Melinda Bruce (Red)

**Melinda Bruce** was the version of Melinda from the Red World.

## Biography

Like her Silver and Yellow World counterparts, Melinda was a popular, self-confident girl. Her best friend was Tiffany, whose lack of intelligence she tolerated. She was also friends with Una and Due. Melinda belonged to a wealthy family and enjoyed playing the piano and riding her pony Snuffles. She also had two Rottweilers named Spen and Fang, who adored her but were prone to attacking strangers.

Although Martin was dating Tiffany, he and Ben were longtime rivals for Melinda's affections. Martin bet Ben that he could not organise a successful 1950s themed rock n' roll dance on two days' notice. The stakes were that Ben would leave Melinda alone if the party was a disaster while Martin would do likewise if Ben pulled it off. Although the dance was a success thanks in part to Francis Zapmeister's efforts, Martin told Melinda that Ben had warned all of the boys in town to stay away from her. However, Martin did not realise that he was speaking to Melinda's Blue World counterpart at the time. This Melinda told him that he would love it if she told her jokes about dumb blondes and called her by her favourite pet names "Flossy" and "Cheeky Babe." Several minutes later, Martin tried all three with the Red World Melinda, who promptly poured her drink over his head. She then danced with Ben. After this incident, Melinda found Martin increasingly irritating and avoided him whenever possible.

The less self-assured Melinda of the Blue World was jealous of her counterpart and travelled to the Red World in order to pose as her. However, her impression proved unconvincing as she was unaware of most of the details of her counterpart's life. Both the Red World Melinda's father and Martin noticed her strange behaviour, including rolling around in the grass. To her annoyance and confusion, Melinda was grounded by her father after the Blue World Melinda disappeared through a portal to the Silver World as he believed that his daughter had taken off without explanation and skipped her piano lesson.

On one occasion, the Martin of the Blue World got great enjoyment out of giving Melinda a fright by jumping out at her only moments after she had passed the Martin of her world on her bike. When his Red World counterpart asked him why he had done it, he replied that she needed a good shake-up if she were anything like the Melinda of his own world.

Several days later, Francis saved Melinda from drowning after she fell off her bodyboard. Having been goaded by his Blue World counterpart, the Martin of the Red World ran down to the beach and attempted to steal the limelight by suggesting the formation of a Surf Club with himself as President and Melinda as Secretary. When Melinda pointed out that Francis should be President as he had saved her, Martin argued that he was the best choice. The shy Francis admitted that he wasn't that fussed. Melinda then got the idea from Una that a triathlon consisting of running, cycling and paddleboarding should be held to determine who should be President. Martin was reluctant as he knew that Francis was much fitter than him but went along with the idea in order to save face. His counterpart suggested that they cheat by taking turns in the competition. Tiffany realised what the two Martins had planned and threatened to tell everyone, citing a desire to protect their morals. The Martin of the Red World backed down and decided to do it all by himself, to his counterpart's annoyance and confusion. Melinda was delighted when Francis won and proudly declared him President of the Surf Club. Tiffany felt sorry for Martin but Melinda told her that the best guy had won.

Una was attracted to Francis and looked at him admiringly as he prepared to dive into the water by the Mad Fish Rocks, something to which he appeared to be oblivious. She claimed that she needed some sun but both Melinda and Due saw right through her and gently teased her over her feelings for Francis.

Melinda was amused by Due's claims that the Mad Fish Rocks were haunted or cursed because of rumours that people had jumped off them and were never seen again. It turned out that an orb which allowed Guardians to enter the Reading Room was located under the water near the rocks. Francis accidentally discovered it after making his dive.

## Appearances

* "One Big Happy Family"
* "A Rare Find"
* "The Artful Dodger"
* "Achey, Breaky Heart"
* "Lost in Paradise"
* "Artes Veritas"
* "The Battle of Mundi's World"
* "The Big Sleep-Over"
* "My Favourite Martin"
* "Cheats Never Prosper"
* "The Reading Room"

## Behind the Scenes

All versions of Melinda were played by Francoise Sas.