: I wasn't late

Larkins: well you're the last one to arrive, so you're late

Poppy: (shrugs)

Larkins: did you eat a bowl of sour flakes this morning? You have quite a long face

Branch: did someone spit in yours?

Larkins: shut your mouth Mr. Timberlake, why were you late today flower?

Poppy: I just lost track of time

Larkins: making out with your boyfriend?

Poppy: can we just learn now?

Larkins: my, aren't we feisty today. Alright I guess if you're ready to learn then that's what we'll do

(Larkins went on a tangent about implicit differentiation while Branch turned around. Poppy had her face in her notes, she was usually sitting upright and paying attention even if the subject was boring. Everyone knew something was off. Larkins would face back to where she was sitting every now and again and Branch was worried, he was going to say something. They managed to get through the rest of class without any further problems. Branch and Poppy walked in silence for a little bit before Branch decided to say something.)

Branch: Poppy, what Bridget did to you was…I've never seen anyone act like that before…you deserved that part. I saw at the auditions

Poppy: (gives a small smile) thanks Branch. She's never liked me anyways

Branch: how come? You get along so well with everyone

Poppy: everyone except her. Bridget and I were once friends, but when we got into theater, she became really competitive. Instead of hanging out she would be more interested on practicing her singing. It became impossible to be around her. She's tried everything to humiliate me and it's never worked…until now

Branch: you know, when people act like that it means they're either jealous or intimated. She wants to be you, but she can't. You're nice to everyone no matter who they are. The way I saw her act, I can guarantee you she doesn't have many friends.

Poppy: I guess that's true, thank you again

Branch: hey I'm just stating the truth. Don't let her get to you. She won't get very far with the way she acts

(Poppy gave him a hug and Branch gave her a reassuring smile. He wanted to protect her from Bridget and her words. Though he wanted to embrace her more, he knew they had to go, when Poppy turned to go to class, he was called by Mrs. Harvey who wanted to talk to him. So, he ended up following Poppy in the classroom and was met by a bunch of stares.)

Mrs. Harvey: good morning class! We will get started in just a minute, but first can I see Poppy, Satin, and Chenille for a second? You too Brandon

(Poppy, Satin and chenille were confused but got up and walked to her office. They both smirked at Poppy and teased her about Branch being part of the meeting which Poppy responded with her usual eye roll. They all took a seat and Mrs. Harvey sighed before speaking.)

Mrs. Harvey: first of all, I just want to say Poppy I'm so sorry for what you had to endure this morning. I had a long talk with Bridget this morning and she will no longer be part of the show. She was also instructed by me to apologize to you, but given she is absent in class another talk to her will have to be in order. I hope you will still consider being Christine

(All of them were shocked by this news. Branch was insanely happy. He knew Mrs. Harvey wouldn't stand the behavior Bridget displayed. Yet he wondered why he was called in. Mrs. Harvey could've just told him about this later.

Poppy: I will be, I'm not going to let her bully me out of it

Mrs. Harvey: (smiles) good, I'm happy to hear that. I'm happy you stood your ground instead of fighting back, that shows character right there. Which leads me to my next discussion, with Bridget not being part of the production anymore I have to cast a new Carlotta, so Satin and Chenille I had casted you both to play Meg, but I'm considering one of you for the role of Carlotta, so I'd love for you to come by after school and sing for me.

Satin: we don't have to. I think Chenille would be perfect for it

Chenille: you're too kind sister, but I think you'd be perfect for it

Mrs. Harvey: so how about after school then? To make it fair

Satin and Chenille: we'll do it!

Mrs. Harvey: excellent! I look forward to it. Thank you, girls, for coming in, I can't wait to get started, you may head back out into the classroom. Brandon, I want you to stay for a second.

(When the girls left. Branch felt nervous. They had had many talks before, so he thought he could read her well. Today however he didn't know what to expect.)

Mrs. Harvey: well Brandon, you could probably tell but I did not cast a phantom yet

Branch: why not? I thought everyone who auditioned was great

Mrs. Harvey: they were, but I think your voice is perfect for this part

Branch: I already said I didn't want to do it, the understudy will be fine

Mrs. Harvey: are you sure? If you just conquered your fears, then everyone would see-

Branch: I don't want to! I'm sorry…I just can't

Mrs. Harvey: (nods) very well, what did you think about Milton?

Branch: he was great, very talented

Mrs. Harvey: well I think we have our phantom then

Branch: perfect

Mrs. Harvey: Brandon, is everything else ok?

(Branch sighed. He didn't want to tell her about the phone call to his dad or the progress he was making with Poppy. Had she noticed he was acting different?)

Branch: yes, everything's fine

Mrs. Harvey: ok, I only ask because I care

Branch: I know, and you know I always come to you so I'm not going to lie to you

Mrs. Harvey: good, anyways I don't want you to be too late to class, so on you go, we'll talk more later

Branch: ok, also thank you for doing that for Poppy. I don't like to see her upset like that

Mrs. Harvey: (smiles) I'm glad to see you care about her so much

Branch: (shrugs his shoulders and heads towards the door)

Mrs. Harvey: oh, and one more thing, I'd love for you to personally tell Milton that he has the part

Branch: me? Why me?

Mrs. Harvey: because you need to get out of your comfort zone and meet people

Branch: is personally telling someone they have the part in the job description of stage manager?

Mrs. Harvey: no, but I just created it

Branch: (sighs) I don't get how you get me to do these things

Mrs. Harvey: (smirks) what would you do without me?

(Branch sighed and gathered his things. He didn't mind being late for class, but how in the world was he going to find this Milton kid? He didn't get Mrs. Harvey sometimes. As he headed for the door, he glanced back at Poppy who gave a small smile, he knew she was trying to be non chalant since her friends were there. Meanwhile her friends were curious to know what was going on between them after noticing Poppy's absence from lunch and their morning hangouts and an interesting piece of information from smidge.)

Satin: so Poppy, I heard you and Branch were getting all cozy at Starbucks

(Poppy choked on her water. How did they know about that?!)

Poppy: it was just a study session

Chenille: really? Smidge said you two were laughing and joking around, almost as if it was flirting

Poppy: what?! Flirting? No way!

Suki: if it was only a study session, why didn't you tell us? Unless there's a reason why you didn't want us to know…

Poppy: there's no reason! It was more about not drawling attention to Branch

Guy: speaking of which, where were you at lunch yesterday?

Biggie: and why did you insist on waiting for him this morning?

Poppy: I..um..I

Satin: I just don't know why you're being so secretive, it's us Poppy

Poppy: I'm not being secretive, there's nothing going on. He helped me with calculus, and I had lunch with him yesterday

Biggie: you had lunch with him yesterday?!

Guy: you know, a phantom wasn't casted, maybe that's why Mrs. Harvey wanted to see him to cast him as the phantom!

Chenille: yes! That might be! But Branch can't sing so that doesn't make sense

(They all nodded in agreement. Poppy almost let loose that he could in fact sing, but their idea of him not being able to sing was differing them away from the subject. It was perfect timing as Mrs. Harvey came out to teach the class. Poppy quickly snuck a text to Branch, saying it would be a good idea to not meet up today since the gang was getting nosy. When Branch saw the text, he was disappointed but knew it was a good idea. He still had to find this Milton kid and wasn't looking forward to it. When lunch came around, Branch tried to stay hidden so Poppy's friends wouldn't see him. He tried to remember what Milton looked like so he could be done with it. He felt like an idiot walking around the cafeteria alone, it was like he was the new kid with no place to sit. After at least 10 minutes, he finally found him sitting with a group of people. They weren't theater kids, so he wasn't sure what he was in for. He waited until there was a pause in their conversation before, he made his move.)

Branch: um…excuse me? Milton?

(Everyone at the table looked up. Obviously, no one knew who Branch was, so he was met with some odd stares. Milton looked at him with a familiar look but didn't fully recognize him.)

Milton: yes? Do I know you?

Branch: probably not, I'm Brandon. The stage manager for the musical

Milton: ohhh Brandon right! (smiles) to what do I own the pleasure?

Branch: well I'm sure you saw the cast list this morning-

Milton: yeah, I saw I didn't get a part, but it's ok though. I did my best. Are you offering me a backstage job?

Branch: actually, I came to tell you that no one was casted as the phantom this morning, so I came to personally tell you that you're playing the phantom

(Milton's mouth fell open looked at his friends who returned his enthusiasm.)

Milton: oh wow! This is amazing! This was my first time trying out for a musical!

Branch: well congratulations, you've got talent

Milton: thank you for telling me Brandon! It was a pleasure

(Milton's friends started to get up to leave to an event they needed to attend, leaving Milton at the table alone.)

Milton: do you wanna sit?

Branch: aren't you going with them?

Milton: they have chemistry club. I don't have much interest in the clubs they join

Branch: (sits down) so what did you do before trying out?

Milton: well I tried doing the clubs they joined and found them boring. We're all good friends but we have academic interests

Branch: well this is my first time joining the play too

Milton: really? That's exciting! I already have a friend! Everyone else there probably knows each other. I felt out of place at auditions

Branch: I know how that is, but you're the lead you'll make new friends there in no time

Milton: so…you don't wanna be friends?

Branch: what? No, I do, I just…

Milton: used to being alone?

Branch: (pauses)

Milton: well hey that's ok! Just know you have a friend in the auditorium

Branch: well thanks Milton, that's kind of you to say

Milton: (chuckles) I've been told I'm too kind, I guess I have to learn to be evil for this part

Branch: (laughs) I don't think the phantom is evil, just misunderstood

Milton: huh that's insightful, it'll be intimidating to be in a room full of experienced actors

Branch: just bring a Starbucks to rehearsal and you'll fit right in

Milton: (laughs) you're funny Brandon, I know you like to be alone, but I'll know we'll be friends

Branch: we'll see about that

Milton: (gets up after the bell rings) well I guess we got to go, see at rehearsal?

Branch: Monday at 3:30

Milton: see ya!

(Branch wasn't sure what just happened. Was Milton just being nice? He was taken back a little by his kindness since most of the guys in school were assholes. He decided to tell Poppy about it later, maybe she knew Milton better and they were going to be co-stars. For a second, Branch felt jealous at the thought of them singing together. He hurried off to class and was stopped when he felt a force against him.)

Branch: Poppy! What'd you doing?! I thought-

Poppy: I needed a hug from you (smiles)

Branch: (smiles) me too, now get to class

Poppy: alright bossy, call you later?

Branch: look forward to it

Well Bridgets true colors are shown and Branch might've made a new friend! Of course I had to reference TTBGO, so I wonder interactions will happen ;) also Poppy's friends are catching on, next chapter will be Poppy and Peppy's therapy session together and the meeting between branch and his father, what will go down? Stay tuned!

~Ash