"Your Swagger Makes Me Smile":
Hey guys! I'm back and ready to write! I'm so incredibly sorry I haven't updated for TWO WHOLE WEEKS! Here's my excuse:
Well, as you know, I had exams that week, so I wasn't going to update, but just after exams I became really sick with a virus, that evolved into tonsillitis. The worst part was I was at my aunt's place up the other end of town when I got it, AND she's a nurse so she's on nightshift a lot, so basically, I was stuck ALONE with the worst tonsillitis/flu ever, and I couldn't update. (I know, my life is sad. lol)
I can't believe how guilty I feel…I'm so sorry! So here's my treat; a dramatic update! Maybe two chapters if you're lucky.
Maddy xox
PS:
Thankyou to Rubidia! (Welcome to the reader family haha) also known as author to the excellent "Skimbles' Story" I recommend – It needs more reviews I say!
And also a thanks to my lovely reader Bombilicious! Yes, that personal message of yours made me feel extra guilty! Haha. Yes, here's your fix.
…is it just me or are less people reviewing? hint hint
Enjoy little kitties!
(BTW….this flashback happens at the same time as the other, until the kittens interrupt the ball, which just continues on what happened. And I'm altering the ball's layout; I mean…it can't be the same every year can it?)
•••••
"Time to go Bombalurina dear…" Jellyorum's voice lifted into the air behind Bombalurina. Bombs could just imagine the panicked look she gave that made Jellyorum smile kindly. Good heavy side, she was so nervous! What if she messed up? What would everyone think if-
"You'll be fine dear. Come along and get into position." Jelly was definitely related to Jenny. She had that same knack for knowing when you needed reassurance.
•••••
Cassandra watched from the corner of her eye as Bombalurina got into place. Gritting her teeth, she felt her paws scratch the ground beneath her. She was supposed to be the first act. The first dance. Everlasting cat, She WAS the invitation dance!
She let a wicked grin fan over her face as she crept from her place in the sidelines, rounding the TSE1. Traditionally, the invitation dance was supposed to be accompanied by a male lead, the male would have to be a brother to the dancer. But since Bombs had no brother, she was to do it all herself. Cassandra stepped lightly, one foot entering the central light. Her grin beamed selfishly as she took another step; Bombalurina hadn't broken any of her concentration, not noting her presence... yet. She could almost feel the whispers of cats in the gentle breeze. All eyes were on her. She was now the star-
Until Mistoffelees ripped her from the limelight; pulling her by the scruff of the neck back into the shadows.
•••••
Bombalurina almost cried at the praise she received back behind the ball. Hugs, and kisses, and flatteries like: 'Well done' and 'You're the best there's ever been!' and 'You should dance it every year!' But something was missing. Bombalurina's heart sank. Demeter wasn't there. And neither was Tugger.
Suddenly, even though she was surrounded by jellicles, she felt very alone.
•••••
Tugger flicked sweat from his brow. He glanced at the queens who fawned over him from afar; waving seductively and pouting there lips. He turned back to Munkustrap, who had a less adoring look towards him. His brow was creased sternly.
"You've screwed up already" He stated in a clear, almost angry voice.
"I know." Tugger was numb.
"You should've been there to congratulate her."
"I know."
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know." Tugger remained numb to everything. Munkustrap was obviously furious. Tugger knew why. He was supposed to be best friends with Bombs, and he was too selfish to even meet her after the most important dance of her life. He basically screwed over his entire life in minutes. How would she accept a mateship proposal now? She wouldn't. Tugger's heart burnt. He could feel it scorching this very painful remembrance right into his soul, branding his memory forever. She was beautiful when she danced. He may have been surrounded by the neighbourhood's finest females, but they withered in comparison to Bombalurina. The control, lines and curves of her body were utter perfection. Her fur and shone the brightest in the lone spotlight, her face surprisingly peaceful in her concentration. Why didn't he have the strength to uproot himself from the nameless fan-queens and seek his one beloved out to applaud her as others did?
Why couldn't he do it?
•••••
"What in rumpus cats name were you thinking?" Mistofelees shuddered at Deuteronomy's sheer disgust for Cassandra's actions. Then again, Misto did not disagree with his repulsion. He too, was absolutely livid. Bombalurina was chosen because she was worthy. Cassandra, was definitely not worthy, especially after the spectacle she had caused.
"How dare you endanger the very sanctity of the invitation dance!" Deuteronomy reprimanded a belittled Cassandra. Her head was down, tears trickling from her moonlit eyes, "What gives you the right?" He questioned in his deep voice, which now contrasted his usually warm and loving tone.
"I…" Cassandra croaked, unable to find a true explanation for her selfish actions, her ears flattened as Deuteronomy cleared his throat. The punishment wouldn't be nearly as bad as the shame the jellicle leader now thrusted upon her.
"Cassandra..." Deuteronomy's gaze was harsh, as she lifted her head to receive her punishment, "You are never to dance or sing a solo in a jellicle ball again." Cassandra felt like screaming. This was a fate worse then banishment.
"But Old Deuter-" Cassandra pleaded, but was cut off as he cleared his throat again, baritone voice adding to her sentence.
"…you are never to dance or sing solo. You are never to be featured as a main lead. I hope this will ensure you never, ever try to pull something like this again." His tone was final, and Cassandra sunk to the ground, shaking. Deuteronomy dismissed himself back to watch the ball, Mistofelees left standing stationary in pure shock, eyes fixed on the now sobbing, broken jellicle.
•••••
Grizabella twirled in the centre of the jellicle ball. She loved the attention. It was a beautiful thing to have a stage. That was until she was hit in the back of the head with a tyre. Cats around her shrieked as she stumbled, four paws on the ground, fur fluffed up in disdain. She glared at the innocently startled faces around her.
"Who was that?" Her number was long forgotten as her voice became banshee like; in long, raspy screeches, "I'm asking, who threw that?" No one answered. Grizabella then lost it.
"I can't stand this! HOW DARE ANY OF YOU INTERRUPT MY NUMBER! YOU LITTLE COWARDLY POLLICLES!" Jennyanydots and Skimbleshanks found themselves cover some kitten's ears as a string of foul insults were screeched at the jellicles, "I KNEW I WAS TOO GOOD FOR YOU! I HATE YOU! HATE YOU ALL!" Grizabella stormed off just as two kittens bodies thumped sickeningly to the hard ground. Everything was silent, the two kittens bodies illuminated by the spotlight Grizabella left behind.