Disclaimer: I don't own Cats.
AN: This is the last "purely human" chapter. I added these because I thought I'd add a little insight into Blaise's life, instead of having her be some random girl that meets up with the Jellicles. You know, make her more realistic. After this, we shall go back to our regularly scheduled program.
A good cry, a nap, and a couple movies later, Blaise was sitting outside, watching the sunset and the stars come out one by one. She was still in a daze from the earlier events at work, and was still trying to sort things out. She jumped when she heard an older woman call hello. It was her next door neighbor, a woman by the name of Libby. Blaise didn't know Libby very well, only that she owned a couple of dogs. But she was a kindly older woman, who was friendly to everyone and loved to cook.
"Good evening!" Blaise called back. She beckoned for the woman to join her on her bench. Libby obliged. Sitting down, she sighed deeply and followed Blaise's eyes to the stars.
"There are only a few out tonight." Libby said. Blaise had nothing to say to that, but she did smile and agree. "Makes one wonder why the others like to hide until the time is ripe." Blaise gave her a sharp look.
"What do you mean?" Blaise asked. Libby gave a shrug and a mischievous smile.
"Oh, I don't know. It could be that the stars have a purpose in life, one that no one knows about. I'd like to think so anyway." The older woman leaned back on the bench and sat in silence for a moment. "You know Blaise, I admire you." Blaise gave her a confused glance. "You seem to know what you want out of life. It must be excited. You've managed to get yourself a great job, and you live in a beautiful house. I've never known anyone your age to achieve so much in so little time."
Blaise looked away. "I'm not so sure my life is perfect. I sometimes get the feeling I'm missing out on something. Like, I have a destiny or something." After Blaise said that, she laughed and looked down. "That must have sounded stupid, I'm sorry." Libby shook her head and put her hand on Blaise's back.
"No dear, don't apologize. I feel the same way, only I feel my bones are too brittle now for any adventure." The woman gave a teasing smile. "Blaise, if you feel there's more to life than what you're living, why don't you go after it? You're still young, you have plenty of living to do before you die." Blaise looked at her neighbor again.
"I don't know. I've sunk into a routine, one that I'm comfortable with. I don't know how to get out, or even if I want to. I love earning my keep, I love this house, and I love my neighbors. I don't know if I'd be able to pull away. Even if I didn't have any of this, I don't know."
"If everything was taken away from you, you would still stay?" Libby frowned. "Blaise, look at the stars. They have a purpose in life. Some shine brighter than others, some stay hidden longer than others. I'd like to think you're one of them. If you feel you have a purpose in life, then take it. Don't let a mundane life stop you. Who knows what you're missing out on?"
Blaise didn't say anything. Libby didn't either. Instead the two women sat side by side for awhile, gazing up at the stars. Well, Libby might have only been doing simple stargazing. But Blaise was pondering what Libby said. Why shouldn't she take a chance to make something of herself? Blaise knew she hated her life, but she felt stuck in a rut. After awhile, she let out a sigh.
"Maybe I do need to get out and see the world." She said. "I know on the surface I'm successful, but I don't feel that way. Truth be told, I'm barely hanging on." Blaise began to blubber as she told Libby about her missing weekend and what happened at work. Libby was predictable; she patted Blaise on the back and pulled her into a hug.
"Blaise, you need a vacation. If you feel like you ever want to get away, come on over. Goodness knows I could use some human interaction. Or, even, take yourself to a spa or a movie. You need to get out more. You work too hard sweetheart. Don't let life take control of you, you take control of your life. Be a star, have a purpose." Libby said. She stood up to go, and groaned as she did so. "My back's not what it used to be." Blaise helped her back to her own home, opening the front door for the eldery woman. "Thank you Blaise. it was a pleasure talking with you." Libby gave her one last hug before closing the door.
Back in her own home, in her own room, Blaise was feeling even more confused than ever. The visit with Libby had been nice, but Blaise wasn't sure why she said half the things she did, or why Libby said what she did. Thinking about it gave her a headache though, and Blaise just wanted to sleep and forget about it. She had work in the morning anyway. She snuggled under her blanket, allowing the warmth to cover her completely. Perhaps Libby was just crazy.
