There's Always Me

A sob drifted quietly past Tumblebrutus. Concerned he asked, "What's wrong?" after recognizing the voice of his friend, Etcetera.

"Tugger doesn't like me," she cried in return. "He told me so this morning." She turned to face her friend, and a tear rolled down her cheek. She sniffled a little and tried to smile.

"He's rude," Tumble muttered. "He should appreciate someone as kind as you much more than he does," he continued.

"You think I'm kind?" she asked, surprised. "Everyone thinks I'm a hyper-active little kit who's an airhead, or something to that nature. At least, they all treat me like I am." She smiled at him. No one ever seemed to notice what she was really like.

"I've never thought you were an airhead," Tumble told her. "I guess it's just that most people don't bother getting to know you. You know, a lot of people think the same thing about me, too."

Etcy was grateful to have someone to talk to who would understand what she was feeling, unlike almost everyone else in the Junkyard. Tumblebrutus was a great friend to have on her side, and she knew it.

She ran up to him and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Smiling happily, she thanked him for letting her know she wasn't alone.

"No prob, Etcy," he assured her. "I'm always glad to help out a friend, especially one as good as you." With that, he left, in search of his brother, Pouncival, to see what he was up to.

Etcy sighed. Perhaps he was right. Maybe Tugger wasn't a good idea. He never did treat her very well, even though she did numerous errands for him and was always kind to him.

So she made up her mind. She would have nothing to do with Tugger if she could avoid it. A good deal happier, she returned to the main part of the Junkyard and sought out her sisters. They were all gathered around Tugger, but she figured she could ignore him at least. After all, Demeter always managed to, so why couldn't she?

"Hey, Vicky, Jemima," she greeted the two of her sisters that were nearest to her. They turned to her and smiled.

"I'm glad to see you're feeling better, Etcy," Jemima told her. "You seemed so depressed earlier."

"Well, thanks to Tumblebrutus, I'm not anymore," she informed her dark coloured sister.

By this time, Tugger was glaring angrily at her for having stolen some of his attention. "What are you doing here?" he demanded. Etcy merely ignored him, as she'd made up her mind to.

"I told you, I don't like you. You're annoying! Go away!" he spat at her angrily. Etcy turned to him, smiling innocently.

"And do I care what you want anymore?" she asked him sweetly, raising one of her eyebrows curiously.

"You will," Tugger hissed, and slapped her across the face. Etcy fell to the ground and Jemima screamed. Tumblebrutus, Pouncival and Alonzo appeared from behind the tire.

Jemima ran and hid behind her older brother, Alonzo, while crying, "Don't let him hurt or even touch me Lonzo!"

Tumblebrutus hissed warily at Tugger. "Why did you hit her, you monster?" he demanded.

"She's annoying..." Tugger began in protest.

"She still doesn't deserve to be treated like crap," Tumble interrupted. He helped Etcy up from the ground, and she clung to him, afraid of Tugger's sudden anger towards her.

Tugger looked at the ground, wondering what to say, for he knew what Tumble said was true.

"C'mon, Etcy, let's go," Tumble suggested. Etcy nodded, and the two cats exited the junkyard together, leaving Tugger behind them.