Tales From a Misfit
Updates every Sunday.
Found on wallhere. made by "wallup"
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Found on wallhere. made by "wallup"
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“We’re here!” Cody said.
“Cody! Finally bring some friends over.” Cody’s mom replied. “This must be Cel, and… Susie?” “Who are the other two?” Cody’s father asked. “Renee.” Renee Replied. “This is Jojo, or Joshua.” “The Occultic Five in my home.” Cody’s mom said. “It took you all long enough.” “Well these two left us in the dark for a while.” Cel Said. “Come on you two. About time you had some of the shepard’s pie made in this house.” “What is with them anyways, son?” Cody’s dad asked. “I know you said they’d be nervous, but this seems especially quiet.” “Well Renee kind of vanished for a while, it took us ages to find her. Joshua was a lot louder with his exit.” Cody replied. “I found her working at a bar with her uncle Nick.” Cel said. “She ran off one after getting slapped after waking up while her parents were arguing in the middle of the night. She still won’t say what they were arguing about, but whatever it was made her snap, I guess.” “I’ve never told anyone that!” Renee said. “No?” Cel asked. “The way Nick talked I would’ve thought otherwise.” Renee looked away. “He promised he wouldn’t tell anyone… Guess he must’ve felt like I needed it.” “Was that what you two were talking about?” Joshua asked. “I knew I should’ve interrupted.” “We were talking about how often you’ve been there for a drink if you must know.” Cel replied. “Nick told me about how and when Renee came the first time I met him. I just kind of stumbled in after doing another search around town.” “All of this,” Cody’s mother said. “Sounds like a talk for inside the house.” “And sounds like it’ll need something stronger than tea.” Cody’s father said to Susie. “Don’t look at me for that one.” Susie replied. “Renee is the one co-hosting a bar.” “I thought the name Nick might be familiar.” Cody’s mom replied. “I suppose we’ll just have to taste test this evening.” “We’re the Rabbit Hole Carnival, Amy.” Renee replied. “Every drink gotta be a festival.” “That’s a new one.” Susie said. “Alright, inside all of you. You heard the missus here, and you can all call me Kyle.” Cody’s dad replied. “And I—” “Don’t tell her.” Cody replied as ushered the group inside. “Everything got here, alright?” “It better have.” Joshua replied. “Didn’t pay those—” Renee elbowed him. “Come along, Jojo.” Renee said, grabbing his arm. “It’s rude to stand outside this long” Most of the group sat at the bar table in the kitchen while Joshua looked over the place, and Renee looked over the ingredients. “And that’s why Jojo’s a bit nervous.” Susie said, finishing her explanation. “It’s his first time recommending a place for a town hall, and he really needs it not to go south.” Kyle patted his son on the shoulder. “You may the right call tell us to make sure it’s fancy so many times, son” “But is he sure the drinks will be okay?” Amy replied. Renee brought out a tray of 16 shot glasses, and two full glasses of water. “Take a swig of water after each one. You don’t get the full favor of each otherwise.” She stared at both for a few seconds before setting 2 glasses aside. “Amy's gonna love this one, and I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with Kyle here.” “You know all the guests are gonna puke when they figure out these drinks are from a dusty old tavern, right.” “Which is why I never told them where it was from.” Joshua replied. “I assured them the Rabbit Hole has hosted a number of fancy parties before, and nothing more.” “Which is nothing, but the truth.” Renee said.
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“I thought dirty old bars weren’t your style, Jojo” Susie replied, as she walked into the two laughing.
“You’re gonna push him away again if you keep doing that.” Renee said. “He walked in here, and we just got to talking. He barely had one drink.” “Fine, then his second is on me.” Susie replied. “Because I am glad he's back.” “One homesick, and one Fruit roulette it is.” Renee said. “Been pretty slow today, so I think I’ll make myself a Shocking apple too.” “And a watermelon Fruit Pyro!” Cody replied as he opened the door. “Citrus Earth too.” Cel added. “I’ll—” “I’ll cover the tab.” Joshua replied. “Just let me know when a fifty isn’t enough.” “Jojo…” Susie said with a pause. “You’re not gonna take no for an answer are you?” Cel asked. “I never have.” Joshua replied. “Not like I need it anyways.” “I’ll take it this once.” Renee replied. “But it’s gonna come to a vote otherwise.” “I left! You didn’t!” Joshua shouted. “Rule number 6!” “Rule number 1.” Cel replied. “Leave no one behind.” “And rules 3 and 4,” Renee replied, as she served up drinks. “We forgive each other's mistakes, and we always try to forgive them.” .”And rule number 2 was?” Cody asked. “That we remind Cody of the rules.” Renee and Cel replied together with cheers. “Rule 6 was never fully agreed on anyways.” Susie said. “I never voted and we ended up with a tie.” “Boys versus Girls.” Renee replied. “And Susie abstained” “I kind of liked us having 5 rules.” Cel said. “Even if one is kind of a jess on Cody memory,” “I like rule 5.” Cody said. “Wherever the Occultic goes, is where they call home.” “You do remember where that one came from, right?” Renee asked. “Jojo?” Joshua took a big swig with all eyes on him. “I remember a small girl who was also poor as dirt, and used to parents who were far from the best. Remember her bringing another redhead around since she had just moved in.” “I remember being openly mocked, and getting along with a certain class clown. “Who always maybe a certain brunette laughs.” Susie said “And I remember meeting that girl and boy when a certain Redhead brought them in.” Cody replied. “And the other redhead coming up with our name right on the spot.” Cel replied. “The rest seems like history” “It seems natural,” Renee replied. “For once it felt like home… At the time.” “It certainly felt like it.” Joshua replied. “Or maybe that was just knowing that people finally like me.” “Jojo…” Cel said. “Was that why you ended up hating us?” “All this time.” Cody replied. “Didn’t the rumors hurt?” “Guys!” Renee replied. “We don’t talk about the rumors Rule number 7.” “Seriously,” Susie said. “They hurt Renee too, ya know? I’m gonna make some tea, and hope everyone get some sleep tonight” “I’ll show ya around.” Renee replied. “Rule 7?” Joshua asked. “The rumors she was paying you to be her friend got worse.” Cel replied. “That day it was like half the student body believed she stopped paying you. Or you demanded more, or something.” “I… never knew.” Joshua replied. “You’re back now, that's all that matters.” Cody said. “Especially to Renee.” “Renee, they added that like two years ago.” Cel said. “It’s cool and cute, don’t get me wrong, but I doubt there’s anything you haven’t seen.”
“I… I haven’t been here in a while.” Renee replied. “But I can explore with Nick some other time, if you don’t think you have the time.” Cel looked around, and dragged Renee into a corner. Swinging around to face her afterwards. “What is with you? Out with it.” Cel said. “For the 3rd time in the last 10 minutes, my entire day is free. Nick assured you he could handle things at the Rabbit Hole. There is nothing but you, me, and this aquarium, which the Renee I know would be over the moon about. Is Nick making you go now or—” “No, he’s not making me do anything.” Renee said, and sighed. “It’s only my 3rd time here, okay? Ever.” “You?” Cel asked. “Renee ‘Penmanship’ Shem has only been to her hometown’s aquarium 3 times in her life?” “Okay.” Renee replied. “Technically yes I’ve been more than 3 times, but like… Not on my terms. The first time I was like 3, maybe almost 4, and just in love with everything. And every time after it was either a trip where I was quizzed on every last thing, and usually mostly punished for not knowing a bunch of answers. Or it was a ‘reward’ for doing so much work that I was too tired to even process a lot of it, or an apology for being almost hit with a chair or something.” “Up until our class field trip I hope.” Cel said, just as stunned by how Renee’s childhood was as ever. “That was the 2nd time.” Renee said. “The third time Daddy brought after I got to collect myself for a few days. I was still a bit scared Mike or Adam would show up, but I had a good time despite almost always looking over my shoulder.” “Why haven’t you been since?” Cel asked. “I’m sure Nick could’ve closed a few days and taken you.” “It just wasn’t the same for a while.” Renee replied. “Even with Daddy there it just brought up so many bad memories. But after talking about it in a few therapy sessions with Ray, we decided that childhood trauma shouldn’t scar somewhere I love. Therefore I should come here with a friend, and try to make some good memories. He was very supportive of me picking you after here about your family’s track record.” “Yeah, 7 generations of women being in Trauma Recovery sounds like it would be hard to argue with.” Cel Said. “So, one last thing. Mom said this was related to my birthday present from… you…” “I know it’s not due for a few months, and is college work.” Renee replied, shyly. “But I thought I could help with your paper on case studies, me being one and all.” Cel slammed into Renee with a tight hug. “Best. Present. Ever. Where do you wanna go first?” “I think I’ll stick with my first choice.” Renee replied, with a giggle and a hug back. Cel mostly stood a little back, and let Renee take it all in. But did also learn some interesting facts that she had glossed over all the times she was here due Renee having the time of life, so much so that she occasionally wondered if Renee was ever going to leave. It was nice to see her that way again though. Cel had missed the easily excited Renee, and it was rare she got to observe that side of her for this long. She almost didn’t want to take the notes she did, but that was about as hard as it was for Renee to ignore whatever fish had just passed by. “You know I’m not gonna let you avoid this section forever, right?” Cel said, grabbing Renee’s right arm. “I’m working up to it.” Renee replied. “I made a very thorough plan last night, and it’s been working pretty well so far. And you're one to talk anyways, you’ve barely asked me anything.” “Renee, sweetheart, I’ve heard 7 different variations of how harshly Mike would quiz you.” Cel replied. “Noticed 4 different times you’ve been jump scared with no one around. Don’t even get me started on how many times I thought you were gonna slam into the glass because you can’t believe you missed something or other when you were here last. And I’ll concede you’ve not really been shying away from the sections that seem to hold a lot of bad memories for you. Everyone's way of healing is different, so it's not like I have some standard list of questions or phrases I need to say in your own words or something.” Cel dug through her robe, and flipped through the notebook she had on her. “I've been here writing close to 7 pages of notes, and holding the chuckles that come from watching you act like you’re 5 years old in a toy store.” Renee, twirled her hair a bit. “Alright fine, but… no, you know what? Let’s go in here right now, and then we’ll end on a high note when we finish with the coral reefs.” They did just that, and then Cel’s mother dropped Renee off before driving her daughter home. “We’ll have your family party tomorrow, if you want. Must have been exhausting.” “That sounds nice, yeah.” Cel said. “Lovely present, and lovely to see her that happy, but she was not easy to keep up with in there.” “Renee? You alright?” Susie asked.
“I… I guess.” Renee replied. “Just another bad dream. What time is it?” “Um,” Susie replied, as she looked at the clock. “Barely 5am. Come on, Let’s get you something to help you sleep for a bit longer.” “I doubt that’s gonna happen tonight.” Cel replied. “And isn’t your mom gonna be—” “My entire family is highly trained in the art of sleeping through a tea kettle, or two.” Susie replied. “I’m gonna go start boiling the water.” Joshua replied. “You don’t always have nightmares like that right?” Cody asked. “Just when I have Mike in my head.” Renee said. “He seemed like he gave up, and that’s just not like him. And I’m… I’m afraid of what comes next.” “Downstairs.” Cel said. “All of you.” Susie went down first, grabbed a mug, and put two tea bags in it and sprinkle a few spices at the bottle. “You go take a seat.” She said to Joshua. “Do you remember the nightmare?” Cel asked. “Wanna talk about it at all?” “It’s not a nightmare.” Renee replied. “Not just a nightmare anyways.” “Then you remember it happening” Joshua asked. “It’s that burned into you?” “No there’s… certain details are missing.” Renee replied. “Parts get replaced with various other segments of the past.” “Susie? Is that you, dear?” A woman replied, walking down the stairs. “Oh, mom.” Susie replied, turning off the stove just as the kettle started whistling. “I’m sorry, I really thought we wouldn’t wake you.” “You didn't,” Ivy replied. “I had to go to the bathroom, and heard a multitude of footsteps. More than I was used to hearing when you ask to have sleepovers, and it seems I get to see why” Ivy smiled at Renee and Joshua. “So good of you two to join up again.” “Well, I finally understood what Renee was trying to say, and Once Cel found her again.” Joshua said with a pause. “Well enough about that, Renee was talking about her nightmare.” “And now we’re definitely not going to let me just not talk about it.” Renee said, as Susie set the mug full of tea down in front of her. “It always starts the same…” ---Renee’s nightmare--- A five year old Renee rushes down the hallway, and throws a ball down the stairs before hiding in a nearby closet. The grumpy tired voice of Mike echoing as he shouts. “I told you to keep it down!” Mike shouted. “It can’t be that damn hard!” Renee had no idea what he was talking about. She had been up reading quietly in her room under the covers. Her mind raced trying to think of what she did wrong. Covering her mouth as she yelps when Mike tripped, and slams into the closet door. Mike gave a low growl as he looked down the stairs with a flashlight. “Too far…” He mumbled and started searching the upstairs rooms one by one. Renee watched and listened as best she could. Slow and steady making her way downstairs. Hiding again, but this time in an empty cabinet. Listening as windows shatter, and her mom screamed. Footsteps thumping every which way. It was the first time she ever got out of that cabinet… The first time she ever made a dash towards the phone. But the phone kept moving further and further away, and every time it was within reach some horrid creature with Adam face dragged her back. Finally she grabs the phone, and starts to dial. Each of the 3 times she pushes a button made the phone into Adam’s face. “Go and ahead and break us apart. TRAITOR.” ---PRESENT--- “And then I wake up.” Renee finished, and took a big swig of the tea. “I… I… Mom.” Susie said. “He always shouts that at you?” Ivy asked. Renee nodded. “That’s always how it ends. So many other memories can be shuffled in, but it always…” Renee started to cry as Cel hugged her. “It’s his face in that phone calling me a traitor.” “Hey, hey.” Cel replied. “It’s okay. It’s all okay now. God I couldn’t even imagine my brother doing that. “I couldn’t imagine my sister doing it either.” Cody replied. “Our dad did that to me once.” Susie said. “Mom kicked him out straight after, and I know Nick would gladly do the same.” “Nick?” Ivy asked. “Nicholas Shem.” Cel replied. “Renee’s uncle, and the person looking after her most of the time.” “I call him Daddy.” Renee said. “Good.” Ivy replied. “Then at least I know that the people who know you best still feel like you're safe.” “Hey, so I thought you… said…” Renee looked up, as she spoke. “What happened to Travis?”
“Nothing major, dear.” Abigail replied. “He is just on a bit of mandatory vacation with his wife and kids.” “I suppose I do hear about him working a lot.” Renee said. “But, if you’ll pardon me, that doesn’t explain why you’re here. This place cleared 15 scheduled and 25 surprise tests for 3 years.” “Yes, I noticed that.” Abigail said. “Rather rare to require that level of supervision, bar or otherwise.” “I,” Renee signed. “I get the feeling this isn’t an official visit. Could I see some documentation? Miss?” “Just Abigail is fine, or Abby if that makes you more comfortable.” Abigail sat down. “I just have a few basic questions.” “Without any authorization to ask them.” Renee replied. “I don’t talk about that chapter in my life for no reason. So under the circumstances, I would rather you leave.” “That seems a bit harsh.” Abby said. There’s no need to get so defensive over a simple standard check-in.” “Which we’re having 2 years after we were deemed a safe home and work environment because?” Renee asked. “Home environment?” Abigail asked. “May I see the living quarters?” “Not without the documentation you don’t have.” Renee replied. “You wanna drink while you call your boss?” Abigail sighed. “So the reports on this place mentioned something about keeping you away from your father?” “This place has kept me safe from my father since the day I WILLINGLY ran away from that… that house!” Renee replied. “As I have stated several times.” “In a very similar fashion too.” Abigail said. “Almost as though it was a little rehearsed, or maybe drilled into that thick head of yours.” “Do you hear yourself?” Renee asked. “I told a police officer I wanted to stay within less than half a day of stumbling my way here. I’m routinely left to my own devices, or freely roaming the streets. Does that sound like I’m being held hostage, or whatever you think is going on?" “I just think it’s a little weird that you called the cops here, but never at your real home.” Abigail replied. “What gave you that idea?” Nick asked, while Renee rushed over to side hug him. “From the stories I heard I would’ve assumed the cops were over at my brother’s house plenty of times. “Adam usually ended up convincing me not to.” Renee replied “Adam?” Abby asked, looking through some papers. “Oh, an older brother? Seems you’re rather distant from a lot of family Miss Renee.” “I’m afraid I’m unsure what business of yours that is, Miss?” Nick asked. “Her name is Abigail, and I’m still not convinced she is supposed to be inspecting us.” Renee said. “You did get a call did you not?” Abby replied. “From a man who should have retired almost a decade ago, and would have if he weren’t the stubborn fool that he is.” Nick said. “That stubborn fool has helped every single one of his family members out of some of the tightest places one can find themselves in.” Abby replied. “Really?” Renee replied. “He sounds nice. Glad to hear at least one dad is looking out for their daughter.” “Perhaps a little too much.” Nick said. “I believe time you go, Abigail. Perhaps ask Travis about those reports you’ve been reading. I hear Renee’s case is one of his favorites to share.” “He has the final report framed.” Renee replied. “He told me once that he shows it to all the new hires to teach them just how far apart ‘blood and luck can be.’” “ Hey” Cel said. “So you called again?”
“You don’t need to rub it in.” Joshua replied. “I’m not trying to.” Cel replied, as she sat next to him. “I’m sorry about how it sounded… I’m glad you called.” “Really?” Joshua asked. “Even after everything I did?” “It was never anything you did, Jojo.” Cel replied. “It was stuff that our families did. We just made the best of bad situations.” “You were a bit slower than that given our numbers.” Susie added. “And yes I already know that’s what you’re worried about, but that was never why you were given the number 2.” “I said not to bring them here.” Joshua replied. “I know.” Cel said. “But you need them, so I brought them anyway.” “You always do this.” Joshua said. “Yeah but has she ever been wrong?” Cody asked. “Well, it’s not like she’s gonna come.” Joshua replied. “Sure of that, are you?” Renee asked. “I named this group, Jojo, so if Starchart says to come? It means I need to come, Especially if she says I need to be here, specifically if it mentions you, and I suspect I know why.” “I was horrible.” Joshua replied. “And I don’t deserve you coming here.” “Half right” Renee said. “What?” Joshua asked. “I hated you! I rejected you at every turn, and only now am I finding out that you were right! That you should have left and lived with your uncle a long time ago no matter the price!” “Let. him. Finish.” Cel replied. “Renee has gestured to do so multiple times!” “I hated this group and abandoned it! I made every effort to push you away!” Jojo continued. “Just because I hated that you could embrace this, and I couldn’t.” “And why was that Jojo?” Renee asked, with a bit of smirk. “Because there is no way that I get welcome unless I assert it, anymore. Because I'm some random black sheep with cash and I… I figured you hate that.” “Jojo…” Susie said. “We didn’t abandon when Renee she stopped having funds. We worried for years about where she was.” “We search every. single. Day.” Cel said, as she stared at Renee. “And I’m sorry,” Renee replied. “But maybe now you at least understand why I—” “No!” Cody said. “We were here for you! We were here for each other!. That's what you said. That was the rule! “That was the thing that you sold us on.” Cel added. “Because that’s what made her feel at home!” Susie said. “No matter how much of a lie it was. So stop yelling at her cause we all know she hates that, and why.” “I hate getting yelled at when I don’t know what I did wrong, but they're right.” Renee replied. “I made a pack. I made up a whole thing, and this just abandoned it.” “Alchemy is in the right here actually.” Cel replied. “What?” Renee asked. “You made the group, yeah. And yes you left it, that is true.” Cel said. “But you kept it close to you. You came here, and talked to Jojo. You kept us in your mind, and decided that me being number 1 meant I was number 1. And Jojo next to did the same despite his thoughts you weren’t coming. Sure you both backslid, but you both regret it.” “And you both made a statement.” Susie said. “If I had a choice.” Joshua replied. “Then I know who my family would be.” Renee answered back. “Whatever the cost may be. I chose the found family.” Both said in sync. “ Oh good, How did you do it?” Joshua asked.
“Do what?” Susie asked. “Come back from being lost too?” “Alchemy!” Cel replied. “What? It’s true!” Susie said. “Not what he needs right now.” Renee said back. “He came here, okay? And seeing as he would never have done that even a year ago, let’s maybe reward some good behavior over chastising it.” “Didn’t work with you.” Cody grumbled. “That’s enough!” Cel said as she slammed a fist onto the bar table. “And yes it did, or do you wanna make her feel more guilty?! For a crime she never committed?!” “I did run.” Renee replied. “From a thing I created of all things.” “Run away, I’ll agree with.” Nick replied. “But you didn’t run from this, that was more of a side effect.” “No, let him finish.” Cel said. “I think you all need to hear this.” “Could I finish it instead, Daddy?” Renee asked. “I feel like I already know what you’re going to say.” “And what is it I'm going to say, Renee?” Nick replied. “It did work with me, Cody.” Renee said. “You were a shield, and were the thing that blocked every other idea that kept me from pounding on this bar’s door. And you welcome me back with open arms, so why doesn’t he get a second chance? He wants to change doesn’t he?” “You didn’t want to change.” Susie said. “You were forced and had your reasons.” If you believe that then we never should’ve been the Occultic Five!” Renee replied. “Or did you forget who made us that in the first place?” Cel asked. “Our core. Up and left, and it took us years to find her again.” “And she could’ve told us that,” Cody said. “He could’ve at least said you were here.” “Cody, why did I first call us the occultic five?” Renee asked. “Do you remember?” “Well… No, no I don’t.” Cody answered. “I remember why I was called the Shield.” “Let’s start there.” Cel said. “You’re number 3, the Shield, and here you are yielding to number 4, Pen?” “Pen is stronger than me, and the moment you agree? You have a plan of attack stronger then I could defend against.” Cody replied. “Nothing that I deserve.” Joshua said. “Renee had her reasons for leaving.” “She never left, and neither did you.” Cel replied. “Daddy, would you get us 2 Gobbles, one Shocking Apple, one Homesick, and one Beanstock.” Renee said, and watched as Nick simply behind the bar. “Homesick?” Cel asked. “The 3rd drink I made.” Renee replied. “It’s sour. Which I remember a certain sweet class clown had a taste for.” “You always could set a scene.” Susie replied. “What we’re all trying to say.” Cel replied. “Is Jojo brought himself back, and we couldn’t be happier.” “Don’t make my mistake, Jojo.” Renee said. “Don’t just up and leave us, and then go thinking that rag tag group of black sheep don’t want you back.” “Who is getting what?” Susie asked. “Well Homesick is sour.” Cel replied. “So that one is Jojo’s. Shocking Apple is Renee’s first, so that’s hers.” “Beanstocks is Cody’s” Renee said. “So that’s where the two gobbles are going.” “How is she doing?” Nick asked.
“As wonderfully as you said she would.” Joseph replied. Renee perked up, and then went right back to her work. “Daddy, can make your drink.” “You called me here for this?” Cel said. “This always helps her. Another new drink idea, perhaps?” “You know I hate sharing that information, but no.” Renee replied. “If you must know I was writing thoughts down about Simon.” “Simon?” Cel asked. “Who is he? What about him?” Cel sat down. “He was a big hulking guy who almost took me to Mike's place.” Renee replied. “I was terrified when I saw that note, and well like you said this always helps me calm down. “One Shocking Apple” Cel said. “Cel, I’m fine.” Renee replied. “No, you’re not now, go make me that drink.” Cel said. They argued for a bit but eventually Renee got up, and made the drink. “Knew I needed to call you.” Nick replied. “She still gets like this, huh?” Cel replied. “Insistent that she can handle this on her own.” “A little bit.” Nick said. “She’s gotten a lot better.” “I can tell.” Cel said. “I said one" “This one is for me.” Renee replied, as she sniffed. “Because I can’t get that moment out of my head.” “Sweetheart, tell me the story?” Cel said. “Some kids beat me up until I was knocked. I woke up in this big guy’s arms” Renee said. “He was gonna take me back to…” Renee slammed her head on the table and cried. “I was so scared.” “She doesn’t tell me this sort of stuff.” Nick said. “And it worries me when she gets like this, because what if she breaks down, and walks back to that place feeling like that is what she deserves.” “That’s not happening!” Renee shouted. “Not now! Not ever!” “Now that I believe.” Cel replied. “I honestly think she’d die homeless before going back there. “You’ll have found me long before I did that.” Renee said. “And then dragged back to Nick’s long before I did.” “Good.” Nick replied. “But we should be heading to the backrooms, Cel.” “Oh?” Cel said. “What for? Whoa” Cel was pulled into the supply room minutes before the door opened.” “So what did you want?” Renee asked, as she took a swig “Some kind of drink? I can make one.” “He minus will come out” Mike replied. “I know he’s here.” “He’s upstairs by now.” Renee said, as she took another swig. “I’d be screaming if you actually tried to drag me back there.” “That plan was worked out months in advance, and I hate—” Mike began. “Hate wasting money, I know I know.” Renee replied. “Honestly? You’ve come a long way, so I guess Charlie is doing better than I thought he would. Maybe mom actually is too.” “You think all that, but you’re still here?” Mike asked. “It's just a little confusing.” “You’ve always do this, Mike.” Renee replied. “You make some big scheme, it backfires, you say you’re sorry, and then you just crumble all over again. You want a drink before I say the rest of this?” “Make me a Homesick.” Mike said. “That’s like you too.” Renee replied, but made it anyway. “You wanna improve, or at least do me a favor? Don’t come back. Just leave me alone for literally ever, if you can manage that” “Sweetheart, you’re family.” Mike replied. “You had a weird way of showing it.” Renee said. “Look, at this point I don’t care if you’re sorry. I barely care if you improved, and don’t trust it to last longer than a few weeks top. I know one thing and that’s—” Renee caught the slap as it came towards her. “I think it’s time you leave, Mike.” Nick replied, as he walked out. “You got the answer you came for.” “You lied to me.” Mike said, as he glared at Renee. “So did you.” Renee said. “Now leave.” “What?” Renee asked, looking at her date. Dressed up in a long dark blue dress.
“Well, we’re having such a good night.” The boy replied. “I just don’t wanna ruin it.” “You just did.” Renee replied. “It’s what I would say, if a bartender can’t notice a spiked drink.” “What? I... I didn’t—” The boy said. “Yes you did, and no you’re not getting any tips.” Renee replied, before walking away. The words “Kate” or “Katie” were echoed throughout the group as they searched the shopping center area around the bar. Eventually deciding to split up. “Hey um… Redhead?” one girl replied. Renee turned to her. “Me?” Waiting for a nod. “Renee. What’s up?” “Amber.” Amber replied. “Was kind of paying attention to you at that bar cause that boy was giving me the creeps even 3 tables away.” “Oh, I bet.” Renee giggles. “Didn’t even have a good pick up line after staring at me for what like 2 hours?” “They seriously just need to learn to say ‘Hey, can I buy you a drink?’ or something.” Amber replied, also giggling. “Don’t be too hard on ‘em. They were trained to be that stupid. And ‘that dress should have stars on it, because you’re shining’ is far from the worst I've heard.” “Yeah, that’s actually not that bad.” Amber said. “It’s creative.” Renee admitted. “He was a pretty good guy too, or so I thought anyway.” “Brings us back to my question actually.” Amber replied. “You could seriously tell that drink was spiked?” “It’s really subtle.” Renee said. “But there’s a few very slight differences, and I do actually work at a bar. So I know drinks pretty well, despite no one really spiking anything at our bar.” “And your dad is fine with all that?” Amber asked. “I’m impressed.” “Don’t be.” Renee replied. “My parents are trash, but my uncle is—” “Don’t say that!” A high pitched voice shouted out, and both girls turned their given out flashlights. Amber and Renee looked at each other with a smirk as a shadow appeared and disappeared. “So anyway.” Renee continued. “My parents are trash. My dad abused both me and my mom, and my mom still just let it happen. I ended up limping over to my uncle's bar since it has housing upstairs, and I just needed somewhere to go.” “Huh, not unlike this adopted girl we’re looking for then?” Amber asked. “What would make her run away from love then?” “Oh, tons of things.” Renee said. “She might want her ‘real’ parent’s love. She might feel like she’s not actually worth it. They might have yelled at her, even once, and she just up and decided it was gonna be the same thing all over again.” “It’s gonna be like that all over again anyways.” Katie replied, as she scooted out. “Why wouldn’t it be?” “It wasn’t like that for me. May I sit do— no!” Renee replied, as Amber started to walk off. “Don’t get anyone else just yet.” Amber looked, and sure enough Katie was close to darting off. “Okay.” Amber said. “It’s just Renee, me, and you then.” There was a small pause. “You can sit.” Katie said, and Renee did so. “It… It wasn’t like that for you.” “Uncle Nick, a man who I so often refer to as ‘daddy’ these days, has been nothing but protective and loving. Can I show you something?” Renee got out her phone, and showed a few text messages. “My… my old parents never picked me up.” Katie said. “Do your new ones?” Renee asked, gesturing to Amber that it was okay to go, as Kaite just sniffed and nodded. “All the time, huh? That would make sense. They’re worried sick about you, right now.” “I wanted the grass green elephant.” Katie replied. “The pink did look cute too, but I… I liked the color more.” “Sweetheart, the only person in your head,” Renee poked Katie’s forehead. “is you. You might have to repeat somethings a few times for a while. But they seem like good parents, so eventually they’ll figure out how to listen. I got a bit lucky leaning into an uncle who I knew for years, but… The point is give them a shot before you go running off like this okay?” Renee brought up Kaite. Who ran up to a foster dad holding a grass green elephant. Renee walked to Nick and side hugged before Katie walked back over. “I wanna name him after you.” Katie said. Renee kneeled down. “After me, huh? Hmm… What about Shrub? Though I guess he might not like taking after the whole Shem lineage.” “Ren prehaps?” Nick suggested. “Naw.” both girls replied, before Renee snapped her fingers. “Apple. Named after a drink I’ve been making forever that means a lot to me.” “Apple.” Katie replied. “Am I gonna have a new drink I don’t wanna make tonight?” Nick asked.
“Depends on a few things.” Renee replied. “Can I hear your answer now, for one?” “That has always depended on if you have yours.” Nicholas said. “So do you?” “I wanna make somewhere where people feel appreciated.” Renee replied, as she stretched. “A place where other people can stumble in, and walk out feeling like they know where and how to find home.” “Your drinks always reflected that.” Nick Said. “I wanted to make a place where people found some kind of family. No matter what that meant.” “Guess we’ve been doing that together then.” Renee said. “Kind of fits the idea behind this drink too.” “Does it now?” Nick asked. “How so?” “We don’t have sour on the menu.” Renee replied. “And I wanna make a drink that has that, and imma call it Homesick.” “Where is the damn thing?” Nick replied, as dug through some drawers. “Here we are!” Nick hung up a sign that said. “Working on a new drink. Maybe closed tonight” “So what's gonna go good with this many Lemons?” Renee said, thinking out loud. “Limes, for sure.” Nick went downstairs after a bit once he heard some coughing. “You okay?” “Yeah, I’m fine.” Renee said. “Oh geez tomatoes were not the thing I needed to added to this things.” Nick got Renee some water. “Tomatoes? Really? To a sour drink.?” “I thought it could use more of a balance.” Renee replied. “I just wanted people to like it.” She sighed. “Renee, if that’s what you focus on—” Nick Started. “If I focus on making a drink everyone likes, then everyone will hate it. I know.” Renee replied. “I know it’s still a bit too sour for a proper drink though. What other fruit do we have?” “You’re determined on making this today now aren’t you?” Nicholas asked, as he got a stern nod for Renee. “If you have it done by tonight let me know.” “Any advice?” Renee said. “I know it’s been awhile since I’ve asked for that.” Nick thought for a moment. “For a while I’d relied on you to handle fruit. I’ve never been great with it, and your first drink was a cider. Let me taste this?” “Don’t say I did warn you.” Renee giggled. Nick coughed up a storm. “Oh good lord.” “Right?” Renee replied, and gave him some water. “Here, this is my base so far which means no tomatoes.” Nick gulped down the water, and gave it a minute before he tried the based. “Way better. Not to my taste, but way better.” He gave it one more swig. “You didn’t do that with the Shocking Apple” Renee noted. “You just said go with your own recipe. Which was good advice.” “And I still hate this one.” Nick said. “But I agree this is more of a base, it needs something sweet, but not extra sweet.” “Wait” Renee paused. “What you hate about the Shocking Apple, but Like about the Gobble Bobble then?” “Well that was more of a Balance of Vegetables, and the fruit was balanced out by whatever you added.” “Open the bar!” Renee replied as darted into the kitchen. “I think I know what to do.” Nick complied, and opened the bar as an old man walked in. “You have a new drink?” “I think we do.” Renee replied, placing the drink in front of him. “I’m still kind of working on it, but I think daddy here gave me some inspiration. The old man gave it a swig, and coughed. “Adding a sour drink to the menu.” He nodded. “Not for me, but it’s good.” “What did you add?” Nick asked. “The base was definitely way too sour.” “Watermelon.” Renee replied. “I added it to the Shocking Apple too, and added it to some drinks when customers find the veggie drinks too strong.” “And what is this new drink name young lady?” The old man asked. “Do you have a name to add to the family business?” “This isn’t a family business. It's just me and my uncle here.” Renee replied. “But I was thinking about calling it Homesick.” |