The Little Engine Who Saved Christmas

Part III: Mavis' Christmas Surprise

Moral: no one should be alone on Christmas/asking for help/never be afraid to tell the truth

Short Synopsis: it is Christmas time. Paxton shockingly discovers that Mavis has no time for parties and decides to cheer her up by organizing a Christmas party at the quarry, but doesn't feel ready yet to tell Sir Topham Hatt and has trouble avoiding his fellow diesels with the party preparations.... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

It was Christmastime on the Island of Sodor. Many passengers were expected around this time of year, and the engines loved the children's happy faces…and the stations all jolly with their decorations. Many parties were being held at stations all over the Island as well, all in the festive spirit of celebrating the holiday season.

One morning, Paxton was very excited. He was going to attend a Christmas party that afternoon with the other diesels at Vicarstown Station. But he had a quick run to make to the quarry first before helping with the preparations.

Paxton hummed Jingle Bells all the way to the way to the quarry, before he stopped and honked, "Good morning, Mavis."

Mavis startled and jumped, "oh…", before chuckling quietly "…good morning, Paxton. How are you this fine morning?"

"Um, fine, Mavis," muttered Paxton, confused. But he could see that she wasn't her usual self this morning. "Are you…okay, Mavis?"

"Me? Oh, I'm fine. Absolutely in good spirits as long as these trucks keep me busy."

"Ah. Okay. Well, um…you excited for the party this afternoon then?"

"Party? What party?" Mavis gasped, "I don't think I've heard of any party going on here in Ffarquhar. No, no, no. Way too much work to do as you can see, Paxton." Paxton chuckled.

"Well, the party at Vicarstown Station of course. All the diesel engines are going…according to Diesel 10, that is."

"Oh, Paxton," Mavis sighed sadly, "I'm very sorry, but I don't think I'm going to make it this afternoon."

"What?! But, why not, Mavis?"

"I have far too much work to do here in the quarry," she explained regretfully, "I do wish I could come, Paxton, but the truth is…" Paxton listened hard, as she pauses and then sighed, continuing, "…I have no time for parties, you see."

"What do you mean, Mavis?"

"Well, I do enjoy a good run to the docks and back whenever the time allows it, but other than that, I have absolutely too many trucks to handle, so I hardly have any time at all to even think about the holiday season. I'm sorry, Paxton. Perhaps my luck will change one of these days. Till then, I have the decorations put up here in the quarry to keep me in the holiday spirit."

Then, the quarry manager arrived.

"Run along now, Mavis. These trucks need to be taken to Brendam, and the dock manager may also have an important order of goods for you to fill throughout the afternoon."

"Yes, sir," she sighed, as she and Paxton watched the manager walk away. "Oh, dear. Looks like I'll have no time to go to the party after all. I'm very sorry, Paxton. But thanks for the reminder." Then Mavis honked her horn and buffered up to her trucks, as Arry and Bert rolled into view.

"Poor ol' Mavis," honked 'Arry tauntingly as he rolled by, "no time for Christmas fun." He chuckled and rolled ahead, followed by Bert.

"It's too bad you won't be able to go to the party with us, Mavis. But we get our work done much faster after all." Then he chuckled with 'Arry as they both rolled away, Paxton glaring at them and then looking over at Mavis.

Paxton felt rather sorry for Mavis, as she quietly pulled the chattering trucks away to Brendam Docks.

"Poor Mavis. Spending the holiday season all alone, with only those noisy trucks for company. After all, no one should be sad and alone on Christmas…"

Paxton listened carefully to the choir singing aboard his coaches, and it couldn't help but brighten his spirits.

"If the choir makes me feel better about Mavis," he thought, "then maybe the party at Vicarstown and seeing all the children's happy faces would as well. I know that would make Mavis happy."

Then, an idea flew into his mind.

"What if…I brought the party at Vicarstown to the station here at Ffarquhar. That would really make Mavis happy, and give her something to do in her spare time!"

Paxton was thrilled by his own idea, but unfortunately, this excitement was short-lived as 'Arry and Bert honked and rolled back into view.

"Oi, Paxton," sneered 'Arry, "what you talking to yourself 'bout then, eh?"

"Oh, um, I'm just…um…thinking of how lovely the children's faces will be when they see they come to the party at Vicarstown. It surely is one of the best moments for me, that is. Parties." Paxton chuckled nervously, as the two IronWorks diesels shot him a strange look.

"Come on, 'Arry. Let's get back to work. We are almost finished here after all."

The two diesels honked and rolled away, 'Arry eyeing Paxton suspiciously as Bert followed behind.

Paxton set off for Knapford Station to get ready with his party plans.

At Knapford, Paxton dropped off the choir so that they could rehearse on the station platform. Thomas arrived, with Annie and Clarabel full of happy children.

"Good morning, Paxton," he greeted.

"Good morning, Thomas."

Paxton watched the chattering children aboard Thomas' coaches.

"The Fat Controller has asked me to take these children to Vicarstown Station. I believe it has something to do with the party."

"Oh, it probably does, Thomas. I'm here to collect the party decorations and take them there."

"Well then, the trucks are waiting for you in the Shunting Yard, Paxton. Stafford's getting them ready now."

"Thank you, Thomas. I'll be sure to head over there straight away."

He watched his friend leave the station, and then headed off to the Shunting Yards.

Paxton didn't want to tell Thomas yet about his party plans just yet, as he didn't feel he needed any help from his friends with trying to get Mavis involved in the holiday spirit. In no time at all, Stafford has the trucks of full of decorations ready, as Paxton backed down on them.

"There you go, Paxton. These trucks are ready for you to take to Vicarstown. Mind how you go now."

"Thank you, Stafford," said Paxton, as the shunter coupled him up. Then, he chuffed away.

Paxton headed back to the quarry with his trucks full of banners and bunting…and other decorations needed to be set up around the station. But he took the supplies to Ffarquhar…instead of Vicarstown, where he was really meant to be taking them. Little did he know that 'Arry and Bert, having grown suspicious of his strange behavior, watched from the other side of the station in surprise as he left the trucks in a siding near Ffarquhar Station. Suspecting nothing at all, he headed off to Brendam to pick up the tree.

"Mm…I wonder what's gotten into that silly ol' diesel," 'Arry wondered, "he seems very, very secretive."

"But what could he possibly be thinking leaving our trucks in Ffarquhar instead of Vicarstown where they're needed?"

"Never mind that now, Bert. Our work is finished here. I think I have a plan to sort this matter out for sure."

And he whispered to Bert all about it. Bert smirked grimly and chuckled quietly in agreement.

At the docks, Mavis' trucks were loaded with rock salt, which she would take to stations across the Island. She sighed as she looked all around. The decorations that were put up around the docks helped to keep her a bit in the festive spirit, as did Salty and the trucks's singing.

Salty sang as he shunted the trucks about, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas,

We Wish You A Merry Christmas,

We Wish You A Merry Christmas…,"

"…and A Cranky New Year!" the trucks sang out cheekily. Salty chuckled as he shunted them back about. Cranky rolled his eyes and groaned, but none of it failed to cheer Mavis up.

"It surely is a bustle about here at the Docks, isn't it, Cranky?" she chuckled.

"Just like it is everyday, Mavis," sighed Cranky heavily, as he turned around to pick up Paxton's tree.

Just then, Paxton pulled in beside Mavis.

"Hello again, Mavis," he honked.

"Hello, Paxton," she chuckled back, "you getting ready for your party then?"

"I am, Mavis. I'm going to deliver the tree to Vicarstown, and then I have a few more things to deliver before the party starts."

"Oh, well, that sounds fun," sighed Mavis, trying to keep in high spirits, "much more fun than hanging about in the quarry all day for sure. But at least I get to see the rest of Sodor when delivering this rock salt to all the stations." Then she honked and rolled away. "Bye, Paxton!"

Paxton sighed with concern. as he watched after her. He knew Mavis' journey wouldn't take too long, but his thoughts were suddenly interrupted.

"Come on now, Paxton!" Cranky suddenly called out, "the workmen have your flatbed ready. You're not just going to stand there, are you?"

"Oh, no, no," Paxton said, snapping out of his thoughts about Mavis, before he quickly switched tracks, startling Diesel, and backed down on his flatbed, "I was just thinking about how fun the party is going to be later at Vicarstown, that's all."

"Huh," Diesel wondered, as he raised an eyebrow and looked funnily at Paxton. He did seem to be acting very peculiar.

Cranky glanced down at Paxton with concern as he backed up to the flatbed, and asked "are you alright today, Paxton?"

"What? Me?" Paxton asked, pretending like nothing was wrong, "oh, yes, I'm fine, Cranky. I'm just thinking about all the jobs I have to for the party, that's all."

"Hmm…" thought Diesel, as he watched Paxton carefully leave the Docks with his flatbed.

"See you at the party, Diesel!" Paxton honked as he pulled away.

"Something's very funny about that Paxton today. Wouldn't you agree, Cranky?"

"Oh, I don't know, Diesel," huffed Cranky indignantly, "I've got too much to bother with to worry about that…as you can see."

"But he seemed to be thinking hard about something. And somehow it looked like he pretended it was about the party."

Cranky couldn't help himself, and spoke boldly to Diesel, "this is not my concern, Diesel, and I don't see why it should be yours either. Why don't you figure it out for yourself?! I have work to do!"

Diesel looked shocked by the way Cranky spoke to him. He fumed as he honked his horn and rolled quickly away.

Paxton took the other way round from the Docks to Ffarquhar and headed back to the quarry station at once. But when he got there, he was horrified by what he had discovered.

"Oh, no," gasped Paxton, looking at the siding where he had left his trucks, "the party decorations. They're gone! What am I going to do?! Oh, what a silly diesel I am to leave them here like this!" He suddenly startled at the sound of another horn.

Fortunately, Paxton didn't have to worry any longer, and he was rather relieved by who he had seen.

"Sidney!"

"Oh," Sidney chuckled, "hello there, Paxman."

"Oh, am I glad to see you," sighed Paxton with relief, not paying attention to the fact that Sidney had mixed up his name. He glanced over at the trucks behind Sidney and asked "are those my trucks?"

"Why, yes, they are. The stationmaster at Vicarstown was wondering where they were, so he sent me here to the quarry to look for you. I made up a song to help me along the way."

"Oh, thank you, Sidney. Thank you. You really are a true friend."

"Well, then. True friends as we are, how 'bout we head back to Vicarstown together, eh?"

"Um, I don't think so, Sid."

"What?" Sidney asked, surprised.

"I…um…had other ideas for what we can do with the party plans. Unfortunately, I didn't ask for any help, but now I know that I need it."

"Oh, now," replied Sidney, trying his best to listen carefully.

"Please, Sidney, you know I'd help you out in times of need, and this time, I really need it. I'm planning a surprise party for Mavis here at Ffarquhar since she won't have time to go to Vicarstown."

"Huh? No time for parties? Oh, my."

"If you have no other job at the moment, could you stay here with the tree and party decorations while I go to pick up more supplies? I'll be back before you know it, and then we can head back to the DieselWorks together and tell the diesels about the change…all in time for Mavis to come back from her journey."

"I'd be happy to, Paxton," said Sidney gleefully, "you said you wouldn't take very long, right?"

"Of course not. Thank you, Sidney," honked Paxton as he rolled away back to Knapford.

"Um…any time…, Paxman. Or is it…Nermal…" thought Sidney, as he was hitched up to the break van behind the tree and backed the trucks full of decorations into a siding.

At Knapford Station, the men were unloading rock salt from one of Mavis' trucks. Mavis watched as the choir rehearsed on the platform, waiting for Paxton to pick him up. Once Paxton arrived, they got ready to board his carriage.

"Are you still delivering rock salt, Mavis?" he asked, slightly concerned.

"Yes, I'm afraid so, Paxton," sighed Mavis, "and I'm afraid that this afternoon, I'll have even more trucks to sort out and possibly another delivery to the docks and back. It is a busy day for me, you see." Then she thought for a moment, and looked rather confused. "But…weren't you taking that Christmas tree to Vicarstown Station, Paxton? Surely you can't make it all the way over there and then here to Knapford in so little time."

"Well, I, um…"

"Paxton!"

Before Paxton could explain, a sudden voice boomed out at him, and he recognized at once. He and Mavis looked over in surprise to see Sir Topham Hatt walking towards them. He looked very serious, and rather concerned.

"I've just received a call from Vicarstown Station. The stationmaster says that neither the party decorations or the Christmas tree have made it there yet."

"Oh, um…how could that be, sir?" Paxton asked innocently.

"I have no idea, Paxton, so I'm asking you. I assigned you to do both jobs after all."

Paxton thought for a moment, as Sir Topham Hatt looked at him sharply.

"I…um…oh, I left at the DieselWorks, sir."

"The DieselWorks?" gasped Sir Topham Hatt.

Mavis rose at an eyebrow at Paxton in confusion.

"I…needed to have something checked over, sir, and I figured afterwards that I'd leave them there and collect the children so I could stay caught up with all my jobs, sir."

"But…but…"

The guard's whistle blew, before Sir Topham Hatt could reason with Paxton.

"I really have to hurry now, sir. The choir need to get to Vicarstown after all, don't they?" Then he raced away, saying "see you at the party, sir!"

"Wait, Paxton! Wait!" Sir Topham Hatt called out.

"That's odd," thought Mavis, "I've never seen Paxton in such a hurry, sir."

"Nor I, Mavis," sighed Sir Topham Hatt, "but still, I must pay a visit to the DieselWorks and perhaps find another engine to take the supplies. Paxton's behaving very peculiarly, and he's causing a great deal of confusion." He turned back towards his office, and said "good day, Mavis."

Mavis honked her horn and left the station as soon as the guard's whistle blew.

At the DieselWorks, Diesel, 'Arry and Bert reported Paxton's suspicious behavior to Diesel 10, who listened carefully from atop on the turntable.

"Paxton's really had something hard on his mind at the Docks this morning," Diesel explained, "he claims it was about the party at Vicarstown, but somehow I just don't trust him."

"Oi, and he was talking to himself in the quarry 'bout something too," Arry added.

"Ay, and what do you think would be the case of him leaving his trucks at Ffarquhar then, eh?" added Bert.

At last, Diesel 10's claw crunched with suspicion.

"Yes," he thought in an oily voice, "this is all rather strange. Paxton's never disobeyed us as far as I'm concerned, but leaving the trucks at Ffarquhar instead of here at Vicarstown where they're needed is very questionable."

Before any of the other diesels could reply, a loud horn sounded out, startling Diesel 10 and causing him to shake his claw up and bump it down in surprise.

"Ow!" he groaned.

"Oh," sighed Norman in , as he pulled into the DieselWorks beside Bert, "thank heavens, you're all here."

"What's the matter, Norm?" Bert asked.

"Yes," sneered Diesel 10, "whatever is the meaning of this interruption? The lads and I were just discussing a very concerning matter?"

"Save your own concerns for later, boss," Norman burst out, "the supplies for the party haven't arrived yet at the station. The stationmaster is very worried."

"So we've noticed," said Diesel 10, "are you sure Paxton hasn't delivered them yet?"

"Affirmative," Norman responded, "apparently, the stationmaster says that he was supposed to bring them there, and he's already telephoned The Fat Controller."

"I see," thought Diesel 10, crunching his claw tightly, "if either of us didn't know Paxton any better, I think we'd assume he was…up to something."

Diesel, 'Arry, Bert and Norman listened with surprise over such an idea.

"Diesels!" Diesel 10 boomed, "I think I may have a plan to sort Paxton out and figure out whatever it is he may be up to. But you'll all have to split up into teams if we're to do this according to plan." He swung his claw over in Diesel and 'Arry's direction and said, "you two! You will search the Docks to see if Paxton's there. If that's where he's heading for his next load, you can easily take him captive and bring him back here." He then pointed his claw the other way at Bert and Norman and said, "as for you, Norm. I'd like to accompany Bert to the quarry."

"But…but…"

"Don't argue with me, comrade! If the quarry's the last place any of us saw Paxton's trucks, then that's where they're bound to be."

He then reversed slowly into his shed as the door quickly shifted down on his claw. He grunted as he briefly shook his claw up and down to fit himself in the shed and reverse backward to fit completely into it. He groaned quietly as the door shut on him.

"Come on, Norm," urged Bert, as he quickly edged towards the turntable, Norman hesitantly following after him as the table lowered down against them.

"Oi, Diesel, what makes you believe Paxton'll be o'er at the docks then?" 'Arry inquired to Diesel.

"Paxton's bound to have been to and fro from the quarry to the docks all morning long," Diesel explained, "assuming that's where he's heading next, whether we catch him or not."

The four diesels turned themselves round on the turntable, and left the DieselWorks, side-by-side.

And so Diesel 10's search party began, as Diesel, 'Arry, Bert and Norman set out over the Island to find Paxton and figure what their fellow diesel companion may be up to.

Ffarquhar Station seemed rather quiet. Not many engines came through, nor were there any passengers. Sidney was still waiting in the siding for Paxton to come back, but by this point, his short term memory loss had already kicked in.

"Hmm," he thought, "I rememberer promising not to leave my post, but…why am I here again?"

Sidney had no idea, as he had forgotten how he ended on the siding in the first place.

"Hello!" he called out, honking his horn loudly, "anyone there?! Paxman?!…Nermal?! Anybody?!

He jumped in surprise as he heard two horns honk loudly.

"Hello?" he replied, "who's there?"

Bert and Norman were still making their way to the station platform, but Norman was still rather hesitant.

"I have a bad feeling about this, Bert," he admitted, "Paxton's a well-meaning diesel and he'd never mean to…"

"Oh, stop your whinging, Norm!" Bert interrupted, sighing heavily and rolling his eyes, "we must find Paxton and figure out what he's up to!"

"But…I don't understand…"

"Hush!" Bert snapped, as they approached the station platform, "we're here now. Keep on the lookout, Norm."

The two of them looked about across the yard, when a voice suddenly called out, "oh, hello there, diesels."

"Huh?" gasped Norman.

"Who said that?!" demanded Bert, as he looked out suspiciously across the yard.

"Over here," Sidney chuckled from the siding, "I was wondering when someone would show up."

Bert and Norman looked over at Sidney in surprise.

"By golly!" Norman gasped.

"Sidney!" Bert spluttered with suspicion, "'ave you been 'iding the party decorations 'ere the entire time?"

"Party? What party?" Sidney wondered, rather confused.

Norman sighed and calmly explained, "there's going to be a party at Vicarstown Station this afternoon, Sid…"

"Uh, yes," Bert put in, "and Paxton was supposed to deliver those trucks there this morning. Diesel 10 gave us direct orders to set out and look for him. Whatever is he up to, Sidney?"

"Hmm…Paxton?"

Sidney thought hard, trying to recall his memory. Suddenly, he remembered.

"Oh, yes!" he gasped cleverly, surprising both Bert and Norman, "Paxton. He may have headed back to the Docks for another load."

"Another load?" Norman asked in confusion.

"Yes, yes, it's all coming back to me now," said Sidney excitedly before explaining, "poor Mavis didn't have time for parties with all the work she had to do here in the quarry, so Paxton wanted to cheer her up and throw the party here."

"Oh," said Bert understandingly, slowly showing signs of disapproval as Sidney continued.

"I quite liked the idea, you see. In fact, I thought it was a marvelous idea to throw the party here for Mavis. That way, all our fellow diesels could come to it. What do you two think? Pretty clever, eh?"

Both Norman and Bert thought for a moment. Finally, Norman was ready to voice his opinion in the matter.

"I think…" he thought carefully, "…that throwing the party here instead of at Vicarstown sounds like a grand idea. We'd have to give Thomas a heads up though to bring the children here instead. What do you think, Bert?"

Bert looked hard over Sidney, and then over to Norman beside him.

"I think…" he burst out, "…that you're both just silly ol' diesels! 'ave either of you any sense of judgment?! Paxton's been lying to us all since his pitiful little talk with Mavis this morning, and now you want to 'elp him?!"

"We're not just doing this for him, Bert," Norman explained firmly, "would you rather have Mavis be all alone here in the quarry whilst we have fun with the children over at Vicarstown?"

"That's not really my concern, Norm, and it shouldn't be yours, either. If Mavis can't join in the festivities, that's her problem. Not ours!" Then Bert slowly started revving his wheels, demanding "now, come on. Let's move this trucks over to Vicarstown before something else happens."

"No!" Norman called out, as Bert quickly shot forward, but then stopped slowly reversed back down beside him.

"Begging your pardon, Norm," he demanded, "I don't believe it's like you to go against orders."

"You're right, Bert," Norman replied boldly, "but I also find it in my nature to help out a friend when the time calls for it. And Mavis and Paxton need our help. Right, Sidney?"

"I don't know," Sidney wondered nervously, "I'm not much for conflicts, you see, but…"

Bert huffed with frustration.

"Why, you silly great diesels! There's no way the lads and I will stand for insubordination, and nor will the boss! These trucks are going with me back to Vicarstown, and that's final!"

Bert quickly shot forward, startling Norman as he glanced over at the siding and called out "Sid! Pull out!"

"Oh, dear! Oh, my!" Sidney trembled, as he pushed the tree on the flatbed in front and pulled the trucks at the back at the same time out of the siding.

"Watch out, Sidney!" Norman warned.

Sidney quickly pulled further up the line in enough time for Bert to switch the points to his track and charge towards him.

"Back down, Sidney!" Norman shouted, "back down!"

Rather frightened, Sidney quickly shot backwards and bumped his trucks right into Bert.

"Oi, Sidney! What you doing now?" Bert demanded, as he was suddenly pushed backward by Sidney's train.

"Points!" Norman called out.

Quickly, his driver switched the points in just enough time for Bert and the trucks to reverse far into a siding until Bert hit the buffers at the end.

"Ah, no!" he groaned.

Norman's driver uncoupled Sidney from the trucks as the blue diesel shot back a bit more in surprise. The tree's flatbed was now blocking the points, as Sidney's driver uncoupled him from it.

"Oops. Um, sorry, Bert," chuckled Sidney innocently, as he reversed back towards him, "I don't think that was meant to happen."

"You fools!" Bert spluttered, "Diesel and 'Arry are on their way to Brendam as the boss' orders 'ave it! You surely won't get away with this, and nor will Paxton!"

"Come on, Sidney!" said Norman worriedly, "we must get the docks and warn Paxton before it's too late."

"Oh, dear. Oh, my," muttered Sidney nervously, as he reversed backwards and switched tracks before rolling up alongside Norman.

Norman and Sidney left the quarry station and headed to the docks as fast as they could, leaving Bert behind in the siding.

"'elp!" he called out, trying to push forward, "somebody 'elp!"

But it was no use. The points were blocked by the tree's flatbed, and there was nothing Bert could do. His plans were sabotaged, and he was well and truly stuck.

"NOOOOOOOO!" he shouted in frustration.

Meanwhile, Sir Topham Hatt drove all the way over to Vicarstown to pay a visit to the DieselWorks. Once he got there, he hopped out of his car and walked in straight away. He looked very serious, as he looked around the DieselWorks.

"Um, pardon me, Den, Dart," he announced, "but…have either of you seen Paxton by any chance?"

"No, sir. Not since this morning," Den replied.

"This morning?"

"What he means is," added Dart, "is that Paxton has been absent from the DieselWorks since this morning."

"He was heading off to the quarry last we checked."

"The quarry?" Sir Topham Hatt responded in surprise, "but…I don't understand. I had several jobs for him to do for the party at the top station down the line, and he said he left the tree here."

"No tree here from the looks of it, sir," said Den.

"What he means is…"

"Um, I know what he means, Dart," Sir Topham Hatt cut off, "thank you. I just don't know what's gotten into Paxton today. He's been behaving rather peculiarly and…"

Suddenly, the doors to Diesel 10's shed sealed open, and the BR Class 42 slowly pulled out of the shed and onto the turntable.

"I might have an idea what Paxton is getting into today, sir," he spoke up in an oily voice, as the turntable took him down, "I sent a squad consisting of Diesel, Norm and the IronWorks twins out for a reason, you know."

"But…but…" Sir Topham Hatt stuttered in confusion.

"Paxton's been lying to them all day, sir," Diesel 10 continued, as he lurked off the turntable, grasping his claw tightly, "and to you as well. Paxton's secretive behavior has been quite a concern for us considering the party starting at Vicarstown, sir. Wouldn't you agree?"

Sir Topham Hatt looked sternly at Diesel 10, and he didn't seem very happy either.

"Diesel 10!" he boomed, before putting his hand over his head and sighing, "I don't know how this explanation of yours is telling me anything about Paxton's whereabouts, but since you're so concerned about Paxton's odd behavior as well, perhaps you would like to head with me to the quarry to look for him."

"Um, well, you see, sir," Diesel 10 thought reluctantly, "there is a lot to do here at the DieselWorks and…"

"Ahem!"

Sir Topham Hatt looked hard at Diesel 10, before the BR Class 42 sighed and said, "oh, alright, sir. Hop on board."

"Hmm," thought Sir Topham Hatt, as he carefully boarded Diesel 10's cab.

Sir Topham Hatt wasn't so sure whether or not to trust Diesel 10 either, but he found his behavior just as suspecting as Paxton's, and decided to attend to the matter with both of them involved.

Diesel 10 honked his horn loudly, as he and Sir Topham Hatt left the DieselWorks, Den and Dart watching after them in bewilderment.

"What do you suppose has gotten into the boss today?" Dart wondered.

"Search me," Den answered, before they both set back to work.

At the docks, Paxton had the Star of Knapford hitched up to his flatbed, and was waiting as Cranky loaded the last of the decorations for the party.

"Thanks, Cranky!" Paxton honked, as the crane unloaded the rest of the decorations into the last truck.

"Um, you're welcome, Paxton," Cranky replied. But he was still puzzled about Paxton's behavior from earlier and decided to find out why. "But are you alright?" he continued.

"Alright, Cranky?" the diesel thought, rather confused as he looked up at him.

"Yes," Cranky explained, "you did seem to be acting rather strange earlier, and Diesel seemed to be quite suspicious about it."

"Diesel?" Paxton gasped.

"Yeah. I told him that it was none of his concern, but he took off on me. I don't know what he's up to now."

"Oh, no!" Paxton trembled, "what if Diesel probably knows by now?!"

"What?" Cranky wondered, confused. "Knows about what, Paxton?" he asked, as Salty and Porter edged closer to listen.

Paxton realized that the other diesels would easily get it all out of him anyway, so he decided to pluck up courage and tell his friends all about it.

"I wanted to surprise Mavis by bringing the party at Vicarstown all the way over to Ffarquhar," he explained, "I've been hiding the rest of the decorations there all this time."

"Why didn't you tell us, matey?" Salty wondered.

"We would've been happy to help!" Porter added enthusiastically.

"I didn't I needed any help," Paxton sighed, "but Sidney eventually came along and agreed to help me. He's probably waiting back at the quarry for me right now…" Before Paxton could finish, he jumped as they all heard two horns honk loudly. Paxton looked over over to see who it was.

Just then, Norman and Sidney arrived. Paxton was very surprised to see him.

"Sid? Norm?" he gasped, "quite a surprise to see you diesels here. But how did…"

"No time to explain, Paxton!" Norman suddenly burst out, "we must head back to the quarry right now if we wanna get the party started."

"But…but…"

But before either of them could say anything else, two more loud horns honked. Coming from the opposite direction was Diesel and 'Arry.

"Aha!" Diesel snapped, looking at Paxton and Sidney, "so here's where you've both been hiding the party supplies, eh?!" He looked at Paxton especially and ordered, "Paxton! Those trucks are going with us back to Vicarstown this instant!"

"Well, um…" Paxton wondered, "you see, Diesel…"

"Norman?!" 'Arry suddenly blurt out, "whatever are you doing here?! Weren't you supposed to wit' Bert to the quarry?!"

Norman couldn't think of anything else to say to them.

"Run, lads!" he shouted to Paxton and Sidney while looking both ways.

Paxton suddenly shot backward with the rest of the party supplies hitched up to him, as Norman and Sidney reversed quickly by his side. Cranky startled as he swung his hook about.

"They're getting 'way!" 'Arry spluttered.

"Quick! After them!" Diesel shouted, as they both forward in their direction.

Cranky swung his hook around with a load of metal pilings and intentionally knocked them over Diesel and 'Arry's tracks.

"Woah!"

"'ey!"

"Whoops!" Cranky gasped, before chucking sarcastically, "um, sorry, diesels. That wasn't meant to happen."

Cranky and Porter chuckled along with him, as Diesel sizzled with impatience and looked over at 'Arry.

"Come on!" he grunted, slowly backing down the line, "we'll take the long way round."

"Good plan, Diesel!" 'Arry agreed as he followed in reverse beside him. "The sooner we get there and surprise 'em, the be'er chance we'll 'ave of taking trucks back to Vicarstown, eh?"

The two of them laughed deviously, as they reversed side-by-side out of the docks.

Paxton, Norman and Sidney were trying to make it back to the quarry as fast as they could.

"Come on, diesels!" Paxton panted heavily, "we…have to make it back…before Mavis does."

"Before Diesel and 'Arry catch up with us!" Norman added.

"For what?" thought Sidney, "please, diesels, but…what's all this for again?"

"The party," Norman explained.

"What party?"

"Mavis' surprise party. That's what!" Paxton hurriedly explained.

"Oh! Right!" gasped Sidney, "I remember now! The party! Um, right. Haha."

Paxton and Norman looked at each other with slight amusement over their friend, before the three diesels reversed their way back down the track towards the quarry.

Soon, the three diesels made their way into the quarry yard and through, and quickly reversed towards the top station…where Bert was still waiting.

"Let me outta here!" he grumbled, as he pushed the heavy trucks back and forth from the siding, "let me out!" He suddenly heard the honk of a loud horn, as he saw an engine pull into the top station platform.

"Mavis?!" he gasped.

"Huh?" Mavis wondered, as she looked over at the siding and gasped, "Bert?"

Bert groaned, as Mavis thought, "but…I don't understand. What are you doing in that siding?"

Before Bert could answer, they both heard the horns of Paxton, Norman and Sidney as they made their way into the station.

"She's here, diesels!" Paxton gasped.

"Paxton!" Mavis called out in warning, "slow down!"

Paxton quickly applied his brakes, as Norman and Sidney did the same, but it was too late. Paxton bumped his flatbed so hard that the Star of Knapford shot right off and went flying into the air…

Paxton, Norman, Sidney and Mavis looked up at the Star in surprise, while Bert did so in confusion.

…and right back down again…

BANG!

…all the over tracks! Diesel and 'Arry arrived just in time to cough up the dust that flew up from the tracks.

"Sleepers and stone trucks!" Paxton gasped.

"Was that…meant to happen, fellas?" Sidney wondered.

"Oh, dizzy diesels!" Norman groaned, "we should've slowed down in time."

"But…I still don't understand," Mavis thought, "what is going on in my quarry?"

"THAT's what we were wondering the entire day!" Diesel spluttered, looking over at Paxton as he and 'Arry continuously coughed up the dust.

"'ey, now what's the meaning of this?" 'Arry demanded.

"Well, it is a long story," Paxton began, "you see…,"

But before he could say anything, Diesel 10's horn honked loudly as he pulled into the station. Sir Topham Hatt hopped off his cab and walked out before the other diesels. He did not look very happy.

"So, here you all are!" he figured, "I might've known all this confusion would lead over here to Ffarquhar. As much as I've heard from Diesel 10, there are two sides to every story. So…Paxton, perhaps you can start by explaining what all these trucks are doing here!"

Paxton thought for a moment about how he was going to explain himself. Finally, he took a deep breath and told Sir Topham Hatt everything.

"I'm very sorry, sir. This is all my fault. I haven't been honest with you, and I haven't been honest with my fellow diesels either. The tree and the rest of the party supplies were here in the quarry the whole time, and I eventually asked Sidney if he could help me, so he did."

"Help with…what, Paxton?" Mavis wondered.

"Mmm," thought Sir Topham Hatt in agreement, looking hard at Paxton.

"With a surprise party for you, Mavis," Paxton sighed.

"A surprise party?" Mavis gasped, "for me?"

"Oh, I see," nodded Sir Topham Hatt, as he listened carefully to Paxton.

"Mavis had no time to attend the party in Vicarstown whilst working here at the quarry, sir," Paxton continued, "so I thought I'd take that into account and surprise by bringing the party over here to Ffarquhar. But I was silly not to ask for help, sir, and I'm sorry."

"A party?" Sir Topham Hatt wondered, "here at Ffarquhar."

"Yes, sir," Paxton sighed.

"That…" Sir Topham Hatt thought, "…sounds like an excellent idea, Paxton."

"It does, sir?" Paxton gasped.

"Certainly," Sir Topham Hatt continued, before looking over at Mavis with sympathy, "and a very thoughtful one too for Mavis' benefit. After all, no one should be alone at Christmastime, eh?"

"Oh, sir," Mavis gasped.

"Well," sighed Sir Topham Hatt, "I guess I can forgive for causing all the confusion this afternoon, Paxton. You were trying to help another engine, and that's what Christmas is all about."

"Um, begging your pardon, sir," Diesel 10 inquired, "but does the mean the party's going to be thrown here at the quarry."

"Mmm," Sir Topham Hatt thought, as he looked sternly at Diesel 10, Diesel and 'Arry, and then at Bert over in the siding. "Yes, well, I'm afraid you've heard me quite correctly, Diesel 10. And you haven't necessarily told me the whole story about Paxton wondering off. I am very disappointed in you…" He turned towards Diesel, 'Arry and Bert, finishing, "…and all of you."

"Please sir," Paxton requested, "but if the party's going to be thrown here at Ffarquhar, then can I help to get the station ready?"

"Absolutely, Paxton," Sir Topham Hatt replied, "hoping your friends are willing to help you."

"Count us in," Norman said gleefully.

"Yay!" Sidney honked.

"I guess, um, I can help Paxton as well, sir," Mavis suggested, "especially since he planned this entire party for me."

"Splendid idea, Mavis," Sir Topham Hatt agreed.

Diesel 10, Diesel, and 'Arry sniffed loudly, until Sir Topham Hatt turned to them.

"As for you four," he scolded, "unless you want to spend the rest of the afternoon in your sheds, thinking things over, I suggest you shunt all the trucks around the quarry yard into their proper places immediately."

"What?" Diesel 10 huffed.

"You can't be serious!" 'Arry sneered.

"Oh, now, well, I am," Sir Topham Hatt said sternly, "if neither of you are going to learn to put others first before yourselves, then perhaps Den and Dart can take the rest of the afternoon shift off, and the four of you can work at the DieselWorks whilst the party takes place here. Perhaps it will remind you all what the holiday season is all about: the importance of giving and helping others. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," Diesel 10, Diesel and 'Arry before setting off to the quarry yard at once.

"Um, excuse me," Bert called out, "but could somebody get out of here?"

"Ahem!"

Sir Topham Hatt looked sternly at Bert and rose an eyebrow at him in a reminding way.

"Um, please?" Bert asked.

"Sure thing, Bert," Sidney honked loudly, as he pushed the tree flatbed out of the way and began pulling the trucks out of the siding, before pushing them in line with the flatbed.

"Eh, thank you," Bert said slowly as Sir Topham Hatt continued looking at him, and he quickly left the siding and towards the yard.

As Diesel 10 and his fellow diesels spent a great deal of time before the party started by shunting trucks about in the yard, Paxton, Mavis, Norman and Sidney worked together to clear the station for the decorations to be set up all around. Thomas brought the children all the way over from Vicarstown in Annie and Clarabel, while Toby brought the older guests over in Henrietta, before giving the workmen a lift to the station. By late afternoon, everything was ready for the party to start.

Toby and Henrietta arrived at the station beside Thomas, Annie and Clarabel, as Paxton, Mavis, Norman, Sidney, Den, Dart Diesel 10, Diesel, 'Arry and Bert gathered with them around the station.

"I say," 'Arry quirked, "when does this party start?"

"Are you sure this was a good idea, boss…?" Bert wondered over at Diesel 10.

"Shh!" Norman suddenly interrupted, "the party's starting."

"Oh, boy!" Sidney exclaimed excitedly.

"Quiet, Sid!" Norman quickly reminded.

"Oh, um, sorry, Norm," Sidney chuckled nervously.

Everyone watched, as a figure dressed as Father Christmas excited Henrieta and walked out onto the platform before all the engines. It was, of course, Sir Topham Hatt.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "I am pleased to have had the honor of having the party here instead of Vicarstown…in honor of a very special and hardworking engine of mine in particular." He looked over at Mavis, and then suddenly over at Paxton. "But, it wasn't entirely my idea. Which is why I would like to thank our good friend Paxton, especially, for going out of your way with making a fellow diesel like Mavis happy in a time where she really needed it. By doing so, Paxton, you have truly shown everybody here the true meaning of Christmas: that no single soul should ever feel along around this time of year, and demonstrating the importance of giving and helping others."

"Thank you, sir," Paxton replied, "but I don't think I could've done it without my friends. Norman and Sidney are two best pals I could ever ask for, especially in this matter."

"Oh, thanks, Pax!" Norman replied, "that's the same way I feel about the both of you."

"Oh, why, thank you, Paxman!" Sidney exclaimed, before chuckling, "…or is it…um…Nermal?"

Everyone laughed, as Sir Topham Hatt did the same, finishing off by saying "and now…let the party begin!"

The party was a great success and children and adults from all over Sodor had a wonderful time, as did the engines.

"Thank you so much, Paxton!" said Mavis gratefully, as she looked over at him, "you're a really good friend, and this is the best surprise I ever had."

"Oh, no problem, Mavis. I was just glad to have given you the feeling of being with your friends at Christmas."

"I really appreciate it, even if I wouldn't have minded working in the quarry as I originally thought I would. This was a nice surprise, Paxton. I guess I could use the time to get out and enjoy myself when the opportunity calls for it."

Paxton chuckled, as Sidney called out, "I say, diesels. I believe this calls for a Christmas carol. Oh…, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Let our warm fires burn bright"

Norman chuckled while trying to think of what to say and finally sang out: "From now on, our…engine troubles…will be out of sight"

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," Paxton sang, "may the yuletide shine

From now on, we'll all be together,

Side-by-side,

Friend-by-friend"

Mavis sang out, "and so now it feels like olden days

Happy golden days of the old-fashioned kind"

Finally, all the engines and partygoers sang out, "have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

May our friends be close

May we all stay firm and close to those we know

The nearest and the dearest

May we be old or young

Our friends are here with us to stay

So, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Day!"

Well, this is where I believe the CHRISTMAS episodes have officially started, lol. Having said that, I've been thinking about this one for quite a while, and it felt like quite a charm to write, really. Paxton's one of my favorite characters, and having him share the spotlight was Mavis felt very genuine for a sort of dynamic they may have had from interacting the actual series. But for me, the most fun I've had with the characters was setting up the trio of Paxton, Norman and Sidney. I don't know, I feel they work well when they interact with each other instead of just their own sole stories, and it allows me to use Norman and Sidney in a way that they were sort of underused in the TV series. As for the "bad diesels,", well, I don't know. I mean, differentiating 'Arry and Bert felt sort of fresh too instead of just using Diesel to go to the quarry with Norman, whom I've sorta set up here as a reluctant participant in Diesel 10's plan. And TFC, well, that scolding scene is one of those things I know is getting formulaic, but I brought it back for this occasion, because I thought it worked for the benefit of the story's resolution, and in that case, helps the character to go along with Paxton's party idea as the figure in authority that he is. This was a fun story to write, and I'm glad to have gotten through with it after a little bit of work with it before the holiday set even started! Plus, just a couple days till Christmas, so till the 24th at least, stay tuned for...

Thomas Saves Christmas - it's nearly Christmas, and Thomas discovers that Mrs. Kyndley and her fellow villagers in Hackenback are currently lacking from a state of poverty. Struggling to find a solution, Thomas' luck turns on Christmas Eve when he is asked to deliver the Presents Train. He braves a fierce snowstorm, and makes it through Hackenback with the help of Mrs. Kyndley and the villagers, so Thomas then makes a plan to return the favor and give them a Christmas they will never forget. (I decided to change this plot line around a major step, because the original didn't end up sticking with me. Please, feel free to leave your thoughts of this new storyline as a replacement)

A Salty New Year - it is New Year's Eve but Cranky feels out of the spirit and is blamed for an accident at the docks. When he holds Salty responsible for his tendency of telling tales, the two of them make an agreement to go through changes for the New Year. However, disaster strikes in the midst of these change attempts and both Salty and Cranky learn that they don't have to change themselves completely to be useful.

And coming in 2017….

Derek's Day Out - The Fat Controller, having had it with Bill and Ben's constant bantering and realizing that Timothy and Marion can't always keep them in order, spares Derek the diesel engine to help out and work at the Clay Pits.

A Credit To The Road - Caroline enjoys taking rides through the Sudrian countryside, but her master Brett doesn't always have the time for her. However, when the Elsbridge cricket team leaves the flag and relief referee behind when playing against against Harwick United, Caroline races to the rescue.