Of all the Fat Controller's engines, James was the only one who had never taken Alicia Botti, the famous Italian opera singer, to any of her concerts.
He longed for a chance to though.
One day, the Fat Controller had exciting news.
"Alicia Botti is performing at Ulfstead Castle." He announced. James, "I want you to take her there to the concert."
James was excited.
"Really sir? Oh thank you!"
"You are to pick her up from Brendam Docks."
James set off enthusiastically, eager for something he wanted to finally happen.
...
Along the way, James could not help boasting to everyone that he was taking Alicia Botti to her concert- but the other engines didn't care.
"We know!" They would say. "We know- you already told us that five minutes ago!"
But James didn't pay any attention to them.
He didn't pay attention at Knapford either, when he collected a coach from Platform 1. He was so excited, that he didn't notice that he biffed the coach, waking her up.
She was an old coach and very bad tempered. Her name was Jessie and like all coaches, she hated being biffed.
"I'll show him!" She hissed.
...
Along the way he kept singing off key.
"Oh, what a lark! What a lark!"
What he didn't notice was the coupling hook was rattling loose. Jessie carefully biffed into James until the coupling broke loose.
The old coach smirked.
"See how you get out of that one." She said to herself as James chuffed down the line, unaware of what was going on.
...
Soon, James arrived at Brendam Docks.
He felt thrilled when he saw Alicia Botti waiting for him.
"I'm here ma'am!" He whistled.
Alicia did not look pleased.
"You- a maybe here but where is the coach?" She grumbled. "I have a concert to get to!"
James gasped when he realised what was going on.
"My coach! I'm sorry Miss Botti, I thought I had her, but it would seem not."
"How about we get you there in James cab?" Offered the driver. "It would be quicker than having to wait for a coach- or another engine."
"That might be best." Agreed the opera singer.
...
Soon, she was on board and heading off to Ulfstead Castle.
She had a grand time! She got to watch and learn about steam engines' operations, and she even sang some notes for the crew as they worked.
They arrived at Ulfstead in good time.
"Thank you James!" She beamed as she disembarked. "I have had a wonderful time!"
"You're welcome!" Replied James, grinning like a fool.
Jessie was later in trouble for uncoupling herself from James, and James got to enjoy Alicia Botti's concert.
'It is a grand world with music in it,' He thought.