Author's Note: Kay, I thought of a plot...Sort of. Okay, so I thought of a few things that would happen, and who's POV it would be from. But that's about it ^.^;;

This is why I take forever when doing English assignments.

Basically, this story begins shortly before the ball the year after the events in CATS, and continues though it. But a lot of unexpected things happen (Cuz what would a Jellicle Ball be without unexpectedness?)

And here's the catch, you don't know who's telling the story yet. Well...maybe you'll be smart enough to figure out who it is, but no telling! Shhh!

ALRIGHT THEN!

Chapter One

The time has come once again for the Jellicle Ball. I could hear the music playing already. Well, not really. It's morning right now, and the Ball doesn't start until tonight. So I guess hearing the music would be kind of impossible. The point is, I'm excited. After all, this only happens once a year. It's like Christmas, only without spastic little human-kits stomping on your tail while they swarm the big tree. I hate Christmas, sometimes...

I yawned and stretched. I'd been curled up in my human's bed for a while now, and I'd decided it was time to get up. My human, still half asleep, must have heard me, because she mumbled, "Jaymie, It's too early," and rolled over, dumping me off the side of the bed.

I shook myself. Jaymie. Of all the names human's give their pets, did it have to be androgynous?

Although, I suppose it's better than Leslie. There's this Pollicle down the street named Leslie, and he-

Well, the point is, androgynous names suck.

I made my way into the kitchen and took a few bites of catfood that was leftover from the night before. Everlasting Cat forbid the humans refill it before noon. But they'll have fed themselves twice before that happens.

Luckily, the big, male human was kind enough to instal a kitty door, and just through the flap were mice waiting to be caught and eaten by me.

I padded out the kitty door and outside to a place where I knew there would be mice scurrying around: The alley with the garbage cans.

So, it wasn't a very clever or practical name for a place. Especially coming from a practical cat, such as myself. But to be practical and have to call it simply "The alley" and then there'd be at least seven "The alleys."

It wasn't long before I found what I was looking for. A mouse was enjoying gorging itself on some unidentifiable food item. I crouched. Stupid mouse, it had no idea it was being stalked. I stepped closer, making sure I didn't make any sudden movements that would alert it to danger.

Not that this mouse in particular seemed to have any concept of caution. Again, I say: Stupid mouse.

But I can't complain. The dumber the mice, the better fed I become.

When I was close enough, I pounced. It never saw me coming. I ate it in a few swift bites, and briefly wondered what would happen if all the mice suddenly disappeared. I suppose we'd have to start hunting birds and rats a little more. Or, Everlasting Cat forbid, eat scraps out of the garbage. Okay, rhetorical question: over.

After I'd finished eating, and rolled on my back and looked up at the sky. It pained me to see that it was the baby-blue color that screamed, "It's not nearly nighttime, yet."

Damn, sunshine! Why must you torture me with your brightness?

I sighed. At least I'd have a nice, long, relaxing walk to the Junkyard. You see, I live really far away, probably farther than anyone else, so I have to leave early in order to arrive on time. Which is sometimes annoying, as I hardly ever see any other Jellicles before the Ball, but sometimes, like today, it's a good thing. While I'm walking, I won't be thinking about how much I want the thing to start.

I closed my eyes and smiled, remembering the events of last year's Ball.

Of course, It had started the same as it does every year. With a straight forward song about ourselves, and a dance. I liked the first song because nearly everyone got a solo.

Then the first unusual thing that happened was Asparagus noticed a human. Then we told him, and anyone else who may be listening, about the naming of cats. Did you know it was a difficult matter? I didn't, but then again, I've never given a cat one, so I guess I wouldn't know.

After that, Victoria and Mistoffelees recited the invitation. They were so good that year. I've always loved their dance. They look so well together.

I laughed to myself when I remebered what happened when Munkustrap started singing about Jennyanydots. Poor Misto. He thought the song was going to be about him. Oh well, he'd make up for that one later.

And then there came the Rum Tum Tugger out of nowhere. I remember watching Tumble and Pounce trying to copy his dance moves. I think it's safe to say neither of them will ever be as much of a queen hog as Tugger is. But then, who knows?

Then the second unexpected thing happened. That's when Grizabella returned. I remember thinking at first, "Who dragged that in," And apparently, most of the others thought the same. Except for maybe Misto, Vicky, Jemima, and Old Deuteronomy, everyone resented her.

But then everyone was happy again, because Grizabella sauntered off, and Bustopher Jones arrived. It was a nice surprise. He doesn't usually get in on the dancing. Although, he wasn't really dancing...My favorite part was when he surprised Jenny with the rose.

Then the exciting stuff started to happen. A loud crash erupted. We all ran for cover because we thought Macavity had come to start trouble. But it turns out, It was just the notorious cats coming back from a thieving spree. "Was in Mungojerrie?" "Or Rumpleteazer?" "And most of the time, they leave it at that," They may have gotten in trouble for scaring everyone, but you have to admit, their song was catchy.

Then came the point where Old D usually shows up, but we were so caught up with Mungo and Teazer that we'd forgotten. But then Misto called out, "Old Deuteronomy?" And everyone got so excited. We all love Old Deuteronomy. And I love his song. Especially Munkustrap's and Tugger's part. Who knew Tugger could be serious?

Then the fun started. We'd been practicing a skit for weeks. Well, everyone else had been. I didn't get the memo. Darn long distance relationships. Anyway, I watched the Awefull Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles. It was really cool, but I noticed a lot of mistakes. But they weren't enough to take away from the performance. I was shocked to find out that the real Rumpus Cat had ben there. I guess I'd just assumed it was Admetus or Plato. When I realized I'd missed the chance to meet the Superhero, I nearly cried. Some of the other younger cats has the same reaction. (Except Pouncival. Pounce was just pissed.)

And then that darned crash had to ruin everything again. But not for long. After everyone realized nothing bad had happened, we all danced. And boy, did we dance! I've never danced so much in my life. And Plato's and Vicky's dance was beautiful. I can't wait until I have a turn with someone.

Then Grizabella came back. I guess she expected a different outcome if she tried again, but we all just left. I'm not sure what happened with her after that. The only one who stayed was Old Deuteronomy, and I never thought to ask.

But I have a feeling it was important, because after we returned, he sang about happiness and experiences. He was being very philosophical, and I didn't catch most of it. The only one who seemed to understand fully was Jemima.

After that ended, it was time to hear Gus's story. Unlike most stories, the Theatre Cat's never gets old. I never get tired of hearing it, and I have a feeling Gus never gets tired of telling it. Though, he seemed so sad at the end, he didn't even finish his line. Poor guy. I hope he feels better this year.

Then the music suddenly changed. And it freaked me out for a moment because I was still in Sad, Slow, Music mode. But then I heard "Where is Skimble?" and I knew exactly what was going on. Unlike the Threatre Cat, the Railway Cat overstays it's welcome a lot faster. Oh well. Skimbleshanks's song may be boring, but we all love him, and that's what matters. And the train actually fell apart last year. That was fun.

And then CRASH again! But this time it wasn't a false alarm. Macavity really was out to get us. Well, out to get Old D anyway. And he did, too! I was terrified. All I knew about Macavity was that he was bad, dangerous, and tricky. But Demeter and Bombalurina cleared up a lot of unanswered questions. But as soon as that was over, (he probably planned it that way) Macavity came back and tried to kidnap Demeter. But luckily, Munkustrap and Alonzo were there to save her. But he seemed too strong for both of them. It was freaky. At one point, Macavity did this thing with his paw, and Munk looked hypnotized or someting! But he snapped out of it, and the whole tribe chased him off!

But we needed to find Old D! And that's where Mistoffelees made up for his embarrassing moment and the beginning of the Ball. He's so cool when he goes all magician-y. He picked Cassandra as his assistant for the last trick. I wanted it to be me, but at the same time, I was scared she was trapped when Old D appeared instead of her. But she was okay.

Then It was time to choose the Jellicle choice. I was so excited. I could hardly imagine who it might be. And was surprised one again when Grizabella returned. But this time, something was different. She seemed to be much more determined. She sang. And with a little help form Jemima, seemed to take the whole tribe in her paws. We...well, we excepted her. So much that Old Deuteronomy chose her to be reborn.

I sighed. It was amazing the things that happened under the Jellicle moon.

I opened my eyes and gasped. It was nearly evening! Time to get going. If I left now, I'd arrive just in time for the first song to start. I sat up with a huge grin, and was on my way.

You know, today didn't go by so slow after all.

Author's note: Sorry that was just a recap of the musical. But I wanted to waste time before we actually got to the ball. The real story most likely starts next chapter.

And those of you who are good detectives might already know who the mystery cat is. (FYI, Jaymie is "The name that the family uses" ^.^ and yes. I did use a girlboy name on purpose.)

Ugh. Now my wrists hurt from nonstop typing. I'm totally going to have arthritis when I'm older...

Until next time!

~TMNH