Rabbit Hole Carnival: Estranged

“I’m guessing they weren’t hoping for me, since they aren’t hesitating.” Nick said.

“I would rather tell you, if you need to go then, daddy.” Renee replied, walking in. “You might be the one serving drinks in the meantime.”

“If they order.” Nick said.

 “And you would be?” Renee asked.

“Evan, and this Esther.” Evan replied.

“I’m just here to try to find out how to support him.” Esther said.

“Which is—” Evan started

“Evan.” Renee said. “She’s here now isn’t she? so drink first, both of you.”

“Actually they both wanted a Shocking Apple, first.” Nick replied.

“Oh that I was told to come home. Alright, two of those coming right up.” Renee replied.
“Could’ve you have just made it for us?” Esther asked.

“I’ve almost learned how to many a time, and she has always been willing to teach me.” Nick said.

“Wait then… Why not learn?” Esther asked.

“The same reason I call him daddy when he’s not.” Renee replied, planting before both drinks down. “In so many words, I’ve earned more than my fair share of things that are mine.”

“Cel or Cody's words” Nick said.

“Jojo’s words actually. Very like him… the old him. A little ball of wit, sass, and stubbornness. All of which he uses to hide behind the fact that he knows exactly what he’s doing.” Renee said.

“The old him, huh?” Evan replied. “Must be nice to be getting him back.”

“Daddy ended up meeting an old group of friends.” Renee said. “Had to leave them behind to do what I did, but it’s very nice to have the good part of my life back.”

 “Must carry some regrets.” Esther replied, while staring at Evan.

“No.” Renee said, causing Esther to look at her. “I missed them. I missed a lot of things. And no matter how much he insists on trying, daddy can’t bring all of them back.”

“Which I know a little too well, or maybe just accepted that.” Nick replied. “So I put my focus where it matters. With helping her, the friend coming back was just a bonus. And seeing how happy that made her was what pushed me to get Inky back.”

“A friend group?” Renee asked. “Lead to you getting a plushie octopus back.”

“Not quite, but I suppose that’s one way to put it.” Nick said.

“Okay, well there are a few things I would rather not leave behind, so I guess I'll spend a week picking them up.” Evan said.

“What? And leave them where?” Esther asked.

“That’s not obvious? You have a closet don’t you?” Renee asked.

“You seriously think he should do this?” Esther replied. “Just up and leave an entire life behind.”
“Make your new orders first. Just trust me.” Renee said.

“I… ugh. Fine. A Homesick then.” Esther said.

“Memento.” Evan replied, and for the first time that night Esther looked at him with confusion.
“But… I…. how did you?” Esther asked.

“She just knows these things.” Nick said. “At least all the calculations she had to make when dealing with my brother are being put to good use.”

“I’m not gonna stand here and tell you that everything in my life was a pile of trash.” Renee said. “But a lot of it was, and no one takes all of that on forever. So the one night he finally slapped me I did the one thing I still wanted to do, and just walked over here. A week away from when I was 18. Been here ever since.”

“Was it hard?” Evan asked.

“Hard? Yes” Renee replied. “More difficult than dealing with that? No, and it’s not even close.”

“You are always at your worst after you have to deal with them… your family I mean.” Esther replied. “I changed my mind. I think it’s time you got a proper home too now.”