Hey Guys, This story runs concurrent with some of my other stories. Everything other than "SODOR" Is connected to this. If you haven't read the my previous fanfiction's a while ago, then I recommend you read the short summary at the start of "Brain and Braun". While i try to explain everything in the story I do miss out some parts. So therefore you should give that a quick read before going into this.

Either Way, Enjoy guys!

Chapter 1: New Year, New You.

Note: This takes place on the same day as: Brains and Brawn Chap 2 AND Fear and Safety Chap 1

Thomas woke up to the sound of his phone buzzing, he rolled over to see it was a text from percy.

'Hey Thomas, Ready for a new year of school?"

Thomas replied with a simple 'No.'

He rolled out of bed and put on his his clothes, Bright blue shirt, and jeans. He threw a leather coat on and went down stairs.

His mother was in the kitchen eating her breakfast.

"Good to see you remembered how to wake up."

"Ha, Funny Mum." Thomas said enthusiastically.

"Look, I know it's been ages since you went to school, you going on your trip and all… but you were going to have to go back sometime."

Thomas knew his mother was right. He sighed and grabbed a muesli bar out of the cupboard.

"Alright, i'm off." He said, "I'll buy lunch today."

"You're forgetting something."

"What? I have my keys… No…"

His mum laughed at his expression.

"They start today don't they?"

"Yep, and they're going with you." She said softly, before shouting, "Hurry up girls, before your brother leaves you behind!"

Before long both Annie and Clarabel rushed from upstairs chattering away. Thomas just sighed, before leading his two 12 year old sisters to school.

When he got to school, he heard a familiar voice. "Thomas!"

Thomas turned around to see his best friend. Percy.

"Hey Percy!" The two girls chanted.

"Hello girls, Ready for your first day of high school?"

"YEA!" The screamed excitedly.

"You'd make a better brother than me." Thomas sighed angrily.

"I'm the younger brother, remember…" Percy said as they walked into the school. One of the teachers escorted the two girls away for Thomas and Percy, and Thomas let out a massive sigh, like he had just taken thirty kilograms of his back.

"You alright?" Percy asked.

"Yea, I'm fine. Those two give me the irrits."

"I just worry Henry to bits." Percy laughed.

They walked into class to see Edward relaxing in the corner.

"Morning Ed." Thomas said as he entered.

"Morning guys… Oh Thomas, you have to tell me about your trip."

"Nothing to talk about Edward, just me being sad somewhere else."

Edward sighed, Knowing full well what happened between Rosie and Thomas, and how much that hurt him.

"How's James?" Thomas asked.

"He's doing great, We're renting an apartment in vicarstown."

"With what money?"

"His money, he works at Henry's bar remember."

Thomas remembered that now, the small bar Percy's older brother Henry had refurbished. But just as he remembered that, he remembered the book he had forgotten in his locker.

"I've gotta grab something." He said leaving Percy and Edward confused.

He walked down the hall, and over to his locker Grabbing the few things he needed. As he grabbed his things he felt someone bump him and threw dropped his drink bottle, but he managed to catch it before it spilled.

"Watch where you're going." Thomas said as he turned around.

Suddenly, everything for him froze as he saw someone he'd never seen before.

"I'm so sorry are you ok?" She asked.

"Uh, yea i'm fine." Thomas said struggling to get his words out. "Who are you?"

She wore a bright pink and orange indian shirt. She had black hair, but fairer skin.

"My names Ashima, I'm new here."

"Huh.." Thomas said as his brain continued to fail him.

"And you are?" Duck asked, as he nudged him in the ribs trying to help him out. Thomas' brain suddenly kicked back into gear.

"Oh right, I'm Thomas, Nice to meet you." He said blushing.

"And I'm Montague, but people just call me Duck." Duck added, before walking away.

"Right." Ashima said chuckling to herself. "I best be off. See you around Thomas."

She walked away leaving thomas mentally blank, He walked back to class feeling happy for once. Rosie was no longer on his mind.

Hey Guys! Hope you enjoyed the story. I can't wait to go deeper with Thomas and Ashima, as they have so much potential. (I feel a song coming on down the line.)

See you guys in chapter 2.