Another original Thomas story, this time it's "James and Alicia Botti" Enjoy and comment.

The engines on the Island of Sodor love when Sir Topham Hatt puts on concerts at the theater. Music can be heard for miles, and all the engines love hearing musical melodies from many different performers.

One day, Sir Topham Hatt announced that the world-famous opera singer Alicia Botti would return to Sodor.

He selected James to take Alicia Botti to the opera hall.

James was excited. All the other engines had took Alicia Botti to her performances, but James had never taken her before.

"What an honor!" said Percy.

"Don't get your hopes too high." grunted Gordon. "She's a coloratura, meaning she can sing really loud."

"Make sure your coaches are clean." reminded Thomas. "We don't want any windows breaking across Sodor.

James puffed off excitedly to collect Alicia Botti.

James proudly steamed into Maithwaite Station. Alicia Botti was waiting for James.

"What a lovely engine." she said. "But is it clean?"

James was worried. Would Alicia Botti be pleased with him?

Then Alicia Botti climbed on-board the coaches and inspected them.

She climbed out, feeling very pleased.

"This is the cleanest engine I've ever seen!"

Then she climbed into the coaches once more, and James puffed away.

But soon, it became dark outside. Thick, black clouds covered the blue sky, and the wind began howling.
"Looks like a storm is coming." said James's driver. "We better go faster, so we don't get stuck in the storm."

But right when he said it, it began to pour. Hail fell as well.

Then, there was trouble. A piece of hail the size of a snowball cracked three of the windows of the coaches and nearly hit Alicia Botti!

She wasn't hurt, but she started screaming.

The screams were heard for miles. Windows broke all across Sodor.

"This is unacceptable!" she boomed. "Here I expected a nice peaceful ride, and all I see is a storm!"

"We're sorry." said James's driver, "but we can't control the weather."

"I've had it! I demand another coach!"

They stopped at the next station.

"There's no other coaches." said the fireman.

Just then, Bertie the Bus pulled up.

"What is that wonderful engine?" asked Alicia Botti.

"That's not an engine." said James. "It's Bertie the Bus."

"What a lovely bus!" said Alicia Botti.

So Alicia Botti climbed off the coaches, and boarded Bertie.

"Sorry James, but we must get Alicia Botti to the concert on time!" said Bertie and he set off.

James was disappointed.

"Cheer up." said the driver. "At least you got to pull her part-way."

"What is Sir Topham Hatt going to say?"

"We'll see later. Now let's get to the Works."

Later, Sir Topham Hatt spoke to James. He wasn't cross, he was very pleased!

"I am very proud of you James! You did the right thing by not going on when your windows broke."

"Thank you sir!" exclamed James. "But will I ever get to pull Alicia Botti again?"

"We'll see." promised Sir Topham Hatt.

That night, the concert was a huge success. Bertie and James listened to the wonderful voice of Alicia Botti together.