Red & Black || Michael Jackson

ten - tension

Note: this chapter contains transphobia. Please note that any negative views are not a reflection of my own views, but rather a reflection of the characters within the story.

P.S. Sorry for taking so long to update!

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"Michael, I'd like you to meet two of the other girls on our team: Rita and Joanne." Allie gestures to each woman respectively, as not to confuse Michael regarding who is who. "They will be working alongside you making drinks today, while Laurie and Avery wait tables and clean up."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Michael answers, his attention on the two new faces. "I'm certain we'll have a wonderful time workin' together."

"The pleasure is ours," Joanne answers, flashing a quick wink at him. "Especially mine."

Michael picks up on Joanne's body language, deciding to play along for the sake of avoiding tension between himself and his new colleague. "So, you're gonna help me with makin' coffees and stuff?"

"I can help you with anything you want me to," Joanne assures him, giving him a teasing smile. "I think you'll fit in really well here. It's nice to have a guy around here."

"Tell me about it," Rita chimes in. "The closest we've got to a man is whatever the fuck Avery thinks she is."

Michael frowns at Rita's words, uncomfortable with such unnecessary hatred towards an individual he considers a friend. "That's not very kind."

"I don't give a fuck," Rita retorts, laughing. "If she wants to pretend she isn't a woman, then she can live in her fantasy world. She's just a delusional little bitch who needs mental help."

"Or maybe Avery just wants to be the person they feel they are inside," Michael answers. "Who are we to judge or spread negativity about it? Avery rocks their look and their vibe, and I think it's real neat, the fact they feel comfortable enough to be themself with us."

"You're such an arse-licker," Rita scoffs, getting to work on making a latte for a customer. "Is it because you're the new guy and want to kiss everyone's ass?"

"Not at all," Michael responds. "I just believe in kindness. Avery has done nothing wrong at all, and deserves to be treated as they are — human."

"I totally agree with you, Michael," Joanne adds. "It's so harsh to judge somebody for who they are."

Michael smiles to her. "Thank you, Joanne."

"Oh, here we go. Joey, there's no way you're changing your tune just because you fancy the new guy." Rita raises one brow in an accusatory manner, as she finishes pouring the freshly-steamed milk into the latte glass in front of her. "Un-bee-lievable."

"It's nothing to do with that, Rita," Joanne corrects her. "I just believe that everyone deserves a fair shot. We've never really gotten to know Avery because we let our judgement get in the way. Maybe Michael will have a positive influence on us."

"Fuck me backwards and call me Sally," Rita huffs, lifting up a tray of drinks ready to take to a table. "I can't believe what I'm hearing."

Michael watches Rita with disapproval as she saunters over to one of the tables to give the customers their order, but chooses to strike conversation with Joanne about the topic. "Has she always been so hateful?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Her blonde ponytail swishes over her shoulder as she turns her head to look at him. "And admittedly, I've been the same. But you're right — we should give Avery another chance. She—they seem nice."

"I'm glad you're willing to broaden your perspective on it," Michael answers. "You guys seem like polar opposites in every single way. Hair colour, style, personality."