Trolls: A Beautiful Christmas

Chapter 3 - Closed Secret

Author's Note: "Trolls" is owned by DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox

After making it back inside his home, a sad Branch was now sitting at his dining room table, and also looking at a small object that was now in his hands.

It was a Christmas stocking that he'd hung above the chimney as a child... when he still lived with his grandma.

For as long as Branch could remember, the younger him would always look forward to Christmas Day, always waking up bright and early to see what Santa had brought for him.

He'd always been able to get what he asked for, whether it was from Santa or his grandma... so, naturally, when it was almost time for the first Christmas that would be spent without his grandma, Branch had only wished for her to come back.

Where are you Christmas

Why can't I find you

Why have you gone away

As Branch continued to sing, he took the stocking, and placed it back inside a box that he then stored into the closet.

Where is the laughter

You used to bring me

Before he could sing anything else, there was a knock at the door, and Branch mumbled, "Come in..."

To his non-surprise, Poppy came into the room, with a look of concern. "Everything okay, Branch?"

"I'm fine, Poppy," replied the blue troll. "Just don't tell me you came to try and get me to believe in Santa Claus."

"But that's the problem, Branch," said the Troll Queen. "We all believe in him... why can't you?"

He shook his head, and said, "It doesn't matter why, Poppy, so please just-"

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

At the Christmas party hop

Branch walked towards the door, and stepped outside to see more of his fellow Trolls singing another holiday tune.

Mistletoe hung where you can see

Every couple tries to stop

"Are you all just going to keep on singing nothing but Christmas songs?" yelled Branch.

"You were just singing one earlier, Branch," pointed out Poppy. "And... you aren't gonna..."

Branch couldn't help but smirk as he noticed his close friend becoming worried. "No, Poppy, I'm not going to turn all grey and stuff... but I can only handle so much of this."

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

Let the Christmas spirit ring

Later we'll have some pumpkin pie

And we'll do some caroling

You will get a sentimental feelin' when you hear

Voices singing let's be jolly

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

Have a happy holiday

Everyone's dancing merrily

In the new old fashioned way

"Alright, I admit it," said Branch. "That was a catchy song... now can I enjoy the rest of today with-"

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

Let the Christmas spirit ring

["Of course, it's not over..."]

Later we'll have some pumpkin pie

And we'll do some caroling

You will get a sentimental feelin' when you hear

Voices singing let's be jolly

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

Have a happy holiday

Everyone's dancing merrily

In the new old fashioned way

Branch waited silently for a few minutes before nodding his head, and saying, "Ok, thank you everyone, but if you don't mind, I'd like to go inside my house now and relax."

He then walked back inside the house, closing the door... and a few seconds later, the door re-opened. "Thanks for the visit, Poppy..."

"Branch, seriously, why do you hate Christmas so much?" wondered Poppy, as she walked out of his house.

"I don't hate Christmas, Poppy," replied Branch. "I'm just not as enthusiastic about it like you and everyone else."

And before Poppy could say anything else, the young troll closed the door, saying, "I'll see you later."

"So, is this supposed to be what leads him to the bridge on Christmas Eve?" asked Shiloh, as he watched Poppy silently walk away from Branch's home.

"Not exactly," replied Sir. "But you'll see soon enough..."