Taming the Clown
"Oh, let me weep for I am not up to YOUR standard..."
| Scene 1- Did you miss me? Outside the covered area of a restaurant sat a lone male. His chin rested against his palm while he mindlessly stirred his cup of sprite around with a straw . An immediate smirk flashed across the tanned male’s features. His fingers drummed against the tabletop. A gorgeous blond had approached the table with her signature smile on her painted up lips. With a simple wave of his hand, the woman took her seat before her legs crossed. Her ever changing eyes were hidden behind big framed sunglasses. She flipped a chunk of those, too perfect to be real, locks over her shoulder. Melissa: “Have you missed me, dear?” James: “Of course, Melissa, of course.” He leaned back in his seat to watch while Melissa Reed stripped off her coat and hung it on the back of the chair. His eyes travelled down her low cut black dress. Melissa waved over a waiter to ask for an ice water before she relaxed in the seat. One exposed leg crossed over the other, the medium heeled shoe ran against James’ leg. Her flirtatious nature carried on with almost everyone. A few of them didn’t quite understand it but most of them knew that unless returned, it wouldn’t be acted upon. “I didn’t call you for idle chit-chat.” “Of course you didn’t. No one ever just calls me out to have lunch with me anymore. It is to be excepted. Who has time for lunch dates where you talk about your daily life to people who you only ever speak to on rare occasions, when all your other friends are too busy? Certainly not wrestlers or anyone in the profession. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to sit through boring lunches with normal people because wrestlers are just too busy.” “As wordy as ever I see.” Melissa gave him a gentle kick under the table before she tipped the sunglasses down so he could get a glance at her blue eyes. The right one closed then open before she adjusted the sunglasses back on her face. The waiter set down Melissa’s order without another word before he disappeared back inside. She released a dramatic sigh then spoke. “Would you love me any other way? Speaking of love, how is that beautiful girl friend of yours?” “No longer in the picture but that isn’t why I called you here…” James bent to grab a folder that had been placed in the chair next to the two of them. He slowly slid it across to Melissa. When she opened it her first comment had been ‘Everyone has been throwing folders to me. I should be a spy’. This had caused James to laugh but she looked through the contents then shut it. It didn’t seem to give her much amusement but a small smile had appeared once or twice. “Very interesting competitor you have there. She reminds me a lot of my friend. Great in the ring, gimmick is a little over-used and a lot of weakness. What do you want from me? Should I murder her and leave no trace or kidnap her dog?” Melissa jested but it didn’t distract the male. “Black mail. I need some of it. Let’s just say she is the reason I can’t speak to Vee anymore. Look, I’m calling out a simple, you owe me. ” He tensed at the memory that undoubtedly came to his mind. Melissa propped her chin against the back of her hand as she leaned forward in the chair. Most people went to her for favors because The Harlequin was the best at what she did. The crazy clown enjoyed to dig down into people’s mind and locate what made them tick. It is fascinating how far you can push a person with a few simple phrases. In fact, it was an in ring tactic that was often used when Melissa found herself losing steam or against the ropes. Caused the opponent to become angry and take the win due to their wild rage. Never underestimate the power of emotion. “Did you really think I’d say no to you? I am nothing but a woman of my word. Once I had told you to call upon me when you found something suitable for me to repay you and, it seems, you have. Let me help you darling take down a pest. Should be simple enough with how many friends and family she surrounds herself with in these pictures. I can only assume. I see you’ve done a lot of digging yourself. You just need the message to be sent... One lesson I’ve learned in my career is never trust that a weakness won’t be exploited. You are truly desperate to want to stoop down to using blackmail but who am I to judge the right and wrong in this business. I, myself, haven’t had the cleanest track recorded when it comes to this game. Now, I’ll call you when I have what you need, baby.” Melissa took a single sip of the ice water leaving behind a stain of soft pink on the rim. It clicked when she set it down. With a quick scoop the folder was in her hand while she moved from the seat. “Oh, as a 411, I won’t be available for ‘services’ soon. Let’s just say, I’ll have my hands full.” James watched the mysterious female walk off. The Harlequin kept the ring of wrestlers who actually saw her in her “Melissa Reed” outfit small. She enjoyed to dress up, wigs, contracts, even silly costumes but it was often used to keep her competitors at arms reach. Close enough to have her first name but not close enough to see the real her. A few saw Melissa Reed but those stayed few and far between. As she had explained to James, people loved to exploit weakness. It was like a sick game. Push a person far enough and they dig to find a weak link in your chain. Melissa stayed one step ahead and hid any weak link. Her workplace and home were kept as far apart as she could keep them. Not to say that everyone was evil but desperation could turn a poor man rich if not watched carefully. If a person was pushed their limits then it got interesting. The industry chewed up a nice woman and spit out a bitch. Melissa kept who she trusted to a small amount but even then it was difficult to tell who’d stay loyal in the long run. Scene 2- To Impress The first match in GIW had been a draw. That hadn’t been ideal but Melissa hadn’t counted on her first match to have such an interesting opponent. Giovanni certainly wasn’t new to the ring but had the battle gone on further then the outcome would’ve been different. She had to count her own blessings though to not come out with a loss. That would’ve been a terrible way to start out in a new company. Her gimmick was difficult for most people to swallow. It was written off as insanity or goofy. Neither truly discouraged her because you couldn’t control others opinions. Influence them, perhaps, with enough convincing but one could only drive a person so far. It wasn’t something the female dwelled on however it had peaked her interest many times. Melissa was far from becoming a Psychologist but the human mind always fascinated her to a point. It had created a gap for her to shimmy in and distract an opponent. A simple understanding of what makes a person tick. It also helped her control her own emotions when faced with a difficult opponent. One who also enjoyed toying with people. She had perfected a means of attack and defense. However it has also created a certain untrusting wall that shields off others. Not everyone but most. In the newest addition to her smaller friend circle had been a new girl. Melissa had met her through strange circumstances but that is how she met almost everyone she knew. Not much was known about the newer female aside from her name - Cassandra Knight. Melissa removed the blond wig from her head and carelessly tossed it into a box that held a few other wigs of different colors. She quickly tugged off a wig cap before it was also tossed to the same place. Slowly she began unclipping her hair but left the two auburn braid pig-tails. Melissa walked out of the room and through the kitchen to make her way towards the entrance of her home. At first glance it wasn’t difficult to tell that there was another in her house. There was a soft sound emitting from the room upstairs. Hadn’t taken long to jog all the way up the stairs. A sigh escaped her lips as she rounded the corner to the ‘Gaming Room’. The TV screen lit up the otherwise dark room. A movie played while Melissa abruptly placed her hands to her newest friend’s shoulders. Melissa: “Boo! You know, when I invited you in my home… It was implied that you could turn lights on. ” Cassandra: “You didn’t have to invite me to your home. A coffee shop or even a walk would’ve been sufficient enough. It’s not like we are closer as most will assume - associates at best who seem to have common interests..” Melissa: “I don’t trust ears on the streets and more importantly, neither should you. You’ll never believe how many people listen. A coffee shop is too in the open and I am far too lazy to dress up today. Let’s just say I’ve been up late these past few nights… That aside. I just wanted us to be able to be a little closer. Trust is very important in this game of ours, which means, I need to be able to trust you. I extended my hand by giving you my name and you did the same. However, mark it down, despite the relationship I hold with Beck, I will not allow either of us to be crossed. Can we simply agree on that? Of course! NOW, do you want some coffee?” Cassandra: “So you assume that we are on good terms due to you simply answering the question for me? Hypothetical of course, nonetheless - I can agree to those terms. It’s not the fact that the element of trust is going to play a heavy part by the way, it’s going to come down to whether or not the objective will be completed which would start to create doubt. That my love, is something you should worry about more than whether or not I’d be the one to stab anyone in the back. Not my style, up front and personal really. No coffee either. A little late for that yeah? Melissa: “The objected isn’t going to change and it’ll be completed. I promised to fulfil a task for Beck and I did. I gave you something to open up a pathway for this agreement to work. Just know my loyalties lie solely with him and end that way until further notice. I am simply playing nice because tension is such a messing thing. We’ll need to mesh-- seamlessly and without question. If not coffee then what about some tea? Honestly, you seem too up-tight. Relax a little, I promise it won’t kill you. Oh and I love this movie. ” Melissa removed her hands from Cassandra’s shoulders to move back to the doorway but she remained there to watch the action unfold on screen. Cassandra: “Tension? None whatsoever is apparent. Don’t read into it so much, I am the way I am and so are you right? I’m not necessarily looking for a friendship - if one happens then I’m cool with it. You did give me something and I in return did the same. One mind, one sound - a line from an old drum movie but is something to think about. Relaxing is for those who actually work. I’m on vacation” Cassandra laughed slightly. Her words were cold but honest. She turned her head to look in the direction of the other. Melissa pulled a smirk. Honesty was the best policy in her own opinion and no matter how cold the words seemed, it amused Melissa on some level. Normally people didn’t engage in such a back and forth but Cassandra had. It was refreshing. Cassandra: “ Tea would be fine though..” Melissa: “Tea it is then. Why don’t you join me downstairs and I’ll even make us something to snack on. Besides the TV down there is bigger.” Cassandra: “I suppose. Your television size doesn’t impress me, your tea making skills - yet to be determined..” A small smile appeared on the females features. Melissa moved from the door frame as she walked down the hall towards the stairs. Melissa: “Mmhp. You wound me. My TV doesn’t impress you? Oh-- How will I sleep tonight?!” Her tone had remained light as she let out a chuckle. The two made their into the kitchen. Scene 3- To Whom It May Concern… The camera turns on opening up a dark scene. You can hear movement but that is it. Suddenly there is a familiar high pitched laughter and when it stops the light turns on to reveal Harlequin in the old padded room. The pads are a faded yellow along with unidentifiable stains.The clown is behind a glass window sectioning off the padded room from the one that the camera man is standing. sitting against one of the walls playing with a torn straight jacket in her lap. The Harlequin: “I’m sure we’ve all had bad cases of ‘wrong place, wrong time.’ One week you’ll be on top of the world and the next you’ve gotten in the ring with unbeatable force. It’ll continue to attack until suddenly you are flat on your back with a bloody nose and a broken arm. Isn't life funny that way? All the shocking anger from the other seems random. It is all taken out on you even though you weren't in the wrong... It isn't your fault, it wasn't like you pulled the trigger! Sadly to say, the world needs some type of balance. Someone has to lose.. Whether you believe it should be you or not. Just be sure to keep both feet firm on the ground. Aim your focus and really keep that goal in mind. As we know,distractions can be such a hassle to deal with. You think you are on a roll but one off handed comment and suddenly the tables have turned. The opponent has you in their corner now. Back against the wall, some how that footing you had turned into slick surface. The more they speak the more unsteady you become. Not because their words MEAN anything but simply because they are distracting. Jibberish that captures your attention. Or maybe it’s an action. An abrupt kiss, a flash of sinful skin or an odd gesture. How are you suppose to combat the unpredictable nature or insane?! It's all just a huge question mark... It won't be giving you an easy time either, you poor thing. You’ll reflect on the match with utter confusion because none of it makes sense. What happened? Where did you go wrong? What was the mistake that really sealed your fate? You’ll ask how on earth you lost to a wildcard. (Laughter) Life just isn't fair to you but look on the bright side, at least I'm not a wicked monster on a rampage to destroy everything... ” In a sudden flash she is against the glass pounding bloody fists against the glass. Blood smears across the glass in a gory display. The camera jumps backwards before the lights flash off for a minute or two then on again. Harlequin is no longer against the glass. As the camera approaches the glass again it reveals that she is gone from the room. There is a click of heels then the camera turns to see Harlequin out of the cell holding a bloody straight jacket. “Are you ready for Revolt? Are you ready to really get those feet wet in the ring with me? I can’t be that frightening to be in the ring with, in fact, I doubt I scare anyone. I’m more of a joke than anything or do we take me seriously? I mean, who am I to claim to have an understanding of my opponents! I don’t, far from it really, but I am good at predicting certain things. It’ll be an interesting match and armed with the knowledge of their names-- I’m sure to pull out a win. I mean, faced against a pair of… women called Sinful Sexuality.” She tilts her head back to begin to laugh. Harlequin drops the blood jacket to the ground before lifting her hand as if reaching her gloved cover palm to check something. “Sinful Sexuality… I cannot believe that is actually serious. If I would give a compliment it would be terribly sarcastic I’m sure when you woke up one day from a night of booze and sex the name seemed to pop up, didn’t it? With all the will of breast and painted lips -- all became clear! I wonder how often is the term, ‘ whore, easy, tramp’ thrown in your direction? I’m sure the comeback is something silly or am I wrong? An easy, ‘You are jealous.’ (More laughter) Oh, how cruel, how could I possibly judge? Certainly not my place to yet it comes so easily. Being a harlot can be side-stepped when skills are a factor. I see you two do not have this factor and are of little threat. Hand picked to accompany the man who came to a draw with me last week, Giovanni Merced. Quite the interesting competitor because he is new and yet claims not to be. A veteran in this business, isn’t he? Seen all the tricks I could possibly pull yet I wonder how that is possible… Old dogs do not learn new tricks, my dear. You see the only true place for old dogs is to be stuck in an endless cycle of predictability. I’m sure you’ll be licking your lips to sneak back into that ring with me along with those… women. Don't worry, don't fret, it'll be over soon. I'm not so cruel to drag it out. I'll save that for someone who truly deserves it. I’ll keep to my silly clown safe stance and allow my partners to have their fun… I’m not so cruel but I wonder if they are? I understand that The Sir has a bone to pick with tramp 1 and tramp 2. And Beck really needs to take that aggression out on someone. It appears you three are the unfortunate souls to deal with such rage. So, tell me darling, are you scared? Are you shaking in your boots? Don't be! There is nothing to be afraid of but do you fear anything Giovanni, darling?” Her hand fiddle with something. The sparklers system turns on drenching the camera but it doesn’t appear that Harlequin is getting wet. With a smirk her hands tuck behind her back as she approaches the camera. There is a soft scratch sound. The ‘clown’ gives the camera a bloody smile before tossing a lit match towards the camera. “For now, kiddies, just Lighten Up!” You can hear someone screaming frantically and the camera hits the ground, cracking the screen. Smoke soon fills the air and The Harlequin’s laugh covers up the screams before everything fades to black. |