Slowly I stirred from my sleep. My vision focused on the clock across the room as my eyes fluttered open. The bedroom was tinted yellow with the warm glow of sunlight. It was Saturday and it had just so happened that I got lucky and was given a day off for once. I thought being a vet tech would be fun. Helping animals seemed like the perfect job. Except for the fact that I worked all the time and would often get called in at the ungodly hours of the morning for animal emergencies. There were three technicians at the office. Myself and two other people. Neither worked as hard as I did. Other than the actual veteranarians there was no one else . There were some secretaries and a couple people to help handle the animals, but no one got down and dirty like we did.
I rolled over and checked my phone. I had one missed call and I groaned to see it was one of my coworkers and the laziest one at that. She had left me a voice mail and I didn't even have to wonder what it was about. I dialed my voice mail box and punched in my password. I couldn't help but roll my eyes as the message played back.
"Hey Becky! It's Kim. Um, could you take my shift for this afternoon? I guess its no big deal if you can't cause I know this is your day off and you never take a day off, but it would be great if you could. Call me back with your answer. Bye!"
"Hmmm, I bet she would get my answer if I didn't call back..." I said aloud to myself. She was such a slacker. She probabaly wanted me to take her shift so she could go party.
Before I could really decide if I would ignore Kim's needy message i was suddenly distracted. To my surprise my door swung open and in raced my cute little lump of fur, Tobias.
"We'll hey ther kitty!" I said as I scratched behind my darling feline's ear.
Tobias, or Toby as i liked to call him, was your average stray tabby cat. He had a thick brown coat with deep black and brown stripes. The tips of his paws and the end of his cute muzzle was dipped in white. His playful golden eyes looked up at me as he let out a loud "Meow!" He lept onto my bed and began to kneed his claws in my lap. I winced in pain as the sharp nails dug into my skin. The poor thing must be hungry.
"Alright, alright I'm up," I groaned. "Lets go get you some breakfast."
I crawled out of bed and walked to the kitchen of my tiny apartment. It wasn't much, but it was enough for me and Toby. I poured the tabby cat a bowl of cat food and then poured myself a bowl of cereal.
"Are you satisfied now, kitty cat?" I asked playfully.
Toby stopped breifly to look up and moew. I giggled and started eating my own breakfast. When I had finished I remained at the table, clueless of what I should do today. It was a beautiful day. I went over and opened the kitchen window. A gentle breeze rolled in, filling the room with the fragrant scents of summer. Freash cut grass, grilling smoke and a hint of pool chlorine were among the many smells that were carried in the wind. It was then the idea hit me. I could go gor a walk in the park today! With that in mind i started getting ready to leave. I put on a pair of blue jean shorts and a tank top with a sweetheart neckline. I put on some makeup, quickly brushed my hair and then brushed my teeth. Just before I walked out the door I stopped to look in the mirror. I actually looked really good. My long blonde hair was shiny and healthy. The clothes fit snuggly and really brought out my figure. I lifted my shirt to expose the tree of life tattoo I had gotten when I was a teenager. It was still as beautiful as ever. With that I picked up my cat to put him outside and then headed out the door.
"You better be good while I'm gone, Toby." I warned after placing him on the ground. I gave him one last pat on the head and turned to go down the street.
The park was only a couple of black away so I reached it within moments. It was full of kids running and playing. There were dogs catching frisbees and young couples enjoying picnics under the shade of large oak trees. I took the main path at the entrance of the park. I had walked down it many times. It was a beautiful and scenic path through the woods and I much enjoyed walking down it. It was soothing to losten to the birds chirping and the distant laughter of children. As I came around the corner in the path I noticed something I'm sure I hadn't seen before. Leading off the paved path was a narrow dirth track that entered into the woods. Curiosity got the best of me and I chose to take the less trodden path into the forest. It was a wonderful decision! The heavy smell of green leaves and wild flowers filled my lungs with sweet, thick air. I noticed that the farther down the path I went the more the trees became closely intertwined and the path faded and shrank. Just when I though I would have to turn back I noticed a hole in the ground a few feet ahead. Even though the path had virtually ended I went in for a closer look. It appeared to be some sort of sink hole or well. I picked up a rock and stood on the edge to drop it in. I listened to hear a think, thud or even a splash, but no noise ever drifted up from the bottom. I shrugged my shoulders and turned to walk away, but I stopped dead in my tracks as the ground began to shake. I tried to run, but the the ledge I was standing on crumbled beneath me. All I could think about was how I was going to die. This was the end. These were my last moments in life and I hardly had time to experience anything. My last thought was death before I violently hit the back of my head on a rock that was shrouded by darkness.
When I awoke I shook my head. It felt like I had been out for a while. Gingerly I placed a hand up to touch the sore spot from where I hit my head. As my fingers brushed my skull I could almost feel my heart stop. Something wasn't right. I ran my fingers over my head to find not hair, but something very different. Was that...fur? I actually stopped for a second to look around. I was definately not in the park anymore. It looked as if i was in some sort of alleyway. It was dark with the lack of appropriate sunlight, but I had no trouble seeing everything. This was weird. I tried to stand, but my legs felt rubbery beneath me. It was like they weren't even my own. As I scrambled to my feel I almost fainted when I noticed one defining characteristic that I know for a fact humans don't have. Flicking behind me was my very own tail. At this point I could no longer stifle my feelings. I screamed bloody murder. Frantically I stumbled down the alley. Next to a dumpster was a broken piece of glass. I gently held the piece of glass in my palm. The second I looked at my reflection I dropped the glass and stumbled backwards. I looked around in horror. I was scared out of my wits, but I decided to take a second look. Slowly, I crept back up to the shard of glass. There was no way that what I was seeing was real. I had somehow been transformed into some sort of cat. I still looked a bit like a person. I had paws, but ten fingers. I had feet and a mostly normal face structure, but there were definately some extreme cat characteristics. First of all was my ears and tail. I also had fur and claws. Dispite all of this I could still walk and talk. I stopped to actually look at myself. My fur was shiny, smooth and a light bronze color. I was covered in black spots except for a few stripes around my stomach. My chin was the only white part. I smiled when I noticed that I still had my bright blue eyes. Lucky me. The fur was a little thicker around my face. It looked like a little mane and gave my head a fuzzy appearance. An angle cut tuft of long fur hung like bangs over one of my eyes, similar to how my human hair had. My hands trailed down my face and stopped around my neck. Hangling loosely around it was a little pink studded collar.
My mind was racing with a thousand questions. How did this happen? How could it happen? It was literally impossible. Again I panicked and ran down the opposite end of the alley. Cars and people hurried about the streets. I gave my best attempt at avoiding the people and staying out of the street. There was just so much stuff to absorb. I was terrified. I ran aimlessly down the street on all fours, much too shaky to try and walk again. I had no direction. I didn't even know where I was! I darted under a bench to avoid being stepped on at the last second. While catching my breath I stopped and listened. I probably sat under that bench for hours, or at least it felt like I did. I just wanted to sit and observe. Maybe I could get an idea of where I was. I tuned in to a few conversation. The people here talked funny. It was with some sort of accent. I watched the cars drive on opposite sides of the street. There was a time or two when a huge red bus passed me by. It looked like a double deckar bus. Finally I started putting two and two together.
"Oh my God," I said in a whisper. "I think I'm in London!"
In complete horror and confusion I sprinted down the street once again. I had to get out of here and back to my normal self! The worst part was it was getting dark. Where would I sleep? What would I eat? Maybe if i just kept running I would fall off the edge of this crazy world and end up back at the park. In my blind fear I ran smack into the side of another cat. I looked up at the feline in fear. He was a fat cat with white on his face and chest. He seemed wealthy or something because he looked well dressed.
"Good gracious! Watch where you're going you hooligan!" The cat shouted angrily at me.
"You can talk!" I asked in surprised. Before the tom could answer I pleaded for help.
" Please, oh please, can you help me!" I begged.
"Oh my dear! I didn't realize you were one of us. Well what are you doing running around like an uneducated heathen?" said the cat who seemed oblivious to my pleading.
"Listen," I continued. "I'm not supposed to be here! I'm a human and I fell down this hole by accident and here I am running around as a cat! I swear I'm not crazy! Please you have to believe me! I need your help..." I know I sounded loony, but I didn't care. This cat my be the only one who knew what was going on.
"Hmmm. It sems you are in quite a predicament! Allow me to take you to the others. I believe I know someone who can help you, my dear."
The feline then turned and started walking down the street. I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe he could take me back. I kept close to the chubby tom so I wouldn't lose my way int his strange world. Withthe growing silence of the city as night fell I had some time to calm myself. Making irrational decisions was going to get me killed and I definately did not want to die. It was a miracle that I wasn't dead already. The black tom led me out of the city and into the outskirts of town to a dump. I swallowed the fear building in my throat.
"Stay calm, Rebecca. Stay calm." I murmmered to myself.
We winded our way though a maze of garbage to a clearing in the center of the dump. When we finally stopped I couldn't believe what happened. A handful of cats rushed out of the trash towards the black cat. All of them were on their hind feet and all of them looked similar to me.
"Welcome back, Bustopher Jones!" One of them called.
"Oh how we missed you." Sighed another.
The excited chatter stopped when I looked from behind the large cat.
"What in the Queen's name did you bring here, Bustopher Jones...?" Gasped a yellow calico cat. She looked older that some of the cats that had gathered around.
"Is Old Duteronomy here? I believe this young cat needs to see him. She appears to be quite confused. " Inquired the fat tom.
"He's not here. He hasn't been here for a while, but he'll be back in two days for the ball. I'll take her for now." Said a dark red queen after a few moments of silence.
We turned and headed off down a path between two mounds of garbage. Many cats and kittens stopped to stare at me I watched as a pale striped kitten approached only to be ushered away by a dark colored queen. I crept in fear behind the dark colored female. After time the cats seemed to dissappear. Either that or I just couldn't pick thier shapes out of the junk anymore. From around the corner stepped a gray tabby male. At first he seemed surprised, but I watched as his expression change to curiosity.
"Who is this, Bomba?" Asked the tabby male.
"I'm glad I found you! You'll know what to do with her more than I will. Bustopher Jones found her on the streets. She seems really confused." Explained the red queen.
"I'll take care of this."
"Alright. Thanks, Munkustrap."
With that the red tabby turned and headed in the opposite direction. The silver male motioned for me to follow him. I trailed close behind. After moments of silence I finally dared to ask one single question.
"Where are you taking me?" I inquired meekly.
"To Old Duteronomy." He replied.
"But...I thought he wasn't here."
"No one is supposed to know he's around so I told them he wasn't here. He's only stopping by so we need to hurry to see him before he leaves again."
I had a dozen more questions to ask, but I remained silent. When we reached a nice looking den the tabby tom called out for Old Duteronomy. A deep voice called from within and allowed us entrance.
"We're you careful in coming here?" Asked the shaggy old male.
"Absolutly. Everyone still thinks your gone."
The old tom smiled. "Good. I just don't want to ruin the ball. They're so excited when I show up if they haven't seen me in a smile. Anyways, who have you brought me?"
"Bustopher Jones brought her here. I think she needs your help."
"Thank you my son. You may leave us in privcacy."
The silver tom dipped his head in respect and then exited the den.
"What is your name, child?" Asked Old Duteronomy.
I thought for a brief moment about saying Rebecca, but I hated my name. I even dispised all the nicknames. 'Becky' was the most common which was closely followed by 'Becca'. I had even been called 'Reba' a time or two. It was such a generic and borning name. So I decided to come up with a different one.
"My name is Anastasia." I stated.
"Tell me your story, Anastasia." The old male's tone was soft and loving.
"You probably wont believe this, but I shouldn't be here. I was a normal person and I went for a walk in my local park. Well I ended up falling down a hole and I woke up here in this city as a cat. I hardly know where I am and I just want to go home. I feel like Alice after she fell down the rabbit hole and woke up in Wonderland. Please, can you help me?"
The tom stared at me for a moment and said nothing. His eyes were full of kindness and for some reason I felt like I was in good hands. Er, paws.
"It seems you are in a bit of trouble, my dear. You are in London and you have been transformed into a Jellicle cat. We are magical cats that have many human qualities as you have discovered. Getting you back to your old life my be quite difficult. Its not as easy as drinking the blood of the Jabberwock like Alice did. However, I do think I know someone who can shed light on this subject. His name is Mistoffelees. He is a cat with very unique magical powers and I think he will be able to transport you back. Unfortunately, he is a bit of a drifter and its doubtful he'll be back before the Jellicle ball. The Jellicle ball is a celebration we cats have each year where I will choose a cat to be reborn. I'm sorry to tell you that its not for a couple of days. Don't worry though. You are more than welcome to stay here. After all you are a Jellicle cat. Perhaps you'll find that our life rather exciting and you'll stay. I hope that you consider my offer for once you leave you wont be able to return. I will leave you in the capable paws of my son, Munkustrap. I will be leaving for the night, but will return soon. Will you be alright without me? "
"I hope so..." I said with a sigh.
Old Duteronomy stood and kissed my forhead just like what a father would do to his child.
"I truly believe that you will find the Jellicle life to be quite interesting. Be sure not to let anyone know I was here. "
He left the room and returned with the same gray tabby from earlier.
"I expect you to have the utmost respect and kindess to Anastasia. She is frightened and truly needs our companionship. I trust that you will take good care of her and protect her. I fear that some of us wont be so accepting. " He explained to the striped tom.
"I promise I will. Be safe while you are away. We shall see you again at the ball."
With that the old male walked off down the dirt path.
"Don't be afraid, Anastasia. I promise we wont hurt you. If you would please come with me I will tell the others of your arrival. "
"Oh please don't make a big fuss over me. I'll be leaving soon. " I pleaded, desperation clinging to the edge of my voice.
"You are a Jellice cat after all. Everyone deserves to know that you're here weather your time here is breif or not."
I sighed and allowed Munkustrap to take to to the other cats. We walked on our hind legs which was slowly starting to feel normal. He leg me back to the center court and helped me up on a small trash heap. I felt like I was being put up for show. It was kind of uncomfortable and in all honestly I just wanted to go to sleep. The silver male called for the other felines to assemble. I was surprised at how many cats appeared. Cat of every age and color came to see me. Each one that came into the courtyard stared up at me in wonder and awe. I didn't like being gawked at, but after a while I started to change my mind. I felt special. All these cats came here to see me, someone so ordinary. It was a nice feeling. Like being on top of the world.
"Good evening everyone," Munkustrap began. "We have a very special guest with us. Due to some interesting and magical events a person was transformed and transported to us. She will be joining us for the Jellicle ball. We aren't sure how long she will be staying after that. Nevertheless, you should treat her as one of our own. Old Duteronomy were here he would be pleased to find that we took care of her even if we don't know her. Without further ado I would like you all to meet Anastasia. "
When the little speech was over he led me down from the trash pile and into the group of gathered cats. Dozens of eyes were glued to me. At first not a single cat moved. I don't even think they blinked. It was the same white striped kitten from earlier that dared to come closer. She shyly reached out her paw and touched mine. As if an imaginary wall were demolished by this one single act all the cats approached me. I was nuzzled, licked, and rubbed on. Never in my life had so many beings paid attention to me. It was almost dizzying.
"You have such pretty eyes." said the sweet white striped kitten.
"Well thank you. Whats your name, darling?" I kindly asked the pretty young kit.
"I'm Etcetera. " She replied while rubbing her head on my leg.
Gently I ran my paw over her head. I felt like I was petting my own cat. It was a bit strange seeing how I was a cat, yet I was petting one. It was then that I thought of poor Tobias. The poor dear was all alone in the world. It made me scared and sick. Hopefully he would be alright until I returned. Before I could really stop to worry about my poor kitty I was being whisked away by the striped queen from earlier.
"Allow me to show you to your den. we always have a spare in case a cat that normally doesn't stay needs a bed. I'm Bomballurina. Sorry if I seemed cold earlier. This whole thing is quite odd, but if Munkustrap can trust you I can learn to trust you too."
We stopped at a wooden crate with a pillow inside. It was the most humble bed I was ever offered, but it was clean and it would be alright until I left.
"I'm sure you're exhausted, but you should really come back to the court. Everyone is in such a fuss and you have so many cats to meet. Wont you join us?"
Her voice was smooth and a bit smoky. It was hard to resist so reluctantly I agreed.
"Fantastic.' The red queen said smoothly.
We turned and hurried back to the courtyard where all the cats were gossiping in little groups while grooming each other or snuggling. Etcetera lept up from a group of talking kittens and practically dragged me over.
"This is the cat I've been talking about!" She exclaimed excitedly. "This is Anastasia."
She pointed her paw in the direction of an all white kitten who's name was Victornia. Lying next to her was a red kitten with black, white and oranges tinges in her fer and big, bright eyes named Jemima. Playing with her tail was a male kitten that was white with brown spots named Tumblebrutus. On the other side of Etcetera was a kitten very similar in color, but much darker named Electra. Each one stared up at me with such curiosity. The darling kittens couldn't take thier awestruck eyes off me. I nestled down between Jemima and Tumblebrutus. The yound male rubbed his face on mine and purred softly. I thought about how this looked to humans. It was just so darn cute in our eyes, but it was even more adorable to experience. It wasn't long before I was being carted away to another group of cats leaving the dissappointed kittens behind. There were a couple of older cats, but the rest were young adults. An orange cats stood and grasped my paws while leading me to a seat.
"Hello, my dear. I'm Jennyanydots, but please call me Jenny. This is Jellylorum." She said as she pointed to an older tabby next to her. "Of course you know Bomballurina...Oh! And this is Demeter." Explained the orange female as she pointed to a gold and black tabby. Jenny turned my head and pointed across the courtyard. "'You see the pair of dark tabby cats? Those are the twins, Coricopat and Tantomile. The dark feline next to them with the cream colored chest is Cassandra. Oh, and the queen snoozing over there is Exotica. She has more white on her face than Cassie so thats how you can tell the difference. There are several others like my mate Skimbleshanks and young toms like Alanzo and Plato, but I believe their all in their dens. I'm sure this all seems overwhelming, but I know you'll get it right, dearie."
"All of you are so sweet even though you don't know me." I said sheepishly.
"All Jellicle cats are family. We take care of each other." Jellylorum explained. "No matter what strange curcumstances brought you here you're still here."
Other than sighing softly I didn't say anything. I just wanted to go to sleep, but I didn't want to be rude. I think Jenny could tell I was exhauseted becuase before anything else could be said she stepped in.
"This is all so new to you and I'm sure you've had an unbelieveable day. Why don't you do lie down? I'm sure you could use the sleep."
"Unbelieveable doesn't even begin to cover it, but you're right I am really tired. Thank you for understanding. Goodnight everyone. " I said while dipping my head in respect. I turned and took the path away from the court towards my den.
Sleep was the perfect escape and I was more than ready to fall into the arms of slumber. I crawled inside the crate and closed the flaps for privacy. The pillow was all too comfortable and in no time I had fallen asleep.