Brittany Lohan vs. Glory Braddock

[Braddock]

OOC: 2 of 2.
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December 6th, 2021
North Wessex Downs
Off Camera
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It has been two days since Glory Braddock spoke to the Board of Directors and assured them that her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Thomas Gage was purely professional. She had to reassure Aurora Alan later on, who suspected that there was more to the story than what The British Bombshell had told the Board. As it turns out, Aurora was right on the money. While Braddock has no interest in anything beyond a professional working relationship with Thomas, Glory is concerned that Thomas does want more, that he does want a close romantic relationship. Glory truly believes that Thomas wants her back. The added complication to this is their daughter, Melinda Braddock, whom Glory suspects also wants Glory and Thomas to get back together. It makes sense, in a way; Glory and Thomas are Melinda’s parents. Glory has long doubted just how close Melinda and her step-father, Glory’s current husband Kurt Logan, really are considering the fact that Melinda does not call him father or dad. But then there is the news that Glory received from her sister Chastity; Melinda, who had been staying with Chastity while in London has now moved in with Thomas Gage. So to say that The British Bombshell is worried would be an understatement. But just like Aurora said, Glory has to deal with this sooner rather than later. She needs to handle this and make sure Thomas understands that he will never have Glory back again. He must be made to understand that their romantic relationship is over. And Glory must do so in such a way that she does not push Melinda away.

Initially the plan was for The British Bombshell to confront Thomas and Melinda by herself. But Kurt Logan insisted that he come along this time. So against her better judgment she has allowed her husband to come along. Braddock is driving the scenic country roads of England. It is gorgeous out here, it is a view that Braddock doesn’t get to see that often. But it is out here in this off the beaten path area of England where Thomas Gage calls home. And it is at his home, on his turf, where Braddock and Kurt will meet with Thomas.

Braddock is staring straight ahead, focusing only on the road because she is driving, but at the same time her mind is wandering as she thinks about the upcoming meeting. Her husband Kurt sits in the passenger’s seat. He looks over at Glory and smirks.

“Y’know, babe, I am glad you’re driving.”

“Pfft, you should be driving.” Glory scoffs. “I’m too damn tense.”

“Yes but you’re used to driving on the wrong side of the road.”

Braddock rolls her eyes. “You Americans are the ones who drive on the wrong side of the road, love.”

“We’ll agree to disagree.” Kurt says with a chuckle. He hopes Glory will laugh too but he gets no response. “Oh, come on, Glory, lighten up.”

“I know you’re trying to lighten the mood and I appreciate the gesture but there’s nothing that will make me feel at ease about this. In fact, I’m still convinced you coming along is a good idea.”

“I admit that I don’t exactly trust Thomas. I never trusted him.”

“Then why the hell were you so on board with me working with him on the health insurance coverage plan for my company? Why were you on board with him seeing Melinda?”

“Because he is her father.”

“You are her father.” Glory states sternly.

“I am her step-father. He is her biological father.”

“There’s more to being a father…or a mother, for that matter…than just genetics. You did more to raise her into the woman she is today than that rat bastard Thomas Gage.”

“Perhaps but he still her biological father and I believe Melinda has a right to get to know him if she wants to. She is an adult now, Glory. We cannot continue to treat her like a child. She has to be allowed to make her own decisions, even if we don’t like them.”

“She’s barely an adult.” Braddock points out angrily. “She just turned twenty one this past October.”

“Point is she is still an adult. You clinging onto her like this and trying to force your ways and your beliefs onto her will only serve to push her away. You know this.”

“Yeah, I know.” Braddock sighs deeply with a sense of regret as she knows all too well that Kurt is right. “Now hush up, mate. We’re here.”

The British Bombshell turns the car into a drive. A little ways down the drive and they pull up to a large home, which towers over the landscape and looks beautiful combined with the backdrop of the rolling hills and lush green grass that surround it. Braddock pulls the car to a stop. She exits, followed by Kurt. Glory stares up at the front door for a moment. Kurt then steps up next to her and clasps her hand tightly.

“Are you ready?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Braddock and Kurt walk up to the front door. Glory knocks on the door and waits. A few moments later and she can hear footsteps approaching from inside. The door unlatches and then opens. Braddock and Kurt are immediately met by Melinda Braddock, looking gorgeous decked out in a pink sparkly cocktail dress and heels.

“Wow, Mel, you look…” Glory chuckles “...you look great.”

“Thanks, mom.” Melinda embraces her mother in a tight hug. Then she turns to Kurt and hugs him as well.

“How have you been, kiddo?” Kurt asks.

“I’ve been doing good.”

“Why didn’t you tell us you were staying here, though?” Glory asks. “I shouldn’t have to find this stuff out from your aunt Chastity.”

“Can we not talk about this right here and now? My father is waiting for you in the living room.”

Glory hates hearing Melinda refer to him as her father. He is her father but Glory hates to hear it or admit it. Reluctantly Glory nods her head and agrees. Melinda leads her mother and Kurt into the home and then through a short hallway that leads to a large luxurious living room. Braddock spots Thomas Gage standing up next to a marble fireplace with a glass of wine in hand. He grins from ear to ear upon seeing Glory and Kurt standing there.

“Ah, my daughter, I see that you have escorted our guests into our quaint home.” He crosses the living room and approaches Glory. He takes her by her hand and kisses the hand. “Welcome to my humble abode, my love.”

“I’m Kurt’s love now, mate.” Glory snarls. Thomas looks over at Kurt, who also seems to have a nasty sneer on his face.

“Ah yes, Mr. Logan.” He steps back. “My apologies, perhaps I overstepped my bounds.”

“Just a little bit.” Kurt remarks coldly.

“My apologies, sir. Do you or your wife want some drinks?”

“I think we’re fine.”

“You do not trust me. Fair enough. I suppose I brought that upon myself. And it is for that reason that I am glad we could get together and meet on this fine afternoon.” He motions to the sofa in the center of the room. “Come, sit. Surely you can trust me not to do anything out of order whilst my daughter is here.”

Glory does not trust him and neither does Kurt. But one look at Melinda’s bright and smiling face forces Braddock to back off, just for her sake and her sake alone. Kurt follows Glory deeper into the living room and towards the sofa. Kurt sits first followed by Glory. Melinda sits down on the sofa next to her mother. Thomas Gage then walks over towards a comfortable chair seated perpendicular to the sofa. He sits down on the chair. He turns first to look at Glory and then he looks back at Kurt. It is then that their host, Gage, breaks the ice.

“My good man, Mr. Logan, I just want to tell you that you indeed are a very lucky man. In fact, dare I say it, you are the luckiest man alive.”

“What makes you say that?” Kurt asks curiously.

“Why, look at the gorgeous beauty sitting next to you. Gloria Marie Braddock is one of the most beautiful of God’s creations. You are very lucky to have her by your side, Mr. Logan. I know this to be true because I was once as lucky as you.”

Now Gage turns his attention back towards Glory, who can feel his lust filled stare. “What Gloria and I had when we were but simple youth was special. Well, at least I thought it was special. I thought it was true love. And I would have her by my side today were it not for one person, one individual who messed that up.” Thomas pats himself on the chest. “Myself. I and I alone are to blame for losing the beautiful bombshell that sits before us today. I did not want to admit it and, for two months I was willing to do anything to get her back. I was willing to do whatever it took, legal or illegal, to win my way back into her heart. And I tried…I tried winning her with promises of wealth and protection…” his voice trails off.

“...but I was wrong. And my lovely Melinda, my daughter, she was the one who helped force me to see the truth. She spoke sense into my thick cranium, she made me realize that what her mother and I once had could never be again.”

Glory is shocked by this stunning admission. “Mel, did you really say all that?”

“Yep. He may be my father but at times he needs work on the whole common sense thing.”

“If you do not believe then accept this gift as a token of my goodwill…” Thomas rises up out of his chair and approaches a nearby desk. Braddock immediately starts shaking her head.

“No, Thomas. No trinkets, no jewelry, nothing of the sort. I thought I told you that you cannot buy my trust.”

“This isn’t jewelry.” He reaches inside the desk and produces an envelope. He takes it and approaches Glory. He hands her the envelope before sitting back down. “Look inside.”

Braddock begins flipping through the envelope. Her eyes grow wide. “This is…”

“Yes, it contains all of the, what do Americans call it, my daughter?”

“Dirt.” Melinda answers.

“Ah yes, it contains all of the dirt people like Ronald Kennedy, Meagan Collins, and Matthew Alan dug up on you.”

“How the hell did you get it?”

“I think it would be better if you did not know the answer to that question. Trust me, it was difficult to obtain, but that is everything. The originals, the copies, everything. None of your enemies has anything to hold over your head any longer.”

Braddock for a moment is thrilled to have all of this information, all of it in one folder, one envelope. It means she is safe. But then she looks back at Thomas and she is no longer certain of her safety. She stares at him skeptically.

“What do you want in return?”

“All I ask in return is to be part of your life, even if it is just as a friend or even just as a business partner.”

“That’s all?”

“That is all I wish.”

“And what if I don’t want anything to do with you?” Glory asks. And this draws a surprised shout from Melinda.

“Mom!”

“Hush, daughter.” Thomas says, calming Melinda down with a soothing voice. He turns his attention back to Glory. “Gloria, if this is truly how you feel then that is fine. You will never see me again after today if that is what you wish. I’m merely acknowledging that I have made many mistakes, the biggest mistake was running out on you when you needed me the most. I merely want a chance to make up for that sin. I want a second chance.”

The British Bombshell considers what her ex-boyfriend just said. But before she can form a response Melinda Braddock, her oldest daughter, speaks up. “Mom, things have not been all warm and fuzzy between me and my father. I know that it may not have been the best of things to do to just move in with him without telling you, especially knowing how you feel about him, but you also gotta understand mom that I am twenty-one years old. I can make my own decisions based on my own judgment. And my judgement tells me that my father is sincere about wanting a second chance.”

“Do you really think so, Mel?” Glory asks.

“I know so. My father and I had a bit of a come to Jesus meeting about all of this. He may be my father but that doesn’t change what he did. He ran out on me. It was his responsibility to help raise me but he bailed. It will take time to earn that trust back but I do think he’s sincere and I’m willing to give him that chance.” She turns her attention to Kurt. “But you, you didn’t have that responsibility. Biologically I’m not your kid. But you did pick up the load and carried it anyway. You raised me, you taught me so much, and I became the woman that I am today because of you. That makes you my daddy.” A tear rolls down her cheek. “There is a difference between a father and a daddy, and Kurt, you’re my dad.”

Melinda gets up, as does Kurt. They meet in the middle of the room and embrace in an emotion, heartfelt hug. Even Glory is emotional as she starts to wipe tears from her own eyes. Glory then turns her attention back to Thomas. He has risen up out of his chair. Glory stands up as well.

“So, Gloria…can you forgive me? Can you give me a second chance?”

“Thomas, I have tried to tell you many times that things will never ever be the same as they once were.” Braddock and Thomas lock hands. “What we had a long time ago…it may have been special. But it is also over. I am willing to forgive everything, even forgive you running out on me and Melinda. I am even willing to accept you as a friend. But you need to understand that it will only be as friends.”

“Understood.” Thomas answers with a nod of his head.

“And also understand that it will take a long time before I can fully trust you again.” Glory says through tear-filled red eyes. “You hurt me. You betrayed my trust. That isn’t something easy to get over.”

“I do understand, Gloria.” He smiles warmly. “I know it shall take time to earn your trust. I am just happy that at least I have both you and our daughter back in my life again. This is my second chance and I will not waste it.”

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December 8th, 2021
New York City
On Camera
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It is dusk out but the lights over New York City are as bright as ever. Specifically we are out in front of Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena. A few moments later and we find “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock entering from stage right. The beautiful blonde is wearing denim jeans, black boots, a purple crop top, and a black leather jacket. Her long blonde hair hangs straight and unrestrained to past the shoulders.

“Well here we are at Madison Square Garden, just twenty four hours before Breakdown. I have wrestled at this famous arena before and let me tell you, it is a very special thing to get to compete in this building right here. This building is typically reserved only for special nights and on a night when the SCW World Championship is to be decided between Cid Turner and Selena Frost, oh yeah, that is definitely a special night. And yet, as important as that match is, and as closely as I am going to be paying attention to that match…because yeah, I still want the winner…there is only one opponent special enough for me, and special enough for Madison Square Garden.” She points a finger at the camera.

“That’d be you, Britt.” Braddock chuckles. “You’re right, you have been fighting your friends a lot lately. First Ducky and now me. But hey, just like Ducky, I can honestly say that regardless of what happens at Breakdown you will still be my friend. Are you a little misguided? Yes. Do I think it’s bloody ridiculous of you to lower yourself to being a mere assassin for Kennedy Street? Yes. Am I going to kick your ass at Breakdown? Yeah, I’m planning on it. But you’re still my best mate.” Glory holds a thumbs up at the camera.

“I’m not sure how many people out there truly know our history so let me break it down for them. I met you in Motor City Wrestling. You wanted to crush me. You thought you could break me with your immense power and strength. And in our many one on one matches I did take a ton of abuse from you but each and every single time I managed to fight back and I managed to win. Eventually though, thanks to the twisted humor of the late Orlando Cruze, we were randomly paired together as a tag team. Were there hiccups along the way? Of course there were, but we would dominate, we would excel, and eventually we would come to a point where we held every single championship in that company. I was World Champion, you were Motor City Champion, and together we were the World Tag Team Champions. We called ourselves Twisted & Sadistic. And yes, we were unstoppable.”

“But we have both changed since then. Me? I am not the same person you once knew. I am longer the naive tomboy who sees the world through rose colored glasses. Through my many battles…many of them glorious victories, many of them painful defeats…I have learned about the cruelty of this business and how some people will do anything to win. Yet my moral compass has remained firm. I have always tried to fight for what I thought was the best for this business. I haven’t always done that the right way, but my motivation was always the same. My moral compass has always remained.”

“And you? You are someone’s paid lackey. Are someone’s hired gun. You aren’t targeting Cid Turner and Selena Frost for anything wrong they have done to you, you aren’t even targeting them to win the world title. You are targeting them because you are being paid to take them out. In a way, I agree with Holly. What you were doing, and apparently still are doing, for Kennedy, is what you Holly in her deranged mind thinks she was paying you to do. So hell, why not just drop any semblance of self respect and go be Holly’s personal bitch?” Glory shakes her head. “I wouldn’t do that. But I’m beginning to think you would. Because while part of me has changed, my innermost core of who I am has never changed. But you? You changed, Britt. I love you, mate, but you have changed. And maybe it’s time for me, on Breakdown, to knock some sense back into that head of yours?”

Braddock holds up a finger. “There is one other thing…you see, there is no one else in SCW who knows me better than you. So I understand that this is also quite possibly the biggest challenge I have been faced with. But you know as well as I do, Britt, that I thrive under pressure, I love a good challenge, and I look forward to the challenge that you are bringing to the table. And you know that I will bring my very best which you know damn well is better than nearly everyone else’s best in this whole damn company. Make no mistake about it, tomorrow night will be a war. And I am prepared for war. And this war, it is partly about right and wrong. It is about how you have crossed the line and how I need to put you back in your place. But selfishly this is also about me, because I have something to gain as well. I want the SCW World Championship. I want my title shot. And I’m not gonna let you ruin that for me, Britt. I’m not gonna let you ruin that by taking out Cid and Selena. I’m not gonna let you ruin that by taking me out. So instead, on Breakdown, it’ll be a preemptive strike. I am going to take you out before you can take anyone out.”

She shuts her eyes. “Sic Semper Tyrannis…”