Hot Cocoa for Two (A Trolls Human AU)

Chapter 5 - News

"Here's your order," I said, handing a man a cup of hot cocoa and a box of gingerbread cookies. He nodded in thanks and exited the shop. I sighed, resting my head on my hand, leaning on the counter. 

"Well you seem like a sad sack," Barb noted. "Is it the Creek situation?"

"N- Yeah..." I said, because I didn't want to tell her about my outburst earlier.

"Cheer up, I'm sure we'll think of something!" Barb said, offering a rare, hopeful smile.

"Thanks," I said, feeling better because Barb really was concerned. 

 DINGLE-DINGLE

The shop door's bell jingled. I glanced up to see who entered in. It was the crew from the auditions earlier.

Probably came to tell me the cost of fixing whatever I broke.

"Hello," I said, hoping to get on with it. "Is this about the speaker and light wires I tripped over? I haven't told my dad yet, but-"

"Oh it's not about that," a the first guy chuckled. "We came to uh, tell you, you got the part!"

I almost choked on my own spit.

"WHAT?!" Barb and I exclaimed simultaneously. We shared a confused glance.

"You got the part, no questions," he repeated, glancing around.

"This is a mistake," I said. "I didn't audition, she did," I said, pointing at Barb.

"Yeah, Poppy could never make it as an actor!" Barb replied. Ouch. Was that really necessary?

"Well that's that, you have to do it..." he trailed.

Barb nudged me. 

"You've gotta do it, it's the chance of a lifetime!" She whispered, her silver hoop earrings swinging. "Do it for me?"

I sighed, giving in. It would be really cool to play a part in this and my dad could definitely use the money...

"Ok," I said, taking the biggest dare of my life. 

"Great!!" He said, handing me a business card. "Shooting is at Harmony Park, couple minutes from the school."

"Yeah I know where that is," I replied.

"Perfect! See you there on Thursday!"

"Big break huh," Barb asked, refilling the receipt machine. I noticed her voice was different. ...jealous?

"I guess, but don't worry, this is your big break too," I assured her, resting a hand on hers. "They'll recognize your talent, I'm sure!"

"I dunno..." Barb said, shrugging off my hand. I frowned. I really hoped this whole thing wouldn't dent our friendship.

"Daddy I want gingerbread cookies!!" A young boy's voice announced. I glanced up.

"A bag of gingerbread please?" The dad asked.

"What size?" I mentally sighed, getting back to work.

That evening...

Click

"Dad?" I asked, closing the front door behind me. "Are you home?" I needed to talk to Dad right now, he always had good advice, assuming he wasn't paranoid about the situation.

Silence.

That meant Dad wasn't home. Great. 

DING

A notification caused my cell phone to vibrate. I looked at the message, and immediately wished I hadn't.

'Dear Poppy,