Chapter 4

Warning: There will be next to zero humor in this chapter. Yes, I know that this is supposed to be a humorous story, but I just have to let this part out! Besides, you notice that there are several times some drama and sadness in comedy movies. Really, look for yourself, go right ahead. Watch Ace Ventura, or Happy Gilmore, etc. You'll know what I'm talking about, so there! Now enjoy this chapter…or something like that.

The morning arrived fairly quickly, and for a moment, all of the eight Jellicles now marooned in Wisconsin wondered where the heck they were. After briefly looking around the loft of the garage, the memories of the previous night returned and they all relaxed. As they looked around they also noticed that the sisters were gone.

"Hello?" Alonzo's voice almost echoed through the attic, silence replacing it. A sudden rustle caused all of them to flinch, and they noticed up across several beams on the ceiling, there was piles of siding, more lumber, and some bits of Styrofoam. From there, Harley's face appeared.

"Well, good morning! Nice to see you all awake and well, including your previously fainted friend," her words caused everyone to turn and look at Jemima (Note: I had mistakenly always spelled her name with an "N" instead, and only recent relooks at programs and one important note from a reviewer has resulted in this grammar correction. Thanks to Puddycat for pointing out my error). The calico queen was now wide awake and clearly recovered from her previous fainting. She quickly looked around at her new surroundings and was stunned.

"Where…where are we? What is this place?" It took some time, but Victoria was able to tell her friend what had happened since she fainted, and where they were. Meanwhile, Harley, with practiced ease, jumped from her perch and onto the ladder, from there onto the floor of the loft. Alonzo glanced around again, clearly searching for something.

"Where's Carly?"

"Oh…well…she went to find someone who can help you all get back to your home," Harley quickly said, clearly looking like she was hiding something. She didn't want to tell them more, because it was something that her sister had to say to them. After a few hours, Carly did return, with a look of disgust in her eyes. Her fur was disheveled, and there was an odd scent about her. Harley just sat quietly, her head slightly turned away, while everyone else stared at her with amazement and shock.

"Carly…wha…what happened to you? You look terrible!" Victoria asked with complete surprise.

"It doesn't matter," the cream colored queen answered with a sharp tone in her voice, "I did something to help you all get back home. You will be leaving within 2 days," her words had everyone quiet at both the shock of seeing this proud queen look absolutely terrible, and the slight joy that they would be going home. After spending a few minutes cleaning up, Carly invited everyone to a tour of the sisters' property, which everyone, but Jemima accepted. Harley volunteered to stay with her, and the two sat quietly as everyone else went to look around. Jemima had learned from everyone else that Harley was usually very quiet with other cats beside her sister, and kept her distance. After a long moment of silence, she finally decided to inquire the cream queen about it.

"Harley, everyone else has been wondering why you hardly ever talk. I know you might not want to talk to everyone about it, but you can talk to me."

Harley turned to her, her eyes flashing, "You are right, I don't want to talk about it, at all," with that, she turned away again.

"But you can't just keep this a secret forever! Whatever secret you have that's causing this, holding it in is not helping you at all. Please Harley. Tell me."

The young kitten sighed and glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on them or peeping, then she turned back to Jemima, "You promise you won't tell anyone?" the calico queen nodded, swearing on her heart that she would never tell anyone, "Well, it all started 2 years ago. Our mother, who had raised us here, left us, telling us that we had to now live on our own. There were three of us, myself, Carly, and our brother, Ollie. We did alright for awhile, but then Ollie left, and Carly and I were on our own. We both concluded that we should find a mate, and raise a family, rather than live on our own," her eyes flashed again with anger and betrayal, "I met Ashen, a tom that lived at a nearby farm. We got close, and we were thinking of becoming mates. One night, though, he came on to me. He thought that since we were already set to begin our lives together, we should get into the act of mating. I refused, told him I wasn't ready. He…just snapped, for no reason. He pushed me down and…got on top…of me. I…I tried to fight him off, but…" she couldn't say anymore and she broke down. Jemima sat there in shock and then finally sat next to her and put a comforting arm around her, which caused the cream-colored queen to put her head on Jemmi's shoulder. After a moment, she spoke again.

"The next day, he tried to apologize, saying that he went insane, that he didn't know what he was doing. But I knew better, and told him to never see me again, ever. Ever since then, Carly and I made a vow to each other, that we would stay single queens the rest of our lives and only care for each other," she finished her story with a somber tone. Jemima had been listening wide-eyed the entire time and was amazed.

"But…if he did…that to you…did you end up…?"

Harley smiled lightly, "Thanks to my owners, I was fixed before that."

Jemmi smiled back, placing a gentle paw on Harley's knee, giving her comfort. The two exchanged a smile of recognition. Harley felt so much at ease after telling the calico queen her story. It felt great telling her, and now she knew she could trust her as a friend.

Meanwhile out on the lawn, everyone else was lounging on the grass, relaxing, and the sun warming them. They had enjoyed their nice little tour of the property, and learning about the sisters' family of humans that lived with them. As they rested, Victoria constantly glanced over at Tumblebrutus, who was napping, Pouncival a few feet away. She had thought over her plan, and knew that she needed Brutus' help to make it work. For the longest time, she watched the two brothers, hoping that at any time, the two would separate. Finally, Pouncival got up to chat with Mungojerrie, and Vicki saw her opportunity. The all-white queen scooted over to where Brutus was and lightly touched his shoulder. The black and white tom slowly woke up and looked at her curiously, "Vicki, what do you want?"

Victoria glanced to make sure no one could hear them and whispered in his ear, "You've noticed as well as I how things are between Jemima and Pouncival, right?" Brutus nodded. Vicki gave a devilish grin as she whispered more, "I have been thinking. Those two are not going to get together by themselves; it would be too awkward for them after those incidents in the crate. That's why we need to sort of…help them get together. I have an idea that just might work, but I'm going to need your help. Feel like playing matchmaker a little?"

The tom answered with a smug grin of his own, "That sounds great! What's your idea?" Victoria quietly whispered her plan to him, which finished with Tumblebrutus grinning ear-to-ear, "Do you think it will work?"

"If everything falls in place for us, it will."

The rest of that day and the next went by without any incident. On the third morning, Carly woke up everyone early in the morning, "It's time. We have to hurry if we have any chance to get you all home," With that, everyone quickly woke up and quickly groomed each other, and had a bit of rabbit that they caught the night before. In only minutes, the sisters led the Jellicles down the driveway that led to the sisters' home. From there, they went south, down a gravel road that went past a few farms and down a slope. From there, there was a highway that went east to west, and the sisters headed east, leading everyone else. They walked in the ditch on the side of the road, to avoid being seen. As they progressed, the sun rose, shining right into the cats' eyes, and forced them to move through the woods. After going over 4 miles in almost 2 hours, many of the Jellicles, especially the ones that lived in human houses all day, were clearly straggling behind. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer got into a stupid argument about nothing.

"Everlasting Cat, how much longer are we 'sposed to go?"

"Mungo, please shut it! We've heard ya ask da same question 4 times already in 20 minutes!"

"It hasn't been dat many times!"

"Yes it has."

"No, it hasn't!"

"Ya wanna bet on it?"

"Watcha got?"

As the two siblings continued their squabbling, Carly whispered to her sister, "Uh, what I would give for two pieces of duct tape right now!" which caused Harley to giggle in response. After another half-hour of walking and constant complaining and arguing from Mungo and Teazer, they ended up next to a bar, which it's exterior could've used some maintenance work. They quickly ran across another road that intersected with the highway, and went to the back, where there was a little cat hole entrance. As soon as the Jellicles entered, they were greeted by the strong smell of catnip and other foul substances, which caused many of them to cover their noses. As they followed the sisters through the cat bar, they realized how well occupied it was by other cats. It consisted of cats gulping down catnip like it was going out of style, sultry queens leading willing toms to private areas and some simply sitting, watching life go by. It was quite clear that this was a swanky place, where only the boldest dared to enter. Many of the sultry queens and other occupants gave the Jellicles strange looks, like they were threatened by their presence. It made all of them group closer to each other, as protection. It seemed forever, but they ended up at the far end of the bar, where two burly minxes stood guard at a door. Boldly, Carly spoke to them, but due to the noise of the music blaring into the bar, the rest couldn't hear what she said. Whatever the cream queen said, it must've worked because they were all admitted entrance through the door that the minxes guarded. In this other room, the music was much less quiet, and they could see, sitting on a comfortable cushion, with two more sultry queens flanking him, was a slightly pudgy, but well built, orange tabby, with a white face and chest. In his mouth was a smoked sausage, which he sucked on, almost like it was a cigar. His eyes lighted up as he saw the sisters enter.

"Well, well, well. So you did return, Carly dear, and of course your lovely sister Harley. And who are those behind you?"

"They are those stranded cats I told you about, the ones that need to get back to Britain?"

The tabby's eyes narrowed briefly in confusion, but it quickly disappeared, "Ah, yes, those, of course," he gave both of his flanking queens a pat on the knee, "Dears, could you please let me be with this group? Don't worry, I'll call you back when I'm alone," he said with a smug grin, giving one of the queens a slap on the rump as they left. As soon as they were gone, he turned back to the sisters and the Jellicles, "So, this is the group of foreign cats that carelessly got packed away to America?" he let out a laugh of amusement, "I must say, of all ways to get to America, this is the most hilarious one I have ever heard of!"

"Enough of the chitchat Rollin, you know why we are here."

The tabby smirked, "Yes, yes, I do. And I have to tell you, you don't know how many strings I had to pull to get all of this done, though thanks to your good friend Carly here, it was all worth it," he said, giving the cream colored queen a predatory grin. Carly simply gave him a snarling glare in return. Rollin didn't seem to pay any attention to it as he gave his sausage another suck, which drew attention from Alonzo.

"What meat is that?" he asked with curiosity. Rollin maintained his grin.

"Venison, deer, only the best, of course," This brought looks of interest and intrigue from Alonzo and Mungojerrie.

"Say, you 'ave any more?" The calico tom asked.

"Why of course I do. Though, of course, like anything else you want from me, it comes at a price," he gave Rumpleteazer and Cassandra glances, "I'll give you two both one of my sausage sticks…if you let me have 20 minutes alone with your two lovely queens."

"NO DEAL!" Carly's voice rang out, beating Mungo and Lonzo to the punch, "Rollin, you are not going to take advantage of these cats just to satisfy your needs!"

"Well, why not, Carly?" Rollin asked with a taunting tone, "Why after all, you did the same for me several times before!"

"YOU NEVER TALK ABOUT THAT AGAIN!" the cream colored queen roared out, "THAT WAS IN THE PAST!"

"Oh was it? Have you forgotten what happened a few nights ago?"

"ROLLIN!" As Carly responded, everyone else realized what the story was between these two, and it was clearly too shocking to discuss. Carly had a "history" with this tom. As Jemima thought together Harley's story with Carly's, she was stunned at how turbulent a past the two sisters had. (Hark! Do I sense a future story about the sisters? Let me know if you would like that!) Thankfully, for them, the orange tom left the conversation at that and proceeded with business.

"Anyways, I have been told of your situation, and I am willing to help you. Here's how the plan will go: In about half an hour, a beer truck is going to arrive at this bar to make a delivery. One of my associates will accompany you. Because the truck delivers Miller Beer, it will be going to Milwaukee, which is right on the shore of Lake Michigan. From there, you will head to the pier, where a cargo ship will be leaving to make its delivery in Cleveland. From there, there will be a plane, a charter jet, which takes the Cleveland Indians baseball team to its road games. They are playing a series in New York. From the jet, you will be going to another pier, and you will board a ship that will be heading for England. From there, I'm sure you will be able to find your own way home. Now then, my associate, Whalner, will take care of all of you now. My work here is done. Now, if you will excuse me…" Rollin let out a whistle, which brought the two sultry queens back into the room. Another tom, a wiry white and grey colored tom, came and gestured the cats to another door, which led outside, near the trees.

As everyone sat there, Jemima sat the closest to the sisters, though everybody else had their eyes on them, "Carly, tell me it isn't so!" Jemmi whispered, "You and him?"

"Like I said, it's in the past," Carly sharply spoke back, "Let's just say it involved an old addiction to catnip," With that, she turned away, leaving a sullen calico queen sitting there in sad silence. The rest of the eight Jellicles quietly conversed, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer having another argument, about which was better, Argentine joint or filet mignon. After a half hour had passed, Whalner gestured everyone to be quiet. A white semi pulling a navy blue trailer pulled up to the bar. The trailer had the Miller Lite logo emblazoned on the side. As the truck stopped, Whalner whispered to the Jellicles.

"When I say so, you will run to the truck. There is a box on the bottom of the trailer. There's enough room for all of you. I want you to run in pairs, all right?" All eight Jellicles nodded in agreement, and waited. Jemima turned to Harley, who was standing beside Carly behind them, watching.

"G…goodbye" she whispered quietly. The two cream queens nodded.

"Good Luck" Harley responded with a smile. Jemmi returned it and nodded. At that moment, Whalner whispered out, "You two follow me!"

Mungo and Rumple followed him to the box hanging down from the trailer. There was a hole on one corner and the two slipped in. Whalner waited for a moment before gesturing for 4 more. Jemmi and Vicki, followed by Tumblebrutus and Pouncival, ran to the truck and slipped in as well. After another moment, Alonzo and Cassandra followed suit. In the metal box, there where 4 rows of cat-made seats, a pair in each row.

As they took their places, Vicki quickly sat next to Tumblebrutus, which was noticed by Pouncival, "Hey, why can't I sit here?"

"Why? You don't want to sit next to Jemima?" the white queen asked innocently, referring to her friend, who was sitting in front of them, with one open seat next to her.

"Uh…well…um…" Pouncival's hesitation was interrupted by Whalner's shout.

"Sit down! We're about to go!" This resulted in a scowl from the black and white tom as he quietly took the seat next to Jemima, who was equally unhappy about the seat setup. As the truck began to move, Victoria and Tumblebrutus exchanged high fives. Even though it was not part of their initial plan, it was still something they wanted. With smug grins on their faces joining the smiles of excitement and hope from the others, the stranded Jellicles began their trip back home.

Okay, okay, this wasn't a good chapter at all, but hey, it was necessary to give the story momentum. I tried to put as much little humor into this as I could, but this resulted in a lot more drama than I bargained for. The rest of the story will be much funnier, guaranteed.

I'm sorry I took so long getting this chapter out, but I have had so many things going on, I couldn't find any time to type. I don't know when the next chapter will come out, but I do have two other stories on the writing board. Fires of Inheritance, a sequel to Last Redemption, will be posted before the end of the month, or sometime after. I also have a Family Guy story, Seeing is Not Believing, in the works. So much writing, so little time. Anyways, PLEASE REVIEW. FLAME IF YOU MUST! AND KEEP READIN' AND WRITIN'!