Once Cassandra and Mistoffelees had found each other, they frequently visited each other in the alley after dark. Their conversations were always filled with laughter and they each felt that they had found a friend. Bombalurina and Rum Tum Tugger still plotted and conspired and the whole Jellicle world was caught up in the story. Yet, once again, the summer Ball loomed ahead but Mistoffelees had no fear. This time, he knew had a friend there.

The night of the Ball rolled in, clear and filled with stars. As the cats settled in, everyone was talking about Cassandra and Mistoffelees

"did you hear?" said Victoria to Etcetera, "Cassandra and Mistoffelees are in love! isn't it sweet?"

"I heard that it was just a phase on Cassandra's part, that she really likes Rum Tum Tugger. She's just hanging out with Mistoffelees to make him jealous so he'll come forward and admit how he feels" replied Etcetera

"I heard that too and its all ridiculous" chimed in Demeter, "she has no interest in Tugger. Can't say that I blame her. He's too wild for her comfort. Quite frankly, Bombalurina is a better bet for Tugger. I've heard she's the only one who can handle him"

Up on the platform, Old Deuteronomy sat with Munkustrap and surveyed the gathering.

"The rumors spin everywhere. Should we stop them?" asked Munkustrap.

Old Deuteronomy shook his head, "let them have a little fun. Besides, I'm the final word on pairings so what they all say is nonsense. Which reminds me…. Who is the lucky one for you? Is it Electra? Demeter? Perhaps Rumpleteazer? Oh wait, she is paired with Mungojerrie, isn't she? Never mind"

Munkustrap brushed off his whiskers, "have not found her yet. Still looking. Ah, the famous pair is here."

All eyes turned to the door as Cassandra walked in followed by Mistoffelees. Bombalurina glared at Cassandra but her glare went unnoticed. Rum Tum Tugger let out a low growl as a challenge to Mistoffelees but it went ignored.

The pair approached the platform and were greeted by Old Deuteronomy with a low purr. The purr was returned and the two were dismissed.

Known as the Jellicle Round, the first dance began. The girls in a circle on the inside and boys in a circle on the outside. The circles spun opposite ways until the music switched from four beats to three. Who ever you faced was your partner for the waltz part of the sing. First round found Cassandra with Alonzo

"Pretty dancer but no conversation skills" she though as the music turned to four beats again. Round and around it went until it hit three and she was paired with Mungojerrie. Oh, did Rumpleteazer ever glare at her throughout that set. Finally the last set of four, the last set of three and she was paired off with Mistoffelees.

The music spun into the second dance so switching partners wasn't allowed. It was simple waltz and normally, Cassandra loathed this dance. Mostly because she had ended up with Rum Tum Tugger as her partner. This time, she was with Mistoffelees and it seemed different. She was enjoying it, she was light on her feet, like she was dancing on air. Everyone noticed it and the words flowed like water.

"Amazing. She is really enjoying it. Are you seeing this?" exclaimed Old Deuteronomy.

Munkustrap nodded, "as she should be. I think its because she has a new partner. They're both enjoying this and I am pleased"

From their respective corners, Bombalurina and Rum Tum Tugger watched. Rage filled them both but when the music was done, they calmed down for a time.

Contests were held, plays performed, songs were sung and all manner of fun was encouraged that night. At last, the moment he had looked forward to all night had arrived. Mistoffelees approached Cassandra and bowed his head to her. Cassandra bowed her head in return and she accompanied Mistoffelees out onto the floor.

Rum Tum Tugger felt pure fury in him and he sought out Old Deuteronomy to have it corrected

"you feel it violates order? You disapprove so you come to me and ask me to fix it? Tugger, where a heart is concerned, there is no order. Plus, why would I fix this? Its isn't broken, it isn't wrong. I heartily approve of it and will let it be. I advise you and your counterpart, Bombalurina, to leave them alone." and he was dismissed from the platform. As he stormed off, he couldn't help but watch and get angrier.

"Mistoffelees, you dare upset the order? You dare to pair off with her? Have you no respect? And you call yourself a Jellicle. I suppose you tricked her into thinking you are her one. You're not, admit it. She's out of your league… Quaxo", he sneered.

Everyone stopped to see how this would play out . No one had ever used Mistoffelees' real name before. In fact, it wasn't supposed to be used at all. To call him out like this, what was Rum Tum Tugger thinking?

"Of course he tricked her. Or perhaps SHE tricked him" said Bombalurina, "after all, everyone knows that REAL Jellicle cats have eyes that speak for them. Hers never talk and neither does she. You would destroy yourself as a Jellicle if you paired with her. Tell us the truth, Cassandra, you're not a real Jellicle, are you?"

Cassandra reeled at the verbal onslaught but her eyes never betrayed her thoughts.

"See? Nothing, not even a sign of acknowledgment. That proves she isn't a real Jellicle."

Suddenly, the dance floor was a battlefield with Mistoffelees and Rum Tum Tugger at the center. Bombalurina stood behind and to the right of Tugger with a smirk on her face. Mistoffelees faced Tugger, claws bared and senses on full alert. He was set to kill and everyone knew it.

Since all focus was on the boys, Cassandra stole out of the Ball and into the night. Mistoffelees saw her leave and cried out after her

"Cassandra!!!"