I was back in time for breakfast, thankfully. As my aunt served toast with apricot jam I felt thrilled that I had met the Steam Team
"So, Aunty, have we anything planned for this afternoon?" I asked.
"No- though I planned to take you and Ruby to Ulfstead Castle tomorrow. Why?"
"Well, I planned to see some friends today." I explain. "Edward told me that I should meet his friend Thomas so I'm hoping to catch him at some point."
"That's good." Aunt Dorothy said.
"Can I come with you?" Ruby asked.
"I don't know-my friends or to be friends only know I'm coming."
"Take her with you!" My aunt urged. "Ruby does find it hard to find friends. This will be good for her."
"I suppose. I- we will be taking the bus." I inform, knowing that she would worry.
"Well alright then- here's some money for bus fares, lunch and an ice cream or something-enjoy yourselves, girls!"
"Alright thanks!" I grab the two twenty pound notes she leaves on the worktop, as well as my rucksack off the floor, feeling its weight as I sling it on.
"Have fun! "
"Bye Aunt Dorothy!" I call
"Bye Mum!" Ruby adds.
...
The bus we met up with was called Bertie, and he was very charming. He even promised to take me and Ruby directly to Thomas' Branchline.
Thankfully, there were very few people on Bertie and we set off.
The two of us enjoyed the view. We counted what colour cars we passed, gazed at the cows, sheep and pigs and admired the foxgloves and bluebells growing alongside the road.
"That was fun!" Ruby said as I paid the fares.
"Yes it was." I agree.
"Thank you Bertie." Ruby said shyly.
"You're welcome ladies- enjoy yourselves!"
Soon we found ourselves at Dryaw Station.
"Now what do we do?" Ruby asks me.
"I don't know- oh no! Percy and Thomas wouldn't be available until this afternoon."
Suddenly Ruby groans and covers her ears.
"Ruby, are you alright?" I ask
"Too loud too loud..." She whimpers.
Panicking, I tried to find someone who could help.
"Hello, excuse me- I'm looking for a quiet place!" I call out to people, who just walk past without acknowledging what was happening.
"I wanna go home Haley!" My cousin wails.
"Shhh you're alright. Do you want a hug?"
"No I just want to get away from the noise!" She
"Oh no," I moan. Aunty hadn't told me what to do in case this happened.
Turning round I saw her run blindly for the tracks.
"Ruby, watch out, you'll fall!" I yell, and grab her back. She smacks my arm hard in response.
"Ow!" But I cannot be angry- she is scared and needs somewhere to stay for a while.
"Excuse me, I ask a man in uniform. Is there somewhere quiet I can calm my cousin down in? She's autistic and she's overwhelmed."
"She could go in Henrietta for a while." A voice said.
I notice a small old wooden engine with the number seven painted on his side. I assumed Henrietta was the coach behind him.
"Thank you!" I rushed Ruby in and shut the doors.
...
Sometime later, I had to use my beloved blue and green rucksack as a sort of pressure thing for Ruby on her back. It wasn't much, but she did feel a bit calmer.
I hug her tightly when she gives the signal and I ensure to apply pressure until it was quieter outside.
"You can come out now." The man in uniform said. "The crowd's died down- though we had to leave the station so watch your step."
He helped us down and then he looked at Ruby.
"Are you alright?"
"I think so- better than earlier." Ruby sniffed.
"Good."
I hurry up to the small engine up front of the coach we had been in.
"Thank you so much- I was as panicked as she was cos I didn't know what to do and you were a great help."
"You're welcome," The engine replied calmly. "My name's Toby." He said. "What's yours?"
"I'm Haley Andersen, and this is my cousin Ruby Andersen."
"Pleased to meet you, Toby," Ruby said.
"I'm pleased to meet you too." Toby replied. "What bring you two here?"
"We're just out for the day- I arranged to meet up with Percy and Thomas today -only they're not available until this afternoon, so I don't know what we're to do in the meantime."
"Well," said Toby. "How would you like to meet my friend Mavis? She works at Anopha Quarry, but I'm sure we can catch her on her way to Brendam if we hurry. What do you think?"
"That sounds great." I smile. "Thank you Toby."