It had been a very busy day at Jellicle High. The first week of classes had just finished and the staff was taking a break in the staff room. The principal, Old Deuteronomy, was talking with the vice principal, Grizabella, about the failures and successes of the past week.
"This has been a trying week, Griza. That Macavity boy was in my office five times today. I swear he is always in trouble.", Commented Deuteronomy.
"Well, I've had to give council to at least ten girls who were left heartbroken from your son, Tugger.", Inserted Jennyanydots, the guidance councilor. "I swear, that tom of yours is always on the prowl."
"Well, Munkustrap is a good boy at least.",Added Grizabella. "Is it true that he and Demeter broke up?"
"Yes, sadly, Demeter's family moved away and she wasn't interested in a long distance relationship. It's a terrible way for him to start his senior year."
"Speaking of queens moving . . . ," Began Grizabella after clearing her throat."My niece will be starting school here on Monday."
"Oh yes Sable! What is she like?",Questioned Jenny after realizing whom Grizabella was talking about.
"Well, let me think. She's very intelligent. She has an interesting look especially when it comes to her eyes. She's very . . . um . . . fluffy. Yes, she's fluffy, but she's getting fixed up today. She's a rather interesting little kitten. She does have a bit of a temper, though.", Explained Grizabella to Jenny, Deuteronomy, and a guest she didn't see.
Cassandra, a stuck-up Siamese, was listening at the door. Cassandra didn't have any close friends, but she was a major gossip and would do anything to get a little tidbit. She was very good at it because she was able to sense when something was going on. This new queen seemed to be a great little morsel to tell everyone. Cassandra ran around the school to tell the first person she could find.
---
BRING!
"Hello," Greeted Rumpleteazer as she answered the phone.
"Hey Teaze it's me," exclaimed Jemima loudly on the other end of the line.
Rumpleteazer rolled her eyes. She and Jemima had been in choir and Drama last year. Jemima had taken a real shining to Rumpleteazer. They had become friends and spent a lot of time together during choir and Drama, but not outside of them. Jemima had a small group of friends that she spent time with and Rumpleteazer had her own, too. The only times that Jemima called Rumple were about Drama/choir, advice on classes(Jemima was a sophomore and Rumpleteazer was a junior), or because she wanted to confirm a rumor.
"What's going on Jemima?", Questioned Rumpleteazer half heartedly, she had been in the middle of watching her favorite show when Jemima called. Luckily, the show was on a break for about five minutes.
"Do you know anything about the new girl?",Inquired Jemima with pure excitement.
"Grizabella's niece? What about her?"
"Well what's she like? I mean you live next door to Grizabella and everything."
"Yeah I do, what are people saying?"
"Well, she's a total brain, like a book worm. She's weird looking and cross-eyed. She's super fat, but she's having like surgery or something. She's really strange. Oh, and she got expelled from her old school for attacking another queen."
There was a long silence as Rumpleteazer tried to process the information. Then she began to laugh. It was the way you laugh when you don't want people to know your laughing.
"What's so funny?", Queried Jemima sounding completely confused.
"Um . . . , "Began Rumpleteazer after she had finally calmed down. "I have met her. She is nothing like that description. Well, she is, but she's not. I can't explain now, though. My show just came back on. You'll see her on Monday. Night Jemima."
Rumpleteazer hung up the phone without waiting for Jemima to say good-bye. She turned around to see her brother, Mungojerrie, standing behind her with a questioning look on his face. Jerrie and Teazer looked a lot alike. They were both calico-tabby mixes. The only difference was that Teazer was lighter with strips and was smaller, while Jerrie was darker and a bit larger. Rumpleteazer quickly explained about her conversation with Jemima. When she finished, they both broke into fits of laughter talking about how shocked everyone was going to be Monday morning.
---
On Monday morning the Drama class sat around waiting for Sable to arrive. The rumors were flying around the room like many little butterfly. Drama was supposed to be a junior class, but there were some sophomores and a few seniors in the class also. Mungojerrie was one of the seniors in the class. He was waiting around for his sister and Sable to arrive. Victoria, Electra, and Jemima were questioning him mercilessly about the whereabouts of Teazer and about what Sable was like. Cassandra was listening intently to see if she could hear anything of interest. Etcetera was nuzzling Rum Tum Tugger. Tugger seemed to be enjoying the female attention. He didn't really care about the new queen that was coming to the school. From what he had heard, she was uglier then a Pollicle. He didn't have time for ugly queens. After all, he was the most popular and most handsome tom in the whole school. The rest of the class was just milling around when Asparagus, their Drama teacher, entered the room.
"What are you all staring at the door for?",Questioned the old tom who had once been a famous actor.
"We're waiting for the new student, sir.",Replied Plato quickly.
"Oh yes, Sable. Well, I'm going to the office to get a box of props. Do you all think you can behave yourselves until then?"
"Yes sir.", Replied the class in unison.
Everyone continued to stare in wonder at the door waiting for this mystery queen to appear, except Tugger who was too busy chasing Etcetera around the floor. They were watching the front door intensely when a bang came from the stage entrance. Everyone turned around to see Teazer in the middle of trying to drag something through the curtains. She pulled very hard, but lost her balance and fell. Behind the curtain, a female voice cried "OW!". Teazer stood up and brushed herself off. Despite being a bit of a mischief maker, Teazer was rather popular. It was mostly because she was very fashionable. She stood in front of the class wearing: pink sneakers; faded, flared, blue jeans; a baby pink T-shirt with "Don't mess with me!" written in black writing with an angry kitten below it; and finally, her favorite denim jacket. She scanned the room until she found her brother.
"Jerrie, will you help me out? Sable weighs a ton!"
The voice from behind the curtain huffed angrily. Jerrie and Teazer ran behind the curtain trying to pull Sable out. Cassandra whispered to everyone about how she had been right about the new queen being fat. Unfortunately, everyone had been watching Cassandra and missed seeing Jerrie and Teazer successfully drag Sable out. They only heard her cry out, "Too many people!", before running behind the curtain. Teazer stared angrily at the curtain and then threatened Sable that if she did not come out to meet the class right then and there, then she would abandon her for the rest of the day. There was a reluctant "fine" on the other side of the curtain and then Sable stepped out.
Whatever the other kittens had been expecting, it wasn't Sable. The rumors, about her physical appearance at least, had been completely off. Sable was a Persian-Tabby mix. She was cream with light beige strips that were barely noticeable. Her tail was very fluffy but the rest of her fur was groomed short. Her right ear was coffee brown and so was the tip of her tail. Her eyes were truly interesting. Her left eye was the same coffee brown as her ear and the tip of her tail, while her right eye was dark emerald green. She wasn't the least bit fat. She appeared to be very lithe and athletic. She was medium-sized and extremely lovely. She was wearing strappy, black, healed, sandals; sleek, black, flared, pants; a baby blue, crossover, shirt; a black; three-quarter length, jacket; and a baby blue scarf was wrapped around her neck.
Everyone, except Teazer and Jerrie, was staring at her in complete shock. This was not at all what they had expected. Tugger pushed Etcetera to the floor and was trying his hardest to get Sable's attention to no avail. He was about to tap her on the shoulder when Gus returned.
"Everyone, please sit in a circle.",Announced the old theater cat. "Sable will you please come to the head of the class and make a proper introduction."
"No thanks.",Replied Sable in a small, mousy voice.
"Do you have a problem with public speaking?"
"Um . . . No, I'm just not all that interesting.",Explained Sable using her normal voice, which was sweet, but strong.
"Please."
"Fine.",Muttered Sable as she got up. She took in a deep breath before loudly and clearly reciting the introductory monologue she had prepared. "My name is Sable. This year is my junior year of high school. I transferred from my old school due to a disagreement with the administration. I currently live with my aunt Grizabella, who is the vice principal here. I have one little brother who is starting junior high this year back home. I used to live with him, my mom, my dad, and my grampie. My favorite subjects in school are Drama, Music, Art, English, Linguistics, Ancient History, and Lunch. My least favorite subjects are Math and Detention. Trust me when I say Detention really was a subject for me at my old school. I enjoy and hate my other subjects equally. I am a gymnast. I also play soccer, volleyball, and baseball. I have rather eclectic tastes, so it would take forever for me to tell you everything I like. I will tell you I hate Polka and sand jokes. Polka annoys me a bit, but sand jokes really piss me off. If anyone makes a sand joke to me because of my name I will scratch off your face. I'm not joking. I will hurt you! Also, I am single, but I am not interested in fooling around with anyone so don't waste your breath trying to woo me. Thank you." Sable bowed and returned to her seat.
"Thank you Sable you may take your seat.",Uttered Gus before addressing the rest of the class. "Today we will be playing the freeze game. Would someone care to explain?"
"The freeze game is a game where to individuals start out by doing a scene, ususal suggested by the rest of the class. When another individual yells "Freeze!", the actors doing the scene must freeze in the same position they were just in. The person who yelled "Freeze!", would take the place of one of the actors who were in the scene. The two actors left would create a new scene, of their own design, depending on their positions.", Construed Sable after raising her paw.
"Very Good, Sable, since you gave such a thorough explanation I would like you to start the game. Who would like to be her partner? Tugger? All right then, Sable and Rum Tum Tugger will start the game."
Sable watched carefully as a tom stood up and walked over to her. He was all black with leopard spots on his wrists. 'Probably on his ankles, too.',Thought Sable. He had a mane like a lion, which looked ridiculous. He was wearing: a white T-shirt; ripped, blue jeans; black sneakers; and a very feminine looking silver belt. He was not the least bit attractive. 'I wonder if he's gay?!', Pondered Sable as she gave him a once over. Tugger watched as the new girl checked him out. 'She wants me!', Mentally exclaimed Tugger in a cocky demeanor. 'And why wouldn't she? I'm the hottest tom in this school and she is obviously in the running for sexiest queen. I love her hard-to-get attitude, too. It makes the chase more fun.' Tugger flashed Sable a predatory smile at Sable causing her to jump back.
"So who has an idea for a scene?",Questioned the teacher.
"That sounds delightful!",Agreed Gus. "Now no hanky-panky."
Sable gave Teazer and Jerrie a wide-eyed plea for help as Tugger began to tango with her. Tugger whispered many unrepeatable things in Sable's ear as they danced. He even put his paw on her backside when he thought no one was looking. 'Okay so he's not gay!',Realized Sable. Tugger pushed Sable away then pulled her back into his arms, so that she was pinned to him with his arm crossed over her torso. Sable thought she was going to cry when Mungojerrie yelled out, "Freeze!". Jerrie took Tugger's place, and he and Sable presented a mock mugging. The rest of the class went very well, mostly because Sable didn't get stuck with Tugger again. At the bell, Sable and Teazer went to English, then to Ancient History, and finally they headed off to lunch.
Sable was sitting with Teazer, Victoria, Electra, Etcetera, Jemima, Jerrie, and Mistoffelees(the class clown). Teazer was eating a chicken burger, fries, and skim milk; the four other queen kittens were having salads and waters; Jerrie and Misto were eating the "Monday Mystery"and some whole milk; and Sable was eating a foot-long sub, a chocolate parfait, a chocolate shake, and some cookies.
"How can you eat some much and still be so thin?", Questioned Victoria as she watched as Sable polished off her sub and began to savor her parfait.
"Do you have an eating disorder?",Asked Electra sounding concerned.
"You mean like Bulimia? No, I don't. I just exercise a lot and have a high metabolism.", Replied Sable solemnly before making a small joke. "Actually, if I didn't eat so much I'd probably wither away."
Sable continued to talk and joke around with everyone at the table for the majority of lunch until Rum Tum Tugger walked into the cafeteria. He walked around like he was alpha male and all the girls swooned over him.
"Isn't he dreamy?", Muttered Etcetera dreamily.
"Tugger? You're attracted to that thing?", Demanded Sable as if liking Tugger was the most ludicrous thing she had ever heard.
Then, all the other kittens turned to her. Misto, Teazer, and Jerrie seemed to be amused and the four younger queens looked appalled. Sable asked what was so funny and wrong. Teazer explained that almost every queen in the school was infatuated with Tugger. She was the only queen kitten without a boyfriend who wasn't drooling over Tugger, until now. Sable looked over at Tugger as she sucked on the spoon to her parfait. She gave him a careful once over. Everyone else in the cafeteria, except those at the table, thought that she was checking out Tugger, including Tugger.
"Guys check it out.", Whispered Tugger to the group of toms who always followed him around. "That new kitten, Sable, checking me out."
"I dunno Tugger.", Muttered Coricopat.
"Yeah, I don't think she likes you at all.", Commented Alonzo.
"Sure she does!", Exclaimed Tugger, unable to believe any queen could resist his charms. He smiled at Sable and winked at her.
Back on the other side of the cafeteria, Sable jumped back in her seat. Everyone at the table was in deep conversation, except she and Victoria who had only just finished discussing a new rock band called "The Hairballs."
"What was that?!", Exclaimed Sable in shocked disgust. "Did he just wink at me?"
Victoria caught Sable's eye and nodded. 'This can't be happening!', Thought Sable. 'Can't that tom understand that I'm not interested?!' The other kittens at the table had heard Sable yell. They didn't need to ask who had winked at her because it was obviously Tugger. Electra and Etcetera were mad because they couldn't believe Tugger would like Sable more the Etcetera. Victoria and Jemima were confused at why Sable didn't want Tugger. Teazer, Mungo, and Misto all felt sorry for Sable. They knew that Sable didn't appreciate unwanted attention. Sable gave Tugger another once over.
"You know I think he's gay.", She commented pensively only a second before the bell rang for fourth period.
---
"You do realize that Tugger isn't gay right?", Questioned Teazer as she and Sable walked home. Mungo had gone to Misto's house to play video games.
"Trust me," ,Laughed Sable. "I know that Tugger is straight. It's just funny to say that he is. Besides, had he not groped me, I wouldn't have been joking about it. He really acts . . . you-know."
Teazer and Sable both looked at each other and started to giggle a bit. It was amazing how quickly they became friends. It seemed as though Teazer was meant to help Sable out. They even had the same schedule, except that Sable had Pre-Calculus when Teazer had Shop. After lunch they had P.E. followed by the period they were apart. Sable had loved her first day at Jellicle High, and the only downside was Tugger. But there was a much greater upside.
"I met a guy in Pre-Cal.", Commented Sable conversationally.
"Well you do work fast. I never knew you were such a slut.", Ribbed Teazer playfully.
"Haha, very funny. No wonder your name is Teazer.", Mumbled Sable.
"Okay that's just stupid.", Answered Teazer in a bored tone. "So tell me about this great guy you met."
"He is so amazing. He's smart, handsome, funny, and he seems athletic. He's so not like Tugger. He's really sweet, too.",Responded Sable dreamily.
"I see. So what does your dream Tom look like?", Inquired Rumpleteazer.
"He's a tabby. He's mostly grey with some white and black coloring. He looks really big and strong."
Teazer and Sable were at the end of Sable's driveway. They had stopped so that they could finish their conversation. When Sable had finished describing the tom she had met, Teazer had made a strange face. It had only lasted a second, but Sable knew she had seen it. She stared at Teazer in confusion.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I was just wondering; Was the tom's name Munkustrap?"
"Yeah, why?"
"No reason in particular.",Replied Teazer trying to stifle a laugh. "But you're right, he's really different from Tugger. You'd hardly know . . . never mind. I'll see you tomorrow, Sable."
Sable stood staring at Teazer's back as she ran off. 'What was that about?', She wondered curiously. She finally gave up trying to figure it out and headed into her house. She dropped off her jacket and kicked off her sandals, before looking for her aunt. She walked around the whole house and couldn't seem to find her aunt anywhere.
"Aunt Griza where are you?", Called out Sable into the empty house.
"Sable dear, you're home. We're out on the veranda.", Shouted back Grizabella from the back of the house.
'We?!', Wondered Sable questioningly as she headed to the veranda, before calling out, "Who's there with you?"
"Principal Deuteronomy wants us to come over to his house for dinner, so he sent his son over to invite us. I won't say his name because I'm not sure you know him."
Sable stopped in her tracks. Tugger was Deuteronomy's son. She didn't want to spend an evening with him. She had heard that he had a brother, but how different could he really be from Tugger. Sable shivered at the idea of two Tuggers. That was not a happy thought. Sable was about to call out her answer when she heard footsteps coming down the hall and a familiar male voice call out to her. This tom didn't sound like Tugger, he sounded like . . .
"Munkustrap!",Cried Sable with a jolt. "Um . . . hey."
"Hey",Smiled Munkustrap. Sable almost completely melted. 'What an amazing smile', she thought with a small sigh. She then realized that Munkustrap had said something else.
"Huh?",Murmured Sable stupidly.
Munkustrap laughed and smiled at Sable again. "You should really pay better attention. Then maybe you wouldn't miss so many questions in Pre-Cal."
"I guess you're right.", Replied Sable shyly. The truth was she'd missed so many questions because she'd either been staring at or daydreaming about Munkustrap.
"I asked you if you were going to come to dinner at my house tonight.",Repeated Munkustrap before smiling shyly and adding, "I'd really appreciate it."
"Sure!",Agreed Sable dumbly, realizing way too late what she had just agreed to.
