For James, there had been an unusual line of events to experience, and plenty of surprises too, surrounding him being a Super Engine saving Percy and Rebecca from a crash at the Coal Chute, then becoming Molly's Super Ruby. A few more days had gone by since he and Molly had a super get-together at Crovan's Gate, and it would soon be time for another big event. One far more significant than just a few super daydreams about saving engines, and would even include bubbling boilers in more ways than one. Especially for Emily.
It was an important time on the North Western Railway. Saturday would mark the anniversary of the opening of Knapford Station so many years ago, and to celebrate, the Fat Controller was holding a special open day on the railway. It was going to be an extra special celebration.
That morning at Tidmouth Sheds, the engines were about to start their day when the Fat Controller arrived.
"Good morning, sir," said Thomas.
"Good morning to you all," said the Fat Controller. "I have a most important announcement to make for you all."
"What's that, sir?" Emily asked.
"This Saturday shall mark the anniversary of the opening of Knapford Station. To celebrate, we are going to replicate the days when Knapford Station was new. The staff and I are going to be wearing old fashioned clothes and uniforms, and we are going to invite the passengers and visitors to do the same. Lady Hatt has been quite busy already, and she has organized stalls on the platform to sell toffee apples, candyfloss and drinks to the passengers."
"That sounds exciting," Thomas smiled.
"And most impressive," Gordon added.
"As such, I have special jobs for all of you," said the Fat Controller, which brought the engines' excitement even higher. "Gordon, you are to bring the special visitors from the Mainland."
"Of course, sir," Gordon answered proudly.
"Thomas, you are to give rides with Annie and Clarabel," said the Fat Controller.
"Thank you, sir," said Thomas. "They'll be most proud to be part of this celebration."
"Percy is to give a special shunting demonstration," said the Fat Controller.
"Wow! Yes, sir!" Percy peeped excitedly.
"And the rest of you are to stand on display in the yards," the Fat Controller continued. "So that people can look at you, climb into your cabs and see how your controls work, as well have your photographs taken with the passengers. Edward is to be the Star of the Show and bring me to Knapford to begin the festivities. Of course, he is one of the oldest engines on the railway and has worked on it the longest."
"And what shall Emily be doing, sir?" Thomas asked, looking to her beaming smile. "Does she have something to do for this occasion?"
"Indeed, sir. Is there anything I may do for such a special time?" Emily asked.
"There is indeed, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "In fact, you are the key to make sure everything goes smoothly for Knapford's event. As our official Safety Engine, you must be up extra early on Saturday to do a safety check across the entirety of the Main Line and make sure everything is in order, so the celebrations can run smoothly."
"Oh, yes, sir!" Emily smiled. "Excellent Emily can do it!"
"Very good," said the Fat Controller. "I know I can always count on you."
"You can indeed, sir!" Emily smiled proudly.
And soon, the engines all set off for their day's work, and the excitement was now on. The rest of the week passed through time. Day after day, as the big event drew closer and closer, the engines couldn't hold in their excitement. Thomas was most eager to see what sorts of old fashioned looks he'd see from the guests as they'd ride Annie and Clarabel, who were both ecstatically pleased when they heard they'd be part of the event too. Percy spent as much time as he could shunting about in the yards and practicing so as to do his best for Saturday's big number of guests, and when Edward came along through Knapford one day, he was surprised when he passed through the yard and had seen the preparations. The other engines continued to talk away about what it could be like, and who could probably be there. But what none of the engines knew in the least was just what else would happen that day, surrounding Emily and the very expression, "Bubbling Boilers." An expression that was as old as the railway itself...and in some way or other, Emily would inevitably give that expression a whole new meaning.
At last Saturday arrived. The day for Knapford Station's big open day. It was very early in the morning, just before the first rays of sunshine appeared in the sky. At Tidmouth Sheds, everyone was still asleep, including Emily, who had gone to bed early the night before so as to be fresh early...until she heard footsteps coming in her direction. She suddenly felt her senses waking up as she remembered what day it was. Her eyes opened and she yawned as she saw her driver, Paul Dewhurst, and fireman, Declan Lynch, arrive very early. She looked ahead and could see the first little rays of purple and red peaking through the clouds as her crew came up alongside her.
"Mmm...good morning, Paul. Morning Declan," she greeted her crew.
"Good morning, Emily," said her driver. "Let's get to it now. It's Saturday, and the Main Line is counting on you to ensure everything goes swimmingly for the big event today."
"Mmm...indeed, it must," Emily hummed drowsily as she felt herself waking up nice and steadily.
Her crew got everything in order, her regulator was opened, and Emily was soon on her way.
"Here we go. No. 12 Safety Engine starts her safety check for Knapford's opening day," she declared to no one in particular.
The other engines woke up and saw Emily leaving. Shortly afterwards, they saw their own crews arrive too. Before long, all the engines were being prepared to start work. Then the crews began washing and polishing the engines until their paint was shiny and their brass was gleaming like gold. The engines started talking amongst each other and even bragging lightly about the possibilities.
"Well, everyone. Annie and Clarabel couldn't be more excited when I told them about today," said Thomas. "I'm sure they'll have plenty of guests to please."
"Maybe so, but I certainly know this is one express run only fit for me," Gordon declared. "With so many guests to bring, I am the best engine for the job."
"You may bring lots of passengers, Gordon," boasted James. "But the men are giving me an extra special polish so the visitors can have their photo taken with ME!"
"And I'm off to give them a special shunting demonstration!" Percy grinned and he hurried away to practice while he had the time.
"Nia and I will be on display for everyone to see, and so will Emily once she's done her safety check," said Rebecca.
"Oh, yes, Rebecca," said Nia. "I know she'll look very lovely once she's washed and polished too."
"Yes, ladies. You're infinitely right on that one," said Thomas. "Oh, Emily...what will you be doing today?"
Meanwhile, out on the Main Line, Emily's safety check was going swimmingly so far. She had passed through Knapford, glimpsing briefly at the service stalls Lady Hatt had put together, which made her smile even more to see a hint of what the station and yards would look like. By now, she had just passed Crosby Station, and so far, everything from signals, points and level crossings were all working perfectly, just as she was supposed to make sure of.
"There we go," said Emily. "Perfect so far, just as it should be for Knapford today."
Soon, Emily arrived at Wellsworth, and as she neared the water tower, looked and suddenly saw the Star of the Show himself, Edward. He too was up bright and early and having his own special wash and polish before he'd be due to collect the Fat Controller. Emily could see him smiling proudly as the workmen washed him with detailed precision.
Edward looked up and saw who was right there. "Good morning, Emily. Taking care of your safety check, I trust?"
"Good morning, Edward," Emily greeted. "Indeed I am, and everything seems to be in order so far. I hear you're going to be the Star of the Show today."
"I am, Emily," said Edward. "I'll be bringing the Fat Controller to the station to open the event, and I know we can all count on you to make sure everything goes well today."
"Thank you, Edward," Emily smiled. "And I know you'll be looking very handsome indeed for today."
"Handsome?" Edward beamed. "W-Why, thank you, Emily!"
"T-heh! It's nothing, Edward," Emily tittered. "Now, I must keep on with my check. See you at the Knapford opening!"
And as the two engines whistled goodbye, Emily huffed on through the morning as the sun rose higher and higher through the sky. Everywhere she went, she kept an open eye and listening ear for anything that needed her ability to think on her wheels and solve problems. She passed through Maron, Cronk, Kildane, Balladrine, Kellaby, Kellsthorpe Road, and Crovan's Gate, and all along that stretch of her check, everything seemed to be working like utter clockwork. The signals were all functioning smoothly, points switched with no issue and every level crossing she came to opened and shut with no trouble at all, all the way up to Vicarstown where her safety check was now complete. By now, it was mid to late morning. It had been a fairly long check, but to Emily, it had all gone by quite quickly.
"Well done, Emily," said her driver. "It looks like everything will go perfectly for Knapford's big day. Now that we know everything is in tip-top order, it's time we get back and give you your wash and polish for today, just as all the engines have done so far."
"Oh, yes!" Emily chortled. "I'm so looking forward to having a lovely wash and polish now, for the whole celebration!"
Emily made her way to the Vicarstown turntable and turned right around so she could make her way back to Knapford. Emily was now quite excited to be part of the big event once she got back, but having gone through a long and detailed safety check, she would have to hurry a little to keep on time.
She huffed quickly back along the Main Line, hoping for a steady, fast run back to Knapford, but as Emily passed through Kellsthorpe Road, she began to approach the Sheep Field, when all of a sudden, she heard a dog barking in the distance. It seemed to come from far ahead. She took no notice at first, until suddenly, as she rounded the bend before the Sheep Field, and heard the loud tread of countless feet. She looked up again and suddenly became alarmed. A few hundred yards ahead were flocks of sheep bursting through the fence in terror and running onto the tracks! Emily looked and saw a dog following, barking fiercely and furiously, chasing after the sheep.
"Whoa! Look out, sheep!" Emily whistled.
"Whoa, Emily!" called her driver.
But Emily didn't need telling. With a grinding of her brakes, she stopped as quickly as she could, only a few yards away from the sheep, and right by the dog. Emily gave one look to the dog, who then stopped barking. As soon as it saw Emily, it turned and ran quickly away across the field. But the poor sheep, thoroughly confused and frightened, didn't know what to do. Some ran along the line, some stood still, quivering in fright, while others, braver than the rest, just went a little way off and ate the grass beside the line.
"What happened there?" Emily exclaimed.
"I don't know, Emily," said her driver. "But I do know that's one crazy dog...and look. I know whose sheep these are."
Just then, Farmer McColl and Katie arrived, realizing that the stray dog saw the sheep and made its way into the field and went after the sheep, scaring them enough to break through the fence again.
"Hello, Farmer McColl," said Emily. "I saw all your sheep have gotten loose, no thanks to quite a fierce dog."
"I was wondering what had them running all over the place and every which way," said Farmer McColl. "I'd best get them back together again."
Emily watched as in no time at all, Katie rounded up the sheep and they were led back into the field, while Farmer McColl prepared to repair the broken fence yet again. Soon, all the sheep were regathered and Emily was fit to continue on her way to make ready for Knapford's open day.
"Hmm. A little unusual, but at least the sheep are back in order," said Emily. "Now let's get back to Knapford."
"Right, Emily. Away we go," said her driver.
Emily tried to move, but she couldn't. "What the...? My wheels won't turn!" she uttered.
"Hmm. Oh, dear. Something wrong with the brakes," said her fireman, checking the mechanisms carefully.
"What? Now? When Knapford's open day is to take place? Now what?" Emily asked with displeasure.
"We'll have to fix it ourselves. There's no time to call for a fitter," said her driver. "Not with Knapford's open day to worry about."
Paul and Declan got right to work on her brakes. Emily waited thoughtfully for a while, but soon became impatient, thinking she'd be late for the celebrations, all owed to a fierce runaway dog. She felt like she'd been waiting ages, when it was really only about ten minutes.
"Are we EVER going to start?" she thought indignantly.
Then suddenly, she heard a shout from her driver.
"Got it!" he called before going to work with a spanner.
"So, what happened?" Emily asked.
"It turns out a brake pipe had worked loose when we stopped suddenly," said her driver as he climbed back to her cab. "It jammed your brakes hard on, but we'll be alright now."
There was a hiss, and Emily felt her brakes finally come off.
"Right," said Emily's driver as he opened the regulator to let steam into Emily's cylinders. "Away we go."
"Let's get a move-on!" Emily exclaimed. "We must make up for lost time!"
And Emily raced on her way so she could get the wash and polish that she had been waiting for. Before long, she saw Gordon with several coaches, making his way to pick up the visitors from the Mainland.
"Emily? What ever is your hurry?" Gordon called. "Surely your safety check went well enough?"
"Hi, Gordon! Bye, Gordon!" was all Emily answered as she shot right on by.
"Ohh, some engines," said Gordon.
Back at Knapford, it was almost time for the open day, and everything was just about in order. James, Nia and Rebecca were all in the special section of the yard that had been roped off and layed out, while Thomas was preparing Annie and Clarabel, who were also being washed and polished for their special train rides.
"Ooh, Clarabel! Think of the impressive attire we could be seeing with our guests today!" Annie blurted.
"Oh, that's hardly the least of it, Annie!" Clarabel chortled. "Just think how pleased Edward must be to be opening the day himself!"
Further in the yard, Percy was getting some last minute shunting practice in before his demonstration, pushing and pulling a few trucks, box vans and tankers amongst the sidings.
"Pull, push, backwards, forwards!" he said hurriedly to himself as he hurried through the yards, sorting and arranging different trucks as he went.
The Thin Controller, Mr. Percival, and the Small Controller, Mr. Fergus Duncan had come along too, having been invited to the celebrations by the Fat Controller, who was busy elsewhere making his last preparations for the event too. They were both wearing their special old fashioned clothing, and were in the yards helping to make sure everything was running smoothly. But they were also slightly concerned as they looked down the line and checked their pocket watchs.
"Everything seems to be in order. All the engines are here, the festivities are just about ready...but where is Emily?" the Small Controller asked anxiously. "She should have been back from her safety inspection by now."
"Hm. Can't we have the open day start anyway?" offered James. "Perhaps we could have the open day start and let her join in when she's able to?"
"I'm afraid we can't do that, James," said the Thin Controller. "Emily has been included on the posters and leaflets advertising the event, so everyone is expecting to see her as soon as possible. Unless she gets here soon..."
Just then, to everyone's relief, they heard Emily's whistle in the distance and she soon pulled into the yards with a hiss of steam.
"Sorry I'm late, everyone," she gasped lightly. "I got held up by sheep and a wild barking dog."
"Never mind that, Emily," said the Small Controller hurriedly. "Your safety check went perfectly otherwise. Go and get yourself smartened up!"
"The celebrations will begin within the hour," said the Thin Controller. "Come along! Hurry!"
So Emily hurried through the station, and back to Tidmouth Sheds to washdown at the shed's water tower. She settled on the turntable, then turned around again so as to make her way back to the yards before she stopped right by the tower, feeling quite relieved.
"At last!" she panted. "My long-awaited wash and polish for Knapford's opening!"
"You've done a top-rate job today checking the Main Line, Emily," said her driver. "And you more than deserve a special polish and wash."
So Paul and Declan gave Emily a good polish all over her boiler and tender until she gleamed all over. They then used bucketfuls of hot soapy water to wash her down and scrub her thoroughly. They even scrubbed behind her buffers, which they rinsed off the suds with a hose. Emily would have loved to share this wash with Thomas, but she knew that with an event such as this, timing was much more key. She was just happy to have made it in enough time to see everything begin.
At last, the hosing and scrubbing stopped, and Emily's paint was sparkling like an emerald. Her brass shone like precious gold and her silver buffers were as bright as the moon. It was indeed a very fine wash indeed after such a busy and slightly rushed safety check.
"Hm-hm-hm!" Emily giggled. "Wow! Thank you, both! Look at me! Just think of what the engines and guests will think when they see me!"
"Well...it's the best we can do, Emily," said Paul and Declan, mopping their brows. "Now, let's refill your tank and get back to the others."
They then hurried to clear away the washing tools and get Emily's tank filled again. In all the rush, however, a large bar of soap was misplaced on the back of Emily's tender while her crew cleared away the buckets and brushes. Then as they brought the hosepipe to Emily's filler cap and opened it, the fireman knocked against the soap with his foot, causing it to fall into Emily's tank, unseen or noticed by anyone as her tank was filled up again.
"There we go, Emily," said her driver. "Now, everything is set."
"Lovely," said Emily. "Now comes Knapford's opening."
Emily made her way back to the yards just in time, for everyone to see her sparkling emerald presentation. She could see a brass band at Platform 1, and the big red ribbon for Edward to cut. Beyond the station, everyone could hear chattering from quite a large group of guests waiting to be let in for the big event.
"Bravo, Emily. You made it just in time," said Rebecca. "We were beginning to wonder if you'd be late or not."
"Well, the dog and sheep held me up, as well as briefly jammed brakes, but here I am, just the same," said Emily.
"And you look absolutely lovely, Emily," Thomas eyed admirably. "Look at your paint and brass gleaming away!"
"I know, Thomas," Emily smiled. "And I know Edward will be looking handsome with his wash too!"
"Shh! Here he comes!" Rebecca hushed excitedly.
Everyone looked and watched as Edward came into the station, puffing proudly into view with the Fat Controller. Edward was suddenly greeted with a chorus of cheers and whistles, whilst the brass band played him in. Edward then ran through the station, cutting the special red ribbon and gave a great celebratory blast of his whistle. The Fat Controller then stepped down from Edward's cab and onto the platform.
"Ladies, gentlemen and engines, I declare this open day...uh...OPEN!" he announced grandly. "Three cheers for all the Really Useful Engines!"
"Hip-hip Hooray! Hip-hip Hooray! Hip-hip Hooray!" everyone cheered through the yards.
And in that moment, all the guests began pouring in from the station into the yards, and the celebration began. Emily joined James, Nia and Rebecca in the special roped off section of the yard as the festivities began. Many people lined up at the stalls Lady Hatt had set up and were enjoying the refreshments quite well. Edward soon joined Emily, James, Nia and Rebecca as the guests were now allowed in to admire the engines on display.
"You did very well, Edward," said Emily. "You really do look handsome today, being the Star of the Show."
"Well, you look very lovely today too, Emily," said Edward. "I see your crew gave you a fine wash and polish yourself."
Over the next couple hours, Thomas' special train rides were put in place as guests and visitors poured in through the station, approaching Thomas, Annie and Clarabel. Most of the visitors admiring the engines brought cameras, and almost all were large families of children. The engines smiled as their drivers and fireman let the guests climb in and out of their cabs and then to take photos of them from all angles. The children enjoyed themselves enormously and said various things about the engines.
"Don't they look big!" some of them said.
"They're very smart aren't they?" said others.
"Look at their shiny paint," some said about James, Nia, Rebecca and Emily too.
Emily's eyes scanned the visitors and she bore a kind smile to everyone who came by to look at her, then to her delight, among the many guests in old fashioned clothing, Emily saw David and Beatrice. They too were glad to partake in this special day for Knapford Station. It didn't take them long to befall their eyes on their engine and come right up to her.
"Hello, Emily. Aren't you looking marvellous today?" Beatrice greeted.
"Indeed, Emily," David added as he climbed onto her running plate. "You've got quite a glimmer in your paintwork and on your brass. I trust your safety check went swimmingly?"
"It did, David," said Emily. "A little rushed on my way back thanks to Farmer McColl's sheep being chased about by a runaway dog, followed by jammed brakes, but I'm happy it worked out in the end."
"And we're glad to see you here too, Emily," David answered as he petted her cheek, then playfully tapped her nose.
"Hm-hm-hm! David," Emily giggled.
The event kept on for an hour or two longer as the visitors walked about the yards, looking at the engines, enjoying refreshments and having an all-around good time. Thomas came to and from the station with his special rides with Annie and Clarabel, and it seemed everything was going swimmingly for the open day too...but maybe a little too swimmingly...and bubbly in the short time to come.
Later that day, the open day was still going very well. David and Beatrice were beside Emily as Thomas came back once more, finishing up one of his special rides. By this time, Percy was due to show his shunting demonstration.
"And now," the Fat Controller announced. "It gives me great pleasure to present you all with a little shunting demonstration from Percy the No. 6 Small Green Engine!"
"He-he-he!" Percy chortled as the guests applauded for his start. "I've been practicing whenever I had the time for you all. Now, it looks like everything is set!"
"Go, Percy!" Thomas called. "Show them what you can do!"
The stationmaster waved to Percy, then blew his whistle, and with that, Percy began bustling through the yards, collecting different trucks of different sorts from different sidings. Everyone watched and clapped lightly as Percy bustled this way and that. The engines watched on too with interest as Percy made his progress.
"Two trucks together, now three box vans next!" Percy peeped hurriedly. "Here they come!"
"Tankers next, Percy!" Thomas called. "Just like Ashima and I did together!"
"Pull, push, backwards, forwards!" Percy huffed through the yards.
"There you go, Percy!" Emily called. "That's right. Pull, p-push...oh...uhh...backwards...f-f-forwards...oh...uhh..."
"Emily?" David checked, noticing how she trailed off suddenly.
James, Nia, Rebecca and Edward all suddenly felt their attention ebb away from the shunting and towards Emily. Especially Thomas and David.
"Emily? Are you alright?" Thomas asked, suddenly concerned and looking to her.
"I...oh...wh-what's happening?" she said a little woozily.
Emily's trail-off had a very good reason for happening. She had suddenly begun to feel peculiar. She felt a certain slick, slippery feeling somewhere in her boiler that began to tingle a little uncomfortably. Her smile ebbed away, then turned into a rather uncomfortable expression. As she began to groan lightly, Percy heard her and slowed down.
"Emily? Are you alright?" he asked as he reversed along the line and closer to the other engines.
Emily looked back as she felt the uncomfortable feeling become more and more steady. It felt as though something were stuck in her boiler. Then as she breathed, she suddenly felt a soapy sensation through her nose and breath, and she didn't know how or why it was happening. She suddenly felt quite a cramp build up in her boiler.
"Uhh...I...I feel sick...!" she moaned. "Oh...I...What's happening?"
"Ohh! Stop making a fuss, Emily," James complained. "Think of the children enjoying my paintwork!"
"Quiet, James!" David checked. "Are you alright, Emily? What's wrong?"
Several guests and the Controllers turned their eyes to Emily's current state. She couldn't help herself as she kept panting and groaning slightly. There was an odd feeling in her boiler creeping stronger and stronger. Finally, she could bare it no longer, and without any warning, she took a deep breath, shut her eyes, and let off steam.
"Pfft! Ech!" Emily sputtered.
Everyone was surprised, especially Thomas and David. Not because of the noise or smoke, but of what came next.
Out of Emily's funnel came...bubbles! Hundreds and hundreds of soap bubbles! Everyone stopped where they were and all eyes fell upon Emily and her bubbling boiler. The more Emily huffed and puffed, the more bubbles came floating out of her funnel, and some even escaped from her wheels as her steam kept letting off into the air.
"What's going on HERE?!" the Fat Controller exclaimed.
"By my stars! What EVER is happening?" Beatrice gasped.
"Odd bodkins!" David wheezed with shock and affront.
Thomas just stared with big eyes and a hanging mouth.
Soon the yard was full of bubbles, but Emily did not like how she felt in her boiler. The last time she ended up blowing bubbles was under much worse circumstances when she and David fell drunk at Maron while Percy's spirits were so badly crushed. Even though she wasn't drunk this time, the soapy feeling was too peculiar to enjoy. But to Emily's surprise through her most peculiar feeling, she saw and heard the children laughing and clapping with delight. Some of them reached to pop a few bubbles.
"Wow!" said one little boy. "Emily isn't just a smart looking engine! She's a clever one too!"
"Emily!" Edward gasped, most astonished. "How are you doing that?"
"How, indeed?!" David gasped. "What's going on, Emily?"
"I...I don't know!" Emily panted awkwardly. "But I...I can only tell you this feels VERY odd! Not too different from when you and I fell drunk at Maron, David!"
"Fire and Smoke!" Thomas whistled. "What is going on, Emily?"
Emily looked to Thomas and couldn't answer clearly as she still didn't know. But in that moment, as coincidence would have it, Emily felt so peculiar and weird as she felt the bubbles spouting out of her funnel, she had nothing else to say but...
"Bubbling Boilers!" she cried.
"I think you are," said David with a raised eyebrow.
"Wow! However Emily is doing this, this is quite a surprise!" said another guest.
"I think she deserves a cheer too!" another one added.
Then in the next moment, Emily heard it again. "Hip-hip Hooray! Hip-hip Hooray! Hip-hip Hooray!"
It felt good to be cheered for like this, but Emily still couldn't get over the soapy, weird feeling in the back of her boiler as her funnel kept spouting out several more bubbles.
Finally, Emily's fireman shut off steam, and Emily stopped bubbling. She felt a little better to have ejected so much out of her boiler, but she still had a lingering peculiar feeling inside her. Everyone watched as the bubbles lingered through the yards for a few minutes more, popping away every few seconds, until eventually, all the bubbles were gone. All the engines turned to Emily, with no idea as to how this could have happened. Once the surprise had washed over the yards, all the visitors turned to Emily with most surprised and curious expressions too.
"Well...Sir Topham," said one guest. "I think we all have to agree...this has indeed been a special day for Knapford...but Emily's little bubble show here was an extra special treat for all of us. It seems all the children loved it dearly."
"Oh, yes!" said a few children. "Such a clever engine Emily is!"
"Very festive too!" said another guest. "Probably the bubbliest celebration we've seen in a long time!"
"Yes...bubbly indeed," said the Fat Controller. "I'm certainly glad you all enjoyed it...but how on Earth could this have happened?"
"Huh...ohh...how, indeed?" Emily asked finally as she caught her breath. "I still feel quite strange in my boiler. What could have caused me all these bubbles?"
"Do you two have any idea as to how this could have come about?" the Fat Controller asked Emily's driver and fireman.
Paul and Declan both looked to each other and thought back through the day...until they remembered.
"Wait..." said Paul. "We were in a bit of a hurry to wash and polish Emily in time for this event...and come to think of it...I think I remember hearing a little splash as we managed the hosepipe and put the buckets and brushes away."
"We did have a bar of soap with us as we washed and polished her," said Declan. "But I don't remember seeing it after we filled her tank up again...Well, I'll be! It must have fallen through her filler cap! Otherwise, she wouldn't have put on her little bubble show as it were!"
Emily's eyes went rather wide with shock as she looked back, now realizing the truth. "Soap? In my boiler?! Uhh! I should have known!"
David and Beatrice gaped and stared at Emily's boiler. Beatrice just shook her head in shock and surprise.
"Well, THIS is a thing unheard of!" David exclaimed. "An engine getting cleaned from the outside is elementary to all railways...but on the inside, in a way such as that?! Especially with my engine and best friend?! Oh...ohh, I'd never hear the end of it!"
"Well...Bubbling Boilers is right, Emily! In all meanings of that expression!" Thomas exclaimed. "I can't believe this!"
"I see," said the Fat Controller. "Well, Emily. That little muck-up wasn't your fault, and it has seemed to have entertained all our guests. But in the meantime, we must get the rest of that soap out of your boiler. One thing's for certain. You're bound to be very, very clean inside by now."
"Clean as clean can be," said the Thin Controller. "Most miraculous, I must say."
"Yes...Emily is certainly very clean, alright," David said solidly.
"In more ways than one, and I really DO mean more ways than one," Beatrice stated.
"Well, all the same, thank you for the show, Emily," said a guest.
"Yes, thank you, Emily," said another one. "In some way or other, you have made all these children very happy."
"Thank you, Emily!" several children said together.
"Hmm...you're welcome, everyone" Emily said a little sheepishly. "Happy to see the children smiling."
Soon, all the visitors made their way out of the station and went on their way home, and the open day ended on a rather bubbly note. Emily looked around and could see the engines just staring at her, with all their minds bubbling away on something they'd be pointing out for quite some time until it wore off. Thomas could see this wasn't the best time to linger.
"Come on, Emily. I'll bring you to the Steamworks," he ushered as he coupled to her. "They'll clean out your boiler and tubes in no time."
"Don't worry, Emily. You'll be feeling better before you know it," David called as he waved to Emily.
So Thomas brought Emily on her way to the Steamworks while the engines retuned to Tidmouth Sheds. Emily didn't know what to make of any of the peculiarities that had transpired through her bubbling boiler. All she cared about now was having her boiler cleaned out properly.
Thomas left Emily at the Steamworks and made his way back home. Victor was waiting with a group of workmen to put Emily to rights.
"So, this is all about bubbling boilers, is it, my friend? Quite literally, I take it?" said Victor.
"Don't ask," was all Emily said. "It's nice that the guests loved my little show, but I assure you, it was not part of the plan."
"Ah, well. You'll soon be feeling much better, Emily," Victor assured.
The workmen got straight to work, checking Emily's boiler and tubes, and they found quite the leftovers of soap still spread through Emily's boiler. They all worked quickly and efficiently on everything they had to, and just as the sun set an hour or two later, Emily's boiler and tubes were thoroughly clean and back in perfect order again.
"Whoo!" Emily gasped with a smile when the work was all done. "Thank you, Victor. I needed that more than anything today."
"There you go, Emily," said Victor. "Now take care with how you washdown next time, okay?"
"No need to tell me that, Victor. Thank you," said Emily as she set off through the coming night for home.
When Emily returned to Tidmouth Sheds, she was feeling too ready to settle down after a rather trying day in its way, but as she looked up, she suddenly realized it wasn't quite over yet. She saw the Fat Controller and all the engines looking at her. The Fat Controller seemed almost curious, while the other engines had perplexed, amused and slightly teasing expressions on their faces alike. As soon as Emily settled into her berth, she looked around to all the engines, then the silence broke.
"Look, everyone. It was just a mistake my driver and fireman made," said Emily. "I'm sure it was a shock to you all. I know it was for me, but I'm alright now, and what's happened has happened."
"...But Emily!" James suddenly blurted. "Your show wasn't just any show! It was...Bubbling Boilers! You said it yourself!"
"Indeed, indeed!" said Gordon. "I must say, Emily! NONE of us expected the part you played in today's event for Knapford! It seems you've given a WHOLE new meaning to the phrase 'bubbling boilers'! I don't think we'll view that phrase the same way ever again! Not after your remarkable share of festivities!"
"Gordon's right, Emily!" James blurted. "That phrase was almost becoming clichéd, but now, I must say you've made that phrase revolutionary!"
"Alright, alright!" Emily remarked, not feeling as chipper about the matter herself. "But I didn't think it was so funny! You wouldn't have found it funny if YOU had a bar of soap caught in your boiler!"
"Well, with all due respect, Emily," said Rebecca. "Today's bubble incident is much more comical and lighthearted than when you and David fell drunk at Maron. That was indeed an awful time, and who's to argue? But I think it's right to say this instance is actually worth laughing at. You can laugh at it too!"
"Alright, settle down, everyone," the Fat Controller checked with a sigh. "Once again, Emily. You are not to blame for that incident, and more power to the guests that they loved your little show. But we really must make sure that this bubble habit doesn't become a recurring quirk. And your crew would do well to be more careful with their bars of soap. Perhaps they should stick with liquid soap."
"Huh!" Emily exclaimed. "Nobody needs to tell ME twice, sir! I'd prefer 'Fragrance of Beauty,' any day. David scrubs me very well after all."
"Well, I must admit, Emily," said James. "You put on such a surprise for us all, we might have preferred you forever blowing bubbles!"
"Maybe without soap?" Gordon added with a big grin. "Wouldn't want it to become boiler ache, would we? Bubbling Boilers, indeed!"
"James, Gordon, don't get carried away, now," said Rebecca. "Emily has indeed had a bit of a trying day."
"Indeed, she has," Nia agreed.
"Rebecca and Nia are quite right, Gordon and James," said the Fat Controller sternly. "Don't you get carried away yourselves, or I might have some messy rubbish trucks for you both to put use to."
"Then who would manage the express...all alone?" Rebecca teased lightly, eyeing Gordon.
This made Gordon and James back down.
"Yes, sir," said Gordon. "Just having a little chuckle, Rebecca."
"Nothing more," James added quickly.
"Well, blowing bubbles can be fun if you do it at a washdown," said Nia. "Without soap in the boiler, of course, Emily. I mean like you did with Percy when you and David came back from your first big adventure."
"Yes. At the washdown, Emily," Percy peeped politely. "Like you and I did when we had our little reunion after your adventure. That was fun."
"Hmm. It was fun, Percy. But today's bubble-up wasn't so fun for me," said Emily.
"Well, I must get to bed, and so should all of you," said the Fat Controller as he returned to his car and drove home.
For the next while, Emily sat in her berth, but for the rest of the evening, while they were still awake, the other engines couldn't talk about much else...but bubbling boilers. The other engines continued to talk and joke about Emily's bubbling boiler, most of those jokes coming from Gordon and James, while Nia, Percy and Rebecca gave a more encouraging approach about the matter to Emily. But whether it was teasing or encouraging, Emily did not find the matter so funny.
At last, the other engines fell asleep under the stars, much to Emily's relief. She was about to fall asleep too, ready to put the day behind her when her eyes suddenly trailed to Thomas, who was still awake and looking right at her. He had been keeping mostly quiet through all the chatter about bubbling boilers. But now that they day had settled down, it turned out he had a few things to share with Emily too.
"Thomas? Why are you still awake?" Emily whispered.
Thomas slowly huffed out of is berth and onto the turntable. Emily watched as he turned around to her, then came forward and buffered to her softly.
"Emily...I think you and I need to talk a little about today...privately," he whispered.
"Talk privately? Where?" Emily asked.
"Come with me," Thomas whispered. "Trust me."
Emily pondered a little, then agreed, feeling that a little time with Thomas would do her good after today. So she and Thomas huffed away from the sheds and along the line until they came to Knapford Yards. They stopped along the wall of the station and Thomas gave a little sigh, looking down to his buffers. Emily felt like he was thinking deeply.
"What is it, Thomas?" she asked.
Thomas looked up again.
"Emily..." he said. "I...I know you may not think so...but today wasn't really as bad as you may think. Rebecca is right, you know. Today's bubble incident was nothing compared to when you and David fell drunk at Maron."
"Huh!" Emily sighed, mildly frustrated. "I know it's not nearly as bad as when David and I fell drunk, Thomas, but do the other engines have to make such a big deal about it?"
"Maybe, maybe not," said Thomas. "Gordon is somewhat right, after all. None of us were expecting that to happen. Especially not me or David. I'm still utterly shocked to have seen it happen to you. I was worried that something had gone wrong, Emily...and then I was so surprised to see you blowing all those bubbles. And in the midst of the children enjoying it...I think you looked very cute."
Emily twitched her lips upward a little, feeling touched by Thomas' words, but then remembering the rest of the evening.
"Well...I'm happy you think that, Thomas, but I certainly didn't feel cute! I felt sick and unusual! And WHY did it have to be me? I'm sure it would have been just the same if it happened to you, Percy, or any engine for that matter! Just like they teased Henry about being afraid of the rain, I don't think they'll let me forget about today! No one else has had soap or bubbles boggled down their funnel or boiler except me!"
This made Thomas look even deeper into Emily's eyes. Throughout the evening, he had been thinking about a certain similar experience himself...one he had not shared with Emily in full clarity...until tonight.
"Actually, that's not entirely true, Emily," said Thomas.
Emily suddenly looked up, caught by Thomas' words. "What? Thomas, what do you mean?"
"What I mean is...as far as bubbling boilers go, you're not alone," said Thomas.
Emily looked curiously at Thomas. "Thomas...are you saying...YOU had bubbles spout from your funnel too?"
Thomas nodded.
"But when?" Emily asked.
"I think you should remember, Emily," said Thomas. "That's why I brought us here tonight. After seeing you having a real case of 'bubbling boilers,' it made me remember my own experience. Something that happened a few years ago, shortly after my return from the Harwick Branch Line and when I told you about my inner demon and how I always needed you. I trust you remember what happened with me...dealing with bubbling boilers of my own?"
Emily thought back and felt her funnel tweak with memory.
"Hmm...come to think of it...I do remember something, Thomas. Please refresh my memory. I feel like I know what you're talking about...is this about you rushing right past me...with all those bubbles floating about the air?"
"Yes, Emily. That's exactly it," said Thomas. "You may have had a case of 'bubbling boilers,' today...but a few years ago, so did I."
"Ohh...I...I've never heard the entire story as to what happened that day, Thomas," said Emily. "Could you tell me about it, please?"
"Of course, my love," Thomas answered as he kissed her soft cheek. "Shortly after I came back from Harwick's new Branch Line and you and I had that most special night together when you assured me we'll always be together and you'd always calm my inner demon, there was a surprise party being put together."
"Okay," said Emily. "And where do the bubbles come into play?"
"Well, I was sent to collect the celebration cargo from Brendam Docks. Cranky was cranking about on how he's never invited to parties, since being a crane doesn't let him go anywhere else. Salty joked that he just wanted attention, but Cranky's seagull friend Stuart was really getting in his way as he spoke...and that's what caused Cranky to drop a whole load of bubble fluid all over me!"
Emily's eyebrows raised with surprise and intrigue. "Did...did it all splash down your funnel?"
"Well, it certainly splashed all over my boiler and face...and based on what I'm just about to tell you, some of it did pour down my funnel indeed."
"Ooh!" Emily shuddered. "And...how did it feel?"
"Well, since it was bubble fluid and not a bar of soap, I didn't feel sick in any way," said Thomas. "But I was exceedingly slippery and oily all over. Salty said I would have to go to the washdown, and Cranky agreed, but I was already running late for my delivery and decided I could go to the washdown on my way."
"Oh, dear," said Emily. "What happened next?"
"I chuffed slowly up the Branch Line with my heavy celebration cargo," said Thomas. "But the oily liquid had made my wheels very slippery. Every time I sped up, my wheels slipped and slid along the line. I then realized I should have gone to the washdown first...but then...that's when I saw the bubbles. Then I looked up to my funnel."
"Really, Thomas?" Emily asked. "So you...you were actually-?"
"That's right, Emily," said Thomas. "You're not the only one. I looked up and I too was blowing hundreds and hundreds of bubbles from my funnel!"
"Ohh...that is so strange," said Emily. "Well, at least you didn't feel sick and have to let off steam in front of everyone around you. I only wish I knew that bubble fluid wouldn't have made me feel sick."
"I understand how you feel, Emily, but I still don't recommend fluid either," said Thomas. "Especially given where I ended up eventually with all that bubble fluid. It was so strange, and I found it rather fun...until I looked ahead and saw you...just as my signal went red."
When Thomas said that, Emily remembered. "Ohh...yes, I remember now! I recall you sliding right past me as your signal went red."
"That's it, Emily," Thomas put in. "I had my own case of 'bubbling boilers,' and I couldn't stop. My wheels were so slippery, even my brake blocks couldn't hold their grip. And as you remember, that's when I called out to you as I rushed past."
"Yes, yes," said Emily. "I wondered what was going on when I saw all those bubbles in the air, and one popped right before my nose...then I saw you rush away and around the bend and pass more red signals. What happened then, Thomas? Please tell me."
"Oh, it turned from a train to a fast and unstable ride, Emily," said Thomas. "I rushed around that bend, then hit against several branches until I came to a blocked entrance of the Ulfstead Mine, quite like where Jack and I rescued Stephen...and the more I think of it...my journey with Lorenzo and Beppe in the Mines of Mystery was quite like that day too."
"I see. Well, what happened next?" Emily asked.
"I ran into the mine, with my funnel still bubbling away," said Thomas. "Then I saw another line of trucks ahead of me. With my wheels too slippery to slow down, I bashed them down the right line while I slipped further on the left line into the mine. Then I came to a whole lineage of different lines through the mine. The rocks beneath me bounced and jiggled me along the line, which made my cargo come loose and slip away from me on the line beside me. Then I went sliding right down, just like a roller coaster. I just barely missed hitting my cargo as it overlapped my line. I slid and swerved along the left and my cargo slid right along with me, until I looped up again and my cargo slid down beneath me on another track!"
"Hmm...sounds like a roller coaster to me," Emily pondered. "Then what happened, Thomas?"
"As I slid a little to the left again, one of the runaway trucks just missed me as I slid right down another descent. I saw my cargo slip right by beneath me until I swerved through another tunnel trail, right through a puddle that washed off the oily bubble fluid. As I slid further along the line, I saw my cargo up ahead of me and I decided to follow its trail as best I could. It slid along the line above me, and I kept my eye on it as long as I could. I was dropped down yet another descent where I saw water leaking through the ceilings every few yards. Then I came out once more and saw my cargo ahead of me. At last, I came to a straight stretch of track, as did my cargo."
"Hmm...then what?" asked Emily.
"It seemed like I'd have a fair chance of getting it, but I was also in for a close chokepoint," said Thomas. "Two of the runaway trucks were coming from both ends of the mine at the end point where all the tracks would meet, and ahead of that, was a great waterfall cascading on the line ahead. I rushed for it, just beating the two trucks as they collided together and fell down the mine...but even then, I couldn't stop. I ran right through the waterfall, and flew a few feet downwards, and outside again, tilting one way, then the other way...until I fell right off the line and derailed."
"Oh, dear. Poor Tommy," said Emily. "What about the celebration cargo?"
"Well...luckily, it slid out nice and gently on the line beside me, all in one piece," said Thomas. "But with me derailed, what could I have done? If only I'd listened. I felt then the celebration cargo wouldn't be delivered at all. Although I came out of the Ulfstead Mine, I didn't know quite where I was...and neither did anyone else. I looked up to the sun and thought I saw Harold. I called for him, but then I saw it was Stuart the seagull. I was happy to see him, but then he flew off on his own."
"Hmm...I wonder," said Emily. "Did help come, Thomas?"
"I didn't want to be left alone," said Thomas. "But a little while later, Harold did arrive on scene, along with Rocky and Edward. They had come to help get me back on the tracks. Harold landed nearby, and out stepped the Fat Controller and Mr. Bubbles the Clown."
"Oh, good," Emily smiled as she kissed Thomas' cheek. "So they came for you, did they?"
"Of course they did," said Thomas. "When the Fat Controller heard where I was, he came straight away. I wondered how they found me so quickly, and the Fat Controller told me Cranky alerted them, saying someone called Stuart had told him."
"Stuart?" Emily asked.
"Yes, Emily," said Thomas. "And Cranky had also told the Fat Controller about the bubble liquid. It was meant to be part of Mr. Bubbles' Surprise Celebration...who at that given moment was merely mimicking all the Fat Controller's gestures...until he was seen doing it, and just honked his horn."
"Hm-hm!" Emily chuckled. "So that's what the bubble liquid was for...well, since it was all dumped on you, Thomas...were you still blowing bubbles by that time?"
"In fact, I was, Emily," said Thomas. "I told them about it, then Mr. Bubbles suddenly saw I was still blowing bubbles from my funnel, and that gave him the idea to make his celebration the bubbliest ever. I asked if I could thank Cranky before the celebration began, but the Fat Controller got an even better idea."
"What's that, Thomas?" Emily asked.
"He decided to have the celebration at the docks, so we could thank Cranky for his hard work," said Thomas.
"Oh, Thomas," Emily smiled admirably. "How did that go?"
"Well, Emily...it was not too different from the open day right here at Knapford," said Thomas. "The Fat Controller sent workers to clean and brighten up the docks, and messages were delivered to ensure everyone knew about the change in venue. Everyone of course, except for Cranky."
"I see," said Emily. "So...what did he see when everything was ready?"
"Percy, James and I came into the docks. I brought the celebration cargo, and James brought the brass band. Soon everything was ready for the party to begin. Brendam Docks had never looked so colourful. The Fat Controller then welcomed everyone and paid tribute to the outstanding work that is carried out by everyone at Brendam Docks, such as Salty, Porter and all the workmen there...and in particular, Cranky."
"Well, that's nice to hear for Cranky," said Emily. "And we too had a brass band today...was there a bubble show by any chance?"
"Emily, you just revealed the secret yourself," Thomas smiled. "That's when Stephen brought Mr. Bubbles along to start the party...with his famous bubble machine. A giant musical instrument that was powered by a bubble-whistle...and quite like the show you unintentionally put on, the whole of Brendam Docks was engulfed in hundreds and hundreds of bubbles...just like you gave us hundreds of bubbles for everyone to be surprised and made happy by!"
"Wow...!" Emily gasped. "Well...thank you, Thomas. I wish I wasn't busy myself that day. I would have loved to see it all at Brendam! What did Cranky think?"
"Cranky thought it was the best party ever, and it was all thanks to him and Stuart," said Thomas. "He said that Stewart says we're all welcome...and that is my own story about 'bubbling boilers.' What do you think, Emily?"
Emily thought about everything Thomas told her, and she had to admit, she found it fairly enjoyable...much more-so than her own experience, which disappointed her a little, but she certainly did not feel alone on the matter of "Bubbling Boilers," anymore. She looked at Thomas, then leaned in and gave him a kiss right on his cheek's love spot.
"Well, by my silver buffers..." she said with a little smile. "I never knew the whole story about that day, Thomas. Thank you for sharing that. So, we've both had our own case of 'bubbling boilers.' Except one little difference...I notice none of the other engines made a big fuss about your experience, like they did with me today, and may continue to do for some time. At least I know I'm not alone on this matter."
"Well, no one else was around to see my bubbles except you, Emily," said Thomas. "And of course you're not alone. Percy, Nia and Rebecca are mature enough on this matter...although I have to agree, Gordon and James could stuff it a little themselves more than they did. But it will blow over eventually."
"I know it will, eventually, Thomas," Emily nodded. "Thank you for your bubbly story."
"My pleasure, Emily," said Thomas. "Now...Sodor sleeps, and so should we. Time to settle in, my love."
"Indeed, Thomas," Emily yawned. "A strange day that deserves a much-needed rest from."
Thomas and Emily made their way quietly back to Tidmouth Sheds. Thomas pushed Emily right over the turntable and into her berth as she sighed comfortably.
"Ahh...thank you for your story, Thomas," she whispered with a smile. "I love you, my cobalt star."
"You're always welcome, Emily," Thomas whispered back. "I love you too, my emerald angel."
They leaned in and softly kissed each other's lips for about a minute, then Thomas returned to his berth and he and Emily fell asleep with the other engines. And so the day was done. After a perfect safety check, then a most unexpected and peculiar turnout at Knapford's open day, Emily had indeed revolutionized the expression "Bubbling Boilers," against everyone's expectations, and the impressions the other engines felt would indeed linger for some time.
The next morning, Emily got started with her passengers at Knapford Sheds. She recognized some of them from the open day just the day before as they greeted Emily with winks and little gestures and smiles for her bubble show. But after what had happened just the day before, some of the engines still thought it was funny that Emily had let off so many bubbles thanks to a bar of soap in her boiler.
"Don't forget to watch carefully when you fill up with water, Mummy," Percy chortled playfully. "Steam engines need to have clean water."
"Had a good washout, Emily?" said Gordon. "That's right! You'll feel a different engine now!"
"Take care, Emily!" James called. "Be safe as No. 12 Safety Engine...and watch out for bars of soap!"
"Hm. Good day," was all Emily said as she whistled and went on her way with her passengers.
"We wouldn't want too many bubbling boilers to worry about, would we?" Gordon called with a big grin.
"Maybe we could play 'Bubbling Boilers,' together at the washdown, Emily," Percy peeped out. "Like we did before. Lots of fun, of course!"
Emily was not amused by some of the engines' teasing banter. Whether the engines empathized or laughed over the matter, Emily could tell this would be one event the others would not let her forget for quite a while. But just like Gordon felt after he ran dry, Emily couldn't help but smile to herself, as she knew she'd be much more careful about looking after her boiler...without too much soap of course.
Now, this story is based on three different Annual stories - "The Star of the Show", "The Trouble with Sheep" and "Blowing Bubbles". Both "The Star of the Show" and "Blowing Bubbles" focus on open day events, with the former focusing on Knapford's anniversary and the latter focusing on the bubbles aspect, so I decided to combine the two, with the sheep stuff being based on the "The Trouble with Sheep", and you can find audio narrations of the Annual stories on the SiF website. Also acknowleding the 4-D "Bubbling Boilers" special episode at the end as well. The others teasing Emily about this event will play a part in the next two stories, so look forward to those stories, and until next time, tell us what you thought of this story. Stay safe.