Rabbit Hole Carnival: Mahjong

“Wanda, please don’t” Cel’s mother said.

“Well, now you have me curious dear.” Wanda said.

“True.” Renee replied. “Ask about what?”

“I just wanted to know about your family, dear.” Wanda said. “But the others have a point, and you don't want to tell.”

“You really wanna know?” Renee asked.

“No, she doesn’t.” Cel said. “I am wondering what took you so long.”

“Cel, if she wants to know that badly then it’s fine.” Renee said. “You get used to it.”

“I am sorry then, dearly.” Wanda said. “It’s an old—”

“He used to beat me, and ignore my fear of him.” Renee said. “Or be proud of it, or afraid of the coming change. I don’t know his reason. A lot of my family still defend him. But honestly? I have my friend back, and was as Nick. And considering that those people have more family to me then family ever was? I’m okay with that.”

“You mean that?” Cel asked. “The I’m family to you thing?”

“Cel, why would I not mean that?” Renee asked. “One of you brought them sure I got home the other didn’t. One of you bothered to check on me without the yelling or fighting, the other didn't. The whole reason I even stumbled on Nick’s bar was because I thought maybe Cel had a point’!”

“I.. you never said that.” Cel said. “Is that why Nick told me you were there?"

“Probably.” Renee replied. “I don’t know, but he does actually listen to me.”

“I clearly shouldn't have pried.” Wanda said. “And I won’t be asking further, for as long as my my granddaughter is looking out for you.”

“I did tell you mom.” Cel’s mom said.

“And I should have listened then too, but I didn't,” Wanda said. “But I don’t need to a 3rd time to remember."

“Oy!” Susie said. “Are we gonna do this pillow fight or not!?”

“We got stopped by the mahjong players, and we’ll be right up!” Renee replied.

“No Renee, you can’t learn how to play!” Susie said. “At least until you beat me in 2 pillow fights!”

“That sounds like a challenge, good madam, and you get a good whack for it!” Renee replied before marching back up.

“Ugh.” Cel said, and chuckled. “I get her water. This is what you get for getting those two started, grandma.”

“May I said one other thing?” Wanda said.

“Knowing her,and you?” Cel asked “Tell yourself in a minute.”. 

“Forgot my water.” Renee said. “So used to just letting people talk, it's a bartender thing.”

“Here.” Cel said, and hand her the water. “Grandma wanted to ask one more thing. I go tell Susie.
“Thank you. “ Renee said. “So Wanda, what else did you wanna know?”

“The story about Prying, dear.” Wanda said. “I simply wanted to say that you’re more than right to call him your father, if that's how your dad treated you. My apologies for keeping you. But when you have the time I'll be glad to teach you.”

“No, that actually means a lot.” Renee said. “I’m so used to getting told to just make up with him. or he means well, or whatever else. It’s refreshing to hear to that I’m the right every so often in”
“Good to hear that as well, dearly.” Wanda said.

“Now if you’ll excuse me?” Renee asked. “I got a pillow fight to get to.