To Go Or Not To Go

The afternoon sun beat on the city. Harlequin face torti Dahlene laid in the dark under a car with a tarp. Her bright eyes peered out sightlessly.

Never break a promise, the feline code of conduct.

For a species given to a solitary life, rules of honor and decorum are adhered to by most cats. Scofflaws are convinced by the Black Cats and their enforcers.

What do I do? What do I do? That big powder puff, Grace will depend on me for everything. And no chance of any detours on the way home. I don’t know; a lot of guys travel with a wheel man. I mean somebody has to be under the car.  It’s so hot. I’m stuck here until the sun goes low.

Maybe, we’d meet some nice guys. You never know. I know that Grey well enough to know he’ll be occupied by whatever little pussy is before him. Grace will want to go look for him.

Lean and lanky, white and orange man kitten meandered around the corner. Dahlene did not notice.

Oh, how can I get out of this? What was I thinking? I didn’t mean to tell Gray or Grace I’d go. Woah, this is too much. I’ve never been beyond the parking lot at the college. And dragging that fur ball calico, oh no.

Hey Babe, what cha thinkin? I know. I know. You’re thinkin how awesome I look. Yeah, I work out. Tommy Bright arched his neck and shoulders to flex his muscles and quivered his tail for effect. Girl, look at that body!

With her head between her paws, Dahlene raised her eyes in disinterest. Tommy took a step or two in front of her to further emphasis his macho physique. Wiggle, wiggle. I’m sexy and I know it.

Man, you are looking good. Suddenly interested, Dahlene rubbed against the young male. She gave him a head butt to the shoulder. He followed her to the grass under the live oak. What are you doing Friday night, my babe?  

I knew you couldn’t resist me. He purred. What feminine feline could resist all this?

Dahlene nuzzled his right cheek with the top of her head. Oh, yeah. He purred louder and reflexively kneaded his front toes.

Friday night? Tommy couldn’t focus. What about Friday night?

Are you going to the meeting in City Park? No, Tommy the anarchist will be roaming the neighborhood without black cats to tell me what to do. He rolled on his back pawing the air with all pads flexing his sharp claws.

Mockingbird, Waup, waup, do, waup, waup. Do I see Tommy Bright making time with Miz Dahlene?

We’re just friends! Dahlene protests. Tommy nuzzles her head with his. Tommy, I don’t feel right flirting with you when I know what a crush Grace has on you.

Grace has a crush on me? Of course, my babe, didn’t you know that? She thinks you are so fine. Tommy strutted around the tree flexing his muscles. Yeah, I work out. Pretty Calico Grace has a crush on me!

Yeah, Babe, she has a big crush on you. You didn’t know? She wants you to take her to that meeting in City Park.

I don’t know about that. I wasn’t planning on going.

Tommy, you saw Big Black look you right in the eye. You know you can’t go against Big Black.

Yeah, Dahlene, that’s one mean looking dude. Something different about this meeting; don’t know what, but Black Cats even have the grays pushing this meeting like I’ve never seen.

The Gray is going to meet me by Popp’s Bandstand after the meeting.

Aw, Dahlene, he’s telling that to all the feminine felines to get them to go to the meeting.

Dahlene’s eyes narrowed. She growled under her breath.

Grace poked her head out from under an azalea bush across the street. She trotted over to join them. Hey, Dahlene, you ready for our trip to City Park? We’ll make it a girls’ night out. I heard there’s a place the cats play some cool jazz. Never thought I’d leave my block, but I’m getting excited.

Don’t worry, Grace, I’ll take you to the park. Tommy stood there preening.

Dahlene purred with excitement. Her plan seemed to be working.

Tommy tried to nuzzle Grace, but she smacked him in the face with claws only half retracted.

Ow, Girl, you got a way of showing affection. Tommy gave her a love nip on the rump.

No, he didn’t just bite me on my behind.

Tommy’s brother, Sunny came tripping down the street with a Black Cat a few steps behind. Yo, what’s up yall?

Hey, Bro, we’re going to escort these lovely ladies to the meeting in the park tomorrow night; if that’s all right with you, Mr. Black.

Dahlene rolled her eyes. This not what she had in mind, but could do nothing to change the outcome now.

The Black smiled that all knowing smile the other cats hate. You all were scheduled for follow up. This is a wise decision. We’ll see you tomorrow night. With that The Black headed down the street.

Dahlene annoyed, said, Ok, tomorrow when the sun gets low; it’s off to the park we’ll go. Meet under the old cypress tree across the street. She trotted off in a huff.