Rabbit Hole Carnival: Forgotten

“Welcome to the Rabbit Hole Carnival. What drink will be your festival?” Renee replied as a young girl sat down.

“I.. Um…” the young girl replied.

“Yeah, I figured.” Renee said. “What flavor do you usually like? You seem old enough to have had one or two before.”

A few, yeah. Usually either sweet or sour. Nothing spicy! I still hate that taste. Oh and my name is Jaylee” Jaylee said.

 “You mind being the first taste tester of one Jaylee?” Renee asked. “We don’t have it on the menu right now. I was still working on it, and Daddy helped me finally find the right mixture. At least I think.”

“Yeah,sure.” Jaylee said. “Whatever is fine.”

Renee went back behind the bar, and brought a Lantern's Oath out. “So what’s the occasion?”

“What?” Jaylee asked. “No one said anything about an occasion.” She took a swig, and gulped a lot of it down.

“We got an occasion do we?” Nick asked as he walked down. “Anything I can help with?”

“One moment, Daddy.” Renne said, and walked back behind the bar.

“No one said it was an occasion!” Jaylee replied.

“Her name is Jaylee!” Renee said.

“Jaylee. It’s not always about what you say, nor is it always about what people say to you.” Nick replied. “You have a look about you even now. Like you’re glad someone noticed you at all, which is what this bar is for.”

“It’s my birthday… just turned 25.” Jaylee said. “And the drink is… well as exactly what I ordered as it could be.”

“Lovely to hear.” Renee said, and planted another drink down. “I tweak a bit more, daddy. Your recipe was really helpful though.”

Nick took a swig. “Your adjustments are definitely needed though. Well done.”

“And she’s younger than me?” Jaylee replied.

“23.” Renee replied. “But I had to leave my scarred past behind pretty young.”

“Yeah? At least dad noticed you and what you achieved.” Jaylee said.

“You need to stop making this come up.” Nick said. “I swear it's been endless since you came here.”

“Okay, when else would it have started?” Renee asked. “It’s not my fault you’re a better father to your niece than her own father.”

“True enough.” Nick finished his drink. “Well, I shall be revisiting the bathroom, and leave you ladies to it.”

“It was nice meeting you. Thank you for checking in.” Jaylee said, and took another swig. “Cabn I pay after?” She looked at Renee

“It’s your birthday.” Renee replied. “That and the next 2 are on the house. I insist.”

“He won’t be mad?” Jaylee asked. “I don’t wanna get in trouble.”

“He trusts my judgement.” Renee said. “That’s why I’m here.”

“Excuse me a second.” Jaylee made a call. “Hey!... yeah I’m fine.. Yeah… I’m sorry too. Listen um is everyone still hoping to… really? Okay well there's a very lovely place called the Rabbit Hole Carnival… Yeah I’m there right now… yeah! Okay.”

“Daddy! Party night! I’ll get supplies tomorrow.” Renne said.

“Just make sure to double up then!” Nick replied. “We have a party next week too remember.”