Chapter 5

Indeed, all time seemed to stand still. All of Bombalurina's feelings of happiness and satisfaction had been replaced by feelings of shock and disbelief. Never in her many years of living had she ever expected it.

"Whe…when will… it be…due?" Bombi was able to ask through pants of shock.

"8-9 months at the most." Jennyanydots looked at her sternly, in a motherly way, "You apparently know who the father is, don't you? I know I do, because I can smell him on you."

Those words caused the red queen to freeze and look at her with many emotions flooding her.

"You were with Macavity, weren't you? I could sense his scent on your fur, and it was easy for me to remember who it was, since I also smelled him off Munkustrap after that fight days ago." The tabby's glare deepened, "I can tell by the way you aren't responding that I am correct."

Bombi let out a sob and covered her face with her paws. More sobs went through her as she quietly nodded before finally getting the nerve to speak, "Yes, I… I was with him a few nights ago. I did…well…we loved again…for old time's sake…" She couldn't find the rest of the words she wanted to say and broke down crying.

Jenny's face changed into a sorry look and she calmly embraced the queen she had cared for, for so many years. Even though she knew Bombi was keeping this apparent affair with Macavity a secret, she knew that this had to be revealed and told to the rest of the tribe.

"Bombi dear, I understand how sorry you are about all this, but Deuteronomy and the rest of the tribe must know about your secret. You'll have to tell them."

Bombalurina quieted her sobbing and looked at her with disbelief, "You can't be serious! If they know, my Jellicle status will be…be…"

"Bombi!" Jenny looked at her coldly, a glare that only the naughtiest of kittens had ever seen, "Either you tell them, or I will. Either way, they all must know!"

After pondering in silence for several moments, the queen sighed and hung her head, "Alright. I will tell them. But, could you do me a favor and accompany me? I can't do this alone."

Jennyanydots nodded, "Of course I will, dear. I won't leave you out in the storm, to get soaked." With that, the two got out of the trunk, and went to the tyre, where Deuteronomy was resting. Jenny went to him first and told him that Bombi had an announcement to make to the rest of the tribe.

Nodding, the old leader stood up slowly and called out for all the Jellicles to come out. Within moments, everyone appeared, even Skimbleshanks, who came because his train had been derailed, but everyone escaped, thanks to the railway cat, who showed trapped passengers the way out.

"From what I have heard from Jennyanydots here, Bombalurina has an announcement to make that everyone must know about, so please show your undivided attention and listen." With that, Deut stood aside and motioned for her to step forward, and reveal the secret.

"My fellow Jellicles, as all of you know, I was absent 3 nights ago, and I know I told all of you that I was by myself, spending time alone after what happened at the Ball. It wasn't the truth," She went silent for a moment, words failing her temporarily, "I spent the night in…the company of my old lover…Macavity." The words caused gasps and muttering to course through the tribe. Munkustrap's face drained, as did also Tugger's and Alonzo's. Demeter had a clear look of disbelief and shock, and it caused Bombi to look away before speaking once more.

"We…relived old times, if that's clear enough, and apparently, the Heaviside didn't forgive me for it, as I am now expecting as a result." These words caused even more horror for the rest of the tribe. No one could believe what was happening. Even Deuteronomy was in shock. He finally regained his composure and walked over to where Bombalurina was standing.

"Bombi, this is much unexpected, and not at all pleasant to hear. You are aware that being… 'involved' with an outcast or a rival tribe member is forbidden. A forbidden romance. I don't think anyone is at all pleased about hearing this, and therefore, only certain things can and will be done." Everyone looked at him, waiting for what he was going to do about this.

"You have these choices: You may leave him and stay as a member of the tribe and have the kitten, or you will leave altogether, never to return or be reaccepted. I will give you 24 hours to make a choice, or else I will make it myself."

Her heart dropping into a never-ending hole, Bombi nodded and asked quietly, "May I please visit him once more? To say good-bye, if I wish to say so later?"

Deuteronomy looked at her angrily, then sighed and nodded, "You may, but only for an hour. You stay any longer; you will be officially banished, with all of your possessions left to whomever wishes to have them."

She quietly nodded, and turned to face away from the glaring eyes of the tribe, as she went to the direction of Mackey's lair. She closed her ears to their whispers and remarks and meekly strolled past. Thoughts about everything buzzed like flies through her mind. She didn't know what choice to make, and what would be the best one. She knew she loved Macavity with all her heart, but she didn't want to leave the tribe she had grown up in. Why did this have to happen to her? Why did her feelings for him return?

"Bombi? Are you all right?" the ginger tom's voice broke through her thoughts, and she barely looked up at him before melting into his arms and letting all of her held in tears flow out like a ruptured dam.

"Oh, the Everlasting Cat, Mackey, they know! Jennyanydots smelled you off of me and she…figured it out, and I had to tell the whole tribe, and now…!" her crying overcame her, and she could feel her ability to stand crumble. Macavity quietly held her and the couple gently sat down in the alley. Ironically, the one where the two had reunited days ago.

"Now what, my love? What is it they want?"

Her crying quieted a bit, and she spoke through sobs, "I have to…make…a choice. Either leave you…or the…tribe."

He quietly listened and continued holding her, "Oh Bombi, you don't know how sorry I am. But I think you know what you must decide," she glanced up into his eyes, "You have to stay with the Jellicles, hon. You can't sacrifice everything you have left for us. It isn't worth it."

"But you may be all I do have left. I love you, Mackey, and I don't want to leave you for anything!" She buried her face into his chest, holding onto him like her life depended on it.

This was enough to silence the Hidden Paw. He knew that she wanted nothing more right now, but to have him hold her and embrace her. He knew the choice was up to her, but he didn't want her to think about it. He quietly held her, letting her cry out her sorrows and shock of the choice she had to make.

What had once been eternal happiness had turned into heartbreaking turmoil.

The secret has been revealed, but what will Bombalurina's choice be? Keep on readin'! Chapter 6 coming soon!