"Come on, Luke! What are you waiting for?" Smudger asked from the flatbed. He merely heard Luke spit out mouthfuls of snow.

"I'm stuck- I mean, we're stuck, Smudger." Luke admitted worriedly. "I don't have a snowplough."

"Really? We went through all that and you didn't have a snowplough with you? How thick can you get?" Smudger asked rudely.

Of course, Luke tried not to let the sting of the comment show- yes, he had been an idiot not to bring a snowplough with him. He'd thought he would be fine without one- and yet, now, he was stuck in the middle of nowhere. Not that he really had access to one anyway. The only way he could have gotten one was from one of the other engines- and they would undoubtedly be asking questions.

Particularly Skarloey….

"Oh, I've been a silly engine, Mr Heron, Mr Wilson! I shouldn't have come out here without a snowplough! Owen's going to be very worried- he told me to be careful and I wasn't!" Luke burst out to his crew, sniffing miserably.

"I'm sorry Smudger. I... All I wanted was to help you out of that horrid place. I just wanted you to have a chance to make amends with those you've wronged and do things I may never be able to do. Instead, I got us both stuck out here and with no way home!" And he burst into tears.

This was his first Christmas on Sodor, and Smudger's first Christmas in freedom, and yet Luke somehow messed up again!

"Woah, Luke, don't cry," Said Smudger, feeling alarmed. He hated dealing with crying- he rarely ever cried during his imprisonment; and he was hardly as sensitive and understanding as Luke. "Look, I'm sorry I called you thick. You're not really, but I think you rush into things a bit too quickly." The formerly dark green engine said, trying his best to comfort Luke.

"It-it's no-not th-that, Smudger! I-I got u-us st-stuck- out here wi-with n-no mea-means of contact-contacting- help!" Luke hiccupped through his tears.

"Listen, we'll get out of here, okay?" Smudger huffed. "I don't know how, but we will." But secretly, he wasn't so sure.

With that, Luke's crew tried to dig the snow away from their engine; using Richard's shovel.

It didn't work, however, as the faster they tried to dig, the more the snow fell round his wheels. Next, Geoffrey suggested using some of Luke's still burning coals to melt the snow away; but Richard said they couldn't; they were low on coal and wasting it on an uneconomic idea wasn't an option.

Obviously, due to being secured by cables, combined with his derelict state; Smudger couldn't pull Luke out of the snowdrift. Attempting to get a hold of another engine to help would be impossible- plus, trying to find a telephone late at night in extremely cold weather was very dangerous, because neither man could see where they were, and they both had no working torches.

There was only one option, and it wasn't very favourable.

"We'll have to stay here," Decided Geoffrey with a frown. "It's not ideal, but it would be too dangerous to venture any further just now. We need to keep warm and keep alert. The last we need is for one of us to succumb to hypothermia."

"My thoughts exactly." Richard agreed. The two engines consented to this arrangement and they were just about to settle into a troubled sleep, when, through the darkness, they saw the silhouette of a figure approach them.

It was a muscular woman yielding a rifle gun. She had bulging ice- blue eyes which gave such a piercing glare that poor Luke wanted to shrivel up into himself; a large, purplish bruise blooming on her left cheek like a large Clematis; dry, wispy greying hair that resembled straw tied in a sloppy bun.

The rifle was cradled tenderly by nine and a half fingers. Her clothes; in varying shades of dark green black and grey were snug against her bulging muscles; from her torso down to her ankles- where black size 10 boots left equally large and destructive footprints in her wake.

"What are ya doin' on this property? You're trespassing!" She bellowed nasally, limping closer to the cavalcade menacingly.

"We do apologise, Ma'am, but we were sent here to take this engine for scrap on Mr Percival's orders," Geoffrey lied, thinking quickly. He hoped that she didn't catch on to the truth; otherwise, if she reported this to the Thin Controller, a ship bound for Ireland would leave Sodor with a certain green engine on board…

"If ya say so!" She bellowed. "I will let you go; but next time, ensure I am informed you have clearance!" and she marched away briskly.

Smudger was tense. "You better be careful." He whispered, once she'd disappeared. "That's Ms Drilltrench. Or as I like to call her, Lady Hoarse-tence, on account of how she shouts so much."

Luke's crew burst into laughter on hearing this remark, and although the joke was lost on Luke, he joined in anyway.

…..

After a few more failed attempts to get out of the snowdrift, they called it a night, and so both engines quickly fell asleep right where they were. Richard and Geoffrey decided to sleep in shifts, so one could rest whilst the other ensured no danger of hypothermia took over; and to watch out in case Miss Drilltrench, or Lady Hoarse-tence- came back.

Deep inside Luke's cab, whilst Richard slept, Geoffrey stoked up the fire and pondered over how to get out of the snowdrift. Unfortunately, his brainstorming was not successful; as his ideas were infeasible; either because they were too impractical, or because they didn't have the resources and help needed to

As he poked the fire too harshly, soot flew up from his engine's firebox, making him splutter and cough. Geoffrey let out a rather explicit curse under his breath, hoping he hadn't hurt Luke.

"Are you alright in there, Mr Heron?" A polite, childlike enquiry drifted into his ears. Fortunately, his engine sounded fine; just a little melancholy. Feeling concerned, Geoffrey climbed out of the cab and made his way along the footplate to talk to Luke.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just got some ruddy soot on my face," He answered cheerfully before noticing Luke's expression. "Hey, um… sorry about that. I just poked your fire a little too roughly trying to keep it lit." He explained, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. You okay?"

"Well… it just made me cough, but I'm alright…. Well, physically, anyway." The little engine sighed.

"But not mentally, huh?"

"…I don't know, Mr Heron." Luke answered truthfully. "I just feel I always mess things up." He sighed.

"You don't mess up, Luke- ever." Before he could stop himself, he jumped up and embraced Luke by his funnel with one arm before continuing, "You make mistakes, just like everyone else. This was just a really bad one. But hey, like they always say, nothing bad ever lasts for long. Everyone makes mistakes, Luke, but like you said before, everyone deserves second chances."

"But I said it could never apply to me." Luke countered. "I took another engine's life…. It was most definitely unintentional… but I still did it. Why should I allow myself a second chance when an innocent engine never even got to live his new life here on Sodor?"

"I know he's gone, but whether you realise it or not; you've shown you deserve a second chance." Geoffrey told him gently. "You've been through a lot of risk to help your friends round the quarry, especially with Skarloey and Rheneas away showing the MPs round, remember? And you just rescued Smudger from the shed with only us, Edward and that little engine from the Small Railway helping you."

"I guess so..." Luke whispered hesitantly.

"I know it." Geoffrey told him. He gently squeezed his friend's buffer. "We'll all get out in the morning, okay? Rich and I'll have a plan to get out of this jam and be home for Christmas."

"Thank you Mr Heron. You're the best driver an engine can have." Luke smiled.

"You're welcome. Now get some sleep- you'll need it to get home again." Geoffrey replied warmly. "I know the cold's hardly ideal, but I'll do my best to keep your fire lit, old chap."

"Alright. Thank you. Goodnight Mr Heron." Luke said sweetly. "Please be careful, won't you?"

"I will. Don't worry. Goodnight Luke- sweet dreams."

"You too, Mr. Heron."

...

The two men were up at dawn the next day to dig Luke out of the snowdrift and ready to go. Fortunately, with better lighting and a reasonable quality of sleep allowed the men to rescue their friend. As they were on the last legs of coal usage, Richard had to use oily rags and wood to try and build up enough steam to get Luke back to the quarry.

However, as he chuffed on towards home, Luke began feeling dizzy and faint. He didn't want to go very far due to a pounding headache, but he felt that he was able to make the last leg of the journey home if he went very slowly.

In fact, he was so slow, that Smudger fell asleep on the flatbed!

But it was worth it, for Luke finally arrived back at the Blue Mountain Quarry with his sleeping new friend.

However, what dampened his mood a tad way that he didn't feel very well. He was shivering fit to burst despite his warm and cosy fire, his face was flushed as scarlet as Skarloey's paintwork; and he also felt very tired, woozy and unable to think straight.

….

From the Upper Terrace, Owen saw his best friend hobble into the quarry- and was immensely relieved to see him back home again, safe and sound.

"Luke! Where have you been?" He asked his friend, as Luke chuffed up to see him. Owen was careful not to speak too loudly in case he woke Merrick -or the little engine behind Luke, whoever he was. Wait, was this…

"I'm sorry Owen- I got us stuck in a huge snow drift and couldn't get out until this morning." Luke replied. "I didn't mean for it to happen, honest."

"I'm just glad you got home safely." Owen told him gratefully, suddenly feeling his eyelids going very droopy and he was soon struggling to contain a massive yawn.

"Are you alright, Owen?" Luke asked in worry.

"I'm fine. I just stayed up all night waiting for you, Luke." Owen answered with a second yawn. "I'll get a nap at some point. I just wanted to see you get home safely first."

"Thank you, Owen." Luke answered weakly.

...

Due to both Owen and Luke's fatigue, they decided to sleep in that morning and keep celebrations to later in the day. However, this arrangement made Smudger cross. He was grateful to be out of his miserable home, but he now felt bored.

"Come on, Luke! Do you intend to stay asleep all day?" He complained. "I'm bored."

Luke opened a sleepy eye. "I'd rather I didn't, but I don't feel very well." He told him quietly. "I'll be up later, ok?"

"Don't forget, he got sick for your sake, Smudger," Richard added in a quiet, deadly voice. "You better leave him be or I'll make you regret it."

Smudger gulped in fright. He had never been terrified of anyone in his reckless days- why; if that man had said the exact same thing decades ago Smudger would have just laughed and mocked him in a rude manner. Now, however, he was very convinced that he better obey.

"Okay." He squeaked. "Sorry Luke."

"It's fine. I've never been much use at being a friend, anyway." Luke replied sleepily, before settling back down to sleep.

However, hearing this remark made the older engine frown. He didn't like his friend talking about himself like this- he'd only known Luke for 12 hours and already he was fond of the little Irish engine, who was now snoring away quietly.

...

That afternoon, everyone was finally awake, and they all sang Christmas carols, told jokes and stories, and exchanged sentiments.

"This is wonderful!" Merrick remarked, who, miraculously, had stayed awake for their makeshift belated Christmas celebration. "I didn't think it'd be this fun with three of us!"

"Plus Smudger," Owen reminded his friend.

"Yeah- anyway, how are you feeling, Luke?" Merrick asked. He'd been filled in on what happened to poor Luke and felt bad he couldn't do a lot to help him feel better.

"I don't feel so bad," Luke answered bravely. "Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like to sing a Christmas song."

"Well, take it away then, Luke!" Merrick called out in reply. Luke took a deep breath and began to sing.

….

"Oh, the Holly, she bears a berry, as white as the milk.

And Mary she bore Jesus all wrapped up in silk.

And Mary she bore Jesus our Saviour for to be.

And the first tree that's in the green wood, it was the Holly.

Holly. Holly.

And the first tree that's in the green wood, it was the Holly.

O the Holly she bears a berry as green as the grass

And Mary she bore Jesus who died on the cross.

And Mary she bore Jesus our Saviour for to be.

And the first tree that's in the green wood, it was the Holly.

Holly. Holly.

And the first tree that's in the green wood, it was the Holly.

O the Holly she bears a berry, as blood it is red

And we trust in our Saviour who rose from the cross.

And Mary she bore Jesus our Saviour for to be.

And the first tree that's in the green wood, it was the Holly.

Holly. Holly.

And the first tree that's in the green wood, it was the Holly."

The lyrics, combined with his gentle singing and soft, yet ringing, Irish accent, touched Owen, Merrick, Richard, Geoffrey and even Smudger deeply.

"Bravo! Encore!" They cheered proudly; for they thought it was very beautiful, and they all resolved to keep it locked in their hearts and memories from now till their dying breath. It was quite amazing, hearing something so beautiful and hopeful coming from an engine who was right now treading the grasses of despair and desolation.

"You did a grand job, old boy!" Geoffrey told Luke proudly.

"Thank you, Mr Heron." Luke replied weakly.

Smudger looked at his friend hesitantly; who looked as though he wanted to go back to sleep again. Yet, Smudger needed an important word with him.

"Luke, I need a word." He said quietly.

"Sure. What is it, Smudger?" Luke asked politely but wearily.

"Well, remember earlier, when I was pestering you about staying awake?" Smudger asked.

"I forgave you for that."

"That's not what I'm talking about."

Luke's face was puzzled.

"I mean," continued Smudger. "You said you weren't any use at being a friend. Why would you say that?"

"Well, I'm hiding in the tunnels half the time, I'm wary of helping my friends because of the risk of getting caught, and I asked them to keep my existence a secret even though it's caused a lot of arguments amongst them, and they've lied to their controller as well. What sort of friend puts them through that?"

"Well, I may not have much proof to contradict that argument; but I do the most powerful piece of evidence that the Heavens have witnessed. They saw you go into danger, rescued me, brought me here, and let me spend Christmas with you and your friends- all for my sake. We've only known each other for twelve hours, Luke, and despite what you say about yourself, you've been a far better friend to me than I ever have been to anyone in a very long time." Smudger replied.

"If your friends are willing to go through Lucifer's wringer every single day, with no complaint or breath of bitterness, they must value you as a good friend." He finished.

This statement made Luke's eyes fill up with tears of happiness, and he managed a smile. "Thank you, Smudger. That means a lot, hearing that from you." He said warmly.

"You're welcome, my friend." Smudger responded, managing a genuine smile for the first time in years.

For the rest of the day, the festivities were cheerful and full of joy, happiness and friendship- dampened only by Luke's coughing and sneezing.

...

Disclaimer: The song, 'O the Holly She Bears a Berry' lyrics belong to Irish band, The Chieftains. I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter and thank you all so much for your kind reviews!