Don't Tell Thomas: Originally written by Paul Larson.
It was cold and snowy on the Island of Sodor, but everyone was jolly and merry for it was almost Christmas. Thomas the Tank Engine loved this time of the year because the Stationmasters decorated their stations with the most beautiful lights and tall Christmas trees, and the children were merrily making snowmen. But their was one thing Thomas hated about Christmas time. There was always lots and lots of snow. It pilled up very quickly on the tracks so Thomas had to work all day to keep the line's open. Thanks to Thomas everything ran on time. All the other engines were very grateful and wanted to thank Thomas for all his hard work. When all the tracks were cleared, Thomas was looking forward to seeing his friends, he'd missed them. As he puffed towards Dryaw Station he saw Toby talking to Harold. Unknown to Thomas, they were planing a thank you surprise for him.
"Hello!" He puffed, but Toby and Harold didn't answer.
"Remember" Whispered Harold "Don't tell Thomas about the surprise!"
Harold then flew away, while Toby puffed back to his Shed. Thomas felt left out, he liked surprises. A little later, Thomas was puffing along his Branch Line. He saw Percy waiting at Maithwaite Station. His trucks were loaded with brightly coloured Christmas presents.
"Are they part of the surprise?" Asked Thomas.
Percy wanted to tell his best friend about it, but he rushed away so he wouldn't spoil the surprise. Thomas was cross. Later Thomas had to wait at a signal with Annie and Clarabel. As he waited Emily puffed up. Thomas noticed something strange on her flatbed, it was long and pointy, but it was covered up.
"Is that part of the surprise?" Asked Thomas.
"That" said Emily. "If for me to know and you to find out." And, as soon as her signal turned green, she puffed away.
"Bother!" Wheshed Thomas. "If they won't tell me I'll find out myself!"
Thomas secretly followed Emily. He puffed as quietly as he could and didn't follow too closely. Suddenly Emily was switched onto Edward's Branch Line. Thomas raced after her but just as he got to the Junction, the signalman changed the points. Thomas had to go straight ahead.
"Cinders and ashes!" Cried Thomas. "Now how will I ever find out what this surprise is?"
That evening the engines were very excited. They were all talking about Thomas' surprise.
"I can't wait!" chuffed Edward.
"He's going to love it!" Puffed Percy. But then Thomas arrived.
"Shhh" whispered James "Don't tell Thomas!"
Thomas felt more left out than ever. It wasn't fair, everyone knew what the surprise was except him.
"Humph. If they won't tell me, then I don't to know!" He huffed.
He then steamed crossly away. He puffed as far away from Tidmouth Sheds as he could. At last it was time to show Thomas the surprise, but nobody knew where he'd gone.
"Please find him, Harold!" Edward pleaded.
"I'll do my best." Replied Harold and he flew away.
"I do feel bad about pretending not to know of the surprise." said James. "If we told him he wouldn't have run away. Edward felt sorry for him.
"Never mind James." he said kindly, "When Thomas comes back, we'll tell him all about it." James felt a bit better.
"Okay Edward." he said with a smile.
But Edward's driver, Charlie, was stil concerned.
"It's getting late, old boy." he said. "Where could Thomas be?"
Thomas was parked in a siding. He was feeling cold and sad. Why was he the only one not know what the surprise was? Why wouldn't the other engines tell him? If only they would. Then he heard a noise that was coming from the sky. It was Harold!
"There you are old chap!" He called. "It's time for you to pick up the children and see the surprise."
"The children?" Thomas puffed
"Yes, it's part of a special thank you from all the engines for clearing the line's from the snow." Harold explained.
Thomas was delighted. Finally he was going to find out what the surprise was!
"You mean I'm not being left out?"
"Of course not!" Said Harold "Now, the children are waiting for you at Wellsworth Station. Hurry, or you'll be late!"
Thomas loved pulling carriages full of children so he raced away. Soon he arrived at Wellsworth Station, were he found Annie and Clarabel waiting for him. He collected the children. He puffed through the snowy countryside. The children were excited, they also wanted to find out what the surprise was. Thomas turned down Edward's Branch Line. Soon they arrived at Upper Brendam and there was Thomas' surprise. A huge Christmas tree stood in the village square. It lights shone brightly and it's baubles twinkled like stars. And at under the tree was lots of presents for the children. There was even some tinsel for Thomas.
"This is the best surprise I've ever had!" He whistled happily.