Her Burnett Stone Chapter 20: Welcome To The Big Show, a boondock saints fanfic

It was here...the night of the first ever Thomas On Broadway show. Everyone was backstage, dressed and ready to go for the first number. I peeked out of the curtain, beaming at the full seats before turning to face the dancers.

'Okay, everyone...' I said, 'we got a full house here tonight. I have my fingers crossed that Michael doesn't fuck up the lights the way he has been during rehearsals...if he does tonight, he will be fired. Now...I want all of you to do your best. If you screw up a step, don't show it. Just smile and continue. Are we clear?'

Everyone nodded. I smiled.

'Alright...' I said, 'let's get the show on the road.'

The crowd buzzed with excitement as I walked on the stage. Michael focused the spotlight on me as I cleared my throat to give the introduction.

'Hello, everyone and welcome to the first ever Thomas On Broadway show,' I said, 'we have a wonderful show for you tonight. For the past month, the dancers and singers have been working tirelessly to bring you a magical journey through the music of Sodor. We will be selling DVD's which are available for pre-order. I hope you enjoy the show.'

Everyone clapped as I went backstage to my position. I pushed the radio button on my headset.

'Alright, Jane...' I said, 'cue music!'

It's Thomas the Tank Engine!

Hip, hip, hip, hip, hooray!

Chugga-chugga-chugg-chugg-chuff-chuff-chuff

He rides along the way

And when you hear that whistle, it can only be one train

Our favorite little engine

Thomas is his name!

Thomas the Tank Engine rolling along

All of his friends will be coming along

Thomas, we love you!

He's a really useful engine with his heart that's big and strong

He chugga-chugga-chuff-chuffs working hard

Helping everyone

Thomas, he has lots of friends and you can be one too

Just clap, clap, clap and sing-along

Thomas, we love you!

Thomas the Tank Engine rolling along

All of his friends will be coming along

Thomas, we love you!

There's Gordon, and Henry, Edward, James, and Toby

Annie and Clarabelle...

And don't forget Percy!

Terence, and Bertie, Diesel, Duck, and Daisy

Lots more friends for you

He's always up to mischief, that cheeky little train

He chugga-chugga-chuff-chuffs everywhere

He's always playing games

The Fat Controller scolds him, but loves him just the same

Our favorite little engine

Thomas is his name!

Thomas the Tank Engine rolling along

All of his friends will be coming along

Thomas, we love you!

Everyone applauded as we went offstage to change for the next number. I growled.

'He fucked up the lights again...' I hissed as I grabbed my duck costume.

'Didn't he do that before?' asked Emma.

'Yes...' I snarled as I stripped naked behind my vanity, 'last time it was yellow. I guess some-fucking-how, he figured Thomas turned fucking red...'

'He cannot work under pressure, can he?' said Hayley.

I shook my head.

'He is in so much shit...' I snarled as I put on the bra and panties covered in feathers, 'he's fucking fired...'

'Give him a couple more strikes, Becca,' said Angelica, 'see if he realizes.'

I sighed.

'Fine...' I said, emerging from behind the vanity, 'but he only gets two more. Third and he's out. Jane can handle lights. At least she knows how to do her fucking job.'

'You need to settle down, Rebecca,' said Ashley softly, 'you're gonna have a stroke.'

'I fucking told you, Ashley!' I growled, 'this has to be one-hundred fucking percent perfect! He's shit at handling lights! Granted, his filming skills are phenomenal, but this shit will not fucking stand with me!'

Ashley didn't respond. I sat down at my vanity, fixing my hair as I stared at my reflection.

'Liam looked really happy,' said Isabelle thoughtfully as she tied her hair up, 'he was beaming from ear to ear watching us.'

I smiled.

'I saw him...' I said softly, 'that's why I get so anal about all this...it's for him...'

Isabelle beamed. Just then, I looked at the clock.

'Shit!' I said, 'is everyone dressed?'

All the women nodded. I sighed, bolting to the stage for the skit. Connor was lying down already, pretending to be asleep in the prop bed we made. It was time.

Connor snoozed softly in his bed. I slowly waddled onstage, trying not to laugh as the crowd guffawed at the sight of me waddling like a duck. I crawled onto the bed, quacking curiously.

Connor snorted softly. He shifted in his sleep, not opening his eyes. I frowned, quacking again as I nudged his cheek.

Connor shifted. I growled, quacking and flailing about angrily. Connor roared, waking with a start.

'WHA' THA FUCK?!' he bellowed.

I quacked innocently. Duffy and Greenly came running onto the stage with mirrored expressions of shock.

'What's wrong, Donald?' asked Duffy, 'we heard you screaming!'

Connor chuckled.

''m fine,' he said, 'bu' I tink Douglas gave me an early present...'

Duffy and Greenly's eyes wandered over to me. I looked at them, tilting my head and quacking in confusion. Greenly chuckled.

'Well, I'll be...' he said, 'it's a duckling!'

Duffy laughed.

'I think we have officially found Donald's Duck!' he said.

Connor shook his head.

'Nope...' he said, smiling at me, 'we found me Quackeroo!'

I found a Quacker in my tender. She was very, very tame

But she quacked all night and through the day

She was driving me insane

My driver and my fireman tried everything they know to shoo the Quacker away from me, but she did not want to go

The Quacker clearly loves me

Was impossible to nab

So now we have befriended her

She rides inside my cab

She quacks in stations big and small

She quacks at people too

Now, everyone calls her Donald's Duck

But I call her my Quakeroo

She makes me so happy With her little ways

So happy, it's true

Now, everyone calls her Donald's Duck

But I call her my Quackeroo

Quacking here, quacking there, she is quacking everywhere

Quack! Quack!

Choo, choo, choo

she's my little Quackeroo

She's quacking here and there

She's quacking everywhere

Quack! Quack!

Shoo! Shoo! Shoo!

She's my Quackeroo

Now everybody love's her, they love to here her quack

But when we have to say goodbye they ask when she'll be back

She's captured everybody's heart, she knows just what to do

Now everyone calls her Donald's Duck

But she's my Quackeroo

She makes me so happy With her little ways

So happy, it's true

Now, everyone calls her Donald's Duck

But I call her my Quackeroo

Quacking here, quacking there, she is quacking everywhere

Quack! Quack!

Choo, choo, choo

she's my little Quackeroo

She's quacking here and there

She's quacking everywhere

Quack! Quack!

Shoo! Shoo! Shoo!

She's my Quackeroo

The crowd cheered again. Murphy sniggered as the men ventured to their tent.

'Ye go' some feathers in yer 'air, Con...' he chuckled.

Connor growled softly. He ruffled the feathers out of his hair, grabbing his Victorian-style costume for the next song.

'As sexy as she looks in tha' costume, those feathers are a pain in tha arse...' he muttered as he stripped down to his underwear.

'You gotta admit, it's effective,' chuckled Duffy, 'she makes a wonderful Dilly.'

'Liam was laughin' watchin' 'er waddle,' smirked Murphy, 'he's havin' a ball.'

Connor laughed.

'Me girl's go' a good 'eart,' he said, 'I kno' tha' Liam's family appreciate's all she's done fer 'im.'

'The girl sure knows what she wants,' chuckled Dolly as he put his costume on, 'she's a very intelligent, big-hearted girl.'

Connor chuckled.

'Aye,' he said, 'tha' she is.'

Dolly smiled. He put his costume on, marvelling at his reflection in the mirror.

'This is amazing...' he said thoughtfully, 'amazing...'

'Which song are we doing?' asked Rocco.

'Umm...' said Greenly, looking at the set-list, 'Gone Fishin'...'

'Ooh...' said Romeo, 'Connor's got some solo singing to do.'

Connor laughed.

'I go' this shit,' he said, looking in the mirror, 'let's get dis shit on tha road.'

Jane cut the theme music as the lights rose for the skit. Connor was sitting at the table reading the paper when Liam as a special guest tugged at his pants.

'Dad?' he said softly.

'Yes, son?' said Connor, not taking his eyes from the paper.

'I'm bored...' said Liam, 'there's nothing to do...'

'Why don' ye go play wit' Jack an' Alfie?' asked Connor, ''m sure their Ma would allow it.'

'But Jack and Alfie are out of town,' said Liam, 'and all my other friends are busy.'

'Honey, why don't you take him fishing?' I suggested, 'he's been wanting to do that for a while...and we do need something to eat for dinner tonight.'

Liam gasped excitedly.

'FISHING!' he cried.

Connor laughed.

'Alrigh'...' he said, getting up and grabbing the poles, bait, and net, 'let's go...'

'Honey?' I said.

'Yes, darlin'?' said Connor.

I giggled.

'Aren't you forgetting something?' I asked.

Connor frowned. He turned around, laughing at the wooden sign I was holding.

'Ahh, yes...' he said, taking the sign, 'can' forget this.'

I laughed.

'Have fun, you two,' I said.

'Oh, we will, Mom...' said Liam, 'we will...'

Sometimes it's nice to take some time out

Do what you really want to do

Just to relax and let the world fly by you

Forget your worry, no need to hurry

Just leave a sign to say...

Gone fishing

It's a sunny oll day and you're on your way

Gone fishing

It's a sunny old day and you're on your way

Why don't we all go fishing?

You drop your line down to the river

Waiting to see what you can find

Whatever life has to offer you

You know you'll take it, stand up and face it

Smiling along the way

Gone fishing

It's a sunny oll day and you're on your way

Gone fishing

It's a sunny old day and you're on your way

Why don't we all go fishing?

There's nothing better than a sunny day when all your work is done

Throw down your line, settle down

Surprise! Surprise!

Look what you've found!

Gone fishing

It's a sunny oll day and you're on your way

Gone fishing

It's a sunny old day and you're on your way

Why don't we all go fishing?

It's a sunny old day and you're on your way...

Gone fishing!

The audience clapped and laughed. I sprinted into the tent, grabbing the next costume.

'Connor did really well in his solo parts,' said Emma impressively, 'he's a really good singer.'

I laughed.

'It's in his genes,' I said, 'Annabelle taught him and Murphy how to sing.'

'She did?' said Emma.

Emily nodded.

'She did,' she said as she changed, 'the woman can sing like Celine Dion.'

'Wow...' breathed Emma.

'That beautiful voice is what soothes me to sleep when I'm scared,' I said as I slipped on my sailor outfit, 'the man's got a voice like magic.'

Ashley giggled.

'It's the Luck O' The Irish,' she teased.

I giggled. I looked in the mirror, smirking at my cleavage.

'This outfit makes my boobs look sexy...' I said, gently squeezing them, 'wow...'

Eunice laughed.

'We're doing a show for a young boy and you're worried about your breasts...' she teased, 'oh, Rebecca...'

I giggled. I looked around the tent at everyone.

'Okay...' I said, 'let's go...'

All the women got into position on the steps. Connor would be playing the role of Salty for the next skit and song. We all watched and waited as he sat with a bunch of little kids, telling them about the tale of the Flying Dutchman.

'The legend o' Tha Flyin' Dutchman is said to 'ave started in 1641 when a Dutch Ship sank off tha coast o' the Cape o' Good Hope,' said Connor softly, 'Captain The legend of The Flying Dutchman is said to have started in 1641 when a Dutch ship sank off the coast of the Cape of Good Hope:

Captain van der Decken was pleased. The trip to the Far East had been highly successful and at last, they were on their way home to Holland. As the ship approached the tip of Africa, the captain thought that he should make a suggestion to the Dutch East India Company (his employers) to start a settlement at the Cape on the tip of Africa, thereby providing a welcome respite to ships at sea.

He was so deep in thought that he failed to notice the dark clouds looming and only when he heard the lookout scream out in terror, did he realise that they had sailed straight into a fierce storm. The captain and his crew battled for hours to get out of the storm and at one stage it looked like they would make it. Then they heard a sickening crunch - the ship had hit treacherous rocks and began to sink. As the ship plunged downwards, Captain VandeDecken knew that death was approaching. He was not ready to die and screamed out a curse: "I WILL round this Cape even if I have to keep sailing until doomsday!" was pleased. The trip to tha Far East had been highly successful an' at last, they were on their way home ta Holland. As tha ship approached tha tip o' Africa, tha captain thought tha' 'e should make a suggestion to tha Dutch East India Company ta start a settlement at the Cape on tha tip o' Africa, thereby providing a welcome respite ta ships at sea. 'e was so deep in thought tha' 'e failed to notice the dark clouds loomin' an' only when 'e heard tha lookout scream out in terror, did 'e realize tha' they 'ad sailed straight into a fierce storm. Tha captain an' 'is crew battled fer hours ta get ou' o' tha storm an' at one stage it looked like they would make it. Then they heard a sickening crunch - the ship 'ad hit treacherous rocks and began ta sink. As tha ship plunged downwards, Captain VandeDecken knew tha' death was approaching. 'e was not ready ta die an' screamed out a curse: "I will round this Cape even if I 'ave ta keep sailing until doomsday!"'

'Then what happened?' asked Marina thoughtfully.

Connor chuckled.

'So, even today whenever a storm brews off the Cape o' Good Hope, if you look into tha eye o' tha storm, ye will be able to see tha ship an' its captain - Tha Flyin' Dutchman,' he said 'don' look too carefully, fer tha old folk claim tha' whoever sights tha ship will die a terrible death. Many people 'ave claimed ta 'ave seen Tha Flyin' Dutchman, includin' tha crew o' a German submarine boat during World War II an' holidaymakers. On 11 July 1881, tha Royal Navy ship, tha Bacchante was roundin' tha tip o' Africa, when they were confronted wit' tha sight o' Tha Flyin' Dutchman. The midshipman, a prince who later became King George V, recorded tha' tha lookout man an' tha officer o' tha watch 'ad seen tha Flyin' Dutchman an' he used these words to describe tha ship: "A strange red light as of a phantom ship all aglow, in tha midst of which light tha mast, spars an' sails o' a brig 200 yards distant stood out in strong relief." It's pity tha' tha lookout saw tha Flyin' Dutchman, fer soon after on tha same trip, 'e accidentally fell from a mast an' died. Fortunately for tha English royal family, tha young midshipman survived tha curse.'

The kids shivered.

'That's creepy...' whispered Jack.

'Have you ever seen the Flying Dutchman, Salty?' asked Luna.

Connor chuckled.

'I 'aven't, Luna,' he said, 'an' I 'ope I never do.'

'Can you tell us one more story, Salty?' asked Alfie, 'please?'

Connor shook his head.

'No, lad,' he said, 't'is bedtime.'

All the kids groaned in disappointment. Connor sighed.

'Come 'ere,' he said, opening his arms, 'come give Salty a hug.'

All the kids gathered and hugged Connor. Liam beamed.

'We'll always follow you, Salty,' he said.

There's a dockside Diesel we know well

Who can spin a yarn, who can tell a tale

He loves the sea and the ships that sail

Salty is his name

He works so hard, he's very very proud

His friends all love him being around

When the sun goes down they'll gather round for a tale or a song of the sea

On with the sailor's song

Follow on

Salty's song

Follow the leader home

Salty, tell us another one

Salty, spin us another one

Salty, one more story will do

Salty, oh Salty

We'll always follow you

Everyone knows the troublesome trucks push their luck get the engines stuck

But someone knows just what to do

Salty is his name

When he rolls along, he hums his song

A pretty little song, let me tag along

And his rhythm makes them follow on

Homeward bound we go

On with the sailor's song

Follow on

Salty's song

Follow the leader home

Salty, tell us another one

Salty, spin us another one

Salty, one more story will do

Salty, oh Salty

We'll always follow you

Salty, tell us another one

Salty, spin us another one

Salty, tell us another one do

Salty, oh Salty

We'll always follow you

The crowd applauded harder as we headed offstage. The men headed into their tent, grabbing whatever props and clothes they needed though they'd only be in the skit.

'So, 'm guessin' James is next, aye?' said Murphy.

Greenly growled.

'I hate these tight jeans...' he muttered as he got dressed, 'why do we gotta wear these fuckin' things for, anyway?'

'Because t'is required, apparently,' said Murphy, putting his jeans on, 'even though me balls get squished two songs in a fuckin' row...'

'Ahh, quit yer belly-achin', ye big baby!' said Connor, 'they're fine!'

'ye weren't saying that when you were complaining to your fiancee that you couldn't breathe,' said Duffy.

Connor growled. He grabbed his leather jacket, admiring his reflection in the mirror as he put it on.

'Hey there, handsome,' he purred at his reflection, ''ow ye doin'?'

Rocco chuckled.

'Having fun over there, Connor?' he teased.

Connor snorted.

'O' course I am,' he said, fixing his hair, ''m fuckin' sexy!'

Rocco laughed. The rest of the men got dressed for the number after James since it would only be us girls singing. Connor looked at his reflection one last time, putting his sunglasses on.

'Let's do this...' he said.

The spot light turned on as the filler music died in. We walked onto the stage, giggling like a bunch of giddy cheerleaders.

'Great practice, girls!' I said proudly.

'We're gonna kill it at Regionals!' said Emily.

'Those Diesels won't know what hit 'em!' said Isabelle.

We laughed. Suddenly, Eunice grinned.

'Girls...' she purred, 'my Hunk Senses are tingling...'

'What do you mean, Molly?' asked Emily.

Eunice grinned. She cocked her head, nodding in the direction where she was staring. Suddenly, Connor and his group of friends came walking by.

'Great practice, ladies!' he purred smoothly as he walked by, 'I tink ye owe yer...sexy captain dinner.'

All the girls swooned. I looked over at Connor, a small grin forming on my lips. Ashley purred.

'You know, he is one Major League Hunk...' she said.

I laughed.

'Yeah...' I said, 'a major league hunk...'

He's a really splendid engine, everybody knows

But he does go on and on and on, always telling us so!

He is a splendid fellow, but he really is quite vain

Who do we mean? You got it!

James!

Take a look who's coming down the track

Make way for James

Hooray for James!

Shiny shiny paint with the jet-black stack

Make way for James

Hooray for James!

What it is for certain and we really should note

It's indisputable, but let's take a vote

He's the really splendid engine with the bright red coat

James-ee-oh

He can brag all day - how fast he goes

How good he looks

He's such a pose

But what about the time he got covered in mud?

Oh. what a dope. what a dud!

But up and down the line you'll hear the others say, despite his vanity, he really is okay

Dependable, reliable, and seldom late...

We all think James is great!

Speeding down the line like a lightning flash

Make way for James

Hooray for James!

Hang on to your hat as he whooshes past!

Make way for James

Hooray for James!

He really knows how to stage a show

You gotta stand back and watch him go!

He's the really splendid engine with the bright red coat

Look who's swaning it down the track

Make way for James

Hooray for James!

He never looks up

He never looks back

Make way for James

Hooray for James.

A tad conceited, and really quite vain

He knows we love him just the same

Take a look who's coming down the track

Make way for James

Hooray for James!

Shiny shiny paint with the jet-black stack

Make way for James

Hooray for James!

He's the really splendid engine

Shiny, shiny engine

He's the really splendid engine

Yep, that's our James!

That's James!

The entire crowd jumped to their feet. We scrambled into our tent as the prop people set up for the next number.

'Liam loved it!' I cried proudly as we got dressed, 'he loved it!'

'Did you see his face as soon as he saw the number five on the back of Connor's jacket?!' said Emma as she changed into her Poodle Skirt, 'his face lit up like a Christmas tree!'

I clapped my hands and squealed as I grabbed my roller skates. The theme of the next skit is the 1950's, my favourite era of all time.

'Who's Liam's sister's favourite engine?' asked Isabelle.

'Emily,' chuckled Emily, 'which is the next song.'

'You get to be the center of attention,' teased Angelica, 'how does it feel?'

Emily snorted.

'Great,' she said, 'duh.'

Angelica laughed. We'd be putting on our roller skates after we went back onstage. It would be too hard climbing onstage in roller skates.

'So, when's intermission?' asked Isabelle as we laced up our skates.

'After Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover,' I said.

Isabelle nodded. I signalled Jane when we were done lacing up.

'Cut the music,' I said, 'we're ready.'

Jane cut the music. The boys were heading into Sodor Diner, celebrating their win over the Diesels.

'That was awesome!' cheered Greenly as they sat down, 'we kicked some Diesel butt!'

'Did you see the look on their coach's face when Thomas scored that touch down?!' said Duffy, 'I thought his head was gonna explode!'

'Well, dinner is on me!' said Jeff, 'good game, everyone!'

The boys cheered. Connor looked up, noticing a pretty blonde behind the bar. He tapped Murphy on the shoulder.

'Wha' is it, James?' asked Murphy.

'Look behind tha bar,' said Connor, pointing in the girl's direction, 'isn't tha' yer girlfriend?'

Murphy looked to where Connor was pointing. He grinned.

'ey, Emily!' he called.

The girl looked up. She beamed, waving to him.

'Hi, Thomas!' she said cheerfully.

'Come over 'ere!' said Murphy, 'I go' sometin' ta tell ye!'

Emily laughed. She rolled over to Murphy, stopping right in front of him. Murphy pulled her into his lap, planting a kiss on her lips.

'We beat tha Diesels,' he said, pressing his nose to hers, 'they didn' get one single point.'

Emily gasped.

'Thomas, that's wonderful!' she said proudly.

'He scored the winning touch down,' said Jeff proudly, 'so I'm paying for dinner.'

Emily laughed.

'I'll go get it,' she said, 'I'll be right back.'

Murphy smirked as Emily skated off. He sighed.

'There's no one quite like Emily...' he said dreamily.

There's no-one quite like Emily

Friendly emerald Emily

You don't need to ask her twice when you want some sound advice

All those who know Emily knows what shows especially

She's got that certain you-know-what

There's no one quite like Emily

Sometimes she can't help herself and gets misunderstood

Things can sometimes turn out wrong when all she meant was good

There's no-one quite like Emily

Friendly emerald Emily

You don't need to ask her twice when you want some sound advice

All those who know Emily knows what shows especially

She's got that certain you-know-what

There's no one quite like Emily

Clever, cheerful, confident

She really knows her stuff

She's the one to get things done while others huff and puff

There's no-one quite like Emily

Friendly emerald Emily

You don't need to ask her twice when you want some sound advice

All those who know Emily knows what shows especially

She's got that certain you-know-what

There's no one quite like Emily

Sometimes she can't help herself and gets misunderstood

Things can sometimes turn out wrong when all she meant was good

There's no-one quite like Emily

Friendly emerald Emily

You don't need to ask her twice when you want some sound advice

All those who know Emily knows what shows especially

She's got that certain you-know-what

There's no one quite like Emily

There's no-one quite like Emily

Friendly emerald Emily

You don't need to ask her twice when you want some sound advice

All those who know Emily knows what shows especially

She's got that certain you-know-what

There's no one quite like Emily

The men ran to their tent. They all breathed a sigh of relief as they changed into their costumes for Come For The Ride!

'Tank God that's over...' groaned Connor.

'But now we gotta wear cups,' said Romeo, 'my Mamacita has a hard head.'

'I plan on keepin' bot' o' me nuts,' said Murphy as he got dressed, 'Em wants kids one day.'

'So does Rebecca,' said Connor, 'she's always wanted ta be a Ma.'

'I think she'll make a great mother,' said Paul, 'she loves kids.'

'She's great wit' kids,' said Connor, 'she's go' a gift.'

Paul chuckled. Everyone got ready for the next skit and the second-last song before intermission.

'Man, I'm tired...' panted Emily.

'My joints are aching...' groaned Emma.

'Thank God that was the last song...' I muttered, 'I need to go home...'

Just then, Connor popped his head in. He had a great big grin on his face.

'I 'ope ye go' one more in ye,' he said, 'they wan' an encore!'

Everyone groaned.

'Here we go again...'

All your friends on the railway would like you all to see

Just how much fun rockin' on the railway can be

So won't you come along and join them for the ride

Just hang on tight

Catch your breath

And come for the ride!

Rockin'

Rockin' on the railway

Rollin'

Rollin' on the railway

Movin'

Movin' down the line

Swingin'

Sway from side to side

They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin'

Won't you come for the ride of your life

Watch Duncan go, he can really rock 'n' roll

He can slip

He can slide

He can sway from side to side

So when you hear him coming and you hear his whistle blow

You'd better step aside 'cause he can go go go!

Rockin'

Rockin' on the railway

Rollin'

Rollin' on the railway

Movin'

Movin' down the line

Swingin'

Sway from side to side

They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin'

Won't you come for the ride of your life

Now we're really moving, movin' to an' fro

Everyone around shouting 'More! More! More!'

Can't get enough, can't get enough of these thrills

And just when you think you can't take anymore

You'd better hang on tight 'cause here we go again

Slip! Slide! Come for the ride!

Rockin'

Rockin' on the railway

Rollin'

Rollin' on the railway

Movin'

Movin' down the line

Swingin'

Sway from side to side

They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin'

Won't you come for the ride of your life

Now Gordon's in a hurry 'cause Thomas made him wait

We'll have to go much faster, we really can't be late

Soon the coach was rockin'

It swayed from side to side

With the bath water spillin' and a-splashin' inside

Rockin'

Rockin' on the railway

Rollin'

Rollin' on the railway

Movin'

Movin' down the line

Swingin'

Sway from side to side

They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin' an' a-reelin' on the railway tonight

Rockin'

Rockin' on the railway

Rollin'

Rollin' on the railway

Movin'

Movin' down the line

Swingin'

Sway from side to side

They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin'

Won't you come for the ride of your life

They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin'

Won't you come for the ride of your life

They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin'

Won't you come for the ride of your life

Come for the ride!

The crowd laughed and cheered. I laughed as I hobbled into the tent.

'I can't believe I lost a shoe!' I said, putting my shoes back on, 'man!'

'At least you found it,' said Emily, 'Loubies are expensive.'

I laughed. Eunice grabbed her costume, putting her boa in the box.

'It's good that we had the men wear cups,' she said as she stripped, 'Paul miscued a few times.'

'Connor did, too,' I said, 'he nearly dropped me, but I got a handle on it.'

'Murphy plans on keeping both his nuts intact,' said Emily, 'I want kids.'

'I do, too,' I said, 'you know how much I love kids.'

Emily laughed. We were ready a short time later, peeking in on the skit.

''ello, there!' Connor said, 'who are ye?'

''m Terence!' said Murphy, 'who are ye?'

''m Thomas,' said Connor, 'I run this branch line. Wha' ugly wheels ye go'!'

Murphy snorted.

'They're no' ugly!' he said indignantly, 'they're caterpillars! An' 'm sure they'll come in 'andy one day!'

Connor laughed.

'When pigs fly,' he snorted.

Thomas first saw Terence the Tractor plowing in a field one day and he said

My oh my, you do look funny!

Where are your wheels?

Are your wheels?

Are your wheels

How ever do you move along?

You really do look funny!

Don't be so rude said Terence the Tractor

I don't have wheels like you because my caterpillar tracks are so much better

And I can go anywhere

Anywhere

I don't need rails like you

One day I will prove it

Show you how I do it

Then you will understand

That you don't judge a book by its cover

Don't make your mind up too soon

Things aren't necessarily

Always what they appear to be

Don't judge a book by its cover

Don't make your mind up too soon

Never

Never judge a book by its cover

Sure enough, one winter's day when the snow lay deep and hard

Thomas got stuck

He was in trouble!

And who do you think came along, came along and rescued him that day?

The snow didn't matter to Terence the Tractor

Now Thomas understands

That you don't judge a book by its cover

Don't make your mind up too soon

Things aren't necessarily

Always what they appear to be

Don't judge a book by its cover

Don't make your mind up too soon

Never

Never judge a book by its cover

Don't judge a book by its cover

Don't make your mind up too soon

Things aren't necessarily

Always what they appear to be

Don't judge a book by its cover

Just remember the rule

Never

Never judge a book by its cover!

Everyone cheered. I turned up the volume on my headset.

'It is time for a brief half-hour intermission,' I said, 'help yourself to some food and drinks.'

Everyone piled to the snacks. The dancers came bolting off the stage, laughing all the while.

'IT'S A FUCKIN' HIT!' said Murphy proudly, 'THEY FUCKIN' LOVE IT!'

'It's too bad that Noah and Annabelle couldn't make it...' I said sadly as I grabbed a sandwich, 'I'm sure they would enjoy it.'

A voice laughed.

''m sure they would, lass.'

Everyone looked over. Annabelle was standing a few feet away. She had her hands on her hips, a teasing smile spreading across her face as she looked at us.

'Wha'?' she chuckled, 'can' a woman come see 'er boys sing?'

'MA!'

Annabelle laughed as her sons embraced her. She patted their backs, beaming proudly at them.

''m so proud o' ye bot',' she said warmly, 'ye really are blessed wit' tha gift o' music.'

'They sure as 'ell didn' get it from me. I can' carry a tune ta save me life!'

'NOAH!'

Noah laughed. Emily and I ran right into his arms, embracing him tightly. Noah smiled, stroking our hair.

'You made it!' I said happily, 'you made it!'

'We wouldn' miss it fer tha world, Rebecca,' said Annabelle, 'yer doin' a mighty fine job.'

'Too bad I can' say tha same ting about whoever's runnin' yer lights,' said Noah, 'I didn' know tha' James was green.'

I snarled.

'Michael...' I hissed through my teeth.

'Looks like someone's getting their ass fired...' said Hayley grimly.

I snarled again. I took an angry bite out of my sandwich, chugging back a cup of Pepsi. Michael would be hearing it from me when the show's over.

'So, 'ow many songs do ye go' left after intermission?' asked Noah as Emily handed him a sandwich.

'Seven,' I answered, 'there's fifteen songs in total.'

'An' this is runnin' all week?' said Annabelle.

I nodded.

'Yup,' I said, 'gives ticket buyers who couldn't make it tonight an opportunity to come see it. And if anyone else wants to come back, they can.'

'That's a smart ting,' said Noah with a laugh, ''m sure by tha reactions ye go' tha' people will be comin' back fer more.'

'And we'll have someone who can actually read lighting instructions,' I said, shovelling the remainders of my sandwich in my mouth before grabbing another one.

Connor laughed.

'Slow down, lass,' he teased, 'I don' wan' ye gettin' a tummy ache.'

I scowled.

'Dancing makes me hungry,' I said, taking a big bite, 'I could probably eat this entire table.'

Connor chuckled. He wrapped his arms around my waist, gently kissing the tip of my nose. I swallowed, laughing.

'I'm proud of you, y'know,' I said, feeding him a bite, 'you've over-come your stage fright and delivered amazing solo singing during Gone Fishin'. You deserve a reward.'

'Oh?' said Connor, raising a brow, 'wha' kind o' reward?'

I smirked.

'You will find out later,' I teased, grabbing another sandwich, 'we got a show to focus on.'

Connor pouted. Murphy chuckled.

'Ye really did do a good job, Con,' he said, 'tha crowd loved ye.'

'They'll love him even more when we sing There Once Was An Engine Who Ran Away,' I teased, 'he's gonna look so handsome in the outfit I made.'

'I can' wait ta see wha' ye made, Rebecca,' smiled Annabelle, 'all tha costumes ye made are phenomenal. Me favourite so far are tha sailor outfits.'

'Those were fun to make,' I said, 'but I enjoyed the leather jackets more.'

'Too bad Donald's Stottish an' 'm Irish,' teased Connor, 'plus Murph looks nothin' like me.'

Murphy laughed. I finished my third sandwich, resting my head on Connor's shoulder after I swallowed.

'I love you,' I said softly.

Connor smiled.

'I love ye, too,' he said, kissing my temple.

'You're gonna love him even more later,' said Emily, 'I listened to him rehearsing for There Once Was An Engine Who Ran Away. He sounds phenomenal.'

''ey!' said Connor, 'who said ye could eavesdrop on me?!'

Emily laughed. Ashley wrapped her arms around Greenly's middle, smiling at Connor and I.

'The rest will be a smash,' she said, 'though we should go and get our other outfits on.'

'Sounds like a good idea,' I said, 'but I shall take a sandwich for the road.'

Everyone laughed.

Half An Hour Later

''ello!' said Murphy, ''m Bertie! Who are ye?'

''m Thomas,' said Connor, 'I run this branch line.'

'I remember ye!' chuckled Murphy, 'I took yer passengers because ye go' stuck in tha snow! Terence pulled ye out! Roads are much faster than railways!'

Connor snorted.

'As if!' he said.

'Oh?' said Murphy, 'then 'ow 'bout a race?'

Connor grinned.

'Yer on, Bus Boy,' he said.

A lesson that's worth learning, one you never should forget

Is the art of friendly rivalry

It's not always about winning

You must learn that from the start

Enjoy yourself remember what counts is taking part

Let's have a race

Have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

On your marks!

Now get set!

GO!

Let's set a pace

Set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so...

Let's have a race

Have a race

Thomas challenged Bertie to a friendly race one day

The driver said get ready but be careful on the way

The friends lined up together enjoying the fun

The stationmaster called out 'Are you ready to begin?'

Let's have a race

Have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

On your marks!

Now get set!

GO!

Let's set a pace

Set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so...

Let's have a race

Have a race

Bertie bus was winning

He sped along the way

Thomas tried so hard

To catch up on the way

Eventually he passed him

And Bertie had to say

'To pass you on that hill, Thomas, I'd need wings like an airplane!'

Let's have a race

Have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

On your marks!

Now get set!

GO!

Let's set a pace

Set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so...

Let's have a race

Have a race

Let's have a race

Have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

Ready?

Set?

GO!

Let's set a pace

Set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so...

Let's have a race

Have a race

Let's have a race

Right now

Everyone laughed. The men ran into their tent, immediately reaching for the racks with the next song title on it. Connor chuckled when he saw his.

'Charlie Chaplin...' he said, 'wow...'

'We're going back to the 1920's,' smirked Duffy, 'I like it.'

Everyone laughed. Greenly would be acting as Fergus and Jeff as a guest would be Diesel. Connor slipped on his tux and hat, smirking at his reflection.

'Rebecca wasn't kiddin' when she said I'd look 'andsome,' he said, 'wow...'

'You look amazing, Con,' said Rocco, 'and I know you'll kick some ass singing this.'

Connor grinned. Everyone gathered, watching Jeff and Greenly perform the skit.

'Do it right!' scolded Greenly, 'Sir Topham Hatt won't approve of this!'

Jeff snorted.

'What does it matter to you?' he scowled, 'you'll be sent to the scrap yard any day!'

Greenly frowned. He didn't want to be sent away to scrap. So, he decided.

'I'm gonna run away...' he whispered.

There once was an engine who ran away

Just up and went and ran away, ran away

Stack up his tender and headed down the line

Toot! Toot!

Farewell!

Goodbye!

He overheard the wicked old Diesel say he was heading for the scrapyard any day

He didn't wanna wait for the fateful day

So the little old engine ran away

He huffed and he puffed

His wheels started turning

He chuffed and he chuffed

His little firebox burning

He slipped his brake

Let his whistle fly

Stack up his tender and headed down the line

Toot! Toot!

Farewell!

Goodbye!

And the little old engine ran away

Just up and went and ran away, ran away

Didn't feel part of the railway

So the little old engine ran away

And when the other engines heard he'd gone

They felt so sad 'cause they knew he had gone and run

No matter what Diesel had to say

Sir Topham Hatt has the final say

So he thought and he thought

Where could he be?

Could he be?

Some searched high

The others searched low

Where did he run?

We've gotta bring the little engine home

So they all went out to look around

Far and wide, up and down

No matter where they searched no one seemed to know

Oh where did the little old engine go?

Thomas finally tracked him down

He was cold and blue and all alone

He told him he was needed back urgently

'Who, me? Really?'

'Yes you! You silly engine!'

'Cause he's the pride of the railway!

So he huffed and he puffed

His wheels started turning

He chuffed and he chuffed his little firebox burning

He slipped his brake and was on his way

Toot! Toot!

Hip! Hip!

HOORAY!

Now the little old engine's heading home

To toots and cheers, hear the whistles blow

'Cause now he's the pride of the railway!

'Look, everybody! Here comes Fergus!'

'HOORAY!'

Yes, the little old engine's coming home!

The crowd laughed and cheered. Now it was time to add some spook to the show. Everyone grabbed their outfits. Emma laughed.

'Alice & Wonderland mixed with A Nightmare Before Christmas...' she said, 'phenomenal...'

'It's whimsical and scary,' I noted as I changed, 'both movies are whimsical yet scary.'

'Too true,' said Hayley, 'but they're two of my all-time favourite Tim Burton movies.'

'In-fucking-deed, Mirror,' said Ashley, 'literally two of his best movies ever.'

I laughed. We were changed within a matter of minutes. A bunch of kids along with Noah were onstage for the next skit.

'Daddy...' whispered Liam, 'Daddy...'

Noah stirred.

'Wha' is it, Percy?' he mumbled.

'I keep hearing strange noises...' whispered Liam nervously, 'c-can I stay in your bed?'

Noah chuckled.

'Wha' noises?' he asked, 'I don' 'ear any noises, lad.'

'These strange wings and a strange squeak...' whimpered Liam, 'they're scary...'

Noah laughed. He scooped Liam up in his arms, holding him to the window. He pointed.

'Ye see tha'?' he said, 'in tha tree there?'

Liam squinted. He laughed.

'It's the wise old owl!' he said.

Noah nodded.

'Aye,' he said, 'tha strange sounds were jus' yer imagination runnin' wild. All ye 'eard was tha wise old owl.'

Liam laughed.

BOO!

What's that moving in the corner?

What's that shadow on the wall?

Don't be afraid

Don't be scared

It really is nothing at all

But I saw something in the corner!

I saw that shadow on the wall!

It's just your imagination

Look! It's just the wise old owl!

Boo! Boo! Choo choo

Don't be afraid of the dark

It's easily explained you see why things go bump in the night

BOO!

Boo boo, choo choo

Don't wander from your track

And don't be afraid

Don't be afraid

Don't be

Don't be afraid of the dark

The little engine wondered, he thought and thought all night

Really nothing's changed, it's just the same

Just daylight turned to night

But something moved in the corner!

A shadow crossed the wall!

He closed his eyes

Counted ten

And remembered the wise old owl

Boo! Boo! Choo choo

Don't be afraid of the dark

When the lights go out and you have your doubts why things go bump in the night

BOO!

Boo! Boo! Choo choo

Don't wander from your mark

And don't be afraid

Don't be afraid

Don't be

Don't be afraid of the dark

So don't be afraid

Don't be afraid

Don't be

Don't be afraid of the dark

Boo! Boo! Choo choo

Don't be afraid of the dark

It's easily explained you see why things go bump in the night

BOO!

Boo boo, choo choo

Don't wander from your track

And don't be afraid

Don't be afraid

Don't be

Don't be afraid of the dark

What's that moving in the corner?

What's that shadow on the wall?

Don't be afraid

Don't be scared

It really is nothing at all

But I saw something in the corner!

I saw that shadow on the wall!

It's just your imagination

Look! It's just the wise old owl!

Boo! Boo! Choo choo

Don't be afraid of the dark

It's easily explained you see why things go bump in the night

BOO!

Boo boo, choo choo

Don't wander from your track

And don't be afraid

Don't be afraid

Don't be

Don't be afraid of the dark

No, Don't be afraid

Don't be

Don't be afraid of the dark

BOO!

A few people jumped, but they soon laughed. Everyone changed and got ready for the next skit, song, and routine.

'Toby?'

Connor looked up. He laughed.

'Da!' he said, 'what are ye doin' 'ere?'

Noah sighed sadly.

''m afraid I go' some bad news, son,' he said, 'an' I already figure tha' 'enrietta won' take ta it well.'

Connor frowned.

'Wha' do ye mean, Da?' he asked.

Noah sighed. He gently placed a hand on Connor's shoulder.

'We've lost a lo' o' money when we lost business on this ranch, Toby...' I said ''m afraid we're gonna 'ave ta close down...'

Connor gasped.

'Bu' Da...' he whispered, 'where are Henrietta an' I gonna go?'

'I don' know, Toby...' said Noah, 'I don' know...'

North of the Island, there lives a dear old train

A little tram engine

Toby was his name

He's quaint and old fashioned, but careful and wise

His coach is Henrietta and she's seen better days

His mind keeps returning to the good ol' days

When they were busy working everyday

But nobody rides with them nowadays

They can't understand why things are changed

Their line is closing down today

Forever

Toby

Oh Toby

What would become of you?

The world's much nicer whenever we see you

Toby

Dear Toby

There's still lots that you can do

Oldies but Goldies

We still care about you

All of the children came to say goodbye

They clapped and cheered as Toby rang his bell

Bye! Bye!

Everyone was sad to see them go

Whatever will they do?

And where will they go?

Suddenly news came to brighten up their day

How Toby and Henrietta were needed right away

The Fat Controller had written to say

Could they please come and help right away

Now they're part of his family

Forever

Toby

Oh Toby

Show them what you can do!

The world's much nicer whenever we see you

Toby

Dear Toby

There's still lots to learn from you

Oldies but Goldies

We still care about you

Oldies but Goldies

We still care for you

More cheers erupted as Connor and I kissed. We would all be dressing as train conductors for the next number.

'All aboard!' I called, blowing my whistle.

Everyone clambered into the coaches. Emily acting as the station master closed all the doors. I blew my whistle again, signalling it was time for the train to leave.

Jane made special effects to make the sounds sound real. She cued the sound of a train moving, steam, and a whistle. Time to rock and roll.

All aboard and close the doors!

Whistle blows and the engine roars

Spinning wheels beginning to grip

These are the sounds as we start our trip

Rattling rails and cheerful chuffs

Clattering carriages huffs and puffs

With a whiss on the whistle and a wheesh on the brakes

These are the sounds that the engines make

Chugga-chugga

These are the sounds that the engines make

Happy hoots as the fields rush by

Shoveling coal, how the time does fly

Proudly race

Full steam ahead!

Screeching brakes as the lights go red

A wheesh of steam and clanking joints

Shuddering doors and clattering points

With a whiss on the whistle and a wheesh on the brakes

These are the sounds that the engines make

Chugga-chugga

These are the sounds that the engines make

Chugga-chugga

These are the sounds that the engines make

These are the sounds as we start our trip

Big wheels squeal as they start to grip

Off we go with a chuff-chuff-chuff!

Climbing slow with a puff-puff-puff!

Happy hoots as the fields rush by

Shoveling coal, how the time does fly

Proudly race

Full steam ahead!

Screeching brakes as the lights go red

A wheesh of steam and clanking joints

Shuddering doors and clattering points

With a whiss on the whistle and a wheesh on the brakes

These are the sounds that the engines make

Chugga-chugga

These are the sounds that the engines make

Chugga-chugga

These are the sounds that the engines make

Second-last song of the night. Hopefully no one would fall off the stage doing this.

'Thomas! Thomas, what happened?!' cried Emily.

'I wasn't paying attention and I hit some ice and ran into that pole...' groaned Murphy, 'I'm fine...'

Emily scowled.

'You need to pay closer attention, Thomas!' she scolded, 'don't scare me like that!'

Murphy chuckled.

'Ye kno' wha' they say, lass,' he said, 'accidents will 'appen.'

Thrills and spills on the railway, it's a life of happiness

But sometimes impatience can lead to carelessness

Some think they are smart cats

And some just know it all

But sooner or later we all find out that

Accidents happen now and again

Just when you least expect

Just when you think that life is okay

Fate comes to collect!

Accidents happen now and again

When people or trains get smart

If you don't concentrate on the thing that you're doing

Accidents will happen just like that!

Your best laid plans can turn upside-down if you get too confident

Sometimes you will slip and slide if that's Lady Luck's intent

One minute you're riding high!

The next you're on the ground

But please remember

Whatever the weather

You must take care 'cause

Accidents happen now and again, sometimes just by chance

You gotta pick yourself up and dust yourself down

Put it down to experience!

Accidents happen now and again

Just don't take it all to heart

'Cause if you don't concentrate on the thing that you're doing

Accidents will happen, just like that!

The warning signs are there for us to see most of the time

But sometimes we take chances, ignore the danger signs

Fate can surprise you with no reason or rhyme

Make sure you learn your lesson

You'll know better next time!

Accidents happen now and again, just when you least expect

Just when you think that life is OK

Fate comes to collect!

Accidents happen now and again when people or trains get smart

If you don't concentrate on the thing that you're doing

Accidents will happen just like that!

Accidents happen now and again

Sometimes just by chance

You gotta pick yourself up and dust yourself down

Put it down to experience!

Accidents happen now and again, just don't take it all to heart

If you don't concentrate on the thing that you're doing

Whatever you're doing is not what you're thinking

Accidents!

Incidents!

Accidents!

Incidents!

Accidents happen just like that!

Everyone laughed and applauded even harder. We skipped a skit for the final number. We dressed in army print, marching onstage and stood at attention as Jane cued music.

He's a really useful engine, you know

All the other engines they'll tell you so

He huffs and puffs and whistles

Rushing to and fro

He's the really useful engine we adore

He's the one

He's the really useful engine that we adore

He's the one

He's the number one

Thomas the Tank Engine!

He's a really useful engine, you know

'Cause the Fat Controller, he told him so

Now he's got a branch line To call his very own

He's the really useful engine we adore

He's the one

He's the really useful engine that we adore

He's the one

He's the number one

Thomas the Tank Engine!

Little blue train

He's always there whenever you need a hand

If you need help with a situation

Who comes into mind?

He's the one

He's the really useful engine that we adore

He's the one

He's the number one

Thomas the Tank Engine!

He's a really useful engine, you know

Maybe little, but he's never slow

Stand back in amazement

Just you watch him go

He's the really useful engine we adore

He's the one

He's the really useful engine that we adore

He's the one

He's the number one

Thomas the Tank Engine!

He's the really useful engine we adore!