Rabbit Hole Carnival: Can't Buy

“You really have nothing else going for you, huh?” Renee Replied, as she walked through, passing out drinks, and grabbing ingredients. “I’m never kidding. You know that, right? If you ever want company, the bar gets pretty busy at times.”

 “I have better things to do than visit your dusty old bar.” Joshua said.

“Like what, Jojo?” Renee asked. “Sitting here for hours waiting to mock me?”

“It can’t be that popular.” Joshua scoffed. “You out here handing out papers today.”

“Pears are expensive, right now, and we need some.” Renee said. “It’s easier, and cheaper I might add, to let Daddy run the place for a day, and have me work out a few favors.”

“Be even easier to just make cash.” Joshua replied.

“Ah, yes.” Renee sarcastically replied. “Just don’t be poor. It’s ever so simple.” Renee collected some more fruits, and vegetables into her bag. “Just send the box to the Rabbit Hole, Andy!”

Joshua just shakes his head. “I still don’t get why you left.”

“I’ve explained this to you a million times, Jojo.” Renee replied. “ I doubt it's worth trying again.” Renee paused. “Oh! Miss Wolfe?!” She walked up to a woman about to get into her beat up car. “Would you mind getting these to daddy? My hands are getting rather full, but we still need some things.”

“I was just thinking of getting that kind of drink, Renee dear.” Miss Wolfe replied. “How much longer will you be? No doubt Nick will ask.”

“Oh, we have a lot of favors, and trading to do.” Renee answered, while pulling out a few more bags from her backpack. “Just tell him I’m making sure to make it back before nightfall.”

Miss Wolfe simply nodded. “Will do, sweetheart. Could I perhaps bring some supplies as well?"

“Hmm…” Renee thought for a moment. “One or two more pumpkins couldn’t hurt. We aren’t exactly low, but it’s nice to be on top of things.”

“Consider it done. Ashamed you don’t like anything with pumpkin in it on your menu.” Miss Wolfe said.

“Funny you should mention that.” Renee said. “Been working on something. Tis the season after all.”

“Can’t wait to see it. My son simply loves your Shocking Apple drink.” Miss Wolfe replied. “Bye now.” With that she drove off.

“Talking with the riffraff that casually.” Joshua said. “That would’ve made you ashamed not that long ago.”

“Yeah well, you never used to mind hanging out with a certain once extremely depressed, at all times, girl not that long ago.” Renee replied. “So I guess we’ve both changed a fair bit, huh? Only I can’t figure out why you did, Jojo.”

“Stop calling me that!” Joshua said.

“No.” Renee replied, still collecting up supplies. “The Jojo I knew would never have wanted me to stop calling him that, and until that Jojo says to not call him that. The nickname stays.”

“You really think he’d want that?” Joshua replied. “And either way, weren’t you always one for respecting the wishes of others.”

Renee counted out the rest of the supplies, and began her walk back. “Usually yes, but respect is a two way street. And you Jojo, are always waiting around here just to pester me now that your parents have some cash.”

“Well what about you?!” Joshua asked. “The Renee I knew would never have given up the security she had to work at some dusty bar.

There was a hard boot stomp as Renee froze in place, and just stood there for a second. “Then you’re just like the rest… and you never met Renee.” She replied. “You met a Renee you wanted to see. In your case I’m guessing someone who could tough it out because she at least had more money than most, right?”

“She came to school everyday didn’t she?” Joshua asked. “No matter how beat up she was.”

“Yeah a few hours of knowing she wasn’t gonna get beat up sounded nice to her, go figure.” Renee said. “A few hours of just being miserable, and counting down the hours she had until she had to go back to being miserable and beating up was something of comfort.” Renee started walking away as she spoke. “Think about the choices that Renee made, Jojo, hopefully they help you too.”