The Jellicle Chronicles - Year Two

Rainy Days and Junkyards (Really Get Me Down)

The new Queen, Scatterburr, held one of Victoria’s paws as the contractions began. Jennyanydots, this time, kneeled, waiting between the White Queen’s open thighs. Mr. Mistoffelees held Victoria’s other paw. His eyes were closed, and small silver lights played around their joined hands. Jellylorum held a rag and a soft wet towel, waiting her turn in this amazing event. 

      “You’re doing fine, my dear,” Jenny said, one paw touching Victoria’s pelvic area. “Your kitten is on its way.” 

      Scatterburr watched with fascination as the White Queen seemed to vacillate between pain and pleasure as the labor continued. Somehow, it seemed strange that the young Queen could bear kittens, being small and delicate looking. Yet, she could tell that Victoria was well muscled, and strong enough to bear them. 

      “He’s crowning, Vicki,” Jenny said with a trace of excitement. In the back of her mind, she made a rough calculation of the number of kittens she has been midwife to, and lost count. In fact, half the Jellicles in the Yard were helped into this world by Jellylorum and her. Why, then, did she still get so excited? The head began to clear the birth canal, giving her the first glimpse of the tiny kitten. The kitten would have most of Misto’s black fur, she could tell. And that is exactly why she could still be excited all this time. She was the first to know! 

      “One more push, dearest. There! He’s out!” 

      Jenny slipped a dewclaw in, and quickly cut the cord to the newborn kitten. She could tell Vicki only had the one, and not twins like Demeter. Just as well, she thought. Picking up the kitten, she stepped back and brushed the kitten down in the fuzzy towel. As she did, Jellylorum took her place, and began to clean Victoria’s fur. The placenta had to be caught and carried away in the rag. Meanwhile, Jenny opened up the towel and got the first look at the shivering, mewing kitten. Definitely a male! His body was about two-thirds black except for a bib of white. With the exception of a little extra white in the mane, he looked just like Misto… 

      “Here he is, Vicki. Your little tom.” 

      Victoria was crying tears of joy as she brought the kitten into her arms. Blind and shivering, he stopped crying as soon as he felt her warmth, and smelled milk. Easing him onto her breast, Victoria smiled as he began to nurse. 

      Mr. Mistoffelees did not know what to do. He was smiling, trying to hug Victoria, trying to pet the little kitten, and trying to touch everyone around him. Scatterburr smiled right along with him, and did not know why. Jenny did manage to stroke the little tom between his ears. Jellylorum came back after taking care of the mess, and laid a warm towel on Victoria’s belly. 

      “What’s his name?” 

      When everyone looked at her, Scatterburr felt very embarrassed. Her ears flattened out and she ducked her head. But, Victoria squeezed a paw. 

      “Everyone wants to know, Scatty,” the White Queen chided with a smile. “You just asked first. Lean over.” 

      As the brown and white tabby leaned in close, Victoria whispered in her ear. Scatty’s eyes twinkled and she smiled. “That’s beautiful.” 

      “Well?” Jenny and Jellylorum looked at each other and giggled. Both had asked at the same time. 

      “His name is Adonis.”

******

      The news traveled quickly about the Yard, and started to travel out to the House Jellicles. It had to be quick. The rains were about to come. Skimbleshanks, with his keen scenting nose, told him the moment he got off the train that rain was on its way. It was a cold rain that he could tell by the scent. He stopped and looked West and to the North. Yes, he nodded, the front was coming in from the colder Artic Ocean. He had to quickly find his garden and get his two roses before the rain came. After all, he had some ladies waiting for him, and he did not want to disappoint them.