Ultimate X- Ultimate Surprise: Part 1
I’ve been in SCU and SCW to understand that not only am I not well liked or respected, but neither is me love, Darcy. I know she comes across as controlling, and tends to get involved in me matches a lot- or she used to until I asked her to stop. But, there’s a lot more to our story than people know or understand. I know it going into this match at Summer XXXtreme it doesn’t really matter and has nothin’ to do with it, but if I’m gonna stand a chance at becomin’ a double champion, I need to clear the air. If I’m gonna fight fer people to start respectin’ me and takin’ me seriously, that means I need to tell our whole story so maybe ye’ll all understand where I’m comin’ from. And maybe ye’ll understand Darcy just a little bit better.
Our relationship hasn’t been the easiest, and most of it is all me fault, actually. I’ve always loved Darcy, but when Misty came into me life...well, that situation was more complicated than I can understand to this day. Misty and I...we were meant to be together, even if our time was cut short. We never would have had Owen if we’d never met, and I can’t ever say I regret me boy comin’ into this world. Plus, if it weren’t fer Misty, I never would have once considered getting involved with this wrestling business. The universe works in mysterious ways, don’t it?
But in the process of all of that...I’ve turned Darcy into the version ye all see today. She wasn’t always like this. And if I have anything to do with it, she won’t always be that way, either. But I’m not gonna do what so many people expect me to do, and just walk away from her. She’s the love of me life, and I’m not gonna hurt her ever again. She’d do anything to protect me, and I’ll do anything to protect her. That’s somethin’ that at least two out of three of me opponents can understand. Kedron and Lachlan are both happily married fellas. Not so sure about Stephen Callaway, but ye get me point.
Darcy wants to see me succeed just as much I’m fightin’ to be successful. I know she gets out of hand sometimes and takes it too far. I know me opponents will keep using it against me and everyone will keep using that as the reason why I don’t deserve to be a champion. But let me tell ye all right now, that Darcy makes her own decisions. She doesn’t interfere because I’ve asked her to. Because I’ve specifically asked her to stop on numerous occasions. And yeah, I get pissed off every time she does it, because I want people to understand that this legacy I’m tryin’ to build fer meself? It’s my own. And I can do it on me own without any help from me woman.
But...I’m tryna get Darcy to understand that, too. And it’s gettin’ harder and harder fer me to get the message across to her. I didn’t want to give her an ultimatum, but after me match against Brandon Sludge...well, I had no other choice…
SCENE ONE:
Sunday July 19th
Another Day- Another Fight
**OFF CAMERA**
A very exhausted O’Malley is fuming in the locker rooms backstage. His forehead is covered in sweat after a hard fought match against Brandon Sludge, and despite walking away with the win, his mood has once again turned sour. Darcy is standing back, giving him some space as he grabs a towel from his duffel bag and wipes his forehead. He throws it down back into his bag before he turns around and plops down on the chair and starts to unlace his boots.
Darcy: You’re….you’re upset with me, aren’t you?
O’Malley glares up at her without saying a word. He then looks away and continues unlacing his boots furiously. Darcy throws her arms in the air and steps forward.
Darcy: Look, I wasn’t trying to interfere! I was trying to make the referee see sense! He made a terrible call, and you know it.
O’Malley rolls his eyes. He takes his boot off his left foot and drops it on the floor next to him as he looks at Darcy, not exactly agreeing with her.
O’Malley: I don’t care what ye were tryna do, love. I’ve asked ye how many times now to quit gettin’ involved. Ye promised me, and yet ye still went and got involved again! I’m sick of fightin’ with ye, love, but when ye go and keep pissin’ me off like that…
Darcy: Yeah and you asked me to stop as part of a deal. You haven’t lived up to your end of the deal, so why should I? Frankly, I think having to make any sort of deal with you is ridiculous. We’re supposed to be a team.
O’Malley: What the hell is that supposed to mean?
He kicks off his other boot and with his palms on his knees, he stares at Darcy. She stands a few feet in front of him with her arms folded.
Darcy: It means, why should I have to agree to anything for you to agree to have a child with me? Do you know what people are going to think about that? It’s like I’m forcing you to do something you don’t want to do! Do you know how that makes me feel?
O’Malley: Christ, here we go again. Why do ye have a bad case of baby fever all of a sudden?! I never said I didn’t want to have a kid with you, Darc. I’m just tryna make you understand that now is not the time fer either of us to be thinkin’ about another kid!
Darcy shakes her head.
Darcy: Another kid for you, O’Malley. But not me. I’m not getting any younger, you know. And the older I get, the harder it could be for me to conceive! I understand that you want to continue being active on both brands, and I support that. But that’s no reason that we can’t try to have a baby. Besides, if I get pregnant, there’s not a chance that I would risk being a ringside during your matches.
O’Malley: How can ye say that it would just be another kid fer me and not ye? When I get Owen back in me life, he’ll be a part of yer’s, too. I can’t a full schedule on two brands with a five year old and a baby. Ye think ye could do that?
Darcy looks away. She lets out a sigh.
Darcy: You say that like his grandparents are even going to let you see him, much less have you be a part of his life, anytime soon. If ever. I know he’s your son, but…
O’Malley: But what? What the hell are ye tryna say, love?
Darcy bites her bottom lip and shakes her head. She refuses to say what she is thinking, though O’Malley has a good idea.
O’Malley: Ye think I should give up, don’t ye? Ye think I should just go on and let Owen grow up without me in his life?!
Darcy: That’s NOT—
O’Malley: Then what the feck is it?!
Darcy: I just don’t think we need to put our life on hold while your dead wife’s family practically keeps your son hostage! And you honestly think they’ll be able to accept ME being a part of his life, either? You’re fooling yourself. I’m just trying to make you understand that, because I really don’t think you’re going to get Owen back as quickly as you think you are.
O’Malley’s nostrils flare. And for the first time, he looks genuinely pissed off at Darcy. He stands up and steps closer to her.
O’Malley: I don’t care how long it takes, Darc. I WILL get me son back. And if ye can’t accept that, then no...the two of us will never have kids. And not only that, but if ye can’t accept that I don’t want or need yer help in me matches, ye might as well keep yer arse backstage, because I’m sick of having to defend yer actions to everyone who thinks I can’t win a match without yer help.
His words sting, and Darcy takes a step back. She looks heartbroken, and her arms drop to her sides.
Darcy: What is happening to us, O’Malley?
O’Malley shakes his head looks her dead in the eyes.
O’Malley: Not us, love. You. What’s happening to you?
Darcy’s jaw drops, and she goes speechless. O’Malley blinks and as an awkward silence falls between them, Darcy shakes her head. She turns and grabs her own bag before she spins around and rushes out of the room. O’Malley stands there, still furious for a moment. But the gravity of the words he had just spoken to her, and how much they must have hurt, hits him a few seconds later. He backs up and sinks back into his chair, burying his head in his hands.
Later that night…
After the show had ended, instead of sticking around until the end of Underground, O’Malley had headed back to the hotel early. He hadn’t spoken to Darcy since she stormed out of the locker room earlier, and no doubt she’d be in no mood to speak to him once he got back to their room. He had been immediately sorry for how his words had come across when he had spoken then, but knowing Darcy, she’d be brooding for days and give him the silent treatment.
He wasn’t ready to face her yet, though. He needed some time to think things through and choose his words carefully, because he couldn’t handle upsetting her further or pissing her off more than she already was. He had two weeks to fix things, but he was hoping it would be sooner. But damned if the whole situation put him through the ringer and was added stress he didn’t need.
This might come as a surprise to most if they were to find out, considering O’Malley is a full-blooded Irishman, but it had been almost two years since he’d had any liquor more potent than a pint of beer. Even consuming a beer had become fewer and far between. He didn’t consider himself an alcoholic, but after Misty had died, he had turned to alcohol more than he liked to admit. More than he had before. And he hadn’t had the urge since finally getting over his grief.
Tonight, something was different. He felt the urge to have a glass of whiskey, so before he headed back to his room to see Darcy, he headed up to the Saxon Hotel’s rooftop bar. As luck would have it, there wasn’t anyone around when he walked up to the bar and greeted the night’s bartender, asking for the best whiskey they had to offer. Screw the cheap stuff. The bartender nodded and walked away to find exactly what O’Malley was asking for.
He set the empty glass down in front of O’Malley and poured the whiskey directly in front of him. O’Malley watched as the amber liquid went into the glass, and he could taste it even before he took a drink. But, he didn’t take that first drink right away. He wanted to, but the hesitation was strong. He just sat there and stared at the whiskey, swirling it around in the glass for what seemed like hours.
“What’s the matter? Afraid your master will be displeased if you have a drink?”
O’Malley knew that Australian accent and attitude even before he turned around. Fellow GO Gym graduate and current World Bombshell Champion, Evie Jordan, walks up to the bar, taking a seat six feet to his right. Social distancing, remember? O’Malley turned his head slowly and glared at her. He shakes his head and rolls his eyes before turning his gaze back to his glass of whiskey.
O’Malley: Evie. Always a pleasure…
Not really, he thought. Her attitude was worse than Darcy’s at times, and yet everyone seemed to hate Darcy with a passion. Evie laughed and rolled her eyes as the bartender set a drink in front of her, without Evie having to ask.
Evie: The feeling isn’t mutual, I can assure you. If Simon here hadn’t brought me my favorite drink, I’d just turn around and leave. And it would be such a shame to waste it.
O’Malley looks at the bartender and raises an eyebrow.
O’Malley: Ye two are on a first name basis, huh? What does that say about yer drinking habits, Mrs. Jordan?
O’Malley cracked a smile. Before Evie can respond, Simon speaks up, and it’s clear just why the two were friendly.
Simon: Aussies stick together, mate. And she’s not here as much as you might think.
His thick Australian accent made it all make sense. O’Malley just nodded and let out a laugh, still not drinking his whiskey.
Evie: My God, you’re one miserable bastard, you know that? You have the nerve to all but accuse me of having a drinking problem, yet you’re the one staring at that whiskey like you’re about to make a mistake. And glad to see you haven’t forgotten my last name. Sort of like I haven’t and won’t forget, what you did to my husband to win that championship you’ve been carrying around the last month. You’re pathetic.
Evie takes a drink from her glass and shakes her head. It’s clear once she finishes her drink, she’d hightail it away from the bar and O’Malley, because she’d rather be anywhere but near him at this point. O’Malley sets the glass down and turns his bar stool to face her.
O’Malley: Last I checked, that husband of yers was doin’ just fine fer himself and the smack to the head compliments of me briefcase did nothing but damage his ego. How Saint Ben married a frigid bitch like ye still baffles me.
Evie chuckles, unphased by his attempt at an insult.
Evie: Funny how you call me a frigid bitch, yet have you seen the woman you’re with? It’s a shame Misty’s not around anymore. I liked you better when you weren’t being dragged and ordered around like a dog. You know, out of all of us that have come out of the GO Gym, you have got to be the biggest disap—
O’Malley: Oh shut the hell up, Evie! I’m a disappointment. Yeah, I get that. But sit there and disrespect the woman I’m with, when she’s got nothin’ to do with any of this.
Evie laughs again.
Evie: I call bullshit. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that she’s the one who gave you the idea to cash in that briefcase like you did. And if she were here right now, I’d make Victoria Thorn look like a walk in the park. I’m just wondering how she’s going to help you win that Roulette title at Summer XXXtreme, because if Rinoa and Sierra are at ringside? Well...Darcy better watch her back.
O’Malley: I made the feckin’ choice to do what I did to Ben. It wasn’t Darcy, alright?! And she’s not gonna help me anymore, so ye can just shut the hell up. Why don’t ye finish yer drink and just run along like ye want.
Evie: Oh, sure. She’s not going to help you anymore, but she certainly tried tonight, didn’t she? Why are you even in this business, huh? If you can’t win matches without your woman interfering for you, you’re in the wrong line of work. I’d say you’re making the GO Gym look back, but you’re really not. You’re just making yourself look bad.
The urge to down the glass of whiskey was even stronger than it was earlier, because he knew what she was saying was true. Out of the entire group of GO Gym graduates, he looked the worst. Even though he was a champion, he knew that didn’t matter. Not when he used underhanded tactics to win the title in the first place. This match for the Roulette Championship was his chance to make up for that. To prove he could win a title on his own.
O’Malley: Ye know, it’s really nice to know that even me fellow GO Gym members don’t have me back and support me decisions. If the tables were turned, I wouldn’t question yer judgement.
Evie: Well the tables aren’t turned, and they won’t be. Because I wouldn’t use a bitch move like you did to win a championship. I did it all on my own. More than once, actually. And not only that, you attacked the husband of your fellow GO Gym member, so hypocrite much?
Evie finishes her drink and pushes her stool away from the bar. She throws some cash on the counter and turns back to O’Malley.
Evie: And don’t think Ben has forgotten about that, either. Sooner or later, he’ll get back at you and I’ll enjoy watching it, too. Enjoy your whiskey. I’d need to get plastered, too, if I had to go back to your master every night.
Evie grins before she turns and walks away. O’Malley frowns as he looks back to the glass of whiskey. For as long as it took him to fight the urge to drink it, in a split second it was gone. He grabbed the glass and tossed it back before signaling Simon for another.
Stephen Callaway. Color me surprised that they put ye in this match, considering yer attitude and your admitted plans should ye win a title in SCW. Kinda ballsy on yer part don’t ye think? Whether or not it’s ballsy, doesn’t erase the fact that I’m not about to let ye walk out as the Roulette Champ and then just give SCW the middle finger and leave with the belt. I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep sayin’ it.
Ye don’t have the passion, Stephen. I can’t quite figure out why yer still here, but I guess it doesn’t really matter, does it? If yer that big a glutton fer punishment, I’ll be more than happy to oblige and beat yer ass again. And again. And again. The longer ye stick around, the longer it’ll keep happening.
Yer lazy, Stephen. Don’t sit back and try and say that yer not, because I’ve gone back and watched yer past matches. I’ve re-watched yer promo work, and it just comes across as flat out lazy. And, despite that, ye still think yer worth a damn or that yer someone to be taken seriously around here. How, Stephen? How can we take ye seriously when ye don’t even take yerself seriously? Think about that.
Listening to ye speak...watchin’ ye wrestle? It makes me sick, Stephen. Ye might be gettin’ up there in age, but ye’ve given up because ye think ye have to. If that is the case, why did ye even join SCW in the first place? Did ye think this was a company where ye could just slack off and no one would care? It don’t work that way, fella. We bust our arses in this company, and SCW puts our names on the map.
Yer usin’ this place, and I can’t figure out why. They’re giving ye chance after chance, and yer just walkin’ around like it doesn’t mean shit. Well, fella, I’ll do ye a favor. If yer set on actin’ the way ye are, and if yer set on leaving, I’ll take me boot and kick yer arse all the way back to Scotland fer ya. That way we never have to see yer face again, or hear yer hum drum attitude.
I’ve never liked ye, Stephen. And I don’t think I ever will. I’m just waitin’ fer the day that SCW is finally rid of ye. And quit usin’ the damn lockdown as yer excuse. Go take yer piss poor attitude to another company, because SCW doesn’t need that shite. And trust me when I saw ye won’t be missed. Hell, ye won’t even be remembered, either.
FLASHBACK
JUNE 2018
Too Much To Bare
O’Malley had thought he hit rock bottom just a couple of months ago when he was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning following a long night of drinking. He had passed out in the cemetery on Misty’s grave and luckily the cab driver who had brought him there felt compelled enough to call the police to come check on him. It wasn’t long after that incident that he left Owen in the care of Misty’s parents and made the journey back home to Ireland. He had assumed that was the worst he could possibly get, but he has come to realize that he was very very wrong.
Darcy had come back into his life, and along with it, the feelings he had once had for her prior to getting together with Misty. He would always feel guilt over the way he ended things with Darcy, but after Misty died, he didn’t think he would ever be in another relationship ever again. Especially not with Darcy. He had just assumed she had moved on. It would have made things easier.
But, that’s not how the universe was apparently working. And the effect it was all having on him mentally was taking its toll. And not in a good way. It has only been a little over 6 months since Misty died. He shouldn’t be developing feelings for another woman so soon...if ever. It was disrespectful to Misty’s memory. Or, so he told himself.
The pull he was feeling towards Darcy was about as strong as the pull he had felt when Misty first came into his life. He was finding it harder and harder to resist, and that made his guilt and pain from losing Misty that much worse. He had screwed things up terribly, and he was not about to risk doing it to Darcy again. There was only one solution in his mind.
He’s seated at the small desk in his room of Mrs. O’Reilly’s Inn, with a sheet of paper in front of him and a pen in hand. He has his head lowered and his eyes closed. He takes in a deep breath before he opens his eyes and begins to write a note to Darcy.
Darcy,
I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t tell you how sorry I am for everything that has happened. I never intended to hurt you the way I did four years ago. You might not believe me, but I did love you dearly. I still do. I don’t know why I was drawn to Misty the way I was, but I can’t take any of that back. I just wish you had moved on. You should have moved on.
I’m not worth your love, Darcy. I’m a terrible human being for what I did to you, and you have every reason in the world to hate me. I’d love nothing more than the two of us to get back together and to go back to what we had, but that isn’t possible. I can never make up for what I’ve done. And I can’t risk hurting you like that ever again.
I should have been the one who died. Not Misty. I deserved it more than she did, because I put the both of you through hell over the years. I can’t live with myself anymore, Darcy. This is the only way you’ll ever move on and find someone else who is worthy of your love, because it isn’t me. Don’t ever blame yourself, either, because this is all on me and I need to correct the mistake that this universe has made.
This is the only way, Darcy. I can’t bear the pain over losing her, and the pain and guilt I feel over all of the wrong I’ve done to you is just as worse. I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry.
-O’Malley
O’Malley sets the pen down as he finishes writing the note. The expression on his face is blank, almost emotionless and he stands up and heads out of the room, and Mrs. O’Reilly’s Inn. He walks the distance to the building where Darcy’s flat is, hoping she is not home. Instead of sneaking in to slide it under her door, when he gets to the building, he folds it and leaves it sticking out of her mailbox. He was sure she would find it there.
After leaving the note, he quickly turns around and starts walking away. There was one final place he needed to go before leaving, and that was to the Misty’s special place. The willow tree. He had to see it one last time, and it was the one place he would feel comfortable speaking to Misty before he was gone.
After walking the distance and finally making it to the willow tree, he walks up to the beautiful tree, placing a hand on the trunk and closes his eyes. No one is around, so he speaks aloud softly, hoping where Misty was, that she could hear him.
O’Malley: I shouldn’t have let ye drive that day, love. I should have gone with or somethin’. Ye shouldn’t have been the one that died, Misty. It shoulda been me.
He chokes up, but stops himself from crying. He keeps his eyes closed, and pictures Misty’s face in his mind.
O’Malley: I should have died three years ago when I got hit by that car. There’s no reason I should be alive after the hell I put both ye and Darcy through. And now with leavin’ Owen like I did...I just...I can’t anymore, love.
He opens his eyes and stares at the tree, placing his other and on it now.
O’Malley: I know I won’t be joinin’ ye with what I’m about to do, but that’s ok, love. I deserve to go to hell. Or purgatory. Or wherever the hell fellas like me go to. I want ye to know how sorry I am fer all of this, love. Continue to watch over our boy. He’s better off without me as a father, anyway…
O’Malley then drops his hands to his side, steps to the side of the tree and starts walking away, heading towards a cliff just off in the distance…
*************************
Back at Darcy’s flat, the dark-haired former love to O’Malley is just leaving her apartment. She’s just walked out of the front entrance to the building and is about to head to the market for some groceries. But a piece of paper sticking out of her mailbox catches her eye.
She takes a few steps back and grabs the sheet of paper, unfolding it. She immediately recognizes the handwriting to be O’Malley’s, even before reading what he had to say. As her eyes scan the note, reading what appears to be his final words, her face turns to sheer panic. She looks around, wondering how long it had been since he left it there, and if he was still nearby.
Darcy: O’Malley!
She charges forward towards the street, looking down either direction but doesn’t see him. She takes off towards the right, knowing one place she could go in hopes of finding him. Only she had to pray with everything she had, that she wasn’t too late.
*************************
This was a good way to go, O’Malley thought. No one was around to see, or stop him. It was a long way down, and surely he would never be found. It was better this way. It had to be this way. But as set on his decision as he was, he was hesitating and wasting time, which he didn’t understand.
His heart was racing. The panic he felt over what he was about to do was getting worse. Was he psyching himself out? Changing his mind? No, he thought. He had to do this. The world would be a better place without him in it. And Darcy would be forced to do what she should have done years ago...move on.
Would it be quick? Would he screw it up and somehow survive? It didn’t matter, he thought. If he were meant to die a slow and agonizing death, then so be it. He just had to get it overwith.
When he opened his eyes and looked below the cliff, prepared to take his own life, the panicked voice behind him not only startled him, but it stopped him from taking that step forward. He stood frozen in place, and couldn’t turn around to face her.
Darcy: O’Malley! DON’T! Please!
He clenched his hands and his breathing intensified. Why was she here? Why had he wasted time. Five minutes earlier, and she would have been too late.
O’Malley: H-how...How did ye find me, Darcy?!
Darcy didn’t approach him for fear she might spook him and he’d really do it. She stayed several feet behind him, trying to talk him down.
Darcy: Brady saw you walking this way so I kept searching until I saw you. You...you don’t have to do this, O’Malley. Please, don’t. Just...back away and come over to me. Please.
He shook his head. His whole body was trembling. As badly as he was ready to do this, he didn’t think he could do it in front of her, though.
O’Malley: It’s the only way...I told ye that. Yer better off without me. The whole world is.
Darcy: That’s not true, and you know it. You’ve been through so much and you’re still alive. That has to count for something. Please, O’Malley. I’m begging you. Look, I won’t try and force you to get back together with me anymore. I’ll try to move on. All I’m asking is that you do not do this.
He continues to look over the cliff and down below. Darcy is taking a few small steps towards him, praying she can stop him, as he remains frighteningly quiet. When she is within arms reach, she holds her hand out towards him.
Darcy: Please, O’Malley. Don’t don’t do this. Take my hand.
O’Malley finally turns around and first looks at her hand, and then up into her eyes. Her pleading look is all he needed, and he reaches forward, taking her hand and rushing forward to her, and right into her arms. He buries his head into her shoulder and starts sobbing, and she holds onto him tight, thankful she was able to stop him from making a terrible mistake.
A mistake that he would not have come back from.
Lachlan Kane. Here we are again, me fellow Irishman. Well, sort of, right? We were supposed to face off last month at Into The Void IX, but things didn’t quite work out, did they? Ye were supposed to be a part of that King Fer A Day ladder match, but when Into The Void rolled around, ye got removed from the match. Color me disappointed, but not surprised.
I know yer well aware that I said some things before the show even happened. What I said ye and yer band of buddies didn’t exactly take kindly to, though ye were the one to pretty much stay quiet and not bite me head off. Now I’m not gonna name names here, because I know ye all know who I’m talkin’ about, but this ain’t about them is it? No, this is about ye, Lachlan. And me. And Kedron. And Stephen. The four of us fightin’ fer the Roulette Championship, but only one walkin’ out as the winner. Before I get down to business, I owe ye an apology, fella. Yeah, that’s right. I said it. I owe ye an apology.
I understand ye had a lot going on before Into The Void IX, just marryin’ yer new bride and all. Life happens, right? So fer ye, Lachlan, I’m sorry fer what I said because ye had a valid excuse fer yer mind bein’ elsewhere. Ye had a valid excuse to not be there. Ye wanted to spend the quality time with yer wife, and I understand that. And look what happened afterwards?
Ye beat Kedron. One-on-one. Non-title of course, but ye actually hold a win over him, and that right there is braggin’ rights, fella. That right there put ye on the map fer a roulette title shot, which is not surprising. And then ye went on to defeat Caleb Storms. Bravo, Lachlan. Ye were startin’ to prove me opinion of ye wrong.
But then ye had yer one-on-one shot against Kedron. Just last week, Lachlan. Ye already beat him once before, so surely ye could do it again, right? Wrong, apparently. Ye just couldn’t quite pull it off the second time. And I’m sure yer itchin’ fer this shot, but here’s where a second apology comes in. I’m sorry that yer gonna have to walk away with another failed attempt at a singles title, Lachlan. That wife of yer’s shoulda stuck around and had the two of ye give it another go at the mixed tag scene, because it just seems to me that neither of ye can quite make it on yer own. That’s not an opinion either, just facts.
I ain’t bein’ a arsehole here, Lachlan. I want to face off against ye. I want to see who the better Irishman really is, but I also want ye at yer best. I want ye at yer most determined and to really show up, fella. Because I ain’t seen that yet, and I’m beginnin’ to wonder if I ever will. I’m hopin’ next week ain’t a repeat of Into The Void an’ I find out that ye got pulled from the match again, because I’ll be really disappointed, fella. Ye probably won’t believe me, but hey...that’s on ye I guess.
I hope ye can swim, fella. Or, that Sierra can so she can save yer arse when ye get tossed in the water. Ye’ve got a week to learn…
Back to present day…
He’s not sure what time it is when he comes stumbling into the hotel room, or if Darcy is even still awake, but the alcohol has complete shot his brain filter for the evening. He kicks off his shoes once he makes it into the room and drops his bag on the floor as he fumbles around, trying to be as quiet as he can. But he is failing, miserably.
Once inside the room, he looks over to the bed and sees that Darcy is asleep, though the noise has caused her to start stirring. He trips over his own feet and stumbles towards the bed, mumbling curse words under his breath. As he lands on the edge of the bed, Darcy’s eyes shoot open, afraid that someone has broken into her room. But when she turns on the light and sees that it’s O’Malley, she’s angry at first, not realizing right away that he’s drunk out of his mind.
Darcy: O’Malley? What the hell are you—
O’Malley scoots in closer to her and tries to kiss her. She backs away and pushes him away, staring at him as she gets a whiff of alcohol on his breath.
Darcy: You're drunk?! What the hell, O’Malley?!
O’Malley cracks a smile and laughs. He then pulls his shirt up and over his head, tossing it on the floor.
O’Malley: Drunk? Nahhhh. I just had…
He stops talking and starts counting in his head and on his fingers how many drinks he apparently had tonight. But he loses count and waves it off.
O’Malley: Hell if I know. But I ain’t drunk! Why didn’t ye want me to kiss ye?
Darcy folds her arms.
Darcy: Because you’re a mess right now, and you smell like a distillery. What is wrong with you?!
O’Malley: I ask...meself that same question...everyday, love. What is wrong with me? I’m a feckin’ failure. I’m...I’m so sorry, Darc.
He starts to choke up and buries his head in his hands and the sight is enough to scare the anger out of Darcy. She’d seen him like this before. And she never wanted to see him like that again.
Darcy: Hey, hey, hey...stop. What...what is going on? I haven’t seen you like this in two years, and I thought you were past all this?
O’Malley lays down, resting his head in Darcy’s lap. He looks up at her, as she runs her fingers through his hair, comforting him the best she could. And as both go silent, their minds drift back to the memory of two years ago, when they were in a very similar situation, but for very different reasons.
**************************
Back to Ireland- June 2018
Darcy and O’Malley are back at Darcy’s flat after she succeeded in stopping him from taking his own life. He was still in a rough place mentally speaking, but they were together, and she wasn’t about to leave him alone. Not right now. They are in Darcy’s bed, but O’Malley is laying on his side with his head rested in her lap. She’s running her fingers through his hair, and neither speaks.
O’Malley’s eyes blink slowly, and his mind appears to be in a whole different world. Darcy stares down at him, thankful she had managed to save his life, but still very worried for him. She had promised him she wouldn’t try to force them back together if he stepped away from that cliff. Would she honor that promise? Would he try to do it again if they weren’t together? So many unanswered questions, but she tried not to think about that just yet. She needed him to see that he needed to be on this earth.
With every stroke of his hair, O’Malley relaxes more and more. His eyes look around and his mouth moves, as if he is about to speak. And when he finally breaks the silence between them, the words that come out of his mouth stuns the both of them.
O’Malley: Marry me…
She immediately pulls her hand back, and stares down at him. Had she heard him right? They hadn’t spoken a word since they were by that cliff, and she hadn’t imagined those would be the words he would speak when he finally felt better enough to do so. But she can’t speak. And O’Malley pushes himself up, focusing solely on her face, and those beautiful eyes of hers. He speaks again, and it’s confirmation that, yes, she had heard him right.
O’Malley: Marry me, Darcy. Don’t give up on us bein’ together, because it’s not what I want. I don’t care what anyone else says. There’s a reason I hesitated at that cliff, and yer that reason. Ye saved me life, and I’m not ever going to forget that. I didn’t think I had anything to live fer after Misty died, but I realize now that I do. I always saw a future fer us before I screwed it up, but it all makes sense now. We’re meant to be together, Darcy. Marry me…
He takes her hands in his and squeezes them. Her jaw drops open and she is completely speechless as he waits for an answer, praying she says yes…
Kedron Williams. The current Roulette champ and, if I’m quite honest, one feckin’ scary fella. And not just in the ring, but have ye all looked at him fer more than five seconds? No? Exactly me point. If ye try and look at him longer than that, his look might just melt ye into a pool of blood, he’s that feckin’ scary.
But I’m tryna understand somethin’. As scary and intimidatin’ as ye are, Kedron, how the hell could ye not even defeat Ben Jordan in that little feud of yers? Just one year ago, in fact, because it all went down at Summer XXXtreme last year. I woulda bet any amount of money that ye had that match in the bag, but Saint Ben actually beat ye. I don’t get it. And that loss affected ye fer quite some time. So much so that just weeks later? Ye were gone from SCW.
I understand the disappointment, Kedron. I’ve very nearly been there meself recently, and thought about walkin’ away again. But no matter how many times I think it, I change me mind. I’ve gotta keep fightin’ and right now, I’ve got that title yer holdin’ in me sights. Not sure I ever did congratulate ye on that, so congrats. Ye came back after several months and proved that ye’ve got what it takes. Too bad yer run couldn’t be a little longer, because I’m sure had I stuck to a different title scene? Ye might have had a pretty impressive run as champ. But, that just ain’t in yer future Kedron. At least not so long as I have anythin’ to do with it.
I don’t say this to many people, Kedron, but ye’ve got my respect. Ye’ve proven yerself a worthy competitor, and despite how dangerous I’m sure ye are, yer protective and loyal to those ye love. More specifically, yer wife Rinoa. I know given me history, and how many times Darcy has interfered fer me, ye might think that she’ll try something against Rinoa, but I can promise ye right now...she won’t.
Ye’ve got something I want, Kedron. Ye’ve got that title that I want more than anything to prove I can win on me own, fair and square, and hold on to it fer a while. Ye might be a supposed warlock, Kedron, but I can see the future, and let me tell ye how it’s gonna go. I apologize, it’s a future ye might not like, but it’s a future I’m much looking forward to.
At Summer XXXtreme, I’m walkin’ in as just a contender to that title. I’m a champ in me own right, but not yet in SCW. But once it’s all said and done, when that bell rings? The ref will be holding me hand high and handin’ me that Roulette Championship, and I plan to hold that title fer quite some time. I’m not here just to win titles for the sake of winning titles. I’m here to be remembered. I’m here to be successful and maybe one day, be a part of the Hall of Fame fer a legitimate reason. Anyone else can win titles...it’s what ye do with the reign that really says something.
I plan to speak loud and clear. And that message goes out to everyone else besides just ye, Kedron. I know people don’t take me seriously, but they’re gonna very soon. And it all starts with takin’ that title away from ye, Kedron. That’s not wishful thinkin’, either. That’s just one hundred percent guarantee.
Don’t believe me? Wait and see, fella…
O’Malley stares up into Darcy’s concerned eyes, and neither says anything for a long while. She runs her hand along his cheek, and he closes his eyes and smiles, and she smiles back.
O’Malley: Why don’t ye show anyone else this side of ye, love? Why can’t ye show them what I see?
Darcy shakes her head.
Darcy: I don’t care what people think of me, O’Malley. Only you. They’ve all just set their minds against me, because I’m not Misty.
O’Malley: That ain’t true, love. They’re against ye because ye only show them yer nasty side. The side of ye that ye turned into because of me.
Darcy pulls her hand away and rolls her eyes. She folds her arms and looks away. O’Malley sits up and stares at her.
Darcy: If I’m such a terrible person, O’Malley, why are you still with me? You can leave at any time. It’s clearly what you—
O’Malley: Don’t say it’s what I want, because it ain’t. If it was, I woulda left a long time ago. I love ye more than anything and I’m not gonna give up on that. Don’t ye see what I’m tryna do in SCW, Darc?
She slowly turns her head back to look at him and simply shrugs her shoulders.
Darcy: Of course I get what you’re trying to do. You want to be successful. You want to build your career. I get that. And I’m one hundred percent supportive. Don’t you see THAT, O’Malley?
O’Malley: I want us BOTH to be successful, Darc. This ain’t just about me. We’re a team.
She raises an eyebrow, and tries to understand what he said. Before she can respond, he continues speaking.
O’Malley: Ye’ve got a manager’s contract, Darc. Ye can be seen as just as successful as me with ge by my side. But interfering like ye do? That doesn’t look good on either of us. Not only that, it puts ye in clear danger. It already has with that Victoria Thorn woman.
Darcy lets out a huff and O’Malley takes her hand.
Darcy: I’ve handled myself just—
O’Malley: Don’t say ye have, Darc, because we both know that’s not true. Ye just want people to believe ye have, but they don’t. Now, mark my words, if ye try and interfere in this match at Summer XXXtreme? The women ye’ll have to deal with might be worse off than Victoria. Hell, Kedron is a bigger worry because I’m sure he wouldn’t hesitate to do something against ye himself if ye lay a hand on his woman. And Lachlan’s wife, Sierra? Don’t think ye can handle that woman. Listen to what I’m tellin’ ye here love.
Darcy folds her arms again and just stares at O’Malley. She wants to argue, but she holds herself back and let’s O’Malley speak.
O’Malley: I know ye want us to have a baby, love. An’ I promise ye, one day..we will. But first, I want to work on yer trainin’ because if ye don’t want to be a full time wrestler one day, I want ye to be able to defend yerself. I’m not gonna be able to protect ye all the time. As much as I want to, it just doesn’t always happen. Though I’d love to maybe go after the mixed titles with ye one day if it’s what ye wanted…
Darcy: I just feel like you’re trying to turn me into Misty. I’m not a wrestler, O’Malley. Defending myself is one thing, but doing this for a living? I don’t have it in me. But I see that you do. And I want to help you in any way that I can.
O’Malley smiles and brings his hand to her cheek.
O’Malley: Then really listen to what I’m sayin’. Ye can help me, by helpin’ yerself. I want people to see the side of ye that I love, and not the side of ye that my betrayal created.
Darcy: You didn’t create anything, O’Malley. I forgave you a long time ago, you know that.
O’Malley nods.
O’Malley: Yeah, I do know that. But I also know the vengeful side of ye that we see from time to time? That didn’t exist before I broke yer heart. Look, how about this. Let’s not focus on all of this anymore. Let’s look forward to something, and I know just the thing.
Darcy: And what might that be?
O’Malley: You. Me. Dinner. Next week on the ship. Takin’ just one night fer ourselves before I have to focus most of me attention on this match. No fightin’. No arguin’. Just rememberin’ why we belong together. What do ye say?
O’Malley smiles as he stares into her eyes. She still has a serious look on her face, but she soon cracks a smile and as he leans in to kiss her, she pushes him away again.
Darcy: I say that you need to go take a shower and brush your teeth. Your breath still reeks of whiskey, O’Malley. We’ll sort everything else out, later.
He lets out a laugh before he stands up. A little too quickly, it seems, as he gets light-headed and wobbly on his feet. He holds a hand up and takes in a few deep breaths.
O’Malley: I really didn’t drink that much, love. I’ve had more than I did tonight..
Darcy: Yeah, well, it’s been quite a while since you’ve had anything stronger than a good pint of Guinness. Now go. I’d like to get back to sleep, and I’d rather I didn’t fall asleep alone this time.
O’Malley cracks a smile and nods before heading off and disappearing into the bathroom. Darcy lets out a sigh and then leans back against the pillows and headboard as she waits for O’Malley to finish taking his shower.
It ain’t no secret that out of the four of us in this match, that people might argue I’m the one who deserves this shot the least. I’ve lost my fair share of matches here in SCW recently and the matches I did win in the past, weren’t exactly clean wins because of Darcy’s involvement. I ain’t about to sit here and argue that I’ve earned it because I’d be lyin’ if I did. What I am gonna do is tell each and every one of ye watchin’ that I’m better than that, and I don’t need anyone to help me win.
I graduated from the GO Gym. That right there has star power written all over it, and no one can deny that. I’ve been takin’ that star power and tarnishin’ it, instead of doin’ what every single other athlete to walk out of GO Gym has done. Evie. Fenris. Dani. Daniel. Os. Carter. Ari. Krystal. Not a single one of them has done what I’ve done, and it’s gotta stop now. I dunno why I’ve done things the way that I’ve done, but damn it if I’m gonna sit here and make Gabriel and Odette’s decision to train me a huge mistake. Because it wasn’t.
I’ll never be able to fix this Underground Championship win, because it’s forever tarnished. But I’m working on at least defendin’ it and proving I deserve to hold it. And as far as SCW goes, Summer XXXtreme is the beginning of my championship history, because I don’t plan on walkin’ out without the Roulette Championship.
I’ve got a lot of work to do going forward. I’ve got a lot of fightin’ to do both personally and career wise, but I’ve never been more determined in me life. I’ve made a right mess of things the last few years, and if I’m quite honest, I shouldn’t even be here. I should be six feet under next to Misty, and that’s a sad fact I don’t like to admit.
But I’m still here. I’m still breathin’ and I’m still fightin’, because I have to. I’ve been given chance after chance, an’ I’m done wastin’ it all. It’s time to start livin’ me best life and provin’ just why I’m still here.
To be a fighter.
To be a champion.
To be a LEGEND.
Anything less than that is unacceptable. The tables have turned. The sun has set on Kedron’s time as champion, and a new day is here.
In one week’s time, it all begins. And there’s not a damn thing Stephen, Lachlan or Kedron can do to stop me.
