Rabbit Hole Carnival: Five Hunters

Renee grabs Nick’s shoulder. “What are you trying to make?”'

“Something that I feel reflects you.” Nick replied.

“What all the drinks I’ve added to the menu don’t count?” Renee asked.

“No. no they don’t. Because I should’ve noticed sooner, I should’ve noticed a little more. And taken you far away from there.”

“I suppose so, yeah.” Renee replied with a sign. “But I think that’s forgetting the fact that I stumbled here at all. At my worst I came here. Stayed the night on a couch in a bar run by my uncle.”

“You never did say why you made that choice.” Nick replied.

“Didn’t I?” Renee said with a yawn. “All these nights I collapsed right into bed. All the days I’ve made a drink for a random customer. All the nights I’ve left a mess on the counter.” She walked back up the stairs. “You always refuse to learn how to make a Shocking Apple. Well whatever you make. I refuse to make this one."

Nick sighed. “Tuaght her a bit too well. Alright then.” Nick hung the closed sign, and mixed up vegetables. Renee enjoyed herself for a few days. “You did get to ask me once what was wrong with it.”

“Wait, okay what’s going on?” Cel asked.

“I told you we were closing the bar for a few days.” Renee replied.

“Yeah. I thought you were prepping.” Cel said. “It’s a big influx of orders!”

“Well if this is any good it’s about to be bigger.” Renee said, taking a sip and then coughing.

Cel sighs. “You two are impossible. At least I know where she gets it from, I suppose. Let me taste it.”

Renee handed over the drink. “Way too flat.”

“I kind of love it.” Cel Said. “A little too sour on my end actually.”

“Really now?” Nick asked. “You’re always such go for anything sort of girl.”

“For Renee, yes, but I dunno that might just change this one.” Cel replied. “Just a little more… or maybe less sour? I don’t know. I love the veggie taste, and the Renee taste. If you find some way to add a bit of both it’d be perfect.”

“You girl gonna be up for a bit?” Nick asked.

Cel called up her mom. “Mom? Yes, I’m okay. Umm… Nick in the middle of making a drink. I kind of ended up as a taste tester, sorry… Yeah, of course I'll be home tomorrow…. I’m literally staring at Renee kicking out people.”

“We. Are. Closed. Read. The. Sign” Renee kicked with every word. “Come back tomorrow night.” Renee closed, and locked the door.

“Yes, she is fine. Mom!” Cel said, with a sigh. “Why are you alway like this? You know what?! Fine, talk to her yourself.”

“Miss Twilightshield?” Renee replied. “Hi, I’m really sorry. Daddy has an idea, and Cel is here and… worst case we have a very comfy couch. I’ve slept on it myself… You do realize I know what that means you're both signing up for as someone who knows… okay, okay.” Renee hung up. “She is picking you up at 7am.”

“Of course she is.” Cel signed. “Welp, let’s get started.”

“Renee, try this one?” Nick said, serving her something. “And Cel, this one's for you.”

“A lot more Cel, personally.” Renee replied. “We have enough of me on the menu.”

“Yeah better than the last, but a little last Renee.” Cel said. “Kind of needs a bit less Renee. At least if it’s for a client like me.”

“Five Hunters!” Renee said. “At least if that’s the idea behind it…”

“Make whatever you thought of hearing that, Nick.” Cel said. A few minutes she brought a drink. “Mmm… Alright, this one is officially mine.”

“Alright then.” Nick replied. “Finally got that done.”

“Definitely, your Shocking Apple.” Rene replied. “Couldn’t make it even if I bothered to try.”