Well, as far as getting back to the Junkyard was concerned, it wasn't actually too hard, & when we got back Old D & Misto managed to heal some of my more atrocious wounds. But, the next day, I suffered, not a physical pain, but twice times emotional torture!
I received, not only a blow that was utterly embarrassing, but also another blow that was just more heartbreak for me.
The next day, as I was resting in an old drainage pipe, Electra & Etcetera came bounding up to me, looking ecstatic. Flicking my tail slightly, just to indicate I wanted solitude, I gave them a sceptical look, then said "So, go on then, what's happened? You 2 look pleased."
As if she hadn't registered my bored voice, Etcetera, practically bubbling, said "Oh, Tugger you'd never believe it!"
"No, really?" I said, raising my eyebrows. Etcetera just ignored me & continued. "Oh, Tugger, Bomba's in love!" This last word, she said with a dreamy sigh. Knowing she was referring to Pounce, I sighed, & said "Oh, yeah, I know! Though why on earth she'd choose Pouncival, only Heaviside kn…"
"WHAT!" yelped both the kits, then Electra asked, bemused "What do you mean, Pouncival? She's with Plato!"
"I-but I- wait, what d'you mean, Plato?"
The kittens exchanged glances, & Electra said, rather hesitantly "Er, Tugger, what made you think of Pounce?"
"Well, it's just I- oh, never mind. So, Bomba's with Plato. Well, that's very interesting, but if you 2 squirts don't mind, I'm a bit behind on my 'beauty sleep'." So saying this, I turned my back on them, but it appeared they weren't quite finished, for, as they started to leave, Electra turned & said "Erm, Tugger, Bomba & Plato have adopted Pounce. Just so you know."
I didn't reply, & they left. So that was it. That was the reason Bomba had been nuzzling Pounce. She wasn't assessing him as a prospective mate; she was going to adopt him. With Plato!
The humiliation was bad enough, but confessing my very big mistake in front of the 2 kits was even worse. For a moment or 2, I stayed in the pipe, but then, I looked across the 'Yard, saw Bomba & Plato talking together, with Pounce curled up beside them, & promptly left. I didn't want to stay & see any more of that sickening sight!
Well, as far as Bomba & her new boyfriend were concerned, they lasted about 5 months, by which time there were 2 new members to the Tribe. Firstly, around April time, Demeter gave birth to a little queen kit. Demi called her Messega, & immediately fell in love with her, becoming very protective of her. The only toms she would let near her daughter were Old D, & Munkustrap, who, not long after Messega was born, became Demi's mate. I felt really happy for them, for I knew Munk would look after Demi & her daughter.
Also, Demeter & Bomba acquired a new sister, when Jenny, by Skimble, gave birth to another calico queen, in March.
She was called Jemima, & she had, apparently, been born under the full moon. I had to admit, she was really cute, & even as a tiny kitten she seemed, well, innocent, pure, & refined. It was kinda strange, actually!
Anyway, sometime in May, something happened which would change my entire prospective on life!