Rabbit Hole Carnival: Wing Girl

“Cel, I know it’s been several years, but I don’t think your type of guy would do a 180 on me.” Renee said, while they both hid in the bathroom. “So I would just like to know what’s going on.”

“My older sister really likes him, and I promised I’d at least give him a chance.” Cel replied. “I was just gonna tell when I got here, I swear. I didn’t plan on him beating me here. He’s always late to whatever my sister has planned.

“You… don’t have an older sister…” Renee replied.

“Oh, right.” Cel signed. “She… is not exactly a standard Twilightshield. Honestly, had I not grow up with her I would’ve swore she was adopted. She sort of pops in and out of my life. And for a while she was out, which I was perfectly fine with. But she still really loves the family, and mom insists we give her every chance to come around… no matter how much trash she keeps bringing around.”

“And she is picking him up here because?” Renee asked.

“Because she got dumped, came home crying, and is planning on going away again to live with her ‘perfect future husband’” Cel replied, quoting her sister while dripping with disgusted sarcasm. “Again. It’s for another 5 minutes, and an hour that I’ll wanna drink with you after.”

“Deal.” Renee replied, and walked out with Cel. “Sorry about that.” Renee said to Neal. “You two need another round?”

“Sure, but don’t guys have anything less. I don’t know, watered down?” Neal asked.

“It’s the same amount of alcohol as any other drink, just flavored a lot more than the usual places.” Cel said.

Renee said. “I suppose I could probably produce something you're more used to, if you really want?”

“Yeah, that’d be awesome!” Neal replied.

Renee walked behind the counter, and quickly did some googling on her phone. Putting on her best smile and serving Neal. “There you are.”

Neal took a swig. “Guess the old man taught you well, eh?”

“What do you mean?” Renee asked. “First time I’ve ever made a drink like that, but it seemed pretty basic compared to how I was taught.”

“Oh come on.” Neal replied. “No way a father who beat you up as bad as yours didn’t have a few drunk nights.”

“Neal!” Cel replied. “Where did you even hear about that?”

“From Cattie, duh.” Neal replied, swaying in his seat. “I figured she heard it all from you.”

Cel sighed as the bell rang. “I thought I told mom not to tell you any of that?”

“Any of what?” Catherine asked before looking at Renee. “Don’t suppose I could get one of whatever had for the road? We won’t open it, I promise.”

“He had enough for the night.” Renee replied, taking the drink away. “And no, we only serve it in mugs here. They’re usually our custom drinks, so they don’t come in closed containers.”

“Bummer.” Catherine replied. “Well, I was done drinking for the night anyway. See ya later sis.” As quickly as she entered she took Neal, and left.

“Sorry about that.” Cel said. “I swear I told mom not to say anything.”

“It’s fine.” Renee replied. “Told me all I needed to know about him, and your sister for that matter. I see why you don’t bring her up.”

“Yeah real piece of work.” Cel replied. “Even dad kind of leaning towards not welcoming back at this point, and honestly I’m not sure mom is that far behind. Can I stay here tonight? I think I might end up having one too many Fruit Roulettes to get home.”

“Just make sure you call your mom and let her know first.” Renee replied. “I’m sure Daddy won’t mind.”