Emily and Millie had spent time together in the Steamworks, having a repaint and a repair, socializing about their relationships and how they ran it with their boyfriends, Thomas and Luke. Now Emily was on her way to find Thomas and enjoy the rest of her day with him…but ever since the previous night they shared at the Steamworks, something awoke within them. They wanted to relish each other even more, have fun and go about their business…more than they wanted to serve the railway. It was all because of their first major fight. They still felt quite an effect from it and didn't want to think about it anymore, and as such, they became even more attached to each other than before.
It wasn't until evening that Emily saw Thomas again after he had finished his passenger duties for the day. She invited him to stay at Knapford Sheds again after some time of not doing so.
"Well, it's nice to be back in here, Emily," said Thomas.
"I know, Tommy," she chuckled. "And to think that James and Molly spent their first night back together right here."
"Yes, that is lovely, Emily," smiled Thomas. "Especially now that we're resolved since last night."
"Oh, Thomas, I'm very happy about that," said Emily. "I love you." And she kissed his little nose. Thomas laughed and kissed her nose right back.
"Sweet dreams. I love you," they whispered together before drifting to sleep, back in their favorite shed.
The next morning, Thomas opened his eyes slowly, smiling at the lovely sunrise he saw through the window. Then he looked in front of him. There was Emily, holding her nose to his and sleeping happily in his comfort. Thomas decided to give her a wake-up call and kissed her lovely lips, making her eyes open. She saw him kissing her and she kissed him right back before yawning softly.
"Good morning," smiled Thomas. "Sleep well?"
"Good morning to you," replied Emily. "I had a lovely sleep."
Both engines smiled at each other for a few moments in silence and just enjoyed looking into each other's eyes. Then as they thought about their happy night at the Steamworks, they suddenly felt a major wave of passion sweep through them. One that was stronger than they had felt for years. Somewhere inside them, they were still feeling jittery and nervous from their first big fight and being separated, even for just a day. Now that they had made up for their fight, Thomas found his desire for Emily just as vigorous and strong as it was when they first kissed all that time ago when Duck helped with his Slip Coaches. Emily found her passion for Thomas was many times stronger than it was too. After they nearly lost each other, they wanted to forget it as much as possible…so they both made a plan for each other.
"Well, Emily…" began Thomas. "I know we had a very uncomfortable fight two days ago after my accident…but now that we've agreed not to blame each other if something goes wrong again…why don't we have some fun…just for you?"
Emily perked up immediately upon hearing that. "Ooh! I'd like that," she purred. With that, she captured his lips and kissed him ever-so deeply. She kissed him so deeply, she wouldn't let go, but Thomas didn't mind. In fact, he loved it. Emily eventually let go of his lips, allowing him to kiss her cheek gently, and receiving a giggle from her. Thomas continued to kiss her cheeks for several more minutes, while she kept smiling and laughing quietly as she let off steam gently. When he stopped to rest, Emily kissed him right back on both his cheeks for quite a while too.
Almost thirty minutes later, Thomas and Emily were kissing each other's lips again…until they heard someone call from outside, making them decide to come out.
"Thomas? Emily? What's going on in there? You've been in there too long now! You should be working!" called James. When Thomas and Emily came out, they both wore a dreamy expression, humming softly to each other.
"Uh…what are you two doing?" asked James. But neither Thomas nor Emily answered. They just kept humming along. They passed by Henry, who just looked at them with confusion. Suddenly, Thomas and Emily noticed a blue car beside the line and stopped briefly.
"Oh! He-he…Morning, sir," giggled Emily.
"Yes…lovely day," chortled Thomas. The Fat Controller chuckled at first, but then took a second look at Thomas and Emily as they began to sing to each other, passing by him.
"La da-da, la-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la-la…" the two engines sang together as they rounded the bend.
"They've got it bad," James said blankly.
"What? What do you mean?" asked the Fat Controller.
"Isn't it obvious, sir? Thomas and Emily are twitterpated," Henry smiled.
"Twitterpated?" the Fat Controller said to himself as he drove off.
Henry was right. Thomas and Emily passed right through Knapford Station, still humming together.
"Well, my love…what shall we do together?" asked Thomas.
"Anything we please," smiled Emily. Then she whistled and set off with Thomas…without gathering their trains.
"Thomas? Thomas!" called Annie and Clarabel. "What are you doing? We have passengers to pick up!"
"Emily? Shouldn't we get to our work?" asked Thomas.
"Ignore it, Tommy. I need you right now," she purred. "Besides, there are plenty other engines who could do the work."
"Oh, Emily…I think you're right," gasped Thomas. "It's just the two of us together…we're each other's favorite engine, you lovely queen!"
"Yes, we are, Tommy!" laughed Emily. "Off we go now!" She and Thomas whistled together and kept going. They huffed along the main line, joking to each other and just laughing even more.
"Where shall we go, you and I, Emily? The docks, to see the sea?" asked Thomas.
"Oh, yes!" whistled Emily.
But Thomas and Emily failed to realize that just finding another engine wasn't so easy after all. While Henry, James and Percy got to doing whatever work they had to do, no one came to collect Annie and Clarabel…and no one went to do Emily's work. The passengers arrived and were most confused. One passenger knocked on the office door.
"Sir…there's no engine."
The Fat Controller suddenly got up and looked around. Indeed, there were no engines with Annie and Clarabel.
"What? How could this be? Thomas and Emily must have come through here…" said the Fat Controller. "These passengers won't reach their stations, and Emily was supposed to gather a load of stone to deliver from the quarry to the docks…I'll see if I can find out what's going on."
At that moment, Gordon came to the station to take the express. "Where are my coaches?" he asked.
"You'll have to fetch them yourself, Gordon. Thomas didn't bring them to the platform, apparently," said the Fat Controller.
"Hmph! Alright," sighed Gordon as he found his coaches and arranged them on Platform 1 himself.
"Now, Gordon," said the Fat Controller. "If you find Thomas and Emily, try to see what's going on with them. They didn't even come to prepare for their work this morning."
"I'll try, sir," promised Gordon. Soon, he set off, pulling the express. As he sped along the line, he looked left and right for any signs of the two engines.
"What's happening?" he asked himself. "Why would they ignore their work so randomly?"
Meanwhile, at the quarry, Mavis was waiting for Emily to arrive and gather her load of stone. She waited and waited, but no engine came. An hour or two later, she began to really wonder.
"Emily? Where is she?" said Mavis. "She was supposed to be here!" And Mavis continued to wait and puzzle over the longer and longer time Emily did not come.
Gordon was still going about with the express, until he reached Wellsworth Station. Edward was there too.
"Edward? Have you seen Thomas and Emily by any chance?" asked Gordon.
"I…I did, Gordon," replied Edward. "I tried asking them why they had no train, but they kept laughing together…talking about going to the docks."
"What? What are they doing there when they're supposed to be working?" exclaimed Gordon, but then his guard's whistle blew and he had to take the express on.
But Annie and Clarabel's scheduled passengers were not happy. Some were actually walking to their next station along the road, some were back at the station, writing complaints for the Fat Controller about poor service. The Fat Controller felt nervous since this did not often happen. Complaints were sent before when Henry had to take the express in Gordon's absence after he made the wish upon the Wishing Tree, but in this case, Thomas and Emily were doing no work at all.
Meanwhile, Thomas and Emily had glided all the way to Brendam Docks, still bubbling with excitement over being together. Porter and Salty were surprised to see them both here when no one told them to be here.
"Excited to be here?" smirked Thomas.
"Yes…but not as excited as you must be over me! Come here, you funny tank engine!" squealed Emily as she started kissing Thomas wildly on his face, making him laugh hysterically.
"Ohh, h-hello, shipmates," said Salty awkwardly.
"Hello, Salty!" Thomas chortled happily, making Emily giggle. "Just me and Emily together."
"…Most impressive," said Porter, seemingly uninterested.
Thomas and Emily kept huffing together until they were beside Cranky, looking out to the water.
"Isn't this lovely, Thomas?" smiled Emily. "Being here by the sea?"
"It isn't Arlesburgh harbour, but it's still delightful being with you, Emily," said Thomas. They looked out to sea together and could not stop smiling and trying not to giggle. Some while later, their excitement began driving another desire in their minds.
"Thomas? I'd like to see the main line again…all those flowery fields," said Emily.
"Anything for you, Em," winked Thomas as they set off hastily back for the main line.
"Some engines…" Cranky cranked.
Once Thomas and Emily reached the main line, they huffed slowly beside the fields filled with flowers, humming together again for quite a while…until they reached another station where they saw Gordon.
"There you two are!" exclaimed Gordon. "I need to tell you something!"
"No time, Gordon!" laughed Emily. "Thomas and I are occupied with each other right now…aren't we?" she winked at Thomas.
"Ohh, yes we are, Emily," he replied.
"Thomas! Emily! Stop thinking crazy! Get your heads out of the clouds and back on the railway already!" called Gordon. "All this extra romantic nature isn't the best idea! We're supposed to be working! Come on, you two!" But Thomas and Emily didn't pay any heed.
"Where to next, Emily? Black Loch again? We haven't been there for a long time!" chortled Thomas.
"Oh, yes! I'd like that a lot! OK! Come on, Thomas! See you later, Gordon!" bubbled Emily as she pushed Thomas on their way again!
"Thomas? Emily! PLEASE! COME BACK!" whistled Gordon. But they were already around the corner and out of sight. Gordon had to go on with the express. He was even more perplexed now that he had seen Thomas and Emily's behaviour right now. He huffed on until he saw Edward…and decided he had to tell a few things…
Elsewhere, things were not doing well for the railway. Back at the quarry, Toby came along and was surprised to see a long train of stone that had not yet been taken to be delivered.
"Mavis? What is this train still doing here?" he asked.
"I have no idea," said Mavis. "Emily was supposed to pick up this load, but she hasn't come. If it has to wait until tomorrow, that would never do." The Quarry Manager decided to call the Fat Controller. He told him about Emily's absence, making him more suspicious.
"What is going on?" the Fat Controller asked himself. "Hasn't Gordon heard anything yet about those two?" At that moment, he heard a diesel horn and looked outside his office. There was Philip working hastily to shunt trucks about the yards.
"Philip? Philip!" called the Fat Controller.
"Oh! Yes sir?" asked Philip.
"I don't mean to seem angry, but have you seen or heard anything about Thomas and Emily?"
"Oh…no. Why sir?"
"They didn't come to gather their trains this morning. The passengers have been complaining relentlessly and the quarry still hasn't been cleared of that load of stone Emily was supposed to gather," said the Fat Controller.
"Oh…well, I ran into Edward today and he was talking about Thomas and Emily, huffing along together…off to the docks," said Philip.
"Did Gordon see them at all?" asked the Fat Controller.
"Edward says he met him again earlier today and Gordon has seen them…but Gordon didn't say very much to Edward."
"Uhh…" groaned the Fat Controller. "I have to know what's happening today! Philip, go and find Gordon! Tell him to come right now and explain what he may know about Thomas and Emily!"
"Y-yes sir. Of course," said Philip as he set off as quickly as he could.
At Black Loch, Thomas and Emily were kissing together once again as afternoon was ending and evening was starting to set in. They didn't focus too much on their surroundings even here, where they loved being most.
"Today was fun for me, Thomas," giggled Emily.
"Likewise, Emily," chimed Thomas. "It's just so tempting just to be with you all the time, my love."
"I can't resist you either, Tommy," winked Emily. Then she and Thomas started kissing again. But they would soon receive a chilling reminder for all their behaviour today…
As evening set further in, Gordon was delivering his last few passengers for the express. "Thomas? Emily? What have you been doing?" he asked himself. Suddenly, he saw a few passengers just walking along the road to his station.
"All this walking, all because Thomas didn't come!" complained one passenger. "This railway is sillier than I thought!"
"Hah!" said the Grumpy Passenger. "I might have known this railway wouldn't work! Even you couldn't help us, Gordon! Most ridiculous!" Gordon was cross as his last few passengers left for home.
As he grumpily ended his express duty for the day, he huffed slowly along the line, talking to himself. "What did I do? I didn't delay any passengers…they were meant for Annie and Clarabel. And yet the Grumpy Passenger points all the fingers at me. Not right at all." Then suddenly…
"Gordon!" yelled a young voice. It was Philip, panting and rushing towards him. "Gordon, I've been looking all over for you! I have an urgent message from the Fat Controller!"
"Urgent?" asked Gordon.
"He demands to see you right away! Uh…something about Thomas and Emily!" said Philip as he dashed off again.
Gordon gasped with horror. "He knows!"
The Fat Controller was back at Knapford Station, looking at his watch and getting rather impatient. No work had been done from Thomas and Emily and the railway was beginning to be laughed at and criticized.
"What is the meaning of this?" he grumbled to himself. "Getting all these letters of complaints and…" then he heard Gordon's whistle and looked up.
"Ahem…uh, come here, Gordon," he said.
"…I mustn't overreact. I must remain calm," Gordon thought to himself. He carefully approached the platform. "Yes, sir. What is it?" he asked.
"Gordon, I'm concerned about Thomas and Emily. Have you noticed they've been acting peculiar lately?" asked the Fat Controller.
"Peculiar?" asked Gordon.
"You know, huffing along buffer-to-buffer, laughing together, singing to themselves? …and not doing a single moment of work for the railway today?"
"Oh…I m-might have-"
"Gordon…" said the Fat Controller sternly. "I KNOW you've been keeping something from me."
Gordon tried desperately not to smile. "Keeping something?" he gulped.
"About Thomas?" the Fat Controller said, taking a step closer.
"T-Thomas?" said Gordon.
"And Emily?" emphasized the Fat Controller. Gordon moaned fearfully behind his closed lips. He trembled within…then let it all loose.
"I TRIED to stop them, sir! They wouldn't listen! I told them not to relish in their romantic nature too much!" The last few words caught the Fat Controller's mind.
"What do you mean romantic nature?!" he demanded.
"Sir…there seems to have been a mix-up…because they were playing together so much," said Gordon. "What shall I do?"
"Go find them, and bring them to me. I will deal with this," ordered the Fat Controller crossly.
"Yes sir," shuddered Gordon. He scurried away from the station and set off to find Thomas and Emily. Surprisingly, he hadn't gone far when he saw the two engines, still buffer to buffer and laughing together after they had their fun at Black Loch. But when Gordon whistled to them several times, they stopped laughing.
"Gordon? What is it?" smiled Thomas.
"You two need to go to Knapford Station," he said. "The Fat Controller did NOT look happy…at ALL."
"What? How could this be?"
"Just go there. He's impatient enough already," urged Gordon. Thomas and Emily looked nervous for once and made their way there. When they got there, they saw the Fat Controller tapping his foot and looking at them sternly.
"Excuse me, you two," he said.
"What is it, sir?" asked Thomas.
"I've have had nothing but complaints about you two all day! Thomas, what were you thinking about?! Your Branch Line wasn't running with any passengers! And Emily! Neglecting your load of stone and taking it absolutely nowhere! Together, you have caused many people to say what a bad railway this is!"
"But how? I didn't know about any of that work," said Thomas, suddenly not so bright and chipper as he was earlier.
"Huh! Honestly, Thomas! Were you even listening to any of the engines?"
"Ooh…I guess we didn't," said Emily. "Well, we did get a little carried away with our playful nature since we are in a relationship."
"Yes sir. To be fully honest, we were together, the whole day," worried Thomas. "But, all this trouble! We did NOT mean for any of this to happen!"
"I know that," said the Fat Controller. Then he remained silent for several moments, thinking…just like he did when he first warned them about this way back when. Soon he spoke again.
"Actually, your behaviour today looked very familiar…to the time when Duck was helping us with his Slip Coaches…I remember now. It's just the way you two were behaving like after you confessed your love…only it seems it's much stronger now…and therefore, more out of control….I remember I told you this a long time ago while Duck was helping us out…well, I'll say it again: 'Do you two believe that this relationship will affect your work? Given everything that has happened between you two over the years, I can see how much the two of you mean to one another, but do you think your work will suffer because of it? My engines are to work hard and do what they are told, instead of only having fun and games - this is a railway, not a playground and while I am not blind to your feelings, I cannot afford having any of my engines messing about, especially at this time of the year. I am willing to allow you two to continue on, provided you will not disappoint me or my railway.' Unfortunately though, your work actually has been affected this time. Remember what I told you? Work before play."
"Hmm…" said Thomas. "You're right, sir. We should have remembered that. We're sorry for the trouble today, and w-we'll try and hold to the promise."
"I do mean it, you know," he added sternly. "You have caused plenty of trouble already, and if you two continue to put your desires before your work, it will make the railway look quite bad, and it could spell even more trouble for both of you." And with that, he left the station, still displeased with what had happened that day.
"Hmm," Thomas said again. He's right, Emily. With our unhappy passengers, perhaps we should try," he said.
"Must we, Thomas?" said Emily. "You're just so…so handsome, oh my goodness…"
"I know, but work is still quite important. Then again…you're so beautiful yourself…" That night, Thomas and Emily tried to forget about what happened that day and tried focusing on their promise. They were able to hold their promise when their relationship first started. They thought they just had to calm down and hold their promise again…but that would be easier said than done.
"Remember what the Fat Controller told us, Emily," Thomas said, seriously.
"Yes," said Emily. "Work before play." But it was hard to focus on that promise for long. And indeed, it could spell more risk for their way of loving each other. But there were two others who would eventually see this issue and step in to help.
The next morning, things were no better. Thomas and Emily woke up with a start and set off on their own again, trying to remember the Fat Controller's warning. They had decided the previous evening to make an effort to hold to their promise, but much like Caitlin's excitement of staying up all night on Sodor, the two engines soon forgot all about what the Fat Controller had said about working before playing. Still laughing like crazy, they began playing with each other as they did the day before. Once again, Thomas and Emily neglected their trains for the day. Aside from previously neglected passengers with Annie and Clarabel, Thomas had also left behind an important goods train to deliver on his Branch Line. Even worse, Emily was supposed to take holidaymakers around the island for tours.
As the passengers arrived at the platform, the children were excited to take their holiday with their parents.
"Wow! This will be fun!" cried a little girl.
"That's right, dear," said the mother. "And of course, the engine pulling us, is Emi…" the mother suddenly gasped…there was no engine! The children gasped too.
The Fat Controller shook his head for a moment. Then… "EMILY?!"
No matter how hard Thomas and Emily tried, they were so passionate and excited to be together, they forgot all about what the Fat Controller said to them about working before playing together. Suddenly, Thomas and Emily stopped at a junction, blocking the switch.
"Well, Emily…what do you say we rest for a while and enjoy this clear day?"
"Oh, yes, Thomas!" whistled Emily. "Just you and me on a sublime day!" Then she started kissing Thomas' cheeks again. Thomas kept laughing with joy along with Emily, not taking any notice of their surroundings. But then Gordon came gliding along the line towards the junction. He suddenly saw the two engines up ahead and applied his brakes as hard as he could. He managed to stop just in time…but Thomas and Emily didn't move.
"Get out of my way! YOU'RE holding up the EXPRESS!" shouted Gordon.
"Calm down, Big-Wheels," smirked Emily.
"YOU'RE the one with large wheels," huffed Gordon. But Emily just laughed.
Gordon was about to let out quite a bit of energy. "Thomas, Emily, I think this is my-"
"OK, no need to shout," Thomas replied smugly as he and Emily moved slowly away onto another track. Gordon sighed annoyingly as he managed to keep going.
"This isn't gonna be pretty," he said to himself. "I saved their love after that fight…now it could be hurt again. I sure hope not…"
Thomas and Emily continued to rush along the line, still lost in a spell of passion, kissing each other even as they moved. They were so busy with their kisses, they didn't even notice they were at Brendam Docks again and Salty was trying to line up with Cranky as he lowered a heavy load of fish into his trucks. Salty suddenly went lurching forward…and Cranky's hook slipped in the confusion. The heavy crate split open, sending fish everywhere, but neither Thomas nor Emily noticed they had bumped into Salty from behind.
"Whoops-a-Daisy, Salty!" chimed Emily. "Silly me!" Then she and Thomas dashed away from the docks.
Salty gaped at all the fish scattered on and around the tracks. "Who will swab the deck now, matey?!"
"I can't pick up all those!" complained Cranky. "The workmen will have to do this…and someone ought to address Thomas and Emily's behaviour!" The Dock Manager agreed and made a call to Knapford Station…
Thomas and Emily had managed to calm down by that evening. They were starting to tire out from all their rushing about that day and the day before. They were still giggling with delight together as they stopped at another junction…until James stopped nearby them…he was blocked too!
"Hey! Let me through!" he whistled. Thomas and Emily noticed James and were still a little confident.
"Alright, all in good time," said Thomas.
"Actually, terrible time…for both of you," said James. "I've heard absolutely shocking things about you two…besides holding me up along with my goods train right now, I saw plenty of unhappy holidaymakers complaining today in the neighborhood with no coaches! And I heard the Fat Controller complaining about a fishy mess at the docks with Salty!"
Thomas and Emily had listened to James…and suddenly became shocked and scared. They had forgotten all about their plan to hold to their promise cautioned by the Fat Controller!
"Goods train?! FISH?!" Thomas gasped, suddenly realizing his mistake.
"Coaches?! Oh! The holidaymakers!" gasped Emily. "Good heavens, the Fat Controller is gonna trample us!" She and Thomas rushed back to find him, knowing they couldn't hide this problem anymore. Now they were not so cheerful and lightheaded.
When they returned to Knapford Station, Thomas saw the very goods train he was meant to take…still on the same siding as before. And Emily's coaches were untouched and empty.
"Oh no!" cried Thomas. "All THIS work was wasted and ignored too?! This is a disaster!"
"The holidaymakers didn't go where they wanted to be…and Salty's load of fish was ruined! Why did we go so crazy with each other?! We should have waited until our work was done! Oh dear! We're sure to get it now!"
"You can say that again, Thomas and Emily," snapped the Fat Controller's voice...right beside them. "Whatever is wrong with you?! Thomas, your goods train has ended up delayed! No one knows where it is right now! And you did not take the holidaymakers anywhere, Emily! And what's worse, Salty's fish train was ruined! I gave you both a clear reminder of what I warned you of…now, you've ruined the image of my railway! Ohh! Did you hear nothing that I said?! Don't you want to serve my railway well?!"
"Well, yes, we do want to serve you, but-" began Thomas.
"Then why is everyone laughing at my railway and bringing in complaints?!" said the Fat Controller. Thomas and Emily looked around. Indeed, several of the holiday makers and some workmen were complaining about the railway and even making fun of it.
"What kind of lackluster railway is this? With these engines who just act like clowns!" said a workman.
"This isn't a railway, it's a circus!" some passengers laughed.
"Only Bertie is worth riding with now," complained a boy.
"These two engines are the silliest and the ditsiest!" laughed a girl.
"Unless change happens quickly, count me out of this railway business!" complained another workman.
"Oh no," breathed Thomas.
"What have we gotten into, Thomas?" worried Emily. The complaining and laughing went on for a few minutes until everyone left the station, except the Fat Controller.
"You should have known it would lead to this! And yet you continue to daydream and play around together when I depend on ALL my engines to keep this railway running well!" he groused.
"…We…we didn't mean for all this to happen, sir," Thomas said nervously. "We've been very foolish…and we're sorry. I don't know what's come over us! W-we're so sorry. It's just that, Emily and I have suddenly felt a strong phase of love which we just couldn't let go of…"
The Fat Controller looked at the two engines. Then he sighed deeply. "As I mentioned before…I know you two mean a lot to each other. Having someone to love is all very well. It's a wonderful thing indeed, but, and it's awful to say, but it's true…you two have given me a great deal of trouble. While I am aware that you did not mean any of it, people are now mocking my railway because you two went too far with being swept off each other's wheels. It seems that one of those complaints is right…change must happen quickly…and I may have to do a few things myself."
He looked at Thomas and Emily with a worried and serious expression. "I want you two to listen very carefully now: If change doesn't happen soon…I don't know if you two can be together so often anymore. No work means no time together."
Thomas and Emily both gasped. "D-don't send either of us away!" pleaded Thomas.
"Yes sir!" added Emily. "We both love working on the railway! We truly want to serve you well and make things better!"
"I will not send either of you away," said the Fat Controller. "But I may have to make arrangements that will keep you separate more often than usual. You held to your promise before, but now you've gone against it."
Thomas knew he and Emily had caused many problems to the railway, but Thomas couldn't let his love with Emily be threatened again. Not after his terrible argument and brief separation from her. He decided he would protect his love for her and speak up.
"Sir," he said with great sincerity and honesty. "I know that serving your railway is of utmost importance and we will do whatever we can to cure its bad reputation right now, but you must understand…Emily and I don't only love each other…we need each other. When Emily was suffering under Gordon and James' abuse, I went out of my way to save her and bring her back. But I also need her. I love her so much, I just can't bear being without her for long periods of time. It makes me worry for her and only she can help me stay calm when things do go wrong."
The Fat Controller listened, but was still irritated. "I am well aware of all that, Thomas. Get to the point!"
"So, to get right to the point," continued Thomas. "Would it be possible for you to give us one more chance? Is there any hope at all? Anything we can do to restore your railway's reputation and still hold our love in positive spirits?"
The Fat Controller had listened to Thomas' words and thought a little more. He paced up and down the platform for almost a minute, while the two engines waited and feared some more…but they could hear what they said to each other way back when in their minds.
"I don't care what he does, I won't let him take you away from me. I love you, Emily and nothing will ever change how I feel about you."
"I love you too, Thomas and nothing will ever change how I feel about you either."
They said it once, and they we're going to hold to that message forever. Then suddenly, the Fat Controller said, "Well…I wouldn't want you two to be miserable all your lives, and with two days of trouble already, I'd say that's two strikes, with one more to go…Therefore, I suggest a deal. Tonight, I want you two to do one thing: think. Think very hard about what has gone wrong and think about what you can do to make it better. Next, I hereby order you two to work completely separately, so there are no interactions tomorrow and the next day until the evening. If you do your jobs properly and heal the railway's image by then, I'll see if you can be together and still work well. If it ends up being three strikes and out…well…I'm so sorry." Then he shook his head, turned and walked thoughtfully away.
Thomas and Emily knew this wasn't a good position to be in. If only they didn't get so carried away and cause all this trouble, they wouldn't feel that their love was forbidden. After they had first kissed when their relationship truly began, they were able to hold to their promise, but now that promise was somewhat broken and they feared they'd be kept apart.
Thomas knew the railway needed to get back in order, but the first thing he and Emily had to do was think of how they could do that without their love distracting them so much. Neither of them said anything for a few minutes. They had no idea what would come next. If they wouldn't be sent away…what would happen? Would they have to permanently work elsewhere? Would one of them have to be transferred outside Tidmouth Sheds? Would they manage without seeing each other for the short term? As the two engines pondered these fears, Emily looked at her love and saw he had a thought in his smokebox.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Thomas?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"What?" he replied.
"It may be hard to do so…but I think we should sleep separately tonight."
"…I was about to suggest the same thing, Emily," Thomas admitted sadly. "We relished in too much passion being together and I think we do need to be separate for a while if we want to make up for the trouble we caused. Some good might come from this. Maybe if we sleep in separate places tonight, our passion spell will ease off and we'll work better tomorrow...even if we don't see each other during the day."
"Yes, Thomas," sighed Emily. "Where shall we sleep?"
"You can't stand being completely alone…you take Tidmouth Sheds, Emily," said Thomas. "I'll sleep here."
"Are you sure, Thomas?" asked Emily. "The last time you slept here alone, Sailor John almost blew you up after you gave chase."
"He's imprisoned, Emily. I'll be safe here," reassured Thomas. "Do you think you'll be alright?"
"The other engines will be there…and I could sleep with Henry and Edward. They're friendly to me," said Emily. "And don't worry. If we get through tomorrow and the next day, maybe we'll get another chance…I really hope so…"
"I-I just want you to know," said Thomas. "No matter what comes from any of this, I love you more than anything, Emily."
"I know, Thomas," answered Emily. "I love you too. I guess we'll just have to put our relationship on hold once again, until we can figure out what's right. But keep in mind, when I say put on hold, I mean let go of our desires for now. I still love you."
"It's gonna be miserable for me…but I think it's right for the railway," said Thomas. Then Emily slowly made her way to Tidmouth Sheds, while Thomas found a siding to sleep on.
"Oh well," he whispered. "I guess love really isn't so bright and chipper after all." Then for quite a while, Thomas thought about all the negativity he and Emily neglected while they ignored their duties. He thought about the angry workmen. He thought about the unhappy holiday makers…and he thought about what they would be thinking at that moment.
"No one will want us if this keeps up," he thought unhappily. Then he fell asleep with a full mind.
At Tidmouth Sheds, Emily checked the berths left to right. Fortunately, there was an empty berth between Henry and Edward. She quietly turned round to that berth and backed inside, feeling very miserable not having Thomas with her. Edward could see Emily's melancholy expression.
"Emily? Are you alright?" he asked.
"I don't know, Edward," she answered.
"Well, what's dampening your spirits, Emily?" asked Henry. Emily felt worried about what the Fat Controller would do for the next few days, but she needed someone to talk to.
"OK, you two…Thomas and I have been relishing in an awful lot of passion recently. Ever since we made up from our big fight, we've been feeling much more passion and love than usual…and as such, we caused some trouble to the railway. The Fat Controller has told us to hold to our 'work before play' promise. We tried, but I guess our passion went too far and now…our love is on the line again."
"How?" asked Henry.
"Thomas and I still love each other," said Emily. "But the Fat Controller isn't sure he can let us be together so much now. He's giving us two days to work completely separate…and if we don't heal the railway's image soon enough…he may split us apart somehow…it's so unfair since we just got back together! I'm afraid, Henry! What are we to do, Edward?"
Henry and Edward said nothing for a few minutes, looking at each other. Then suddenly, they had a thought. Although they never had a relationship of their own and didn't fully understand what love was like, they thought if they could help.
"Emily…" said Henry, giving her a small, reassuring smile. "If Thomas won't sleep here, you are right between us. Why don't we act as guardians in the night for you and protect you? It's the least we can do."
"Lovely idea, Henry," said Edward. "And don't worry, Emily. We'll try to help you and Thomas get past this complication."
Emily managed to smile lightly. "Thank you, both," she said. "You're very kind engines…" Henry and Edward fell asleep, smiling slightly. Emily looked at the stars for a moment.
"How can we do this?" she whispered. "One more mess-up and we'll truly be done." But then James spoke up.
"Don't worry, Emily," he said. "You and Thomas can do this. Remember everything I tried to do until Molly and I came back together. I waited years to get her love back. If I can wait that long, working separately for two days should be very easy for you and Thomas!" he encouraged.
"You really think so, James?" asked Emily.
"'Think so'? I KNOW so!" smiled James. "Just concentrate on your work alone and maybe the Fat Controller will change his mind."
"…Alright, James," sighed Emily. "I just hope it works." Then she fell asleep too, with Henry and Edward ready to protect her if they needed to.
Thomas was still asleep at Knapford Station, but it wasn't easy. Every few minutes, he kept waking up and thinking about Emily.
"I'm not leaving her. I'm not leaving her…" he repeated a few times to himself before falling asleep again. After an hour or two, he started to dream…
It was a cloudy night all over Sodor. The entire railway was abandoned and deserted. All the rails were weak and rusty. All the shops were closed, and many engines were in sidings or gravel pits to rust and fall apart…but Thomas was still asleep at a desolate Knapford Station. He too was very rusty and broken-down and felt like he wouldn't last another hour as he slowly lost his senses…when he suddenly heard footsteps. He opened his eyes and strained to look. Cast in the moonlight, walking very slowly toward Thomas…was a silhouette of a man, seemingly carrying something under his arm…and wearing a Navy Sailor's hat! The figure was hidden by the shadows of Knapford's roof…but then he stepped into the light.
"S-Sailor J-John!" Thomas choked on his breath.
"Time's up, Thomas," he sneered. "You will now pay for what you did to me."
"Restrain yourself, Sailor John! I won't last long anyway!" Thomas pleaded with a scraping voice. Sailor John struck a match, and lit his roll of dynamite sticks!
"It really has been a blast, Thomas!" laughed Sailor John. Then he threw the burning dynamite through the air and started running off.
"No! NOOO!" cried Thomas. The dynamite's fuse disappeared, then a loud boom split the air…
"AGH!" Thomas suddenly burst awake, and looked around Knapford Station.
"OK…I'm still blue…working properly, tracks are fresh…still alive…still alive," he sighed sleepily. But he suddenly remembered.
"Emily!" he exclaimed, and he set off for Tidmouth Sheds, just to see if she was still there. When he arrived, to his relief, he found Emily sleeping peacefully between Edward and Henry.
"Thank goodness," whispered Thomas. "Thank you, you two…for protecting my angel tonight." And Thomas returned to his siding at the station, feeling much more relieved.
"At least she's alright. Maybe it won't be that bad after all. If we work very hard and just not think about each other, that might give us a chance," he whispered. "Actually…that nightmare might have been a warning…a caution of what would happen if we don't learn our lesson. If we fail too much, the locals will become even angrier and the railway could become disliked enough to close…" So Thomas decided that he would focus solely on his work the next day and as long as he had to until the Fat Controller would be convinced…
The next morning, Henry and Edward woke up at Tidmouth Sheds. They suddenly remembered and checked on Emily. She was still sleeping peacefully between them.
"Good morning, Emily," murmured Henry. Emily's eyes slowly opened and she yawned peacefully.
"Good morning, Henry," she greeted.
"Did you at least sleep peacefully enough?" asked Edward.
"Hmm…I slept alright," she said. "It's just a shame that Thomas couldn't be with me…probably for the best."
"Just concentrate solely on your work, Emily," said Henry. "Try not to think too much about him. We don't want the Fat Controller to be even angrier at either of you."
"Ohh…alright, Henry," said Emily as she set off to collect her delayed holidaymakers at Knapford Station. She found her coaches in a nearby siding and gathered them to take to the platform. She suddenly heard a whistle and looked to her right. There was Thomas getting ready to gather his delayed goods train for the day. He took one quick glimpse at her, looking sorry for her, but said nothing. Emily said nothing too as she waited for her passengers to arrive.
Thomas looked at Emily and could see she was still nervous about what would become of them for the next two days. Would they be able to impress the Fat Controller enough to let them stay together, or would they have to do something themselves to change their fortunes?
Soon enough, the holidaymakers began to arrive at Emily's platform. When they saw it was her, they did not look very pleased. They just boarded the coaches without a word. Then the guard's whistle blew and Emily knew she had to get moving. She whistled and left the platform. Thomas watched her leave and continued to think. Would she manage without him for an entire day? And would he manage without her? He continued to think for a while as he left the yard with his goods train. But unbeknownst to him, the Fat Controller's blue car was somewhere along the rails, following someway behind Thomas.
Thomas silently took his delayed goods train along his Branch Line, constantly thinking and worrying. Would he finish his work on time and would Emily cope without him? Along the road, the Fat Controller slowly drove, keeping a close watch on Thomas, seeing how he would function without Emily. Thomas suddenly began to slow down…and he stopped, thinking about Emily. But then...
"No! I can't dwell on her all the time!" he said to himself. "I have work to do!" And he set off quickly to make up for those wasted seconds. Soon, Thomas reached the first station where workmen were waiting to unload some of the goods. The stationmaster looked neutrally at Thomas then shook his head. Eventually, Thomas was ready to continue, so he pressed on. The Fat Controller continued to follow, unnoticed by Thomas to the next station.
"Hm. Here so late, Thomas?" the stationmaster sniffed.
"I know you don't approve of my recent behaviour, sir," said Thomas. "I'm just here to make my deliveries with no further delay."
"So it seems," the stationmaster replied before Thomas' guard blew his whistle again and Thomas set off to keep working.
"Hmm…" said the Fat Controller. "He seems to be working fairly normally. I wonder how Emily is doing…" and he drove off to follow her.
Emily was still taking her delayed holidaymakers on their late tour of the island. The Fat Controller lowered his car window to listen in. She too was thinking about her love…but unlike Thomas, she didn't stop on the line. She slowed down a little, but not by much.
"I can do this…I know I can do this," she said to herself. "These holiday makers need me right now."
"Hmm…that's right, Emily. Keep working," the Fat Controller thought. Emily huffed on until she reached the hills and let her passengers off to enjoy the fresh air. They all got out of the coaches and settled on the hillside under the warm sun. They managed to enjoy themselves considerably while Emily held her position, waiting to move on. The Fat Controller saw this from the distance and waited as long as he had to until all the holidaymakers returned to their coaches. Emily managed to set off, determined to obey the Fat Controller's deal.
The way it turned out, Thomas managed to deliver all his goods to where they were supposed to be and Emily successfully brought her passengers wherever they were supposed to be. This time, no complaints were reported. That evening, Thomas and Emily's jobs were done and no complaints had been reported. But no positivity was expressed either. Thomas didn't know what this could mean yet. Just then, Emily came by too right beside him.
"H-hello, Emily," Thomas said solemnly.
"Hi, Thomas," she replied. After being separate from each other, and after feeling so scared from their scolding from the Fat Controller, they did not feel so passion-driven this time.
"Did you work alright without me, Emily?" asked Thomas.
"I guess so," said Emily. "My holidaymakers got to go where they wanted to be…but they weren't pleased with me despite that."
"The workmen weren't happy with me either, even though they got the goods on time," said Thomas.
"Did they show any displeasure?"
"Not really," said Thomas. "They didn't say anything bad…I guess that's a good thing. They weren't happy, but they weren't furious either."
"Hmm," said Emily. "I'm afraid I don't feel safe expressing any of my love to you right now, Thomas…but do you think you can sleep with me at the sheds tonight?"
"Really?" said Thomas. "Do you really think we can?"
"I think so," said Emily. Thomas managed to smile and went off with her to Tidmouth Sheds.
When they settled in their berths, Thomas and Emily felt a little better being together.
"So…how did you work without me, Thomas?" asked Emily.
"I sometimes stopped every now and then, thinking about you…but I managed to shake those thoughts out and keep working."
"So did I," said Emily. "I guess we'll have to keep doing this until the Fat Controller is convinced."
"I know," sighed Thomas. "Well…goodnight, Emily."
"Goodnight, Thomas." Then both engines fell asleep, feeling slightly better over the recent events. But Edward and Henry stayed awake, looking at the sleeping couple.
"Henry…they seem to be doing a little better when it comes to their work," said Edward.
"Yes, they do, Edward," agreed Henry. "If they're starting to do better, I think I know what they need…"
"What's that, Henry?" asked Edward.
"I have a plan…" whispered Henry. "We'll go to the Fat Controller sometime tomorrow and request that Duck and Paxton do our work. That way, you and I can watch over Thomas and Emily and keep them concentrated on their work. That will surely heal the railway's image and let them stay together as they please."
"…Great idea, Henry," smiled Edward. "Then if they can work properly without any distraction, that would be even better."
The next morning, Thomas and Emily woke up first.
"Good morning," they said quickly together. "See you later." And they set off separately again for the day. Thomas collected Annie and Clarabel silently and meekly. Then he set off to collect his own delayed passengers. At Elsbridge Station, he picked up and let off a few passengers, who still showed no positivity, but no negativity either. As Thomas waited for the guards whistle, he began to wonder to himself.
"What DID come over me and Emily?" he thought. "What caused us to be so passionate and over-loving to the point of causing all the trouble? I know it had to be something…" Then the guard's whistle blew and he huffed on down the branch line, thinking more and more…
Emily was working by herself too, and quite well too. She finally gathered her delayed load of stone from the quarry, much to Mavis' silent behaviour. Emily too was thinking deeply about what could have happened that caused their promise to be challenged. She delivered the stone in good time, still receiving no positivity from the workmen, but no negativity either. Later that day as she finished her duties, she began asking herself a few questions.
"Just what could have come over us?" she asked herself as her loads were hauled out of her trucks. "Was it something that happened all of a sudden? Perhaps that evening at the Steamworks?" Emily thought a little more...then it suddenly hit her. She suddenly had the answer to why they must have neglected their promise. She held this thought in her mind for the rest of the afternoon. Finally, her work was done, and she hurried to find Thomas and explain her thought.
Thomas was just shunting Annie and Clarabel into a siding in the yards. All his passengers kept on time again and Thomas was about to set off and find Emily when he heard her whistle. Then he saw her coming up to him, slowly and quietly. He wondered what this was about.
"Emily? What's up?" he asked. Emily buffered up to him and looked at him intently.
"Thomas…I've really been thinking…and…I think I've figured it out," said Emily. "I discovered the mistake…"
"Figured what out?" asked Thomas.
"Why our attempt to uphold our 'work before play,' promise failed and caused all the trouble…"
"Really?" asked Thomas. "What do you think?"
"As I was close to finishing my work today…I was thinking to myself why we got into that muddle with the Fat Controller. Now I need to ask you…were you still feeling at all nervous after our big argument?"
"I…well…yes, I was. A little bit," said Thomas. "Even though we're still in love…I still think about it every once in a while."
"Well, I was nervous about it too," said Emily. "It was a terrible event for both of us to go through…I guess we went too far for the same reason I never told you about Gordon and James for so long…we were both scared. I flourished with so much passion and enhanced love for you recently because I was scared that our relationship was still in a delicate balance."
"Oh…well…when you put it that way, I think it's partly my fault too," said Thomas. "I was so sad and heartbroken when we briefly broke up after that big fight, that I guess I wanted to make it up to you by showing every last drop of love I have for you…but maybe I showed too much of it in too little time. And that's why the railway is being laughed at. And we were too frightened to explain it. Maybe we should explain it now."
"Maybe you're right," said Emily. She buffered up to him and kissed his cheek. "But don't worry. I love you dearly, Thomas, and I always will. We're bound to fight every now and then. It's inevitable, but it's just life. Sometimes loved ones lose their tempers and argue."
Thomas kissed her cheek back. "I understand, Emily. I love you too and no fight will ever break us apart…I think I know what we need to do. Follow me." He set off and Emily followed. But as they cleared the yards…Edward and Henry were some ways behind them and heard everything they said.
"You thinking what I'm thinking? whispered Edward.
"After them," whispered Henry. "Let's see what happens next." And they quietly followed along Thomas and Emily's tracks.
Thomas and Emily eventually returned to Knapford Station where the Fat Controller was waiting. He looked up and saw the two engines looking proud of doing better work, but still looked slightly worried.
"There you are, Thomas and Emily," said the Fat Controller. "I heard you two did all your jobs properly and on time today and yesterday."
"Yes, we did," said Thomas. "But no one was exactly pleased to interact with us. No one was angry or mocking us, but they didn't show much appreciation either, understandably so."
"Well," said the Fat Controller. "I guess that's a small step in the right direction. I've had no praise from anyone, but no complaints either."
"We actually came here to explain something, sir," said Emily. "Something we should have explained when you reminded us of our 'work before play,' agreement."
"And what is that, Emily?" asked the Fat Controller.
Emily looked at Thomas, silently telling him to start the story.
"Something from both of us," said Thomas. "You may recall a few days ago, Emily and I refused to speak to each other after my accident with Henry."
"Hmm…" said the Fat Controller. "I heard about that accident, but I didn't come to know everything that happened between you two…"
"Well, that's the reason we both went too far and neglected out work," said Thomas. "You see, when we were awoken early to gather that train from the harbour, we were both arguing lightly, because we were both tired and under-slept. As we went to deliver the train, I wanted to go slow and conserve my energy, but Emily wanted to go fast so we could rest sooner. We argued a little more over going fast or slow, then, then…" Thomas couldn't finish as those terrible memories began hitting him.
"Shall I continue, Thomas?" asked Emily.
"If you like," said Thomas.
Emily continued for the Fat Controller. "Then I finally decided to argue no further and I pushed the train and Thomas along faster and faster. I didn't see Henry coming until too late. Thomas took the damage and I apologized right away, but he was so angry at me, he blamed me. I decided he needed to grow up a bit. After he was repaired, we refused to speak to each other until the next day. I had hoped he had learned to behave better but he was still angry at me about the accident, and I stated he was probably better off with Ashima…" Emily paused as the terrible feeling began to hit her too.
"Shh, Emily," soothed Thomas. "We're past that now. I'll continue for a while…yes, sir. I finally took enough and called her paintwork a name I will not dare mention again and I stormed away. Gordon came along and wondered what was going on."
"Seeing both of us in such anger and displeasure got to him and he finally decided to fulfill his alliance with Thomas," said Emily. "He asked me what was wrong. I told him everything, then he told Edward and Percy. Edward went to find Thomas and reassure him, and Percy found me and convinced me that fights don't destroy a relationship. That evening, we set things right and spent the night at the Steamworks…back in my decorations from the Railway Show. But even now, we still think about that argument every once in a while…and it hurts to remember that we broke up…even just briefly."
"So you see, sir," said Thomas. "That's why we went too far, although we really didn't mean to."
"Yes," said Emily. "We felt that our love was threatened and hurt. In fact, we still feel a little touchy at the recollection even today. We were scared that our love was much more delicate, so we tried to rebuild it like when we first started, ever since we first kissed in Knapford Sheds."
The Fat Controller had listened to everything and he sighed. He could now see why two of his engines had caused unintended trouble to the railway.
"Why didn't you tell me about your argument earlier?" he asked.
"Please forgive us, sir," said Emily. "But it's because we were scared and foolish. I know you told me that I should never be afraid to tell you if something is wrong, but Thomas and I were hurting so much from our big fight, we didn't have the nerve to ask."
"Well," said the Fat Controller. "To be fair, I do understand what you mean. From what you just told me, it must have been an awful argument and just a painful time to go through. All couples are bound to be nervous and frightened after a fight like this occurs. It happens between me and Lady Hatt every now and then, and it's certainly a discomfort, but we eventually move on."
"We really wanted to tell you our problem, sir…" moaned Thomas. "But considering everything that happened recently, with all trouble we caused, I sometimes thought…that Emily and I are not even a real couple."
"Not a real couple?! Who says so?" said the Fat Controller. "Listen, Emily might be an exceptionally lovely engine, and you're a cheeky little engine, and I don't claim to be a true genius, but I know one thing: with hardships come rewards, and we all have the ability to break past discomforting and painful barriers and move on."
Thomas felt relieved. Perhaps he and Emily still had a chance.
Suddenly, the Fat Controller sounded stern. "However," he said. "I still have a railway to improve with your help. Look around you and if you saw or heard any complaining locals over the past few days, let that be a lesson to you. Now, remember what I told you: Work before play. Do your daily duties before you go about your own personal business. That doesn't mean you always have to work separately. If you do work together and socialize while still finishing on time, or even early, that's alright. But you MUST complete whatever work you are given BEFORE you make your own plans. I have to do the same thing in my own family. I spend every day running this railway, and yet I always get my chance to be with my wife, my grandchildren and even my mother at the end of the day. Keep in mind, you will always get your chance to do what you want after your work is done. What you want is well worth waiting for."
Thomas and Emily felt better. They remembered well that while they did chat and flatter each other in the past, they still got their work done. All the engines spoke to each other while working and still did well. As long as they knew they'd always get their chance to express their love after working, they could work with that.
Thomas put on a serious and determined expression himself. "Thank you, sir. This time, we WILL hold to our 'work before play,' pledge. I promise you."
"Me too," added Emily. "Like you said after the Great Railway Show, we still have a railway to run."
"That's more like it," said the Fat Controller. "Excellent. Now, you two go on to the sheds and get some rest. You have plenty of passengers to please, and goods trains will follow."
"Alright, sir," said Thomas. "And don't worry. We'll get everything back on track this time!" Then he and Emily set off for home. But not long after that, the Fat Controller heard two more whistles. Edward and Henry came up beside each other.
"Edward? Henry? What are you doing? Asked the Fat Controller.
"We heard everything, sir," said Henry. "We are well aware of what Thomas and Emily went through recently. Now they have agreed to hold to their pledge for good, but I think they'll need a little help."
"Yes sir," said Edward. "Henry thought that if he and I watch Thomas and Emily closely, they'll be more likely to do their work properly, and all the time."
"So…can Duck and Paxton do our work tomorrow?" asked Henry. "I wouldn't want Sodor's best couple to be separated by force just because they love each other so much."
"Hmm. Let me check the timetable. I'll see what I can do," said the Fat Controller as he slipped into his office. A few minutes later, he came back.
"You're in luck, you two," he said. "Duck and Paxton are available. You two do your best…to keep an eye on Thomas and Emily. Let me know if there are any further distractions."
"Yes sir," promised Henry. Then he and Edward set off to return to the sheds.
As the engine couple returned to Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas looked at Emily, seeming much happier.
"We did it, Emily," he said.
"Well, yes and no, Thomas," she answered. "He now knows what happened, and we do have a promise to keep."
"I agree," answered Thomas. "But we told him what was wrong, and he understands more now. Isn't that reason to be happy?"
"It is, Thomas," said Emily. "But he's right. We need to work hard to prove our worth to the railway and make up for all that trouble."
"Well…if he says we can work together…I'd really love to do that…but how will we remain undistracted?" asked Thomas.
"Oh, there's a way or two around that," said a familiar voice from the turntable.
"Henry?" said Thomas.
"Wait and see," said Henry. "You will do your work properly, one way or another." Then he winked slightly as he backed into his berth. Thomas looked at Emily once more with a yawn.
"Are you ready, Emily?" he asked. "This is our final chance."
"I will resist as best I can, Thomas," said Emily. "We will not get intimate until every last bit of our work is finished."
"So be it," said Thomas. "Goodnight…and good luck."
"Thanks, Tommy. Good luck to you too," said Emily as she and Thomas fell asleep, thinking endlessly about the next day.
Thomas and Emily woke up the next morning, feeling prepared and aware of what they had to do.
"Well, good morning, Emily," said Thomas.
"Good morning, Tommy," replied Emily. "What did we agree on?"
"Work before Play," Thomas said out loud.
"Yes, Thomas. We can't distract each other right now. We have a railway to work on," said Emily. "Let's do this."
Thomas and Emily arrived at Knapford Station with their coaches. The passengers could see them together and looked suspicious.
"Everyone," Thomas said out loud. "I know we have caused plenty of trouble, but we are back in business. You will not be bothered by us anymore."
"Yes," Emily put in. "The Fat Controller has spoken to us and taught us a good lesson. If you would all please come aboard, we will serve you and this railway responsibly, reliably and really usefully. Thomas and I will work together and make sure you all get your share of pleasures from the railway."
"Won't you two need someone to check on you?" said a voice from Thomas' side. It was Edward.
"I agree. We'll make sure you keep to your promise and stay together," said another voice beside Emily. It was Henry.
"Edward? Henry? What are you doing here?" asked Emily.
"We're here to watch over you two," said Edward. "Henry and I thought that while Duck and Paxton do our work, we could make sure you don't get too distracted, seeing as how that didn't go so well the first time."
"…Alright," said Thomas. "But only because you're doing it to help keep our relationship good and strong as we like it."
"I'll be watching you, Thomas," said Edward.
"And I'LL be watching you, Emily," said Henry. At that moment, Thomas' guards' whistle blew.
"Work starts NOW," said Thomas as he and Edward pulled away from the station. Emily almost went after Thomas, but when Henry looked at her, she reluctantly stayed put. A few moments later, her guards' whistle blew and she was ready to go too. She and Henry hurried a little to catch up with Thomas. At first, Thomas almost whistled with excitement seeing Emily come up alongside, but with Edward watching him, he kept his eyes on the track ahead. Soon, Thomas and Emily reached the first station to let off a few passengers.
"Thank you, Emily. Very comfortable journey," said a passenger.
"It's my pleasure," giggled Emily.
"Yes. You too, Thomas. You know just where to stop," said another passenger from Annie. Thomas and Emily suddenly looked at each other with a smile. They were feeling more relieved this time now that they didn't feel so distracted. But Edward saw Thomas beginning to get a little too concentrated on Emily.
"Mm-mm. Usefulness before pleasures," he said sternly, but with a smile. Emily was looking more intently at Thomas too…until she heard her helper speak up.
"Uh-uh-uh. You've got to complete your day first," smirked Henry. And just in time too. Emily's guards whistle blew and she had to go on.
"Sorry, Thomas. Got to go," she chimed as she went on her way.
"Well said," huffed Thomas. "I have to go on my way too…for my passengers." And so the day continued. Thomas and Emily worked hard to keep their passengers on schedule, giving occasional glances and smiles to each other…and whenever they held their glances for too long, Edward and Henry helped to remind them. They kept using different ways of saying no, and it worked excellently on both Thomas and Emily.
That afternoon, Thomas and Emily's passenger duties were finished and the passenger seemed much more pleased.
"Lovely ride, I must say," said one passenger.
"That was most delightful," said another one. Thomas and Emily felt even better. All their passengers had run to time and their engines had worked well with some supervision from their two friends.
"Our passengers are finished for today…what next?" asked Thomas.
"The Fat Controller did say we need to take goods trains," said Emily. "I say we get to that."
"Yes, Emily," said her driver. "We're off to take empty trucks to the Coaling Plant."
"And we're off to deliver stone from the Blue Mountain Quarry to the docks, Thomas," said his driver.
"Do you think you'll manage, you two?" asked Henry.
"Tommy, what do you think?" asked Emily.
"Hmm…sorry, Emily. Got to go," whistled Thomas as he set off on his own to the quarry.
"OK. I do have to complete my day after all," whistled Emily as she set off too. Edward and Henry looked at each other.
"Hmm. He decided to leave on his own," said Henry. "So did Emily. I think we should try leaving them alone…"
"Let's see if it works," said Edward as they left to tell the Fat Controller the progress.
Thomas felt different as he felt Emily's presence fade away from him…but then thought again. If he couldn't look at Emily…what could he look at? Well, all around himself of course. He looked at the lovely green trees flowing past him, the flowers in the fields, and the many straight lines and turns every now and then as he made his way closer to the quarry.
"The world is more is more beautiful than I realized…there's so much to see and enjoy around me! Emily can enjoy it too! Why didn't I think of all this before? This way, holding my promise is easy!" Thomas asked himself. Then soon enough, he reached the Blue Mountain Quarry, and he could now enjoy the blueish grey world around him that was the quarry. As he came to gather the stone, he heard a lively whistle.
"Luke! Hello there!" whistled Thomas.
"Hello, Thomas! You look happy," smiled Luke.
"I'm just feeling wonderful today," said Thomas. Then as he was coupled to the stone, he whistled and set off again, making sure he'd keep on time with his delivery.
Emily had already gathered her empty trucks and was just arriving at the Coaling Plant to fill them up and deliver the coal to all the chutes. She too felt different without Thomas…but she looked around herself as she delivered the coal to the chutes.
"The island really is lovely to look at. I don't need Thomas all the time. I love him, of course, but there's more to this world than just the two of us. This promise can be fun! Just look at the busy railway, and engines being really useful!" she smiled. So while Emily kept huffing along the line to fill more chutes, she did what Thomas did and, looking at her own surroundings. She saw birds singing in the sky, a few engines working hard and Emily herself just enjoyed being useful again, all day until her work was finished.
At that moment, Thomas was leaving the docks after he delivered his stone. He had really enjoyed looking out to the sea as he arrived and left the docks, and he was also quite dusty from working so hard to make sure his work was done.
"Alright now. The passengers have finally had their tours and rides, all the goods are delivered…now we see if the Fat Controller is convinced enough…" and he hurried back to the Shunting Yards. Once he arrived, he met Emily on his line, facing him. She was covered in coal dust from all her deliveries at the coal chutes.
"Our work is done, Emily," whistled Thomas.
"Yes. Work is done…and yes, now we can go about our own business," said Emily. "Let's go tell the Fat Controller." And together, they huffed off to Knapford Station.
Right there, that evening, the Fat Controller was listening to several happy passengers who had traveled on Thomas and Emily that day.
"Well, sir," said a passenger. "We weren't sure at first. But after today's trains with those two engines, you must be very proud of them."
"Very true, sir. I've never seen such perfection and smoothness with their coaches," said another passenger.
"Yes sir," said some workmen from the Coaling Plant. "These two have helped to keep the railway on schedule again, and I say they've done a first-rate job of that."
"Splendid!" said the Fat Controller. "How did they behave, Edward?"
"They exchanged a few smiles and glances," said Edward. "And maybe one or two prolonged ones…"
"Which of course, we reminded them of their work to," added Henry.
"Hmm. I see," said the Fat Controller. Just then, Thomas and Emily came into the station side-by-side.
"Well, you two," said the Fat Controller. "Everything is running like clock-work again. How did you do it?"
"We had a little help of course," said Emily as she winked at Henry. "After our passengers were helped, we both did our goods work by ourselves, and right on time too."
"Yes sir," said Thomas. "I realized that Emily isn't the only thing for me to enjoy during the day. I just look around myself and enjoy the island around me."
The Fat Controller smiled. "Well done, Thomas and Emily. And well done, Edward and Henry. You were very considerate and attentive to these engines' need to work hard and still enjoy each other's company. As for you, Thomas and Emily. It seems you really will hold to your 'work before play' pledge after all…just as long as you promise," he added with a wink. "In the meantime, you're both quite messy. You must go to the washdown for all your hard-working efforts. Very impressive."
"Thank you, Edward and Henry," said Thomas. "You really helped us see that our promise is actually quite easy."
"Yes," smiled Emily. "Now we can enjoy everything around us while still knowing we'll have each other's time in the end each day."
"It was our pleasure to help you two," said Henry as he, the Fat Controller and Edward left them alone to go about their business. Once they were on their own, Thomas and Emily looked at each other, thinking about what the Fat Controller had told them to do just now.
"Now that we've proven ourselves really useful…Are you ready to have a quiet evening, and bathe with me again, Tommy?" Emily asked very sweetly.
"Oh, yes," shuddered Thomas. He pushed Emily gently on their way to first water tower they came to. Once they were there, they both shuddered excitedly, anticipating their first wash together ever since they sang together and when Emily was lulled to sleep by Thomas. The workmen soon had the hot, soapy water ready, and they got straight to work, hosing and scrubbing both engines down.
"Lovely and clean," sighed Emily as she began to get covered in white bubbles.
"Delightful," smiled Thomas as he too began to froth up with bubbles. For a while, Thomas and Emily just smiled together and enjoyed a relaxing wash together. Eventually, the silence was broken by a question.
"So…how do you feel, Emily?" asked Thomas. "Was it tough to fulfill your promise properly?"
"Actually, no," said Emily. "I heard what you said to the Fat Controller…I actually did the same as you. I found that it's easy and even fun to hold to our promise just by enjoying everything in the moment. It helps me forget about worrying about you so much."
"I certainly agree, my love," smiled Thomas. "And this little muddle of events has taught us something else…we were happy being together before…but after a hard day's work and being really useful makes being together much more worth it."
"Hmm…yes, Thomas," answered Emily. "It really does feel more worth it being with you right now after all that work."
"I love you, Emily," whispered Thomas as he gave her a kiss on her cheek.
"I love you too, Thomas," she whispered back with a kiss. Then they said together. "Work Before Play."
And now, another unusual, more pressing event had drifted through Thomas and Emily's lives. They had a repeat of their blossoming love like it did when they first kissed all that while ago, their promise was challenged, they felt afraid over what it would bring, but with their friends' help, they managed to break past another barrier. So Thomas and Emily enjoyed the rest of the evening being cleaned together until they were finished and were able to return to Tidmouth Sheds, feeling much better once again. They had done well…but there was one more unusual, and very big event ahead of both of them. Of all these unusual events, this one would be the most exciting, most impacting…and most heavily dramatic of all, and both Thomas and Emily were sure to see another sweeping turn of events.
Well that was long, but worth it overall. With this, the second part of my current ongoing trilogy is complete. Part 1 was *The Great Railway Show*, Part 2 was, of course, this story, *Goodbye to Yesterday*, and Part 3 will the dramatic and thrilling conclusion, *The Demon Awakens*. My darkest, and probably, most divisive story to date, so dark that it might receive an M rating, but that's as far as I will go in terms of giving away details. So tell us what you thought of this chapter and the story in general and we'll see you guys soon with the next story.