The Jellicle Chronicles - Year Two

The Haunted Yard

The last vestiges of an Autumn rainstorm kept a steady patter of rain against the roof and sides of the Closet in the Yard. Inside, Munkustrap lay as the centerpiece of two Queens and two kittens. On one side, Demeter and Aphrodite demanded his warmth. As usual, Demeter had one paw on the Silver Tabby’s throat ruff. Aphrodite was curled up inside between her parents, and had her head on Demeter’s shoulder. On the other side, Bombalurina lay with her head on Munkustrap’s hip, while little Augustus curled between her and his father. Bombalurina, now obviously pregnant, was having trouble staying comfortable. 

    “Aunt Bombie?” 

    The Scarlet Queen sat up, and slowly reached down past her knees to stroke the five month-old kitten. “What is it, dear?” 

    “You keep kicking me.” 

    “I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I’m getting kicked, too,” Bombalurina said sleepily. She switched over and lay back down with her head on Munkustrap’s free shoulder. “Here, tuck yourself in between your father and me.” The little tom carefully rolled in between the two adults, his head coming back against her breasts. “Oh, careful, dear. I’m a little tender right now.” 

    “Sorry, Aunt Bombie,” Augustus said, yawning. 

    “That’s all right, Augie,” she smiled as she stroked his head. “Go back to sleep.” 

    As Bombalurina felt the small purr of the son, she also felt the deeper one of the father. Unconsciously, her paw went upward and joined Demeter’s at the base of Munkustrap’s throat. Somehow, even the small life inside her felt better in the new position, and stilled. Peace returned to the main “room” in the Closet. 

    Suddenly, the shrill screech of tires, and the sudden yelp of a Pollicle stunned everyone awake. The three adults had sponged slightly, and both Demeter and Bombalurina had defensive grips on the two kittens. Within moments, the sound of an automobile engine indicated that Human was driving quickly away. 

    Munkustrap listened closely, and slowly got to his feet. The two Queens moved together, bringing the kittens between them. Carefully, Munkustrap eased over to the opening, and carefully surveyed the outside. 

    “Are you thinking of going outside in this weather?” 

    Munkustrap looked back at Bombalurina. “I was thinking about it, yes.” 

    “Why? You’re the Leader now, Munkus. Let Quaxo handle it. I’m sure he’ll let you know if there’s anything to concern you.” 

    Curious, Munkustrap looked back to Demeter. “Well, Deme?” 

    “Bomba’s right, you know,” the Gold and Black Queen replied, nodding her head. “You no longer have to do everything.” 

    “What happened, Mommy?” 

    Demeter hugged Aphrodite, who was shivering. “I don’t know, dear one.” 

    Augustus got up from Bombalurina’s arms and bounded over to his father’s side. “Father? Do you want me to go with you?” 

    Munkustrap smiled and reached down to grip the youngster’s shoulder. “If I were going to go out there, I couldn’t think of anyone braver to go with me. But, your Mothers are right. I need to allow those who are out there to do their job.” 

    “Mothers?” 

    With a serious face, Munkustrap came down to his son’s level, so as to look him eye-to-eye. “Both your actual mother and Bombalurina are my Mates. In a way, Bombalurina is also your Mother.”