I know in previous chapters I have left no author's note. Forgive me if that bothers any of you. For those of you who have been waiting for the sentence... vwala! Here it finally is!
A GREAT big shout out goes to those who have reviewed! Snaps for:insanemistosingsmore, Fantasia-the-Crazy, Billion$, tuggerlover, Calanarie, Nik-Nokkers Anonymous, crazayfunkaymunkay, & Spocktopus
Also to those who have favorited: AquamarineQueen, Braodwayexpert, CATS1998, Cyvene, Fantasia-the-Crazy, MammaMiaRENTfan, Victoriacat, & xOraclex
And those who have alerted:Fantasia-the-Crazy , Malurina , MammaMiaRENTfan, RamRamCaramelle , Spocktopus , SummerRose12 , xOraclex
Now that I've taken so much of your time...I will never own these characters, they belong to ALW, TSE and RUG. (Unless I become one of the musical? *Looks hopefully at attorney who shakes head*...*sigh* never mind)
Ch. 4
"Your sentence is a months separation," Old Deuteronomy stated.
"What?" Mistoffelees and I exclaimed.
I couldn't believe my ears. Had Old Deuteronomy, the leader I loved and respected, sentenced me to separation from my love? It could not be possible! Had he not winked at me, had he not been on my side? As the thoughts swirled through my brain, I looked up to Jellylorum. She appeared to be in concurrence with our sentence. She had probably been the one to suggest our separation. I folded my arms and asked,
"What does seperation entail?"
"Well, Lassy," Skimbleshanks replied, nearly chided, "You are to work in the care center with Jelly and Misto there is to be with Bustopher Jones at a club or other,"
"Whichever I reside at, so he shall be also," Bustopher nodded, nearly tipping off of his perch.
"What would I do there, sir," Mistoffelees asked resignedly, eyes upon the ground.
"Why, odd jobs here and there. These clubs belong to me and I shall instruct you as to what you do,"
"Did ya notice he always has to flaunt his clubs?" Tugger whispered into my ear, his usage of the word 'flaunt' taking me by surprise.
I knew Tugger was no idiot, however I had never heard him use a word that descriptive properly before. I gave him a questioning look and he pointed to Misto. When my brow furthered upward, he mouthed he uses that word about me. Now things began to make sense- at least, in that area.
"I don't understand why isolation is neccessary!" I exclaimed.
"Not 'isolation', dear, separation," Jenny corrected, "We feel that you two should have a break from each other,"
Then I glanced over at Misto. His face was a contorted mixture of perplexion and disbelief. He spoke no words, but I knew what he was feeling. Mine were running the same course. Downstream. Soon, I knew my tears would come to surface. Like a breaching blue whale, I knew my feelings would expose themselves and land just as heavily.
"I do not need to be separated from her," Misto said with an even tone, and an underlying hint that he was about to become rather upset.
Jellylorum stood at that. She jumped down from her perch and slowly came towards us. She reminded me of a panther, that ever graceful and deadly cousin of Jellicles. She stalked to us until she was a few pawsteps from Misto.
"Your sentence is a perfectly just one, considering the crime," She stated curtly.
"We're not criminals," Mistoffelees whispered, barely audible.
Jellylorum did not reply. Instead, she rested her gaze one me. I looked to her face that was set in firmness, but found I could not look her in the eyes. I averted my eyes to the ground once more. She kept on looking at me expectantly.
"Shall we go now?" She asked.
I sighed, nodding affirmation. I had given up on all hopes of an argument. As I began to follow her, I saw the other Council members returning to the bus floor. Bustopher had to be helped down, as well as Gus. I shared one fleeting glance to Misto. He had a look of absolute defeat on his features and complete melancholy.
"What about our Exchanging of Hearts, sir?" He suddenly asked, turning to Old Deuteronomy.
I paused, as did all of the other cats. Old Deuteronomy's face seemed expressionless. Yet, I could almost have sworn he had a glint in his eyes. If I had seen it, it quickly faded, however.
"That, as of now, is not up for discussion," our Old Leader replied.
I looked to Misto once more, but quickly averted my eyes and turned from his gaze. Before Old Deuteronomy had answered, there had been hope in the Conjuring Cat's eyes, but had dimmed from the answer. Mr. Mistoffelees looked completely crestfallen, which was too much for me to bare. My heart reached out for him, but I was no longer allowed to comfort him. I felt as if half of me had died from this sentence. Mistoffelees and I had always been very close friends and partners. When we were littler, not one could be found without the other. I knew he was my destined soul mate, that night we had spent together had given me hope. It had all disappeared.
I was brought out of my thoughts by Jellylorum pulling my right arm. I followed her to the infirmary/nursery of the junkyard. She immediately began to instruct me, telling me what herbs to put where, what herbs were used for what purposes and other such general information. She then asked me to help her freshen up the nests. For an hour we cleaned, not a word being spoken. I decided to distract myself from my thoughts of Misto by seeing how each bed was unique. A colorful beanbag, a small doll cradle and a down-feather pillow, to name a few. Breaking the silence, Jellylorum spoke.
"Just twenty-nine more days of this, surely you can take it," she said casually, dusting a baby mattress.
"Twenty-nine days without my best friend and love. I would like to see you without Asparagus," I retorted, rather harshly as I think back.
She did not reply, but continued on with her work. Once we had accomplished this task, she began to show me how to tell herb from herb. Poppy seeds were for pain, as well as a drowsiness sedative. Catnip, for a sedative without drowsiness. She told me of other such things and instructed me to gather some. Thankful to be about and away from her, I gladly acquiesced.
-,'---
As I ventured near the oak I had been crying on the previous evening, I saw Tugger standing with his arms folded. Upon seeing me, he smirked and said:
"I have a message from your handsome prince," he bowed and continued, "Though not as handsome as me."
"Tell me what he said," I demanded, rather desperately.
The Curious Cat looked for any signs of eavesdroppers. Motioning me over, he whispered into my ear.
"Meet him here, tonight. At midnight. Don't get caught," with his last warning in place, the rock star waved his goodbye and left.
My heart began to lighten and nearly fly. Why had I not thought of meeting in secret? It was almost like Romeo and Juliet. I quickly shook myself out of those hopelessly romantic thoughts. We certainly would not end like Romeo and Juliet.
With a newfound energy, I searched through the lush green grass, hoping to find some herbs. When I had picked all I could carry, I ran back to the care center. I entered and flopped the plants onto a small wooden shelf. Jellylorum came over and helped me to sort them out.
"See? You're smiling already," she commented, placing the medical plants in certain pockets.
How little you know, I thought, rather haughtily.
-,'--
After the noon had passed, I returned to my human home, a mansion of great proportions. I passed through the kitchen, knowing there was a small snack awaiting me in my bowl. After devouring the fresh tuna, I decided to venture around the house. Georgette, my human of sixteen, was busily playing Beethoven's ninth on her pianoforte.
I passed some time there, playing with her music sheets. With a frustrated sigh and a smile, Georgi scooped me up and took me to her room. I hopped up onto her queen sized bed and snuggled into the blush pink comforter.
-,'---
Suddenly I heard a tap upon the french window that led to the balcony. I looked to the window to see the sky had darkened. I had fallen asleep! I checked to see the time. Half-past twelve, read the bedside table alarm. I hoped onto the floor, my curiosity besting me once again. I came up to the french window and saw there, none other than Mr. Mistoffelees. Glancing back to Georgi, I mentally assured she was asleep and turned to Jellicle form, Mistoffelees doing the same. I leaped upon the window handle and opened it to the outside.
"Did you receive my message?" Misto asked once he had shut the opened window.
"Yes, but once I came home and got to bed, I fell asleep," I answered, blushing as I did so.
As we stood facing each other, Mistoffelees wrapped his arms around my hips, moving me closer towards him. I wrapped my arms around his chest and embraced him. I knew, at that moment, that we would not be parted. A match made in Heaviside. I smiled, silently thanking the Everlasting Cat. I looked into Misto eyes, those beautiful teal-blue eyes. He kissed my forehead, nuzzling it afterward. I nuzzled his cheak, my heart fluttering.
"How was working with Bustopher?" I asked, sitting down and patting the spot beside me.
"Tiring. I never thought I would see so many dirty dishes!" he exclaimed, laying down rather than sitting.
I sat beside him and brushed a paw over his head-fur. He took my paw and kissed it gently. I, in return, kissed him upon the nose. He grinned.
"I never did stop thinking about you," he purred, rubbing his head upon the paw he still clasped.
"Nor did I stop thinking of you," I cooed, my free paw coming to rest upon his ruffles.
He gazed into my eyes, his eyes sparkling with love and adoration. I slowly lowered myself down, leaning my head upon his chest. I closed my eyes and rhythmically began to stroke his ruffles. His rumbling purr grew louder as I stroked, causing me to break into a small smile. This quickly faded as I knew that I should not have been seeing him, my guilt was heavy. I was betraying the trust of the Elders of my tribe. How could I? How dare I?
As these thoughts became deeper, the burden of guilt upon my heart grew. My thoughts were repeating "You should not be with him. You should not be with him!"Unable to withstand my own condemnation, inward tears became superficial. They began to run down my face, a stream of shame and remorse. As my tears began to accumulate on Mistoffelees chest, he pushed himself into a sitting position with his paws. His face etched with concern, he brought my chin up with his paw so as to look at my face.
"What is it, Darling?" he asked bringing that same paw across my cheek and over my headfur, his eyes locked onto mine.
I detached myself from his grasp and stood, hugging my chest. His eyes never left my person, nor did his concern vanish. I only shook my head in confusion and agitation. I hadn't the foggiest idea how to answer his question. All I knew to do was wipe away the cascading tears, though fully knowing my efforts to be in vain.
"You-you should not be here!" I suddenly exclaimed, "This is wrong! All wrong! Meeting in secret, it's a lie. They will never let us be together again, it's all worthless! Our efforts are in vain! We cannot be together. We just can't-"
My voice ended in a shuddering sob. I could no longer bare to voice my opinion. I knew not what to say. I knew not what to do. I only stood, shoulders heaving and eyes exuding tears.
"And I thought my Uncle Bustopher's comment was lamentable," Mr. Mistoffelees voiced with a sigh, "He believes that it is trivial for a magical cat to woe a normal queen. He is certain that we differ far too much to be in love. I thought this meeting of ours would prove otherwise."
He stood up, with not so much as a glance to my face. As I let his words sink in, my heart began to stiffen towards Bustopher. Misto was his own nephew, how could he comment in such a manner about his own flesh and blood. I turned to view Misto who had walked to the railing of the balcony. I could almost feel his suppressed anger, hurt and anguish. Suddenly, he turned to face me.
"I'm not my father! Just because we share the same powers and blood does not make us alike!" he began to shout vexedly, "Is that why you wish me gone? Just because you no longer want me? It's my blood, isn't it?"
As he finished, he turned once more and pounded a fist on a column of railing. Hints of electricity could be seen weaving through his pelt. My tears began to flow more violently, for I had never seen him so angry. I walked over to him, shakily. Once there, I touched a paw to his back and was slightly shocked. After nursing my small burn with a few licks, I ventured again. He flinched at my touch and I was surprised to see the angry electricity ebbed away. I wrapped my arms around his waist. He took on of my paws in his hand.
"Listen to us," I whispered, distraught, "We're fighting like Pekes and Pollicles. I did not mean to hurt you further than your uncle had. I love you, no matter who or what shares your blood. I am not afraid,"
He turned to face me once more, and I was slightly astonished to see tears lacing his features. He looked down to me for an instant before pulling me into a tight embrace. He nuzzled his head against mine, crying all the more harder.
"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you. I never meant to do that," he whispered, still holding me closely.
"What's done is done. It doesn't matter. I forgive you, for yelling and for shocking me," I chided.
"I sh-shocked you?" he asked, pushing me away to gain a proper perspective.
I held up my paw. I hadn't realized how red it had grown. Mistoffelees gently took my paw in his, examining my injury. I assured him that it was nothing. To affirm my statement, he brushed a finger over the swollen blister. I winced with a small cry. Upon hearing my cry of pain, he winced as well for the thought of him hurting me pained him further than my injury had pained.
"I hate my powers," he resolved, releasing my paw from his grip, "They have only caused pain and detriment. As a kitten I was ostracized by them, scoffed at as I grew, they made me the disappointment of many Jellicles, been recently considered a freak who is worthless to have a normal mate and now- and now-this,"
He covered his face with his paws, unable to withstand his thoughts. I had suddenly found why the Magical Mr. Mistoffelees was the way he was. He was aloof in nature because he had been outcasted in the social hierarchy of the junkyard. He was shy because he had been the 'disapointment' for either having powers or for not knowing to properly control them. He was genius because he took after his father in that aspect, as well as for striving to be the approval of the adults. He only wanted to please, be excepted and be loved. He had never known his mother Grizabella during her life and had grown without having a father. He had few friends during his kittenhood and was the 'runt' of the tom-kits. He had never been fully approved of because the adults pushed him to achieve higher. As these thoughts donned upon me, he spoke aloud.
"That's the basic jist of my life. There are other reasons but- a magician cannot reveal all of them,"
"You read my mind again," I said flatly.
"Bad habit. Sorry,"
I embraced him once more, knowing full well he would appreciate the comfort. New tears began to prick my eyes as I thought over how broken hearted Misto actually was. I wanted to help his heart heal, though I knew I was only Jellicle. Did the council know how much we needed each other? They could not if the had separated us.
"Why can't they just let us be together?" I asked, burrying my head in his ruffles.
He did not answer, but began to sing. The exact song he had been humming the night we slept in Jenny's den.
Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand Hold it tight
He took my paw in his and I squeezed tightly. I did not want to lose him. He whipped the tears from my eyes and kissed my forehead.
"What if they find us here? Cassandra lives two mansions down. She would have great pleasure in telling Jellylorum-" I began to fret, but was interrupted by his finger on my lips.
I will protect you
from all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry
For one so small,
you seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always
Why can't they understand
the way we feel
They just don't trust
what they can't explain
I know we're different but,
deep inside us
We're not that different at all
And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other,
to have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on,
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be in my heart, always
Always
Once he had finished he held my chin up and briefly kissed me on the lips. Butterflies flew in my stomach. I giggled, hugging his neck. After pecking him several times on the cheek, I released him.
"You best go," I instructed, "Your owner will be worried."
He jumped atop the balcony rail and blew me a magic dust kiss. I giggled softly once more as the dust swirled to my cheek. I looked back to him. He winked at me.
"Perhaps you no longer hate your powers after all?" I asked with a smirk.
"If they are one of the things that attract you to me- I don't mind so much,"
"Or if they help you save the Jellicle leader?"
"That as well," he nodded, "goodnight Juliet,"
"Goodnight- Romeo,"
With that he disappeared. After staring there for a few seconds, I shook myself out of my daydreams. I opened the french window once more and closed it behind me. Georgi rolled in her sleep. Turning to cat form once more, I leaped into the bed and quickly fell asleep, dreams of my new found romance adrift in my subconsciousness.
Alrighty! That was was You'll be in My Heart by Phil Collins! He rocks. So, now that you have read, review! Reviews are greatly appreciated!