Rabbit Hole Carnival: The Occultic Five

“Wait … what?” A long haired redhead asked as she was served a drink.

“She gave me permission to tell those I thought she trusted.” Nick replied.

“Of that I have no doubt” the redhead answered back.

 “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Renee replied, as she walked in.

“Renee!” Cel replied, hugging her. “I… I thought I’d lost penmanship too.”

“Well I’m here” Renee said, as she hugged back. “How are the other two?”

“Jojo was a part of this?” Nick replied.

“And I’m still hoping he comes around.” Renee answered. “But he was never the same.”

“Who is this? and what does he know?” Cellius asked.

“He’s my uncle, but I call him daddy these days” Renee replied. “He knows a little about our group, but I haven’t been able to keep up with 3 and 5.”

“Which makes her number 1.” Nick tipped his hat. “Cellius Twilightshield, I’ve heard a great deal about you,”

“Likewise, Nicholas Shem?” Cel replied with a giggle. “She did always called you the good one.”

“I really don't know what to say other than she has been safe here.” Nick said “even added two drinks to the menu.”

“Good.” Cel replied. “Make me said drinks in order?”

“Sure.” Renee said. “Coming right up.”

“Wait, why is she… making both?’ Cel asked, with a tilt to her head.

“I know how to make one of them” Nick replied. “The other was her’s to make, and I kept it that way.”

“One Shocking Apple” Renee planted the drink down. “I’ll go get a Gobble Bobble.”

“Renee, Wait.” Cel replied.

Renee stopped, and turned around. “Cel? I am happy here. I’m the same old Renee, number 4, Penmanship, you got to know, and meet. And still more than anything wish we got Jojo back, but Uncle Nick has kept me safe, healthy, and protected.” Renee left, and walked behind the bar.

“You’ll keep doing that?” Cel asked.

“You have my word.” Nick replied. “For whatever that is worth.”

“She never used to do that.” Cel Said. “She never said she was okay.” Cel chugged down her drink. “I still remember that night.”

“The night she said she was stumbling in here?” Nick asked as Cel just nodded. “Did she ever tell  you a cop came in here that morning?”

“I.. no.. what?” Cel said.”

“Apparently his name is Jared.” Renee replied,walking back in.

“I’m bringing 3 and 5 tomorrow, and you're telling us about this.”  Cel replied
---
“Renee...” Cody said

“I know.” Renee replied. “I should have said something.”

“I knew it was bad, but I never knew it was that bad.” Susie said.

“You made it better, okay? All of you.” Renee replied.

“He’s been taking care of you?” Susie asked. “Nick has, I mean.”

“Yeah.. Yeah, no it’s been nice. It’s been nice here.” Renee answered.

“I don’t know much about this group of yours.” Nick replied. “I do know I’m glad you all remet, and that they are welcome back at any time.”

“Mike never would've said that.” Cody replied.

“Well, I‘m not my brother.” Nick said.

“I’m sorry, guys” Renee answers.

“For what?” Cel asked. “You looked after yourself. “

“We’re just glad Penmanship is okay,” Cody said. “And we know where to find her now.”

“You would be at some tavern themed bar.” Susie added. “That's so like you.”

“Sounds like you’ll be coming around” Nick said.

“Tuesdays still work, Pen?” Cel asked.

“Tuesdays still work” Renee replied.