Rabbit Hole Carnival: Exceptions

So we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover.” Renee said. “But you seem like you have quite a story, and maybe a few others. But it doesn’t sound to me like you did anything worth calling it the whole thing off.”

“Could you maybe stop listening to me for a second?"  Darell said. “I’m trying to have a moment here.”

“No.” Renee replied.

“What the hell do you mean no?!” Darell said. “This is a bar isn't it?! The place people go just talk, and let it all out. Even if it is 9pm at night? Why would you just say… say no unless I’m blaming myself.”
“You done with your Fruit Roulette?” Renee asked.

“Yeah I think so. “ Darell replied. “Like she’s done with me.”

Renee walked away. “It's possible, you know. To do everything right, and still come up wrong. If you're asking me? Any man would be lucky to turn away the family to have you.”

“So why didn’t he?” Darell replied. “I mean his family is awful, and I have met them.”

“Your guess is as good as mind, hun.” Renee said. “I’m still wondering why my older brother still defends my parents.”

“He’s not your—” Darrell said.

“I’m her uncle, and she came here on her own.” Nick said.

“Guess he still remembers.” Renee giggled. “It hasn’t come up a lot recently. Or it has and I just haven’t noticed. But yeah my actually.. father , as I’m forced to call him is quite a piece of work.”
“But you came here, and you call him ‘daddy’?” Darell asked. 

“One of those things is respecting me and my boundaries, and the other felt like home.” Renee replied. “Not my fault others don’t like the choice.”

“Wise words.” Darell replied. “I wish I trusted in them right now.”

“Did you know why taverns give off such ‘this is where I should go’ feelings?” Renee asked.
“Not at all. Do enlighten me." Darell said.

When out there on the sea, or in the middle of uncharted land the first thing to do is set up a nice big camp group. One where you can just talk. A place where I can let it all out. No rules. Beyond respecting the people you work with. Sure everyone will hear it, and occasionally you drink a bit too much. But the next morning people won’t ever bring it up, and they act and believe that your who you claim to be.”

“Okay… but they also act differently, and never know the whole story.” Darell said. “Everyone said ‘but we were perfect.’ and he broke up with me, and then went for a girl, because his family can’t handle him and not be normal.”

“Have you said that to your family?” Renee asked.

“Why and how would I say that to them?” Darell replied.

“You just said to me, and you walk in here depressed. Yet here you are finally talking, I’m not saying it fair. I’m saying voice your feelings, and at least then you know who is and isn’t your side.”

Darell paused for a moment before taking out his phone. “Hello, grandma… yes about Justin….”

Renee served a few more drinks with Nick before checking back in once Darell had finally put the phone down. “Results?

“It was hard repeating it a lot, but the majority are feeling bad for me. Some say I should try harder. And um… awkward, but a lot are saying to ask you out.”

“Oh!” Renee blushed. “ Well, I’m waiting on someone right now, so I’m afraid you'll have to look elsewhere for now. Besides, seems to me you got a different target."