Shadows of deceit

8

Work went on like normal for the rest of the week, but one thing stuck worry to branch. Poppy was nowhere to be on site. the last he saw her was on Monday, and now here it is, Friday with still no trace of poppy. he wanted to text Poppy all week, but thinking back to what both Floyd and Cooper told him, and the overbearing looks from Creekthe other, he decided it was best if he didn't.

Despite his best efforts to focus on work, Branch found himself distracted by thoughts of Poppy. He wondered where she was, what she was doing, and if everything was okay. The absence of her presence at SparkleCorp felt like a void, a missing piece that disrupted the usual rhythm of their interactions.

As Branch typed on his computer, going through with payroll, he heard a knock on his door, peaking over his screen, he noticed Peppy leaning against his door frame, "Branch,"

"Mr. Springblossom," Branch simply responded before looking back down to his computer. "is there something I can help you with?" he asked sincerely.

"Nothing, I'm just checking up on you. it's your first payroll day, gotta make sure you're doing everything correctly," Peppy said with a small smile.

"I think payroll is going pretty well, thank you," he said as he continued to enter the numbers. but as he went to the next person on his list, his heart stopped, seeing Poppy's name on the screen. he swallowed deeply. Peppy was right there, he could easily ask him. But why was he scared to do so? the bruise that was on his cheek was healed by now, so getting hit again would just do the same damage as before. been there done that.

Branch's fingers hesitated over the keyboard as he stared at Poppy's name on the screen. His heart raced.

Peppy slowly made his way into Branch's office, "Everything okay, Branch?" He asked, moving closer to his desk. 

Branch glanced up from the screen, trying to compose himself despite the surge of emotions swirling within. "Yeah, everything's fine," he replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil beneath the surface.

Peppy leaned against the edge of Branch's desk, his gaze shifting to the screen where Branch had paused. His expression was kind, tinged with curiosity. "You seem a bit distracted. Is there something on your mind?"

Branch hesitated, his fingers hovering over the keyboard, unsure of how much to reveal. "I... uh, noticed Poppy's name on the payroll list," he admitted, his voice quieter than usual. "I haven't seen her around all week. Is she... okay?"

Peppy's brow furrowed slightly, his concern evident. "Ah, Poppy... yes, creek called me Tuesday morning," he explained carefully. "She and Creek took some time off together, a little vacation."

Branch's heart sank slightly at the mention of Creek. "Oh, I see," he managed to say, masking his disappointment with a neutral expression.

"Yeah, they just needed a break," Peppy continued, trying to offer reassurance. "They should be back next week."

Branch nodded, forcing a smile. "Of course. I'm glad to hear they're okay."

Peppy patted Branch's shoulder again, sensing his mixed emotions. "Don't worry too much, Branch. They'll be back before you know it. If there's anything you need in the meantime, just let me know."

"Thanks, Mr. Springblossom," Branch replied sincerely, grateful for Peppy's understanding.

"Just call me Peppy. no need for formalities when it's just the two of us," Peppy said with a smile. 

With Peppy's departure, Branch turned back to his work, trying to focus on the payroll tasks at hand. Yet, despite his efforts, thoughts of Poppy and Creek's sudden vacation lingered in his mind, stirring up a blend of curiosity and concern that would not easily be set aside.