"Top Gun" Tommy Young

Tommy felt like he was riding cloud 9 at this point! His career had really began to take off, his inclusion into the Soul Survivor tournament being a massive vote of confidence from management, not to mention the fact that they left the design and implementation of the Ultimate X structure to him as well! (He did have a slight sneaking suspicion that this was mainly because Skywolf couldn't be arsed to deal with it himself...) And then there was Hazel! He couldn't get her out of his mind at the moment. And any time he did think of her, his thoughts always went back to that time she sneaked into his and Brian's locker room, and 'persuading' him to let her have the popcorn! Nothing happened really, but it was more than enough to fire up his imagination...

THUMP!!!

"God dammit Tommy, what the hells wrong with you!"

The voice of his trainer brought him back to the here and now as he realised he just about managed to avoid injuring one of the other trainees.

"Oh, uh, uh, umm, sorry Tony... D'  don't know what happened...." Tommy's excuse was about as lame as could be, and Tony could see right through it.

"All right, take twenty people. Tommy, come 'ere!" Tony stood by the side of the ring where normally Brian would be seen lounging on the old sofa, but he hadn't been to a training session with Tommy for a few weeks, electing instead to spend the time with Teri. Tommy couldn't fault that, but he did kinda miss having the big guy there, with his disapproving, yet subtly proud, look on his face. Tommy moved towards the rope, his tail between his legs and feeling a little embarrassed by the situation.

Tony was shaking his head as he watched the young man approach. "Ok Tommy, who is she?!"

The directness of the question threw Tommy considerably! "What?! Who is who?"

Tony smiled slightly. "Look kid, I've been around the block a few times, trained a load of young guys who thought flyin' 'round a ring would make 'em look cool to the ladies! And they didn't last long, let me tell ya! Personally, I thought you were different, but if you don't get your head out of the clouds, you're gonna crash and burn just like the rest of em!" Tommy just stood still, shock beginning to find it's way onto his face. "I don't really care who she is or whatever, I just want you to realise you need to keep your focus. You're good kid, you could even win this tournament, but not if your heads being turned by a pretty face!" Tony began to move back towards his office, looking over his shoulder. "Hit the showers Tommy, you're done for today."

Ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod.... Tommy's mind was roiling over as the enormity of what just happened hit him. Leaning against a wall in the gorilla position he just stared off into space for a second, the music blasting and crowds cheering as the Hot Date apparently became a thing. He resurfaced just in time to watch Hazel skip back towards the dressing rooms, giving him a coy little wave as she went past. Tommy, only able to see her dazzling smile and cheeky, beautiful eyes, waved back, a somewhat dumb grin crossing his own face. With a girlish laugh, Hazel gaily skipped on, without a care in the world.

In complete contrast, Lord Skywolf stopped by the control desk, rubbing his forehead in  apparent exasperation as he had a quiet word with the producer there. As he turned to walk away, Tommy managed to find his voice.

“Erm, sorry Wolfie, I dunno what came over me...” Tommy smiled guiltily at his boss.

Lord Skywolf sighed and looked towards heaven as if pleading for patience, sanity or relief from fools, or possibly a mix of all three. “It's fine kiddo, these things happen and now we have a match to figure out.” Looking directly towards Tommy, he continued. “If you wanna carry on this farse we may as well get some ratings outta it! Might not be what you were thinking of when you asked Crazel for a date, but this is what you get for doing it in the ring kiddo! Now piss off to the showers! I gotta meeting....”

Lord Skywolf stalked off muttering to himself, as Tommy stood there, the adrenaline beginning to ware off as he began to fully realise what he'd done. Finally, he shrugged resignedly to himself and went to the back, hoping to not run into Brian before he managed to hit the showers....

*************************

Tommy managed nearly a whole day before coming face to face with his mentor. Coming out of his room he apparently had missed the sound of Brian coming home and was shocked to find him sitting on the sofa with a paper. White looked up from his paper with a smirk as he looked over his young mentor.

“Well Tommy, you really done fucked up there!” White laughed to himself and turned back to his paper.

Tommy felt a grimace crossing his face as the big man laughed at him. “Why? Why have fucked up Bri?” Wounded pride was a good stop gap for courage it seemed as Bri turned back with a look of mild surprise.

“Why? Well for starters, you asked that crazy bitch out. Secondly, you asked that crazy bitch out on national TV. And thirdly, Wolfies gonna take this chance to rince for ratings so any kind of relationship you were hoping to have with that woman will be thrown out for a circus show for the fans!” White put the paper down and looked at Tommy, his brow creasing in a look of worry for a friend. “Teri and me didn't tell you not to ask her only cus she was damaged goods, anyone can see that, but also cus we know the kind of shit wrestlers have to go through for the show, and how relationships can be used. Stretched and broken for the fans. Shit Tommy, you know your wrestling history and the kind of fucked up things feds have made their workers do? Believe it or not kiddo, but I'm worried for you... That's all..!”

Tommy grimaced as he began to recognise the truth in Brians words, especially after what Lord Skywolf had said the day before, but still, he raised his head defiantly and stared down the bigger man. “I don't care Bri, what happens will happen and I wanna take this ride. I don't know how long it's gonna last, maybe it'll actually become something more, who knows!”

“Hah! Yeah, sorry kid, but as we said before, Hazel's damaged goods, and you ain't gonna change that. Just remember what we said and when she does leave you with no explanation or warning, try not to cry too hard...” White turned back to his paper as Tommy staled off to the kitchen muttering under his breath.

“Fuck you Bri...”

“Come on Tommy, let's get going!”

Tommy still couldn't believe this was happening. It was his birthday in a couple of days, he was going out on an actual real date in a flippin' high class restaurant with Hazel, and now Teri was taking him on a shopping spree to downtown New York! This was unreal! It was nice that Teri had finally given up on trying to dissuade him on this, though Brian had just stalked off after giving him a final warning. He guessed he should appreciate what Bri was trying to do though, even if he was a little aggressive about it, still it was obvious to Tommy that, in his own way, Bri was trying to look out for him.

“Come on Tommy, the cab's here!”

Teri's shouts were playful, but still with that slightly motherly tone she'd began using with him, which he appreciated a little less given that he was gonna be twenty in a couple of days.

“Yeah, I'm coming Teri...” Tommy made his way out of the appartment, passing Brian as he lounged on the couch. “See ya later Bri...” Brian just grunted and waved back at him, his attention not leaving the TV. Shaking his head in resignation, Tommy went to join Teri in the back of a yellow cab she's hired.

Settling in, he looked over to her. “So, what's the plan?”

Teri looked up from her phone, her features showing a giddiness of a teenager herself. “Well, first we gotta get you a new tux, we can't have you meeting your young lady not looking your absolute best, then we're gonna go get some lunch, then we're gonna go get your birthday present!” Tommy looked up at her, the excitement in her eyes obvious and even beginning to transfer to him. He smiled in anticipation.

*******************

Looking over his shoulder into the mirror, he had to admit, he looked pretty damn good. The fitter stood by with an approving look as Teri bounced on the balles of her feet, silently clapping. The new tuxido he was wearing was fantastic, all strait lines and spotless, his shoes shining bright, the golden cuff links beaming, the coat and tails hanging perfectly from his shoulders.

“Tommy, you look stunning!” Teri couldn't keep it in any longer, and for once, he actually did agree. His slim build along with his broadening shoulders really did lend themselves well to this kind of suit and a small smile creeped onto his face.

“Yeah, looks good, actually I really like it!” Tommy smiled fully, his confidence growing as he strode about the dressing room, feeling the fabrics move and flow as he walked.

With a smile and a flourish, the fitter produced a beautiful black top hat. “If sir wouldn't mind?” Tommy stopped his pacing and allowed the fitter to place the hat onto his head, completing the ensemble. “There. From what you told me, your lady friend should be suitably impressed! A fine example of the modern gothique!” The fitter chuckled dryly to himself.

Tommy had to admit it, that was true, and he kinda liked it too. He turned to face Teri who was looking him up and down with a smile. “You sure do look handsome Tommy!” Tommy just blushed. “So, let's get this all paid for and then we'll go buy you your new laptop!” Tommy looked up in surprise.

“A... a new laptop?!”

“Yeah kiddo, happy birthday!”

Tommy stared at the screen, not seeing what was going on there, his project ignored for now. He'd been finding it difficult to concentrate on anything other than work related things for the past few weeks, ever since the whole thing with Hazel came to a head. That kind of personality disorder was very worrying to him, but it also made a certain amount of sense given what he'd seen of Hazel. Still, it was a shame that they never really got to grow any further in their relationship, even though she still considered him a friend.

He grimaced at the thought of what his old school friends would be saying now... Things like 'friend zoned' or 'cock blocked' or some other crap. Ah well, he didn't care what they thought. If he had he'd still be in Barry College finishing some sort of BTEC or NVQ in something that would allow him to barely make a living working on the docks or in the silicone factory or something, not living in New York, touring the world and performing in front of thousands of people on a regular basis, not to mention hanging out with several gorgeous women on a regular basis!

He managed to stifle a chuckle as he looked over his shoulder towards where Brian was watching the (American) football on the sofa... Nah, didn't notice... Still, it was kinda weird there too. Ever since he came home from the hospital after Bonhams attack, he'd been different. Still kinda quiet, but.... more considerate... more caring to an extent... not the douchebag bully he'd followed out here, he had to admit. He grimaced again as he admitted that first part to himself finally too. No, Brian wasn't a nice guy, but Tommy had persisted and things had happened. But now, maybe that hit to his head had changed him a little. Tommy wasn't sure, but he did know that head injuries could have lasting effects, even after the concussion had healed. And he had to admit, after that gallows pole match and the doctor trying to reprimand Brian for competing whilst not cleared, White's response was still damned scary even to the point of having the doctor back off and clear him for later that night, just to save his own skin.

He blinked and focused back on his screen...

[Bang] “Hey, I'm back!” Teri shouts from the front door of the apartment before appearing at the entrance to the living room, earning a smile from both men. “How's my boys doing?” She laughs and drops her hand bag by Tommy's desk, giving his shoulder a squeeze before moving round the couch and practically falling into Brians embrace as the two lovers reunite. Tommy blushes a little as he turns away and mumbles “get a room....”

“We're in a room kiddo!” Brian's voice booms and Tommy's ears turn bright red as he realises that he was heard.

“Uh... Sorry Bri!” he stammers, and Brian just laughs good naturedly. Teri giggles too, and directs a knowing glance at Tommy. Standing, she walks back to the young man who's busy trying to hide his embarrassment in work.

Placing her hand on his shoulder, she smiles. “I'm sorry things didn't work out between you and Hazel, Tommy. We were shocked too when the news broke about her illness. Just know me and Bri are here for you, and if you wanna talk, you just ask, ok?”

Tommy nods, feeling Teri squeeze his shoulder again, and looks over towards Brian again, expecting him to be ignoring them, but was surprised to see him nodding along too. Things seem like their changing around here, he thought....

“Hey Hazel, it's Tommy. Just wondering how you're doing... Umm.. Hope you're having a nice Christmas....... We're worried about you Hazel! Can you call me when you get this? Speak soon.”

Tommy rang off with a sigh and a shake of his head, putting his phone down on his desk. He'd not heard anything from Hazel since the last show and he was starting to get a little worried. He knew she was prone to disappear for a little while, but this was longer than usual. He'd left a couple texts and this was the second message, and he felt like he was getting a little overbearing, though he did also recognise that that could be his own insecurities about their relationship and how it was defined at the moment.

He looked around the empty living room of the house he shared with Bri, actually glad that both he and Teri were out. They'd told him that she was moving in now, and he was genuinely happy for them, but it also made him feel a little uncomfortable. Walking in on them getting as intimately physical as was possible whilst keeping their clothes on on the sofa was an image that had seared itself on his mind, and he'd rather not see that again!

He had an idea and grabbed for his phone again.

Ring Ring! Ring Ring!

“Come on, come on, pick up...”

Ring!

“Hi Tommy, how're you doing?”

“Hey Anna! Yeah, I'm good. I was wondering if you'd heard anything from or about Hazel over the last couple of weeks. I've not heard from  her since the awards show and War is just around the corner...”

“Hmmm, no I'm sorry Tommy, I've not heard anything.”

Tommy's face fell a little. “Damn...”

“Haha! It's ok Tommy, she'll be fine I'm sure...” Even to Tommy it was obvious that this was Anna trying to convince herself. “Look, I'm reffing your next match anyway, so at least we can keep things moving, ok?”

Tommy smiled to himself. “Yeah, I know Anna, thanks. But if I'm honest, that's not what I'm worried about. After her breakdown at Gallows End, I've been really worried about her. I don't mind admitting it, but even though we really only had half a date, I still care for her!”

“Awe, Tommy, you're growing up I see!”

Tommy rolled his eyes at this. “Yeah I know, I'm still the youngest on the roster! But still, this shit is weird and I'm worried that it'll really screw her up.”

“Look, Tommy; I'm sure she's doing fine, and I'm sure Sery has the psychs looking after her. It's kind of his job now after all! And we'll both keep an eye on her as things move forward. I understand how you feel, I care for her too, and so does Paige and Kiko, in their own way. Hazel has a lot of friends around her, so we'll make sure she's looked after.”

Tommy leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling, taking all this in. “Yeah, you're right. I know she'll be fine, at least fine enough I guess. I just want to help her...”

“Hahaha! Oh, Tommy! You're so sweet!”

Tommy blushed furiously at this and his voice became a little gruffer. “Whaddya mean?!”

Anna chuckled lightly. “Don't worry about it, Tommy! Oh, gotta run! I'll see you soon. Everything will be fine, don't you worry. Merry Christmas!”

Anna hung up the phone and Tommy was left staring at the screen, still a little red in the face. With a sigh, he turned back to his computer where a list of apartments for rent was shown on the monitor.

Last edited by Gorgrim (Thu-24-Jan-2019 22:04:08)

Tommy was feeling a peculiar mix of emotions as he fumbled for his keys. Excitement in that he'd found an apartment, apprehension at what Bri wound say when he finally told him he was moving to his own place. Or to be more accurate, the level of indifference he would receive from Brian...

He finally got the door open and entered the living room to find it empty. Tommy looked around, a little surprised as he'd become accustomed to coming home from training to find Bri and Teri curled up on the sofa, Bri watching the American Football (Tommy could never come to just call it football, they don't even kick the ball!), or even the English League Football, whilst Teri had the latest health and fitness magazine and occasionally reading out parts to Bri before chatting on about the point with him. Tommy had to admit, he'd noticed that Bri was far more likely to join the conversation recently, even during a play! Tommy chuckled to himself as he went top his bedroom door and chucked his duffel bag on his bed for later.

Turning he went to his computer desk, spinning into his chair as he booted the machine up so he could fill out the forms his estate agent had sent him. It wasn't too long before the door opened again to admit Brian and Teri, chatting and laughing like they were teenagers. Even Tommy rolled his eyes a little.

“Hey guys, where you been?”

“Oh, Hi Tommy, just out to do a little groceries!” Teri laughed as Bri trundled off to the kitchen, loaded down with several bags. “Watchu doin'?” Teri wondered over to lean on the back if his chair.

“Erm, yeah... Well... Bri, can you come here a sec please?” Tommy called.

A grunt was heard from the kitchen and the big man reappeared with a quizzical look in his eye. “What's up kiddo?”

Tommy started to turn his chair to face the room, prompting Teri to stand up and move back to give him space. Tommy looked at his hands for a second, trying to psych himself up to break the news.

“Look, it's great that you're moving in Teri, I'm really happy for you both. It's great! It's just... I've been kinda feeling like a third wheel here, so...” Tommy took in a deep breath. “I'm gonna be moving out!”

Tommy looked up. Teri looked a little shocked, and even Brian's indomitable features where creased in surprise.

“I've already found somewhere, just need to sort out paperwork and cash, and it's just a few streets away, so if you're worried, there's no need to be....”

Teri looked over at Brian, who was leaning against the door frame to the kitchen. Brian semi shrugged and moved further into the room.

“Look, kiddo, I never meant to try to force you out or anything, you are welcome to stay an' all... Sorry if we made ya feel uncomfortable, or weird or anythin'.” Tommy was actually staring as the big, traditionally angry and emotionless guy actually showed some worry towards him. “But I mean, you're twenty now, you're an adult and I'm not your dad or anything! I'm glad for ya kiddo!” White smiled at his protegee, an uncommon sight as far as the younger man was concerned, but he smiled back too, glad that his news hadn't been taken badly, or just indifferently.

Teri leaned into him to hug him. “Oh sweaty! I'm so proud of you! You know we'll always be here for you.” Brian had to cough to stifle a laugh as Tommy's quickly reddening face was pressed into Teri's ample bust by her embrace. Releasing him, she giggled slightly too, realising what has discomforted the young man very quickly. “Just let us know if you need anything!” She smiled sweatily at him as Tommy nodded, suddenly feeling far more excited about this whole situation and the future that was now laid out before him.

Tommy had been putting it off for a while now. He knew he had to tell Brian and Teri, now that she had moved into their apartment. Turns out her last place actually wasn't as nice as this one, but then, for Tommy, who came from a small and quite frankly, almost poverty stricken town on the South Wales coast, this house he'd been sharing with Brian for the last few years was a palace in comparison to his mothers house. He resolved to finally tell him when he got back.

Tommy let the cool breeze wash over him as he stared out across the Severn Estuary, overlooking the cliffs on Barry Island, ignoring and for the most part, being ignored by the many people walking their dogs or children along the coast. It had been quite a while since he was home, having spent a good period of time between shows doing house shows and convention appearances. He'd been doing quite well, even he'd had to admit, and his mother was somewhat by the number and quality of gifts he'd brought back.

He smiled as a large wave hit the coast sending a spray of mist up and over the footpath, cooling him down even as the midday sun beat down upon him. 'Aaahhh, this is the life...' he thought to himself as he leaned on a railing. He became aware of a quiet conversation a little ways away, but gave it no mind for now and went back to his own thoughts.

“Ahem, um... Excuse me, mister?”

Tommy looked round in surprise to see a small group of teenagers standing a little awkwardly a few meters away. The boy who'd spoken up standing in front.

“Yeah..?” Tommy spoke a little guardedly, not sure which way this was gonna go.

“Umm, aren't you that wrestler, “Top Gun” Tommy Young?” The boy had a slightly shy, but excited look about him, as if he couldn't quite believe his eyes, a look that was mirrored to some degree on the other kids, though mixed in with some scepticism.

“Hah, well, yeah, I am” Tommy smiled, unconsciously and immediately going into convention mode!

The boys eyes went wider and there was a whispering and nudging of elbows among the kids behind. One girl was having none of it though. “Oh yeah, prove it!” She shouted from among the group.

Tommy shook his head at this. “And how would you like me to do that miss?” He smiled at her, his teeth flashing in the sunlight. “If you don't believe me, please feel free to tune in to Rumble in the Storm next month! I'll be defending my belt in the Ultimate X match!” He winked at them all and chuckled as more nudging and whispering took place.

The first kid, who had scowled at the belligerence happening behind him piped up again. “Wow, cool! Can I get a selfie?!” Tommy just nodded and the boy rushed over, taking his phone out and immediately went for the pouty face everyone seems to think is cool when they selfie. Tommy however just flashed his signature smile and raised a V sign. He ran back to his group as if he'd just met his hero, which he may well have.

“I still don't believe you!” The girl sneered back at him.

“Believe what you want miss, ain't no salt off my back!” Tommy, dues given to the public decided to move on, but the girl wasn't quite ready to let it drop.

“People like that don't come to Barry! You can't be “Top Gun”!” She laughed as if this was the final nail in the coffin for her friends fandom.

Tommy stopped and turned, stepping closer to the group again. “Look miss, I don't really care what you think, it doesn't matter that much to me in the long run whether you believe who I say I am or not, but you do seem to know about 4CW, right?” The girl nods, uncertainly. “Well, next time you watch a show, just listen to my billed place of origin. You may be surprised! And for that matter, listen carefully to Where they bill Brian “The Freight Train” White from. What I'm saying kids, is that not too long ago, I was a teenager from this place, just like you, finishing my A-levels over at Barry Comp, trying to figure out what the hell I was going to do with my life, and because I was a bit of a nerd about that kind of thing, hanging around certain gyms where a certain well known wrestler trained. Cut ahead a few years and some serious risks, and I'm one of the top rising stars in the worlds greatest wrestling promotion. Yeah, I know not much god is said about this place, or even comes out of this place, but if you have a dream, then go for it! You never know where you'll end up!” Tommy looked over the enraptured faces of the teenagers in front of him. “Don't let yourself live to regret a chance that passed you by. Ciao guys, maybe see you round about!” And with a wave, Tommy wandered back down the hill, towards the main beach and car park, leaving the group stunned, but possibly motivated, to look to their future.

Tommy looked down at the item in his hand. It was just a key, nothing particularly special, but right now, to him, it was something frankly extraordinary.

“Congratulations Mr Young!” the older man across the table smiled at him, then slid a piece of paper over to him. “Just your signature required and the transaction is complete.”

Tommy smiled as he picked up the pen on the table and signed on the dotted line.

“And there we have it, contract signed, mortgage accepted, keys accepted. Welcome to being a homeowner, and just in time for Christmas!” the agent smiled as he stood and extended his hand. Tommy also stood and accepted the hand, and with a firm grip and a slight tremulous laugh, he shook.

“Thank you Mr Morgan, thank you very much!” Tommy smiled widely as he pocketed the key and picked up his pack of papers, contracts and information. He still couldn't believe it. At 21 he was now a homeowner, and in New York of all places! Following Brian really was the best thing he'd ever done, even if his mum had shouted and screamed at him down the phone when he finally got the guts to tell her he'd gone! The memory still kinda haunted him, he had to admit, though he hadn't left it too long. Still, even only a few days were enough for his mum to consider calling the police he'd found out, so he was glad he had called when he did! He didn't know what would've happened if his dad was still alive!

He exited the real estate agents, a slight tear welling up as he though of his father, and hoped he would've been proud. He retrieved his helmet and mounted his new motorbike, an early Christmas present from Brian and Teri. Tommy pulled on his riding gloves as he looked over his new toy, the feeling of speed and power it conveyed to him almost overpowering! He was also pretty sure it was Miss Teri's idea to get him the Suzuki RX1000, as Brian would've probably gone for something more like a Harley. Either way, he loved his new bike, and he loved Brian and Teri even more for buying him it.

“Well, you're getting your own house, you need some wheels to get around now!” White had said. Teri just smiled as she handed they keys over to him. He smiled as he realised that a lot of people seemed to be giving him keys recently! Still, it was an amazing feeling. He mounted and set off to meet the removals van at his new address, as well as Brian and Teri, who were helping him move in, glad his helmet was now covering the stupid idiot grin he'd been trying to cover for the last hour!

He deftly navigated the streets of the city that had become his home over the last four years, casting his mind back to when he first arrived, a nervous eighteen year old with a wrestling obsession that had bordered on the manic and an ambition to follow a local hero, in his eyes anyway, and become a star himself. He couldn't quite believe it had worked out that way, but he had learnt a lot about himself, the business and life, and he was on top of the world. He only just managed to stop himself doing a wheeley as he set off from some traffic lights, not least because he saw a cop car go the other direction less than a minute later!

He made it back to Queens and parked up outside the building he was now going to call home, glad to see both the van and his best friends car waiting for him. It was a relatively small square, red bricked two story house on a street just of 73rd avenue, and pretty damn perfect as far as Tommy was concerned. It was even not too far from the house that White and Teri were renting.

He smiled and waived as he took of his helmet at Teri as she got out of the car, Brian a little behind her. Tommy and Teri exchanged hugs and Brian gave his young protege an encouraging nod. Tommy grinned and turned for the front door. Turning the key, he entered his new life.

Several hours later, the removals people had long since left and Tommy, Brian and Teri were sitting, tired and sweaty in the living room, boxes of Ikea flat pack furniture piled up against a wall, sitting on  a recently unpacked sofa, eating take away pizza off a recently built coffee table.

“It all sunk in yet kiddo?” Brian grinned as he picked his next slice.

“Not really Bri, I mean, it's crazy to me that I'm in this situation! I bought a house. I bought a fucking house! And most of my friends back home are still in uni or doing shitty jobs for shitty pay! It's also crazy to think I can actually buy my own beer whilst here now!” Tommy laughs as he takes a pull from the beer bottle in his hands. His two friends laugh too.

“It is crazy Tommy.” White takes a swig of his own. “I was hoping you'd give up and go home when you saw what this life was all about, especially as I wasn't gonna make things any easier on you. Now, I'm glad you stuck it through. Your Mum would be proud, your Dad too...” White smiles and lifts his bottle in salute to his young friend. Tommy's pride swells as his mentor says this, managing to hold back the tears at the mention of his Dad, and nods, hiding his emotions by taking another drink.

“And of course, we're just round the corner” Teri smiles at Tommy. “You know to give us a call if you need anything!”

Tommy laughs at this. “I'm a big boy now Teri, I have my own house and all!” They all chuckle at this. “But thanks. My mum's three thousand miles away, so it's good to know I got family close.” Tommy looks around at the still mostly bare room. “I can't wait to show her this place!” The others smile, glad of Tommy's good fortune, proud of what he's become, and looking forward to the future.

“Hey Mam, how's things going back in Barry? Hope you're keeping well and the 'Rona hasn't got you. Hope work has been ok for you since the lockdown was lifted.”

Tommy took a breath, looking at the screen of his computer. He was kicking himself for not doing this sooner, but he had been busy... And then he shook his head glumly as he realised that was just about the lamest excuse he could come up with. Still, at least he had plenty of news to tell his Mam now.

“Things have been going well here on the island. We've managed to keep the Covid from settling in here, but we're still taking precautions, don't worry. And guess what, Me and Bri won the Tag championship belts at Revival! Twice!! It was insane. I don't know if you watched it, I know you're not really a fan if this stuff, but it was really mad how it happened. You'd be proud of me Mam, so would Dad.”

“Whatcha doing there Tommy?” Chloe came up behind him and snaked her arms around his shoulders and chest, plonking her chin on top of his head.

Tommy chuckled at this and raised his own arm to encircle her in a half hug. “I'm sending an email to me Mam, letting her know we're all ok, giving her some news and stuff, including about us too!”

“Oh, that's cool. I spoke to my parents yesterday. Why don't you just phone her?” Chloe smiled at her boyfriend. Tommy's head sunk a little as sighed.

“Because I haven't done this since before Revival...”

“WHAT?!” Chloe's punch to Tommy's arm had a little more force to it than normal, and Tommy felt it was wholly justified. “Tommy, that's your Mom! She's probably been worried sick about you!”

“Yeah, I know, and I'm kicking myself for forgetting. But with the win at Revival, you... It kinda left my mind. It's been a crazy couple of months for me. But I promise, I will call her soon.”

Chloe eyed the young man sternly, then did a little sigh to the heavens herself. “You better! Facetime would be better still! Right, I gotta go. Sery's called a production meeting. See ya babe!” Tommy rubbed his arm as he watched her leave, a half smile on his features.

He went back to his email.

“And guess what? On top of all that, I've met someone. Her name is Chloe, she's from Houston in Texas, and she's a real firecracker! She's one of the production assistants for 4CW. She's really pretty, and nice. You never know, she could be the one! I hope you'll get to meet her soon.

On that, We should do a facetime call at some point soon. Maybe Zoom, let me know if that's ok for you!

And yeah, I'm so sorry for not doing this sooner. I can't wait to give you a proper cwtch! Cariad from me, Chloe, Brian and Teri!”

With a sigh of relief Tommy hit the send button.