Butter

Chapter 34

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I sat at the dinner table. A steaming pile of baked potatoes lay in front of me. Every one was gathered around the table. Adam and Alexis sat next to each other, giggling. I reached over and pulled a potato to my plate. As if a signal, everyone took theirs after me. I dove my fork into it and an eruption of stream flew out. The hot water prickled my skin. Silence consumed the table, leaving just a simple rattle of plates and utensils. "About 1 more week," I said, breaking the silence. A few eyes glanced at me. Without warning, Gen slammed his fork down on his plate. The sound of metal and ceramic clashing startled everyone. "Gen," said Danie calmly. Gen clenched his fist, his face a hot red. "Why does the Wither have to hurt us? Why our server?" He spilled out. "We will win. There is nothing to worry about," Abby interjected. Louis cleared his throat, "Listen guys, as long as stick together, we can do this." I trusted him, but Gen's thought still lingered in my mind. Matt shoved the whole potato in his mouth at that moment. It seemed like an act of courage, but ended in a choking fit. Heads turned in his direction as he spit out the potato onto his plate, half eaten. Lizzy hit his back and sent the rest of the potato flying into Adam's face. Ken just shook his head at the scene. "Guys." I said, attempting the calm down the mayhem. How had a simple dinner turned into chaos? Everyone silenced and all you could hear was the coughing of Matt in the background. "We're pretty prepared," Coco commented. Everyone nodded. I swallowed. In a week I could be the only one sitting at this table, all alone because everyone had gone in battle. My eyes welled up with tears but I pushed them away. "We'll train all week." I declared, my voice choked up a little. I spawned in some cookies to cheer up the mood. "Let's be organized about this." said Alexis. She pulled out a pad of paper and began scribbling names. "We need to know who will do what job." She then wrote down various jobs for everyone. Coco was close range PVP along with Matt, Louis and Gen. Ken was our computer technician for any issues that may come up. Alexis, Danie and I were archery squad. Adam and Abby were directors and Absol was nurse. I announced all the jobs out loud and everyone seemed happy with their turnout. Dinner was finished quickly, as everyone wanted to get started.

***

The sunset was a mix of red, orange and pink. I stood in the bedroom staring out the window. A knock awoke me from my thoughts. "Come in." I called. It was Gen. "Hey Gen!" I said. He walked up next to me and just stood there. "Sorry about dinner. It's just...this topic has really been stressing me. I don't think I'm cut out for this." The words hit me like a storm. "Of course you are." I replied, trying to reassure him. His eyes darted to the ground. "Why don't you go practice?" I offered, hoping to pull up his spirits. He nodded and walked away from me, shutting the door swiftly behind him. The sun was almost concealed by the horizon. I shook my head, pushing away fatigue. My left shoulder still ached from all the archery. I rubbed it gentle, flinching at the tender muscles. I swallowed and turned away from the window. Shadows lined the floor as twilight approached. I went to the door, debating whether to go downstairs and be overwhelmed in the training staff. I pushed the door open, making my decision. The open ceiling created a sense of darkness over the house. The stars were being to appear in the sky. I went down the steps and saw Ken pounding away at his keyboard. I was hoping he was creating a battle plan, rather than playing Sonic. I heard a thud to my left as Alexis nailed an arrow in the bull's eye. Coco and Matt were viciously attacking a armor stand with a wither skull on it. I pulled out my bow and arrow and headed over to where Alexis and Danie were shooting. "Here," said Alexis, gesturing to the firing line which was about 5 yards away. I knocked the arrow, and both of cleared out of my aim. I pulled back the arrow, straining my sore muscles. When I was about to fire my arm gave way. The pain jolted through my veins and I cried out. Without control on the destination of the arrow it shot into the air at an unnatural angle. I fell to the ground, grabbing my shoulder. The arrow soared forward, heading straight for Ken's head. "Duck!" I screamed, my vocal cords burning from my yelling. In the nick of time Ken turned around, he launched his hand outward and the arrow slowed to stop between his closed fist. I hadn't seen someone will such fast reflexes. Maybe he wasn't as useless and lazy as I had thought.