The house was cool and bright. The Stenson's place was not a bad place at all. It was spacious, cozy and well furnished. Victoria was lucky. She had a wonderful family that loved her, kept her healthy and looking great. Mistoffelees had decided to come over and spend some time with her. He had announced his love for her almost a year ago and have been together since. The Jellicles always found them to be a cute couple. Mistoffelees sat comfortably in a huge soft cushioned rocking chair upstairs in Mrs. Stenson's beautiful clean room, adorned with chimes and priceless small collectable statues while Victoria searched curiously through a huge chest decorated with chubby angels that sat horizontally at the foot of Mrs. Stenson's collassal queen size bed, covered with laced soft white sheets and fluffy matching pillows. "Oh look Misto!" cried Victoria as she pulled out a flattened rose whose color, once scarlet red was now a dead dark maroon. "Do you remember this?" Misto frowned, "A smashed dead rose?" Victoria rolled her eyes, "Come on Misto! Don't you remember? This was the first gift you gave me when we first met!"
Misto laughed, "I gave you that ugly wilting bud?!" Vicki frowned as she tried to spread out it's crispy petals, "Well it wasn't always like this. It looked a whole lot better a year ago." Mistoffelees chuckled as he placed his head back, "We all did hun." Victoria took that offensive and snapped, "Honestly Misto, where's that romance in you? Don't you remember anything? Our first Jellicle Ball song and dance together?" her eyes then spotted something else in the trunk and she swiftly took it out. "Look at this." it was a crumpled sheet of paper that had coffee stains and was tattered at the corners. "Please tell me you remember this!" Misto glanced at it and thought for a while. "A shopping list?"
"Misto!!! It's your poem that you wrote me!! You use to say how beautiful and fine looking I was!!" her voice began to crack, "Don't you see anything in this chest that brings joy and memories to your heart?" Misto glanced at the trunk and his eyes widoned, "Yeah I do!" Vicki gave a satified nodd, "Good, and what is it?" and Mistoffelees leaped off the rocker, reached in the trunk and pulled out a huge satin cloth.
Victoria frowned, "What's that?" "It's my cape! Now this brings some memories! When I was a kitten, my magician trainer, Magrook, made this for me! It made me feel like a real magician." and Misto tied the cape around him and flapped it like wings by his side as he said with a smile, "Now those were the days!"
Victoria couldn't take it anymore, "That's it Misto! I can't believe you! Out of all this stuff that represented our love, you just toss it aside and reach for your worthless magic cape?!" Misto scowled, "Worthless?! this was hand made might I remind you!" By now Victoria was screaming, "You probably don't even remember all this much less you probably don't CARE!!!" and she threw the crumpled poem aside and stomped on the wilted rose.
Mistoffelees was set back by his queen's reaction and slowly placed his arm around her, "Gosh Vicki, I didn't think how much this all meant to you. Heck, if it'll make you feel better how about you and me go out on a nice long vacation together! I hear there's a cruise leaving tonight and sailing in the Atlantic. Humans pay, but cats can just sneak on free. The dinner's great too." Victoria's eyes widoned, "You mean it? Just you and me and great blue sea?!" Misto laughed, "Yeah! Under the moonlight with champain in our hands!" "Oh Misto!" and she wrapped her arms around Misto's neck who was now smiling contently. Backing off, Vicki replied, "Oh gosh this will be wonderful! I'll have to tell Jemima and Ectetera! They'll be estatic! We're going on...on...on a honeymoon!! Oh gosh! What collar am I going to wear?" Misto chuckled, thrilled at Vicki's excitement and she quickly turned and headed in Mrs. Stenson's closet to find what collars she had, leaving Misto with his cape.
"Ah Misto you amaze me." he said to himself, "This WILL be great! Just me and her, without a worry in the world. Wait till Tugger finds out how much of a stud I'm being, and Bustopher Jones will be so proud of---" Suddenly Misto's eyes widened like marbles and he let out a horrifying gasp as if it was his last breath of air. He then slapped his forehead as he cried, "My God! Bustopher Jones!! I promised him I'd be the entertainment for tonight's club party!!" Misto groaned, "Oh no, what am I gonna tell Vicki?! Way to Mistoffelees!" and Victoria emerged from the closet wearing an emerald collar that shimmered in the light. "How's this?" she asked as she took a pose allowing the light to bring it to life. Misto gave a crooked grin, "It looks great." he replied somberly. Victoria frowned, "Misto what's wrong? We're suppose to be happy we going on-"
"Vicki, I'm sorry, but we're not going anywhere." he blurted out with sorrowful eyes. She froze, with a bewildered expression on her face as if what he said was Greek. "What?" was all she could let out in a quivering whisper. Misto looked shamefully away as he answered her, "I promised Bustopher Jones that I'd be at his 'CATS SHABANG NIGHT CLUB' and perform some magic for the audience." Victoria didn't know what to say. She just looked to the floor trying the think of someway out of this nightmare. "But Misto can't you just-"
"No I can't. Bustopher is a very demanding tom, and when he says, 'I'll see you there', you had BEST be there!" Victoria was steamed, "The romance HAS left you!" Mistoffelees rolled his eyes impatiently, "Don't start this again Vicki. The vacation just can't be done. Maybe next year." "THAT'S WHAT YOU SAID LAST YEAR WHEN WE FIRST MET!! And next year you're going to say 'Well maybe the following' and then so on! Misto, this is ridiculous! You'd put your magic over our relationship? I wanna go on this cruise!!"
"WE CAN'T!!" Misto hollared. Victoria growled, "Well, maybe WE can't but I WILL!" "What are you talking about?" Misto asked already annoyed. With her fist clenthed by her side, her chin up and her eyes staring directly into his, she growled, "I'm leaving!" Mistoffelees frowned, "What? You can't be serious." but Vicki ignored him and gathered her stuff from the chest that belonged to her. Mistoffelees continued to speak strongly in her ear, "What do you mean you're leaving me? Why??" and he continued to whine as he followed her to the closet where she gathered her collars and threw them into a small bag, "Vicki I wanna know why!! Because I won't take you on a ship?!?!?!" Vicki slammed her luggage down and replied, "Misto it's not just that. It's the whole concept. You care more about your reputation as a magician than you care about me! We're always arguing about this and we've REALLY havn't had time alone! I'm sick of it!" She then began to struggle with her words, "It's...it's making me a bitter feline and it's tearing us apart!" "I think it already has!" Misto retorted. She then gave a sympathizing look as she touched his cheek, "I'm sorry. Maybe we just weren't meant to be." she then picked up her bag again and added, "Don't follow me." and she headed toward the door. Misto quickly stood in her path and scolded, "Vicki this is ridiculous! Do you know what you're doing?!" "Well it's not like this is my fault!!" Vicki yelled, her temper rising again. By now Misto had had enough and he stood out of her way and shouted, "Fine! Leave! See if I care!" "FINE!" she snapped and continued her way out the door. "I don't need you anyway!" he yelled at her. "In fact, I hope you never come back!!!" but he was cut off by the slamming of the door in his face. He stood there stunned and confused, amazed at how fast it all happened. A single hot tear rolled down his cheek as he whispered at the white wooden door in his face, "I'm sorry."
Suddenly the door swung open again and Vicki's bag clobbered him in the face as she entered in again and hollared, "Wait a minute! This is MY house! YOU get out!!!" Misto threw the bag aside with rage and yelled, "FINE! MAYBE THE JELLICLE BALL LAST YEAR WAS JUST ONE BIG MISTAKE!!" and he left, slamming the door behind him. Victoria stood there, silent and hurt by what she heard.
That night at Bustopher's 'CATS SHABANG NIGHT CLUB' Misto had already done his number and by now it was past midnight. Exhausted, he took a seat at a table with his good friends, Mungojerrie, the RumTumTugger, Coricopat, Alonzo, Munkustrap and Pouncival. "So she's really going on the cruise without you?" RumTumTugger asked. "That's what she said." replied Mistoffelees who then gave a light laugh and sat back in his chair, "Aw but you know females. She's says that now but she'll come crawling back." Mungojerrie glanced at Tugger who shot a glance back at him, their eyes saying to each, 'Yeah right.' "Maybe she'll have a horrible time." Pouncival ventured. Misto smiled, "Please, she isn't going at all! How can she go without me!? She'd miss me too much." "Will you miss her?" asked Coricopat. Misto shrugged as he struggled for an answer. Then in order shake the topic off he sat up, leaning his arms on the table before them and replied with a confident smirk, "Look, guys, what happened there at her place was no big deal. She'll come back in tears, crying and asking for my forgivness, we'll kiss and makeup and everything will be back to normal. It's that simple." Tugger laughed, "I hoped so for your sake." Mistoffelees rolled his eyes, "She's not going anywhere." Just then Bustopher came up behind Misto and patted him on the shoulder, nearly knocking him off his chair, "That was a great show you put on up there. I knew I could count on you! I'm sorry about you and Vicki. It's tough breaking up." Misto stood from his chair in fustration, "We DIDN'T break up!! We're just had a little fued! It'll be fine in the morning. You'll see." Bustopher frowned, "In the morning?" he then laughed, "What, are you going to send her a postcard asking for her forgivness?" "No she's-" Misto stopped with a confused look, "Send her a postcard? Why?" "Because she left on the ship with the queens two hours ago."
"WHAT!?!?!" all the toms hollared in unison. "What queens did she leave with?!" cried Jerrie. "All of them! They're all gone for the weekend!" The toms were speechless. "Bomb just left like that?" Tugger complained. "What did I do to her? How could Tantomile do that?!" piped Coricopat. "This is your fault!" snapped Alonzo as he pointed an accusing finger at Misto who was still grasping the concept that Vicki actually left. "Demmi didn't even ask me if it was okay!" Munkustrap shreeked. Still in a state of shock, Misto slowly sat down, afraid that he would faint. He glanced at the other toms who were just as stunned as he was and with a hoarse voice, Misto replied with a cockeyed grin, "Pouncival's right, I'm sure they'll have a horrible time. I mean who wouldn't without us toms, right?" No body said anything.
The collassol ship moved with great ease, slicing the deep blue waters beneath it and leaving small waves topped with white foam. The wind was strong and peaceful while the sun gave that perfect warmth to where the weather was not too cold and not too hot. It was just perfect and a beautiful day for a sail. Victoria, half slouching - half leaning on the white railing of the ship, with a discouraged face, just staring at the waves and the endless stretch of blue water. Electra bounced up in a hyper manner beside her with a huge beautiful smile and said, "Come on Vicki! Don't tell me you actually miss the guy!" "Oh honestly Electra, have pitty on the poor girl." Jemima chimed as she joined them, "Of course she misses him. He was-" "I don't miss him!" Victoria snapped as she straightened her posture. "Oh I don't know about that," replied Ectetera who also came up to the deck, "He was kinda charming. I mean with that magic and all." and she gave out a silly sigh. Behind them, Cassandra was sunbathing in a plastic laid back chair, holding a giant plate of foil just below her chest and wearing sunglasses. Overhearing the conversation, she addressed Ectetera without sitting up, "I thought Tugger was your prince charming." Ectetera giggled and let out another crazy sigh, "Ah yes Tugger! That mane, his shoulders, oohhh I love the way he moves his body. And those eyes." she giggled again as she added, "I think I'm going to faint just thinking about him." "I think I'm going to be sick just hearing this." Cassi mumbled and the others smiled amusingly. "Oh come on Cassie, "Ectetera argued, "Don't you miss Alonzo?" "Ask me that question again when I'm done catching my rays." she replied.
The others laughed again - everyone but Victoria. Jemima thought for a while then tugged on Vicki's arm, "Come on hun, Teazer, Exotica, Tantomile and the others are down in the dining area. Let's go join them." Electra nodded in agreement, "Yeah it'll help you forget of old what's his name." "MISTO!" Ectetera screeched and Electra quickly glanced at her with a scowl. Victoria smiled, appreciating what her friends where doing for her and agreed to go down with the others. "Care to join us Cassi?" Electra asked. "I think I'll just stay out here and prune, thankyou though. You go have fun." Electra smiled and nodded as she headed down with the others.
The "cats" dining was found in a hole of the ship where there was plenty of room and where the felines of the ship set it up to resemble the human dining area next door. There were legions of cats talking amongst themselves all wearing expensive collars and holding small glasses filled to the brim. They were elegant felines and the setting was enough to resemble the Titanic. Near a round window sat the Jellicle Queens at a huge rectangular table with enough food to last a year's famine at their reach. Rumpletazer leaned over and whispered in awe, "Isn't this beauiful? I'm from Victoria's Grove and they don't even have places this ritzy!" Just then a waiter came and place a napkin of silver wear by Rumple's elbow. She stared at them, her eyes as huge emerald gems. "Don't even think about it." Jennyanydots scolded with a stirn look. "Oh come on Jenny!" cried Teazer, "They got plently of this stuff!" "Not a word!" she snapped and Teazer backed down with a pout. After taking another bite of her delicious cocktail shrimp, Tantomile sat back and sighed, "Isn't this wonderful? I really needed a vacation." "I think we all did." replied Jellylorum. "So which one of yous asked your tom for permission about this cruise?" asked Exotica. No one said anything. "None of us?!?!?" shreeked Jemima and they all burst out laughing - everyone but Victoria again. Being that she was sitting next to her, Demeter gave Vicki a light nudge with her elbow, "You've really got to lighten up sweetie. Have some fun." "I miss Misto." she finally admitted and she began to get misty eyed. Oh no everyone thought. Slowly the tears began to roll and she buried her head in her hands and cried. "Oh Vicki," said Jellylorum, "It'll be okay." "Yeah hun," Jenny added, "Don't think of it as time away from Misto." "Yeah, think of it as time away with us!" cried Teazer with a smile. That made Vicki stop her crying and looked at everyone at the table. Feeling foolish she gave out her first smile on the ship and said, "Yeah, I guess you're right." But everyone knew her sorrow was still heavy. Suddenly Ectetera caught sight of a tall handom tom. He was well built with dark brown eyes, and his colors were a mixture of red and orange. He sat alone across from the queens at a small table sipping hot milk and reading the newspaper. Afraid they would catch eye contact, Ectetera quickly looked away after a quick gasp.
Curious with Ectetera's behavior, Bombalurina asked, "Ectetera, what's wrong with you?" With her hand by her face, she whispered, "Look over to your right, uh, 3 o'clock-" "I can't tell time!" Bomb shreeked. "Just look to your right!!" cried Ectetera, "He's sitting alone reading a newspaper. The tall dark red and orange one." Bombalurina gasped and her paw reached her chest. That made everyone else crane their neck wanting to steal a glance and it all happened simultaniously. "Oh my!" exclaimed Demeter, Exotica and Jenny in unison. Teazer frowned, "Who is he?" "That's Clip!" cried Jenny, being careful not to be loud enough to where he could hear her. "Clip?" Tantomile was just as lost as Teazer. "Yes!" replied Demeter, "He's famous! He played the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland!!" Unimpressed, Teazer nodded, "Oh, I don't know, he looks too serious for my taste." "What a hunk!" Bomb cried. Jellylorum silenced them with the wave of her hand, "Now girls please, we-" "I GOT IT!!!" Ectetera screamed causing heads from throughout the room to turn. Embarrassed, Bombalurina quickly placed a hand over Ectetera's mouth and Jenny gave her a harsh look. Once her mouth was free, and everyone in the dining room went back to their own business, Ectetera exclaimed in a whisper, "I got it!" Still upset with her behavior, Jellylorum asked, 'What do you got?" "A plan!!" she squeeled, "I know how we can get Misto and Vicki back together!" Everyone rolled their eyes however Vicki perked up and asked, "How?" With a beaming smile, Ectetera began, "We get uh, what's his name, Clip, in a picture with Vicki here and send it as a postcard to Misto with a report of how much of a wonderful time she's having. He gets jealous, hops on the next boat and comes here, sweeps Vicki off her feet and spends the rest of the weekend with her!!" "That's insane!" cried Jenny. "That's perfect!!" cried Vicki and all heads glanced at her with wide eyes. "Oh Ectetera it's perfect! Why didn't I think of that?!" Tantomile frowned, "Oh Vicki you can't be serious!" "I think it's a good idea." replied Exotica. "I thinks it's romantic!" added Jemima. "One question," said Demeter, "How are we going to get one of America's most famous felines in a picture with Vicki?" Ectetera laughed, "Oh that's easy! Vicki, just pretend you're a waitress and pour the guy some more milk, when you close enough..." Ectetera pulled out a camera from her bag which sat beside her chair and said, "...look this way and smile." Teazer slapped her forehead at the idea while Jenny and Jellylorum shook their head in disagreement. Totally up to the plan ,Vicki nodded with a smile and quickly stood from her seat. She went for the pitcher of hot milk that sat on a wheeled cart and snuck up behind Clip who was still busy with his paper. Vicki glanced at Ectetera who gave a thumps with the camera to her eye waiting for her pose.
Seeing that everything was set, Vicki leaned over his shoulder and began pouring as she stared at Ectetera's camera with a flirty smile. However, the hot milk from the steel pitcher didn't land in his cup. Instead she began pouring it on his lap! The hot white liquid burned him and he leaped up with a yell knocking over his chair and table. "OH GOD!!" cried Victoria, "IM SO SORRY!" and she reached for a napkin and tried drying him off. Everyone in the room turned they're heads and gasped at the incident. The tom gave Victoria a light shove away from him and yelled, "What were you doing?!" Upset by his rudeness, Vicki replied as she threw the napkin aside, "I said I was sorry!" "That doesn't answer my question!" he retorted, "I asked-" just then Ectetera entered the scene with her camera in her hand, "Pardon me Mr. Clip," and she took his hand and shook fervently, "I'm a big fan of yours! Big big fan! I just wanted to get a picture of you with my sister here." Vicki gave Ectetera a wierd look. Sister? But she continued, "Would you be so kind as too-" "A picture?" he asked a little shocked, "That's all? is that all you wanted?" Vicki nodded shamfully and the tom laughed, "Oh sure! All you had to do was ask!"
Victoria's face brightened and she squeeled, "Oh thankyou!!" With a "to die for" smile, Clip placed a strong arm around the white queen's shoulders and said, "We can take one over here by the chandelier."
It was a beautiful chandelier, adorned with what looked like ice crystals and shined and shimmered as it slowly rotated. The two felines postitioned themselves under it, his arm wrapped around her with her arm wrapped around his waist with her other hand on his chest. Both had dazzling smiles and they actually looked cute together. "Perfect!" and Ectetera snapped the picture. Extatic with the plan, Vicki clapped her hands with glee and exclaimed, "This is wonderful!" and Ectetera took Vicki's hand and addressed Clip with a smile, "Thanks Mr. Clip." and they turned to their table. But before they were able to sit down, Clip called for Vicki and said, "Would you like to join me for a nice walk on deck under stars?" The Jellicle Queens were silent and their heads turned toward Victoria awaiting her answer. "I...I..." his eyes were beautiful, "I'd love to." she said. And she took his offered hand and they made they're way up deck. Bombalurina rested her head on her hand as she pouted, "Some girls just get all the luck."
Just then, Cassandra entered the room soaking wet. Teazer frowned while the other's gasped, "Cassi wha-" "We hit a wave!" Clearly upset, Cassi turned to leave, "I'm going to bed! Don't wake me!" Once she was gone, the queens couldn't help but laugh.
It was a cool crisp night, the stars sparkled and the waves sounded like strong whispers in the wind. Clip had his arms around Victoria from behind her with his head resting on her shoulder. "Wonderful night isn't it?" Vicki asked. "Beautiful." he replied, though he wasn't looking at the night's sky but at her. "So tell me," Vicki began, "How is it being a big shot movie star?" Clip shrugged, "It's great. You live in a five story mansion, eat all you want at your request. You get all the queens you want and most at your becking call." Victoria frowned at that responce but shrugged it off. She was having too good of a time and didn't want to ruin it. "Yeah, well I live-" but she was cut off, "Oh and the photography is outrageous! They want you in every pose possible!" and he laughed at his remark though she didn't find it that humorous she stiffled out a giggle. He continued to talk as high above them, sat Jennyanydots. She stared down at them from her room window with a smile. Jemima frowned, "What are you looking at?" she asked. Tantomile laughed, "Who else? She's been looking down at Vicki and Clip for the past hour!" Immediatly, Demeter closed the drapes in Jenny's face as she scolded, "Jenny! Give them they're privacy!" Jenny smirked, "It's not like they're doing anything!" From one of the beds, Exotica sat with her back against the wall reading a comic book of Batman. Looking up from her reading, Exotica said, "I've never seen Victoria so happy before!" "I have!" Jemima said, "I think she was happier with Misto." "Ha!" cried Bombalurina, "That tom didn't give her the time of day!" "That's not true!" argued Jemima, "He loves her!" Bombalurina rolled her eyes and then snatched the thin comic book from Exotica's hands. "Hey! I was reading that!" she hollared. "Why are you reading Batman?" Bombaluina asked with a frown. Exotica blushed as she replied, "I admire Catwoman." Electra's eyes widened as she snatched the comic from Bomb, "This one has Catwoman?!" Exotica nodded with a smile and Electra hopped on the bed with pounce next to her, "I love Catwoman! She's so cool!!" "She needs help with her wordrob." mumbled Bomb. Teazer giggled as she whispered, "Look who's talking." "I heard that."
Tantomile found how quite Ectetera was. She busy writing something. "What are you doing?" Tant asked. "Huh? Oh, I'm writing Misto a postcard." and with a mischievous grin Ectetera held up the picture of Vicki and Clip with a short message on the back. "Think this is really going to work?" Demeter asked. Bomb laughed, "He'll be furious! Of course it'll work!"
Just then, Victoria entered the room and everyone flocked to her! "How was it?" cried Tantomile. "Tell us everything!" added Demeter but Victoria shook her head. "I'm sorry guys but I'm tired. If you don't mind, I'm going to sleep." No one argued and Vicki found her bed and cuddled under the blankets. "Um Vicki, just to inform you, we're docking back at the junkyard tomorrow night. Vicki nodded with her eyes closed and a small smile appeared on her face. "Poor girl, she's exhausted." Jenny said. "Poor girl my eye." Bomb replied, "She's having the time of her life. Look at her." But what they didn't know was that she wore her smile because of hearing how they would be back in the junkyard tomorrow night and the sooner they approach shore the sooner she'll see Misto.
Everyone's light was off except for Ectetera's who's bunk was right next to Cassandra's. Irritated, Cassandra opened one eye and moaned, "Hey you mind calling it quits for now Ectetera. Your light-" "Almost done." she replied as she placed the postage stamp on the card. "There, ok Cassi I'm sorry." and she leaned over and the light went out. Once Ectetera was cozy under her covers, Cassandra asked in a hush tone, "Hey Ectetera." "Yeah?" "Do YOU think it'll work?" Ecetera giggled, "Of course it will!" Cassandra frowned, "I don't know. I mean what if Misto is having the time of his life without her? Ever think of that?" Ecetera was silent. Cassandra then threw another question at her in a horrifying voice, "Ectetera, what if Alonzo is having the time of his life?!" Just then Bombalurina's voice emerged from the darkness, "You don't think Tugger is having a good time without me do you?" "And what about Coricopat?" Tantomile whined. Then Rumpleteazer quickly sat up on her bed and squeeled, "What if they're ALL having a party with out us!? They're celebrating!!" Silence overtook them all.
"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!" hollared Tugger as he slammed his fist against a tin trash can that stood beside him, makeing a huge rucous. "Tugger, calm yourself." Munkustrap replied. "We have to get those queens back!" argued Tugger who was virtually going insane. "I have to agree with Tugger Munku," said Alonzo, "I'm going crazy without Cassandra. I mean how much torture can one tom go through?" The toms were presently still at the "CATS SHABANG NIGHT CLUB" of Bustopher Jones. They were spending most of their time at night clubs lately. They're fur was crazed and they all looked like homeless bachelors. Lonely without their queens, they didn't want to go home, they figured spending time with each other would do them good. Mistoffelees slapped down the deck of cards in front of Mungojerrie and said, "Deal." but Tugger couldn't stop his yelling, "How could you go through another game? Can't you see we're falling apart?!"
Misto rolled his eyes, "You all are allowing yourselves to fall apart! Now come on, they'll be home tomorrow night and everything will be fine. Now let's play." The toms then were silent as they played they're next game. They played for what seemed like hours into the night when the sun started to rise and the sky turned a purplish pink, signaling another day.
"Twenty one black jack!" cried Misto as he slapped his cards down and began taking up his chips. Tumblebrutus slammed his cards down and complained, "Why is this guy always winning?" Just then Tugger spotted a card sticking out of Misto's cape. He had a pocket in his cape? Furious, Tugger just snapped and reached acrossed the round wooden table, grabbed Misto by the collar of his cape, yelling and shaking him violently as cards from his pocket flew everywhere. "You little wart!" Tugger cried, "How many times do I have to tell you that you can't fool me with your petty tricks!" "Tugger let him go!" Munkustrap yelled stirnly and Tugger immediatly released him. Misto then straightened his cape as Pouncival said, "Come on guys can't we just play a friendly game of-"
Just then Bustopher Jones greeted them. "You guys are still here?" "Actually, we moved tables." replied Mungojerrie. This was sad, Bustopher thought. "Gosh you guys, I know the girls meant alot to you but-"
Misto, who was very paranoid, stood and said, "We are fine! They'll be here tonight and-" "Tomorrow night." Bustopher inturupted. The toms frowned. "The schedule said tonight." argued Misto but Bustopher shook his head, "The tide is too far out for the boat to dock. They're going to have to spend another night out there." The toms went silent but Tugger then shattered it when he stood and pointed a finger at Misto, "That's it buddy! You're calling up Vicki and your telling you that you're hightailing it over there and I don't care if you have to get on your sticken knees and beg like a dog for her forgivness!" "We're not going anywhere." replied Misto in a definite tone. Tugger growled, "Why you stubborn son of a-" "TUGGER!" yelled Munkustrap, "SIT DOWN!" and Tugger did so.
Coricopat shook his head, "Misto please, if you're not going to do it for yourself do it for us and for our sanity." Misto stood there not knowing what to do.
Just then, a scrawny young manx cat presented Misto with a letter. "Telegram for Mr. Mistoffelees." he replied as he handed it to him and ran off with a bag full of mail. Misto stared at it strangly. "Who's it from?" asked Skimblshanks. "Victoria." replied Misto and he opened the letter and pulled out the card. His face went pale and his breath was heavy. The toms sat their confused and anxious. "Well, what does it say?!" cried Asparagus. Misto slowly sat down afraid he was going to faint on the spot. Immediatly, Tugger snatched the card away from him to analize it. He frowned when he saw it was a photo. They all hoovered over him wanting to see as well and the same confused look came on them all. "Isn't that the Cheshire Cat?" Coricopat asked. "Yeah, from Alice in Wonderland." added Tumblebrutus. "Oh man Misto," said Tugger in a calm soothing voice, "I'm sorry. She's ditching you and running off with the Cheshire!" Misto rolled his eyes and laughed, "Oh honestly, don't you all see?" Mungojerrie frowned, "See what?" "She trying to make me jealous!" cried Misto with an amusing smile. The toms all looked at each other strangely. "She wants me to go over there and take her away from old what's his face and have me ask for her forgivness, well it's not happening!" The toms sighed and threw the card aside. "Well, I guess it's canned anchovies again tonight." said Tugger and Mungojerrie pulled out the tin can and asked, "Anyone got a can opener?"
The day was hard and long for Misto. He spent most of it at the club with his friends till they all realized how pathetic it all was of them spending nearly three days at a night club either playing cards, talking or singing cariocky. The sun slowly lingered down and the day was turning into yet another lonely night. Victoria was suppose to be back by now but instead she wasn't and Misto was still alone with a furious bunch of toms. He wondered his way to the junkyard where it was desolate. The toms were still out having selfpity parties. The wind blew, rustling some dead brown leaves on the ground of the junkyard that looked haunted when empty. He stood in the center of the yard, the place where he and Victoria dance during last year's Jellicle Ball. Her sprawled out on the floor while he ran his fingers up her slender body then inviting her in a dance with him. It was a memory he planed to never forget. He suddenly found himself retracing his steps from that glorious night. He burst out his arms and glanced down at the place where Victoria once was. He then ran his fingers down his imaginary white cat and began his singing, never leaving out his invisible Victoria. In his eyes he saw her, beautiful and as pure as snow, dancing like a dove with graceful moves and her smile beaming at him. He was trying to relive the scene all over again but when he reached for her elegant petite hand, she disappeared in a fading ripple till he found himself alone again. Suddenly voices flooded his mind, yelling like spirits, "AND DONT COME BACK!" "FINE" the slamming of the door, and his voice echoed, "MAYBE LAST YEARS JELLICLE BALL WAS JUST ONE BIG MISTAKE! MISTAKE...MISTAKE...MISTAKE...MISTAKE.." and it faded into the wind. What had he done?
Suddenly a stirring made him jump. He quickly turned and saw..."Old Deuteronomy?" The huge wooly leader smiled and asked, "What are you doing out here alone Misto?" Misto sighed and said, "Having a selfpity party I guess." Old Deuteronomy patted the spot next to him on the tire, informing him to join.
Misto slowly climbed up beside him and said nothing for a while. With the silence feeling awkward, Misto decided to ask, "So what are you doing out here alone?" Old Deut looked to the dark sky and said, "Looking at the moon." Misto glanced up high and frowned when he saw stars but no moon. He then looked at Old Deut who was still gazing high and thought, could he be losing it? "Um...there's no moon Old Deut." "Oh but there is!" he replied, "It's what we call a new moon. You can't see it but it's still there." He could see Misto wasn't really paying attention and decided to venture, "So I heard about you and Vicki." Misto said nothing so Old Deut proceeded. "So you miss her?" "No!" Misto quickly replied. Old Deut gave a soft chuckle then looked back up at the black sky. "You know why I love the moon so much?" Misto didn't ask but Old Deut didn't need him to and so continued to answer anyway, "You know Misto, the moon is just a rock. A dead old rock. It's only when the sun's light hits it does it shine and bring a light in the darkness." he then looked at Misto and said, "You can kinda call yourself the moon. Nothing but a rock when alone, but when the sun, in this case Vicki, is with you, your light shines bringing light in the darkness. You follow?" "So you're saying I'm not really complete without her?" Old Deut nodded in approval, "Yeah, you can say that! And even though you dont WANT TO believe the love for her is there, it's there none the least. Just like you thought the moon wasn't there, it never leaves whether you believe it or not. They say only the fool denies what he can't see, whether it be the moon or the wind. Don't be a fool Misto, and deny your love for your queen." "But I don't wanna be the one crawling back to her and begging for her to come back. I have my dignity you know." "Dignity?! Ha!" replied Old Deut, "Stubborness is more like it. And this thick headed thought of yours is going to make things worse. Sure, you'll have your dignity but you'll be lacking your pride and joy. Sometimes in order to get those back, you have to get on your knees for them. That way you'll have your pride, your joy, your light and with all that comes dignity." Misto was impressed with Old Deut's words. He truely was wise. Misto never saw it that way. Maybe he was being stubborn and bull-headed about the matter which could cause him to loose Vicki and even his dignity. Old Deut stood and shook Misto's hand as he said, "Well, that's all the counseling I have for today. Know it's your turn to get up and do something about it. Enough sitting and moaping while playing cards at that pathetic cats night club. Where's your dignity?" and he gave Misto a wink, released his hand and left. Misto then found that he was holding something. He looked down, opened his hand and was nearly choked from emotion when he found that he held his crumpled poem and the crisp maroon rose. The flower still smelled as sweet as it did the moment he gave it to her and he uncrumpled the letter. He had to smile humoroursly at his poor hand writing and even poor spelling. The words were a little faded but you could still make out what it said. It was stained with brown coffee and tattered, looking like an old treasure map. He's eyes then wondered back at the center of the junkyard where he could see not only a whispy ghost of Victoria dancing but him as well, repeating the same steps of last year's Jellicle Ball. They were a few inches off the ground floating like angelic spirits. The music was even playing in the back of his mind like a small whispering symphony. Unable to stay there any longer, Misto leaped off the tire and took off in a hurry.
The group of toms walked down the city streets bored and still somber about their missing queens when Misto swiftly ran by. By the way he was sprinting, they thought that a pack of pollicles might have been on his tail. "Where's that guy off to in such a hurry?" Pouncival asked. Without waiting for an answer, they all ran after him. Misto came to a stop at the ship's dock. The air smelled of fish and people walked about busying themselves with lifting crates and bringing in nets. It was a harbor. There were many boats, some blowing huge horns, other letting out high pitched whistles signaling their departures. Out of breath, Mungojerrie asked, "Misto what are you doing? I don't know if you've realized this but their boat left nearly three days ago!" Misto stood there at the dock's edge, thinking. He then untied his black cape and swung it around as if teazing a bull in a toro ring. The toms looked at each other, puzzled. Misto then threw the satin cloth in the air with a blow of colorful sparkles and shouted, "SHININIYAH!!" and the cape floated stifly in the air like a magic carpet. The tom's eyes widoned in disbelief. Without looking at them, Misto leaped up on the "carpet". "You're really going out there?" Munkustrap asked. "I going for my sun!!" he shouted over the stiring waves.
Skimbleshanks frowned, "You have a son?" Misto rolled his eyes, "Nevermind, if you want your queens get on and let's go!" The toms stood there a little hesitant. "Are you sure that thing'll hold us?" asked Tugger. "Yes! Now get on!" and one by one they hopped up till it was cramed with frightened Jellicle toms. And Misto yelled, "HAMBOCK! DILIAH!" and the magic cape shot off, slicing the wind like a jet. The toms yelled and held on for dear life. They flew inches above the waters, causing it to divide beneath them as they soared. Mungojerrie was enjoying the ride as he lifted his head high catching the wind in his ears and hollared, "WHOO HOO!!" Tugger dug his talons deep in the cape and yelled over the waves and the wind, "WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!"
The Jellicle queens were participating in a dance that was taking place up on the deck. The night was almost over and so was the dance. Night lights hung as the music played and felines danced. However, the queens sat at a table feeling down. They thought of nothing but they're toms. "Are we almost there yet?" Teazer whined. Bombalurina shook her head, "We wont dock late this afternoon or maybe even later." they all moaned in unison. Some were even feeling a little sea sick. Demeter chuckled, "I remember how Munkustrap use to take such charge at the Jellicle Balls. Hehe...what a guy!" "I remember how Tugger use to move his body and sing!" Bombalurina added, "What a beast!" Cassandra rolled her eyes, "Please, you're beginning to sound like Ectetera." "Cassi you miss Alonzo don't you?" asked Jemima. "OH GOD ALONZO WHERE ARE YOU!" Cassi cried and buried her head in her arms causing a heartbreaking bang on the table. Jenny cleared her throat as she stared strangly at Cassi, "Yes, well....I think we all miss our toms." Jenny's eyes began to water, "I mean I...I ....I MISS MY BUSTOPHER JONES!!" and she too went into deep despair alongside the crying Cassandra. Soon Teazer joined in about Jerrie along with Bomb, Tantomile and suddenly the table was drenched with crying queens. Ectetera sat there, her arms crossed as she rolled her eyes. She then noticed how Victoria wasn't there. She looked around for her from her chair and spotted her with...CLIP?? They were dancing to a slow song and were very close. But Ectetera was shocked to see a tear roll down Vicki's cheek. Poor Vicki was suffering too though she didn't want to admitt it. Ectetera grew angry as she whispered to herself, "Misto, if you were half the tom that Vicki needs right now you'd come and-" Suddenly her ears pricked at the sound of rushing wind. It sounded like an approaching jet! She looked over the railing straining to see as far as the horizon. She could see a miniture black dot that was making alot of noise, inches from the water. Soon she could hear far off yelling like a bunch of battleing pirates. She squinted trying to make out the light speeding object. Then it came into view. She could see who seemed to be a large cat crying out bloodymurder. It was drawiing closer till finally she could make it out...."TUGGER?!" she yelled in shock. That drew the queens' attention and they all ran simultaniously to the railing, knocking over their chairs and turning over their drinks. "Oh my God!" cried Bombalurina. "It's them!!" shouted Electra. Immedialty Teazer cimbed up the railing and stood up waving her arms as if signaling a plane to land as she screamed, "OVER HERE!! JERRIE IM OVER HERE!!" Jellylorum held on tightly to her Teazer's leg and nervously said, "Teazer be careful."
"I see them!!" hollared Coricopat. Mungojerrie gasped, "What is Teazer doing? She's going to fall over!" Alonzo laughed and shook his head at the frantic Teazer and mumbled, "God what a spaz." "Are we almost there?" whimpered Tugger, who was in a fetal position, groping for as much of the cape as possible with his eyes sealed shut. "I don't see Vicki." inquired Pouncival and Misto grew curious.
The queens jumpped up and down squeeling with delight as they drew closer. Finally, when the cape was centimeters from the railing of the ship Teazer along with all the other females began climbing on frantically trying to kiss and embrace their toms. But the toms had to keep them back in fear of them all tipping over the magic cape and landing in the sea.
Soon they're were all on the boat and the kissing and embracing began. Cassi jumped on Alonzo causing them both to flip over the railing and leaving a huge splash. Tantomile nuzzled Coricopat, Teazer climbed all over Mungojerrie as he tried warning her that he never wanted to see her pull somthing that dangerous again. "What ever you say sweetie!" and she continued to hug and kiss him uncontrollably. Bombalurina tried searching for Tugger in the mass when she suddenly saw him still on the floating cape, shaking like a leaf, eyes still shut and holding on tightly. Bombalurina looked at him strangely and softly stroked his head, "Tugger?" the tom stopped his shaking and slowly glanced up. When he found himself face to face with the red queen he looked around and saw everyone's reunion. "You wanna come off that thing and hold me?" A little embarrassed, Tugger slowly and carefully with the help of Bomb, stepped on the ship. When he found himself safe on the ground, Tugger looked into Bomb's eyes and immediatly hugged her, "Oh God I was going nuts with out you!!" Bomb smiled then kissed him and said, "So was I! Never will I go on another vacation with you!"
"Hey you mind?!" yelled a cat sailor who worked on the ship. He approached the group of giddy Jellicles and said, "You can't just hop on this ship! We're in the middle of the Atlantic here! You could be imagrants! I going to the athor-" but Munkustrap grabbed the cat by the shoulders and tossed him over the ship. The jellicles gasped but soon broke out into laughter. "Munku, that's not like you!" Demeter said with a laugh. With an adorable smile the grey tabby replied, "Look, I've had a horrible time without you and during all that time I tried to keep my cool. And by God I sure didn't need him!!" Demeter laughed and gave him another huge kiss.
Misto looked frantically for Victoria. He manuvered around other dancing felines and made his way through the crowd, looking desperatly for her. He then turned a corner and froze when he spotted her dancing with the same tom that was in the postcard photo. He couldn't see her face which was resting on the Cheshire's shoulder. Heartbroken by what he was seeing, Misto slowly approached them. When he was close enough he whispered, "Vicki?" Immediatly, they stopped thier slow dancing and she gasped when she saw him while Clip frowned at the unfamiliar tom. "Misto!!!" she cried with a smile. "Hey, who are you bub?" asked Clip cruedly. "Mistoffelees and that's my queen you're holding?" he replied angrily. "Oh Misto, it's okay, you've got to understand, I-" but Vicki was cut off by Clip, "Hey look I don't know who you are, but you had best turn around and mind your own business you shrimp!" Vicki was apalled by his words, "Hey now wait just one cotton pickin minute buster." she began with her hands on her hip. But Clip grabbed her arm with a jerk and said, "C'mon, let's keep dancing." "No!" she cried. That made him angry and he gave her another jerk, "I said, let's keep dancing. Don't spoil the evening!" "I think it's a little late for that!" she retorted as she tried to struggle free from his tight grip. "Let her go!" Misto growled. Clip glanced at him with a shocked expression. Nervous at the cat's size, Misto stood his stance trying to hide his fear. "Do you know who I am?" Clip asked. Misto shrugged, "Alice's cat?!" "I'm one of Hollywood's best stars, you had best learn your manners!" "I don't care if you are King Tut's cat! I said let her go!!" Misto yelled. But Clip continued his gloating, "I've won seven awards for best animal actor, two global awards for spectacular stunts, three-" Suddenly Mistoffelees gave out a punch that landed square on Clip's jaw, throwing him on the table behind him and causing it to crumble beneath him, knocking him out cold. Vicki gasped. Misto rubbed him fist, "I told you to let her go!" he then chuckled as he said, "Oh yeah, and I won the oscar four times." Vicki laughed and added, "And I was nominated Miss America five times in a row!" and Vicki took Misto's hand as they both laughed and walked off joining the others.
"Where were you?" Munkustrap asked Mistoffelees. "I uh," he then glanced deep into Vicki's eyes as he answered, "I had to go get something dear to me that I thought I would lose forever." and Vicki blushed and smiled. "Vicki, I'm sorry. I guess we all say things that we don't mean and I know that's no excuse for my behavior and I guess what I'm trying to do is..."And Misto got on one knee, and with her hands in his, he said, "Vicki, will you forgive me? I want you back. For that past three days, I felt a part of me was missing. I was just too stubborn to realize what it was. I just let a part of me drift out on the open sea. Will you forgive me?" Vicki began to cry, "Of course I will." and she kneeled down on the floor with him, feeling unworthy to be higher than him. She then embraced him as she said through her tears, "I'm sorry too! I've missed you sooo much! I don't ever want to leave you again!" "So then you'll come back with me?" Misto asked with a radiant smile. "No." Vicki answered and Misto along with all the Jellicles frowned. But Vicki laughed and added, "And miss this time together! Misto we did it! We're finally out on our cruize! Now we can have some real fun!!" The jellicles looked at each with huge smiles. Vicki was right. Now it was time to party all night and day!!
And so that's just what they did. Night turned into day and it was sizzleing hot in the sun. The party music played and they all sat at a huge table with champain mingling among themselves. Ectetera wiped a happy tear from her face then frowned as she asked, "Um....where's Cassi and Alonzo?" and they all looked over the railing and found them on a giant yellow inflatable banana boat catching the sun's rays side by side!!!!