It all started peaceful
-That’s why, the family is always worth it, because no matter what happens, no matter how big an argument you get into or how long you haven’t seen each other, you can be sure that whenever you get in trouble, your family is always there to help you. The end.
Poppy closed the book and looked at excited children sitting in a circle in front of her. One of the funk kids held their hand up.
-Yes, Calisto?
Poppy allowed a little trolling to speak.
-Mr. Branch? Is it true that your song shattered diamond! Like the real, REAL DIAMOND?!
Asked little trolling with literal sparkles in her eyes. Branch, who was standing this whole time next to Poppy, was really surprised that someone even asked him a question. The blue troll expectorated.
-Yeah, this is very true. Our family harmony worked so hard that it even made the diamond fly.
Branch replied to the little Calisto. The trollings were amazed by the answer. Branch rolled his eyes and chuckled. He looked at Poppy which she was also amused by the kids reaction.
-Queen Poppy! Queen Poppy!
Another now techno trolling held up their hand impatiently.
-Yes Mix? What is your question?
Poppy said through giggles.
-You really didn’t know that Mr. Branch was in the band. I thought married people tell each other stuff.
The other kids agreed, when Branch and Poppy could feel their faces getting red. They started nervously laughing.
-Oh no, no, no sweetie. We are not married!
Poppy said nervously laughing.
-Yeah! Definitely not married! Like one hundred percent!
Branch also laughed awkwardly. The kids look at the couple with puppy eyes.
-So you don’t love each other?
Asked one of the country kids with a frown on their face.
-Oh no! We do love each other, very much actually.
Poppy explained.
-Yeah! Very much!
Branch added, taking Poppy’s hand.
-But we are just not married... yet.
Poppy finished emphasizing the word “yet”.
-So you gonna have a big wedding?
One of the kids asked with excitement.
-I mean, we didn’t talk about it.
Branch said, nervous.
-I bet Queen Poppy will look like a princess in her wedding dress!
Another kid said. Branch and Poppy looked worried at each other as the kids were bragging about their wedding. Finally the hug bracelets of all trolls in the room light up. This was actually a godsend for Branch and Poppy, because it meant the lesson was over. The kids hugged one another and Poppy hugged Branch.
-Okay kids, it seems our lesson is over for today. See you tomorrow.
-Bye Queen Poppy!
-See you tomorrow!
The kids were hailing goodbye to the couple. Finally, when the kids seemed to all left, Poppy and Branch had a tiny moment for each other.
-Soooo... Branchifer, I gotta thank you for today. The kids were so excited to see you.
Poppy said, taking her boyfriend's both hands.
-It was my pleasure, dear Queen.
Poppy giggled softly, and got closer to her lover. At this point she was literally almost touching his nose.
-I was just thinking.- Poppy started to whisper.- Are you free right now?
Branch felt like this soft talk of his girlfriend is making him weak. Any other day, he would agree no doubt to hang out with her, but today was different. He looked with his eyes half closed at Poppy, who was smiling with love. He was about to say something when suddenly something interrupted them... or maybe the better thing to say is someone.
-When are you gonna take this to the kissing level y’all?!
Both Poppy and Branch turned to see Tiny sitting on Poppy’s beanbag. They turned all red and stood away from each other.
-Tiny?! Shouldn’t you be heading home right now?! Your dad is probably waiting for you!
Poppy said coming up to tiny. She was now all red as a strawberry.
-Come on guys! You don’t have to be embarrassed! I’ve seen you too being all kissy and flirty with each other.
Branch and Poppy stood there ashamed and awkward.
-Hey Poppy, I wanted to discuss a few things before tonight's concert. - Viva came through the door looking at the clipboard with a list. She looked up from the list and looked at flustered trolls. - Am I interrupting something?
She asked with an awkward smile.
- Right! Concert! - Poppy cleared her throat. - We all should get ready.
She turned to Branch and took his hands gently.
-So… see you later, Branchifer? - She asked with a tender smile.
-And when would I ever say no to that. - He replied charmingly. Poppy couldn’t resist, she laughed with that specific sound that Branch loved. He adored everything about her. Through these past three years he learned more and more about his Poppy. He learned all her smiles, he learned that when she is frustrated, she covers the space between her eyes with her hair, so no one sees wrinkles creating on her forehead. He learned how much she is doing for Trollstopia, and how not easy that job is. He admired her passion for taking care of a village. He realized one day, when they decide to tie the knot for good, he will be king. This thought terrified him. Sure, he helped Poppy with her chores everyday. But that is just helping from the back. Being king carries with itself a lot of responsibility and other stuff that will be hard to handle. He wanted to marry Poppy. After all they have been through, he thinks he is ready. He was ready to overcome his “king scare” for Poppy. His Poppy.
Aforementioned Poppy gave Branch a quick peck on the lips. He loved when she did that. Tiny whistled playfully.
-Things are getting heated, am I right. - Little glitter troll chuckled poking Viva.
-Okaaay… Time to get you to your dad Tiny! - Poppy said again blushing. She headed up to the door leading Tiny towards it. - See you soon Branchifer.
-See you, Poppifer. - Branch said, waving them back. Branch sighed as they left. He reached into his hair and took a small blue box out of it. He opened it and a small ring was revealed.It’s ring stone was shaped into a small blue tulip, Poppy’s favorite flower.
-You little buddy gonna help me here tonight. - He said quietly, admiring the ring. - I hope I won’t mess that up.
-BRANCH! - John Dory screamed, bursting into the pod.
-GAH! - Branch shouted terrified and impulsively hid the ring in his hair.- JOHN WHAT THE…! WHEN DID YOU EVEN GET HERE!
Branch said frustrated.
-Sorry Branch, we just came here to help you get ready. - Floyd said, coming into the pod after John.
-Aaand John insisted we wait in the bushes next to the kindergarten… great idea by the way.- Clay said getting leaves out of his hair. He was slightly irritated.
-Hey, we couldn't let Poppy and Viva see us ‘cause it would be suspicious! - John said to his brothers. - Don’t you know how to do a proper surprise!?
-Yeah apparently we don’t…- Clay rolled his eyes. Floyd saw Branch getting more and more tense. He approached his little brother and put his hand on his brother’s shoulder.
-You okay there Branch? Are you nervous? - He asked gently.
-It’s gonna be a huge change in our lives… of course I’m nervous. - Branch said stressed.
-I can assure you, Bitty B, that it will be alright. You two are love sick for each other. - John said, trying to cheer up his little brother. - Just imagine today! You sing your band's new song, then you get down on one knee. The crowd gets quiet and then you drop the question! Poppy is crying from joy and everyone is over the moon. Easy, right?
-Right…- Branch sighed.
Meanwhile Poppy and Viva were discussing the very same thing.
-And there he is! Preparing himself for the show. And I will go to him with this! - She put a green leaf crown out of her hair. - And I already have all the speech and stuff prepared! Ah I’m so excited!
-Oh Sis! This is fantastamazIng plan! He’s gonna love this. - Viva squealed with joy.
-I hope so. I decided to do this while we are alone. I don’t want him to feel pressured by the crowd. - Poppy said, putting the crown back to her hair. - I hope I won’t mess anything up.
-I’m sure you will do amazing, Poppy. - Viva reassured her. - Well me and Bridget have to speed up the preparation.
She said with a chuckle.
-I hope I’m not doing this thing too fast… I don’t want him to feel overwhelmed. - Poppy quietly said while rubbing her arm.
-You overthinking it auntie P! Uncle Branch will say yes without a doubt! - Tiny, who was going in front of them stated.
-And then we're gonna party hard at your wedding. - Viva added. - Ah! I can’t wait to see my baby sister in her wedding gown! You're gonna look so beautiful!
-Viva… we are not even engaged yet. - Poppy said to calm down her ecstatic sister.
-As you said “YET”! You’re gonna be tonight! - Viva shouted, jumping around. - Gaah! I’m so happexcited!
-Viva slow down! - Poppy laughed. Tiny also tried to keep up with two sisters who were on cloud 9.
-Ah those adults, am I right? - He sighed watching Poppy and Viva approaching the troll village where the song was starting.
You're the one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh
The one I need (One I need)
Oh, yes, indeed (Yes, indeed)
Poppy sang like there was no tomorrow. That’s how happy she felt. Branch leaving the kindergarten with his brothers quietly sang.
It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do
Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you
Is it the look in your eyes or is it this dancing juice?
Who cares, baby, I think I wanna marry you…
The whole village sang in union. They were all preparing for tonight's show. It was one of the big events. Everyone in Trollstopia adores kismet. They didn’t know what was gonna happen tonight.
You're the one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh
The one I need (One I need)
Oh, yes, indeed (Yes, indeed)
You're the one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh
The one I need (One I need)
Oh, yes, indeed (Yes, indeed)
You're the one that I want!
-Alright! Let’s get going! We have to prepare for a big show tonight! - John grabbed Branch’s arm and dragged him to the garderobe. Younger troll couldn’t even hesitate, because his older brother's stubbornness was stronger than anything else.
- - -
The crowd cheered outside while the whole band was getting ready. Branch’s heart was beating a lot faster than it should be. He looked into the mirror and again adjusted his vest. He checked his hair for the ring. Luckily it was still there.
-Yo dude! Ease up a bit, it's gonna be alright! - Ablaze said, giving him a pat on the back. Branch gave him a forced, fake smile. He felt like he was dying on the inside.
-She’s gonna love it, we are sure of it! - Boom added brushing and spraying the additional glitter on his hair.
-I can tell the crowd is gonna get crazy! - Hype said, looking through the curtain at their audience. In the first row, there was only one empty sitting spot. The one that was deserved for Poppy. Viva was impatiently waiting for her sister. Next to her was Clay. He and his brothers were waiting for the big show. Same thing goes for a snack pack that was sitting right next to Poppy’s empty spot. They all couldn't wait.
-Five minutes guys, you can go get ready! - The manager said come backstage. Kismet cheered and started to approach the scene.
- You're gonna do great bro! - Trickee said leaving the backstage room after other members of the band. Branch was left alone again. He took the ring box from his hair and caressed it with his free hand.
-It’s time…- He whispered.
-Hey Branch! - Branch immediately hid the ring in his hair and turned around. Who knew that this sweet voice of his girlfriend's sweet voice could give him a heart attack. She was standing there looking at him innocently.
-Oh hey! You! - Branch stuttered. - What are you doing here?! I mean it’s not like I have something against that, it's just… the show is starting soon.
-I just wanted to talk to you…that’s all. - Poppy said tenderly, smiling.
-Suuure, what’s up? - Branch said, panicking inside.
-Well I was thinking about it a lot lately… and I want to do it in the best possible way… but yeah there is no perfect way to do it. So let me just ask.... - Poppy reached out with her hands to her hair.
-POPPY!!! - The scream was heard from the entrance to backstage. Biggie came through the door and he tried to catch his breath.
-Biggie? What’s going on!? - Poppy asked, concerned.
-It’s…It’s about…- He breathed heavily.
-What happened? - Branch asked.
-There is something wrong with Val…- Biggie said after a moment. Branch and Poppy without hesitation ran out of the room. They found a group of trolls literally hovering next to Val. Poppy made her way to her friend.
-Out of the way. - Some pop troll said. - The queen is coming.
Val was in the middle of this circle sitting on the chair. Holly and Demo were standing right next to her, trying to be as much comfort as possible.
-Val…what happened?- Poppy asked with worry. Branch stood right beside her.
-I don't know, I just…- Val started. She was panicking.
-Val wanted to sing a part of her new song…- Holly started.
-When she came to the actual singing part, she couldn't sing. - Demo added.
-Wh…what?! - Poppy stuttered. It was awfully strange for the troll to not sing. Their lives revolved around music. And sure, there were trolls whose voices were a little off… but Val Thundershock, troll who was the most popular rock singer since she was a child. She couldn't sing? Something was definitely not right.
-I couldn't even hum a note! - Val shouted. - It felt like my throat was closing every time I wanted to sing a note!
Branch and Poppy exchanged worried looks. That was extremely odd. The troll that was known for being one of the best vocalists in the rock tribe couldn’t sing.
-Maybe it is some kind of disease? - Branch thought out loud. Poppy thought about it, and it was one of the most possible explanations.
-Branch may have a point here. Were there other symptoms that you experienced Val? Maybe a cough, headache? - Poppy asked.
-I don’t think so…- Val replied unsure. - Everything was fine ‘till now.
-Well maybe it's some kind of hidden cold or other flu. - Branch said thoughtfully. - You should get yourself checked up Val.
-Do you need me to go to Doctor Moonbloom with you? - Poppy asked.
Val looked at her friend worried. She knew about her plan for tonight. She didn’t want to ruin her best friend's big night.
-Naah, no need. I will be fine. Holly can go with me after the concert. - Val said with a laid back attitude. - Right Holly?
Val nudged Holly with her left arm.
-Right, yeah! - Holly said. - Don’t ‘cha worry, sugar! Me and Demo will drag her there if needed.
Holly giggled. That was some kind of relief for Branch and Poppy. Their friends got it. Did that mean “the big plan” could be done now?
-Guys! - The show producer ran up to the group of trolls that were near Val. She approached Poppy and Branch while politely trying to get trolls out of her way. She grabbed Branch and Poppy by the arm and said to them. - The show should start any second. Do we need to cancel?
Everyone looked over at Val.
-Don’t worry about me. Go give that concert! I will be okay. - Val said, giving the thumbs up. - Like they say, the show must go on!
Branch hesitated for a second.
-Well If Val is okay with it, I think you should go get ready now. - Poppy said, squeezing Branch’s hand.
-Right! Let’s start this show. - Branch said, smiling at Poppy and squeezing her hand back.
- - -
The music playing in the background was really quiet in comparison to the crowd screams and shouts. Poppy with a mix of excitement and nervousness walked over to the center of the stage. Although her “plan A” was totally crashed by this turmoil, she had some back up plans in case of a situation like that.
- Dear trolls, here comes the moment we all have been waiting for. Get yourself ready, cause now…on live…in sync like never before… KISMET! - Poppy said, removing herself from the stage. She walked over to her sit in the first row right next to her sister and friends. She always felt thrilled to see Branch on stage. She could see this in his facial expression and body language that he felt on that stage like a fish in the water. She was so happy for him. She was so happy to call him hers. Although there were some things that she found a bit irritating, but even with them, she loved Branch to bits. She loved how he was always caring. How he always made sure they had everything prepared for the celebration. How he sometimes took some of her chores off her list, so she could have more free time during the day. She will never forget that day when he took kids to the library, when she was sick. When everyone thought Branch would bore these kids to death, they actually had great fun, and begged her to bring Branch next time. They even made her a “get well soon card”. Poppy had to hold back tears of emotion, because of how cute it was. Branch always was there for everybody. He was the one that kept everyone safe. He helped build the whole trollstopia. Poppy couldn’t have done it without him. He was her fulfillment. The other half that is always needed. He was the one she wanted to spend her future with. There he was now…perfect troll, wonderful person… perfect king, and husband material.
Poppy blushed as she checked her hair once again. Their future was beginning right here in this place. Poppy nervously put her hands on her knees, and smiled tenderly at Branch. Kismet at that moment was all waving at their fans, who were squealing with excitement.
Branch couldn’t take his eyes off Poppy. He just couldn’t wait any longer. He just wanted to drop the question already.
“Be patient, Branch, you gotta set the mood first.” - He scolded himself. Everything had to be perfect. For his Poppy.
-Good evening everyone! - Branch said through the microphone. The crowd cheered back at him. - It’s really nice to perform after this short break of ours.
-You were gone forever! - Some fan cried their eyes out in the middle row.
-Yeah, but we are back and we hope this show will be the concert of your life! - Crowd cheered again at Branch’s words. It was still a bit weird for him to hear so many trolls cheering for him, but he is starting to get used to it. He cleared his throat and continued his speech. - So…the first song I would like to dedicate to the girl, that has been my biggest inspiration. To the one, whose smile can light up the whole village. The girl that is the owner of my heart.
Poppy smiled at Branch. She wanted to kiss him so badly right now. He looked down at her and gave her a look.
-Give it up for Queen Poppy everyone. - He said and prepared himself for probably one of the most important performances of his life.
-He is such a sweetheart to you. - Viva whispered to her younger sister.
-Oh he definitely is. - Poppy whispered back with that lovely grin.
Music started to get louder. Everyone was waiting for the first note. Branch took the microphone, and was about to sing the whole first verse. He was really ready for it. Then all of the sudden, when he was about to sing the first note…he went quiet.
Everyone was confused. The background music was still on, Branch started to really stress out. His hands were sweaty, he tried to sing something…but he couldn’t even make his vocal cords do it. Everything started to get blurry.
-What’s going on? - Biggie asked, concerned about his friend.
-Why isn’t he singing? - John asked his other brothers.
-Wha…what’s going on? - Viva asked Poppy who was just as shocked as everyone else. She took action and ran up to the stage. She had to get Branch out of there. Speaking of Branch, he started to go more and more into panic mode. The rest of the kismet were standing right beside him. They didn’t know what to do. Everything was a disaster. When Poppy got to the stage, she embraced Branch, and started leading him to the backstage rooms.
-Darla, can you say we will be back or something? - She said to the show producer.
-No problem at all, Queen Poppy! - The producer replied and ran to the stage. Poppy and Branch walked to the main area of the backstage. Branch sat on the nearest chair. He was still breathing really fast. Poppy knew he must have been scared by this situation. She needed to help him calm down.
-Come on sweetie. Three deep breaths. It’s okay. - Branch did as Poppy said. After this breathing exercise he was a bit better. He finally could tell her what happened.
-I don’t know what’s happening with me. - Branch said with shaking hands. Poppy took one of it and caressed it with her thumb. - Any time I wanted to start singing, I couldn't even rasp a note! It felt like I lost my voice or something!
Branch said with a shaky voice.
-It’s gonna be alright, honey. It could be just a temporary thing. - Poppy stroked his hair. She then remembered that the same thing happened to Val today, not so long ago. - Maybe you and Val caught the same thing. Did you have any other symptoms?
She asked softly. Branch thought for a second.
-I mean my heart was also beating really fast, but maybe it could be because of stress. I don’t know. - He said.
-I see. - Poppy said, still stroking his hair. Everytime he felt stressed about something she would do that. It was bringing him comfort. - You will be alright. I promise.
She whispered. She then reached out with her free hand for the water bottle that was standing on the dressing table right next to them.
-Here, drink this sweetie. It will be okay, I promise. - She said, handing him the bottle.
He took three sips and turned to her.
-Thank you. - He said quietly.
-You’re welcome. - She said smiling. - I’m sure we can get you to sing again. As I said, It can be a temporary thing. Maybe it’s some kind of flu or something…
-It’s more complicated than you think Popsqueak…- Poppy turned around to see Barb standing in the doorway.