Glory Braddock vs. Diamond Steele

[Braddock]

OOC: 1 of 2. Good luck.
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September 29th, 2021
London, England
Off Camera
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Albert Schweitzer once said that ‘happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.’ Being an outside looking in, you might think that Glory Braddock has had nothing but good memories and has lived nothing but a blessed life full of luxury. The truth is that The British Bombshell’s life has been far from easy and never as luxurious as it may seem right now. Her past is littered with bad memories, painful memories that she wishes she could erase but knows it is impossible. Since erasing the past is not possible, Braddock has settled for trying to forget those painful memories. She has settled for pushing them into the farthest reaches of her mind and hoping to never again be reminded of them. Unfortunately life is not fair and you do not always get what you want. In the case of Glory Braddock, there is one particular memory that she has tried to keep buried and locked away, but now has recently resurfaced and returned to haunt her. This memory is a person and his name Thomas Gage.

Braddock knew Thomas Gage when they were both teenagers in secondary school. They were young, reckless, and in love. They did not care about the consequences of their actions, they just cared only about the love they had for one another. As one may expect their love led to unrestrained and, most notably unprotected, sex, which led to Glory Braddock getting pregnant. The young British Bombshell was fearful of the prospects of motherhood but had hoped that the support of Thomas would help her get through it and maybe bring the two even closer. Braddock was disappointed when Thomas ran away, skipping out on his fatherly duties. Glory was pregnant as a teenager still in school, abandoned by the father of her child, and no idea what would come of her.

Luckily she not only survived but thrived thanks to the strong support system she had from her father and other family members. She gave birth to a beautiful daughter, Melinda Braddock, and has gone on to follow in her father’s footsteps as a professional wrestler. Glory would continue to raise Melinda as a strong, independent young woman. Meanwhile Thomas had never bothered to even reach out and contact his former lover. They had not spoken to one another for twenty years. Glory had hoped to push the memory of Thomas Gage out of her mind. But now that their daughter has come of age, Thomas has finally reached out. He finally has made contact, and now wants to meet his daughter and attempt to make things right between the three of them.

The happiness of Glory Braddock and her daughter Melinda is now in jeopardy thanks to the return of a bad memory known as Thomas Gage. Still, despite the bad feelings and bad memories that Gage brings, Glory is going to allow Thomas to see Melinda. He is, after all, her biological father. And after meeting with him twice now, Glory seems to believe that he may be sincere about his desire to make up for his past sins. What she is concerned about is if he has other ideas and another agenda? Does Thomas believe that there is still a chance for he and Glory to have a romantic relationship? She has already told him that anything beyond friendship was out of the question because she was happily married to Kurt Logan now. But she still has her doubts, she has her concerns, and she will be concerned until this meeting is over and finished.

The Braddock home just barely within the boundaries of London, England is alive with excited tension. The air is thick with anticipation as ‘The British’ Bombshell’ Glory Braddock sits on the sofa next to her daughter, young Melinda Braddock. This has been the familial home of the Braddock family. Glenn Braddock grew up here, he raised Glory and her sister Chastity here, and now Chastity lives here. Though Chastity is not here on this evening. She has left for the night leaving her older sister to utilize their family home for this special occasion to meet Thomas. Glory has a dual purpose behind wanting to utilize this home as the meeting place; number one, Thomas knows this place all too well. He and Glory share many memories of special times, romantic times in this home. There were times that they made love here in this home and Glenn never knew about it. Thus Thomas already knows how to get here and will not need directions. The other purpose behind using the Braddock family home is that Glory will feel comfortable here. This is her home turf. She has home field advantage.

“Do you think I look ok, mom?” Melinda asks nervously. Glory looks her daughter up and down. She is wearing a pink dress with half-sleeves and a hemline that stops just at the knee. For her part, Glory is dressed in a tight form fitting purple sparkly dress with a hemline that stops just above the knee. Both are dressed nice for this special occasion. Braddock smiles warmly at Melinda and nods her head.

“You look gorgeous, Mel.”

“Ok, good, cause I am a little nervous. Y’know?”

“I can imagine.” Braddock answers, nodding her head. “It’s perfectly understandable to be nervous.”

“It’s just that I thought you said I didn’t need to know anything about dad other than he ran out on us. But here we are getting ready to meet him. Why the sudden change?”

The British Bombshell sighs as she nods her head. “Yeah, you’re right, I haven’t exactly made your father sound like much of a saint. But as you know he did reach out to me recently. He claims that he’s changed.”

“Do you believe him?”

“Honestly?” Glory shrugs her shoulders. “I have no idea. It is hard to trust anyone when they have done what he has done. It will take a lot for him to earn my trust back, Mel. But I can say he at least sounds sincere. And besides, you did ask about him, and he IS your father. You two deserve to at least know one another. Right or wrong, that’s what I think.”

Melinda thinks upon her mother’s words for a few moments before she nods her head. “Fair enough. But uh, what’s he like?”

“What do you mean, love?”

“Well, um…is he older than you or younger than you? Were you a cougar?”

Glory chuckles. “No, I wasn’t a cougar. I’m still not, by the way. Your father is a couple years older than me.”

“Is he real tall, real short, medium sized, muscular, skinny?”

Again Glory laughs. “He’s taller than me but I wouldn’t say that he is exceptionally tall.”

“Fast or slow? What does he do for a living? And…”

“Bloody hell, stop it, love!” Braddock says as she cannot control her laughter. Even Melinda blushes and eventually starts laughing as she realizes what she was doing.

“Sorry, mom. I’m just nervous, that’s all.”

“It’s ok to be nervous. But everything will be fine. Trust me.” She takes her daughter by the hand and clasps it tightly. “I’m with you. And to answer your last question, your father is a businessman who deals primarily in insurance.”

Braddock pulls Melinda in and hugs her tightly. As they continue to embrace a doorbell is heard ringing. Glory immediately breaks up the hug as she realizes that this must be him; Thomas Gage has finally arrived. She sighs and forces a strong smile on her face, turning to look over at her daughter.

“Well he’s here, love. Are you ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“That’s my girl.” Glory stands up. “Wait here.”

Melinda nods her head and leans back. Glory then turns and walks away from the sofa and out of the living room. Braddock turns to walk down the hall until she reaches the door. She opens it up and sees Thomas Gage standing there in a three piece suit looking as stunning and handsome as ever. He bows like a chivalrous gentleman.

“My princess…”

“Thomas.”

He reaches into his coat pocket and produces a small box. He pops it open and pulls a diamond out of it. He passes it over to Glory. “This is for you, a princess like you deserves the finest of diamonds.”

“Thomas I…” she shakes her head “...I can’t accept this.” She tries to push it away but Thomas shakes his head and pushes it back towards her insistently.

“I insist.”

“I told you, I’m married.” She flashes her wedding ring in Thomas’s face. He sighs and nods his head.

“I know. This diamond is not meant to intrude or step over your marriage. This is merely a gift from me to you and I expect nothing in return for it. As I said, I am doing my best to make up for my past sins. Consider this yet another way of apologizing for abandoning you and our daughter.”

Glory sighs deeply. A part of her feels as if this is basically just buying her forgiveness, paying her off for the wrongs he did to her in the past. But another part of her looks at that diamond and cannot help but be astounded at its beauty. Reluctantly she accepts the diamond. “It is a gorgeous diamond.”

“A gorgeous diamond for a beautiful woman.” He kisses Glory’s hand. Braddock can see that his pouring on the charm offensive big time for this occasion. Nevertheless, she turns and motions for Thomas to follow her inside. He shuts the door as he follows her down the hall and then through to the living room. Then it is almost as if there was a silent cue, or maybe she just heard their footsteps coming, but as soon as they enter the living room Melinda Braddock stands up and turns to face the newcomers. Glory smiles warmly and motions to Thomas.

“Melinda, this is Thomas Gage…he is your father.”

Melinda is unsure what to do, unlike Thomas who takes the initiative by walking towards his daughter. As Thomas gets closer, Melinda extends a hand for a handshake. Thomas takes her hand and kisses it. Then he spins her around as if they were dancers on a dance floor.

“My life was incomplete and empty, missing hope and purpose, until I learned of you. Knowledge of your existence was enough to give me the hope that I never before had. Seeing you now fills me with joy that I never before knew. Having you in my life will restore purpose to my life.”

“Uh…thanks?” Melinda is dumbfounded by her father’s poetic words. Glory smirks knowingly as she watches from afar.

“That doesn’t sound very Biblical. Are you stealing from someone else other than Song of Solomon, mate?”

Thomas turns to look at Glory and winks. “Borrow, Gloria, my dear, it is called borrowing. And that was not theft. It was an original I came up with on the fly, as they say.”

“Wow, you came up with all that on your own?”

“But of course.” He turns his attention back to his daughter. “I am a bit of a poet.”

“Mom told you were just an insurance salesman.”

Gage chuckles. “There are a great many things your dear mother does not know about me. But hopefully our time together tonight will allow the three of us to make up for lost time. Before we can do that I have something for you, my precious daughter.” He reaches inside his coat pocket and produces a small box similar to the one he gave Glory earlier. He opens it up and produces a diamond necklace. Melinda stares in awe at the necklace. Even Glory herself is stunned.

“Wow…”

“You are almost speechless, my daughter.” He chuckles. He takes the necklace and places it around her neck. He clasps it on behind her. He then takes a step back and looks at her. He nods approvingly. “You look even more beautiful, if that were possible.”

Thomas guides Melinda towards the sofa where the two sit down. Glory follow suit, sitting down on the other side of Melinda. “My dear Melinda, my daughter, I know I have missed out on your infancy, your childhood, your teenage years, and now here you are an adult. I missed out on a great deal and that is my fault. As I told you mother, I am sincerely regretful of my actions and I want to make things right. This…you, me, your mother…this is what I have in mind for the three of us. Reunited as a family, as we should be.”

“Thomas, don’t…” Glory says sternly as if warning him. Thomas nods his head.

“I know, Gloria. I know things cannot be perfect. They never will be. But we can still be part of each other’s lives. That’s what I want. I just want to be a part of your life, Gloria, even if it is just as a friend. And I want to be a part of your life too, my daughter.” He turns towards Melinda again. “Your mother told you about me. But what about you? What is your chosen career path?”

“I’m…uh…” Melinda is still somewhat taken aback by her father’s personality. “...I’m a wrestler.”

“Ah yes; that is understandable. Your grandfather was quite the wrestler, your mother surpassed his success, and if that pattern continues then you will be an even better wrestler than both of them.”

“I kinda doubt that.” Melinda says shaking her head.

“Confidence, my daughter.” He pats her on the shoulder. “If I teach you nothing else, then learn this from me…if you have confidence then you can do anything.”

“Ok, da…I mean Thomas…”

“Thomas?” Gage seems curious as to why his daughter did not call him dad. He arches a brow. Melinda is noticeably upset and stands up.

“I, uh…I need to leave. I need to get some fresh air.” Melinda turns and walks out of the living room. Glory can hear the front door open and shut. Braddock turns and glares angrily at Thomas.

“Congratulations, mate. You upset her.”

“It was not my intention, I assure you.”

Braddock sighs and shakes her head. “Look, you seem genuine. You appear to sincerely care about her. And maybe you do care for her. But I want to warn you right now not to get her hopes up. She had to live a tough life growing up not knowing who her father was; she was picked on and teased by other kids who had normal families and at the very least knew the identities of both her parents. Melinda knew nothing. But she was strong and she endured it. Now in the span of a few weeks everything she knew that was real has been turned on its head. She now knows her father. She met him tonight. Usually she is strong enough to handle anything but this…” Braddock’s voice trails off “...she’s not taking this well and I don’t know why.”

“Perhaps this was a mistake?”

“It’s not just her, Thomas. I am not taking this very well either. You may not be able to see it because I have become very good at bottling up my emotions, but right now my mind is exploding with a mix of grief, joy, and hateful rage. Because you’re right, I did love you. I was prepared to commit to you. I had hoped that the pregnancy would lead to us getting married. When you ran off my entire world was crushed. For the first few months I was depressed. The only way I knew to handle it was to push those feelings and emotions away. And I never wanted to feel those painful feelings again so I became a tomboy hoping I wouldn’t attract the affections of anyone else. I wanted to be alone.”

“But you ended up marrying twice…first to Randall Williams and then to your current husband Kurt Logan.”

Braddock nods her head. “Yes, I had to go through a lot of grief and pain to get to the point where I could start having a romantic relationship again but I did. I want to spare my daughter from the pain and trauma of having something you love and cared deeply about only to lose it.”

“So you think our daughter…” his eyes light up “...cares about me?”

“Yeah, I think I do. I think that’s why she’s upset right now. She’s out there crying tears of joy, happy that you are in her life.”

“What about you?” Thomas asks. “Are you happy that I am back in your life?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugs her shoulders. “I haven’t decided yet. I still don’t know if I can trust you yet. But what I can tell you is that you already let me down once and that’s fine. I can take it if you let me down again. But Melinda seems to trust you. She seems happy that you are back. If you let her down, then by God I will make you pay.”

Thomas nods his head. “I understand. But Gloria,” he takes her by her hands and squeezes them tightly “I will never again abandon you and Melinda. I will never again let you two down. You have my word.”

Braddock sighs and shakes her head. “This isn’t about me, Thomas. You and me, whatever we once had, it is done. Ok? Maybe we can be friends, that is a possibility, but outside of that there is no future for you and I. You need to concern yourself more with not abandoning our daughter. Do not let her down, Thomas. I am taking a big risk here in letting you back into her life. Don’t make me regret it.”

The British Bombshell turns and storms out of the living room. The blonde beauty turns and walks down the hall towards the door. She exits and finds her daughter standing just outside. Melinda is sobbing lightly. Glory Braddock feels some slight guilt, bearing some of the responsibility as she helped set this up. She embraces Melinda in a tight hug.

“It’s ok, Mel. I know it is all overwhelming but it’s ok.”

“Mom?” Melinda looks up at her mother.

“Yes, love?”

“Thanks.”

“Thanks for what?”

“Thanks for letting me meet my dad. I know you had your reservations but I wanted this; maybe I needed this.” Melinda smiles as she wipes a tear from her eye. “Thanks.”

“Anything for you, Mel. Anything at all. I love you.”

“I love you too, mom.”