Part Four: The Temptress

Chapter Twenty-eight

*Author's Note: I'm sorry, darlings, if I confused you! I meant I wanted to end that chapter with a cliffhanger--not the whole story! I would like to take this time to point out that all of my material comes from the film CATS. Watch Rosemarie Ford (who plays Bombalurina) whenever she looks at Misto. She has a soft, almost motherly expression...for example, watch her in the background as Munku starts "Gumbie Cat" and Misto is playing around. Also note her expression when Misto goes by her at the beginning of "Bustopher Jones." Very good subtext.

I stood there, stunned by the sight of this cat who was my son. I didn't know how it could be him…but how could it not? The tiny white paws, the white tip on his tail, even that shy little smile—I knew my son.

"Bombsy?" Mungo said quietly, noticing the blood drain from my face. His voice shook me from my memories.

"Huh?"

"Ya' alroight?"

I turned to see Mungo and Teaser's concerned little faces staring back at me. I forced a smile, my voice still shaking with excitement, "Y-yes, I'm fine. Um, I can't come with you. You cats go on without me."

Mungo shot me another concerned look, but I just smiled and motioned for him to follow Rumpleteaser, who had already begun to leave. I took a deep breath and made my way over to my son.

I sat there, quietly watching him dance. I felt my heart pounding in my chest, as if it was about explode from anticipation. What if I was mistaken? I knew I wasn't; I couldn't be. But what if I was?

Suddenly, Mistoffelees stopped. He had finally noticed me.

"Hi," he said, stepping back shyly. I smiled back. There was an awkward pause. I motioned to the dance floor, "You are very good."

"Thanks," he smiled. "My aunt says I get it from my mother."

"Oh?" I felt my breathing quicken. "And who is your mother?"

He bent his head. "She's been gone for a long time now."

"I'm sorry to hear that," I said softly. My curiosity was killing me, "What happened to her?"

"I don't know," the half-grown kit turned away slightly. "No one does. When I was very young, I was taken from her. When I returned, she was gone."

"Oh," was all I could say. I couldn't get enough air in my lungs. The cat gave a sad smile, "I don't remember her very well. I do remember that she used to smell like lavender. And at night, whenever my sisters and I couldn't sleep, she would sing a lullaby."

I smiled fondly, remembering the lullaby that I sang to my kits—the lullaby my mother sang before she abandoned me, "Jellicle Cats come out tonight, Jellicle Cats come one come all, The Jellicle moon is shining bright, Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball."

Mistoffelees stopped and looked at me strangely. I gave a soft, hopeful smile. His mouth quivered, but no sound came out. Finally, he spoke.

"Sing that again."

I did. I saw the realization dawning on his face. He had not recognized my voice until I sang. He took a hesitant step towards me, his voice barely audible, "You're alive."

I nodded, tears forming in my eyes. He slowly approached me, his head titled curiously, "Why didn't you come back? I waited for you."

"I thought you were dead," I whispered through my tears. Mistoffelees nodded, "I almost was. The humans took us to the river. When they threw us in…something happened."

"What?" I leaned forward breathlessly. "What happened?"

Mistoffelees looked down at his paws, "I discovered my power."

I sat back, my eyes wide with wonder. He had inherited his father's conjuring capabilities. I asked quietly, "And your sisters?"

Mistoffelees hung his head in shame, "I couldn't save them."

I gave a small nod. It was not hard to bear that—I had believed them to be dead for some time now. At least one of my kits had returned. I looked up at him quizzically, "How did you know about this place?"

Mistoffelees gave a small smile, "It took me a long time to find my way back. When I returned, Nefertiti told me that you had left. She believed you had returned to the Jellicles—she said you used to talk about them. She didn't know where they were, but I just sensed it. So I followed my feet. And here I am."

"Here you are." I smiled. I stood, taking a hesitant step towards my son. I motioned to hug him, "May I?"

His face lit up and he almost tackled me in a hug. I laughed until I cried and cried until I laughed. I was suddenly very glad that I had not been chosen to go to Heaviside Layer. I still had so much time to spend with my child—my kit who had returned from the dead.

The next few days were pure heaven for me. I spent all my time with my son, wrapped up in his tales, learning about him. I would sit for hours, listening to him, occasionally smoothing the fur on his face, as I did when he was a kit. I could not believe my luck. I had regained some of what had been lost—not all, but enough to make me truly happy.

~*~

"So, Misto," I sat back, my face skewed in confusion. We were sitting side by side on the old car, making up for lost time. "Why did you change your name?"

"Ah, yes," he laughed softly. "When I returned, Nefertiti said I shouldn't go by Macsimius any more. She said it might attract…attention."

I nodded, knowing that Nefertiti had made the right choice. If Macavity had learned that his son was still alive, he would have came after him. I smiled softly, remembering my time with the Marbry Street cats, "How is Nefertiti?"

"She's dead," Misto said quietly. I looked at him in concern. He added, "That's why I came back. I had no family left."

I wrapped my arm around him, my voice almost choked with tears, "Well, you do now."

He smiled in his usual shy manner, resting his head on my shoulder. This poor kitten! I had been moping about, thinking how horrible my life was, but at least I had Demeter. Misto had no one. I had the tribe—even if they did not approve of my partying, they still accepted me, and for the most part, loved me. Misto had been completely and utterly alone. I looked toward Heaviside and silently thanked Nefertiti for taking care of my son.

~*~

Old Deuteronomy and Demeter were the only two who knew of Misto's origins. I didn't want the others to know. Word got around too quickly in this city. It broke my heart to do so, but the four of us made a pact never to even reveal that I was Mistoffelees' mother. I hated not being able to claim my son, but I knew that if Macavity got wind of it, he would instantly know that it was his kitten as well. I could not risk it. I contented myself with at least being able to watch Misto grow into a handsome and caring young tom. He looked up to Munku, which was a good sign, and he despised Tugger, which was even better. He eventually left his humans and took up residence at the house across the street from us, where I could visit him daily without the fear of discovery. When we were in the junkyard, we were careful not to be too close. This was part of my plan to keep Misto safe from the clutches of his now-crazed father.

I really think that Misto did not care for Tugger because he saw how the two of us acted around each other. I tried to be a little more modest around my son, but Misto and I were rarely in the same place at the same time, so I could still have my fun with the toms. My life seemed complete—I was the belle of the ball, I had my son, I had my best friend and bearer of my burdens, Demeter, and for the first time in a very long time, I was happy.

~*~

Tugger came up to me, smoothing his mane in his usual suave manner, "Hiya there, Babycakes."

"That's Miss Babycakes to you," I replied smartly, deciding that today I was going to play harder to get than usual. He just smiled, "Whaddya say we go out dancing tonight?"

"I already have plans," I sniffed. He stepped back, shocked, "With whom?"

"It really isn't any of your business," I replied as I began to preen, smoothing out my whiskers with care.

"Maybe it is."

I snorted at this, "Oh, please, Tugger. You don't own me."

"Well, whose fault is that?" He cried, throwing his hands up in despair. I wasn't sure how to respond; I tried to hide my smile, "Yours, I suppose. It always is."

He gave me a cross look, "Oh, and you're completely innocent? Is that it?"

I sat back, a look of mild surprise on my face. What was his problem?

"You certainly are edgy today," I commented wryly. He replied hotly, "Why shouldn't I be? You've been stringing me along for months now!"

"I wouldn't call it stringing—"

"Don't play with me," he cut me off. He leaned forward, genuine concern in those self-conceited dark eyes, "What's the deal? You've been with every other tom in this junkyard—"

"Hey! Not every tom—"

"And you won't even go out dancing with me!" Tugger finished desperately. I just smiled down on him, suddenly realizing the problem, "It's killing you, isn't it? You can have any other queen you want, but I won't give you the time of day, and it is just driving you insane."

He stood a little straighter, "Maybe. Maybe I just don't see why you'll go with any other tom but me."

I slid down the car hood, rising to meet him. Even at my highest, he was still taller than me.

"Tugger's lost his charm," I sing-songed, softly mocking him. "And he can't stand it…"

I could see the anger boiling in his eyes and wisely chose to stop singing. I took a deep breath, "I will go dancing with you, but not tonight."

"When?"

"Tomorrow," I flashed a charming grin. I slipped away quietly, leaving Tugger to his thoughts. He must not have taken long to contemplate, for I soon heard squeals of joy from the female kits. Even at his lowest, Tugger could not resist a crowd.

I shook my head, chuckling softly to myself. That whole display had been just another ploy—another trick designed by Tugger to trap me. I smiled knowingly, silently vowing never to become a conquest of the Rum Tum Tugger.

~*~

As I was sauntering out of the yard, I met Alonzo, who was just being relieved from his morning patrol, "Good morning, Bomba."

I smiled, "Morning, Lonz. How's Cass?"

He grimaced. He and Cass had a very volatile relationship, "We're finished. For real. I mean it's seriously over this time."

"That's what you said last time," I replied smoothly. He shook his head, "I mean it this time. She's found someone else."

"Oh," I said, feeling a certain amount of pity for him. Alonzo gave a small smile, "Well, you know how it is. Like your heart just gets ripped outta your chest and stomped on."

"Yes," I gave a small smile. He looked away sadly. Suddenly, he turned back to me, his eyes filled with a slight sense of hope, "Do you mind just sitting here awhile and talking with me?"

"No," I smiled. I climbed onto a nearby crate and patted the space next to me. He dutifully joined me and we spent the afternoon discussing Cassandra and the many ills of love.

After awhile I noticed several of the younger toms were watching us intently. Alonzo noticed too; he turned to them, "Is there a problem?"

"No," said Tumblebrutus, a smile on his face.

"Then what do you want?" Alonzo asked.

"Kiss her!" Pouncival cried out. There was a moment of awkward silence. I looked at my audience, who watched with breathless anticipation. I could not disappoint.

So I grabbed Alonzo and kissed him hard on the mouth.

~*~

"What was that?" Alonzo sat back, genuinely surprised by my boldness.

"A kiss," I whispered, giggling. I could hear the twitters of the younger toms below us, but I didn't really care. Alonzo still regarded me strangely, "Why?"

"Why not?" I smiled seductively. "You're an attractive tom."

He gave a small smile, "Bomba, you're scaring me."

I laughed and sat back, releasing him. I flashed a devilish grin at the younger ones, "Now run along, boys."

They did, whooping and hollering, "Bomba kissed Alonzo! Aaaand he liked it!"

We both laughed self-consciously. I looked at him, "Sorry. Didn't think they'd announce it to the planet."

"It's Ok," he replied. After a small silence, he spoke again, "Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm?" I said lazily, lying back to absorb the wondrous sunlight.

"Would you have done that if they hadn't dared you to?"

I looked at Alonzo curiously, thrown off by his serious tone. I chuckled, "I dunno. I suppose not."

"Why?"

"I dunno," I furrowed my brow. I always hated conversations like these. "You're…I just…don't know. I don't think of you that way."

"Why not?"

He was beginning to agitate me with his questions, but I answered them anyways. I took a deep breath, mentally searching for an answer, "Because…you're Alonzo. You walked me home when we were kits. You pulled my tail and called me the red giant."

Alonzo gave a small laugh, "Oh, yeah, I forgot about that."

I continued, "We've grown up together, Lonz. I just…it would just be weird. You know too much about me."

"That's usually a good thing," he replied, looking back at me with a smile. I shook my head, "Not in my case."

"But," Alonzo laid back, turning so that his eyes were level with mine. "Would you consider it?"

I smiled softly, realizing that Alonzo was in a fragile state of mind after his break up with Cass. I shook my head, "Alonzo, you don't mean any of this. You're just upset over Cassandra right now."

He looked at me, his face as open and honest as the rising sun, "But I do mean it, Bomba. I care about you. Always have. I just never said anything because…well…"

"I've had my paws full with Tugger," I supplied. He nodded, smiling sheepishly. I sighed. Alonzo was a great tom, but he deserved someone who could give him kits, who could truly appreciate his gentle ways. I was not that someone. I had given up on love a long time ago.

"Lonz," I said softly, turning my face to the blinding sun. "I can't. There was a time when I could have…when I would have gladly said yes. But that was a long time ago. You see, I loved someone once—truly, madly, deeply, once. And I never quite got over it. I don't think I ever will."

"I could make you forget," Alonzo said hopefully, his eyes shining with a hope that he had hitherto never admitted. I shook my head sadly, "I'm so sorry, Lonz, but I can never forget. I don't think you could make me; nothing can."

He looked away sadly. I sat up, giving him a small smile, "You'll see I'm right. One day. Not today, but one day."

"And maybe," he sat up, his bright black eyes focusing on mine. "One day you'll see that I'm right."

In that moment, he took my breath away. I wished like crazy that I could have loved him; that I could have given Alonzo that chance to be my knight in shining armor. But I knew that he could never have saved me, for I did not wish to be saved.

~*~

I went out with Tugger that night anyways. After my discussion with Alonzo, I did not wish to be alone. Being alone meant having time to think. I did not want to be with my thoughts.

Tugger was a great dancer—I already knew that. But he seemed different. Now that he was away from his adoring fans, he began to show his softer side. He held me close when we danced, whispered little nothings in my ear, touched me with the softest of touches. Still, I did not give in. I could not break my oath.

"I'm going to play a round of cards," I said with a smile, disengaging myself from his grasp. He made a face, "C'mon, Bombie! Why play cards when you can dance?"

"I prefer to stretch my mental muscles," I replied, tapping him lightly on the nose and making my way through the crowd. It was amazing—cats still stepped aside whenever I walked through. I could feel the lustful looks of the toms and the searing hatred from the queens. Queens always did that. Of course, the main reason for their hatred was because whenever I arrived on the scene, all the toms would invariably turn their attention to the Red Queen with the Cheshire cat grin.

Still, it's not my fault—it's just a lucky combination of genetics and natural charm. And just a touch of dramatic flair.

I sat at the table, "Deal me in."

The cats did. I sat back nonchalantly, rearranging my cards and lazily watching my fellow players. That's when Macavity appeared.

I felt him walk up behind me, laying his paws ever-so-gently on my shoulders. I nearly jumped at his touch.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he responded in a husky whisper—the one that used to make me shiver in delight. Now it made my stomach turn with loathsomeness. I wrinkled my nose in disdain. I stood, "Excuse me, gentlemen. Perhaps another time."

I turned to go, not even bothering to look at Macavity. He growled, "What? Now you suddenly can't stand the sight of me?"

I shot him a dark look. I had nothing to say to him.

"Walk away!" He cried out hoarsely. I stopped. He continued, "That's what you're best at, isn't it? You take a tom's soul, you grind it to dust, and then you walk away!"

I looked at Macavity in total and utter disbelief. Who was this cat that stood before me, spewing such hate?

"I don't know you," I said in a low voice. I turned to leave. Mac's voice stopped me.

"How could you not know me?" He called out. I turned to see him standing there, arms thrown out in total defiance, "I am what you made me. Look at you creation, Bombalurina!"

I shook my head sadly and walked away. For the second time in my life, I left Macavity. But this time, I was not leaving the tom who loved me—for all that was left was a bitter, empty husk of a once-great cat.

~*~

Tugger followed me out, his handsome features set with concern, "You OK?"

I looked at him angrily, "Do I look OK?"

He had not witnessed my exchange with Macavity; Tugger had merely seen me as I walked out. He took a hesitant step towards me, unsure of how to act, "What's wrong?"

"Macavity," I spat the word. He stiffened, looking around wildly, "He's here?"

"It's his club," I remarked. Tugger turned back to the club, "I'm gonna—"

"Don't," I said grabbing him and whirling him around to face me. "He's got you outnumbered by at least 20 cats. Be smart, Tugger."

He looked down on me; he knew I was right. He wrapped a protective paw around my shoulder, "Let's go."

I nodded quietly as we made our way down the street.

"We're never going back there again," Tugger said hotly. "I'm not going to a club owned by some monster."

I just ducked my head and kept walking. Tugger was on a rant now, there was no use interrupting. "I mean, he's just…I can't believe that cat—showing his face after all he's done!"

"He said it was my fault," I said quietly. Tugger stopped. I looked away, "He said I made him that way."

"And you believed him?" Tugger leaned forward incredulously. I didn't answer. I didn't have to—the tears forming in my eyes spoke volumes.

"Bombie," Tugger said gently. "He is the way he is because he chose to be. Nothing you could have done or said would have changed that. If you hadn't left him, it just would've been something else that would have set him off."

I shook my head, "I don't know about that." I looked up at Tugger, trying to make him understand, "You don't know what he was like, before all this. He was kind, and gentle, and he—"

"He beat you up," Tugger gently wrapped his arms around me. His paws easily found the scars that still marked my back and torso. "He almost killed you. That undoes all the good things about him. He hurt you, and that's unforgivable."

I looked up at him, my eyes searching his face. He smiled, "Kiss me, Bomba."

"You kiss me first," I replied softly through my tears. He laughed, "You just can't stand to lose, can you?"

I shook my head. He gave another low chuckle and leaned forward, pulling me into him. Mouths met, tongues explored, and I felt electricity shoot through me. I had forgotten I could feel like that. Oh, the Rum Tum Tugger certainly was a curious cat.