(It was Friday. One day past the calculus test. Everyone in Larkins' room was a nervous wreck. There was no telling what could happen. Branch and Poppy studied really hard for the past few days. After that test, no one could speak a word to each other. The test had been that difficult, especially with the 5-point reduction. Instead of posting the grades online like normal teachers, Larkins was old fashioned and was going to be handing the tests back. Branch looked over at Poppy, the usually positive girl was playing with her hair. Is that what she did when she was nervous? Others were tapping their feet, biting their nails, or picking at their skin, it was disgusting. Branch only had one way to calm his nerves. He took out paper and a pen and began to write. He decided he was going to ask Poppy out on a date. He hadn't talked to Dawn about it yet because he wanted to come up with some ideas on his own. He thought about writing a poem, how about a serenade? She seemed to be the over-the-top romantic. Maybe he should buy her flowers. He wrote down all his ideas making sure not to get caught. He flipped the paper over and shoved it in his pocket as soon as Larkins came in the door. He could feel himself sweating, this environment was about to get really uncomfortable. Larkins didn't speak at first, he set the tests down on his desk and made eye contact with a few students sitting in the back row. )
Larkins: Some of you will be packing your things up and leaving, I'm very disappointed. I made myself perfectly clear about my expectations and some of you still thought this was a game. Well guess what? Game over!
(He picked up his papers and started towards the backrow, he yelled at 3 students that they had failed, and they had to leave. Some argued that a B was not failing, but then Larkins raised his voice that he made it known you had to ace the first test to stay in the class. He refused to hand out the rest of the tests until the students left. He moved on to the next row, Smidge was sitting in that row. Poppy was really nervous. Her row was next, she couldn't watch. She just hoped smidge had passed. This time it was 2 students who were told to pack their things, relieved to see that smidge was not one of them. Larkins then started on Poppy's row, so far 3 students. When he came to her desk, she thought she was going to die from the suspense. He slammed the test on her desk and moved on. She quickly turned it over and saw she made a 92! Sweet relief! 2 more students on the 2nd row were told to leave. Finally, the front row, 2 students were not lucky. When he made it to Branch, he stood there for a while. )
Larkins: well Mr. Timberlake, even with the constant banter you put me through, you managed to get a perfect score. No one has managed this before, but the material will only get harder, so I don't expect you to do this again
Branch: you really know how to congratulate someone sir
Larkins: shut your mouth. I want everyone to look around you. 12 students gone! Which means my expectations for you will be higher. Do not get too comfortable where you're sitting, we will see how the next test goes. I don't have anything new to teach today so I would like you to sit there and work on other assignments. No talking to one another and do not bother me. Mr. Timberlake, I would like to see you after class.
(Everyone felt the awkward silences and saw the empty spaces in the room. It was a depressing sight. Branch didn't have any other assignments to do so he took out his piece of paper again for ideas. He stole a glance at Poppy, who looked happy as could be. He was happy he was able to help her out. It felt good not to feel useless for once. He couldn't help but also feel sick at the same time. What did Larkins want? The moment the bell rang, Branch remained at his desk. Larkins shut the door when the rest of the class left and stood in front of Branch's desk.)
Larkins: Mr. Timberlake, do you know why I asked you to stay after?
Branch: I don't have any idea sir
Larkins: I will tell you why. When you walked into this classroom, I did not like you.
Branch: well, I could say the same thing
Larkins: I did not like you because of you attitude, why do you feel the need to be the voice of this class?
Branch: I don't. Nobody voted for me to be.
Larkins: despite your loudmouth, you are smart. No one in my past classes have received a perfect score. How did you do it?
Branch: I just studied sir
Larkins: (hands Branch a paper) these are the 5 questions I took off the test. I would like you to do them
Branch: I'll be late to class
Larkins: oh what? Your cooking class?
Branch: AP Bio, thank you very much
Larkins: I will write you a note. Show me how smart you think you are
(After Branch completed the problems, Larkins snatched up the paper. The smirk on his face dropped when he saw that Branch got them all right. )
Branch: can I go now? Or is there a jeopardy game you have planned for me?
Larkins: did you help Flower study?
Branch: yes, I did, and she didn't fail like you said she would. She will pass the class and be successful.
Larkins: we'll see about that
(Branch scoffed as he left the room. He was annoyed that he was late for class. He had to endure the awkward stares when he walked into AP Bio. Larkins was really getting under his skin. He couldn't focus on what his teacher was saying. He reflected back on his last therapy session with Gristle. It was the same as always, after being in contact with his dad he encouraged Branch to get in touch with his mom. He didn't want to. Then it resulted in an argument. Why did everything always have to go in circles when talking to him? Gristle didn't even care when Branch mentioned he stood up to Creek. What was his teacher talking about? Ughhh.
(Poppy couldn't stop smiling in her class. She was so happy she passed! It was all because of Branch. He had really saved her. Her stomach dropped when Larkins held him after class, and she hadn't heard from him. She wondered; it had been a week since they kissed. It was frustrating to her that she didn't know how to act around him. She could replay it in her mind how soft and gentle his lips were, the way he caressed her, the passion she felt. He said he didn't want to confuse her, but she was indeed confused. This was more confusing than when he disappeared. She knew she shouldn't take it personally. This was new to Branch. She wanted to talk about this with someone but who? Not her friends, definitely not her father. She couldn't go to Blair now. Should she do what Dr. Cloud suggested and talk to Christine? She would be a 3rd party and not be biased so maybe it was worth a shot. She probably wouldn't give the best advice, but her father would be happy at least. Finally, it was time for lunch, she could take her mind off things for a second. Branch had started to sit with their friends again. He still didn't say too much but Poppy was glad he was there. For a while everyone was talking, except Branch who was just reading a book. Her friends wanted Branch to feel included, so they decided to bring up weekend plans.)
Satin: we should do something this weekend!
Poppy: yes! I need a break after this test
Cooper: who's parents are out of town? Let's party it up
Chenille: or we could just do something not crazy
Biggie: let's go skating!
Smidge: roller or ice?
Suki: Ice! That place is cleaner than the roller skater rink
Guy: but they're pizza isn't as good
Satin: but their milkshakes are!
Guy: good point
(Everyone turned toward Branch. Branch had heard what they said, but in no way figured he was invited. He looked up from his book and was met with their stares.)
Biggie: what'd you say Branch? Wanna come with us?
Branch: oh…um…I don't know how to ice skate
Satin: you don't have to know how! It's fun!
Chenille: you can hold on to poppy's arm the whole time
(That comment was met with giggles, which made Poppy turn a bright red in the face. Branch smirked at the sight of it, it was something for him to tease her about later on.)
Guy: there's great music too
Branch: I don't know…
(The truth was he was afraid. He had been to a rink before but never skated because he was too scared. The ice was slippery, everyone did not wear helmets, and it was way too easy to get hurt. His expression must've given it away because Poppy looked a little disappointed.)
Poppy: it's ok Branch, you don't have to
(As soon as he heard her words, he stopped in his tracks. His mind started racing and without thinking he blurted out that he would go. He knew he would make a fool of himself with not knowing how to skate, but he wasn't going to let this opportunity slip. He tried to hide his fear deep down if it was showing, the others didn't notice. Maybe this was the step he needed, if Poppy was comfortable with him there then maybe he could progress to asking her on a date. They could really break the ice, no pun intended. How could he have been brave enough to kiss her, but became tongue tied when he wanted to ask her out. He needed help. He also needed help with how to skate. He was happy overall though, he would get to spend time with her and his old friends. He knew he probably wouldn't get much alone time with her, but he knew it would be fun. They confirmed the plans for tomorrow before the lunch bell rang. Then Poppy and Branch did their normal routine of walking to class.)
Poppy: I'm really happy you're coming
Branch: Me too, beats sitting at home wallowing in self pity
Poppy: I know this isn't really your thing
Branch: I just haven't given it a chance, I'm a little nervous though I won't lie
Poppy: I can teach you a couple things after school if you want
Branch: that's ok
Poppy: Are you sure? I'd love to come by and see your parents again anyway
Branch: they're pretty busy and I have to go to work after school. Got to teach some kids music
Poppy: I still can't believe you do that. I never would have imagined. That's ok though, it's hard at first but once you get the hang of it, it's fun!
Branch: I don't doubt it, anyways I probably won't have time to walk with you after school. I can't be late to work again. After that detention with Larkins my boss has me on a tight leash but I'll call you later
Poppy: sounds good, can I come see the place you work sometime?
Branch: sure, but I'd have to give the boss a heads up, he's weird about these things
(Poppy nodded and gave him a hug. Branch was doing everything he could not to get aroused by the smell of her shampoo and perfume. He needed to back away quick before…He breathed a sigh of relief when the late bell rang. Poppy realized she was going be late and let go but flashed a smile before running off. Shit Branch thought, he was going to have to be really careful around her tomorrow. Sometimes it was annoying to be a guy. He knew was going to be late, but he had to take care of…his problem. He walked around for a little thinking about homework to get himself situated. After a few minutes he felt safe to go into class, then he could think about how he was going to survive tomorrow. He thought a of plan. After work he would go to Dawn's, he just hoped she wouldn't ask too many questions about his parents or grandma. When his last class ended, he hurried on his motorcycle and drove off. He was ready to focus his mind elsewhere. He walked in the music center with his guitar. He noticed one of his co-workers Deon who went by D at the front desk, they were good friends even though they didn't spend much time together out of work.
D: Brandon! What's up buddy? How long has it been?
Branch: a couple weeks, I've been pretty busy
D: well, it's great to see you, the boss was getting pretty mad
Branch: I'm aware
D: when are we going to jam?
Branch: one of these days
D: you say that all the time
Branch: we will, I've just been busy. Who's my first student today?
D: let's see…you have Skylar
Branch: ok, perfect. I'll go set up. Do you have students today?
D: not for another half hour, but the boss is making me do reception until then
Branch: (chuckles) go get me a coffee
D: Ha-ha, very funny.
(Branch set up his guitar and tuned the piano. Skylar had been his student for 2 years. In a way Skylar reminded him of his younger self. At 10 years old, she was quieter and timider than most of the students he had. It took awhile for her to open up and get comfortable around him, which he understood. He was teaching her piano, guitar, and was slowly progressing to singing. Skylar had refused to learn how to sing, but with the help of Branch she was starting to become comfortable in her own skin. The door of the music room opened, and Branch looked up and saw Skylar with her guitar and music notes)
Branch: hey kiddo, how was school today?
Skylar: (shrugs) it was alright
Branch: code for boring (laughs) how's the practicing been going?
Skylar: my parents hate when I practice
Branch: huh? Why?
Skylar: I guess it's just too loud for them
Branch: yet they pay for lessons, makes perfect sense
Skylar: they don't play so they don't get it
Branch: well, why don't you hop on the piano and show me how well you've been practicing despite your parent's objections
(Skylar got on the piano with her sheet music. She played the song, Maple Rag time. Branch was very impressed with the progress she made. She wasn't looking at her sheet like she used to. After she finished the song, Branch had her practice some scales. She was playing beautifully, he felt proud to have taught her these musical skills.)
Branch: alright up on your feet, we're going to warm up your pipes
Skylar: oh…
Branch: (smiles) now why do you always get so shy when we warm up?
Skylar: I don't like it. You always make me do weird sounds
Branch: (laughs) well Sky, those sounds help your voice open up so you can project. I always do them with you so they're not as silly right?
Skylar: I guess so
Branch: alright on 3, 1...2...3
(They made silly sounds such as raspberries, fire truck sounds, and holding out their vowels as long as they could. Skylar was embarrassed to do them at first, but then started to laugh and have fun. It brought a smile to Branch's face to see her break down her walls. He played some scales for her to help her pitch. She was getting good. They sang a song together that they had been working on. Skylar still wasn't comfortable singing on her own, and if Branch joining her got her to feel more confident than he was more than happy to do so. Yet he couldn't help but feel hypocritical since he wasn't comfortable singing in front of others. After they finished up singing, they spent the last 20 min of their session playing on the guitar.)
Branch: what'd you say next time you sing on your own?
Skylar: But I like to sing with you
Branch: that's sweet, but how will you sing in the talent show?
Skylar: I was hoping you'd still sing with me
Branch: you don't need me Sky
Skylar: I don't know why I even signed up, I still have bad stage fright
Branch: and we will work through it, how would you feel if I went to your show? I wouldn't sing with you but I'd be out there so you wouldn't feel so nervous
Skylar: You promise?
Branch: of course, kiddo, you are my favorite student after all
Skylar: (laughs) I thought you weren't allowed to say that about your students
Branch: well, I can make an exception once in a while. Do you know what song you're going to sing?
Skylar: I don't know. I want to make sure I can sing it well.
Branch: well, how about next time you bring me a list of some songs you'd like to sing, and we can figure it out from there
Skylar: ok!
Branch: you're very talented. You made so much progress from the last two years, I'm very proud of you
Skylar: I wish our lessons could be more than an hour
Branch: me too, but that wouldn't be fair to the other kids, but I'll tell you what when it gets closer to the show, we can extend our sessions, how does that sound?
Skylar: fabulous! I had fun today, I only like learning from you
Branch: well, I'm going to be pretty busy for a while, but I always make the time. Who is picking you up today?
Skylar: my dad
Branch: well, it's about time for pick up so why don't we go tell him how great you're doing
(They went out to the Lobby. Her dad was not out there yet. They waited for 10 minutes and he still didn't show. D hung out with them while they waited. This was not uncommon of her parents to do, but it was getting old. After a few more minutes, Skylar ran to her dad when he came through the door.)
Skylar: daddy! Daddy! Brandon says I'm doing really well! He's going to help me with the talent show
Mr. Davis: Are you sure you still want to do that? I don't think you're ready
Branch: actually, with lots of practice, she'll be ready in no time. She's doing excellent and is committed to practicing. She's improved more than most of my students
(Skylar's dad was mostly on the phone texting, not listening to a word Branch was saying. He was nodding but didn't say anything.)
Mr. Davis: anyways, how much do I owe?
Branch: you can just check out in the front
Mr. Davis: cool, same time next week?
Branch: I put up my schedule over there, Skylar seems more comfortable with our sessions than with our other teachers
Mr. Davis: look buddy, my schedule doesn't revolve around yours! Our daughter is lucky we pay for these lessons. Every teacher here is doing the same thing you're doing. I don't know why you think you're so special
Skylar: but I want Brandon to teach me! He said he would help me pick a song next time
Mr. Davis: then it better be a day where me or your mom can take you
Branch: how about next Wednesday at 4?
Mr. Davis: that is fine, come along Sky
(Branch's heart broke when he saw Skylar's face drop. The conversation didn't go how she expected. She wanted her parents to be happy and talk about her excitement, but they couldn't be less interested. Branch never cared for her parents much. They never asked about her progress or came to watch her practice. All they did was drop her off and pick her up. He made sure his schedule revolved around hers as much as possible to make sure she was comfortable. He was frustrated with her parents, they could at least pretend to show some interest. Skylar gave Branch a hug before she left, and Branch said that he would see her next week.)
D: The Davis' are something else, sometimes I can't keep the parents out of the room with my students
Branch: they're missing out
D: she really does like you. I'm glad you've still found the time to teach with her despite…whatever is going on with you. Brandon you know I'm here for you man.
Branch: I know that. I'd rather not talk about my business at work.
D: respect, well jam with me sometime and then you can tell me what's got you in a funk.
Branch: (internal groan) You're just gonna keep prying, aren't you?
D: I just care about you Brandon. You just haven't been yourself. We look out for each other here, well maybe nott the boss, but you get it
Branch: we will jam, I joined a musical in school, so my schedule is a little full
D: my man! Finally! What part are you playing?
Branch: oh no no, I didn't audition. I just help the director, she wanted me to be in it, but I didn't want to. She did however talk me into being the understudy for the lead
D: Man, you need to stop selling yourself short. Take your own advice that you give Sky
Branch: I'm a hypocrite I know
D: well, you let me know when you're free, I'll see you later
Branch: actually…are you free after your appointments?
D: yeah, I should be done at 7, is that ok?
Branch: yes, I guess I'll be at reception until my next student comes in
D: alright man! I look forward to it
(Branch didn't know why he didn't think of this before. D was a really nice guy. He had always been nice to him. He would probably give him some good advice and knew D would be honest. It was who he was. It made Branch feel bad that D had noticed something off, he wondered if more people had noticed. Especially Dawn. He decided he would talk to her another time. He knew D wouldn't ask many questions about his family. He strictly needed advice about Poppy.)
Hey guys long time no see right? I struggled with this chapter for awhile, but then yesterday I had an idea of what to do after the test part. Why not a throwback to the first movie right? That will not be until the next chapter because I wanted to write about Branch's environment at his work. Like I said I love writing teacher/student moments, even as the writer myself it made me smile making Branch wanting the best for his favorite student. And I think we know who D is based on ;) change of plans for who Branch is getting advice on. Lots of ideas just pop in my head at the last second and when that happens there's no turning back. Can't wait to write the lovely awkward not a date, ice skating affair. Thank you for the love, school is hard enough so it is great to have an outlet. All of you wonderful authors give me the motivation.
~Ash
