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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“Ugh.” Renee growned. “What in the—”
“She wakens!” A giant man laughed, and set Renee down. “All I saw was a few people around you in the park. They said they found this on you, so I’ve just been heading that way.” He handed the note to Renee. “Something seemed—” “No.” Replied, as she read the note, and pushed herself away. “No, no no.” She shook her head fast, and ran off. “Fishy.” The giant man finished, and followed her into an alley. “Where do you actually wanna go, lass? They boarded that tunnel up years ago.” “At least, not back there.” Renee replied with a sniff. “We’ll get you a few drinks or something! Just… Please…” The giant man stopped in tracks once he saw Renee crying. “Well, I’m sure as the Eldritch realm not taking anyone any place that makes ‘em cry like that. Girl, boy, or otherwise. Now my name’s Simon, but at this point I’m not sure of your name.” “It is Renee.” Renee said, wiping her eyes. “Renee is right. I…” Renee shivered, and looked down. “Was getting some weird supplies.” Simon said. “Got most of them in this backpack here. Can I show ya?” “Do you have any idea how long I was out?” Renee asked, as she stepped forward. “I left to go shopping around 11am.” “Well, I can say it’s about 4pm.” Simon replied. “And i’m guessing the shopping ain’t usually 5 hours.” “Not even close, so he must be worried sick.” Renee said. “Mike?” Simon asked. Renee shook her head. “This looks like mostly everything, and we do still have a lot of apples… wonder why they left everything.” “I thought I heard em say something about your old man asking to leave most of the stuff, and take the apples.” Simon said. “Like I said whole thing seemed fishy to me.” “That’s so like him.” Renee looked over to Simon. “You’re not gonna leave me alone at this point, so will you at least escort me to where I actually wanna go? It’ll sound a bit weird when I say the name.” “Well I'm still not taking anyone to a place that makes ‘em cry.” Simon replied. “And I am in fact not leaving you alone, so where it is we really need to go.” Renee opened the door. “I’m home! Sorry for the scared.” Renee hugged back as Nick ran up to her. “Mike hired some group to basically drag me back there, I guess. Simon, here, ended up in crossfire, and ended up escorting me. I told him pretty much everything, and he insisted on paying for his drinks.” “Want me a few Fruit Roulettes, and Shocking Apples while I talk to ya, Nicholas.” “Very well.” Nick replied. “Welcome to the Rabbit Hole Carnival then.” He looked to Renee. “Will you be fine making the festival? Or do you need the day off?” “I know I look like a mess, but I promise I'm fine.” Renee replied. “And taking my mind of things sound lovely” “She made this?” Simon pointed at his drink. “She was working on the idea for years.” Nick said. “Made two others now too.” “You got quite the spark in ya, lass.” Simon replied, as Renee set down his new drink. “Thanks.” Renee said, shyly. “For everything.” she walked away. “Seems I made the right choice going as slow as I did.” Simon said with a swig. “What did seem so fishy about it anyways?” Nick said. “It must have mostly seemed like a girl was just getting beat up.” “I have some idea, if I may?” Renee replied. “That note has his number on it, and that number is not in my phone.” “It’s not on her emergency list either.” Simon said. “But this place is, so when she said this was where she wanted to go. Didn’t know why, but knew to take her here.” “What?” Renee asked, as Nick looked at her. “I stumbled into here at like 2am? It seemed like a number to put on the “Emergency list”.
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“Renee Lywing” “Replied to the clerk at the desk. “I wouldn’t bother testing the other home code…”
“You.. You do have one video call request from your parents, if you wanna answer it.” the clerk answered. “You’ll be all set up long before you’re done, but it’s up to you.” You know what” Renee said. “ I’ll take it in room 2.” “You may have your code back when—” Renee’s mom began. “Keep it.” Renee interrupted. “And thank you.” “What?” Renee’s mom asked. “Okay, fine just—” “No.” Renee replied. “Whatever it is, no. We had this debate for years, and you got my answer to compromise when I darted off in the middle of the night without a word. And you gave your answer when you shut off my only shot back to that prison I was supposed to call home!” “And you’re so certain that place will treat you any better?!” Renee’s mom said. “They already did!” Renee shouted. “When they were shocked that was even an option. And the only response? Was to push me to go register a home code from here.” “Oh, as those you’re going to be happier over there.” Renee’s mother replied. “Come home, and we’ll get you all set up again.” “I am home.” Renee replied. “Wait, what?” Renee’s mom asked . “Miss Lywing?” A clerk asked. “You new captain Telmo said to info you that his navigator would be needed for an exploration mission.” “Did he say anything else?” Renee asked. “Just to let her know, but also to let her finish her business.” The clerk said. “Oh! And that her usual seat among the Red Eagle is just as she left according to the monkeywrench? I’m not sure what that one means though.” “I am. Tell him… Hmm… getting down there.” Renee thought out loud. “It’ll be about 45 minutes.” “Renee, let's talk about this.” “We did, dad.” Renee replied. “Don’t act like you're any better. You still let all this happen.” ---- “Engine running!” Damian replied. “Almost good as new.” “Warp systems are online and functional.” Pylon added. “And far beyond just test capabilities. “Weapons are shining like a prism.” Sara said, with a hint of glee. “Where are we going, anyways?” Damian asked. “We have some hostages in the Baljarten system” Telmo replied. “We should be there in about a week given our usual routes.” “Bypass the asteroid belt blocking with a few parlor tricks, and it would be about 4 days captain” Renee replied. “You have home code all set miss Lywing?” Telmo asked. “My one and only one” Renee answered. “Well then, first off, welcome home.” Telmo said. “I’ve heard great things about this crew, from Targus of all people, so I’ll be expecting a great much back. Now then let’s see what this puppy can do.” “You sure you’ll be okay Renee?” Delma asked. “Couldn’t imagine not be able to go home.” “Delma? You know how you’re species just kind of picks which form they take?” Renee asked. “Well yeah? Based on curious what suit them what they find fits them best.” Delma replied. “A lot of factors.” “Well I just added up every factor that calculated home.” Renee said. “And let’s just say it’s not exactly light years away.” “Oh hey.” Renee replied. “Didn’t think you make your way down here.”
“I wasn’t going to, but alarms kept going off.” Pylon said. “Figured I should check.” “Oh I should have told you to shut those off.” Renee said, with a hand in her face. “I've been overriding them. So I didn’t think you’d mine, but…” “You’re a navigator aren’t you?” Pylon walked over. “You should just be able to push this button… then this one… enter your code?” “Do I need to turn this back on in like 3 days?” Renee asked as she punched in a few numbers and letters. “Naw it should have a calendar now that’s it's official.” Pylon paused for a moment. “I guess I should check that actually…. Yep all good to go.” “You’re not just saying that, and gonna fix it for me later are you?” Renee asked. “Oh, wait.” She pushed a few buttons. “Yeah no it actually does. Okay, fair enough.” “You could’ve wrapped home. I get it’s not the best spot but surely it’s—” Pylon began “They shut it off.” Renee said. “My home port id is wiped, and everything.” “Wait what?” Sara replied, as she walked in. “Was down at the bar our species doesn’t have holidays are this month, but more importantly, Miss Lywing!” “I spent the time and took my third C.A.R.D assessment yesterday.” Renee said. I wanted to make sure I had a clear head for it.” “You… you can’t go back?” Sara replied. “I was wondering what that power surge was.” Pylon said. “That should account for everything.” “Pylon!” Sara said. “Seriously?” “What?” Pylon asked. “I got a ship to look after, and Renee seems fine with her results.” “But she…” Sara looked, and saw Renee shuffling through her deck laying out 10 cards. “You know the risks, huh?” Sara replied. “A very long time ago.” Renee said. “Mom was very clear on what could be the consequences. Dad backed her up. Don’t even get me started on my brothers.” She stretched in her seat. Delma came out of almost nowhere looking over the cards. “What did I just get back to?” “My home code doesn’t work as of about 2 months ago.” Renee replied. “What?!” Delma asked. “You've been cooped up in here for days?” “Hey now not everyone has holidays around this month.” Sara replied. “I kind of wish she had told me, so we could’ve had a match but it’s not like I don’t get it. I like the new cards actually.” “Yeah?” Renee asked, shuffling then back up. “Hey, if color shows up in a fight? Just make sure you blaze it bright.” Sara replied. “That’s been a rule with spectrum for as long as I can remember.” “What is the Nexus going on down here?!” Targus asked, as walked back in as well. “Renee’s had her home code shut down, so she has been in here all these days.” Sara replied, looking like she was scolding her. “Or doing her 3rd card test.” “Wait, what?” Renee asked. “But you just said that not everyone has a holiday?” “Which I standby” Sara replied, as Targus walked up. “But even a species, as infamously “reckless” as my own. Have a home code, because it means something. We registered like 17 of them, and almost know up 5 of them at a time.” “I got registered to here like… pretty much the moment I started doing testing.” Pylon said. “I mean I get machine humanoids find it more important but still.” “Enough!” Targus replied as stepped towards Renee. “You are all forgetting something very important. As advanced as the Luxkem are they are… cultists. Some might say trained. But you miss Renee.” Targus typed in few things before a card. “Will always be welcomed in Alchano.” “Captain is that really gonna… nevermind—” Sara replied, as walked away with the rest of the group. “I told you, mom!” Renee replied to no one as tears ran down her face. “I told you it was different out here.” Sara held up a gun, while Renee used her light mutilation. “Okay, Okay it said no.
“He said no.” Sara replied. “Say it!.” “It said— He! He said no” the random man said Sara holstered the gun. “And the Red Eagle? “Arangements have been made” Targus replied. “Wait what?” the random man replied. “I … thank you, sir” Renee replied gripping Sara’s shoulder “I must say Targus” Lucas said. “I didn’t expect either of those two requests from for you.” “Those were from me, sir.” Renee replied. “My dear, you act a Luxkemspire asking such is a crime.” Lucas replied. “And please just called me, Lucas.” “Lucas. Alchano. Saleek.” Sara said. “The very same.” Lucas replied. “Word of both of your team's requests piques my interest. But perhaps I should be directing my interest towards one, Targus?” “No.” Pylon replied, as Lucas looked at him. “I don’t know what the request was, but Renee taught me. I was a bit self aware. And me and Damian ran everytime test possible.” “You can keep the Red Eagle, if you must.” Sara replied, side hugging Renee. “But as far as Pylon is concerned? We made that decision a long time ago.” “Have you now?” Lucas said. “HE could be so much better, you know. 90% of memory would saved and—” “You can’t just do that!” all 3 of the girls replied. “What about the other 10?” Renee replied. “Or I am replaceable too?” “We didn’t vote” Sara added. “He made his choice.” “Was that choice a little pushed by Renee? Maybe?” Delma added. “But the form of my whole species keeps is up for question at that point!” “Girls, girls.” Lucas said, with his hands up. “With all due respect, there is only one PERSON I need to ask.” “We’ve done it before,” Pylon replied. “I checked the records.” “So have I.” Damain interrupted all 3 of the girls as they tried to speak. “And Pylon needs to say it, without peer pressure.” “True as that may be, they have already started.” Lucas said. “So?” “Pylon, if you want to.. Well you know.” Delma began. “You have my word you’ll be treated the same, no matter what.” “What is my species if not transhumanist?” Sara replied. “You know my answer.” “There is really only one answer I care about.” Pylon said. “Well she only wants to let you make your own choice.” Renee replied. “Whatever that means.” “Well then I have a question.” Pylon asked. “If I may, Lucas?” “Of course.” Lucas Replied. “That already tells me the answer, anyways.” “You can’t be serious? Sara asked. “Because you're more than a ship?!” Delma added. “Because I can shout at you.” Renee replied. “Because I call you 1s and 0s and you will feel it. I’ll miss the Red Eagle. But if you’re asking me to pick between a beloved piece of junk, and Pylon?” They hugged each other. “I picked Pylon. Every single time.” “Code Capricorn. 178.” Pylon replied. “I never thought I’d used that one.” “I would asked what that means.” Sara, said as Lucas walked away “but I think we all already know.” “He’s not leaving.” Renee replied “Ever.” “Hey, Renee?” Cel asked, as she went outside with Nick. “You alright, Hun.”
“What?” Renee replied. “Oh geez. I spaced out hard, huh?” “What um… What happened?” Nick asked. “You took your afternoon break, and just hung out on the Balcony afterwards.” “I’m fine. I was just a little too deep into a memory.” Renee said. “What memory?” Cel Said. “It’s more memories, I guess.” Renee Replied. Those nights you pushed me toward coming here.” “That was you?” Nick asked. “I didn’t know that at the time, but if that's what she says.” Cel said, and thought for a moment before her eyes widened. “It was that?” Renee just nodded. “Cody did it too, and got lost trying to remember which one really got to me.” “What night did you leave?” Susie said as she walked up with Cody. “A week before I was 18.” Renee answered back. “It was both of them.” Susie replied. “Or at least it would be impossible for even me to say which statement got to you the most, or maybe one enhanced the other. My guess would be both got into your mind, and then that whole Mike scene happened, and with all that brewing you just decided enough.” “Okay, first off all of you explain whether to use your nicknames or real names when your together.” Nick said. “Doesn’t matter.” Cel Replied, with all of them before continuing. “We did it ‘cause we were all alone together in highschool. Renee was the one to write the group up and the names, and made the title of the group. Number 5, Alchemy could make literally anything into the best tea. I was always the one pushing the group into things, thus I became number one, Starchart. Cody, is always getting into the middle of fight and taking every hit possible, so he was named Shield, and given the number 3 Joshua used to always be ready with a joke, thus the name Clown. And always stepped in just after if not before me, thus number 2.” “And Renee just liked the number 4, so that's the number she took.” Susie finished. “But you’ve seen her, if she really puts her mind to it she can draw and/or write up pretty much any idea. So after she brought the idea to us, and didn’t wanna pick her own name. We decided to call her Penmanship. And later Pen for short, But it was always the 5 of us together so we just kept the in joke up.” “And you’re sure it was both that led me to coming here that night?” Renee asked. “It was a combo of everything.” Susie replied. “You had that tea I made you all day. And Cel came to you, and I dunno what that fight you had was about but it was big.” "Oh god,” Cel replied, and then covered her mouth. “I’m so sorry.” “Don’t be.” Renee replied. “It was something I needed to hear, which is why Cody agreed with you. Granted I didn’t tell him the exact words.” “That was it?” Cody asked. “That was it. I went back to that house with the words “Why can’t you just accept people love you.” burning in my mind, and Mike just slapped me on my right cheek.” Renee replied. “I was already about to cry, and was just gonna curl up in my room.” Cel hugged her. “Right or not. I Should have said it better, and was just angry.” “You can think if you want to.” Nick said. “But if you shouting that at her got her stumbling into this bar that night, there are worse things in the world.” “I was still angry about it, but I do think Cody worded it better.” Renee replied. “Though he ended up shouting at me about embracing that people like me too. And then I went home, and, and ended up walking alone in the middle of the night into this bar.” “Well you seem so much happier.” Susie replied. “So I said it worked out.” “I do too.” Renee replied, hugging Cel back. “I won’t be in today” Renee said as she stumbled down. “Don’t count on it at least.”
“I can… close down the place at least?” Nick replied. “If you need?” “I’ll clean up or something.” Renee answered back. “It’s a bar I’ll give it till noon.” Nick said. “You go do what you need to do” --- “I figure it’d be here” Cel Replied seeing Renee just curled up near the pond. “Am I allowed to tell them?” “What would be the point of keeping it secret anymore?” Renee asked, as Cel sat down next to her. “What was the purpose back then?” Cel asked. “You two used it for like an hour.” “The only thing I’m getting out of this is Daddy is worried about me.” Renee said. “So. what? The one person who actually looked after you, for once, is worried about you?” Cel said back. “I get this is a newsflash for you and everything, Renee, but that’s kind of how life is supposed to work.” “In the movies, maybe” Renee sniffed a little. “The ones I was allowed to watch anyways.” “What’s up?” Cel asked. “What’s really wrong?” “I don’t know.” Renee said as she slumped in. “I just don’t wanna work tonight.” Renee looked over as Cel was on her phone making a call. “Hey Nick?” Yeah she’s fine. And I’m right next to her, but I don’t think she’ll work tonight no matter what I say.” Cel looked towards. “Of course I’ll look after her, she’ll be home by midnight, okay?” Renee perked up as she heard a phrase. “Wait, what did he just say?” “Repeat that? Slowly.” Cel Replied. “Oh she remembers, trust me.” “What did he say? Renee asked. Cel hung up. “He said a sail’s blow does not often tell time, but if you get her back before morrow I’ll pay her weight in dimes. Dunno what that means.” “Bring her back before tomorrow shine, but if she is with you all I don’t really mind” Renee replied. “It’s part of an old nursery rhythm that used to be read to me.” “Was that what led to a love of the ocean?” Cel asked. “No, I think it was Jellyfish.” Renee replied. “Or some other weird creature, I don’t even remember anymore.” “So what’s up then?” Cel Said. “By all accounts you should be alright. Unless you just started the day feeling like poop?” “Can I not just have one ‘I’m feeling off day?!’” Renee answered back. “One day where it all just comes sinking into me. One day where I just…. Where I just look at everything and.” Renee collapses into Cel and just sniffs. “Sweetheart, of course you can.” Cel replied. “But that doesn’t mean people don’t worry about you. You would be one of the ones that isn’t used to that though. Let’s get ya home, okay?” Renee shifted away, and looked up. “Never to home! Never again.” “To Uncle Nick’s bar, you wingbat.” Cel replied. “Obviously we’re not taking you back to Mike. Who knows what he would do at this point.” “I do.” Renee replied. “Not the first time I did this.” “Is that why you’re scared?” Cel asked, and watched Renee nod. “Sweetheart, what would Nick do?” “I don’t know. I haven’t done this with him before.” Renee replied. “Mike would beat me to the moon and back.” Cel made a 2nd call as she helped Renee. “Cody meet me at the Rabbit Hole… No she’s not.” Cel Sighs. “I’m bringing her back there. She’s not herself right now, but she shouldn’t be as alone as she is right now… Yes you can bring Alchemy.” Renee took the phone. “Honestly, I could just use some tea right, so make sure it’s sweat” --- “I made some apple tea,” Susie said. “Hey Daddy?” Renee said as sat and drank some tea down. “Why did I use to like that old rhythm?” “It had something to do with really liking what the Octopus does.” Nick replied. “Don’t really remember the rest of it to be honest with you.” “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. “I put him in my bed” Nick said, as he walked back down the stairs. “I’ll take the couch, and you’ll be way better off in your own bed.”
“It’s not like I saw much more than you did.” Renee said. “Really I can handle it if—” “Sweetheart,” Nick replied. “This is far from the first case of someone being rough up stumbling into this bar, and I doubt it will be the last. I didn’t think another case would be so soon after you, but that can hardly be helped.” “Imma go get, Inky.” Renee replied, getting up. “Could you get us those two drinks?” “You really ready to tell me the story?” Nick asked. “You don’t have to.” “Yes, I do.” Renee said. “Sooner or later this story is coming out, and I can’t think of a better time or place than when it is already bubbling up anyways.” Nick put a Shocking Apple on one side of the table, and made himself a Planted Beanstock. Renee came down in some pajamas, and holding Inky just as he finished. “Where did that nickname come from, anyways?” “Joshua was always the class clown. He spent most of his time trying to make the classroom laugh.” Renee said. “Even back when I tutored him for a bit he would always be ready with a joke.” “Wait, you tutored him?” Nick asked. “I was led to believe he never struggled in class despite his attitudes.” “He didn't,” Renee replied. “I think that’s why we got along. He always got bored. Knew how to ace his test long before our weekly sessions. I’d usually take 5, maybe 10 minutes, making sure he was actually keeping up, and we just hung out for the other 50 or so minutes. Sometimes he was acting out, because he didn’t understand something. Sometimes I’d picked up stuff from him, honestly.” “And everyone around just let you do this?” Nick asked. “Both your sets of parents? the teachers? They all just let this happen?” “We both got As, Bs at worst. If that took letting us hang out in some quiet little alcove a couple blocks away from the local park, at least it was working.” Renee said. “I assume anyways.” “But he hates you now, so what happened?” Nick continued. “And why did you still walk him here?” “I walked him here, because he was drunk off his ass on the street, and kept bumping into everything. To the point he is as beat up as he is.” Renee replied. “And if he is gonna get that plastered, I’d still rather he do that somewhere at least a little safe. As for why he hates me… I’m still not convinced it’s me he hates.” “Meaning?” Nick asked, as he took a big swig of beer. Both heard a loud crash. “Go check on him. I’ll get us refilled.” Renee said, and both did so. “Good lord, that lad had to go.” Nick said as walked back down. “Honestly, I'm just glad none of it is on my floor.” “Jojo came from one of the poorest families I’ve ever seen.” Renee continued. “There was an endless resurfacing rumor that I was paying him off just to keep him close to me and be my friend. Since I was always weird, and depressed, self-isolating and all that.” “And then you spent a fair bit of your summer here,” Nick nodded. “Your mood’s been improving ever since.” “Which concerned the teachers, and did nothing to quell the student body, and finally I had just had enough of it.” Renee replied. “So I did my school “Society as a whole” fair project on what it was like living with Mike versus what it was like living with you.” “Is that what that trophy you brought home was for?” Nick asked. “They LOVED it” Renee chuckled. “The judges, the teachers, and even a lot of classmates actually… That last part was surprising. But it did some of what I expected, a lot of students just couldn’t even stand that the display was there. And then Jojo came up in a suit to see what all the fuss was about, he still won’t tell me how his family got the kind of money his has. But I could tell there was a spark of hatred the moment he saw me standing there. I even remember taking a step back. And it’s just never been the same ever since.” “You gave up everything he thought he wanted, and came out happier.” Nick said. “And all the while he’s still miserable.” Renee Yawns. “I’ve got one last thing to do tonight. I’ll be in bed soon. ----- Joshua walked downstairs holding his head. He took the drink left on the bar, and took a massive swig before he opened the letter next to it. Still hoping I get to meet Jojo again. Try to have a better night tonight, Joshua. -Your close mentor and friend, Renee “So you wanted something, bro?” Renee asked as Adam walked out to the back. “We’ll be fine, Daddy!” She waved.
“I wished you’d stop doing that.” Adam said, as he closed the door. “Do what?” Renee asked. “Treat the one person who ever bothered to treat me like family like family?” She took a swig. “What do you even care anymore? You got out before I did.” “Still content to up and bail out with him, ey?”Adam asked. “Yeah.” Renee answered. “Why would that have changed? Or are you just back here to see if the resolve weakened again? Little early this year don’t ya think?” “Was it worth it?” Adam asked. “I’m here, aren’t I?” Renee said. “You want a drink?” “You have a new one?” Adam replied. “I do, indeed” Renee left her drink on the table out, and brought a new one. “Here.” “What bred this one up?” Adam asked. “Bit of a mix between. My favorite and Daddy’s favorite” Renee replied, as Adam stared at her “It’s not going away, Adam.” “New year, but not a new you, then?” Adam asked. “You know that never works just as well as I do.” Renee said. “So you minus well just drink it.” “Still not going back then.” Adam said, as he took a swig “I still don’t understand why you do.” Renee replied. “You don’t think it's owed to them?” Adam asked. “Until when, Adam?” Renee asked back. “Just fix everything they never even bother to fix until the day they die?” She took a swig herself. “You wanna condemn yourself to that, far be it from me to stop you. Me? I stepped away a long time ago.” “Can I say what’s always bugged me about that?” Adam asked. “Sure.” Renee replied. “Not like it’s changing my mind.” “Yet they always try to change your mind.” Adam said. “Assuming that’s the question.” Renee replied. “I think it embarrasses them. Renee Shem did end up making a name for herself. And I’m not exactly unclear on where I stand with my family.” “Despite running with their blood.” Adam said. “Blood only goes far, Adam,” Renee said. “You finished your drink, so I think it's time you go.” “Drove here.” Adam replied. “Fair enough.” Renee answered. Adam waited a few minutes. “They do miss you, ya know?” You either believe that, or you’re still the dumbass I always knew for bring it up.” Renee said, as she took another swig “Either way the answer is no.” “But a lot of them have changed a little, it might go differently now.” Adam said. “I don’t care anymore much like a certain someone who has decided to join us.” Renee replied, as finished off her drink. “Go get two gobble bobbles?” Nick asked, and Renee walked back inside. “Why do you do this to her?” “Why do you do THIS to her?” Adam replied. “She can leave at any time, Adam, and you know that as well as I do.” Nick answered. “She made her choice, and I would think you of all people would be happy with that.” “So what I can’t think she made the wrong choice?” Adam asked. “You two could keep it down, ya know?” Renee said, walking back in with the drink. “Still caught bits and pieces.” “Renee they—” Adam started “No, Adam. Just no.” Renee relied. “You really still think he’s what's keeping me here? It’s not exactly the first time I figured out how to run off! Now leave!” “He normally waits till February.” Nick replied, as he took a swig. “He’s been getting more impatient every year. I guess last year just got to him.” Renee replied, as she took a swig like that. “Don’t let him get you like that.” “You… you really can leave whenever.” Nick said. “I know.” Renee stood firm, and replied back. “I just don’t want to.” “You too, huh?” Renee spoke as serve up a drink. “You didn’t strike me as having that kind' of problem.” “Then perhaps that sense of yours is growing dull?” Vantenti asked, as Renee chuckled. “It doesn’t work that way.” Renee replied, still giggling. “I can’t predict broken wheels taking months or anything fancy like that. “Nor have I ever claimed otherwise.” “Oh?” Valenti said. “Then how doesn’t it work?” “A magician never reveals her secrets,” Renee winked. “Daddy! We’ll need some more Gobble Bobble, Planted Beanstalk, and a few Fruit Pyro to the mix.” Renee took a bow. “If you excuse me.” She walked back behind the bar, and served up a few different drinks to a few different tables. “Do you know how she does it?” Vatenti asked Nick as he gave him another Shocking Apple. “Not a clue.” Nick Replied. “Though I do have one theory, which she does somewhat prove.” “The old coinflip one?” Renee asked, as she slipped past by Nick. “I do like that one, and think it fits." Renee walked behind the bar, and then popped back out “It’ll be a few minutes! I need one more fruit pyro made!” “I’ll make it. You serve up the others. It’ll be on the bar table before you’re done!” Nick replied. “Excuse me a moment.” Nick planted 2 more drinks on the bar table, and Renee grabbed one as she was passing by, before serving up 7 other drinks. “Always busy during the holidays.” Valenti replied with a chuckle of his own. “What was that theory of yours?” “You can do two things with a past as troubled as ours has been.” Nick replied. “You can do as my brother did and take it out on others, or you can do as I did and open up a bar here to help people get through the things you couldn’t.” “Such a view on life, correct me if it is otherwise, would not eliminate a scale to that sort of thing.” Valenti replied. “And Renee has never had control over that sort of scale,” Nick replied. “but she sees it better than most ever could.” “She just knows.” Valenti said. “Her dance would have implied as much.” “This bar? Got vastly more popular the day she started being a part of it.” Nick said. “Aha!” Renee replied, as she started walking back behind the bar. “The truth comes out, at last!” “Merry Christmas to you too, dear.” Nick said. “And a happy new year.” Renee replied, as she got more drinks. “I’m coming! I’m coming!” “She sees it better than most.” Nick continued. “The strings connecting all of us. The struggles that bind us all to this grand thing we call life.” “So where does she fit on the scale?” Valenti asked. “No, you misunderstand.” Nick replied. “I see it as well mind you. But Renee, that scale is an open book to her. Coming from two parents who abused, pushed, and forced her into every other view no less. But she reads the signs, she can see the ways better than anyone else I would've hired.” “It all just is to me,” Renee stretched her left eyelid.I just see a soul where others don’t. I honestly don’t get how the rest of you don’t process it.” “I do often have a hypothesis.” Raymond said. “One—” “One more Gobble Bobble. I know. I know.” Renee replied. “I just had daddy make like 3 more.” “Those like Renee,” Raymond continued. “Those who are forced to read a troubled situation all their lives. Simply learn to read whatever it is they learn to read.” “A part of the soul?” Valenti asked. “Do you ever call it something, Renee?” Ray asked. “The vibeflow? The strings, the red thread as some of you call it, I think?” Renee said. “I don’t know what I would call it, but something just sort of… is.” “Those of us who have been troubled learn to see this ‘vibeflow’ better than most.” Ray continued. “They simply know… no feel how the story goes.” “It’s not even a feeling, sometimes.” Renee replied. “It just… is. It is how it is going to go.” “I meant a many that say as much.” Valenti replied. “They do not all use this power for sins.” Valenti raised his hat, and watched the group chuckle. “But they read a lot more than I think most ever know.” “I’ll just refill this.” Renee replied. “Another Shocking Apple? Valenti simply tipped his hat and Renee went back behind the bar. |