Author's Note: It's been a while since I updated this… so I hope you all enjoy this little update!
….
As Thomas chuffed along his branchline with his passengers, he became aware of Annie and Clarabel chattering away behind him. Thomas didn't mind, as they normally chatted or sang on occasion. He just enjoyed the beautiful views on his branchline.
But as they went further down the line, Thomas could hear Annie say his name. Feeling curious, he asked "What are you two talking about?"
"We were discussing how peculiar it was that you went to the Steamworks this morning," replied Annie. "You normally let us know if you're going. Are you ill, Thomas?"
"No…" Thomas replied, wondering where this conversation was going.
"Good! Now, why were you late this morning, Thomas?"
Thomas had no idea how to explain the wonderful news to two of his closest friends. How could he explain that he was no longer the only E2 on Sodor; that he had found his mysterious brother hidden on a siding?
"What if I don't feel like telling you anything?" The little tank engine challenged loftily, hoping to stall a little while longer while he though of how to explain the news.
"Oh, that's very hurtful of you, Thomas!" Lamented Annie. "We were worried sick! You hate tardiness!"
"I know, but"-
"We feared you befallen some misfortune before you arrived which delayed you!" Added Clarabel. "Please tell us why you were in the Steamworks this morning!"
Thomas hesitated. How could he explain something so earth shattering to two of his best friends?
"Please, Thomas; you know you can tell us anything, as always," Finished Annie softly.
This made Thomas feel a bit better, and he took a deep breath. "Alright," he sighed. "It'd be rude of me to keep this from you any longer. Percy and I found Bradford stranded last night on the Mainline, with no Samson in sight…."
And so, Thomas told Annie and Clarabel all about how he had found his brother, Matthew, on a siding, and of how he took Matthew to the Steamworks only that morning. When he finished, Annie and Clarabel could hardly believe it.
"That's excellent news, Thomas!" Exclaimed Annie, feeling delighted for her old friend. "It's astonishing! I never imagined that another E2 would be alive; let alone here on Sodor!"
"I know, I can hardly believe it myself," Replied Thomas, feeling baffled. "But I haven't yet heard how he survived the cutter's torch; nor how he came here to Sodor. So, I'm already feeling curious as to what his story is."
"Wow; and such a mysterious engine at that!" Marvelled Annie in amazement. "Isn't this so exciting, Clarabel!"
"Indeed, indeed!" Chimed Clarabel in agreement. "Could we meet Matthew? Your brother sounds like a nice engine."
"He is," Agreed Thomas. "I think we're polar opposites in personality, but that's good."
"Indeed," said Annie, "He might actually go less faster than Thomas!"
The two coaches giggled as Thomas went bright red in the face at the joke. He knew he often teased Annie and Clarabel by speeding along the branchline; but now it seemed the tables had turned, for they had been quick to joke on it.
However, he couldn't stay embarrassed for long, and his sudden silence was replaced by laughter, which rang loud and clear across the Sudrian air.
He couldn't wait to tell his friend Toby the Tram Engine about his newfound brother. Hopefully he didn't have to wait long before he encountered the faithful, plucky old tram; he felt as though his boiler would burst from the excitement of the news.