Rabbit Hole Carnival: Trying

“Sir?’ Renee said, as she walked outside. “We can stay open for a bit”

“I  don’t need to bother you… I’ll roam a bit.” The old man said.

Renee stared for a bit. “We got mango drinks too!”

The old man paused, and turned around. “How did you?”

“You picked up a few things.” Renee replied. “Trying for a dream.” 

“You are open, you said?”the old man asked.

“We can be.” Renee said, leading him inside, and lets him sit. “Hi Daddy!”

“We’re staying open a bit late then.” Nick asked.

“If that’s okay?” Renee replied. “I’m sorry I—”

“No one said that was a problem,” Nick said. “Just locked up when you're done.”

“Okay. well what you then. I’m guessing a Fruit Roulette, but just mango?” Renee said.

“Greg. and yes” Greg as he sat down. “And a way to win my daughter a back.”

“Have you apologized?” Renee asked as she walked behind the bar. And the served him the drink. “Or have you really tried?”

“I… the world keeps changing and I…I tried too. I told her I should have listened.” Greg replied.

“Okay did you change?” Renee said. “ Okay did you just repeat yourself? I mean Mike apologizes every day of the week. Usually on Saturday"

“And? What happen” Greg asked. “You’re here so.”

“Yeah well Mike never changed or improved” Rene said “ So I stumbled into this bar here with my uncle Nick and such.”

“Why him?” Greg asked. “Or.. I guess..”

“ no go on.” Renee said. “To answer your question, he was the one  I felt safe going to. Always could tell him anything”

“Well what do I do then? To be the safe one?” Greg asked

“Well it's gonna be a bit based on what little info I have. I mean broke her trust it sounds like?” Renee replied. “Unless I’m wrong there of course.”

“No, that sounds right.” Greg said. “I did some things that I really never should have done, and it makes sense to me that she hates me.”

“Have you told her that?” Renee asked.

“Would that matter?” Greg asked.

“Right away? No.” Renee said. “But it is an indication that you’re trying, provided you actually keep to it anyways.”

“What does that mean?!” Greg asked. “Haven’t I—”

“Haven’t you what?” Renee asked. “Done enough? Because what? you provided her shelter. Was that not the plan when you helped give birth to her?! No one asked to be born you know? No one asked to be brought into here.  You’re supposed to provide shelter. You made the choice to care enough to help birth a child.”

“So did your father!” Greg said. “He cares about you!”

“Cares to ignore my every emotional need?!  Care enough to make me cry enough to just up and leave?!” Renee said. “At least here there’s a man who—” Renee jumped as a hand gripped her shoulder.

“Everything alright down here?” Nick asked. 

“I’m sorry to wake you, Daddy.” Renee said.

“And what makes him so special?” Greg.

“Nothing.” Nick replied. “Nothing, but I actually tried to listen. Did a lot more than provide shelter for her. And I think it’s about time you either tried or leave.

Renee watched Greg leave “Thanks, and I’ m sorry I woke you up.”

“You didn't wake me up” Nick replied. “Trying to worry about you did.”