Chap 28

Splitting up?

Hey guys I know it's been a long time, I've been busy and after seeing Trolls World Tour, which was amazing by the way I mean Broppy is confirmed! It gave me some motivation again. I was going to try and put that plot in here, but I wasn't sure how to go about it, so I decided not to include it just yet. Thank you, guys, for the suggestions about what you want to see happen with this story. This chapter is based off one of those suggestions, but I want to still drive the story forward without jumping all over the place. Alright so here's where we left off. Twins were just born, Oak regained some of her colors as she is taken on more of a responsibility of a big sister, creek is with the Bergen's to rebuild trust with the trolls.

(One year went by, the twins had reached a year old and started to walk and talk. Life was crazy for Branch and Poppy; it was so crazy that they weren't exactly seeing eye to eye with things. They started to argue more than usual, they weren't singing together as often, and everyone seemed to think something was up, but Oak and Twig were scared that their parents would break-up after overhearing some words from other trolls. It was late at night when oak and twig should have been in bed when they heard Branch and Poppy argue again. Branch and Poppy obviously were trying to be quiet as possible, but it wasn't the case.)

Poppy: I'm just saying! This is a lot to handle!

Branch: I know! I'm helping the best I can

Poppy: Today was so rough and I needed you, but you weren't there!

Branch: it was rough for me too! It's hard balancing all these things, I'm only one troll

Poppy: then maybe we should've thought of this sooner! We're both so stressed out! 4 kids, a kingdom to take care of, and trying to find time for ourselves, I don't know what to do branch

Branch: (stood in silence) I don't know poppy…we both feel like we're alone, when I'm with the kids, you're with the village and vice versa, how are we supposed to fix this?

Poppy: (hint of tears) we need to be a team

Branch: it feels impossible right now

Poppy: (starts to cry) ok…if that's how you feel

Branch: I'm sorry…I don't know what to say…I'm not good at this, I know we weren't prepared for this

Poppy: I'm going to bed…I can't continue with this conversation, not tonight

Branch: (nods) me neither

(Oak and Twig sensed that they stopped and quickly ran back to oak's room to avoid getting caught)

Oak: Hey twiggy, don't be upset it's going to be ok

Twig: I don't want mommy and daddy to fight

Oak: I know, I don't either

Twig: some older trolls said they were fighting so much they were going to break up

Oak: we can't let that happen; we need to do everything we can to help them

Twig: how will we do that?

Oak: let's help with Aster and Ginger, and maybe help around the village

Twig: you think that will help?

Oak: I don't know, but we must try, mommy and daddy didn't give up on me, so we can't with them

(Oak and Twig woke up early the next morning, they had a game plan. They kept the curtains closed so poppy and branch wouldn't wake up. They got the twins up and made breakfast, it was not as easy as it looked, they left quite a mess, Aster and Ginger were also being fussy. Oak debated on waking poppy and branch but decided to let them sleep and just left breakfast out for them and they tried to clean up the mess the best they could.

Oak: let's take Aster and Ginger out for a stroll and see if the village needs any help

Twig: ok! This will be fun!

(They walked around the village and started the morning song; the trolls were a little confused by the king and queen's absence)

Oak: it's ok! We're helping them out today! (continued to sing)

(Some of the trolls smiled and laughed a little as they continued to sing)

Oak: man…that took a lot of energy, hey um…does anyone need any help this morning?

(some trolls laughed again)

Satin: Aww you guys are so cute, aren't you a little young to watch the village

Oak: just thought we'd give our parents a break!

Cooper: you guys are so cute! I mean…if you want you could help me with…

Twig: ok! Ok! Im on it!

Chenille: could we use Aster and Ginger for models?

Oak: sure of course! Whatever you need!

(Back at poppy and branch's house, they woke up to silence and not to twig's energy or the twins crying, it was way too quiet. Poppy opened her eyes slowly and looked at the clock and immediately a burst of adrenaline went throughout her body.)

Poppy: branch branch!

Branch: (slowly waking up) huh…what?

Poppy: we overslept!

Branch: (bolts out of bed) oh my gosh!

Poppy: why didn't you set the alarm?

Branch: (sarcastic) oh I'm sorry, I thought our kids were our natural alarm not to mention the fact we were up until 1 in the morning arguing my first thought was to set the alarm

Poppy: not the best time to be sarcastic right now branch! (runs out of the room) where are the kids!?

Branch: what? What do you mean?

Poppy: they're not here

Branch: what'd mean they're not here?!

Poppy: I mean they're not here! The house is completely empty, the babies are gone!

Branch: (runs out of the room) look at this! There's a huge mess in the kitchen!

Poppy: there's something on the table, looks like breakfast

Branch: what? They're too young to make anything!

Poppy: There's a note here too, "mommy and daddy, we wanted to give you guys a break, we took Aster and Ginger and are helping the village, enjoy breakfast!

(They both are taken aback)

Branch: I can't decide…should we be concerned or happy we have great kids?

Poppy: who knows what they're doing in the village and they have 1-year olds running around!

Branch: I wonder what this was all about

Poppy: well…we better find out, we got to get out there before they cause trouble

(They walk out not knowing what to expect, but surprise the village is still in one piece, but no sign of their children so they walk around)

Guy: poppy! Branch! There you are!

Poppy: is everything ok!?

Guy: you got some great kids; I don't think star would do this for us

(They are both still confused)

Branch: do you know where they are?

Guy: I'm not sure, twig was helping cooper out and oak helped me earlier but went somewhere else, Aster and Ginger are helping the other twins, by the way the morning song was adorable, you guys sure missed out

Branch: are you sure these are our kids?

Guy: of course! Everyone knows the princesses and princes of king branch and poppy!

Poppy: well thank you Guy, I'm glad oak was able to help you out

(They go off to find them)

Branch: what in the world got into them

(They went through the whole village and were surprised to see all the daily activities were taken care of. All while hearing how adorable their kids were with helping them out and finally, they spotted them)

Twig: I hope mommy and daddy are happy! I feel like we did so much!

Oak: oh yes, who knew this would be exhausting, I get why they're stressed sometimes, I can't believe it's only the afternoon

Twig: the twins are getting a little tired too

Oak: they're not the only ones, but I'm glad we kept the village happy

Poppy: kids!

Oak: uh…oh

Twig: you said they'd sleep all day

Oak: maybe the house wasn't dark enough, but I thought they'd know we'd take care of everything and stay in

Branch: kids…come here please

(Oak and Twig bring themselves and the twins over, a little afraid they were going to be in trouble.)

Poppy: well…first I don't know what to say…it was sweet of you guys to make us breakfast, let us sleep in, and help with the village, but you left a huge mess, we didn't know where you were

Branch: you could've been hurt! The twins are still so small, all these germs and creatures who knows what could've happened?! I…

(Poppy gives him a look and he stop his train of thought)

Poppy: what's going on? What got into you guys?

(Oak and Twig look at each other, they were afraid if they said the reason, their parents would argue again and that was the last thing they wanted. Oak put her head down and mumbled something)

Branch: huh?

Oak: (continues to look down) we heard you guys fight last night, you said that it was hard to have us and take care of the village, we just wanted to help…you've been arguing a lot lately, you haven't been singing together, we didn't want you to stress or fight anymore, please don't be mad

(Poppy and Branch's colors started to drain, but also turn red with embarrassment. They could've kicked themselves for being careless and being loud for their kids to hear. They didn't realize their arguing caused them to feel like this and felt terrible)

Branch: first…we're so sorry you guys heard us, that was not supposed to happen, we're not mad kids…

Poppy: it was a very sweet thing you guys did for us, I know we've been stressed out lately, but it's always been like this, being king and queen isn't an easy job neither is being a parent

Oak: does this mean you're not splitting up?

Poppy: splitting up?!

(Poppy and Branch look at each other in shock)

Oak: because you two were fighting all the time

Branch: oh, my goodness no! Me and mommy aren't splitting up, where would you get an idea like that?

Twig: Older trolls and some others said you two were going to break up because you were fighting so much, and I don't want mommy and daddy to be separated, I want to be a happy family (starts to tear up)

Poppy: (picks twig up) no no twiggy, me and daddy aren't going anywhere

Twig: (sniffles) you're not?

Poppy: of course not, we argue sometimes, and we had a rough time lately, but that doesn't mean we don't love each other, you and oak argue sometimes, and you still love each other, right?

Twig: I guess

Branch: (takes poppy's hand) I hate to break it to the trolls who said that, but when me and mommy got married we made a promise forever, no matter the fights, that's what it's all about, we're so sorry if we scared you guys

Poppy: yes we are, me and daddy love each other very much and that will never change, I guess we just let the stress get to us

Branch: we're very proud of you guys…you helped us see what was important, and you did amazing helping today and that sleep was needed (chuckles a little)

Poppy: (laughs) it was, you will make wonderful rulers of the village when you get older

(Oak and Twig groan a little)

Twig: we can wait! That was a lot of work! And taking care of the twins

(Poppy and Branch laugh again)

Branch: you're right it's a lot of work, but it's worth it (Picks up the twins and pulls them in for a huge hug) all this right here is, and this is how it will always be

Twig: yayyyy! Happy family!

Poppy: you got that right twiggy, how did we ever get lucky to have great kids like you, Guy and everyone else was right, everyone appreciated your help today

Branch: (Breaks out of the hug) now…tell me which trolls told you that we were breaking up?

Twig: (points all around)

Branch: (develops a smirk on his face) follow me…

(They reach the front of the village and step up on the mushroom and Branch takes poppy's hands and makes an announcement.)

Branch: attention everyone! I want to say to you all, we're happy Oak, Twig, Aster, and Ginger were able to help you guys, but we'll resuming our duties tomorrow! Also one more thing (Pulls poppy close to him and dips her down into a passionate kiss to which she happily returned) We're not going anywhere!

Oak: ewww!

Twig: yayyy mommy and daddy kissed and made up!

Aster&Ginger: Mama, dada!

(All the trolls laughed at the kid's reactions and cheered for the passionate kiss. They started to clap, and when branch and poppy broke apart, poppy had another thing to announce.)

Poppy: and since we missed the morning song… (smirks at branch and he knows that look)

Branch: (sings) Where it began, I can't begin to knowing

But then I know it's growing strong

Poppy: (sings) Was in the spring

And spring became the summer

Who'd have believed you'd come along

Both: (sings) Hands, touching hands

Reaching out, touching me, touching you

All trolls: (sing) Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good

Branch: (sings) I've been inclined

To believe they never would

But now I

Poppy: (sings) Look at the night and it don't seem so lonely

We filled it up with only two

Branch: (sings) And when I hurt

Hurting runs off my shoulders

How can I hurt when holding you

Both: (sings) One, touching one

Reaching out, touching me, touching you

All trolls: (sing) Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good

I've been inclined

To believe they never would

Oh no, no

(At the end of the song, Branch and Poppy kissed much to their kids and all the trolls delight, and they pulled their kids in for a group hug and laughed. Their kids had taught them something, never lose sight of what was important despite the stress.)

I missed writing! I will still figure out a way to incorporate Trolls World Tour into the story. If you haven't seen it, stop reading and go watch!

~Ash