Tales From a Misfit
Updates every Sunday.
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Found on wallhere. made by "wallup"
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“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.”
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“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~” “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.” “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.” “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. “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.” “Welcome to the Rabbit Hole Carnival. What drink will be your festival?” Renee said.
“She will serve anything!” A girl said. I’ll take Floating Leaves. And what would like?” “Just something.” A boy said. “Her name is Sam.” James said. Jamie, I'm not ready for that.” Sam said. “Would you rather I call you something else, Sam?" Renee asked. “”I… no…Sam.” Sam said. “Sam is fine.” “Very well what can I get you two?” Renee asked. “I’ll have Fruit Pyro,” Jamie replied. I want a double mix Festival.” Sam said. “That’s an option right?” Sam asked. “It's on the menu is it not?” Renee replied. “A moment then.” She walked away, and then came back with the drinks. “There. So… what’s the connection?” “He is my brother… older.” Sam said he heard about this place, and wanted to bring his younger sister there. Get her her first drink.” “Better than the older ever did… Adam is still defending letting abuse happen.” Renee replied. “Like parents aren't more mature ones.” “But you're cisgendered or at least kind of.” Sam said. “You at least got to feel like you in your body.” “True .” Renee replied. “And I’m sure Jamie is just as grateful for that experience. But both he and myself didn’t ignore the sad parts of it either.” “Don’t say like I do.” Sam replied. “We don’t all get that luxury." “Then tell me it's a luxury." Renee said. “Don’t tell me living with my uncle is a luxury. Because if it is, then it came with running from home. And you Samantha, I presume that with your brother. Who you may hate right now. But at least he actually tired, at least he put an effort in!” “Yeah…” Sam said. “I’m here being all sad, and he's trying to understand. And he is at least bring me to a bar with a lot of things I like in it.” “It seemed like a good place.” Jamie said. “We hope so.” Renee said. “You siblings need another round?” “I’ll take a Shocking Apple actually.” Sam said. “I’ll take a clockwork.” Jamie said. “Can do.” Renee said. If Nick comes down, tell him Renee said code Hoot Hoot.” “Alright.” both replied. “Renee…” Nick walked down. “Sirs the bar is closed.” “Nick then?” Sam asked. “Renee said to say code hoot hoot. And… I prefer madam going forward.” “Your names then?” Nick asked “Jamie and Sam.” Renee replied. “Or Samantha I think? Never did that answer. “Just Sam for right now.” Sam replied. “Not sure yet Sam fits the principle." “Well miss Sam.” Nick said. “My apologies, and I’ll leave my niece here to do the festivals.” “A better family than a lot of men.” Sam poked her brother. “That he is.” Renee replied. Cel knocked on the guest room door. “Renee?!”
The door opened, and Renee rubbed her eyes. Just getting up from a nap. “What?” “We need a bartender.” Cel replied. Renee walked downstairs with Cel . “What kind of supplies do you have?” “Lovely.” Cel’s mother said. “Renee dear whatever, use whatever you need to use.” “The Vodka included!” Cel’s dad replied. “Dad?” Cel asked. “You’re sure?” “You stumbled home with a lost soul that night.” Cel’s dad said. “What was it you said?” “Every Twilightshield gets a project. I’m okay if this one is mine.” Cel said. “One Autumn’s Anchor. One White owl, and one Shocking Apple.” “And myself dear?” Cel’s mother asked. “One Lantern's Oath it is as well then.” “You did well.” Cel’s dad replied. “With that project of yours.” “I hardly think we should call her a project anymore.” Cel said. “Oh I don’t mind.” Renee said. “Believe me I’ve been called far worse and far less accurate things.” “What made you pick these drinks?” Cel’s mom asked. “I adore the taste of mine.” “Myself as well.” Cel’s dad said. “Reminds me of fishing.” “Honey please. Not everything can remind you of fishing.” Cel’s mom said. “That one probably can though. It was made for some sailors. They needed a bar to go to. Your is from book 4 in the series you're borrowing from me while I spend a couple nights over here. And since you seem to like almost as much as myself, It seemed like a good idea. Cel's drink I made a custom project a while back. And mine is the first drink I ever came up with, and thus my favorite.” “Oh yeah Nick called earlier.” Cel replied. “He said to hold the ingredients order for an extra day?” “Ugh, of course he did.” Renee replied. “Did he say what time it was okay to call him back?” “He said you know what to say.” Cel replied. “I dunno how you would know that but…” Cel watched Renee call. “I gave up getting an answer.” “Hey Daddy… Yeah they have been nothing but nice about doing this again. Even let me use some Vodka that’s apparently special… as popular as it's ever been. So when I go Friday and not tomorrow, what are we gonna need… simple enough… love you too.” “You know,” Cel replied. I honestly can’t believe I’ve never asked this before, but what are you so comfortable with all this dad?” “I stayed with my aunt for quite some time.” Cel’s dad said. “ Your mother’s uncle often took me out fishing. I never even fish much, just talk.” “You?” Cel asked. “Talked… for several hours?” “Lot easier when there is someone who actually listens to what you have to say.” Renee replied. “And when that has been happening for years on end, the one space you get is where it comes out.” “Wait, but…” Cel stared at Renee for a bit. “What is it, dear?” Cel’s mom asked, and Cel’s dad set down his glass. “You can say it.” Renee said. “All this time…” Cel replied. “I thought the words 'because it’s safe to dump all on you’ were some random excuse you didn’t wanna talk about.” “I mean that’s exactly incorrect, if you think about it.” Renee said. “So anyone need another round?” “Oh hey Joshua.” Renee said as he entered. “Welcome to the Rabbit Hole Carnival, what drink will be your festival?”
“So this is the girl you still want to tie us to?” Joshua's father asked. “I thought we raised you better than this?” Joshua’s mother added. “You did.” Cel said, as she and Cody walked in. “That’s the problem you are having.” “Mother, farther?” Joshua said. His usual privileged demeanor clearly in place. “You both said you give it a chance, so please just have a drink.” “And if we don’t like it?” Joshua’s father said. “We will cover that after.” Joshua replied. Joshua’s mother sat down. “Something white wine like in character, and with always a bit of surprise.” “We do have some that fits that bill, but you have 2 or 3 for the latter to sink in.” Renee replied. “Well the gentlemen being have anything? And maybe we serve the other seeing as they all came.” “Sorry I'm late!” Susie said walking in. “You know my order, if you’re getting stuff.” “Likewise.” Cel replied. “Cody I actually have a new regular for you” Renee said. “Again. Yes I know but—” “Please don't act like I mind.” Cody said. “Because you know me, and I don’t” “Right then.” Renee replied. “One Fruit Roulette, one White Owl, One Floating Leaf, and One Autumn’s Anchor.” “Quite the crowd.” Nick replied. “Any mind if I help?” “I do.” Joshua’s father replied. “I’m quite tired of this peasant girl’s confidence. I will honor and respect my family's request. But that request was to see this girl give top service, so let her give top service.” “Sir, I will gladly do that.” Renee replied. “But to do that may require him making something I can’t. Depending on your answer. See there are two drinks on the menu that are unique. In the sense I refuse how to learn how Daddy made one, and he refuses to learn the first drink I ever made. Certainly some who value family as much as you can respect that.” Joshua’s father nodded. “What is your question?” “Do you want something that speaks to your pride or something that speaks to respect for history?” “I’ll take a Lantern's Oath.” Joshua said, "Seems interesting.” “Serve the others.” Joshua’s father replied. “Not so much of a peasant girl anymore, huh?” Renee giggled. “I got it for now, daddy.” “Should I need it, I'll be doing more inventory.” Nick said, and walked away. Right then.” Renee replied, and one in and out of the backroom. “One Fruit roulette, and one white owl… one Floating leaf, and Autumn’s Anchor... And one Lantern's Oaths.” “Yep, love this.” Cody said. “You did warn I’d need 2 or 3.” Joshua’s mother said. “Make the other 2? “Can do.” Renee replied, and gave two more “Every time I drink I wonder how you even manage this.” Susie said. “Alcohol is not suppose taste like tea. You shouldn't be able to do that!” “I feel that way about White Owl.” Cel said “it’s literally every drink. Which isn’t how that isn’t supposed to work.” “It could take a few tries for that worth.” Renee said. “Like more than most drinks do, but I got there in—” “What. Black. Magic. Is. This?” Joshua's mother asked. “It’s what you order.” Renee said. “A white like alcohol surprises you. So Fruit Roulette.” “Oooh. That makes sense.” Cel said. “How does it make sense?!” Joshua's mother said. “Mother’s it in the name.” Joshua said. “Fruit Roulette.” “Miss Shem?” Joshua's dad replied. “Server a Clockwork… it seems I have a few things I wish to learn.” “Welcome to the Rabbit Hole Carnival, what drink well.. Oh… something up?” Renee asked.
“I… yeah… name is Sarah.” Sarah said. “I don’t know. Just feeling down today.” “Well nothing a tavern and a drink can’t fix.” Renee replied. “What can I get ya?” “A Black Sheep’s Gift sounds nice.” Sarah said. “So It’s you and Nick? Where is he?.” “Handling some tax paperwork.” Renee said. “Always happens around this time of year ya know. Let me get you that order.” “You’re fine with that?” Sarah asked. “There’s nothing wrong with life?” “Is this another Mike calling people thing” Renee asked. “Because I’m actually gonna sue, if it that what it is.” “What?” Sarah asked. “No I… if I offend, I’m sorry. But no, I'm here on anyone's behalf. I was asking because you really do seem like you're okay with this.” “Well then, Sarah. It was this or dealing with a dad is emotionally abusive as best.” Renee replied. “I mean he is okay when he wants to be, but that doesn’t change the time he flips on a dime.” “Well put it that way, this is definitely the better option.” Sarah giggled. “I’ll be right back.” Renee walked behind there, and made a drink. “There we go. One Black Sheep’s Gift.” Sarah took a swig. “Oh yeah I did order this. Could’ve walked and totally forgotten.” “Taverns always have that effect.” Renee said. “There's that place where you go and just talk to forget about the world.” “They are the places a niece stumbles into just to feel safe.” Nick replied, having walked in. “Everything is good here then. I'll be in the back.” “Everything is fine.” Sarah said. “Could both your names though?” “I’m Renee. That’s Nick. Like he said he is my uncle, but he’s been more of a dad than my dad has ever been.” “Always good to have people like that.” Sarah replied. “So this Mike is your dad then.” “Was.” Renee said. “He made his choices. I made mine… I’m happy with mine.” Sarah down her glass. “A refill to ask for?” “Why would it be?” Renee said. “You sure don’t want to try a different one?” “Positive.” Sarah said. “Maybe some other time but for now? I’m happy with that one.” |
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