Minecraft Hardcore

Chapter 4: Conflict

As they got closer, Jack slowly realized that the shocked look on Michael's face had abruptly turned into one of disgust. Michael? Jack thought.

"Who's this?" Michael jabbed a stub towards Charlotte.

"She's-" Jack started.

"Charlotte," she interrupted, speaking rather politely. Jack shrugged. "Uh, yeah."

"...Will she be staying with us?" Michael sneered as he gave her a once over.

"Not for long if ya talk to me like that. Only the night, I'd say," she said stiffly, narrowing her eyes. Jack stepped back a bit, his brain reminding him of how much worse this situation could get.

"Only the night. We have enough people as it is," he shot a glare at Jack. "Hope you made the right choice." Then he disappeared into the door, slamming it as he went. Charlotte exhaled, glancing between Jack and Ami respectively, and silently went inside.

"What's up with Michael?" Ami blinked.

"No idea. I - I didn't think he'd take it like this. I didn't think he was...you know."

"Don't blame yourself too much," Ami patted him on the back. "Maybe it's just a rocky start. I'm sure they'll work things out."

Jack was beginning to wonder if Ami was inherently wrong about most of her predictions. Throughout the day, Michael and Charlotte avoided each other to the point of absurdity, only ever glaring when they were in the same room. Jack recalled seeing Ami try and diffuse Michael's hotheadedness, but her efforts lead to nothing. He either retorted something rude at her or shoved her away. Jack had to step in a number of times to make sure things didn't get any worse. Michael would still brush him off, spending the remainder of the night alone in his bed. He seemed uncomfortable sleeping in the same room as them all. Jack was fairly certain that he wasn't the only one who lied awake.

The next morning, all of the hot water poured out of the teapot. That is, Charlotte followed through on her plans to leave, but not without causing some tremors.

"Don't get your knickers in a twist, honey, I'm leavin'!" She stomped around the house, filtering through chests, Michael hot at her heels. She tucked away a sword and various food supplies under her belt.

"That doesn't mean you can just raid my supplies!" he thundered, nearly purple as a plum.

"You think I have anything waiting for me out there?! I ain't got nothin' in those plains! It's only fair if I get a bit to start me off! You want me to die?" Michael hesitated before retorting back.

"That's no reason to just take all this without asking!" His stubs shook, he gritted his teeth. Jack had never seen him like this before. Ami inched closer to him, the same concerned look in her eye. He rested a stub on her shoulder, giving her a nod. Rufus huddled beside them, whimpering. Another bellow from Charlotte interrupted them.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Can I have this? Thanks! Now goodbye, Michael. You're such a gentleman." Charlotte faked a bow and erupted out of the door. Ami quickly left Jack's side, and Jack caught the faintest "I got this," before she jogged after her. He was left alone with Michael and Rufus. Michael fired up instantly.

"Ugh! Can you believe her? People like her are just so rude, invasive - I can't stand it!" Michael paced around the room.

"You haven't even given her a chance." Jack clenched his fists, remembering Charlotte's hearty laugh, her big smile.