Rabbit Hole Carnival: Unhindged

Renee knocked before opening the door to her own room. “I see you and Inky are getting along, at least.” She quickly closed the door, as the yelling downstairs carried on.

“Oh, so that’s your name?” Mylee said to the octopus plushie she was holding. Before looking at Renee. “I hope it’s alright? I just saw him and grabbed him.”

“He does tend to have that effect.” Renee giggled. “I’d almost think that’s why Nick chose him when I got it as a gift.”

“Nick is the one downstairs then? Other than Theo, I mean.” Mylee asked.

“Yeah.” Renee signed, and sat next to Mylee. “He’ll be fine. He manages my father well enough too, so it’s not like this is new to him.”

  “Wait, he's not your dad?” Mylee asked. “You called him, daddy thought?”

“With all due respect, you call Theo your boyfriend when you came dashing in here.” Renee replied.
"That's different!" Mylee said. “I… I’m supposed to be his wife. It’s tradition, or something. ” Mylee hugged Inky tight as Nick and Theo shouting echoed.

“You wanna flip a coin for who goes first on telling unhinged family stories?” Renee asked.

Mylee bursts out laughing. “We came from India, and our families are close. His grandfather helped mine get across the ocean. It was just assumed the daughters marry the sons. And well the rest of them are happy as far as I know.”

“Okay, but are the rest of these siblings married to assholes?” Renee asked. “Did you ask them if you—” The sound of glass shattering made both girls flinch. They went quiet for 30 or so minutes before there was a knock at the door.

“It’s a bucaneer!” Nick said, and waited. The door unlocked , and Renee waited straight into his arms.
“I knew you could handle it, but please  try to make it not as terrifying next time?” Renee said. “And Also Mylee might be staying with us for a bit.”

“The first part duly noted. The latter, I figured as much.” Nick replied. “But I like Mylee to speak with the siblings, and in-laws first. At least the one that aren’t dealing with Theo in my stead.”

“Wait, what?” Mylee replied.

“Well, they're rather worried about you, and one wants a Shocking Apple. She said something about ‘knowing my sister she huckered down somewhere safe, and I like the drink made by whoever made her that feel way.’”

“We’re coming down, Lincoln!” Mylee said, as she got. All three went down and Mylee nearly  got tackled to the ground as 3 sisters hugged her.

Renee giggled as she let the chaos unfolded. “ You must be Lincoln then? I’m guessing the others are getting Theo out of our bar?”

“And into a mental home, hopefully.” Lincoln said. “And still to Mylee to say as much about not marrying that idiot, but I think my sisters are on that one.”

“I certainly hope so, that lug nut is insane, and I rather we only have one girl locked to abusive nonsense in here. Daddy got enough to deal with me.”

“So I’ve heard. At least the small details. Hopefully you’re feeling more at home, here?” Lincoln asked.
“Very.” Renee replied. “It was my understanding you need a Shocking Apple? Will the rest of you be ordering anything?!”

Renee served the new suspected regulars in order along with Nick. Ensuring that Mylee was listened to, and comforted.

“Okay, okay.” Mylee said. “Thank all of you, and I’ll talk to my dad tomorrow. But right now? I’d like to enjoy the night with people that clearly care about me. And aren’t as unhinged as my not boyfriend.”