Saffity's Jellicle High Fic
Chapter Two
Mungo and Teazer were sitting on the bleachers beside the football field eating their usual breakfast of donuts and coffee. They were laughing over the expected reactions of the teachers when they saw the new improved images of themselves, which were now posted throughout the school.
"They won't know what hit 'em," Mungo said.
Teazer giggled, "And the lock we put on the pictures made it that they'll stay that way on file for ages!"
Mungo laughed, "I can't wait to hear what they have to say!"
Teazer nodded and noticed the buses coming in, "Ooh, this oughta be fun," She said, "Tongues frozen," She said, holding out her pinkie.
"And lips sealed," Mungo finished, taking her pinkie in his and smiling triumphantly.
JH
Electra was sitting on the stairs in front of the school, waiting for her friends to arrive. Etcy was really the only one she'd known for any length of time, but she was meeting other teens and enjoying her group of friends. She smiled at Victoria as the queen walked over with Pouncival, "Hey Vic!" she said.
Vic smiled back, "Hey you, how ya doing?"
"Not too bad," Electra said. She couldn't help but notice that Pounce seemed a bit nervous and troubled.
Vic nodded, "Is there room on those stairs for others?" She teased.
"Of course!" Electra said. She could hardly believe that a couple of sophomores actually hung out with her. She smiled at Pounce, "you're unusually quiet," she said.
Pounce gave her a small smile, "Growltiger's giving the class one of his famous exams today," he sighed and put his head in his paws, "He nearly failed me last year, how'm I s'posed to pass THIS year??" He moaned theatrically.
Vic laughed "Come off it Pounce," She said, giving him a light punch on the arm, "You know you always ace his tests."
Electra couldn't help but laugh at the two of them, as they were such good friends. She sighed inwardly as she remembered when she and Etcy were like that. She hoped things would go back to normal soon.
Pounce was still rubbing his arm, when he looked up and smiled, "Hello sleepyhead, you're on time for once." He said.
Jemi walked up and stretched, giving a small smile, "Hi guys," she said. She sat down beside them and started searching through her bag for the orange she knew was there. She had to eat something and soon.
Pounce and Vic grew quiet as a black and white tom walked angrily up the stairs beside them and into the school. Vic sighed and closed her eyes. Pounce shook his head.
"That guy gives me the creeps," Electra said.
Jemi looked back, "Who, Quaxo?" she asked, "you can't blame him for being mad, what with the way some of the other students treat him."
Ele nodded reluctantly, "I guess," She said
Vic sighed, Quaxo was her cousin, he was so upset lately and she was worried about him. His parents were splitting up and he was left alone a lot of the time. Having the other students bug him day in and day out didn't help either. She was worried something might happen.
"… see the pictures around the school?" Victoria came out of her thoughts to see Admetus standing nearby, nearly doubled over with laughter.
"What?" she asked, the other cats were smiling as they passed around a piece of paper.
"I found this in the hall, the walls are plastered with them," he had a huge grin on his face.
Jemi was giggling as she passed the picture to Pounce, "Whoever did that has a lot of talent," she said.
Electra looked up as she heard a high pitched giggle and saw two look-a-likes hop up the stairs, she narrowed her eyes, "Hmm" she said thoughtfully.
"What?" Pounce asked.
"Just wondering if those two over there might know who did it," she said smiling.
"Who, Jerrie and Teazer? Nah, they're class clowns and trouble-makers, but they wouldn't be able to do this, I mean, they're general level and all." Admetus said.
JH
Etcy was a little bit away, watching the group on the stairs. She had to go into the school, but that meant walking by THEM, and possibly being seen talking with Electra. She took one last drag on her cigarette then popped a piece of gum into her mouth. If she got caught smoking, and her mom found out… she was so dead.
She sighed and headed toward the school. Electra looked up and smiled, "Hey Etcy, what's up?" she asked.
"Hey Electra, ummm... not much." She said.
Vic, Pounce, Admetus and Jemi all smiled, "Why don't you sit down and join us?" Pounce asked.
Etcy made a bit of a face, "well…"
Ele suddenly sat straight up, "Everlasting Cat!" she said, "I was s'posed to meet Mrs. Jennyanydots this morning before class," she picked up her bag, "I gotta go, sorry, see ya!" she said as she ran into the school.
Etcy sighed, "About time," she said.
The others looked at her, "what's that supposed to mean?" Vic asked.
"Well, I can't help it if I find her annoying and stuff, I mean, she's totally un-cool. Too much of a goody-goody." Etcy said, rolling her eyes.
Jemi frowned slightly, "But you guys have been friends since grade two, I thought you were inseparable."
Etcy looked at Jemi, "Yeah well, people change," she said sharply, "I gotta go," she headed up the stairs as the other cats looked at each other in shock.
JH
Exotica drove into the parking lot. She turned off the ignition and sighed. Her sister, Cassandra looked at her.
"You gonna be ok?" she asked.
Exotica nodded, "It's better than being stuck at home with mom,"
Cass bit her lip, "I didn't think she'd hit the roof like that when you told her you dropped out to go back here."
Exotica nodded again and sighed, "I just wish she'd see that dancing and theatre is and actual occupation, we can't all be doctor's."
Cass gave her sister's shoulder a squeeze, "It'll be ok, she'll come around, she's just worried about you and wants you to be successful."
Exotica sighed, "I know," she said. She reached back and grabbed her book bag, "Well, better get to class," She and Cass got out of the car and headed into the school.
JH
The teacher's lounge was in an uproar.
"I can't go into class and teach!" Griddlebone was complaining, looking at a picture of her. She was wearing a baby bonnet, had a pacifier and a lollipop.
Skimbleshanks was shaking his head, trying not to laugh.
Gus was smiling at the picture of himself, dressed as Shakespeare. "It's about time the student's got creative." He said.
"Creative? CREATIVE????? Those delinquents went over the top!" Jellylorum spluttered.
"Oh come off it Jelly, we all know you pulled a prank or two in your day," Asparagus said, holding his picture of himself, dressed as Captain Hook.
Jelly blushed, "Yes, but never to this extent," She said, "I mean, posting them around the school… how am I ever going to live this down?"
Grizabella was lounging on one of the couches, "Actually, I think they're rather well done," she said, smiling sweetly.
"Well of course you do dear," Jennyanydots said, "They didn't make one of you."
Griz didn't change expression, "Oh yes they did," she said, "I just came in early enough to take them all down,"
The other teachers were staring at her with a mixture of anger, disbelief and humour, when Old Deuteronomy came back onto the lounge.
"Deuteronomy, we've got to do something about this," Griddlebone whined.
Deuteronomy shook his head, "I'm sorry, but we have no idea who did this, and until we do, we can't really do anything,"
The teachers all groaned, and reluctantly got ready to go to the worst class of the year.
JH
Halfway through second period, Mungo was in auto shop, working on the engine of a Chevy. He was having trouble getting one piece to tighten correctly, but his mind wasn't on his work. He couldn't stop grinning over the reactions of the teachers and students.
"Mungojerrie," a voice said.
Mungo nearly spazzed as he realized Mr. Skimbleshanks was right behind him. He took a calming breath and turned around to look at him.
Mr. Skimble smiled and put his paw on Mungo's shoulder, "you're doing a good job on that," he said, and started to move on.
Mungo was breathing a sigh of relief, when Mr. Skimble turned, "Oh, and you and your sister's… extra curricular assignment, went off rather well too." He was obviously trying not to laugh.
*Crap* Mungo thought, they were sunk, but that was only if Mr. Skimble decided to rat on them.
JH
Jemima was in the washroom, collapsed on the floor. She'd forgotten to take her pill this morning and nearly blacked out. She'd got some sugar into herself in time, so it didn't become the disaster it could have. She opened her eyes and took a deep breath. She stood up and smoothed her shirt, hoping no one had noticed. She splashed a bit of water on her face and ran her fingers through her fur. "You gotta be more careful Jem," she said to her reflection. She sighed, picked up her bag, and went back to class.
JH
Quaxo was at his locker getting his lunch; he'd barely opened the door, before he nearly got his paws chopped off, as it was slammed shut. He closed his eyes and bit back his anger.
"Hey shrimp," a sneering voice said, "Try any miracle grow yet?"
Quaxo opened his eyes and glared at the smirking Carbucketty, knowing Victor was behind him, blocking his escape. The same thing happened every day. "Leave me alone," he growled slowly.
"But where's the fun in that?" Victor said, giving Quaxo a shove.
Quaxo balled his fist and started to turn to punch out Victor, not caring what happened to him afterward.
"Hey Carbucketty, Victor! Deuteronomy's looking for you," a voice called out, as a tom walked down the hall toward them.
"Sheisse," Carbucketty said, looking at his brother, "He must've found the shaving cream,"
"Let's get outta here," Victor said, taking off, with his brother right behind him.
Quaxo gave Misto a slight glare, "I didn't need your help," He said, "I was dealing with it."
Misto leaned against the locker beside Quaxo's, "That's funny, cuz from the look of it, you were about to get into a fight."
Quaxo slammed open the locker door, "So what if I was." he said, shoving his books in. "It's not like you care anyway."
Misto raised his eyebrows, "Oh I do care, I care enough that I don't want to see you throw your life away just to keep your honour or some such thing."
Quaxo grabbed his lunch and slammed his locker closed, "Yeah well, if I need your advice, I'll ask for it, until then, leave me alone." And with that, he stormed off to the caf.
JH
Tugger was absently eating his lunch with his friends.
"Hey Tugger, what's wrong?" Munkustrap asked, sitting down beside him.
Tugger shook his head to clear it and shrugged, "Nothing, just got a weird phone call from Martiriya yesterday, remember her??"
Munk nodded, "Oh yeah, you guys were joined at the hip over the summer, what happened to that?"
Tugger shrugged, "She went to her school and I went here, it's all the way across town so," He shrugged again and nibbled at his sandwich.
Munk frowned a bit in thought, "What'd she have to say?"
"That's just the thing, she didn't say anything over the phone. It was as if she was afraid someone in her family would hear her." He sighed, "I just hope she's ok."
Munk nodded, "I'm sure she is," he said as they went back to eating in silence.
JH
"Are you sure he knows?" Teazer asked after Mungo told her about Mr. Skimble.
Mungo nodded, "Just the way he said it, I'm positive he knows,"
Teazer sighed, "Great, just great! That's all we need right now. If he rats, we're dead in the water! What'll mom and dad say?" She buried her head in her arms.
"It's ok Teazer, really. Maybe we can talk to him," he said, "We'll figure something out."
JH
Exotica sat down and sighed. She pulled out her lunch and opened her books to her university application forms.
Macavity saw her from across the caf and smiled. He remembered her from last year. So stuck up and perfect. He walked over to her table. "Well, well, back among us commoners are you princess?" he asked, sneeringly.
Exotica couldn't see him from where he was standing, but knew that voice all too well. She took a deep breath, "Go away Macavity," she said, without lifting her head.
"Heaviside forbid I bring the Empress of Jellicle High down to my level," he said, walking around to stand in front of her.
"I'd never stoop to your level Macavity," she said, still filling out her forms and not looking at him, "You have your own level, so low, no one can reach it."
Macavity put a paw over his heart and staggered back theatrically, "That hurt Empress, it really did," he said.
"Run along to your bootlicking girlfriend." Exotica said, dismissing him.
Macavity growled and leaned over the table, covering her sheet of paper with his paws, noses almost touching. "Speak against her again Empress, and you'll be sorry," he said dangerously quiet.
"I'm so scared," Exotica said sarcastically, glaring at him.
Macavity stood up again, "You will be," he said, glaring back as he walked to a table on the other side of the caf.
Cassandra walked over from the food line and sat down, "What was his problem?" she asked, watching after him with a look.
"Just being his spoiled, pigheaded self," Exotica replied, going back to filling out her forms.
Cass looked over at the papers, "Trying again?"
Exotica nodded, "Trying for dance programs,"
Cass smiled, "I'm sure you'll get in,"
Exotica sighed, "One can only hope,"
JH
The afternoon went by slowly as the students wanted to be outside enjoying the last of the nice weather. When the bell finally rang, the school was emptied in a matter of seconds.
Tugger got into his car and drove down to the park. He got out and walked down to the woods. He was sure other people knew about the little glade by the creek, but over the summer, it had been 'their spot'. They'd spent half the summer there. He saw her, sitting by the creek, as beautiful as he remembered her. He slowly walked up behind her, "Hey you," he said softly.
Martiriya looked up with a bit of a start. She'd been crying, it was obvious to him. She adjusted her hair band and smoothed her skirt, trying to seem casual as she slowly stood up.
Tugger knew something was terribly wrong, he reached out to hug her.
Martiriya's face crumbled as she fell into his embrace sobbing.
"Shh, shh," Tugger said, rubbing her back, "It's all right, you can tell me,"
"I don't know how it happened, I didn't think it could," she mumbled into his chest.
Tugger was very worried, he didn't know what 'it' was, he sat down with her, holding her close, letting her talk.
"How could I have been so stupid," she moaned, hugging herself.
Tugger stroked her cheek, "Why don't you start from the beginning," he said softly.
Martiriya took a deep breath, "Remember how I was sick over the summer and couldn't get rid of it?"
Tugger nodded silently.
"Well it got worse a bit ago, and I went to the doctor's." Her voice grew thick with tears, "I got the results back from some tests they did. They came in last week." She stopped, obviously holding her tears back.
Tugger gently rocked her, not knowing what she was about to say, but worried for her. "What did they say?" he asked softly, feeling her body shake with sobs.
"I have… Oh Heaviside Tugger, I have HIV," She said.
Tugger stopped, he almost couldn't breathe, it just couldn't be possible. Straight, normal people didn't get AIDS.. "Oh Marti," he said holding her.
Martiriya swallowed, "I think I know who I got it from," She said, "And he was before you." She looked up at him, "You might have got it from me. You have to get tested, just to be safe,"
Tugger nodded, stunned at the thought, "Are you going to be ok?" he asked.
Martiriya nodded slowly and wiped her eyes, "I have to be. I just have to figure out how to tell my parents," she said.
Tugger gave her a gentle squeeze, "We'll figure it out, I'm here to help you no matter what," he promised.
Back To Jellicle High
"They won't know what hit 'em," Mungo said.
Teazer giggled, "And the lock we put on the pictures made it that they'll stay that way on file for ages!"
Mungo laughed, "I can't wait to hear what they have to say!"
Teazer nodded and noticed the buses coming in, "Ooh, this oughta be fun," She said, "Tongues frozen," She said, holding out her pinkie.
"And lips sealed," Mungo finished, taking her pinkie in his and smiling triumphantly.
JH
Electra was sitting on the stairs in front of the school, waiting for her friends to arrive. Etcy was really the only one she'd known for any length of time, but she was meeting other teens and enjoying her group of friends. She smiled at Victoria as the queen walked over with Pouncival, "Hey Vic!" she said.
Vic smiled back, "Hey you, how ya doing?"
"Not too bad," Electra said. She couldn't help but notice that Pounce seemed a bit nervous and troubled.
Vic nodded, "Is there room on those stairs for others?" She teased.
"Of course!" Electra said. She could hardly believe that a couple of sophomores actually hung out with her. She smiled at Pounce, "you're unusually quiet," she said.
Pounce gave her a small smile, "Growltiger's giving the class one of his famous exams today," he sighed and put his head in his paws, "He nearly failed me last year, how'm I s'posed to pass THIS year??" He moaned theatrically.
Vic laughed "Come off it Pounce," She said, giving him a light punch on the arm, "You know you always ace his tests."
Electra couldn't help but laugh at the two of them, as they were such good friends. She sighed inwardly as she remembered when she and Etcy were like that. She hoped things would go back to normal soon.
Pounce was still rubbing his arm, when he looked up and smiled, "Hello sleepyhead, you're on time for once." He said.
Jemi walked up and stretched, giving a small smile, "Hi guys," she said. She sat down beside them and started searching through her bag for the orange she knew was there. She had to eat something and soon.
Pounce and Vic grew quiet as a black and white tom walked angrily up the stairs beside them and into the school. Vic sighed and closed her eyes. Pounce shook his head.
"That guy gives me the creeps," Electra said.
Jemi looked back, "Who, Quaxo?" she asked, "you can't blame him for being mad, what with the way some of the other students treat him."
Ele nodded reluctantly, "I guess," She said
Vic sighed, Quaxo was her cousin, he was so upset lately and she was worried about him. His parents were splitting up and he was left alone a lot of the time. Having the other students bug him day in and day out didn't help either. She was worried something might happen.
"… see the pictures around the school?" Victoria came out of her thoughts to see Admetus standing nearby, nearly doubled over with laughter.
"What?" she asked, the other cats were smiling as they passed around a piece of paper.
"I found this in the hall, the walls are plastered with them," he had a huge grin on his face.
Jemi was giggling as she passed the picture to Pounce, "Whoever did that has a lot of talent," she said.
Electra looked up as she heard a high pitched giggle and saw two look-a-likes hop up the stairs, she narrowed her eyes, "Hmm" she said thoughtfully.
"What?" Pounce asked.
"Just wondering if those two over there might know who did it," she said smiling.
"Who, Jerrie and Teazer? Nah, they're class clowns and trouble-makers, but they wouldn't be able to do this, I mean, they're general level and all." Admetus said.
JH
Etcy was a little bit away, watching the group on the stairs. She had to go into the school, but that meant walking by THEM, and possibly being seen talking with Electra. She took one last drag on her cigarette then popped a piece of gum into her mouth. If she got caught smoking, and her mom found out… she was so dead.
She sighed and headed toward the school. Electra looked up and smiled, "Hey Etcy, what's up?" she asked.
"Hey Electra, ummm... not much." She said.
Vic, Pounce, Admetus and Jemi all smiled, "Why don't you sit down and join us?" Pounce asked.
Etcy made a bit of a face, "well…"
Ele suddenly sat straight up, "Everlasting Cat!" she said, "I was s'posed to meet Mrs. Jennyanydots this morning before class," she picked up her bag, "I gotta go, sorry, see ya!" she said as she ran into the school.
Etcy sighed, "About time," she said.
The others looked at her, "what's that supposed to mean?" Vic asked.
"Well, I can't help it if I find her annoying and stuff, I mean, she's totally un-cool. Too much of a goody-goody." Etcy said, rolling her eyes.
Jemi frowned slightly, "But you guys have been friends since grade two, I thought you were inseparable."
Etcy looked at Jemi, "Yeah well, people change," she said sharply, "I gotta go," she headed up the stairs as the other cats looked at each other in shock.
JH
Exotica drove into the parking lot. She turned off the ignition and sighed. Her sister, Cassandra looked at her.
"You gonna be ok?" she asked.
Exotica nodded, "It's better than being stuck at home with mom,"
Cass bit her lip, "I didn't think she'd hit the roof like that when you told her you dropped out to go back here."
Exotica nodded again and sighed, "I just wish she'd see that dancing and theatre is and actual occupation, we can't all be doctor's."
Cass gave her sister's shoulder a squeeze, "It'll be ok, she'll come around, she's just worried about you and wants you to be successful."
Exotica sighed, "I know," she said. She reached back and grabbed her book bag, "Well, better get to class," She and Cass got out of the car and headed into the school.
JH
The teacher's lounge was in an uproar.
"I can't go into class and teach!" Griddlebone was complaining, looking at a picture of her. She was wearing a baby bonnet, had a pacifier and a lollipop.
Skimbleshanks was shaking his head, trying not to laugh.
Gus was smiling at the picture of himself, dressed as Shakespeare. "It's about time the student's got creative." He said.
"Creative? CREATIVE????? Those delinquents went over the top!" Jellylorum spluttered.
"Oh come off it Jelly, we all know you pulled a prank or two in your day," Asparagus said, holding his picture of himself, dressed as Captain Hook.
Jelly blushed, "Yes, but never to this extent," She said, "I mean, posting them around the school… how am I ever going to live this down?"
Grizabella was lounging on one of the couches, "Actually, I think they're rather well done," she said, smiling sweetly.
"Well of course you do dear," Jennyanydots said, "They didn't make one of you."
Griz didn't change expression, "Oh yes they did," she said, "I just came in early enough to take them all down,"
The other teachers were staring at her with a mixture of anger, disbelief and humour, when Old Deuteronomy came back onto the lounge.
"Deuteronomy, we've got to do something about this," Griddlebone whined.
Deuteronomy shook his head, "I'm sorry, but we have no idea who did this, and until we do, we can't really do anything,"
The teachers all groaned, and reluctantly got ready to go to the worst class of the year.
JH
Halfway through second period, Mungo was in auto shop, working on the engine of a Chevy. He was having trouble getting one piece to tighten correctly, but his mind wasn't on his work. He couldn't stop grinning over the reactions of the teachers and students.
"Mungojerrie," a voice said.
Mungo nearly spazzed as he realized Mr. Skimbleshanks was right behind him. He took a calming breath and turned around to look at him.
Mr. Skimble smiled and put his paw on Mungo's shoulder, "you're doing a good job on that," he said, and started to move on.
Mungo was breathing a sigh of relief, when Mr. Skimble turned, "Oh, and you and your sister's… extra curricular assignment, went off rather well too." He was obviously trying not to laugh.
*Crap* Mungo thought, they were sunk, but that was only if Mr. Skimble decided to rat on them.
JH
Jemima was in the washroom, collapsed on the floor. She'd forgotten to take her pill this morning and nearly blacked out. She'd got some sugar into herself in time, so it didn't become the disaster it could have. She opened her eyes and took a deep breath. She stood up and smoothed her shirt, hoping no one had noticed. She splashed a bit of water on her face and ran her fingers through her fur. "You gotta be more careful Jem," she said to her reflection. She sighed, picked up her bag, and went back to class.
JH
Quaxo was at his locker getting his lunch; he'd barely opened the door, before he nearly got his paws chopped off, as it was slammed shut. He closed his eyes and bit back his anger.
"Hey shrimp," a sneering voice said, "Try any miracle grow yet?"
Quaxo opened his eyes and glared at the smirking Carbucketty, knowing Victor was behind him, blocking his escape. The same thing happened every day. "Leave me alone," he growled slowly.
"But where's the fun in that?" Victor said, giving Quaxo a shove.
Quaxo balled his fist and started to turn to punch out Victor, not caring what happened to him afterward.
"Hey Carbucketty, Victor! Deuteronomy's looking for you," a voice called out, as a tom walked down the hall toward them.
"Sheisse," Carbucketty said, looking at his brother, "He must've found the shaving cream,"
"Let's get outta here," Victor said, taking off, with his brother right behind him.
Quaxo gave Misto a slight glare, "I didn't need your help," He said, "I was dealing with it."
Misto leaned against the locker beside Quaxo's, "That's funny, cuz from the look of it, you were about to get into a fight."
Quaxo slammed open the locker door, "So what if I was." he said, shoving his books in. "It's not like you care anyway."
Misto raised his eyebrows, "Oh I do care, I care enough that I don't want to see you throw your life away just to keep your honour or some such thing."
Quaxo grabbed his lunch and slammed his locker closed, "Yeah well, if I need your advice, I'll ask for it, until then, leave me alone." And with that, he stormed off to the caf.
JH
Tugger was absently eating his lunch with his friends.
"Hey Tugger, what's wrong?" Munkustrap asked, sitting down beside him.
Tugger shook his head to clear it and shrugged, "Nothing, just got a weird phone call from Martiriya yesterday, remember her??"
Munk nodded, "Oh yeah, you guys were joined at the hip over the summer, what happened to that?"
Tugger shrugged, "She went to her school and I went here, it's all the way across town so," He shrugged again and nibbled at his sandwich.
Munk frowned a bit in thought, "What'd she have to say?"
"That's just the thing, she didn't say anything over the phone. It was as if she was afraid someone in her family would hear her." He sighed, "I just hope she's ok."
Munk nodded, "I'm sure she is," he said as they went back to eating in silence.
JH
"Are you sure he knows?" Teazer asked after Mungo told her about Mr. Skimble.
Mungo nodded, "Just the way he said it, I'm positive he knows,"
Teazer sighed, "Great, just great! That's all we need right now. If he rats, we're dead in the water! What'll mom and dad say?" She buried her head in her arms.
"It's ok Teazer, really. Maybe we can talk to him," he said, "We'll figure something out."
JH
Exotica sat down and sighed. She pulled out her lunch and opened her books to her university application forms.
Macavity saw her from across the caf and smiled. He remembered her from last year. So stuck up and perfect. He walked over to her table. "Well, well, back among us commoners are you princess?" he asked, sneeringly.
Exotica couldn't see him from where he was standing, but knew that voice all too well. She took a deep breath, "Go away Macavity," she said, without lifting her head.
"Heaviside forbid I bring the Empress of Jellicle High down to my level," he said, walking around to stand in front of her.
"I'd never stoop to your level Macavity," she said, still filling out her forms and not looking at him, "You have your own level, so low, no one can reach it."
Macavity put a paw over his heart and staggered back theatrically, "That hurt Empress, it really did," he said.
"Run along to your bootlicking girlfriend." Exotica said, dismissing him.
Macavity growled and leaned over the table, covering her sheet of paper with his paws, noses almost touching. "Speak against her again Empress, and you'll be sorry," he said dangerously quiet.
"I'm so scared," Exotica said sarcastically, glaring at him.
Macavity stood up again, "You will be," he said, glaring back as he walked to a table on the other side of the caf.
Cassandra walked over from the food line and sat down, "What was his problem?" she asked, watching after him with a look.
"Just being his spoiled, pigheaded self," Exotica replied, going back to filling out her forms.
Cass looked over at the papers, "Trying again?"
Exotica nodded, "Trying for dance programs,"
Cass smiled, "I'm sure you'll get in,"
Exotica sighed, "One can only hope,"
JH
The afternoon went by slowly as the students wanted to be outside enjoying the last of the nice weather. When the bell finally rang, the school was emptied in a matter of seconds.
Tugger got into his car and drove down to the park. He got out and walked down to the woods. He was sure other people knew about the little glade by the creek, but over the summer, it had been 'their spot'. They'd spent half the summer there. He saw her, sitting by the creek, as beautiful as he remembered her. He slowly walked up behind her, "Hey you," he said softly.
Martiriya looked up with a bit of a start. She'd been crying, it was obvious to him. She adjusted her hair band and smoothed her skirt, trying to seem casual as she slowly stood up.
Tugger knew something was terribly wrong, he reached out to hug her.
Martiriya's face crumbled as she fell into his embrace sobbing.
"Shh, shh," Tugger said, rubbing her back, "It's all right, you can tell me,"
"I don't know how it happened, I didn't think it could," she mumbled into his chest.
Tugger was very worried, he didn't know what 'it' was, he sat down with her, holding her close, letting her talk.
"How could I have been so stupid," she moaned, hugging herself.
Tugger stroked her cheek, "Why don't you start from the beginning," he said softly.
Martiriya took a deep breath, "Remember how I was sick over the summer and couldn't get rid of it?"
Tugger nodded silently.
"Well it got worse a bit ago, and I went to the doctor's." Her voice grew thick with tears, "I got the results back from some tests they did. They came in last week." She stopped, obviously holding her tears back.
Tugger gently rocked her, not knowing what she was about to say, but worried for her. "What did they say?" he asked softly, feeling her body shake with sobs.
"I have… Oh Heaviside Tugger, I have HIV," She said.
Tugger stopped, he almost couldn't breathe, it just couldn't be possible. Straight, normal people didn't get AIDS.. "Oh Marti," he said holding her.
Martiriya swallowed, "I think I know who I got it from," She said, "And he was before you." She looked up at him, "You might have got it from me. You have to get tested, just to be safe,"
Tugger nodded, stunned at the thought, "Are you going to be ok?" he asked.
Martiriya nodded slowly and wiped her eyes, "I have to be. I just have to figure out how to tell my parents," she said.
Tugger gave her a gentle squeeze, "We'll figure it out, I'm here to help you no matter what," he promised.
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