The Jellicle Chronicles - Year Four

Where the Heart Is

Jellylorum moved slowly from her pillow bed over to the birthing pillows, aided carefully by Tailkinker. The ten-year-old Matron of the Infirmary and Nursery knew very well what was taking place inside her. Her two kittens were getting ready to enter the world. Because of her awakened Gift, she already knew what her kittens were and how they were feeling. While it relieved her that both were doing well, there was no mystery. Still, she was bringing Life into the World, and she was their source. 

      Jennyanydots smiled as she helped Jellylorum lay down. “That’s it. You’re doing fine, dear.” 

      “Oh, Rumpus, Jenny. How did Deme stand it?” 

      “What? You mean giving birth?” 

      “No. Having twins. I didn’t hear her complain hardly once.” 

      “Well, she always was rather quiet, and she hid quite a lot. She probably complained a lot, and we never heard it.” 

      The butter calico gave her companion a stern eye and harrumphed. “Meaning I’m not quiet and I do complain a lot.” 

      Jenny giggled. “No, dear. But, even you must admit you’re not as young as she was then. Her body was more elastic than ours because she was a young adult.” 

      “And not an old broad, yes, I know. At least Teazer complained.” 

      “And we both know Teazer.” That joke got a giggle from both of them. 

      “How else did Deme get through it?” 

      “Deme got through it because she had loved ones around her helping her through,” a voice sounded from behind Jenny. Tailkinker looked up while Jenny turned around. Demeter and Bombalurina had just entered the Nursery. 

      Demeter came over and sat down next to the Butter Calico. “Aunt Jelly? You’re having twins just like I did.” 

      “Did you learn that from your dreams or from Quaxo?” 

      “From you,” Bombalurina said from behind Demeter. “We heard you from outside. Were you really going to strangle an old goat, dear?” 

      Everybody giggled at that, and then Jellylorum moaned. 

      “Another contraction,” both Jellylorum and Tailkinker said. The young Healer glared down at the Matron as she raised an eyebrow. 

      “I’ve heard that those who doctor patients make very unruly patients themselves,” Demeter said as she stroked Jelly’s cheek. “I know you’ll be helping yourself a lot, Aunt Jelly, but you might allow Tailkinker to help you, too.” 

      “I’ll try, Deme.” 

      “Does Skimble know about the twins?” 

      “Yes, Bomba, he knows. Proud as a peacock, too. If that doesn’t give him something to lord over the Tugger, I don’t know what will. The old goat!” 

      “Randy old goat, dear,” giggled Jenny. 

      Jellylorum made a face at Jenny, and the others giggled along with Jenny. 

      “I just hope he gets in from the afternoon mails tomorrow to greet the little ones,” said Jellylorum. “I’m sure he’d like to be here to help me.” 

      “And be like Munk and ruin the decorum of the Nursery?” 

      “Oh, Deme, hush! If your Tom can help you bring kittens into the world, my Tom can too!”