Chapter 4
Month 1
New relationships seemed to bring out the more animalistic side of people, and theirs was no different. If anything, it was hungrier than most. They had years of repressed feelings to work through, and they now were keeping a secret from the rest of the world. Like a wild animal caged, the more they tried to suppress the urge for freedom, the harder they yearned to break free. It was intoxicating, and neither could recall feeling this drunk on anything.
Stolen glances across the station turned into stolen moments behind the storage shed. Making out like teenagers one moment turned into separate retreats back into the station the next. Smoothing clothes, hair; Stacy might touch up her make-up while Schemer combed his curl back into place.
Billy, while grateful for prior knowledge such that he would never go out looking for them, was growing exasperated by the day. He put his foot down when they went out for a "drive" one day in the middle of the workday.
"What you do on your own time is your business. But do not force me to explain your absence to Mr. King or anyone in town. I shouldn't have to lie for you", he chastised them after catching them on their return.
He almost felt bad… almost, but not quite. They looked like children that had been caught red-handed misbehaving. Schemer shrunk back; Stacy shuffled her feet, sobered. Nonetheless, they saw his point of view and apologized.
While it didn't necessarily cut back on the odd "walk" around the station, they were less conspicuous and didn't leave Billy to pick up their slack any further.
On the home front, any time spent together outside of work was mainly at Stacy's house. Visits rarely extended past an hour or two, and neither was too concerned about going out on real dates. They had little time to spend alone, so why bother wasting it by going out in public? When it was time to part ways, Schemer was usually apologetic to have to leave but Stacy would silence him with a smile and a kiss. When he would redress he was always aware of her watching him from the bed, and the desire to undress yet again and join her was highly tempting. But they both understood the situation for what it was and regularly parted on happy terms before returning to their separate evening routines.
Month 2
The more time they found themselves spending together, the more they realized that absolutely nobody's suspicions were raised. At the beginning, this was welcome. There were hardly any questions of what they spent their time doing; to their respective family members very little had changed in their schedules. In Schemer's case, his nephew had been staying out increasingly late. It was gradual, but Schemer realized quickly that he was barely getting home earlier than Schemee. While he knew he should really follow up with Schemee's schedule, he couldn't find anything amiss in his nephew's activities. He did ask Schemee what types of activities he was up to, and where he was, but Schemee always had an innocent answer. It was either baseball or spending time at friends' houses, or even doing homework at the library. He did ask around with the other parents and the school coaches but they all confirmed Schemee's story. To Schemer it seemed that Schemee was testing his boundaries, but in a lot of ways so was Schemer testing the bounds of how long he could be away without raising suspicion. On the rare occasion that Schemee arrived home before him he might give Schemer a quizzical look or ask why he was back later than normal, but for the most part he barely seemed to pay enough attention to notice. For the vast majority of his time he was holed upstairs in his room anyways, usually retreating there minutes after arriving home. Schemer chalked it up to typical teenage behaviour, and besides, Schemee was doing well in school and keeping himself out of trouble so he couldn't ask for much more. But still, he couldn't help but feel like there was a slow drift occurring between them, and that bothered him.
In Stacy's case, with living alone hardly anyone noticed her movements after work hours. She still spent a lot of time with her brothers' families that lived in town, and enjoyed seeing her nephews. But besides Billy, and Schemer, she didn't have a lot of friends living in town. She did have concerns that she was spending too much time in the house, be it alone or with Schemer. She enjoyed the time they spent together thoroughly, but she did feel the tendrils of loneliness creep into her mind after he left her place. There were times where she wanted to tell someone, one of her sisters-in-law perhaps, that she was seeing someone. It was lonely keeping relationships a secret, especially for someone so extroverted. Talking about it to Billy wasn't ideal either. He knew about them obviously, but he was friends with Schemer too so it would be an uncomfortable conversation at best. Schemer was true to his word and was taking it slowly, and she felt hypocritical for feeling downcast about it as she was the one who asked for it.
They talked about it the next day as they were lying in bed.
"Not that I don't like this, but this schedule is becoming a bit predictable, not to mention that I seem to never leave my house except to go to work anymore," she confessed. He had his arms encircled around her protectively and she was curled into his chest.
"My house is available most days, my nephew hardly seems to grace me with his presence anymore," he said thoughtfully.
"We could go outside. It is summer after all, I don't want to waste the beautiful weather," she pointed out.
"Kinky."
Rolling her eyes she made to get up from the bed but he held fast and pulled her tighter. "I'm kidding," he chuckled into her hair, "We can go out and do other things. People might start to notice, but that will happen eventually."
"We can test the waters. We went out that one time and only the one guy, Paul, knew about us. Mr. King hardly clued in. People only notice what they want to see," she said with a shrug.
Month 3
Schemer debated telling Schemee about himself and Stacy. He knew it wouldn't really be a big deal, but still he found himself anxious. He had never had to introduce Schemee to any relationship, and while he knew Schemee and Stacy got along just fine, it still worried him. He wasn't quite sure how far it would go. He would take it as far as Stacy wanted to go, and that was the biggest anxiety of all. He knew that he wanted a future with her, and he was sure she knew that too, but if she didn't share that future, or worse wanted to end things, it would be harder on both himself and Schemee. He could ask her what she wanted, but the potential answer frightened him. Introducing her to Schemee, and realistically his life, as his girlfriend was daunting. She liked him and being in his life as his friend, but what if she saw it from a different angle and then didn't like the picture?
He had made the decision to not tell Schemee just yet. If people in town started picking up on things between them then he would immediately let him know, he would hate for Schemee to hear it through the grapevine.
However, now that they were starting to go out together in and around town, he quickly realized that his concerns were unfounded.
Not only did no one pick up on anything, they were virtually invisible together. At first, it was a relief. Stacy had been stiff and nervous at first when they were out together in a local environment, but quickly relaxed and seemed quite comfortable. He enjoyed it at first as well, it meant that moments became less stolen. He could place his hand on the small of her back, gently touch her hand and not one person would notice. It was perfect, until one day when they were out picking up some groceries in Barton Winslow's general store. To say Winslow was never a big fan of Schemer was an understatement, it went back a long way, and much before Schemer's own time, but he was coolly civil at best in their business interactions.
On this day as they entered his store he greeted Stacy warmly, and Schemer decidedly less warmly, and left them to shop. Being in the same small general store in the same small town was not such a large coincidence for two coworkers whose work shift had just ended, so Barton hardly paid any attention to that. What he did notice was the level of interaction between them. They made quiet jokes with each other, walked the aisles together, and doing such a domestic task together was strangely enjoyable in each other's company. Unbeknownst to them, Barton was following them around the store with his eyes with a frown spreading across his features. He had crossed the store just as Schemer was jokingly removing items from Stacy's own basket.
"Stacy?" Barton asked cautiously, "is everything alright?"
She looked at the old shopkeeper quizzically. "Yes, why wouldn't it be?"
"Ah no reason, I just wanted to make sure my customers are comfortable," he explained, his eyes trained on Schemer as he said it.
"We came in here together Barton, surely you saw that when we entered?" she responded in a clipped voice.
"Of course, just making sure," he finished lamely before making his way up to the counter once more.
Schemer and Stacy exchanged glances. He was anxious, she was fuming. They finished their shopping quickly and when they parted after Schemer dropped her off at home they both noted the change in the atmosphere between them. The tones of fun and playfulness had been unceremoniously dropped, and they struggled to pick up the pieces. Still, they bid farewell and promised to see each other after work in a few days.
People only notice what they want to see, he remembered her words glumly as he drove home. And apparently seeing the two of them together was not that.
Month 4
It was a little after midnight and the night sky was clear of any clouds. The stars shone through like powerful flashlight shining through pinpricks in an inky black canvas. His car was parked on a turn off just beside a field, and was barely discernible to anyone driving along the road. A little ways away there was a blanket spread out over the ground, with the two of them side by side atop it.
Schemer had one arm behind his head and the other around Stacy's shoulders. A serene smile was spread upon his face. Usually they went out in the daytime, sometimes out for a meal, or a walk through town, but a late night date seemed like a good idea. Under the cover of stars he felt pretty infinite, invincible even. What's more, stargazing was romantic enough to surely make Stacy swoon with glee. He grinned somewhat slyly, but was nonetheless happy with his choice. It was a good idea, a relaxing one at that, and he was right about the romance factor. Having Stacy curled up beside him was enough to make his heart swell with joy.
"I never knew you were into star gazing," Stacy said, rolling over to face him.
"I'm full of surprises Ms. Jones," he said, laughing.
She shook her head slowly, a smile creeping on her face. "I suppose you are. But I do appreciate it, it's a beautiful thing to do." She gave him a small kiss on the nose. He reciprocated by claiming her lips with his. They had been seeing each other for a few months now. Both had stayed true to moving slowly, they still hadn't revealed their relationship to anyone but Billy, and in Stacy's case, Mr. Conductor. They broke apart and Stacy buried her face into the crook of his neck. She placed one arm across his chest and he pulled her in closer.
Schemer gently kissed the top of her brown curls, his heart quickening in his chest. His feelings had only grown stronger and the happiness he felt when spending time with her meant that he couldn't bear the thought of losing her. He wanted her in his life, and creeping around was becoming a burden. He wanted to confess to her, tell her he needed her and they shouldn't have to hide anymore. Instead he said, "You mean a lot to me, you know that?", nearly choking on the words as they left his mouth.
She smiled into his shoulder and said, "You mean a lot to me too."
The thumping in his chest did not let up. That was a good sign. He struggled to come up with the words to form a response, and debated what, if anything, to ask her next when she spoke up again.
"I was thinking, it might be a good idea to start talking about next steps," she suggested, tracing a finger over his chest.
He didn't realize he was holding his breath until he felt the sudden release of tension. "You mean it?!" he asked, almost regretting the excitement in his voice. Almost, but not quite.
She chuckled. "Sure, it's been long enough I think. As much as I love looking at stars we can probably stop skulking around under the mask of night."
"Of course, what did you have in mind exactly?" he asked hopefully.
"Maybe we could actually tell people now. The people close enough to us, and if anyone finds out, then they find out. I've been feeling lonely, like I'm sitting on this secret but then I realized I really didn't have to be," she explained. "I feel like we could be moving forward, like having dinners with friends and family, and not having to hide. Working together would be easier too, we wouldn't have to hide, which would probably mean less distraction at work."
He broke out into a wide grin. "That sounds great," he said. And he meant it, it was more than he could have hoped for or expected. A shred of doubt suddenly struck him, and quickly cast a shadow over his happiness.
"What's wrong?" she asked, watching as his expression slipped.
"Nothing, really. It's okay. Trust me, I'm very happy," he insisted, not wanting her to worry.
"Schemer, you can tell me whatever it is. I can't help you if you keep it locked up. We could still keep taking it slow if you're worried," she looked up at him with worry etched into her features.
Her tenderness brought a small smile to his lips. "No, no, it's nothing about that. It's just that I sometimes feel like no one will believe that you would be with me in your right mind. Like Barton Winslow at the general store. He couldn't even believe that I wasn't bothering you, let alone us walking into the store together. And, I'm sorry for bringing this up, but I worry that they'll always be comparing me to Ned. Especially compared to him, I feel like I'll never be good enough."
She was silent for a minute. "Oh Schemer" she said quietly as she flipped onto her stomach. He looked over to her and she met his gaze.
"Schemer, what happened with Ned is in the past. There's nothing about it that can change my feelings for you. We're our own worst critics and nothing good ever comes from comparing yourself to someone else. If other people are going to compare you, then let them. As long as they keep it to themselves, we don't have to do anything. And if anyone ever said a single thing to me about it then I would tell them that it's none of their business," she said fiercely.
He sat up slowly, stretching his back out. "I suppose you're right, all that really matters is how we see ourselves now. Although, sometimes I feel concerned about what other people are going to think. As far as I know, nobody knows yet, but once it gets out there will be lots of talking," he said, looking up into the sky.
"Schemer, don't worry about what people think. Like you said, it doesn't matter what other people think." She sat up beside him, grabbing onto his hand.
He nodded with a small grin. "I feel very lucky to have you," he told her in a soft voice.
"And I feel lucky to have you too, you're a better person than you think you are," she said.
To him, her eyes shined brighter than any star in the sky.
After their talk that night, they realized it was quite late. Schemer felt foolish. After all of his talk of ensuring Schemee didn't stay home alone, he inadvertently let it happen. He felt very hypocritical for also not checking in. He sent a message notifying his nephew that he wouldn't be home that night, and got "k" as a response. He stared at his phone slightly regretfully, realizing just how little time they spent together now. He would fix that, he promised himself. Especially now that he and Stacy decided that they should openly be together it would be much easier.
Schemer and Stacy did agree to tell their respective families, but they mutually struggled with the task.
The next morning, Schemee sat in the kitchen and watched his Uncle walk into the house. He noticed that Schemer was still wearing the same clothes from last night, and silently watched on. Schemer looked almost sheepish, and immediately detected Schemee's standoffish.
"Hey Schemee," he said softly, trying to avoid a confrontation.
"Late night for you?" Schemee asked casually.
"Yes, I was out and about. You're up early," he replied cautiously. Navigating his nephew's moods, particularly lately, was a learned skill. He could be neutral one moment and biting with sarcasm the next. One misstep meant losing control of the conversation entirely. If he wanted to discuss anything serious he had to hope for calm waters and avoid rocking the boat.
"Sure, I suppose ten in the morning is early," Schemee pointed out, sarcasm suddenly dripping from his voice.
And there it was. "You're right, I was out late. I was hoping we could discuss a few things," Schemer said, trying to move the topic along.
"I know, you texted me around 2 am," Schemee said simply.
"You're right, I'm sorry. I was late and time escaped me. I shouldn't have left you to worry alone like that," Schemer said regretfully.
Schemee cocked his head, seemingly seeing right through his uncle. Finally he shrugged and turned away. "I wasn't worried," he muttered.
"Great, but I promise I won't let it happen again. On the other hand, you ended up staying at home by yourself, and the house is still standing," Schemer said, quickly changing the subject, "That's good news!"
"Uncle Schemer, I need you to sign something," Schemee mumbled forlornly, also changing the subject rapidly.
Schemer knew that request; he only used that tone when he was in trouble. "Oh no, what for now?" he asked.
Schemer procured a piece of paper and slid it across the table, avoiding eye contact. Schemer sighed heavily as he took the paper, recognizing it immediately.
"Detention?" he asked, as he skimmed the slip, "Schemer, why have you been skipping classes? I thought you were doing well?" Schemer was immediately concerned. At least, as far as he knew Schemee had been doing well in school.
"I am doing well, I just don't see the point in going to some classes. They're too easy. Besides, I wanted to get ahead for baseball next year before the weather gets too cold. It'll be my last season in high school. I have to make it count to get scouted," Schemee explained, frustration evident in his voice.
Schemer was conflicted. "Schemee, I know you're a good student, and you're an excellent player, but you have to follow the rules. If you keep getting detentions it will hurt your chances for getting into a good school."
"Follow the rules? Like you always do?" Schemee challenged him, sounding bored.
"Look, maybe don't follow my example to the letter, but I want better for you. I'm not alright with you skipping classes," he said as he signed the slip in his superfluous script, "But I can help you practise baseball at least. I haven't been around as much but I promise to start making more time."
"I know you're seeing someone," Schemee replied bluntly.
Schemer did a double take and nearly dropped the pen he was holding. "What, how?" he asked.
"You're obvious. I knew something was up when our schedules both started running later and later. But something was different with you. A new spring to your step, preening yourself even more than usual, you seem happier," he explained with a shrug.
Schemer mulled this over. "Look, I wanted to tell you sooner, but it was just complicated -," he began to explain before Schemee cut him off.
"Uncle Schemer, it's your business," he said, the blunt edge coming back.
Schemer deflated slightly. "Okay, let's get you back on track for this semester. We can talk more about it later. I appreciate you coming to talk to me about this detention before I had to find out through your teachers. Starting tomorrow, let's practise baseball after I'm done work."
Schemee seemed satisfied by this prospect, and retrieved the slip as he left the kitchen.
"And Schemee?" Schemer called at his retreating back. Schemee turned around once more.
"I mean what I said, I think you're just about ready to be able to stay home by yourself."
Schemee gave a small smile before heading upstairs. Schemer struggled with the guilt. He hadn't told Schemee exactly, but Schemee also didn't seem to care. Perhaps he would find out later and the transition would be easier. Either way, it would be okay.
So why did he feel so conflicted?
Month 5
Stacy was at her parent's house for dinner. She planned on breaking the news, especially since her brothers that lived in town typically asked who she was seeing. Generally, the answer was "no one" and she was happy with that. They gave her flack, but she held strong. She loved her job, and managing the station was all she really wanted to do. After moving to California for a disastrous attempt at being a stage actress she got the call that the station, her station, was going to be reopened. She was always happiest in the station and loved spending time there whenever she could when her grandmother ran it. It felt like it was meant to be, and she would do most anything to keep it. Dating was distracting, and at the time she had her coworkers who became her closest friends, her nephews and their friends to entertain, and Mr. Conductor to provide guidance. Until Schemer, that is. When they started dating she was cautious, reluctant to move too quickly. But somehow he managed to brighten an already happy spot in her life. He added, but didn't take over. She could have the station, and someone who cared for her without removing that aspect from her life.
This visit, she sipped her wine as she listened to the regular banter of her family. Her father was the sheriff of the Indian Valley, so he was generally well known. Her brothers lived nearby with their wives and children but worked outside of town. Her mother was a homemaker, and was currently cooking dinner. She felt almost nervous but steeled herself for the reaction. They'd be happy, probably say things like "finally" and "it's about time" to annoy her, but would accept that she was ready to be in a relationship.
To her surprise, one of her brothers asked her about work, instead of her love life.
"The station? It's doing well," she replied, rotating the glass in her hand.
"That's good, I'm happy Dan has a place to go after school. He talks about it often," her brother Casey, Dan's father, said.
"Of course, he's always welcome to come by," she said with a smile.
"Dan mentioned Schemee got another detention," Dan's mom Emily chimed in.
"Yes, I imagine Schemer has his hands full with that boy," Casey admitted. "I like the kid, but I hope he doesn't bring Dan down with his antics."
Stacy's face fell and she hastily took a gulp of wine before anyone could say anything.
"I'm sure Schemer might not be the best influence," Stacy's other brother Peter mentioned as he joined the table.
"He tries his best, and Schemee isn't a bad kid," Stacy snapped, sounding harsher than she intended.
"Of course, sorry Stacy I forgot you worked with him," Peter said truthfully, but almost immediately broke out into a grin, "Hey, I don't suppose you'd be interested in us matchmaking you and Schemer."
Stacy flushed red and before she could say anything Casey and Emily roared with laughter.
"That'd be fantastic! What a couple."
"Stop it!" she said angrily.
Her father walked into the dining area. "Leave Stacy alone," he warned his sons and gave her a kiss on the top of her head, "She's busy with work, and doesn't need you two getting on her case."
"Right, sorry Stace," Peter apologized. Casey and Emily mumbled something as well, but she had stopped listening.
She felt horrible. She felt like if she told the truth, they would have to scramble to take back the unkind things they said. What's worse, she barely defended him even as a friend. By now, it was too late. They had already moved onto another topic. Only her father noticed her sudden silence, and watched her pensively as she avoided his gaze.
Later on, she would consult with Mr. Conductor alone in the station.
"And they made fun of him… Of the idea of us," she said as she bit her lip, feeling lost about the situation.
"Would the way people think about Schemer change the way you think about him?" he asked kindly.
"No of course not!" she answered truthfully, "He's always getting unfairly judged by people."
"Well, that's their problem then. What are your favourite parts of him?"
"He's funny, sweet. He's got big ideas, and tries hard to achieve them. He's devoted to Schemee. He seems to want to keep this going, and sometimes I get the impression he's actually in awe of this relationship. We work well together and he's one of my best friends," she said, listing off his traits, "I know we've been at odds in the past, but I just can't help but feel like I've watched someone come to life. He's grown so much as a person."
"And you're happy?" Mr. Conductor asked.
"Yes, very. Well, besides the hiding, and the negative responses we've seen before we've even told anyone," she added.
"Stacy, if you make each other happy then that's all that matters. People will either understand and be happy for you, or not. If they don't understand then I feel sorry for them," he explained with a smile.
Smiling, she said, "I know, Mr. Conductor. Thank you."
"You're very welcome."
"How are things in Sodor?" she asked curiously.
He paused before answering. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"No it's fine, I haven't received any more warnings of late for the station. But I've heard rumours from the other conductors, there's been suspected dark magic in places. Not enough to cause any harm, but just enough to concern us," he said with a small shrug.
She sat up straighter. "You don't think we're at risk do you? Here at Shining Time that is"
"We should all be safe, including the station. Still it can't hurt to be cautious."
Month 6
It was a normal day at Shining Time Station, the trains were running a bit slower because it was the first snowfall, but other than that everyone was in good spirits. It was close to Christmas time and the station had been decorated to reflect the season. There was a light snowfall and it painted the station as the picture of serenity. Billy had jokingly put up a cardboard cut out of The Grinch in Schemer's arcade; Schemer had pouted until it was removed.
That day, Schemer sauntered over to Stacy's desk.
"Ms. Jones, would you like to partake in completely friendly Christmas festivities with me tonight?" he asked casually.
Stacy chuckled. "And where would these festivities take place?" she asked, supporting her head with her elbow resting on the desk.
"Over in Snarlyville there's a great new restaurant. I thought we might try it out," he suggested.
She raised an eyebrow. "Such a romantic idea. What's the occasion?"
He smiled gently. "I know it's romantic, I really wanted to do something for you that was out in public. I mean, we don't have to be all over each other or anything. But I'm getting more used to the idea of people seeing us together. Who cares what they think, right?"
"Exactly, we're there to have a good time. If they have a problem, they should be focusing more on their own lives," she agreed.
"I've already told Schemee that I'm staying out tonight and he has free range. That will make him happy."
"So presumptuous. And where were you planning on staying?" she asked coyly.
"Ouch," he grinned wolfishly, "I'm sure you're familiar with the location. We'll have some time to kill later on."
"Not too much time, it's the Christmas rush tomorrow," she pointed out.
"Ugh, fine. So I'll pick you up at five thirty?" he asked happily.
She nodded. "Sounds good. I have to run to Barton Winslow's store right now, Billy knows already so he's watching the phones and desk. By the way, you've got a customer in your arcade," she said, leaving him with a smile.
Schemer turned quickly, there was indeed a customer. He found Paul looking over the juke box and gazing around the perimeter of the area. Schemer walked over to greet him.
Paul smiled warmly as he turned to greet him. "Hey Schemer, I was just around taking care of some business for Mr. King. How's everything going?"
"Oh it's great, good to see you again," he replied.
"Same to you," he responded in his warm and friendly way. Schemer wondered what business Paul was dealing with. He hoped it might have something to do with the position.
"I've got a date tonight," Schemer confessed, "Stacy and I have been going out for a few months now." Sharing this with Paul was easy; Paul could be trusted. Besides, if it wasn't for Paul he may not have had the courage to confess to Stacy his feelings.
"That's great! I'm glad to hear it. Will you be going to the Christmas party this weekend together?"
"Absolutely, can't wait!" Schemer acknowledged happily.
Dinner went well for Stacy and Schemer. The restaurant was beautiful. It was a busy night, but Schemer had managed to get a reservation. It was fortunately uneventful, and they enjoyed being out together as a couple without a single care. They didn't recognize anyone, neither were they recognized by anyone, but everything felt right. Neither shared that they still hadn't told the news to their respective families, and ignored any feelings of guilt. They would get there.
Meanwhile, back at the station, a strange occurrence erupted. The moonlight was obscured by a sudden cloud covering, bathing the station in darkness. Mr. Conductor was sitting reading in his clock-face apartment when he felt a sudden chill come over him. Normal darkness didn't spook him, but something about this one was suffocating. Slowly, he placed his book down, and crept to the window to observe the station.
Nothing was out of place, and the clouds broke to reveal the moonlight once more. He turned away, to reach for his magic dust, when he thought he saw a figure in the arcade. He whirled around once more, heart pounding and whistle in hand. It couldn't be Schemer, he had overheard earlier that he was taking Stacy to dinner. He squinted once more, but a sudden ominous sound resonated through the station walls. The figure disappeared in a shower of purple dust, and Mr. Conductor motioned to blow his whistle and transport to Sodor, anywhere he could call for help, when he was brought to his knees by an invisible force.
He grunted in shock, feeling the icy grip of a purple haze tightening around him like a python seeking its prey. It fogged the entire station, seemingly being absorbed into the walls and surfaces.
"Mr. Conductor. I think you'll be coming with us," a sharp voice resounded in his mind.
He collapsed and disappeared in another shower of purple dust.
"Thank you for dinner, you're such a gentleman," Stacy purred happily as he led her back to his car.
"And not to mention so handsome," he preened in response.
"Of course. It was a great date, we'll have to do it again sometime."
"I had the best company, not to mention the most beautiful." He took her hand as they pulled away to head back to her house.
She meant to set her alarm, she really did, but as they got ready for bed she found herself distracted as they said good night. After breaking apart from a fairly passionate kiss Schemer looked at her wistfully, "I wish you didn't have to be up early for the Christmas rush at the Station. I'd rather we stayed up later together."
"I know, but it's the most important day of the year," she said with a grin. "Besides, we'll be together after the Christmas party I hope?"
He nodded in agreement, "I've already let Schemee know that he has the house to himself both nights."
"And you don't mind getting up early tomorrow with me?" she asked.
"Of course not, I have a business to run!"
The digital alarm clock flashed 9:42 am as Schemer rolled over to check it. He blinked a few times in confusion before his eyes widened in understanding.
"Stacy! Wake up!" he half-shouted.
"What?" she jolted awake, panic rising in her voice, "Oh no!" she cried as she leapt over him to grasp the alarm clock.
"How did we sleep in? This is a disaster!" she cried, sounding completely distraught.
"Look, it's okay, I'll drive you over to the Station right now!" he said as he got dressed rapidly.
"How is this okay?" she exploded, "I'm almost three hours late on the busiest day of the year! Mr. King was counting on me! I'm never late!"
"I'm sure he'll understand..." Schemer trailed off.
"Understand?! Mr. King doesn't have an understanding bone in his body!" she snapped, "I knew this wasn't going to go well!"
That cut deep, but he bit his tongue so that he didn't make things worse. They drove in complete silence to the Station, he followed closely behind her as she dashed inside. Sure enough, it was a madhouse and Billy was manning the desk.
"Oh Billy, I'm so sorry -," she began to say but was cut off by a booming voice calling "Miss Jones!"
With a grimace she turned around. "Mr. King, I can explain..." she began but her plea fell on deaf ears.
"Get into Mr. Twofeather's office, now! You too Schemer!" he barked. She nodded miserably and walked in with as much dignity as she could muster. She sat down across from Billy's chair and waited for the reprimand to come. Schemer stood beside her, hardly daring to breath.
"Miss Jones, what on Earth could stop you from being here on time?" he demanded, and smacked his open palm on the desk in front of him. Mr. King wasn't usually angry, just loud, but he was absolutely furious right now.
She jumped at the sound. "I'm sorry, sir. I... Well my alarm... It didn't..." she stuttered badly with fear.
"What kind of an excuse is that?" he roared. "This is a train station and you are the manager! How can I trust my employees to run a station when they can't even control an alarm?"
Schemer frowned. "Look, mistakes happen Mr. King. You can't yell at your employees like that." He felt his own anger rising at the way Mr. King was treating her.
"And you Schemer. That's hilarious, hysterical even. You of all people should know about mistakes," Mr. King said coldly.
"Schemer stop," she demanded. She took a deep breath to steady herself, "I'm so sorry sir, it won't happen ever again."
He sighed angrily and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let me tell you about my morning. I was in the board of directors' meeting, where I received a frantic phone call. There's a problem with the schedule, I'm told. Someone in Snarlyville is saying that customers aren't arriving, neither are trains. Specifically out of Shining Time Station. I try to call the main desk phone, no one picks up. I try every other phone in this building, still nothing. I race down here, the Station is open, as Mr. Twofeathers was here on time, but he was in the train yard thinking you were here taking care of business while he took care of the engines. Meanwhile customers were milling about the station foyer, getting increasingly upset. This is not a mistake, it's a PR nightmare," he explained with a false air of calm.
Schemer and Stacy exchanged looks. His face was regretful, hers' devastated.
"Now, whatever is going on between you two, and I do know something is going on with you two, I wasn't born yesterday after all, but nonetheless I'm really struggling to justify keeping you both working in this location. My trust is sufficiently broken."
Schemer's face fell and Stacy gapped in horror.
The door swung open suddenly, all three people swivelled to face the newcomer. Paul entered the office, concern etched into every line in his face.
"Mr. King, I came as soon as I heard," he was slightly breathless. He turned to face Schemer and Stacy. "Are you alright?" he asked gently, taking in Stacy's grief stricken face. She nodded weakly. Schemer felt relieved. Dealing with Paul would be better; he was much kinder than Mr. King.
"Mr. Miller. What brings you here?" Mr. King asked, confused.
"I figured I should be here. As a stakeholder it's imperative that I get involved in every aspect of the railroad," he explained, "Also, Schemer and Stacy are my friends."
"Friendship has no place in business," Mr. King said gruffly.
"With all due respect sir, it has a large role," Paul countered. He turned to look back at Stacy and Schemer. "What happened to cause this?" he asked, not unkindly.
"My alarm didn't go off. I… I don't know how it happened. It never happens to me," Stacy explained weakly.
"Everything will be alright. It can happen to anyone, the timing is unfortunate," Paul nodded understandingly.
Schemer felt a rush of respect for Paul. It was easy to get angry, and yell and scream, but much more difficult to be calm and collected when things went wrong. He was learning a lot from this interaction.
"Mr. Miller, I still think some level of discipline is in order," Mr. King spoke up again.
"What did you have in mind?" Paul asked coolly.
"Working together seems to be out of the question. Best case scenario they continue to be a distraction to each other, worst case scenario things go south and the atmosphere dramatically changes," Mr. King explained.
"Mr. King, it is not a crime to be in a relationship. Again, with all due respect, I think if you enforce any of what you're suggesting you will have a HR issue on your hands as well," Paul offered, looking on in horror of Mr. King's ideas.
Mr. King didn't look pleased with the insubordination, but Paul looked on with a steely look of rebellion. Schemer looked on in awe while Stacy looked horrified. No one spoke back to Mr. King, but technically Paul was equal to if not higher than Mr. King with his position.
"Fine," Mr. King finally said, sounding annoyed at his defeat, "What do you suggest? Keep in mind I have every right to terminate either of their positions in this railway."
Paul looked at the two of them sadly. "Do either of you have any suggestions?"
Schemer looked at Stacy briefly but turned back to Paul quickly. "If I come up with a punishment for myself that you deem appropriate enough, can we agree that Stacy gets off the hook and keeps her job at Shining Time Station?" Schemer asked, nervously gripping the bottom of his suit jacket.
"What's the punishment you have in mind, exactly?" Mr. King asked curiously.
Schemer looked down at the floor and up again. He knew what punishment would be acceptable. "I'll hand in my lease, all deposits can be kept and cashed, and my machines will be moved out of the station by the end of the week," he said with his voice slightly wavering.
Stacy felt her heart sink and her mouth dropped in shock as she looked at him. "Schemer... You can't be serious..." she said in a hushed voice.
He didn't meet her gaze. "I am. What do you say Mr. King?" he asked, seriously.
Mr. King regarded his offer for a moment. The room's other three occupants looked on in anticipation. He looked at Paul, who said nothing, and nodded at Schemer.
"Fine, I accept," he looked at Stacy, "Ms. Jones. Never let this happen again." He strode out of the room without another word.
That left Paul, Stacy and Schemer to the awkward silence that Mr. King had left in his wake. Finally Paul cleared his throat. "Look Schemer, I have a position that has just opened up. It's just an administrative and customer service position, kind of like Stacy's job but with less responsibilities for trains and schedules. I want you to take it," he said to Schemer.
Schemer nodded. "Where is it?" he asked mournfully.
"It's in Dillylick, unfortunately it is a good four hours from Shining Time Station."
Schemer paused momentarily. "I'll take it," he said, with a sad smile. "I... appreciate it Paul. Thank you." He got up to leave, feeling like he was walking through a mental fog.
Paul and Stacy exited behind him, but Schemer continued to walk past Billy and the crowds and got in his car without saying a word to anyone.
Schemee woke up that morning. He had kept his word, he stayed home alone without any problems. Recognizing that his Uncle was clearly more caught up in his new relationship than he was on keeping tabs on his nephew, he concocted a plan. The staff Christmas party was in two days, and he was going to be home alone again. Grabbing the phone he dialled a familiar number.
"Hey Kara? It's Schemee! We're still on for a get together at my house. Spread the word, it's in two days."