Last Chapter, minasan!

James just got a new driver and his ways does not go well with her like he thought it would. Will he finally learn to behave and will he also be saved from her tough disciplinarian clutches. Tune in to find out. Please enjoy and review. I accept all reviews, both positive and nice constructive criticism, but no flames.

I do not own Thomas and Friends, but if I did, there'll be a lot of cute relationships going on.

A New Driver for James

6. The Conclusion

The next morning, Sir Topham Hat sat at the breakfast table, enjoying his muffin and coffee, while reading the newspaper.

"This seems to be my best week yet," he chucked to himself. "Finally, a week without any bloody engine accidents."

The Fat Controller seem to have spoken too soon because all of a sudden a chorus of whistles and beeps broke out just outside his window.

"What in the bloody he…!" he jumped out of his chair, slamming his paper down. Despite him still being in his pajamas, the big man snatched up his hat and marched outside. There he found what seem to be his whole fleet of engines, as well as Bertie the Bus, screeching, whistling, and beeping.

"Can someone please tell me what is going on here!" he bellowed.

"Save our friend!" Emily spoke up.

"We are tired of him being mistreated!" Arthur said.

"What are you talking about!" Sir Topham Hat seemed to be getting angrier by the minute. "What is so urgent that you must interrupt me breakfast for!"

"You must fire James' driver, sir," Thomas said.

"Now why must I do that?" Sir Topham Hat boomed. "I hadn't had one accident this past week and work seems to be getting done. James driver is staying and that is final."

At that moment, Harold the helicopter flew overhead with a banner tied to his backside. "Save James," the banner read.

"Sir, James is very miserable," Arthur said nobly. "And I won't stand for it."

"We'll strike if you don't get rid of her," Gordon whooshed.

Just then, James pulled up with a very tired look on his face. His driver applied his breaks and jumped out onto the station's platform when she noticed that engines were blocking her path.

"Move! I have work to do!" she shouted angrily.

"No, we're staying where we are," Arthur said. "You are mean to James and we won't stand for it. Ever since you came, he's been miserable."

"Yeah!" the other engines agreed. "We want our happy conceded friend back!"

"Enough!" Sir Topham Hat bellowed. Everyone silenced and looked at him. "I'll make the decision here. I'll think about it after I speak with both James and his driver," he then walked towards James and the driver and began to speak with them.

As the three conversed quietly, all of the vehicles held in their breath, hoping everything will work out for their friend. Sir Topham Hat then turned towards all the engines and spoke.

"Gentlemen…and lady," he boomed. After noticing he had their utmost attention, he continued to speak. "I have made my decision," he looked around at the silent engines.

"Go on, go on," someone said.

"A lot of work has been completed this past week and James has been on his best behaviour," he looked around again at the engines, who were beginning to look upset. "But no amount of completed work can compare to the importance of one of my engine's happiness and well being…I have decided to let the driver go."

As soon as the last word left The Fat Controller's mouth, the whole station broke put into cheers and whistles.

"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!" all the engines went with glee.

"Silence!" Sir Topham Hat boomed. "Now with that over, I expect you all to get back to work."

"Yes, sir," they all said and Sir Topham Hat went back inside to finish his breakfast. The driver walked off, cursing under her breath.

"Thank you, everyone," James beamed and whistled at his friends. "Thanks for saving me from that demonic driver's clutches."

"Don't thank us, James," Emily said. "Thank Arthur. This was all his idea," she looked at Arthur who blushed deeply.

"Now, if you'll excuse me," she smiled and winked at James. "I'll leave you two alone and go attend my branch line." She then left quickly and headed towards the other engines. "Break it up. Break it up. Nothing to see here," she whooshed at the observing engines.

With that, James and Arthur found themselves alone. James was too happy to dwell on what Emily was implying at. All that matters to him right now was that he was finally free from that crazy driver.

"Thank you, Arthur," he beamed at Arthur who blushed as red as James' paint. "That was a splendid thing you have done for me."

"Well…I…I…" he stuttered. "Uh…it was nothing," he looked down, blushing furiously. "James?"

"Yeah?"

"Will you go out with me?"

"Phah! Just because you did all that for me doesn't mean I'm not straight," James laughed lightheartedly. "But if I wasn't, well…I might consider," James left it at that went off about his business, leaving Arthur alone to dwell on what he had just said.

Arthur stood alone as a grin crept across his blushing face. "Hm, I might have a chance after all," he chuckled to himself.

In the distance, two great big engines were observing the exchange between the two red friends.

"Remind me of us at that age, ne?" Henry asked his big blue companion. Gordon felt a huge blush creeping onto his face and let off an angry hiss as the result of it.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Henry. Nor do I care," he hissed.

"Don't deny it, Gordon," Henry chuckled teasingly. "You very well know what I am talking about."

Gordon can only wheesh in response. "Damn cleaver uke," he muttered under his breath.

The End