It was a nice Wednesday afternoon and Nika had decided to explore more places. This time she had ventured to Manhattan down Broadway Blvd. There were flyers and billboards posted all around for various plays and musical productions. One billboard stuck out from the rest and for a good reason. It was mostly black but with two yellow eyes that had sillouhettes of two figures and said 'Cats'. This interested Nika greatly so she began looking for the theatre where the production was playing.

She found the theatre and was immediately impressed. It was the Winter Garden Theatre. Above the main enterance was a billboard with the same 'Cats' advertisement. Below that were the words Winter Garden in black unlit letters. Nika saw three sets of doors all flanked on their sides by more posters for more plays and other performances.

While looking at some of the other posters a man approached Nika in a rather hurried manner. He was wearing a nice looking suit and seemed to be looking around as if trying not to be noticed. The man guided Nika inside the building. As soon as the door closed he questions the girl.

"What are you doing out front? Are you the new understudy to play Victoria? What's your name?"

The man looked Nika over as he asked his questions. Nika did the best she could to respond while still somewhat in shock.

"I was just looking at the posters. My name is Nika."

While replying to the man he had taken the opportunity to look Nika's features over more.

"That's a great costume you have. It's very realistic looking. Ok, I'll cut you a break this time. I need you to head backstage and get yourself introduced with Miss Melissa Hathaway. She currently plays the role of Victoria the all white cat. Go on get going."

With a confused look Nika headed in the direction she was directed to go.

Cont'd....

In her quest to find back stage Nika bumped into a man. He was heading in a direction that crossed hers. The man was physically fit and very good looking.

"Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry."

"Quite alright. I wasn't expecting anyone to walk through just now."

Smiled the man.

"I was told to come back here. I need to find Miss Melissa Hathaway. Can you help me please?"

The man smiled again and nodded. He draped his right arm over Nika's shoulders and began walking with her towards the dressing room. Gently he ushered the girl along to her destination.

While walking Nika noticed many more people. Some looked like normal humans, others looked like humans turning into cat people and still others looked completely like cat people. Nika was astonished. She had never been around so many feline looking humanoids. A brief moment later and she was standing before a beautiful woman. The man spoke up.

"I believe she is her for you Melissa."

The woman smiled gently and grasped Nika's hand. She carefully spun Nika around while checking her balance as well as appearance. The man smiled.

"Well you certainly look the part and you didn't trip up easily. I think you'll do just fine kitten."

Melissa winked and nodded to the man.

"Very well then. I'll leave you ladies to get acquainted."

After the handsome man had gone Nika quickly asked Melissa about him.

"Umm...Miss Melissa who was that?"

"That my dear was Stephen AKA Rum Tum Tugger. He's one ot the male cats Victoria is infatuated with, and from the tone in your voice I can tell that won't be a hard thing to act out for you. So, what's your name kitten?"

"My name is Nika Taylor, but why do you keep calling me kitten?"

Nika gave a perplexed expression to Melissa.

"I call you that because you're the new kid on the block as it were. Being an under study gets you the title of kitten. Saying that, you are to watch and learn. There will be times when I can spend time teaching you as well. Once you have learned all there is then you will be my back up with the possibility of becoming Victoria in the long run and have your name printed on the cast list."

This sounded better and better and Nika was anxious to get started.

Cont'd...