12-04-2023, 11:07 AM
1 of 2
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December 2nd, 2023
Charlotte, NC
Off Camera
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Glory Braddock knows just how good of a wrestler she is; she is one of the best wrestlers on the SCW roster. She has won just about every brass ring there is to win within the company with the lone exception of the SCW World Tag Team Championship, which would make her a Supreme Champion. This is why the tag team division has become so very important to The British Bombshell. It is the one landscape she has yet to conquer within SCW. Still, despite this, she knows that she is a very accomplished wrestler. Arguably, one of the best ever. Braddock knows how good she is and she has always preferred to let her own fate in wrestling matches be decided on her own terms. She wins if she is good enough, she loses if she wasn’t good enough. It is and always has been that simple for The British Bombshell. As her career progressed, Braddock would learn that the wrestling business is not always that simple. As much as she would like to think that everything between those ropes is under control, she has realized that once in awhile there comes moments when she is under the control of sheer luck and fate. One such moment comes up in these first two editions of Breakdown when SCW brings back the infamous luck of the draw event known as Fatal Fortunes.
Fatal Fortunes is not one of Braddock’s particularly favorite events, mainly because circumstances, scenarios, and situations are all outside of her control. She will not know who her opponent is until they step through the curtain, thus she has no way to prepare for them. Braddock will not know what kind of match to prepare for either, as any and every possible match type ranging from a typical standard match to Underground Rules and even tag team matches are all on the table as possible options. The only silver lining Glory can see is that it is, at least, an even playing field. Every other wrestler, including whoever her opponent (or opponents) turns out to be is faced with the exact same limitations. There is also another bright and shiny silver lining that Braddock cannot ignore and that is the fact that every championship in Supreme Championship Wrestling will be defended in Fatal Fortunes.
Is Glory Braddock a gold hog? No, but she does want to test herself against the very best. She does want to prove to the entire world that she is among the best wrestlers in the world. Holding championship gold in the premier wrestling promotion in the world today would showcase herself as among the very best. Plus the opportunity to maybe get drawn for a tag team championship and finish her journey to become Supreme Champion is there. Glory Braddock still has a bad taste in her mouth from how she lost the SCW Television Championship thanks to her cousin Kimberly’s Trios Cash In; this could be an opportunity to win that title back. Or the best possibility of them all, Glory Braddock could get a shot at the SCW World Championship. She held that title for a cup of coffee once. She could have another reign with it if she gets the lucky draw. So no, she doesn’t have any control about what her place will be in Fatal Fortunes. She just has to accept that. But the possibility is there for The British Bombshell to get very lucky and strike it rich with the opportunity of a lifetime if, and only if, fate decides to smile down upon her.
The problem for Glory Braddock is that she has had a difficult time trusting in the hand of fate lately. It hadn’t been that long ago when fate decided to reunite Glory Braddock with her former childhood friend turned childhood bully Melody Murphy. Melody wants to invest in Glory’s corporate empire and she wants to marry Glory’s best friend, Matthew Taylor. Braddock has found it very difficult to accept this, and she has found it damn near impossible to trust Melody when she claims that she just wants to be Glory’s friend again and to put the past behind them. Glory recognizes that she cannot stop the investment deal from going down and she cannot stop Melody and her friend Matthew from getting married. And after talking to her tag team partner Brittany Lohan, after talking to her adopted mother Aphrodite Noel, Glory is even willing to give Melody a chance. But she still cannot find it within her to fully trust her.
Still, despite her hesitation and reluctance to accept this new reality, Glory must find a way to cope with the fact that she and Melody are back within one another’s orbit. Melody Murphy is back in her life and, apparently, is here to stay. This is what brings The British Bombshell to Charlotte, North Carolina on this Saturday morning. Braddock isn’t exactly fond of Charlotte and typically on shows her face in the queen city for business purposes, since her company, Glorious Golden Enterprise, is headquartered here. But this trip isn’t about business, at least not of the corporate variety. Melody Murphy is marrying Matthew Taylor and Glory Braddock has agreed to be a part of the wedding ceremony.
The British Bombshell is dressed in loose fitting jeans, white sneakers, and a purple t-shirt. Her long blonde hair is pulled into a ponytail in the back. She strides confidently up towards the opulent front door of the Charlotte apartment of Francis Taylor; Matthew Taylor’s older sister and the corporate president of Glorious Golden Enterprise. Francis also was once a childhood friend of Glory Braddock. Francis, Glory, and Melody once terrorized their community as a trio of mean girls. That was before Melody turned on Glory, for reasons that still remain a mystery. But now Melody claims to want to put the past behind them and Glory, despite her misgivings, is willing to give it a chance. Braddock reaches the door, which exudes sophistication. Glory thinks about how grand this whole apartment looks, and how Francis, like Melody has no qualms flaunting their wealth. But then again, Glory isn’t that much different. Glory used to be different. She used to prefer a humble environment, she never used to flaunt her wealth, but realizing that she, too lives in quite a luxurious home back in Miami makes her think that maybe she isn’t that much different from her former friends after all?
Before Glory can even ring the doorbell she can hear the door start to open. It opens and Braddock spots Francis Taylor standing there in the doorway, dressed in a black knee length skirt, black high heeled pumps, and a white silk blouse. Glory forces a friendly smile upon her face.
“Gloria! You made it!”
“Of course.” Glory says. “Is Melody already here?”
“Yes, I picked her up from the airport a couple of hours ago.” Francis motions for Glory to step into the home. Braddock sighs and steps across the threshold. Francis shuts the door behind them and then leads Glory through the elegant home and into the luxurious living room area. Once inside this grand living area Braddock spots the one person she trusts least of all, but whom she must try to be friendly with; Melody Murphy. Melody is wearing a red sundress with a hemline that stops just at the knees and simple sandals. She has a glass of red wine in her hand.
“Mels!” Francis announces. “Look who finally showed up!” Melody turns around and lays her eyes upon Glory. Braddock waves and flashes a friendly smile. Melody approaches her and embraces her in a hug.
“Glory! I am so glad you made it!”
“Yeah, glad to be here, mate.” Glory is somewhat struck by Melody’s initial behavior. The smile, the mannerism, the hug, all of it seems sincere. Melody even used Glory’s preferred name, not the name Melody used to call her when they were children. When they were kids, Melody and Francis always called her Maria, which is Glory’s middle name. But Glory insisted that she no longer identified as Maria. The fact that Melody is adhering to her wishes is a promising sign. Francis brings Glory a glass of wine. The three women then approach a luxurious cream colored sofa and sit down.
“Matthew told me the good news.” Melody says as her face lights up. “You agreed to be his Best Man…err, sorry, Best Woman.”
“Matty is a good friend.” Glory states. “Of course I would help him make that long walk into domestic bliss.” Glory chuckles softly. “Have you decided on a Maid of Honor?” Glory asks. Melody nods her head.
“That’s the best part.” Melody motions to Francis. “Francis and I have been close for a long time. I couldn’t think of anyone better to be my Maid of Honor than Francis. That means the band is back together.” Melody says with a knowing grin on her face. Glory, for her part, is a little confused.
“The band?”
“Yes, you…me…Francis…the band is back together.” Melody is grinning from ear to ear. “This is what I have always wanted; for the three of us to be back together again, just like the way it was before.”
“Yeah, that’s a nice thought.” Glory takes a sip of her wine. “But you must understand this, Melody. I am willing to give you a chance, I am willing to give you a chance and see if you really are sincere about being friends again, but remember what I said, it cannot be like it was before. It can never be like it was before. I am not the same person I was back then and I never will be.”
“Glory…” Francis starts to object but Melody holds up a hand to silence her.
“It’s ok, Francis.” Melody turns her attention back to Glory. “You have every right to be mad, and you have no reason to trust me, but I do want our friendship back. That is why I am so happy you accepted Matthew’s request to be his Best Woman, why I am so happy Francis agreed to be my Maid of Honor. This way, all three of us are once again working together…we are business partners, we are partners in this wedding, this is everything I have wanted and I want it regardless of whether it is with this version of you, the old you, whatever version of you. It doesn’t matter. As long as you’re my friend.”
“That’s a good start.” Glory remarks as she sips on her wine. “Anyway, since we are ‘partners’ again, what should we plan first? More wedding prep or do you want to talk more about the investment deal?”
“Neither.” Francis chimes in, shaking her head.
“Wait, what?” Glory looks confused. “Why did you bother asking me to meet the two of you here in Charlotte, knowing I do not like this place, just to chit chat?”
“Oh there will be plenty of time to talk shop or plan my wedding.” Melody states. “But today, I want to do something special, just the three of us.”
“What?”
“I want the three of us to go out and enjoy a night on the town.” Melody says beaming. “Just like when we were teenagers. Without a care in the world. The world is our oyster.”
“Now I know you’re bonkers.” Glory shakes her head. “We were kids back then and…”
“And so what?” Melody answers back. “What’s wrong with having a little fun?”
“It’s just that…”
“Look, if you want to talk business or do wedding prep we can do that later. But seriously, more than anything else I want my friends back, both of them. It has been a long time since the three of us went out and really had a wild night on the town.”
“We were teens when we last did that.” Glory answers. Melody nods her head.
“Exactly. So what do you say? Just one night. It’s all I ask.”
Glory sighs deeply. “I know I’m going to regret this…”
“But you’re in?” Melody looks hopeful. Glory nods her head.
“Bloody hell, why not?” She grins. “Yes, I’m in.”
==========
December 2nd, 2023
Charlotte, NC
Off Camera
==========
Several hours have passed since that initial morning meeting. As the time grew closer and closer for their planned ‘night on the town’ Glory began to feel more hesitant, wondering if she had let up her guard a little too soon? But it was too late to back out. She had to go and hit the bar scene with her friends. And yet as the hit the bars, as they danced the night away, as they talked and laughed, the more relaxed Glory Braddock began to feel around Melody and Francis. The more at home she began to feel with them. Not only had Glory dropped her guard but she completely obliterated what little guard she had.. For this brief moment in time, this night on the town, no longer did Glory view Francis as a manipulator or Melody as her childhood friend turned enemy, she just saw them as her friends. The trio of women are currently sitting at a bar, each with a glass of a fruity alcoholic beverage in front of them. They are all dressed to the nines and are laughing the night away.
“You know, Francis,” Glory begins “I’m married. Mels is about to be married. You are the only one of us not to be married?”
“That is funny.” Francis laughs. “I remember we swore to never marry because no mortal man deserved us.”
“And we were right.” Melody smirks. “But y’know, Glory is right, she and I have a special man in our lives, but that leaves you all alone.”
“So?”
“So we should change that. “ Glory says with a look of mischief on her face. She scans the room and spots a middle aged gentleman with a scraggly beard that goes down to near his naval. “There. I should introduce you to him.”
“Hell no!” Francis excclaims.
“He looks like your type.” Glory points out.
“Sorry, Gloria, but Duck Dynasty is NOT my type.”
“Ok, what about him?” Glory points to another man, this one is string thin, wears suspenders, and has thick glasses. Francis rolls her eyes.
“Nerds are not my type, either.”
“I think you’re just too picky.” Glory states. “She points to a man, obviously drunk, as he staggers out of the front door of the bar. Francis sighs with disgust.
“He looks like a pathetic pig.”
“Pigs are very intelligent animals.” Glory answers.
“But I am not interested in farm animals or drunks.”
“Well you need to find someone.” Glory insists. “If the band is truly gonna get back together then you need a man of your own too.”
“No chance.” Francis shakes her head. “I intend to remain single. I meant it when I said man does not deserve me.” Francis gently gets up off of her stool. “Now if you excuse me, I need to go to the lady’s room.”
Francis starts to walk away. Glory and Melody giggle as they watch her walk away. Once Francis is out of sight Melody turns to face Glory. “You don’t think we upset her, did we?”
“No way.” Glory shakes her head. “Francis has thick skin. Besides, she knows it was just a joke.”
“I know. Still.” Melody sighs uneasily. “We were pretty mean to you once.”
“I know that.” Glory answers. “But I’d rather not talk about it. I’m enjoying myself too much.”
“Really?” Melody asks. Glory nods her head.
“I didn’t think it was possible, that this would be a reality, but you know what? This whole night has been fun. I forgot how much I enjoyed these nights out with you and Francis.”
“We really were thick as thieves.”
“We ran wild.” Glory agrees.
“And you know what?” Melody lays her hand on Glory’s hand. “I missed my friend.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
“I’m sorry, Glory. I’m sorry for everything. I know I’ve already asked. I know you said you would give me a chance but…” she sighs “...can we be friends again?”
“I think…” Glory grins and a tear forms out of the corner of her eye “...I think I’d like that.”
Before the two women can say anything else, this heartwarming moment is shattered by a loud explosion that rocks the bar. Glass from the windows are shattered and several patrons are screaming. Glory and Melody exchange nervous glances at one another.
“That sounded like it came from outside.”
“What do you think happened?” Melody asks. Glory shrugs her shoulders.
“I have no idea.” Glory steels herself. “But I’m going to find out.”
“Glory, wait…” Melody tries to stop her but its too late. Glory is already off of her stool and is walking towards the exit. Melody reluctantly follows her. Once Melody catches up she finds Glory Braddock outside the bar standing side by side with Francis Taylor. Both Melody and Glory are surprised to see her there.
“What are you doing here?” Glory asks. “I thought you went to the bathroom?”
“I did. I was about to return when I heard the explosion.”
“What happened?” Melody asks. Glory points over to a fire in the parking lot. Melody gasps as she notices that it is a car that has exploded, a car is on fire. And it isn’t just any car that exploded…
“That…that’s my car!” Francis exclaims. Francis tries to rush toward it but Glory grabs her and pulls her back.
“Don’t be insane!” Glory exclaims. “It’s dangerous!” Sirens can be heard off in the distance. The overwhelming reality of the situation quickly sobers the three women, but especially Francis Taylor, whose vehicle just went up in flames.
“I could have been dead…” she says quietly.
“I know.” Glory answers, trying to calm her by patting her on the back.
“You don’t understand.” Francis says. “I was going to suggest that we leave. I was going to return from the bathroom and I was going to suggest that three of us leave. We would have been inside when it exploded.”
“I know.” Glory nods her head. “But everything is ok.”
Glory doesn’t believe a word of what she just told Francis but she has to say something to calm everyone down. Braddock realizes the enormity of what just happened and how close to disaster the three of them just came. The band did come back together but they were almost killed together this evening. And Glory Braddock cannot shake the feeling that something else is afoot here and that this new problem isn’t about to go away so quickly.
==========
December 2nd, 2023
Charlotte, NC
Off Camera
==========
Glory Braddock knows just how good of a wrestler she is; she is one of the best wrestlers on the SCW roster. She has won just about every brass ring there is to win within the company with the lone exception of the SCW World Tag Team Championship, which would make her a Supreme Champion. This is why the tag team division has become so very important to The British Bombshell. It is the one landscape she has yet to conquer within SCW. Still, despite this, she knows that she is a very accomplished wrestler. Arguably, one of the best ever. Braddock knows how good she is and she has always preferred to let her own fate in wrestling matches be decided on her own terms. She wins if she is good enough, she loses if she wasn’t good enough. It is and always has been that simple for The British Bombshell. As her career progressed, Braddock would learn that the wrestling business is not always that simple. As much as she would like to think that everything between those ropes is under control, she has realized that once in awhile there comes moments when she is under the control of sheer luck and fate. One such moment comes up in these first two editions of Breakdown when SCW brings back the infamous luck of the draw event known as Fatal Fortunes.
Fatal Fortunes is not one of Braddock’s particularly favorite events, mainly because circumstances, scenarios, and situations are all outside of her control. She will not know who her opponent is until they step through the curtain, thus she has no way to prepare for them. Braddock will not know what kind of match to prepare for either, as any and every possible match type ranging from a typical standard match to Underground Rules and even tag team matches are all on the table as possible options. The only silver lining Glory can see is that it is, at least, an even playing field. Every other wrestler, including whoever her opponent (or opponents) turns out to be is faced with the exact same limitations. There is also another bright and shiny silver lining that Braddock cannot ignore and that is the fact that every championship in Supreme Championship Wrestling will be defended in Fatal Fortunes.
Is Glory Braddock a gold hog? No, but she does want to test herself against the very best. She does want to prove to the entire world that she is among the best wrestlers in the world. Holding championship gold in the premier wrestling promotion in the world today would showcase herself as among the very best. Plus the opportunity to maybe get drawn for a tag team championship and finish her journey to become Supreme Champion is there. Glory Braddock still has a bad taste in her mouth from how she lost the SCW Television Championship thanks to her cousin Kimberly’s Trios Cash In; this could be an opportunity to win that title back. Or the best possibility of them all, Glory Braddock could get a shot at the SCW World Championship. She held that title for a cup of coffee once. She could have another reign with it if she gets the lucky draw. So no, she doesn’t have any control about what her place will be in Fatal Fortunes. She just has to accept that. But the possibility is there for The British Bombshell to get very lucky and strike it rich with the opportunity of a lifetime if, and only if, fate decides to smile down upon her.
The problem for Glory Braddock is that she has had a difficult time trusting in the hand of fate lately. It hadn’t been that long ago when fate decided to reunite Glory Braddock with her former childhood friend turned childhood bully Melody Murphy. Melody wants to invest in Glory’s corporate empire and she wants to marry Glory’s best friend, Matthew Taylor. Braddock has found it very difficult to accept this, and she has found it damn near impossible to trust Melody when she claims that she just wants to be Glory’s friend again and to put the past behind them. Glory recognizes that she cannot stop the investment deal from going down and she cannot stop Melody and her friend Matthew from getting married. And after talking to her tag team partner Brittany Lohan, after talking to her adopted mother Aphrodite Noel, Glory is even willing to give Melody a chance. But she still cannot find it within her to fully trust her.
Still, despite her hesitation and reluctance to accept this new reality, Glory must find a way to cope with the fact that she and Melody are back within one another’s orbit. Melody Murphy is back in her life and, apparently, is here to stay. This is what brings The British Bombshell to Charlotte, North Carolina on this Saturday morning. Braddock isn’t exactly fond of Charlotte and typically on shows her face in the queen city for business purposes, since her company, Glorious Golden Enterprise, is headquartered here. But this trip isn’t about business, at least not of the corporate variety. Melody Murphy is marrying Matthew Taylor and Glory Braddock has agreed to be a part of the wedding ceremony.
The British Bombshell is dressed in loose fitting jeans, white sneakers, and a purple t-shirt. Her long blonde hair is pulled into a ponytail in the back. She strides confidently up towards the opulent front door of the Charlotte apartment of Francis Taylor; Matthew Taylor’s older sister and the corporate president of Glorious Golden Enterprise. Francis also was once a childhood friend of Glory Braddock. Francis, Glory, and Melody once terrorized their community as a trio of mean girls. That was before Melody turned on Glory, for reasons that still remain a mystery. But now Melody claims to want to put the past behind them and Glory, despite her misgivings, is willing to give it a chance. Braddock reaches the door, which exudes sophistication. Glory thinks about how grand this whole apartment looks, and how Francis, like Melody has no qualms flaunting their wealth. But then again, Glory isn’t that much different. Glory used to be different. She used to prefer a humble environment, she never used to flaunt her wealth, but realizing that she, too lives in quite a luxurious home back in Miami makes her think that maybe she isn’t that much different from her former friends after all?
Before Glory can even ring the doorbell she can hear the door start to open. It opens and Braddock spots Francis Taylor standing there in the doorway, dressed in a black knee length skirt, black high heeled pumps, and a white silk blouse. Glory forces a friendly smile upon her face.
“Gloria! You made it!”
“Of course.” Glory says. “Is Melody already here?”
“Yes, I picked her up from the airport a couple of hours ago.” Francis motions for Glory to step into the home. Braddock sighs and steps across the threshold. Francis shuts the door behind them and then leads Glory through the elegant home and into the luxurious living room area. Once inside this grand living area Braddock spots the one person she trusts least of all, but whom she must try to be friendly with; Melody Murphy. Melody is wearing a red sundress with a hemline that stops just at the knees and simple sandals. She has a glass of red wine in her hand.
“Mels!” Francis announces. “Look who finally showed up!” Melody turns around and lays her eyes upon Glory. Braddock waves and flashes a friendly smile. Melody approaches her and embraces her in a hug.
“Glory! I am so glad you made it!”
“Yeah, glad to be here, mate.” Glory is somewhat struck by Melody’s initial behavior. The smile, the mannerism, the hug, all of it seems sincere. Melody even used Glory’s preferred name, not the name Melody used to call her when they were children. When they were kids, Melody and Francis always called her Maria, which is Glory’s middle name. But Glory insisted that she no longer identified as Maria. The fact that Melody is adhering to her wishes is a promising sign. Francis brings Glory a glass of wine. The three women then approach a luxurious cream colored sofa and sit down.
“Matthew told me the good news.” Melody says as her face lights up. “You agreed to be his Best Man…err, sorry, Best Woman.”
“Matty is a good friend.” Glory states. “Of course I would help him make that long walk into domestic bliss.” Glory chuckles softly. “Have you decided on a Maid of Honor?” Glory asks. Melody nods her head.
“That’s the best part.” Melody motions to Francis. “Francis and I have been close for a long time. I couldn’t think of anyone better to be my Maid of Honor than Francis. That means the band is back together.” Melody says with a knowing grin on her face. Glory, for her part, is a little confused.
“The band?”
“Yes, you…me…Francis…the band is back together.” Melody is grinning from ear to ear. “This is what I have always wanted; for the three of us to be back together again, just like the way it was before.”
“Yeah, that’s a nice thought.” Glory takes a sip of her wine. “But you must understand this, Melody. I am willing to give you a chance, I am willing to give you a chance and see if you really are sincere about being friends again, but remember what I said, it cannot be like it was before. It can never be like it was before. I am not the same person I was back then and I never will be.”
“Glory…” Francis starts to object but Melody holds up a hand to silence her.
“It’s ok, Francis.” Melody turns her attention back to Glory. “You have every right to be mad, and you have no reason to trust me, but I do want our friendship back. That is why I am so happy you accepted Matthew’s request to be his Best Woman, why I am so happy Francis agreed to be my Maid of Honor. This way, all three of us are once again working together…we are business partners, we are partners in this wedding, this is everything I have wanted and I want it regardless of whether it is with this version of you, the old you, whatever version of you. It doesn’t matter. As long as you’re my friend.”
“That’s a good start.” Glory remarks as she sips on her wine. “Anyway, since we are ‘partners’ again, what should we plan first? More wedding prep or do you want to talk more about the investment deal?”
“Neither.” Francis chimes in, shaking her head.
“Wait, what?” Glory looks confused. “Why did you bother asking me to meet the two of you here in Charlotte, knowing I do not like this place, just to chit chat?”
“Oh there will be plenty of time to talk shop or plan my wedding.” Melody states. “But today, I want to do something special, just the three of us.”
“What?”
“I want the three of us to go out and enjoy a night on the town.” Melody says beaming. “Just like when we were teenagers. Without a care in the world. The world is our oyster.”
“Now I know you’re bonkers.” Glory shakes her head. “We were kids back then and…”
“And so what?” Melody answers back. “What’s wrong with having a little fun?”
“It’s just that…”
“Look, if you want to talk business or do wedding prep we can do that later. But seriously, more than anything else I want my friends back, both of them. It has been a long time since the three of us went out and really had a wild night on the town.”
“We were teens when we last did that.” Glory answers. Melody nods her head.
“Exactly. So what do you say? Just one night. It’s all I ask.”
Glory sighs deeply. “I know I’m going to regret this…”
“But you’re in?” Melody looks hopeful. Glory nods her head.
“Bloody hell, why not?” She grins. “Yes, I’m in.”
==========
December 2nd, 2023
Charlotte, NC
Off Camera
==========
Several hours have passed since that initial morning meeting. As the time grew closer and closer for their planned ‘night on the town’ Glory began to feel more hesitant, wondering if she had let up her guard a little too soon? But it was too late to back out. She had to go and hit the bar scene with her friends. And yet as the hit the bars, as they danced the night away, as they talked and laughed, the more relaxed Glory Braddock began to feel around Melody and Francis. The more at home she began to feel with them. Not only had Glory dropped her guard but she completely obliterated what little guard she had.. For this brief moment in time, this night on the town, no longer did Glory view Francis as a manipulator or Melody as her childhood friend turned enemy, she just saw them as her friends. The trio of women are currently sitting at a bar, each with a glass of a fruity alcoholic beverage in front of them. They are all dressed to the nines and are laughing the night away.
“You know, Francis,” Glory begins “I’m married. Mels is about to be married. You are the only one of us not to be married?”
“That is funny.” Francis laughs. “I remember we swore to never marry because no mortal man deserved us.”
“And we were right.” Melody smirks. “But y’know, Glory is right, she and I have a special man in our lives, but that leaves you all alone.”
“So?”
“So we should change that. “ Glory says with a look of mischief on her face. She scans the room and spots a middle aged gentleman with a scraggly beard that goes down to near his naval. “There. I should introduce you to him.”
“Hell no!” Francis excclaims.
“He looks like your type.” Glory points out.
“Sorry, Gloria, but Duck Dynasty is NOT my type.”
“Ok, what about him?” Glory points to another man, this one is string thin, wears suspenders, and has thick glasses. Francis rolls her eyes.
“Nerds are not my type, either.”
“I think you’re just too picky.” Glory states. “She points to a man, obviously drunk, as he staggers out of the front door of the bar. Francis sighs with disgust.
“He looks like a pathetic pig.”
“Pigs are very intelligent animals.” Glory answers.
“But I am not interested in farm animals or drunks.”
“Well you need to find someone.” Glory insists. “If the band is truly gonna get back together then you need a man of your own too.”
“No chance.” Francis shakes her head. “I intend to remain single. I meant it when I said man does not deserve me.” Francis gently gets up off of her stool. “Now if you excuse me, I need to go to the lady’s room.”
Francis starts to walk away. Glory and Melody giggle as they watch her walk away. Once Francis is out of sight Melody turns to face Glory. “You don’t think we upset her, did we?”
“No way.” Glory shakes her head. “Francis has thick skin. Besides, she knows it was just a joke.”
“I know. Still.” Melody sighs uneasily. “We were pretty mean to you once.”
“I know that.” Glory answers. “But I’d rather not talk about it. I’m enjoying myself too much.”
“Really?” Melody asks. Glory nods her head.
“I didn’t think it was possible, that this would be a reality, but you know what? This whole night has been fun. I forgot how much I enjoyed these nights out with you and Francis.”
“We really were thick as thieves.”
“We ran wild.” Glory agrees.
“And you know what?” Melody lays her hand on Glory’s hand. “I missed my friend.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
“I’m sorry, Glory. I’m sorry for everything. I know I’ve already asked. I know you said you would give me a chance but…” she sighs “...can we be friends again?”
“I think…” Glory grins and a tear forms out of the corner of her eye “...I think I’d like that.”
Before the two women can say anything else, this heartwarming moment is shattered by a loud explosion that rocks the bar. Glass from the windows are shattered and several patrons are screaming. Glory and Melody exchange nervous glances at one another.
“That sounded like it came from outside.”
“What do you think happened?” Melody asks. Glory shrugs her shoulders.
“I have no idea.” Glory steels herself. “But I’m going to find out.”
“Glory, wait…” Melody tries to stop her but its too late. Glory is already off of her stool and is walking towards the exit. Melody reluctantly follows her. Once Melody catches up she finds Glory Braddock outside the bar standing side by side with Francis Taylor. Both Melody and Glory are surprised to see her there.
“What are you doing here?” Glory asks. “I thought you went to the bathroom?”
“I did. I was about to return when I heard the explosion.”
“What happened?” Melody asks. Glory points over to a fire in the parking lot. Melody gasps as she notices that it is a car that has exploded, a car is on fire. And it isn’t just any car that exploded…
“That…that’s my car!” Francis exclaims. Francis tries to rush toward it but Glory grabs her and pulls her back.
“Don’t be insane!” Glory exclaims. “It’s dangerous!” Sirens can be heard off in the distance. The overwhelming reality of the situation quickly sobers the three women, but especially Francis Taylor, whose vehicle just went up in flames.
“I could have been dead…” she says quietly.
“I know.” Glory answers, trying to calm her by patting her on the back.
“You don’t understand.” Francis says. “I was going to suggest that we leave. I was going to return from the bathroom and I was going to suggest that three of us leave. We would have been inside when it exploded.”
“I know.” Glory nods her head. “But everything is ok.”
Glory doesn’t believe a word of what she just told Francis but she has to say something to calm everyone down. Braddock realizes the enormity of what just happened and how close to disaster the three of them just came. The band did come back together but they were almost killed together this evening. And Glory Braddock cannot shake the feeling that something else is afoot here and that this new problem isn’t about to go away so quickly.
![[Image: qyA5u6K.png]](https://i.imgur.com/qyA5u6K.png)
SCW World Champion 1x
SCW United States Champion 1x
SCW Adrenaline Champion 1x
SCW Television Champion 1x
SCW World Tag Team Champion 1x (w/Brittany Lohan)
Supreme Champion
2019 Trios Tournament Winner (w/ Regan Street & Kellen Jeffries)
2020 Trios Tournament Winner (w/ Ace Marshall & David Helms)
SCW Adrenaline Champion 1x
SCW Television Champion 1x
SCW World Tag Team Champion 1x (w/Brittany Lohan)
Supreme Champion
2019 Trios Tournament Winner (w/ Regan Street & Kellen Jeffries)
2020 Trios Tournament Winner (w/ Ace Marshall & David Helms)