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The next few days went on without much event, and Victoria hadn't seen Cori, Admetus, Alonzo, or Plato at all. She had asked the older cats where they were but they always left her with the ominous response of:

"They need a few days isolated, but you'll see them soon."

All the other kittens were getting extremely excited, because the Jellicle Ball was set to happen in a week's time. Victoria's happiness level was low, as she hadn't seen any of her lovers. Jemima, Exotica, and Electra tried to cheer her up, but they didn't understand the sorrow she was feeling.

"Maybe they won't force you to choose someone this time?" Jemima said. She was a younger kit, only recently born, and she hadn't grasped the idea of the Jellicle Ball. Victoria shook her head, laying down. The others slowly walked away to join the others, putting their heads together whispering sadly.

Bomba walked over to Victoria and laid a paw on her head, stroking her fur.

"You'll see them soon," Bomba said comforting the kitten, which was very out of character for her. But she was Victoria's aunt and only kept herself in check when she was around her neice.

"B-b-but what if they hate me now?" Victoria mewed, beginning to sniffle.

"I'm sure they don't," Bomba said, lifting the kitten by her scruff and carrying Victoria to her den, out of sight from prying kitten eyes. "You know, the same thing happened to me when I was about your age."

"Really?" said Victoria in astonishment, lifting her head.

"Yes, I had several toms and even a queen vying for my attention. Though, I didn't find it a hard decision to make when the Ball came around. Of course, you know I chose Tugger as my lover, but I still haven't found a mate."

"Who was the queen that liked you?"

" A different story for a different time. Now, have you eaten anything in the past few days?"

"I had a can of tuna."

Bomba hopped up at Victoria's answer and grabbed a can of cat food off her shelf. She wrenched it open and pushed toward Victoria.

"Eat, you aren't going anywhere until you finish it."

Victoria sighed and started to eat. When she was done, Bomba brought her a bowl of water and left her to sleep.

Victoria slept soundlessly that night. She didn't even notice when Demeter led Alonzo in, closely followed by Bomba. The two queens left them, and Alonzo rushed over to her side. He curled his large body around her smaller one. As the queen's walked to Deme's den, they agreed that they had done the right thing. The other toms and queens didn't want the 4 toms who had fought, to see Victoria until the Ball. But Bomba had convinced Deme, her sister, to help her sneak Alonzo out. Deme agreed that Victoria needed at least one of her lovers with her, because no one knew how to put the life back in the usually ever bright Victoria.

Victoria awoke with a start because there was another cat sleeping next to her. As soon as she realized who it was, she purred and nuzzled Alonzo. She was so happy that she was practically screaming with glee, the way Jemima did whenever she was near Tugger. Many of the Jellicles were waken to the noise, but assuming it was just some annoying human, they crawled back into their cool dens, where they could catch a few more hours of sleep. Alonzo woke and had almost the same amount of happiness. He nuzzled her back and they stayed like that until they heard footsteps outside Bomba's den.

Alonzo panicked and tried to stuff himself into the empty can of cat food. While Victoria didn't know that he wasn't supposed to be there, she still was a bit shaky from the night before. Bomba walked in and when she saw the terrified look on Victoria's face and Alonzo valiantly trying to get in the can, she cracked up.

"OH MY GOD!" she said gasping for breath, "WHO DID YOU THINK IT WAS?"

Victoria jumped up, "I thought you were going to be Munkus or someone!"

When she saw Alonzo still trying hard to get into the can, she started laughing, too. Alonzo realized that it was only Bomba, and pulled himself out of the can. He stood brushing crumbs off his fur, scowling.

"You could have at least announced yourself before you stalked in here." He said glaring at the two queens, still wheezing from their bout of laughter.

"I'm sorry, Alonzo." Victoria said walking over to him.

"Yes, well, I came only because I need to take him back to Skimble's den before anyone notices," Bomba said pawing at the ground, "I'll be right outside, say your goodbye's and then Alonzo must leave." She stepped out of the den.

The two kittens nuzzled each other.


The next chapter will be much longer, I promise!