Post by featherman on May 8, 2022 16:26:38 GMT -5
Isaac crept quietly down the corridor on the second floor of the house he and Drake shared.
The house was modest. Perfect for a couple of people living there. It was quirky. It had some fantastic original features despite being naturally dark and full of decor from the 70s. It really needed a sympathetic refurbishment but to Drake and Isaac it was somewhere to eat and put their head down to sleep. The majority of their time was spent out of the house. It was however one thing above all else….cheap and that suited the monsters.
The corridor had only a small window. It was situated at the opposite end of the corridor. Being the size he was being quiet was always difficult. He took a moment to work out his next steps. In this moment Isaac realised the corridor was reminiscent from the film the shining. The burnt orange carpet was strewn with dark hexagonal patterns woven into it. As he looked around he noticed the carpet had big patches of wear. The walls were an off colour cream and the doors brown. Will have to paint this soon he thought.
Isaac began to proceed down the corridor. His memory trying to remember which floorboards were loose. Today he didn’t want to be heard.
It took a couple of minutes for him to get to his destination. The last room on the right. Drakes room. The door was open, not enough to walk in without needing to push it further but just enough so he could see the majority of the room. He poked his head around the door.
The lights were off. The curtains drawn. It was dark but enough of the midday light beamed through to allow Isaac to clearly make out the contents.
Crushed beer cans. Empty bottles of spirit, some wrapped in brown paper. Clothes just laid all over the place and in the corner just sitting in front of a mirror. Drake.
——————————————————————-
Drake : “How can I help you officer? I hope it’s quick I have a match against Paul Freedom coming up next.”
Policeman : “It won’t take long Mr. Wilcox. Perhaps we could go somewhere….a little less public?”
Drake : “If this is about that fight with the husband……”
The police officer stood there dumbstruck. Drake immediately stopped speaking realising the officer was here for another reason.
Policeman : “It’s about….your mother Mr. Wilcox.”
Drake : “She passed away when i was young.”
The officer looked on even more confused than before.
Policeman: “Mr. Wilcox. Your mother is….unwell. I have been asked to inform all of her next of kin. You are the only one listed. Here are the details I’ve been instructed to provide you sir. It has all the contact details and address Information for the hospice.”
Drake took the paper without breaking his gaze.
Drake : “It….it….nah…no…. Isaac tell him. He’s wrong!”
Isaac stood in the background shocked. He had lived with the Wilcox family for a number of years. He of course never met Drakes mother as he was led to believe that she was indeed deceased.
Isaac : “Officer…are you sure?”
The policeman turned around to answer Isaac : “Yes sir.” He then immediately tried to give the paper in his hand to Drake. Drake slapped the paper out of the officers hand.
Drakes music began to play in the background. Despite being visibly shaken at the news the monster headed towards the arena.
The policeman tipped his hat and headed towards the exit.
The Game Changers came from around the corner. Catching a final glimpse of Drake before he went through the curtain. Isaac placed a foot either side of the paper on the floor, bent over and picked up the information the officer had tried to pass on.
Tact : “All ok?”
Isaac sighed and looked at the paper. “I don’t know boss.”
——————————————————————-
The giant was just sitting staring at his reflection. The last few weeks had taken its toll. His whole world had been turned upside down.
He took a swig of his bottle.
In the reflection of his mirror he noticed Isaac peeking around the door. He knew that he was there because he was worried about him. Drake however didn’t care in that moment.
Drake : “Go away.”
Isaac stepped forward. “Drake c‘mon we need you ready for the match.“
Drake : “I’ll be there and I’ll be ready.”
Isaac decided it was probably futile to push Drake anymore. “Well, Tact is planning on calling later. Wants to discuss plans for DOOM.”
Drake turned and stared his long time tag team partner down. Isaac stepped back and closed the door.
Drake turned back around to face the mirror. “Who am I?” He flicked a switched and the buzz of the hair clippers came to life. His discarded hair falling to the floor.
——————————————————————-
It had been a few hours since his loss to Paul Freedom. Drakes mind was fuzzy. He couldn’t focus. He had walked out of the locker room earlier that evening.
How could his mother be alive? Did his father know?
Isaac walked in through the front door. He placed his keys down and Immediately locked eyes with Drake and shook his head.
“I went to the old house and the dungeon. Your father is nowhere to be found.” He said dejectedly.
Drake : “And James?”
Isaac : “Nothing. Nowhere.”
An awkward silence followed.
Isaac : “You should contact her.”
Drake : “No”
Isaac : “She will give you answers.”
Drake : “No”
Isaac : “Drake…..”
Drake slamming his fist against the table : “What part of NO do you not understand?”
Isaac : “I’ll go with you.”
Drake : “Keep trying to find my father.”
——————————————————————-
The explosion of excitement from the crowd was unbelievable. The celebrations were crazy. Fireworks exploding everywhere. Balloons, glitter and other celebratory items floated down from the ceiling.
The furore of the backstage area was palatable. Everyone was in high spirits. The company had finally delivered its five star Match. Executives running around, shouting numbers. It was the highest TV viewing in company history! Everyone was happy. Except for three.
Leaning down to match their eye level. “Boys, I want you to remember this.”
The man gestures to the scenes behind him. “Remember what happened here and who you are!”
He stood up and looked down at them. “We are Wilcox and you will be my revenge.” His speech to his young children was crudely interrupted by an employee throwing their arms around David and speaking into his left ear “We did it! YOU did it! You carried off the greatest match in company history!”
David brushed the idiot off him and looked down at the boys. James and Drake looked up at their hero. The former world champion.
David : “Let’s go boys.”
Later that night became the first time the boys visited the dungeon.
——————————————————————-
The drive to the medical centre wasn’t a long one. Drake travelled in the passenger seat.
He didn’t say much. He had exhausted all options when it came to contacting his father or brother. Today as a Wilcox he was alone. Isaac of course was there but it wasn’t the same as having actual blood with him.
Isaac : “Here we are…St. Jude’s.”
Drake : “Let’s go.”
The two behemoths got out of the car and took the 90 second walk across the car park and into the main entrance in silence.
Drake walked up to the reception desk.
“Erm…Mr Wilcox to see….”
Receptionist: “Ah yes! We’ve been expecting you! Down that corridor, second right then third left.”
Drake : “Thanks.”
Isaac : “Want me to come with?”
Drake : “Sure.”
Drake and Isaac proceeded to follow the directions given. Stopping occasionally to clean their hands as instructed by the signs.
This was it though. He was here. Drake was finally about to see his mother for the first time since he was 5 years old.
He opened the door. Both wrestlers walked in.
“Mom?”
“HELEN!?”
The room was full of noise. Questions and arguments being thrown around.
Isaac was furious. The nurse looking after this frail lady was Helen.
However it was Drakes booming voice that dominated the room in the end.
“WHO ARE YOU!”
He looked at Isaac and barked : “That’s not my mother.” Drake turned to walk out.
Helen : “Drake wait!”
He stopped and turned to look at her.
Helen : “Hear her out.”
Drake nodded and walked towards the bed. The woman there was not someone he recognised. The image of his mother was firmly burned into his conscious. This woman was not her.
“Welcome Drake….Son. I am Catherine. Your mother. Well Your biological mother.”
It took a moment for it digest in his mind but for the first time in his life Isaac saw his friend and tag partner physically break. It was an instant in time that would stay with him forever.
Drake : “It’s impossible.”
Catherine : “Drake come and sit down. I want to tell you about your father. Your real father.”
Drake stumbled forward and sat down.
Isaac and Helen walked out.
In the corridor Helen and Isaac immediately began to argue
Isaac : “You knew?”
Helen : “Yes!”
Isaac : “and you didn’t think to say anything ?”
Helen : “I tried! You wouldn’t listen! Always so difficult to speak to you!”
Isaac : “Don’t you put that shit on me!”
Helen : “You god damn right I am. I tried to speak to you but you’re too busy with your girlfriend at the gym or or or picking up after Drake or whatever it is you do!”
Isaac : “I’ve avoided you because I tried to do the right thing and stay away from a married woman! I love you Helen but you are one utterly useless bitch.”
As the argument in the corridor ensued. Catherine began to lay out the journey Drake had been on to get to this point in life. How he was the son of her and Edward. How David had been living in the neighbourhood when Edward had passed away with complications following surgery. How she was unable to cope and that David and his wife would take him in. Would raise him until she was ready.
Her problem was that she was never ready and time slipped away from her.
She produced all the documents she needed. Birth certificates. Pictures. Adoption papers.
Drake sat back and soaked it all in. Not a word said. But inside the fires of rage were lit.
——————————————————————-
“Boys come here I need to speak to you.” David barked. His fathers deep commanding voice. Thick sounding and lacking any sign of emotion.
Drake remembered the day his life changed clearly, even after all these years. He had initially hoped his dad was confused or wrong.
It started with David standing over him eclipsing the light. From a very early age Drake remembers David’s need to intimidate. It was his way of ensuring he was in control. Despite this David was always well turned out it was something Drake always respected in his father. Today he was wearing a black set of chinos, a blue and white checked shirt with a dark blue sweater over the top of it.
“Boys, she’s gone.”
It was as sudden as that. David stood there and without any remorse or care he blurted out that statement.
James : “Who?”
David : “Your mother. It’s just us now boys. Bury your pain. Use it if you need to but our job hasn’t changed. She’s gone and it’s just us.”
David placed a hand on the top of Drakes head. This would be the most emotion he would ever show to either of the boys. Drake at five years old never saw his mother again.
——————————————————————-
The grave was bare. Except the yellow roses he placed there last week. The flowers were already brown and wilted. The recent bout of hot weather must have sped up their decay.
Drake : “You think it strange that I come here?”
Isaac : “Not at all. She was your mother.”
Drake began to partially laugh : “Huh? Yeah! Ha! Mother.”
Isaac : “Your father was at the service you know. Told me he would visit regularly. Based on the state of those” Isaac nodded towards the flowers. “ Am guessing he hasn’t been then?”
Drake crouched down on his knees infront Of the headstone: “Does it surprise you?” He leaned back and stood up : “You know what he’s like.”
Drake : “Did he ever…speak to you about her? Or Me?”
Isaac : “No. I was told the same story as you.”
Drake placed his hand in the pockets of his jacket and sighed.
Drake : “That man lied to me every day of my life Isaac. He abused me..mentally. He made me this….angry soulless monster. All because he had a vision. He fucked James up too.
Isaac : “I know.”
Drake : “He fixed you, but you were so far beyond broken anything other than that looked fixed. He was no miracle worker.”
Isaac : “He got me sorted.”
Drake replying angrily : “He locked you in a god damn room and fed you enough bread you didn’t die. That’s not rocket science.”
Isaac : “I remember. It was rough. Tough love he called it.”
Drake : “Doesn’t matter anyways. I am no Wilcox.”
Isaac : “Welcome to the club.”
Drake : “Mark my words Isaac. That man will pay. Tact calling us today isn’t he?”
Isaac : “Nope. He’s visiting. Speaking of which we better get back.”
Isaac strolled off towards the car. Drake stands over the headstone. His emotions a mess. This woman gave birth to him. He had that to thank her for it was that one fact that tied his care and loyalty to her. On the other hand she threw him to the wolves. The same Wolf armed him with the tools of hate and which allowed him to become the athlete he is today.
Drake : “Who am I?” He muttered quietly. “I am The Monster. I am Drake.”
When the two giant members of the Game Changers arrived home they were already greeted with the presence of Tact. The leader of the Game Changers had taken them under his wing and the results were starting to show!
“Jesus look at you Drake!” He began to laugh. “NEW HAIR! New look?”
Drake laughed “You like it? Hahaha!”
Isaac opening the door : “Let’s go inside!”
Tact : “Now you guys are sure of the plan? Five on five…at Doom!”
Drake : “Don’t worry boss! Trust us . Centurion, Dionysus, Paul Freedom, Eli Goode & Brody Adams won’t know what’s hit them. We are the Game Changers! And I AM DRAKE! We won’t let you down.”
Tact began to smile sinisterly : “Oh I know”
The house was modest. Perfect for a couple of people living there. It was quirky. It had some fantastic original features despite being naturally dark and full of decor from the 70s. It really needed a sympathetic refurbishment but to Drake and Isaac it was somewhere to eat and put their head down to sleep. The majority of their time was spent out of the house. It was however one thing above all else….cheap and that suited the monsters.
The corridor had only a small window. It was situated at the opposite end of the corridor. Being the size he was being quiet was always difficult. He took a moment to work out his next steps. In this moment Isaac realised the corridor was reminiscent from the film the shining. The burnt orange carpet was strewn with dark hexagonal patterns woven into it. As he looked around he noticed the carpet had big patches of wear. The walls were an off colour cream and the doors brown. Will have to paint this soon he thought.
Isaac began to proceed down the corridor. His memory trying to remember which floorboards were loose. Today he didn’t want to be heard.
It took a couple of minutes for him to get to his destination. The last room on the right. Drakes room. The door was open, not enough to walk in without needing to push it further but just enough so he could see the majority of the room. He poked his head around the door.
The lights were off. The curtains drawn. It was dark but enough of the midday light beamed through to allow Isaac to clearly make out the contents.
Crushed beer cans. Empty bottles of spirit, some wrapped in brown paper. Clothes just laid all over the place and in the corner just sitting in front of a mirror. Drake.
——————————————————————-
Drake : “How can I help you officer? I hope it’s quick I have a match against Paul Freedom coming up next.”
Policeman : “It won’t take long Mr. Wilcox. Perhaps we could go somewhere….a little less public?”
Drake : “If this is about that fight with the husband……”
The police officer stood there dumbstruck. Drake immediately stopped speaking realising the officer was here for another reason.
Policeman : “It’s about….your mother Mr. Wilcox.”
Drake : “She passed away when i was young.”
The officer looked on even more confused than before.
Policeman: “Mr. Wilcox. Your mother is….unwell. I have been asked to inform all of her next of kin. You are the only one listed. Here are the details I’ve been instructed to provide you sir. It has all the contact details and address Information for the hospice.”
Drake took the paper without breaking his gaze.
Drake : “It….it….nah…no…. Isaac tell him. He’s wrong!”
Isaac stood in the background shocked. He had lived with the Wilcox family for a number of years. He of course never met Drakes mother as he was led to believe that she was indeed deceased.
Isaac : “Officer…are you sure?”
The policeman turned around to answer Isaac : “Yes sir.” He then immediately tried to give the paper in his hand to Drake. Drake slapped the paper out of the officers hand.
Drakes music began to play in the background. Despite being visibly shaken at the news the monster headed towards the arena.
The policeman tipped his hat and headed towards the exit.
The Game Changers came from around the corner. Catching a final glimpse of Drake before he went through the curtain. Isaac placed a foot either side of the paper on the floor, bent over and picked up the information the officer had tried to pass on.
Tact : “All ok?”
Isaac sighed and looked at the paper. “I don’t know boss.”
——————————————————————-
The giant was just sitting staring at his reflection. The last few weeks had taken its toll. His whole world had been turned upside down.
He took a swig of his bottle.
In the reflection of his mirror he noticed Isaac peeking around the door. He knew that he was there because he was worried about him. Drake however didn’t care in that moment.
Drake : “Go away.”
Isaac stepped forward. “Drake c‘mon we need you ready for the match.“
Drake : “I’ll be there and I’ll be ready.”
Isaac decided it was probably futile to push Drake anymore. “Well, Tact is planning on calling later. Wants to discuss plans for DOOM.”
Drake turned and stared his long time tag team partner down. Isaac stepped back and closed the door.
Drake turned back around to face the mirror. “Who am I?” He flicked a switched and the buzz of the hair clippers came to life. His discarded hair falling to the floor.
——————————————————————-
It had been a few hours since his loss to Paul Freedom. Drakes mind was fuzzy. He couldn’t focus. He had walked out of the locker room earlier that evening.
How could his mother be alive? Did his father know?
Isaac walked in through the front door. He placed his keys down and Immediately locked eyes with Drake and shook his head.
“I went to the old house and the dungeon. Your father is nowhere to be found.” He said dejectedly.
Drake : “And James?”
Isaac : “Nothing. Nowhere.”
An awkward silence followed.
Isaac : “You should contact her.”
Drake : “No”
Isaac : “She will give you answers.”
Drake : “No”
Isaac : “Drake…..”
Drake slamming his fist against the table : “What part of NO do you not understand?”
Isaac : “I’ll go with you.”
Drake : “Keep trying to find my father.”
——————————————————————-
The explosion of excitement from the crowd was unbelievable. The celebrations were crazy. Fireworks exploding everywhere. Balloons, glitter and other celebratory items floated down from the ceiling.
The furore of the backstage area was palatable. Everyone was in high spirits. The company had finally delivered its five star Match. Executives running around, shouting numbers. It was the highest TV viewing in company history! Everyone was happy. Except for three.
Leaning down to match their eye level. “Boys, I want you to remember this.”
The man gestures to the scenes behind him. “Remember what happened here and who you are!”
He stood up and looked down at them. “We are Wilcox and you will be my revenge.” His speech to his young children was crudely interrupted by an employee throwing their arms around David and speaking into his left ear “We did it! YOU did it! You carried off the greatest match in company history!”
David brushed the idiot off him and looked down at the boys. James and Drake looked up at their hero. The former world champion.
David : “Let’s go boys.”
Later that night became the first time the boys visited the dungeon.
——————————————————————-
The drive to the medical centre wasn’t a long one. Drake travelled in the passenger seat.
He didn’t say much. He had exhausted all options when it came to contacting his father or brother. Today as a Wilcox he was alone. Isaac of course was there but it wasn’t the same as having actual blood with him.
Isaac : “Here we are…St. Jude’s.”
Drake : “Let’s go.”
The two behemoths got out of the car and took the 90 second walk across the car park and into the main entrance in silence.
Drake walked up to the reception desk.
“Erm…Mr Wilcox to see….”
Receptionist: “Ah yes! We’ve been expecting you! Down that corridor, second right then third left.”
Drake : “Thanks.”
Isaac : “Want me to come with?”
Drake : “Sure.”
Drake and Isaac proceeded to follow the directions given. Stopping occasionally to clean their hands as instructed by the signs.
This was it though. He was here. Drake was finally about to see his mother for the first time since he was 5 years old.
He opened the door. Both wrestlers walked in.
“Mom?”
“HELEN!?”
The room was full of noise. Questions and arguments being thrown around.
Isaac was furious. The nurse looking after this frail lady was Helen.
However it was Drakes booming voice that dominated the room in the end.
“WHO ARE YOU!”
He looked at Isaac and barked : “That’s not my mother.” Drake turned to walk out.
Helen : “Drake wait!”
He stopped and turned to look at her.
Helen : “Hear her out.”
Drake nodded and walked towards the bed. The woman there was not someone he recognised. The image of his mother was firmly burned into his conscious. This woman was not her.
“Welcome Drake….Son. I am Catherine. Your mother. Well Your biological mother.”
It took a moment for it digest in his mind but for the first time in his life Isaac saw his friend and tag partner physically break. It was an instant in time that would stay with him forever.
Drake : “It’s impossible.”
Catherine : “Drake come and sit down. I want to tell you about your father. Your real father.”
Drake stumbled forward and sat down.
Isaac and Helen walked out.
In the corridor Helen and Isaac immediately began to argue
Isaac : “You knew?”
Helen : “Yes!”
Isaac : “and you didn’t think to say anything ?”
Helen : “I tried! You wouldn’t listen! Always so difficult to speak to you!”
Isaac : “Don’t you put that shit on me!”
Helen : “You god damn right I am. I tried to speak to you but you’re too busy with your girlfriend at the gym or or or picking up after Drake or whatever it is you do!”
Isaac : “I’ve avoided you because I tried to do the right thing and stay away from a married woman! I love you Helen but you are one utterly useless bitch.”
As the argument in the corridor ensued. Catherine began to lay out the journey Drake had been on to get to this point in life. How he was the son of her and Edward. How David had been living in the neighbourhood when Edward had passed away with complications following surgery. How she was unable to cope and that David and his wife would take him in. Would raise him until she was ready.
Her problem was that she was never ready and time slipped away from her.
She produced all the documents she needed. Birth certificates. Pictures. Adoption papers.
Drake sat back and soaked it all in. Not a word said. But inside the fires of rage were lit.
——————————————————————-
“Boys come here I need to speak to you.” David barked. His fathers deep commanding voice. Thick sounding and lacking any sign of emotion.
Drake remembered the day his life changed clearly, even after all these years. He had initially hoped his dad was confused or wrong.
It started with David standing over him eclipsing the light. From a very early age Drake remembers David’s need to intimidate. It was his way of ensuring he was in control. Despite this David was always well turned out it was something Drake always respected in his father. Today he was wearing a black set of chinos, a blue and white checked shirt with a dark blue sweater over the top of it.
“Boys, she’s gone.”
It was as sudden as that. David stood there and without any remorse or care he blurted out that statement.
James : “Who?”
David : “Your mother. It’s just us now boys. Bury your pain. Use it if you need to but our job hasn’t changed. She’s gone and it’s just us.”
David placed a hand on the top of Drakes head. This would be the most emotion he would ever show to either of the boys. Drake at five years old never saw his mother again.
——————————————————————-
The grave was bare. Except the yellow roses he placed there last week. The flowers were already brown and wilted. The recent bout of hot weather must have sped up their decay.
Drake : “You think it strange that I come here?”
Isaac : “Not at all. She was your mother.”
Drake began to partially laugh : “Huh? Yeah! Ha! Mother.”
Isaac : “Your father was at the service you know. Told me he would visit regularly. Based on the state of those” Isaac nodded towards the flowers. “ Am guessing he hasn’t been then?”
Drake crouched down on his knees infront Of the headstone: “Does it surprise you?” He leaned back and stood up : “You know what he’s like.”
Drake : “Did he ever…speak to you about her? Or Me?”
Isaac : “No. I was told the same story as you.”
Drake placed his hand in the pockets of his jacket and sighed.
Drake : “That man lied to me every day of my life Isaac. He abused me..mentally. He made me this….angry soulless monster. All because he had a vision. He fucked James up too.
Isaac : “I know.”
Drake : “He fixed you, but you were so far beyond broken anything other than that looked fixed. He was no miracle worker.”
Isaac : “He got me sorted.”
Drake replying angrily : “He locked you in a god damn room and fed you enough bread you didn’t die. That’s not rocket science.”
Isaac : “I remember. It was rough. Tough love he called it.”
Drake : “Doesn’t matter anyways. I am no Wilcox.”
Isaac : “Welcome to the club.”
Drake : “Mark my words Isaac. That man will pay. Tact calling us today isn’t he?”
Isaac : “Nope. He’s visiting. Speaking of which we better get back.”
Isaac strolled off towards the car. Drake stands over the headstone. His emotions a mess. This woman gave birth to him. He had that to thank her for it was that one fact that tied his care and loyalty to her. On the other hand she threw him to the wolves. The same Wolf armed him with the tools of hate and which allowed him to become the athlete he is today.
Drake : “Who am I?” He muttered quietly. “I am The Monster. I am Drake.”
When the two giant members of the Game Changers arrived home they were already greeted with the presence of Tact. The leader of the Game Changers had taken them under his wing and the results were starting to show!
“Jesus look at you Drake!” He began to laugh. “NEW HAIR! New look?”
Drake laughed “You like it? Hahaha!”
Isaac opening the door : “Let’s go inside!”
Tact : “Now you guys are sure of the plan? Five on five…at Doom!”
Drake : “Don’t worry boss! Trust us . Centurion, Dionysus, Paul Freedom, Eli Goode & Brody Adams won’t know what’s hit them. We are the Game Changers! And I AM DRAKE! We won’t let you down.”
Tact began to smile sinisterly : “Oh I know”