Chapter 14: Jellicle Meeting
"He's GAY?!" Tugger was incredulous at the news. "I mean, I tease him sometimes about being girly and wearing sparkles, but I never guessed. Who told you?"
"Demeter," Munkustrap replied. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. He's still our Misto, no change." Tugger shrugged. "By the way, I'm calling a meeting tonight. There are some issues I need to go over. If it's a problem just ask Misto. That'll confirm whether it's a rumor or not."
*~*~*
Later that night, Jellicles, minus Persephone, gathered in the Junkyard. As soon as everyone had come Munku stood on the tire, the seat of authority. "I've called this meeting to discuss the feelings of some of us toward Persephone. That's why she wasn't asked to come tonight. Some attitudes toward her have been much less then kind." Here he looked at Demeter. She stared defiantly and he dropped his gaze. He looked at the Jellicle Tribe instead. "Also, there's been a…rumor about Mr. Mistoffelees that we'd love to here the truth on."
Misto leapt up. "Yes, I've heard that rumor! And I know who started it." He glared at Demeter who smiled back at him, jubilantly.
"So, it's just a rumor?" Munku asked. They all watched the magician expectantly.
"Of course it is." Misto snapped. "Ask Pounce."
"Oh the stories I could tell about some of the queens he's liked!" Pouncival crowed. He was silenced by a look from Misto. Electra giggled and batted at Misto's ear.
"Ok, we get the point. Sorry Misto," Munkustrap apologized. "Well, let's get to the real reason for this meeting. You will notice Old Deuteronomy isn't here. I didn't want him to know that some of us can't welcome a fellow kitten into our tribe. When it comes time for the Jellicle Ball, Deuteronomy told me he will decide whether Persephone is Jellicle or not. Any discussion?" Munku looked around, meeting each cat's eyes in turn.
"I don't see why Persephone isn't loved by everyone." Plato commented. "I think she's awful sweet." Victoria threw a sharp glance at him. Jellylorum corrected his grammar.
"Awfully, dear. You should say awfully sweet." She looked at her friends. "Personally, I agree with Plato. Persephone is sweet and helpful. She isn't a spy and seems to want to be a Jellicle. I think we should welcome her into our tribe."
"We don't even know if she's a Jellicle or not." Alonzo reminded them. "If we only had proof…it's the uncertainty I mind. We need to know who her family is." Demeter glanced at Misto. He looked smug, but didn't speak.
"Ok. Well, my advice is to be as welcoming as you can for the time being. At the Ball we'll sort things out." Munku promised. "Ok, that's about it, everyone. If you aren't around sooner, I'll see you all in five days at the Jellicle Ball."
"That's it? We had to have a meeting for that?" Pouncival grumbled. "That was a short meeting." Alonzo smacked him. He was a leader to the male toms. They looked up to him. He was cocky about his authority most of the time. Cassandra didn't help him much. His pleasure was keeping Tumblebrutus from his group of friends.
"It was important, hush." Alonzo hissed. Pounce shrugged and the toms sauntered away, Alonzo in the lead.
"Nigh' Munku!" Teazer called as she skipped out of the Junkyard with Jerrie.
"Later Munk," Tugger called as he and Bomba left. Jenny hurried Skimble, Electra, and Jemima away. Victoria followed them, calling to them to wait up. Tumblebrutus, Plato, and Ademetus strolled an edge of the dump, doing the occasional back flip. Demeter tried to slink away after the other cats, but Munkustrap grabbed her.
"Demeter, what are you doing?" Munkustrap asked, his tone implied a warning.
"Nothing," Demi sulked. Munkustrap sighed and jerked her away from Jelly and Exotica who were nearby.
"Demeter, don't you think I know you were the one who started that rumor about Misto?" he snarled. "Any I know it was you who stirred up all the bad feelings toward Persephone. I know you hate her."
"Has it ever crossed your mind that there's a good reason that I dislike her?" Demeter snapped and wrenched her arm from his grip. At the sound of the argument, the remaining cats retreated. "I wouldn't hate her if I didn't have a reason. I thought you knew me better then that?" Demeter spat at Munku.
"You've made it difficult." Munku told her bitterly. "Does anyone know why you hate Seph? It's obvious that you won't tell me anything." Demeter's silence seemed to confirm his statement. Munku had a moment to think about the situation. "It's Misto, isn't it." He asked slowly, starting to get a feel for the scenario. "He figured out why you hate that kitten. That's why you took your revenge on him by spreading that rumor…I suppose I'll just have to ask him." Munku turned away from Demeter.
"Don't!" Demeter fell to the ground, pleading. "Please Munkustrap, leave me some of my dignity. For my sake, don't go Munku."
Munkustrap turned and saw her pathetic form on the ground. "I'm sorry, Demeter. I have to. I need to know." He left her there and walked away.
With his departure, Demi broke into tears. Misto was right about her being Persephone's mother, but it would kill her to have Munkustrap find out about it. She lay her head down and, all alone, cried herself to sleep.