Hey guys! Warning: long chapter ahead because we are covering some major ground, hope you're ready! I also want to warn there is some talk of alcohol abuse in this chapter, so if you are sensitive to this subject, I would advise you to skip that part. I will put a "***" when that part starts and a "XXX" when it is over. I tried to make the story still line up with anyone who chooses to skip that part, but if anyone is confused just DM me. Alright, on with the story!
(Branch heard his alarm go off. The alarm was useless, he had been awake for a while. As he reached for the off button, he felt a pain in his stomach. He was dreading today. He was dreading seeing the man who left him and put his mom in rehab. The man he told he hated. The man he blamed for why the way his life was now. Neither Branch nor his dad reached out after that phone call, he would just have to see if his dad would show up like he said he would. He thought about yesterday, he and Poppy didn't meet up, but they talked on the phone for awhile last night. It felt nice having someone to talk to in this empty house. For a little while he didn't feel so lonely. He sent Poppy a message explaining he would be occupied today but asked about another phone call later. After he hit send, he showered and made his morning tea. He noticed himself pacing around and wished he could relax.
Poppy woke up to the sunlight beaming on her. The sky was clear, not a cloud in the sky. She sat up in bed as she rubbed her eyes. Her clock read 9:10am, somehow, she managed to sleep in. She checked her phone and saw Branch's message. She smiled as she thought of their phone call. It was lovely, so personal and intimate. She was relieved he would be busy so she could focus on the therapy session today. She responded "ok, np! Look forward to it!" with a smiley face emoji. Their phone call had been a stress relief to yesterday, during lunch her friends kept pestering her about Branch no matter how many times she tried to change the subject. She felt like a bad friend for keeping things from them, but did she really have to tell them everything? The more she thought about it, why did they never try to rekindle their friendship with Branch themselves? Did they deep down not like Branch? It made her wonder what they would really think when she told them what was going on, yet the guilt was killing her, she wished she could talk to Dr. Cloud about it today, but she didn't want to bring this up in front of her dad. She got up and got ready for today. Peppy was at work, but she hoped this time he would show. She sent Branch a picture of her morning coffee to which he responded with his tea. They bantered back and forth for a little about the morning before Branch said he would talk later. She figured he was doing something today regarding the musical and nothing more and Branch assumed Poppy being so social had plans with her friends today.)
Poppy's phone rang, without even looking at the caller ID she answered.
Poppy: hello!
Smidge: hey Poppy
Poppy: oh, hey smidge…everything ok?
Smidge: yeah everything's fine! I wanted to call and apologize for telling everyone about…you and Brandon at Starbucks, was it a secret?
Poppy: no, not really. It's just complicated. I should apologize too; I haven't been a really good friend to you. I just left you alone with my friends when you didn't know them very well.
Smidge: you don't have to apologize, I've gotten along with them really well, in fact I know I hate theater, but I want to join the backstage crew
Poppy: really? That's great smidge! I guess we're rubbing off on you!
Smidge: wow relax, I still don't like to sing
Poppy: we'll work on it!
Smidge: are you coming to the movies today? This will be fun! My first group hangout since I moved here!
Poppy: what? The movies?
(There was a dead silence on the phone)
Smidge: they…they didn't tell you?
Poppy: no, they didn't. Even if they invited me, I actually have something going on today, not Branch related.
Smidge: I believe you, I'm so sorry, I didn't know they didn't invite you. I won't go. You're the one who introduced to me to them it wouldn't be right
Poppy: no! it's ok. I already have plans today anyways
Smidge: do you want me to say something to them?
Poppy: no, it's ok. Maybe I'll ask them about it later.
Smidge: ok, if you're sure. I'll talk to you later Poppy
Poppy: bye smidge
(Poppy felt her heart racing. What had she just heard? This couldn't be true. She looked at her phone, there was no missed texts, calls, or voicemails from anyone. For the first time, she felt left out. She didn't always attend hangouts with her friends, but they ALWAYS asked her. Did they do this often? Were they doing this because she had been spending time with Branch? No. Her friends couldn't possibly be that petty. Was this what Branch was talking about before? She couldn't think about that. She was enjoying her time with him and if they couldn't understand that then that was their problem. She decided to talk to them about it later, she needed to save her thoughts but could she tell Branch about this? If she did, he probably wouldn't hang out with her anymore. This was so complicated. She was trying so hard to make both sides happy, and so far, it was not working in her favor.)
(Branch gathered his things and threw on his green jacket. He felt his pulse racing as he hopped on his motorcycle. He hadn't seen his dad in 5 years, would he even recognize him? It was about a 15-minute drive to the ice cream place, but it seemed like hours. He pulled into the parking lot. The "Gather Round Ice cream" sign was lit up. He remembered this place like it was yesterday. He remembered the times he and his parents would come here once a weekend. Even his grandma would take him here. Those were happier times. He even remembered the times Poppy would join them. He wondered if she still came here, it had been their place once. They never even had their group of friends come here. He sat in the parking lot and looked around for a car that could belong to his father. They had agreed on 11am to meet and it was 5 til. He decided to head inside and wait. When he walked in, the memories hit him hard. This place hadn't changed much if not for the better. He saw some kids and their parents laughing with ice cream smothered faces. Some kids were playing games in the arcade room the ice cream place had. It was a place where a kid could just be a kid. He decided to take a seat in a booth while he waited. It was close to the spot where he used to sit with his family. He wasn't sure if he would order anything. He waited for a little bit and looked at his watch 11:15am. He checked his phone and there were no notifications. He decided to order a root beer float, his dad had an hour and if he didn't show, he was leaving. He heard a voice call his name which shocked him. He turned and saw the owner of this place. She was still here? Her name was Dawn and since Branch and his family were regular costumers before they had grown close with her. He always liked Dawn and immediately felt bad for never coming to visit.)
Dawn: Brandon darling is that you?! My goodness! You've grown! How've you been sugar? It's been years!
Branch: hi Dawn, it's good to see you! I know it's been awhile, we've been busy
Dawn: I thought you guys moved away! I was quite sad when I didn't see you guys come in every weekend. Tell me how are your folks? And sweet Rosie? I loved her!
Branch: um…they're all good. I'm meeting my dad in a little bit. It probably wouldn't be the best idea to talk to him if you see him
Dawn: I won't interrupt your chat with him! It's so great to see you sweetie! Come by more often!
Branch: I will
Dawn: what'd you having? The usual?
Branch: no just a root beer float
Dawn: aw have a banana spilt honey! It's on me!
Branch: well thank you, I don't know what to say
Dawn: how about we catch up sometime this week and we'll call it even?
Branch: alright deal
Dawn: sweet! (gives him a hug) so happy to see you again! Have a great time with your dad!
(As she walked away. Branch felt guilty. He knew he could've gone to her when he was having troubles. He forgot how sweet she was, he felt terrible for not keeping her in the loop of what happened with his parents and grandma. Speaking of which, he still wasn't here. And now it was 11:25am. He knew he had gotten his hopes up too high, but he wasn't going to let his dad ruin his day. No sooner had he taken a bite of his banana spilt when he heard the chime of the bell when the door opened. He looked up and saw a man. He was tall and slim, who had dark hair with some grey that was fading due to age and scruffy facial hair. He was wearing business casual attire but wearing sneakers for shoes. He knew it was his dad the second they made eye contact. Branch didn't move from his spot. Instead his dad came to him and sat on the opposite side of the booth.)
Bret: hello son, I'm so glad you're here
(Branch took a deep breath to slow his heart rate. He cleared his throat and sat up straight)
Branch: me too Dad
(Poppy got into her car and drove to Dr. Cloud's. Her Dad had said he would meet her there. On her way there, Poppy thought about what happened this morning. Her heart dropped every time she would hear smidge's words in her mind. She hoped she could talk to Dr. Cloud a little about it before her dad came. She reached the office and didn't see her dad's car. She didn't know how long he would be, so she went in.)
Dr. Cloud: Poppy! Great to see you
Poppy: hi Dr. Cloud, great to see you too
Dr. Cloud: I'm looking forward to working with you and your dad today, I think we'll get a lot accomplished
Poppy: I hope so
Dr. Cloud: is everything ok? You seem a little down
Poppy: well actually…it's not about my dad and I don't really want to discuss it in front of him
Dr. Cloud: would you like to talk about it for a little bit before he comes?
Poppy: that'd be great
Dr. Cloud: (gestures for her to have a seat. He goes into his big chair) so tell me, what's on your mind?
Poppy: it's a complicated story. I have this friend who quite wasn't my friend for about 4 years, we've recently become close again. You could say we've been spending a lot of time together. We used to hang out with the same group of people, I still hang out with them. They're…I guess a little curious of why I've been spending so much time with him.
Dr. Cloud: I see, why doesn't he hang out with them with you?
Poppy: because…he just disappeared those 4 years. Left the group and me without a reason. He only recently just started talking to me, I don't want to overwhelm him.
Dr. Cloud: so, you and him are the closest?
Poppy: yes, we've known each other since we were kids. I've tried including him even when he left our group. The way my friends have been acting, it seems like they don't like him.
Dr. Cloud: what makes you think that?
Poppy: well, when I bring him up, they seem annoyed and it seems to bother them that I'm spending some time with him. Today they excluded me from their hangout, they've never done that. I don't want to say it's because of him, but it feels like it.
Dr. Cloud: and you just want to make both sides happy?
Poppy: exactly
(There was silence for a little bit)
Dr. Cloud: well Poppy, have you told them why you're spending more time with him?
Poppy: not really, I just feel like they wouldn't understand
Dr. Cloud: well I think you should give it a try. They can't understand if you don't tell them. It seems like they're more upset that you're not being honest with them. If they still have a problem with your friend, then maybe they're not the people you should surround yourself with.
Poppy: (nods) ok, I'll try that
Peppy: hey! I'm here. Did I miss anything?
Dr. Cloud: not at all, me and Poppy were just chatting. Have a seat and we'll get started.
(Back at the ice cream shop. Branch and his Dad didn't say anything to each other at first. Neither of them knew how to start the conversation.)
Bret: so um…How's school? Isn't it your senior year?
Branch: yeah, it is
Bret: wow, time went by faster than I realized
Branch: it was slow for me
Bret: (nods) I guess we should talk about the elephant in the room
Branch: you think?
Bret: where did you want me to start?
Branch: well you can start by telling me why you cheated on mom and left me. You left me to deal with the damages.
Bret: well you're definitely not holding back. It was complicated son; we just weren't getting along very well. We hid that from you because we didn't want it to effect you
Branch: so that's your excuse for cheating?
Bret: I'm not proud of that ok! We were going through a hard time and your mother wasn't letting me in so I found someone who could. Marriage is hard Brandon. Me and your mom were young when we fell in love and over time, we just didn't have that connection anymore. You're right, I did wrong by cheating. That's on me.
Branch: I didn't know you two were having problems
Bret: and that's what I meant by you not knowing the full story. We tried Brandon. We tried everything we could to save the marriage. Towards the end she became very closed off. I didn't know what to do. I thought by being with someone else for a night, it would snap me out of the funk I was in, but it didn't. I of course told your mother what I did, she threw me out and wouldn't let me see you. I already knew the marriage was over for a while, but I didn't do it the right way.
Branch: why did you leave dad? You didn't have to leave the state. I was 14. Going through changes, I needed you.
Bret: I was ashamed. I knew you would never see me the same again. I thought you were better off without me, so I left with that woman to start a new life. It didn't work out that way. And when your mom went to rehab, she fully blamed me. And I knew she would brainwash you into thinking I was the bad guy and I was right
Branch: don't talk about her like that! Don't act like you're the victim, your cheating caused her to drink and go to rehab!
Bret: (pauses) son, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but your mom always had a drinking problem.
Branch: wha-what?
Bret: it started when you were born. She went through post-partum depression. It was hard on her to take care of you alone since I worked, and your grandma lived far away at the time. I didn't understand what she was going through, so she kept declining. Eventually she did get help. And for a long time, she was better, and our family was the happy family it was, but over time I started seeing the signs again. I would find empty bottles in the house and her emotions out of place and she started not going to work. You were a kid, I protected you as much as I could from seeing this. This was one of our problems. I take part of the blame for her relapse, but you need to know that I didn't fully put her there son.
Branch: it's not true. You're lying!
Bret: I'm sorry son, but it is. I thought your grandma would have told you this. Doesn't she live with you now?
Branch: she started living with us a year after you left. She took care of me when mom went to rehab but now grandma's gone
Bret: gone? She wouldn't just leave you alone
(Branch lowered his eyes and Bret understood what he was talking about)
Bret: what?! When did this happen?
Branch: last year, Mom relapsed again after
Bret: why didn't you tell me this?
Branch: how could I? you left!
Bret: I called you! You never answered me
XXX
Branch: why would I want to talk to my father that chose a woman over his kid?
Bret: I'm not with her any longer! Hold up, we're getting nowhere by shifting all this blame. Brandon, I tried to reach out so many times. You wouldn't let me, could I have done more? Yes, but I didn't. I'm sorry for my mistakes. I know you needed me, and I let you down
Branch: (tearing up) I'm broken
Bret: no, you're not son
Branch: yes, I am! Because of all this, I isolated myself from my friends and now go to therapy to try and figure out why my life is a mess. It was overwhelming taking care of mom and grandma on top of school and trying to figure everything out. I messed everything up with my best friend. I abandoned her when she did no harm to me.
Bret: you're talking about Poppy? I always liked her. From the sounds of it, we both have some repairing to do
Branch: what if I can't though?
Bret: you can, if you put the work and effort in it. That was my mistake, I can't let you make the same one
(For a moment Branch came to the realization. His dad was right. He felt hurt about not knowing the full truth about his mom. He felt guilty that he felt such resentment towards his dad all that time and he hurt many people because he was hurting.)
Branch: you're right, I'm sorry Dad for shutting you out.
Bret: and I'm sorry for not being father of the year. Is the therapy helping you at least?
Branch: it is. I started getting into music and I'm helping out with the musical. Talking with Dr. Gristle just helps me deal with other issues I'm dealing with
Bret: I'm glad to hear that. I have to say I was scared of coming here today
Branch: me too, I was afraid id end up throwing ice cream on you or something
Bret: (laughs) I don't think you've done that since you were a kid, this place has a lot of good times, nice choice on the meeting place
Branch: well it's a neutral ground
(Bret and Branch continued to talk. They talked about many things besides the past events. While Branch was happy to have some closure, he knew he couldn't let his guard down yet. He still had some things that needed to be discussed, but that could be done at a later time. He knew this wouldn't be the last of confronting conflict, it was only the beginning.)
Dr. Cloud: alright, I had good conversations with the two of you when it was one on one. Now I'd like to for you both to share with each other what you shared with me, if you're comfortable. So Poppy, I want you to tell your dad what do you want to gain from this experience?
Poppy: (turns to her dad) well, I want us to have a real relationship. I don't want to fight all the time.
Dr. Cloud: and you Peppy?
Peppy: I want the same thing
Dr. Cloud: Poppy, from our last session what do you think is the biggest barrier in your relationship with you dad?
Poppy: I honestly think…Christine is. Ever since she came into our lives, it just seemed like all you cared about was her. You spent all your time with her. Me and her don't have a lot in common so it's hard to get along with her which makes things worse between you and me.
Dr. Cloud: Peppy, how does it make you feel to hear this?
Peppy: well, Poppy has displayed her disinterest in Christine many times. It's hard to be stuck in the middle and try to make you and Christine happy
Poppy: the middle but you don't-
Dr. Cloud: Poppy, don't interrupt. In order for this to work, you have to actively listen. What are you feeling right now? It sounds like you disagree with what you dad is saying
Poppy: I do, I haven't seen the part of my dad that tries to make me happy. Every time he'd come home, we'd argue about who knows what and anytime I try to spend some time with him, the excuse is always work and Christine.
Dr. Cloud: Peppy, Poppy is saying Christine is a huge barrier in your relationship. Do you agree or do you believe there's another barrier?
Peppy: I don't disagree that Christine is a barrier, but I also feel like Poppy holds some resentment because I didn't marry my ex-fiance
Dr. Cloud: Poppy, do you agree with what your dad said?
Poppy: well, it's not a lie. When Blair was around, you were too. She was someone I thought of as a mom and then she was ripped from my life
Dr. Cloud: Peppy, how do you feel hearing Poppy say this?
Peppy: I feel terrible, I know she loved Blair, but…I couldn't go through with it
Poppy: you left her when she was grieving the loss your baby! How could you not go through with it?
Peppy: Poppy, there's a lot more to that then you know
Poppy: of course, I don't know, because you never tell me anything
Peppy: it's for your own good!
Dr. Cloud: Peppy, remember what we talked about in our last session? Being more honest.
Peppy: but I-
Dr. Cloud: honesty
Peppy: (sighs) Poppy, I know you loved Blair. I did too. I know I should have probably told you this a long time ago, but you were already hurt. The reason why me and Blair ended the engagement was she revealed to me after we lost the baby that it wasn't mine. She had cheated on me.
(Poppy blinked in confusion. Had she heard that right? The woman she continued to contact with and wanted to be her mom had lied to her all that time? All her thoughts started rushing into her read. She now understood why her dad was against her having a relationship with Blair.
Poppy: I- I don't know what to say
Dr. Cloud: it's ok, use this time to gather your thoughts
(Poppy took a deep breathe. She was fighting the tears in her eyes. She remembered all those times when she cried herself to sleep after Blair and her Dad broke up. The anger she held towards her father because of it, all the times that she blamed him for it, yet it wasn't his fault. She went over to Blair's many times, and she lied to Poppy right to her face.)
Peppy: are you ok Poppy?
Poppy: (shakes her head)
Peppy: this is why I didn't want-
Dr. Cloud: no, it's a good thing you did. This was a barrier between the both of you. The truth needed to be said no matter how hurtful it is. Poppy, can you tell us what you're feeling? Even just one word
Poppy: (hesitates) angry
Dr. Cloud: who are you angry with?
Poppy: I'm angry at my dad and Blair for keeping this from me, I feel like was lead on. Dad, you told me you didn't want me to have a relationship with her, you could have told me all those times, but you didn't
Peppy: I'm sorry Poppy, I was only doing what I thought was best
Poppy: you say that all the time! You think you were doing the best, but you weren't!
Peppy: don't talk to me like that, one day when you have kids, you'll understand
Poppy: I'll make sure to never lie to them like you did to me!
Dr. Cloud: guys, you're just making a circle here. This is a lot to process here. Let's take a moment and breathe
(There is a dead silence for a whole minute, though Dr. Cloud had been through many cases before he was at a lose for words as to how to redirect the conversation)
Dr. Cloud: let's go back to our other barrier, Christine is it? Peppy, you say you've been with her 6 years
Peppy: yes, 6 years
Dr. Cloud: would you call them happy 6 years?
Peppy: I can't say completely because I know Poppy wasn't happy
Dr. Cloud: I'm not giving any advice here, but do you believe removing her from the equation would help?
Peppy: what are you trying to say? Break up with her?
Dr. Cloud: I'm not telling you that. What I am telling you is that you need to think about this. If you plan on marrying her, is this the life you still want to live after feeling what you felt for 6 years? Poppy, I don't think you're too involved with Christine. I want to assign you homework and try and get to know her more. Both of you need to start being involved in each other's lives. Our session is up, but next week I want to hear about how some progress you made. Any questions or concerns?
(Poppy and Peppy shook their heads and they bid their goodbyes to Dr. Cloud. They both walked to their cars in silence.)
Peppy: you still want go to dinner? To make up for the other night
Poppy: sure
(They went back home for a little bit and headed out. Both of them were quiet the whole ride. Poppy debated on texting her friends about what smidge had said this morning but decided against it for now. They had decided on Olive Garden to eat. For awhile they sat in silence, not knowing what to say to each other.)
Peppy: well this is nice; it's been awhile since we've done this
Poppy: (nods)
Peppy: (sighs) Poppy…look I'm sorry I didn't tell you the truth, but you feeling the way you do now is exactly why I didn't want to tell you
Poppy: ok maybe I wouldn't have understood as a kid, but at least I wouldn't have to live in a lie that I did all these years. What now? Are you going to tell me that my mom was just a one-night stand?
Peppy: no! she was not! I loved her very much!
Poppy: then why won't you tell me about her? I'm so sick of everyone keeping things from me!
Peppy: everyone? What-
Poppy: don't try to change the subject, please just tell me why
Peppy: Your mother didn't die from a terminal illness, I lost her in a tragic way. I haven't told you about it because I never got the help for my grief. Living that experience is hurtful for me, I haven't told anyone what happened to her. I want to tell you, I want you to have answers, but I haven't had the closure with it myself. I was young and at the time was just trying to focus on you and trying to fill a void with finding someone else. I'm sorry, I don't want to deceive you, but I can't tell you about it yet.
Poppy: that's all I needed to hear. It must've been pretty bad. I'm so sorry dad, grandma and grandpa didn't help you?
Peppy: they tried, but I shut them out as well as your mother's parents. At one point I considered you living with them because I thought you were better off without me. I told you how I met her, I was in love with her. It wasn't the same love I felt with Blair or Christine, your mom will always be the love of my life and I'm sorry I didn't share that part of her life with you. You deserved seeing her side of the family and knowing more about what she was like, but I became closed off from them. I promise I will answer all of your questions. This is just still hard for me after almost 20 years.
Poppy: I had no idea
Peppy: well that was my fault, you're not a kid anymore so I know I need to start being honest with you
Poppy: thank you dad. I appreciate that. I'm sorry about trying to keep contact with Blair, if I had known-
Peppy: you loved Blair, I'm sorry for being so hard on you about that. If you still want to have a relationship with her, I'm ok with it. It's my fault also that she didn't tell you the truth, I told her not to. So, if you still want to have that relationship, be easy on her. What she did wasn't right yes, but she still loved you like her own.
Poppy: I'll have to think about that, it's still a lot what I learned today
Peppy: (nods) I understand
(Peppy and Poppy talked for a little bit more and ate dinner together. They made casual conversation and the air felt lighter. Though they still had a long way to go, it was a start. At the end of the day, both Poppy and Branch focused on one thing. They were looking forward to their phone call later to ease the emotions they both felt today.)
This was a fun chapter to write because I'm taking mental health right now and about the different techniques of therapy. I had this chapter finished for awhile but then always added more and then nursing school got in the way. Hope everyone enjoyed! Do you think Peppy was in the wrong for keeping that secret from Poppy? How do you think Poppy will go about confronting her friends? How do you feel about the dynamic between Branch and his dad? I think we know how Dawn is based off of ? Anyways, see you soon!
~Ash
