Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:27:43 -0500WeeblySun, 07 Jun 2026 06:28:13 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/beyond-the-canvas-all-kinds “They’re in the cabinet above and to the right of the sink, mom.” Amber said. “The same exact place they’ve been for years. You have six left, and the refill should be ready by tomorrow at around noon… The studio’s bed is perfectly comfy and—

“I suppose it’s too much to hope they’ll be less trouble?” Nina asked as she served everyone breakfast.

“I do feel bad, but she insisted that nobody else deal with her parents.” Collin replied. “She said to say ‘It’ll just fuel my own creativity anyways’”.

“Smart girl.” Mason said. “It really does show up in a lot of her work. Though she does still need to pick her section, if that is the case.”

“She said she’d asked about that first thing in the morning.” Nina replied. “I will not have either of my boys blame her for whatever is going on with that cell phone.”

“Mom!” Amber signed. “Because this means a lot to me? Because art has always meant a lot to me… why would it being something that I’ve done SINCE I was 5 make it matter less?!...” Amber hung up, and turned her phone off.  “So what about picking a section, exactly? I read there were 5, but I didn’t have a lot of time to look over them.”

“You’ll forgive me if I say you seem like the kind of girl to come in unprepared?” Mason asked.
“I did see two that stood out a bit.” Amber replied. Wasn't sure if I could apply to either though. Honestly, I’m a little surprised Collin didn’t have something in mind considering how much we’ve talked.”

“I’m not allowed to say either way.” Collin said. “But I do like your direction.”

“I wanted to cover the darker side of family, or maybe something about what that word should really mean. That or the journey section in a more internal sense.” Amber replied “It’s encouraged artists to have 2 sections they want to do anyways, so I’ll just have marked down for those”

“A fitting selection too” Mason said. “And yes that does count as a family.”

“And sound like you have something in mind?” Nina asked. “So you’ll have at least one thing really to go?”

“I think so.” Amber said. “I suppose Collin needs to check it?”

“Wouldn’t hurt,”Collin said.”Provide you have something?”

Amber, Collin and his family had breakfast And Amber shown Collin her latest picture “it still a work in progress”

“Wow…” Collin said. “You really made this?”

“It is not that impressive really.” Amber said.

“Considering this wasn’t here yesterday I beg to differ” Nina replied. “And somehow it’s better than your first picture.”

“Seems like you built off that first somehow even.” Mason said.

“It doesn’t seem like that it is, in fact, what I did” Amber replied. “I still wanna add a few things before I make a more final piece. I’m not sure whatI wanna do with background colors yet either, but I’m sure I figured something out.”

“You definitely have plenty of time,” Collin said. “I’ll be back by lunch. There are a few people left to check in on.”

“That’s fine.” Amber said. “Could people leave the room please? I think I’ll look this over a bit more.” She made sure the door was fully closed before sighing. And turning her phone back on, letting several texts come in. The last one from Brandon trying to get her to call her mom back. Though… (Has he always been talking down to me?) 

]]>Sun, 31 May 2026 21:59:56 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/rabbit-hole-carnival-draw“Welcome to the Rabbit Carnival.” Nick said.

“What drink will be your festival?” Renee yawned.

“We here this place settles a lot of arguments, and myself and Hopper have one.”

“Someone ought to tell you you’re wrong, Jam.” Hopper replied.

“Boys!” Renee said, as slapped a menu down. “Your orders? Please.”

“Festival.” both replied, before looking at each other.

“Double mix mine though, and yes I’m sure.” Hopper said.

“Very well.” Renee said. “I’ll be in the back, daddy.”

“Seems kind of stupid now, huh?” Jam asked.

“Yeah… yeah it does.” Hopper said. “Like you said the job could’ve sideways a lot of ways.”

“Doesn’t change that I shouldn’t have rushed it…” Jam said.

“You two are aware it is possible for two things to be true, yes?” Nick asked. “You can have both rushed a thing, and needed too. Take my niece here, for example.”

“Niece?” Hopper asked.

“Ran here, and never looked back, huh?” Jam replied.

“Close.” Renee said, serving both their drinks. “Ran here just to rest for a night. Been getting my life back ever since.” 

“For how many years?” Hopper asked.

“Um… near a decade now I believe.” Renee replied.

‘You don’t know?” Jam asked.

“Moved in a week before I turned 18. I’m near… 25 now, actually. Considering two birthdays happened, so near a decade now.” Renee said.

“She was 22 when made her first drink.” Nick said.

“Which he still refuses to make.” Renee replied.

“You still won't make Five Hunters as well,  and you named the thing.” Nick

“Quid pro quo.” Renee said.

“I will take a Shocking Apple.” Hopper said.

“And I the Five Hunters.” Jam replied.

The two make the drinks, serve them to the brother, and watch them leave satisfied.
“You… never let me name Shocking Apple.” Nick said.

“You didn’t intend too, but… you did…” Renee replied.

“Did I name every drink on the menu too?” Nick asked.

“Okay, now you're just being ridiculous." Renee said. “No, but you helped me named Inky too, since you’re asking.”

“How so?” Nick asked. ‘I know I gave you Inky.”

“And a green apple once,” Renee said. “Was 1 dollar, and 35 cents. You fought with Mike about it.”

 “He would make that sort of thing a squabble” Nick said. “You really remember that?”

“It’s one of the few   things I haven’t blocked out, actually” Renee replied. The first moment I tasted I, kind of, sour apple.”

“And here you are out living me.” Nick said. ‘So I guess two draws then?”
“Fine by me.” Renee said. “In that case? Don’t wake me up unless you need to. I’m going back to bed.” 

]]>Sun, 24 May 2026 05:09:29 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/beyond-the-canvas-more-than-paintAmber’s eyes glow wide looking at the room Collin leads her into “This is.. Really all mine?”

“Do you need something else?” Collin said. “We’ll get what you need.

“No this is.. More than great. I just.” Amber replied.. “Might not ever leave if this is how spoiled imma get.”

“Spoiled?” Collin’s dad said as walked in. “This is the standard studio size. What are you used to?”

I… a garage” Amber said. “A corner of a garage of, actually… And I'm not supposed to cover the walls with paint.”

Collin and his dad blinked before Collin spoke. “Mom?! Could you come in here?

“Nina, seriously.” Collin’s dad added. “We need a ladies’ touch in here.” 

“Mason, what is it? Is she not liking the room?” Nina asked.

“I love the room I just… It feels like it feels way too special for me? If that makes sense?” Amber asked.

“It makes perfect sense.” Nina replied. “Your work reflects a lot of that, you know? However we weren’t even using this space anyways, so make this whole place as much of a mess as you need to.”
“Is that actually going to—”

“Yes it is, and out. All of you.” Amber said, and was already pushing Collin out the door. Amber took a deep breath as she locked the room up. Grabbing a brushing dipping it in some paint. Near whipping the preset up canvas as she did her best to capture the moment she felt right now. Free, nervous, scared. And both unsure and certain.

“Well, glad that room is mostly soundproof.” Nina said. “You boys let her work for a bit.”

“Yeah, thanks mom.” Collin said.

“We’re just glad you found her, I think.” Mason replied.

The door clicked open. “Not submitting yet, but it's a good start.” Amber said. Walking away from a paint cover room and a painting with some kind of hopeful monster. It was clearly worth submitting… 

(and that was just her practice?) “Amber?! Collin asked.

“Hmm?” Amber said. Watching him trying to form words before giggling. “That on its own means a lot, so thank you. Sorry about the paint on the walls?”

 “You cover those walls if that is what you produce on a trail run… Knew I was right to pick you out.” Collin said, and covered his mouth after.

Amber blinked at him. “When did you look up my stuff?.. As far as I know it is only barely in our local news.”

“It is also on an unacknowledged talent thread.” Collin replied. “And no, I'm not a judge for the contest.”

“Are they?” Amber asked, pointing to Collin’s parents.

“Only the event of a tie…” Collin replied. “And they won’t take my thoughts into account. If that's the question?”

It’s a good thing to know.” Amber said. “So what made me stick out to you?”

“A lot of things.” Collin replied. “Maybe I could tell over dinner sometime?”

“Sounds lovely.” Amber replied.]]>Sun, 17 May 2026 06:18:47 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/beyond-the-canvas-blank-slate“It’s a few weeks!” Amber replied. “What can you all not manage with me for that long.”

“Okay, okay.” Brandon said. “Look, I can provide back up for a few weeks. She's right. She take in a lot to let her take one break…”

“She can’t!” Amber’s mom said. “We need her here!”

“About that” Amber said

---
“So... yeah. I need a place to stay, and I-”

“I’ll work out the details with my parents.” Collin said. “You get yourself into the guestroom.”

“Collin Gabaibel Williams.” Collin’s mom said “You’ll do no such thing.”

“Mom she really doesn’t any—”

“Without making sure she doesn’t have a blanket first.”

---
“So yeah, I'm going. “ Amber said. “That’s really not up for discussion anymore.”

“So just up and leaving?" Amber's dad replied. “Without asking us?”

“You know it’s funny.” Amber said. “They said you say that, and I’ve been wondering so let me ask. Since when exactly did I need your permission to do some art?”

“Amber could we maybe tabled this—”

“No!” Amber said. “You all wanted to “talk about this?” Well let’s talk about this.”

“Okay, okay” Amber’s dad said. “You can go if it’s that important."

“I wasn’t asking.” Amber said. “I’m going. End of little ‘keep Amber in the garage forever’ discussion!” She walked, and slammed the door behind her.

Brandon sighed “I’ll get after her.”

---
Collin looked out onto the skyline. “Maybe I should call.”

“Don’t brother.” Amber said. “This is the hill. Sorry for the wait.”

“Not a problem at all.” Collin replied, and got his phone. Still making a call. “Dad?.. Yeah she just got here… about as well as she thought it might based on her face. She.. umm.”

“I’ll bring what I bring.” Amber said. ““I’ll bring what I bring.” Amber said. “It’s hard to explain why it works that way for me, but I promise to have something done.” 

“Pff.. Yes I know I told you so dad..” Collin said. “Actually umm.. Well she is already gonna stay with us, so could I maybe watch her?... Okay, and yes mom I’ll tell her that.” Collin hung up.

“Watch?” Amber asked.

“It’ just an anti-cheat premeasure.” Collin replied. “We  just wanna make sure indie artists are actually indie artists and such.”

“So you’ll be keeping me close then?~” Amber said. “Liking the sound of that~”

“Amber!?” Brandon said, getting up the hill.

Amber blocked Collin’s mouth. “Just get our ride ready? I’ll handle this.”

You could cut the disgust in Collin's face with a knife, but he nodded, and walked away. He and Brandon stared at each other before he walked down.

“I loved you… had a crush on you since I was 5.” Amber said. “You couldn’t have backed me up at once?”

“Amber, he’s lying to you!” Brandon said.

“Is he?! Because I've been here all my life, and never once had my art talked about.” Amber said.  “And now I have a chance at THOUSANDS of dollars, yet people are worried about what they're gonna do without me?!”

“Your support means a lot.” Brandon said, and got shoved by Amber as walked off.

“Interesting how it means a lot, but not enough to give back.” Amber replied, without looking back.]]>Sun, 10 May 2026 06:52:26 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/rabbit-hole-carnival-what-ladies-night“Boys?” Renee said. “Not here to kick you out. Just you have other anything, and it’s an experiment we're doing—”

“You’re name miss?” Cole asked.

“Renee. Renee Shem." Renee replied.

“Well miss Shem. myself, being Blake, and Cole here apologies.” Blake said. “But our buddy Collin has stood up for a few hours now. And we can’t have a wild man down, like this.” 

You’re the charmer then, ey?” Renee said. “Well before the orders gets rough,what can I get you boys?”

“Double mixed festival.” Cole replied.

“A White Owl.” Blake said. “And bring us a…Homesick for our birthday boy will you?”
“I’m sorry what?!” a girl asked.

“Ladies we be no trouble at all, we just—” Cole said.

“You misunderstand.” Ruby replied. “Emma will not stand for sad birthdays.” 

“It’s quite literally her blood.” Wiz replied. “And I, Emma, and Ruby here. Are here for a rather big celebration. 

“Which you book this whole place for, Ruby.” Renee said.

“Which would mean I'm in charge of who stays and goes.” Ruby said. “And if I recall, I pay a rather large amount?”

“Specifically, because this might happen.” Nick replied. “I left supplies out, Renee. There’s a few Five Hunters in the cooler if needed.”

“We’re good, daddy, but thanks for checking. We’re not going to need them.” Renee said. “Anyone else joining?”

“Ladies first." Wix said. “I take my usual, and.. Cole was it?”

“So you must be the b-day boy?” Emma leaned into him. Your name is ?”

“A-a-ron.” He blushed. “Most people call me Ace.

“Well Ace~” Emma replied, “Why is your birthday sad? Hmm?”

“Some date stood him up. No Idea why. Frankly one the most gentle we ever get around here. Loves to  make others laugh. Always around if you need a ride home.” Renee replied.

“Renee? why do I feel like you’re not on my side right now?” Ace asked.

“Probably has something to do with me listing everything about you that would drive Emma wild.” Renee said while walking away. “Good luck~ You’ll need it.”

“So you’re the brains then…. You know I’ve been working completing pi~” Ruby said
“Who am I to refuse such an offer?” Blake replied.

“No refund, so make the most of it!” Renee replied. Watching them all go into various private rooms. Only to sigh after checking her phone. Two texts, one Cel and one from Susie. A simple apology that couldn’t make it.

Renee started a group chat. “Hi..” She texted

“What’s wrong?” Cel texted back. “Close the whole place next Friday. We’ll be there”

“Wait, Cel not there either? We are so doing next Friday!” Susie replied.

“So what they didn’t show?” Cel asked.

“They did.” Renee replied. “And found their boys.”

We are doing next Friday, period. End of discussion.” Both girls texted at the exact same time. 

Renee couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, but if one of you wants to bring the boy of my dreams? I wouldn’t object~”

]]>Sun, 03 May 2026 05:46:21 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/phive-version-2Author’s note: having grown a bit. I figured I’d retry phive again. I know one person liked it. I‘m sorry I don’t remember your discord name, but you should know who you are. So if see this feel free to say hi, and let me know what you think.
----
“Just register me as I want.” Abstract said. “Isn’t that your job?”

“You are the top of your class, in several ways and I-” an official started.

A white yoyo with a white string slaps the desk. “Perhaps we’re both in the wrong place then?”
“Whitejack, you know it’s different for you.” The official replied.

“Is it?” Whitejack asked, walking up. “I learned my place early, and submitted it weeks ago. That is true. But you allowed several other wandering souls in. And here you are denying one, on the basis of what?”'

“She is rejecting a high ranking status!” the officer said. “Where as—”

“No, by all means finish that sentence." Whitejack replied, two yoyos at the ready.

“He’s all registered?” Abstract asked.

“Yes, he is. Annoying as I find him.” The officer replied.

“We're we not so unmarvelous as to be rejecting random people, I would be far less annoying.’ Whitejack replied. 

“Perfect.” Abstract replied. “Then I’m with him.”

“What? You can’t just—” the officer replied,

“I still have my plus one, so I believe she just did.” Whitejack said. “I’d advise against trying to use any power you have with Renee around.”

“Renee?" Abstract asked. “Why? What does she do?”

 “Neglect things. Such as Ger’ and I’s limitations.” A pale girl replied, riding a mechanical cube. “Heidi, by the way.”

“My apologies for keeping three so long.” Whitejack said.

“Not at all needed. We were just here to check up, and see if there was some trouble.” Heidi replied.
“So, could I meet Renee then?” Abstract asked.

“I don’t see why not.” Whitejack said. “Unless we have any more stop gaps?”

“No we don’t” Heidi got the cube, and transformed into a robot. And this is Ger, don’t let his silence fool you, he’s a sweetheart.”

“Unless you wish to get in Heidi's way.” Whitejack replied. “Which is a most unmarvelous idea.”
“So he just talks like that.” Abstract giggled.

“All the time.” Heidi said. “Ger? Where is Renee?”

Ger walked as both girls follow.
---
“Whitejack you can't wonder off like that.” Renee said. “You know how I get about this.”

“Which is why I didn’t wonder off.” Whitejack said. “Found a fifth member even. She—”

“What? She was right here?” Heidi replied."

“Still am. Abstract said. “Just dealing with a creep.” Black tentacles shot out snapping the creep in the face.

“A surprise really? Brandon is going to teach a thing or two about strength." Brandon said.

 A yoyo swung itself around his arm and then tug down to the ground. “Such an unmarvelous ideal.”
“Something going here Phive?” A security officer stepped in.

“Nothing at all.” Abstract said. ‘I was just joining.”

]]>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:08:12 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/rabbit-hole-carnival-not-replaceable“Tea all made!” Susie said. Barging to Renee’s rooms.

“Oh so you’re all here? Renee asked. “My space is just headquarters now.”

“I seem to remember complaining about you all the same,” Joshua said. “So perhaps we both grown?”

“You have an entire upstairs, and me to a shambled home.” Renee replied. “It’s not the same thing.”
“Why not?” Joshua asked.

“You’re not serious?” Renee said. “Because you left first, Jojo. Because I told i dunno how many times, and you just—”

“Up and left,” Susie replied. “ I missed Renee, and I’m still mad at her. But she did what had to survive, you could’ve rejoined at any time. You just didn’t.”

“Honestly, I deserved to be kicked out.” Renee said. “I may have made the thing, but I abandoned what it stood for.”

“So you would’ve told me no when I first asked Nick about you?” Cel asked.

“Of course not.” Renee said. “I was happy as ever when he found you. And learn you've been looking for number 4 all this time.”

“You like being number 4, and fit you.” Cody said. “But that doesn’t mean you weren’t vital.”

“Was that the whole point?” Susie asked. “ We couldn’t be the ‘Occultic Five’ without all five.”

“Even Joshua, here,” Cel said. “The Occultic Four would never sound as nice.”

“Yet I bring nothing to the table.” Joshua replied.

“You bring more than me and Susie.” Renee said.

“Agreed.” Susie replied.

“You two can’t be serious what—” Joshua started.

“I bring tea, and a good mixture of it to the table.” Susie said. “Hardly worth the trouble. Renee could take the spot if she wanted.”

“I can spot drinks that passes people out.” Renee replied. “That’s hardly much to write home about.”

“Renee, you could win a Nobel prize, and it would be nothing to write home about.” Cody said.

“That’s not true.” Cel said. “Nick would hang that up on the wall in a heart beat.”

“No, Cody has a point.” Renee replied. “I could, in fact, win a Nobel prize, and I am still here thinking I didn’t earn it some nights.”

“Aren’t you like super proud of some old inspection paper?” Cel asked. 

“Well yeah, but that’s different.” Renee. “And before any of you start, yes it is. I know Travis. I talked to Travis, and I know what I ran away from. And remain proud of doing so, a Nobel prize is just someone who knows next to nothing about the amount of work you actually did giving you a medal.”

“You would think of it that way.” Susie replied. “Move over.”

Renee complied, and got a kettle. “We don’t have anything ‘fancier’ miss I could take your place.”

“Shut up.” Susie said with a playful nudge back. “Not a kettle gonna limit me anyways.”

“Would you two stop—” Joshua tried to inject only for Cody to cover his mouth.

 “Just let them do this, Jojo.” Cody said. “We both know it is not the first time.”

“Odd that you of all people noticed that, Cody.” Cel replied. “Though I yield, Joshua, it is a bit strange.”
Joshua pushes Cody’s arm away. “A negative times a negative, I suppose. I’m just wondering why they do it at all.”

Cel stared at Renee and Susie both clearly lost in their own little world about drink mixing. Squabbling about things that would complete nonsense to 99 percent of the population. “Because it reminds them, I think. It's their little way of keeping each other in check.”

“Yeah?” Cody asked. “How?”

“Do you understand even a quarter of what either are arguing about right?” Joshua asked. “Neither are replaceable. And as annoying as I find it, Cel’s right. And knowing those two? They’ll both have made a new drink out of this. In two days tops.”

]]>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:26:25 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/rabbit-hole-carnival-fireflies“Welcome to the Rabbit Hole Carnival What.. rougher night?” Nick asked.

“I suppose.” Ben replied. “Just get me a.. Hm she would like this one. A Shocking Apple.”

“My apologies, sir, but I can’t make that one—” Nick said, as the door opened

“Can’t make?” Renee asked. “We’ll get you that Shocking Apple in a minute, sir. May I ask why you want one

“Busy day it seems like.” Ben said.

“No. Rather slow actually.” Renee replied. “It seemed like a good time to get supplies”

“Even if it meant no one is around to get an old man a Shocking Apple.” Ben asked.

“We use this time to get supplies at times. It’s actually Renee’s preferred time, and I have no reason to disagree.” Nick said. “I couldn’t make it, because I refuse to learn how to make her first drink for many reasons.”

“Also because a lot of apples are rotten, for the record.” Renee said. “Threw the supply out, but it’ll be loaded soon. Oh umm…. 10-12 Anchors, 2 Homesick, and one Festival. We really haven’t had a lot of time until now, so I called in a few favors. I’ll help when I can.”

“A feeling I know too well.” Ben said. “If it were that easy… maybe she’d be here still.”

“I don’t mean to dismiss those thoughts of yours, but is that really what she would want you thinking?”

“What would a serious and focused girl like you know of such things?” Ben asked.

“Focused I’ll give you, but do not mistake that for seriousness.” Renee replied. “I just know what dwelling on that sort of thing is like.”

“You know what she would say then?” Ben said. “You what my poor torture granddaughter was thinking before…”

“Just because you didn’t save someone doesn’t mean you didn’t make it worth their while. “ Renee replied. “A fact I’ve had to remind… Uncle Nick of many times.”

“Yet she probably won’t make it, because I didn’t act sooner.” Ben said. “She told me so much, and promised her.”

“One moment.” Renee said, and walked behind the bar come back with a filled mug in hand. “Drink it.”

“But your—” Ben started.

“It’s nothing Daddy can’t handle.” Renee said. “Drink it.”

Ben took a swig. “It really does remind me of her. Of that moment, when we saw finally got to see fireflies, never seen her so happy.”

“Have you been by her side lately, Ben?” Renee asked. “Have you fought for this granddaughter you care so much for?”

“Barely… I can get in, but I never know what to say…” Ben replied.

“Well.. not my business, but I know a certain niece who happened to love hearing just a few words on why she mattered. On why she was trusted, and why she should still be here.”

“Rumor has it she co-runs a bar these days.” Nick replied. “And need to serve a special that a few customers are requesting.”

“That so?” Renee asked. “I can take care of the rest then. You help out with this one.”

“What did you say to her?” Ben asked. “How were you even sure you could take her in.”

“I wasn’t.” Nick said. “I prepare to deal with the cops, and possibly my brother again. But her getting to a good home was important to me, and like you I should’ve done it sooner. But hse is here now, and having the time of her life.”

“I see.. I best get going.” Ben. “I have a few things I need to do.”

]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:03:38 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/rabbit-hole-carnival-circles“Daddy?” Renee asked, walking downstairs. “..did one order a Shocking Apple.”

“I would like one.” Amber replied.

“A moment then.” Renee said. “I know a second star code when I see one.

“She is rather insistent!” Nick said. “You might stay up all night!”

“You say that as though I didn’t stay here!” Renee replied. “Amoungst other moments!”

“We’re Amber and Emerald.” Emerald said.

“And Amber ordered the drink.” Amber said.

“Twins or not.” Renee replied. And set them down in front of Amber. “Don’t insult a bartender's intelligence, you swap with that little hair trick, I’ll know.”

“You…” Emerald said.

“You fiddle with it.” Renee said. “Not adjust it,but fiddle with it. Like going to swap it.”

“So why doesn’t she drink?” Amber asked.

“One of you got over endlessly being copied, the other made a point to not be a copy." Renee replied. “Not my job, which is why which did which.”

“Wait.. Amber?” Emerald asked. “

“I.. it's not that I don't like being your sister…  I just don't like being mistaken for you.”

“Not that.” Emerald said.  “Is that why you're always ordering something different?! I don’t like being mistaken for you either.”

“It’s not the only reason why…” Amber said. “I”  like sour a lot too.”

“If I may?” Renee asked.

“Hmm?” Amber replied.

“If you may what?” Emerald asked.

“We get a few twins in here from time to time.” Renee said. “Rarely do they actually bond, because people don't bond if you force them to do so. In fact, they usually go doing the opposite."

“Right.” Emerald replied. “I mean no one likes being pushed around.”

“And it usually circles, but… twin or not she is still my sister, and I like her.” Amber said. “Not her fault our parents did… a lot of things.”

“We kind of raised each other, huh?” Emerald giggled. “Shielded the other a lot too. Like one prom night.”
“Oh my god I was explaining that to him forever.” Amber replied. “I’m happy Isaac even bothered with a second date after that.”

“She had this massive crush on Isaac.” Emerald said. “Finally got the nerve to ask to prom, and our parents insisted we wear the same dress.”

Renee stopped shuffling bottles going from listening to fully focused. “Your parents know that?” Renee asked.

“Yes.” Amber replied. “I was on my actual knees begging to let it go.”

“I’m asexual myself too, so it was just making things so much awkward then it needed to be.” Emerald said. “Thankfully Emmett agreed to hide a dress in his locker, and we got Amber changed.”

“That poor boy.” Renee replied. “Probably spent like 20 minutes looking for some dress of a different color, and was hoping he wasn’t stood up or something.”

“His words exactly.” Amber replied. “I to this day have never seen more emotion out the the relief he got when he finally saw what he was looking for.”

“You know what.” Emerald. “Maybe I will take up my sister's drinking habits.”

“Get a Shocking Apple and I’ll take a Homesick?” Amber said. “A fruit cider for the star an sour drink for me. because I like sour.”

“Sound like a plan to me” Renee said.

]]>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 07:14:15 GMThttps://www.talesfromamisfit.com/home/rabbit-hole-carnival-confidentially“Hey,” Cel knocked on the door to Renee’s room, but let himself in before closing it. “That feeling again?”

“You could tell them, you know?” Renee asked. “I don’t see how it wouldn’t be easier.”

“Because I wouldn’t believe it was healthy, or know for sure there was a benefits.” Cel replied, take a seat beside her. “You rarely believe this sort of thing when it comes from me. But I'd be more worried if we're trying to just avoid the subject.”

“How am I not avoiding the subject?” Renee asked. “I’m my room curled up, and hiding.”

“To deal with something that no one in their right mind would want to talk about.” Cel said. “You know what they’re gonna say. You know what I want to say. And the only reason I’m in this room is I’m not gonna bother with that.”

“Bother with me something else then.” Renee replied. “Why is that? Why is it really, because not even your mom can make you do something.”

“True, but that doesn’t mean she can’t teach me. I’ve admitted before I pushed you a bit.” Cel replied.

“I guess I was hoping Mike would change. Hoping maybe I would seem like a high school curled and isolated every time she was with us.”

“If I did it right, it was far from every time.” Renee replied. “Not that I hated seeing you join me in that little alcove.”

“And that’s just it, no it probably was every time.” Cel said. “But it was enough time that I wondered if you were just hiding bruises, scars, who knows what else. But as long as you were with us, you were at least attempting to be happy.”

“Yeah, well?” Renee said. “Someone was always making sure of that.”

 “That day.” Cel asked. “Well, that night you stumbled into this bar. The night you just left everything without a sound. What really happened? All of it.”

“Weird isn’t it?” Renee said. “It wasn’t the pain, the yelling. I’m not even sure it was that bruise… Adam had started trying to get me to just be quiet. He had been saving up, I had actually gotten some decent grades. We did everything right, and the truth is that the yelling match that started is still complete gibberish to me.”

“You two were going to leave? Both you and Adam.” Cel asked.

“He said that at the time. I’m not sure anymore.” Renee replied. “That was some kind of plan, if I just toughed it out a bit. But that almost endlessly meant erasing me. I was… I couldn’t be the occultic 5 leader anymore. I had more and more homeschooling. Except it… was slowly becoming more training then homeschooling. Brought that up. And then…”

“You don’t have to continue if you don't want to.” Cel said, and got to hand Renee Inky.

“It wasn’t an argument that time.” Renee replied, holding Inky the plushie close. “It was just a really hard slap. Brought me to the floor.”

“Just a slap?” Cel asked. “From Mike?”

“I was as shocked as you were.” Renee said. “But Mike wasn’t, and that made me realize that I had 2 options. Survive as some quiet puppet of a daughter, whose full identity wasn’t even processed. Never mind accept, or just leave. So I got quiet and went to my room. Didn’t even pack .”

“Just didn’t care anymore, hun?” Cel asked. “Just did what was best for you, and went off to start somewhere else?”

“I think I figure you’d all be worried sick but—” Renee started.

“My only worry was that I wouldn’t get to see you again.” Cel said. “Actually I focused deep into childhood trauma shortly after.”

“Your parents didn’t stop you?” Renee asked. “Warn you?”

“My parents knew the reason.” Cel replied. “And they knew that nothing was going to change my mind.”

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