Finally! It took me a long time to figure how the best way to write this part of the story, hope you guys enjoy!

Poppy rushed through the cafeteria, her blood was boiling. She was angry. Creek…that name made her skin crawl after what she had just learned. She knew she wasn't thinking clearly, but she had to say something. She felt guilty. All that time and she never made the connection that Creek had a problem with Branch. She found him sitting with a couple of his friends, her heart was beating fast. Creek looked up and saw her and showed a small smile on his face.)

Creek: hey Poppy, what'd you-

Poppy: I need to talk to you

Creek: (fixes his hair and straightens his shirt) excuse me guys (gets up and walks away to a more secluded area) have you come to-

Poppy: you're a liar Creek!

Creek: huh what?

Poppy: how could you!

Creek: if this is about Bridget I-

Poppy: this isn't about Bridget! Branch told me what you did…you lied to me. You lied to all of us! You hurt Branch, you caused him to separate from us. I can't believe this was going on all this time, especially not knowing when dating you that you were capable of something like this

(Creek's face went red. This was unexpected, he thought he had buried this years ago. He knew his silence wasn't helping. He knew he could smooth talk his way out of situations, that Australian accent helped a lot, but his mouth felt glued shut)

Poppy: why creek? How could you do this? He was my best friend, I let him down because you made me believe that he had the problem with you

Creek: Poppy…Branch was toxic in your friendship…I could sense the negativity in your group when you all took me in. I was just trying to give you guys positive energy. Branch was weighing you down, and that individual spirit inside of you had to be set free

Poppy: oh, cut the energy shit Creek! That's no excuse to bully someone!

Creek: bully? Me? I didn't bully him!

Poppy: stop lying

Creek: how do you know Branch isn't? You're really going to believe him? Just like that? He was the one who beat me up! (covers his mouth)

Poppy: beat you up huh? What was it you told me that day? You got your injuries from someone mugging someone else and you stepped in. Not only are you a liar, but Branch can surely kick ass

Creek: well…I…ok fine, it was me. I owe up, but I'm not so convinced Branch has told you the whole story between our rivalry, so I wouldn't keep your guard down so easily

Poppy: I know he's telling the truth and I understand now why it took so long for him to tell it. He's told the truth more than you! Branch was right, he's been trying to tell us the whole time. You really are a manipulator; you get anyone to believe what you want to and you don't care who you hurt in the process

Creek: well…if we're talking about flaws here. You're the most naïve and oblivious person in the world. You only hear what you want to hear. You think life is like ice cream, sweet flavors and that your troubles can just melt away

Poppy: so, what if I see the bright side in most things? That doesn't mean my life is perfect!

Creek: (laughs) Oh Poppy, if only you knew what people really thought of you. Annoying, spoiled, obnoxious, nosy, overbearing. Only good thing about you is your voice. Go on! Ask anyone! I know Branch said the exact same thing!

Poppy: screw you Creek! Branch would never-

Creek: you think he's so perfect. Branch, Branch, Branch! You just love to talk about him, don't you? How much you missed him, why he never talked to you anymore. I bet you screamed his name in your head while we were in bed

(That did it, she was officially angry. Before she opened her mouth to say something, Creek's face was met with warm soda. He screeched in disgust. He hated sugar! It was so toxic to the body! However, Poppy was not the one who threw it…it was Branch.)

Creek: WHAT THE-

Branch: don't you ever talk to her like that you bastard!

(Creek wiped the soda from his face and looked in the direction of his attacker. His face started to form a smile and gave a hearty laugh. Poppy looked confused at first but couldn't help but give a small smirk. She never guessed Branch could do something so bold. Their friends hung back and stood out of the way but were close enough in distance in case something broke out. Poppy wasn't sure what to do, all she could do was keep her distance and watch.)

Creek: Aw how sweet, Branch to the rescue!

Branch: I'm not afraid of you Creek, I'll beat your ass again if I have to

Creek: oh, would you?! How about right here? I need some more scars to show off

Branch: you're asking for it!

Creek: oh, Branch buddy…you're a coward, always will be. You were holding the group back, how could anyone have any fun with your constant kill joy "this isn't safe" "we could get hurt" "this is dangerous" good grief!

(Branch started to curl his fits at his side. He was getting really angry. He had to remember this was what Creek wanted. Breath, he reminded himself.)

Branch: you know what? Say whatever you want, I really don't care anymore

Creek: oh Branch, just admit, you were jealous of me and poppy. You just couldn't bare the thought of sharing her. I could see it in your eyes, which made it so much fun for me. She obviously is missing out with me. But you'll never have her virginity, I'm afraid I beat you to it!

(Branch looked over at Poppy. Her friends gasped at the information. Branch was shocked at what Creek was implying, she looked ashamed. He thought of just walking away, but he wasn't letting Creek get away that easily. Poppy felt the blood rush to her cheeks, she didn't want anyone to find out like this. What would Branch think of her now?)

Branch: I said don't talk to her like that! What you did with her is none of my business! Stop acting like you're such a hot shot, I saw right through you when I met you

Creek: (smirks) bravo, unfortunately your friends weren't as smart. Poppy thought you were just being paranoid, everyone else thought you were jealous. If they were your friends, they should have believed you. Seems like they were just tired of your kill joy and were happy when someone new with fun energy joined.

Branch: I can't put all the blame on them. I can't put all the blame on you. I was angry for a long time at them for not believing me, but I didn't try hard enough because I was afraid. With all the shit I've been through I'm not afraid anymore. (pulls out his phone and hands it to Poppy) I still have the texts you sent me, it's 4 years too late to report you. Not that the school would do anything about it anyways, but at least now they can see your true colors.

Creek: you're so immature! Keeping all the texts, what'd you gonna do? Tell your mommy and daddy?

(Branch ignored him as he continued on a tangent. Creek was getting defensive. Poppy read through the texts and started to tear up. There were awful words she was reading, her friends started reading too. They would look up at Branch and back down at the phone. Branch couldn't believe he did that, he never wanted to share those with anyone, but it was his only proof besides his word, and he was not going to let Creek manipulate them again.)

Creek: find everything you're looking for in those texts?

(This time it was Poppy who threw a soda at him. After having another soak his clothes, he was angry. He grabbed a yogurt parfait and aimed at Branch, and all their friends stood in front of him.)

Satin: don't you dare Creek, you deserve those synthesized sugars in your hair. You're all about positive energy and you do something like this

Smidge: someone was jealous alright, but it wasn't Brandon, it was you. You probably did this because you were insecure from being new and if you stablished your territory somehow it would make you feel better

Creek: why am I listening to you? I don't even know you. (turns to Poppy) now that you've humiliated me, what do you want? An apology?

Poppy: you owe Branch that and so much more

Branch: I don't want your apologies. I just wanted the truth. You can't own up to what you did, but at least they know

Creek: no one else will believe you. You're just the awkward kid who keeps to himself

Branch: I don't care about everyone else

Poppy: you may say people think I'm annoying and nosy, maybe oblivious sometimes, but at least I'm kind enough for people to trust me. I was once the school president, so if I say you're a bad person. Everyone will believe me, you don't have me to hide behind anymore.

(Creek fiddled with his hands. He knew Poppy was right. Everyone in the school knew her and trusted her judgement even if she was naïve. His whole reputation could be ruined if Poppy spread the word. He looked over at Branch, who met him with his blue eyes and immediately looked away. He could never understand why he did what he did to Branch. Maybe it was because he was insecure, though he would never admit it. He knew this was going to be on his conscious for a while.)

Creek: Friends, I'm very sorry for deceiving you. I promise to work on myself to be a better person. I will stay away from you guys since I have brought this energy to you. Branch…I am sorry. I can't tell you exactly why I did what I did, and I don't think I'll ever be able to give you an answer. Poppy, I'm sorry for kissing Bridget and not being a good boyfriend, I hope nothing but happiness for all of you. I hope we can just forget this and move on

Poppy: as much as I would love to expose you for the fraud you are, I won't. That's not my way.

Creek: thank you for your maturity Poppy. I didn't mean what I said about that naïve stuff, you're a natural born leader. You'll do great in the musical. (Holds out his hand out to Branch) Branch? Bury the hatchet?

(He refused to shake his hand. No way. He wouldn't let Creek have the satisfaction. He looked over at Poppy, he knew she was watching. He knew if he didn't try and shake on it, Poppy would probably give him hell later even though Creek was no saint. She would go on a lecture about forgiving. Though he hated this, Branch stuck out his hand and shook on it. Creek gave him a smirk. He was worried Creek had fooled them again as he headed to the bathroom to wash the soda off his clothes. Branch just stood there. This felt like a dream, he was brought back to reality when he felt Poppy's hand on his back.)

Poppy: you did good Branch, I know he didn't mean the handshake and I could tell you didn't want to, but you were the bigger person anyway

(Branch felt relieved in that moment. Poppy wasn't going to be blind about Creek. Everyone believed him. He grabbed Poppy's hand, he started to say something but then forgot he had an audience. Their friends giggled and of course ruined the moment by talking about how cool it was that Branch threw a soda at him. As they all talked, Branch looked over at Poppy who was laughing at Guy's impression of Creek reaction. Branch knew he loved Poppy, but now his feelings increased. She had stood up for him. She had taken his side. She had acknowledged his forgiveness. It seemed like they had already made up from their fight earlier without having to talk about it. Poppy knew their friends had interrupted their moment and gave him a shrug and a smile. When the bell rang, Poppy stayed behind with Branch so they could take their moment back.)

Poppy: Branch…I'm so sorry…I wish I had been a better friend and saw that something was going on

Branch: don't apologize Poppifer, you did realize. You reached out many times, but I never answered. So, most of that is on me, I should have told you. I don't know why I was so dumb in thinking you wouldn't have believed me. You have no idea how big of a relief this is.

Poppy: (smiles and looks down) Creek is right, I can be oblivious

Branch: maybe sometimes, but your happy nature is why we became friends in the first place. We're ying and yang. Polar opposites but we complement each other well.

Poppy: we do (smiles) um…I'm sorry you had to find out about…that little detail…

Branch: you don't have to explain yourself Pops

Poppy: I don't even know why I dated him

Branch: (shrugs) we all make mistakes

Poppy: I thought I was trying to fill a void, but it wasn't filled…until I saw you again

(Branch started to blush. He felt like his was in a movie, what was he supposed to do now? He grabbed her hand like before but this time there were no interruptions. He kissed her hand gently. Which made both of them shiver. They pulled each other in for a long hug. Branch's heart fluttered feeling poppy's head against his chest. This was not the type of hug she shared with her friends. As if on instinct Branch kissed Poppy's forehead to which she responded with a happy sigh. They could have stayed like this for a long time, but the bell broke them up. They knew they would see each other in a few hours' time, but that seemed like years away.)

Branch: thank you… (he couldn't get more words out, but Poppy knew what he was trying to say)

Poppy: I'll see you soon

(The rest of the day Branch couldn't think of anything else. He was ready to tell Gristle about what he did. He couldn't even believe it for himself. He wasn't sure how he should act around Poppy in rehearsal today. Why couldn't he just ask Poppy to be his girlfriend? Why was that so hard? He didn't want to confuse her and act like he was leading her on. He just didn't know how to approach this. Did they have to go on a few dates first? Or should he just go for it? He already got ahead of himself with kissing her. He needed some advice. He didn't want to ask their friends because he wasn't fully ready to tell them about his feelings for Poppy. He could ask Mrs. Harvey or Dawn to get a women's point of view. He was definitely not asking Liam or his dad, they were not the romantic types. He knew his grandma would've had great advice. He would've given anything to tell her how he had stood up for Creek. He was consumed in his thoughts for the rest of the day and realized it was time for rehearsal. He bit his lip. He didn't realize how nervous he really was. On his way to the theater room, he didn't see Poppy in the hallways, so he figured she must've gone ahead without him. When he reached the door, he saw Milton sitting in the hallway with his head down as if he was conflicted about something. Branch was not usually the type of person to do this, but he went up to Milton.)

Branch: hey

Milton: (looks up) oh hey Brandon

Branch: what'd you doing out here? I thought you would be inside

Milton: I…I'm having second thoughts about this. Maybe I'm not cut out for this

Branch: why do you say that?

Milton: I'm just a rookie, everyone in there has a lot of talent. I didn't actually think I would get this lead

Branch: well…Mrs. Harvey saw something in you, so you are good enough. Don't be nervous about what they all think, I'm nervous too. I've never done anything like this before.

Milton: you seem so confident

Branch: (laughs) I'm a good actor then because I really want to shit my brains out right now

Milton: (chuckles)

Branch: and you already have one friend

Milton: really? You mean it?

Branch: yes, I'm sorry about what I said the other day. This is all new to me, and to be honest I was thrown off by your kindness. Can't say everyone has been nice to me

Milton: well…kill them with kindness is what I say

Branch: I guess so. Should we go in? they're probably wondering where the star is

Milton: (shakes his head) I'm no star, Poppy's the one with the talent

(Milton and Branch walked in. Poppy and her friends were already in their seats as well as everyone else in the cast. Milton took a seat in the front while Branch took his place on the stage. This felt weird to him. Poppy gave him a smile but made sure not to make it too obvious. They weren't even there for 5 min when all the girls started squealing. Everyone started getting excited and looking in the direction of the door. A guy who looked about a couple years older than everyone walked in smiling and waving. He was dressed in a plaid shirt with jeans and cowboy boots. His red hair made him stand out. Who was this guy? Whoever he was, Poppy was running towards him and he scooped her up into a hug. This got the crowd roaring. Branch could not help but feel jealous at how Poppy was hugging this guy. Who was he?!)

Mrs. Harvey: I see our guest has arrived; we have some new faces in the production this year. Care to introduce yourself?

Hickory: Hello all, I'm Hickory. I had the pleasure of sharing the spotlight with Poppy throughout all of our productions. I graduated last year, and Mrs. Harvey asked me to come back and help choreograph the show. I'm very happy to be back and look forward to getting to know everyone that is new.

(Hickory? Hickory? That name didn't ring a bell for Branch. Either way, he certainly was popular and well-liked with everyone. Poppy never mentioned him before which piqued his curiosity. He wasn't sure how to feel working alongside him. He couldn't make out his accent, it was cross between a southern and a German one. It certainly was making the girls in the room melt. This dude had some charm in him.)

Mrs. Harvey: now that we've gotten our excitement out, it's time to cover some business. As you have probably noticed one of our cast mates is no longer in the show. I will not tolerate any type of disrespect. This will be the only "talk" we have about this. We all need to treat each other kindly, no one is better than anyone else. Everyone understand? (everyone nodded) Good. First and foremost, Brandon here is my 2nd in command so if I am unavailable for something, please go to him. He is just much as in charge as I am. Chenille, you will be playing the part of Carlotta in place of Bridget so congratulations. And finally, let's give Milton a warm welcome. This is his first time in the theater with us. Here is how rehearsal will go today, ensemble you will go with Hickory to practice some choreography while everyone else will stay here and we will go through lines.

Hickory: well shall we get started then?

Biggie: Hickory! You and Poppy need to sing! Please, for old times' sake?

Hickory: (chuckles) maybe another time, what'd you say Poppy?

Poppy: I'd love to!

Hickory: well then looks like we got a duet for y'all coming soon

(As the ensemble followed Hickory in another room. Everyone started talking among one another. Milton was even starting to chat with everyone. Poppy looked over at Branch and noticed his expression. Confusion? It made sense. He was in a different world than what he was used to. They all sat in a circle and started reading through the lines. Milton still didn't feel fully comfortable in his part which Branch noticed. He made a mental note to talk to Mrs. Harvey about it later. The read through was interrupted by Hickory.)

Hickory: Sorry to interrupt, but Brandon could I have your help?

Branch: yeah sure

(They walked out of the room and into where everyone was practicing)

Branch: I don't know much about dancing

Hickory: (chuckles) nothing to it. It's basically like moving

Branch: (shrugs) what did you need my help with?

Hickory: you're going to run through this with us stage manager, break the ice and all since you're new

Branch: what? No way

(Hickory smirked and started the music. Branch did not like that expression he was making.)

Hickory: who all thinks Brandon should join our run through? Scream out loud if you agree

(Branch's adrenaline started to rise as he heard everyone scream. He was not going to do this. He didn't sign up for this. He had to escape, but Hickory grabbed him and pulled him to the front.)

Hickory: alright from the top everyone

(They all started doing steps, Branch had no idea what they were doing. They were going so fast, how was it possible to move so quickly. He just wanted Hickory to leave him alone, so he started to copy what he was doing.)

Hickory: 5…6…7…8, get it Brandon!

Branch: huh? What?

(He did a couple more movements. He had no idea what he was doing, everyone was watching him. He couldn't handle this. He thought he would jump for joy when the music ended.)

Hickory: take 5 everyone! Nice job Brandon! I knew you had it in you under the exterior of yours

Branch: I'm sorry? My exterior?

Hickory: (chuckles) hey don't get defensive, I just have this gift of reading people. I'm just trying to help you loosen up and have fun. That's what we're all about in the theater world

Branch: I don't even know you, how could you read me?

Hickory: You seemed uncomfortable. I know this theater world is new to you. Mrs. Harvey told me. If you're going to get along with us, then you got to break the ice within yourself you know? Didn't you think the dancing was fun? Now everyone here will see the stage manager is cool

Branch: the stage manger who can't dance you mean

Hickory: it just takes some practice. Let me ask you, why are you here?

Branch: not to be rude but why are you asking?

Hickory: can't a fella get to know one?

Branch: I just wanted to be involved

Hickory: but deep down in your heart there's another reason

Branch: there's not another reason

Hickory: you can't beat my gift. You're going to be fun exploring, I look forward to working with you Brandon. I got to say it's quite different being on this side of a production

Branch: you were really the star of everything?

Hickory: the real star was Poppy, her voice always stole the show

Branch: yes, she's really talented. She seemed happy to see you, guess you guys are close

Hickory: oh yeah definitely, only makes sense for costars to get along

Branch: and everyone likes the two of you together, singing duets and everything. Must be pretty special

Hickory: Brandon, I know we only just met, but could Poppy be the other reason?

Branch: what? No!

Hickory: you know she mentioned this friend a lot back when I was here, are you that friend?

Poppy: (shrugs) she has a lot of friends

Hickory: she does. Well either way, glad you've joined the show. Alright everyone, let's go over that again! You can sit this one out if you want

(To much of everyone's surprise, Branch joined in. He thought long and hard about what Creek said, that he never brought fun to the group. Although he wasn't too sure yet how to feel about hickory, he was willing to give him a chance. Afterwards, they all met one more time to talk about the next rehearsal, some stayed behind after to talk to Hickory, Poppy being one of them. Branch took the time to talk to Milton.)

Branch: hey man, how'd it go?

Milton: I don't know, I mean I think I did ok

Branch: I was a bit out of my comfort zone today too, it'll take some getting used to

Milton: hopefully I can fill Hickory's shoes, he seems to know what he's doing

Branch: don't worry about being another Hickory, it'll make you 2nd guess yourself

Milton: (nods) you're right, but maybe it wouldn't help to ask for some pointers. I'll see you later Branch

(Branch was about to go talk to Mrs. Harvey when he heard everyone chanting. They really wanted Poppy and Hickory to sing. He didn't know why he couldn't let not bother him. Knowing Poppy, she probably would start bursting out in song any minute, but to his surprise she didn't.)

Poppy: not today guys, I got a test to study for

Hickory: maybe next time

(Though the crowd was disappointed, they continued talking among one another when they started walking out the door. He saw Poppy with her friends, they talked for a little while before she came up to him.)

Poppy: you want to go study?

Branch: yeah sure, it's in a couple days. Might as well

Poppy: so, what did you think of today?

Branch: it's…new

Poppy: I know you'll have fun. I was definitely not expecting Hickory to show up

Branch: how come you never mentioned him before

Poppy: (shrugs) He left for college, so I didn't think there was a reason to

Branch: you two seemed really close

Poppy: We just acted together, it's not like we hung out a lot. He's really nice

Branch: I'm not too sure about that yet

Poppy: oh branch, you don't have to have your guard up all the time

Branch: I just…(sighs) you're right, I'm sure he's very nice

Poppy: you'll get to know him better as the weeks go on…you know you did a really bold thing today. Milton was shy but you helped him ease in (smirks) I think you're letting your tough exterior let loose

Branch: (laughs) don't get used to it, quit stalling we have some studying to do

And there you have it! Did you guys enjoy my special guest? ;) we'll be seeing a lot of that bromance we didnt get to see much in TWT. It's finals week so bare with me on an update!

~Ash