A/N: I am so, so, so sorry for the delay in updating! I work in early childhood and the end of the year is our busiest time with Christmas celebrations, kids leaving for Primary School next year and also my sons schools end of year events - not to mention week of five in the morning wake ups to get to work. I've been a busy and tired woman! I will try to update on Sunday as well, but here is the overdue chapter for you all! Thank you kindly for the reviews!
Chapter Seven: Hell in a Cell
She stared at her reflection silently, her hands wringing together as her heart pounding rapidly with nerves.
She would fail.
She would prove the voices in her head right.
"You're going to fail."
"You'll come crawling back."
"They won't take you seriously!"
"It's not gonna last! You'll be out on your ass in no time flat!"
"Failure!"
"Useless!"
She turned violently away from the mirror and knelt to the ground, burying her face into her hand's as she breathed in and out deeply.
"Hey Mat-" the voice cut off seeing the woman sitting on the ground ready for her match appearance wise by not mentally by a long shot, "Mattie?"
Warm hands rested on her bare shoulders before they moved to pry her hands away from her face. Matilda met the concerned face of Jon as he knelt in front of her.
"What's going on?" frowned Jon.
"I'm going to fuck this match up so bad," mumbled Matilda, "I'll be fired and then they will be right about me."
"What do you mean fuck the match up? Mattie, you're pro. You've performed enough matches to prove you won't mess up."
"Do you… do you want to know the last thing my mother said to me before I came here?"
Jon frowned a little but nodded.
"You'll come crawling back."
Jon remained silent as Matilda gave a bitter laugh, looking down at her fingers entwined with Jon's as he settled cross legged in front of her.
"They never supported me wrestling. My grandfather was my only support. He worked the Australian Pro Wrestling circuit into his fifties. I loved watching old tapes of him wrestling and every week we would watch WWE, Lucha Underground, Ring of Honour and go watch the indie shows around Australia… he trained me and taught me everything I know. He… he said I would go far… and when he died my family expected me to give it up for good. Work on the farm and marry Chris," Matilda paused and wiped her tears from her eyes, "Argh, now is not time for a sob story."
Jon squeezed her hands gently, "Your biggest triumph would be to go out, give a damn good match and prove your family wrong. Make them eat their words."
Matilda looked at Jon and gave him a watery smile. She pulled her hands from his and leaned forward to hug him, "Thank you," she murmured in his ear before pulling away and standing up.
Matilda held a hand out to Jon and he took it, allowing her to help him stand. Matilda checked her reflection and wiped away any smudges of make-up.
"Right, let's go smash this match out!"
Nikki Bella strode out and paused, looking at the cell around the match. The only way to win was to climb out of the cell or through the gate. Nikki quickly put a look of confidence, flanked by Brie and Alicia and the trio strode down the ramp. Brie hugged her sister tightly before Nikki stepped into the ring.
Suddenly the music changed to Sister Abigail's theme. She walked out in her ripped jeans, dark brown boots and Redemption tank top. Her hair was loose and lightly curled. Beside her stood Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns, with Randy Orton bringing up the rear.
Abigail walked forward, this time not being held in place by Dean or Roman. Her eyes were locked on Nikki Bella, who paced around in the ring glaring at Abigail in return. At the gate to the cage, Dean placed his hands on her shoulders, earning comments from Michael and JBL. Roman and Randy gave the diva a reassuring nod and Abigail looked at Dean.
He spoke quietly and she smiled before stepping into the ring with the referee locking the gate shut.
The bell sounded and the two diva's moved around each other, eyeing each other off.
"No one to save you now," taunted Abigail, "Time to face redemption, Nikki!"
Nikki ran forward but Abigail dodged the attack, sending Nikki flying into the side of the cage. Abigail laughed as Nikki slowly sat up to be met with a running knee to the side of her head from Abigail. Abigail skipped back and ran forward again, repeating the movement.
Nikki rolled back towards the middle of the ring, her hand clutching the side of her head. Abigail walked over and pulled Nikki up by her hair. Nikki retaliated with a punch to Abigail's mid-section once, twice and three times before moving behind Abigail and hitting her with a suplex. Abigail hit the mat, bouncing towards the turnbuckle. Nikki stood and advanced on Abigail, yanking her up and slamming into her an elbow to the face. Abigail stumbled back into the corner of the ring and Nikki stepped back before running back and performing a corner forearm smash.
Abigail sunk down to the ground of the mat and Nikki stepped back with a taunting smile.
"Where's my redemption, Abigail?" yelled Nikki, moving closer to Abigail and bending forward, "Huh? Where is it?"
Abigail suddenly struck out, slapping Nikki across the face. Nikki fell onto her rear-end in surprise, one hand to her face. Abigail moved forward into a crouched position before she launched herself at Nikki with a flurry of hits, Nikki reversed the move so she was on top, returning the hits before Abigail rolled them again so she was on top.
"It's a brawl now, Michael! There's no stopping them either!" yelled JBL.
"I haven't seen anything like this since Lita and Trish Stratus feud!" added Jerry.
Nikki managed to throw Abigail off of her and the two quickly stood. Abigail was faster, springing into action by downing Nikki with a forceful clothesline.
"Yes!" came Dean's yell.
"Come on, Nikki!" shouted Brie furiously.
Nikki stood and turned to be met with another clothesline and when she stood the third time she was to be hit with a running front drop kick. Nikki stayed down and Abigail stood up, breathing heavily. She walked over to Nikki and nudged her with her boot. Nikki barely moved and Abigail laughed. She turned and walked over to the gate where the referee started undoing the lock. As the referee went to open the gate Nikki managed to lunge forward and grabbed Abigail by her boot to yank her back away from the gate.
Abigail fell back and Nikki scrambled for the exit. Abigail moved and jumped forward, sitting on the Diva's back and pinning her down, yelling at the referee to lock the gate.
Nikki used her strength to stand, holding Abigail onto her before throwing herself backwards and making Abigail take the impact on the mat.
Abigail cried out as the jolt shot through her back from the impact and winded her at the same time. Nikki stood up, panting and yanked Abigail up by her hair. She turned Abigail around and threw her into the fence of the cage, pulled her back and threw her against it again and again until she let Abigail go with the last throw and watched in satisfaction as Abigail slid down the chain link fence. Dean moved forward behind Abigail.
"Get up!"
Abigail tilted her head back and looked up at the ceiling and let out a cold laugh as she pushed herself up and stepped between the ropes. Nikki had her back turned, talking to Brie and Alicia. Alicia pointed behind Nikki in time to turn as Abigail ran at her and landed a running cross body. With renewed vigour Abigail stood up and let out a yell, her hands clenched into tight fists. Abigail ran to the nearest turnbuckle and climbed up it. Nikki stood and staggered towards Abigail, who jumped from the rope and brought Nikki down with a perfect hurricerana. Abigail stood and looked at Nikki and ran towards the side of the cell and started climbing up it.
The WWE Universe were on their feet cheering for Abigail to reach the top. She reached out for the top metal part when Nikki grabbed her leg and tugged on it. Abigail kicked her leg, attempting to shake the diva's hold on her. Nikki held on tight and with a hard pull, Abigail lost her hold on the side of the cage and came crashing down to the mat.
"Oh my!" yelled Michael, "That had to hurt!"
"No Michael! It tickled! Of course it would've hurt!" shot back JBL.
"Abigail!" yelled Dean, clinging onto the side of the cage with Roman and Randy looking on worriedly either side.
Nikki was crawling towards the gate as Abigail rolled to her side, breathing heavily. Abigail reached out and grabbed onto Nikki by the boot. Nikki looked behind her and used her free foot to kick at Abigail, forcing the downed diva to let go. Abigail shook her head and grabbed a hold with both hands, moving herself into a kneeling position. Nikki kicked and tried to pull out of the hold but Abigail held on, moving them into a figure four leg lock. Nikki cried out as Abigail gave it her all until Nikki slumped back on the mat, cringing.
Abigail let go and slowly stood up. She moved towards Nikki and yanked her up and shoved her into the turn buckle. Abigail stepped back and ran forward, slamming both boots into the diva's chest. Nikki slumped down and Abigail pulled her up and set her up for redemption as the lights in the arena flickered off.
They flickered back on to show the Wyatt's standing a mere foot away from Dean, Roman and Randy. Abigail looked at them before slamming the Redemption on Nikki. She stepped towards the fence and climbed up it hurriedly as a battle of fists and throwing into the barricades broke out. Abigail climbed quicker and hoisted herself over the top and down the side as the crowd cheered. Abigail dropped to the ground as Braun went for Dean.
"STOP!" yelled Abigail standing between Dean and Braun.
The other two fights stopped with Bray moving forward and dropping to his knees in front of Abigail.
"You saved the divas!" praised Bray as the referee came over hesitantly with the Divas title.
He handed it to Abigail and she took it, looking stunned and confused. Behind her stood Dean, Roman and Randy. In front of her stood Bray, Luke and Braun.
"Sister Abigail," said Bray into a microphone, "You belong with us. Come home."
Dean shook his head smirking and gripped onto Abigail's arm, "Not yet. No, the nights not over yet. She stays with us still."
Matilda staggered backstage and was quickly led to the medical room to be checked over. Her body had taken a beating in that match – more than was intended. Throughout the examination, Matilda stared at the title in her hands in wonder.
Her life had made a complete turnaround. No longer was she a nobody, country girl, that her family called useless and a failure. Now she was the Divas Champion. She was someone. She had achieved her dream.
"This is for you Pops," whispered Matilda with tears in her eyes, "All for you."
Before heading back out for the match between The Wyatt's and Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Randy Orton, Matilda gave her title over to have the name plates changed. She settled in a chair to relax her body for a bit, sipping on a Powerade as she did so.
"Hey."
Matilda looked up and gave Colby a small smile, "Hi."
"I watched your match… man… you gave it everything."
Matilda smiled tiredly, "I feel it."
"And congratulations on the win. New Diva's Champ!"
Matilda smiled, "It hasn't really sunk in yet. All very… surreal."
Colby nodded in understanding, "You'll be a brilliant champion."
"I hope so. Nikki was brilliant you know? Yeah her character was heel for most of it but… she has such confidence and proved to be the best leader the divas locker room had, had in such a long time."
Colby leaned over and pressed a kiss to Matilda's lips, "Don't stress. Enjoy your win tonight."
Matilda grinned at Colby and kissed him again.
"Mattie!"
Matilda pulled back from Colby to peer around him. Jon stood by the door, his hands taped for the match. Matilda stood as her title was brought out and Colby helped her hook it around her waist.
"Go get em, champ," he murmured with another kiss and slap to her arse.
Matilda laughed and scurried away, following a silent Jon along the corridor.
Sister Abigail stood at ring side as the Wyatt's made their way down the ramp. She stood beside a silent Dean, who had a grip on her wrist as he glared at the three men.
Silently, Abigail reached out with her other hand and placed it over his hand and Dean looked at her. Abigail looked at him silently and Dean loosened his grip before stepping up to the side of the ring.
The match kicked off between Randy and Luke. Abigail stood silently, her hands holding the top of her title. Bray was watching her, staring at her intensely and it was aggravating Dean who kept pacing in his spot and bouncing up and down.
Randy tagged him in and Dean clotheslined Luke down before punching Bray off the side of the ring, as well at Braun. Abigail moved forward a bit as Luke grabbed Dean from behind and seemingly threw him across the ring. Dean landed beside where Abigail stood. Abigail looked at Dean as Luke tagged in a recovered Bray.
Dean looked at Abigail and rolled in time to avoid Bray's attack. Abigail stepped back watching the back and forth between the two wrestlers seemingly, pulling her in two different directions. Suddenly Dean went over the top rope and Abigail ran around the side. She slid to her knees as Bray laughed in the ring. Reaching under the ring she pulled out a kendo stick and stood up holding it.
"Yes!" yelled Bray looking at Abigail, "Sister Abigail is coming home! She had delivered her redemption and is following the buzzards!"
Abigail stared at the kendo stick in her hands as Dean stood up and looked at her. Bray jumped out of the ring and stood on Abigail's other side. All eyes were on Abigail and what she was going to do. She stood sideways and looked between Bray and Dean.
"You know where you belong, Sister Abigail," said Bray, "You know where you came from… who you are… what you are! I know who you are and what you are!"
"Don't listen to him," replied Dean simply, "They guys a nut job. He's filling your head with rubbish! Think for yourself!"
Abigail clutched the kendo stick, rolling it between her hands. She looked at Dean, her eyes wide as she raised it and swung. Dean moved in time for Abigail to smack the kendo stick clean across the chest of Braun. Braun staggered back with a cry and Abigail hit him again before turning and hitting Bray and then Luke, going around in circles until referees came running down and dragged her backstage to allow the match to continue.
Freshly showered, Matilda pulled on her oversized jumper and faded blue jeans. She always felt most comfortable in these clothes and it helped that she got to sleep in her own home for the night and tomorrow night.
Saraya was crashing at her place and was waiting for her by the exit.
"Hey roomie!" she greeted, "Or should I say Mistress Champion?"
Matilda laughed and linked arms with Saraya. The two skipped to Matilda's waiting car, laughing as they joked about random topics.
The drive to Matilda's place took nearly an hour but Matilda thought it completely worth the trip the moment her head hit her pillow.
At least until the buzzing of her phone woke her two hours later. Bleary eyed, Matilda picked her phone up and frowned at the caller ID.
"Hello?"
"I'm outside… can we talk?"
"Give me a minute."
Matilda pulled on her thin, dressing gown and pocketed her phone and keys as she slipped out of her apartment, down the hall and elevator to the main doors of the apartment complex. She spotted him sitting at the top of the stairs and she walked over and sat beside him.
"It's four in the morning. I doubt this is a social call," stated Matilda, wincing at the pain in her right shoulder.
"So… you and Colby?"
"Really?" whined Matilda turning to look at Jon, "You woke me up to discuss Colby?"
"I… forget it," muttered Jon standing up and stepping down the stairs.
Matilda looked at his retreating back for all of two seconds before she stood and hurried down the steps after him, "No! Just no! You do not get to wake me up at a godforsaken hour and leave!"
Jon whirled around and looked at Matilda's attire, "Come with me."
"What?"
"Just… just please Matilda. Please come with me."
Matilda sighed and nodded.
"Your hotel?" asked Matilda sleepily, her head propped up by her hand as Jon turned the hire car into the car park of the hotel.
Jon said nothing and stopped the car in his park. He climbed out and Matilda followed suit wondering just what the hotel patrons would make of her mid-thigh length nightgown and silver dressing gown.
Matilda hurried after Jon into the hotel and to the elevator. The ride was silent with them stepping out on the fifth floor. Jon strode along until he stopped at a door and turned to Matilda.
"Knock," he said to her.
Matilda gave him a weird look and knocked on the door. It was silent until a hotel maid came around the corner.
"Did you forget your key love?" she asked Matilda, "Here, let me."
Matilda glanced at Jon as the maid unlocked the door for her, "Thank you."
Matilda stepped in but Jon didn't follow. Matilda noticed Colby's bag by the lounge and frowned. Just what was Jon playing at here?
She walked over to the bedroom doorway, hearing a muffled noise from the bedroom. Matilda pushed the door open and the gasp fell from her mouth startling the couple mid tryst in the bed.
Colby looked at Matilda as the tattooed brunette straddling him, slowly turned around.
"Mattie!" yelled Colby.
Matilda shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat as she backed away from the door and fled the hotel room.
She turned to hurry to the elevator when two hands grabbed her and pulled her towards them. Jon had a hold of her as Matilda struggled to calm her breathing and ignore the humiliation ripping through her.
"I'm a fucking idiot," muttered Matilda into her hands.
"He's the idiot," replied Jon rubbing her back, "You deserved the truth… I'm sorry I had to break it to you this way."
Matilda pulled away from Jon and shook her head, "As… as much as this sucks and hurts… I'm glad I found out before it as too late and I fell too deep."
Jon dropped Matilda back at her apartment where she left a note for Saraya about why she wasn't up yet.
By midday, Matilda graced the world with her presence. She showered and dressed in a baggy pair of shorts, sports bra and loose tank-top. She yanked her hair up into a sloppy ponytail and walked out to be met with Saraya holding a tub of ice cream.
"He is an arsehole, scumbag who can't keep his dick in his pants," said Saraya instantly, "And if I remember correctly, images prove he isn't that well-endowed anyway."
Matilda smiled weakly as tears filled her eyes, "I'm such an idiot, Raya."
"No you aren't!" cried Saraya, leading Matilda to the lounge, "Look, let's eat this ice cream and watch some soppy drama before we leave. Then tonight, after Raw we can come back with Victoria and Tenille and make a dart board out of Colby's face and play darts on it? But like voodoo without the doll making."
Matilda smiled and nodded, wondering how she got so lucky to have a friend like Saraya.
Matilda finished her photo shoot and left the room with a spring in her step until she nearly ran into Colby. She stepped back and went to walk around him but he grabbed her hand.
"Don't!" snapped Matilda pulling her hand away as she glared at him, "Don't you dare fucking touch me!"
"Mattie-"
"Don't even try to excuse yourself! Fuck! I was so dumb to think you may have actually changed! That you actually wanted to get to know me! I guess a leopard never changes his spots, huh?" scoffed Matilda backing away, "I never want to talk to you again. Understood?"
Colby looked down at the ground and Matilda turned on the heel of her boot and walked away, biting her lower lip and willing herself to not cry.
He wasn't worth her tears, her pain and nor did he have the right to make her feel humiliated and stupid.
She furiously wiped her tears away and lifted her head up as she walked past Jon and Joe. She shot them both a strained smile and continued on her way.
"Mattie!"
Matilda let out a soft sigh and turned to look at Jon and Joe.
"Beers after Raw?" asked Joe brightly.
Matilda smiled, "Sure."
A/N: Full on chapter… hope you enjoyed!
