Percy had a hard time waking up the next morning. His fire struggled to start properly, and he couldn't get the sleep out of his eyes no matter how much he yawned or tried to blink it out. Thomas grew concerned as he watched the fireman attempt to grow the little fire in the firebox and get steam building. "Percy? Are you feeling alright?"
"Yes, Thomas. Just a little sleepy this morning." He let out another yawn. "I'm sure some nice, cool water from the tower will wake me up."
Out of nowhere, a loud peeeeeeeep filled the sheds, making Percy's eyes pop wide awake along with all the other engines. They looked over to see James laughing to himself. "That ought to wake you up, Percy!"
"Ugh, James..!" Percy just groaned and rolled his eyes. He couldn't deny its effectiveness though. His shed doors opened for who he assumed would be Mr. Roberts, but Percy was surprised to see a replacement driver standing before him. The green engine was confused. "Excuse me, sir. Where's Mr. Roberts?"
"Well, Percy, I have some news to share with you." The man smiled up at him. "You see, Mr. Roberts is going to court."
The sheds filled with shocked gasps. "Court?!" Thomas exclaimed. "You mean he's in trouble with the law?!"
The man gave a hearty chuckle. "No, no, Thomas! Not at all."
The engines were relieved, especially Percy, but that left them with the obvious question. "Well then, what is he going to court for?" Percy asked.
"Mr. Roberts is going to court to see if he can adopt that little baby girl you found, Percy!" The driver grinned.
Everyone's eyes widened in amazement, elated grins on their faces. "Adopt? As in… adoption?" Percy's smile grew bigger as he remembered what Mr. Roberts told him before he was dropped off for the night. "You mean… he wants to make her part of his family?"
"That's right!" The man nodded. Finally, Percy's fireman was able to get his fire going. Percy beamed enthusiastically. "Oh, sir! This is wonderful news! I know Mr. Roberts will make the best father Sodor has ever seen!"
"Let's hope so, Percy," the substitute driver climbed into his cab. "However, news about her has spread very quickly. I heard that another family is already interested in adopting her as well."
"Another family?" Percy was suddenly overcome with worry. "So… Mr. Roberts might not get to adopt her?"
"We'll just have to wait until after the court hearing to see," His driver said before the little blue car arrived with the Fat Controller who was ready to give the jobs for the day.
A wooden gavel sounded through the room as the courtroom suddenly went quiet for the judge. Mr. Roberts stood up from behind a desk and adjusted his tie and suit jacket, glancing over at his attorney who looked back and gave a supportive nod and smile.
On the opposite side of the room behind another desk stood a man and his lawyer. The man wore a fancy blue suit and sported several rings on his hands. His lawyer went through a file laid out neatly in front of him.
"Court is now in session!" The judge announced, looking down at his papers. "We are gathered today to discuss the adoption rights of this infant girl here," he said, motioning to a policeman holding the girl in his arms. "At the end of the day, the jury will decide whether she shall go home with either Mr. Jacob Roberts or Dr. Andrew Dockter along with his wife and daughter. I will now call over Mr. Andrew Dockter to the stand."
The sharply-dressed man casually walked over to the witness stand in the middle of the courtroom. "Please state your name and occupation for the record," the judge said.
"Dr. Andrew Dockter," the man who looked a bit younger than Mr. Roberts smiled, "I'm a physician at Knapford Family Clinic."
"Ah, so you're Dr. Dockter then? What a fitting job for you," the judge replied as the court attendees chuckled softly.
"Oh trust me, you aren't the first to notice, Your Honor!" Dockter laughed.
"It should also be noted that Dr. Dockter's wife Eleanor Dockter was going to be present today but woke up ill and went to the clinic," Dockter's lawyer Mr. Fletcher said.
The judge nodded. "Noted," He looked over at Mr. Roberts's lawyer. "You may begin your questioning, Mr. Reynolds."
Reynolds stood up and adjusted his glasses on his face. "Dr. Dockter, what exactly made you and your wife decide you want to adopt this young girl here?" He motioned over to a nurse from the hospital who was holding her. "It was only announced yesterday that she was being put up for adoption."
"Well, Mr. Reynolds, my wife and I have a daughter of our own. When we heard the news of this orphaned girl, we thought of how horrible it would be if our own child were in its place." He shook his head sadly. "All alone without a loving family to care for her… we were immediately filled with sympathy and decided that we would be the perfect family to bring up the dear girl as if she were our own."
"And what makes you say that you would be the perfect family for this child?" Reynolds asked.
"As a doctor, I earn an excellent income that will allow me to support the child along with the rest of my family. We also have a wonderful home in the countryside with plenty of space to play both indoors and out." His lawyer presented some photos of Dockter's home exterior and interior. It was clear that he definitely had more than enough money to raise a family.
"Yes, this truly is a lovely home, Mr. Dockter. I'm sure a child could live happily here," The judge nodded.
"And I can assure you, Your Honor, that my caring wife and kind-hearted daughter will be the perfect mother and big sister respectively. She'll fit right in!" Dockter grinned.
"Thank you, Mr. Dockter. You may be seated." The judge said. Dockter sat back down behind his desk, looking satisfied with his questioning yet kept a humble appearance. The judge spoke up again. "The court now calls Mr. Jacob Roberts to the stand."
Roberts got up and went over to the stand, trying to keep his nerves under control. Just then, he saw the baby in the nurse's arms smile and reach out for him. This resulted in some 'daww's' and giggles from the audience. Mr. Roberts suddenly felt the tension leave him. The judge continued, "Please state your name and occupation for the record."
"Yes, Your Honor," Roberts took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "My name is Jacob Roberts. I'm an engineer for the North Western Railway."
"As our records entail, you were one of the people who found the girl. Is that correct, Mr. Roberts?" The judge asked.
Roberts nodded. "That's right, Your Honor. I was on a mail run along with my engine Percy and the fireman. We were passing through a section of woods when we heard what sounded like a baby crying. That's when we found that girl there in a wooden crate in the bushes. We got her out of those woods as fast as we could and brought her to a police station."
"Truly a miracle you arrived when you did, Mr. Roberts," his lawyer said. "Who knows what could've happened if she were left out any longer. You are this child's hero."
"The medical reports do show that the child arrived unharmed once the police delivered her to the hospital. So yes, good on you, Mr. Roberts." The judge nodded once more, earning a quick round of applause from the attendees.
"The question is, however, whether or not Mr. Roberts is suited to raise a child," Fletcher said. "According to the court record, Roberts here is a single man with no children."
There were murmurs from the crowd. The judge banged his gavel. "Order! Is this true, Mr. Roberts?"
"W-Well… y-yes, Your Honor. He is correct," Roberts said sheepishly.
The court started whispering again and the judge hit his gavel once more. Fletcher stood up. "A man with no experience in parenting? And no wife to be the mother every good girl needs in their lives? How can the court with good conscience possibly allow this man to take home this poor child?"
"Objection!" Reynolds stood up as well. "There is no Sodor law that dictates that a man must be married or have prior childcare experience in order to adopt."
"Objection!" Fletcher cried back. "This isn't a matter of law, Mr. Reynolds. This is a matter of whether Mr. Dockter or Mr. Roberts is better suited to care for the child. And from Dockter's statement earlier, it's clear to see that my client has the upper hand!"
"That does seem to be the case," the judge agreed. "Objection overruled. Mr. Roberts's side will have to prove to the jury that they have either equal or greater capability of caring for the child."
"We'll do just that, Your Honor," Reynolds said. "While he may not receive as high an income as Dr. Dockter, Mr. Roberts does make enough annually to support himself as well as enough for one more. He also notified me of spare baby clothing and supplies his mother had kept from when he was a child."
Reynolds presented photos of Roberts's cozy little house along with an inventory of baby supplies. "I see," said the judge. "It seems Mr. Roberts also has potential to support the child financially."
"One moment," Fletcher said, walking forward. "Mr. Roberts, you are an engineer, correct?"
"Correct," Roberts replied.
"Exactly who did you plan on caring for the child while you were away at work? Surely you didn't plan on leaving her alone, did you?"
"O-Of course not, sir!" Roberts stuttered. How could he have not thought of that?!
Reynolds seemed to pick up on this as Fletcher continued, "Then what exactly did you have in mind for childcare, Mr. Roberts? Any relatives?"
Roberts's eyes widened in worry. "W-Well, um-"
"Objection!" Reynolds shouted. "There are plenty of childcare services available for hire. Mr, Roberts should have no problem finding someone to help him."
"Objection!" Fletcher shouted back. "That isn't what I asked. I asked Roberts if he had any relatives available to assist him. That is until you ever so rudely interrupted him."
"Continue, Mr. Roberts," the judge said.
Roberts went silent before sighing. "…No. No, I don't."
The court attendees started chattering again before the judge once more banged his gavel. "Order! I will have order!"
"Childcare can cost a pretty penny, Mr. Roberts," Fletcher said. "I'm worried that if you need it on a daily basis, your budget for other necessities the child needs will be severely impacted."
"He could have friends who would be willing to help," Reynolds argued. "Does anyone come to mind, Mr. Roberts?"
Roberts thought for a moment. "...Yes! Yes I do in fact. I have a good friend who's married with children. I could ask him."
"And if he declines?" Fletcher asked.
"I have others who I can ask as well," Roberts replied. "Working on a railway gives you quite a few connections."
"Alright then. Any last statements before I hand it over to the jury?" The judge asked.
"I would just like to say that getting to raise this child would fill a hole in my heart I didn't realize I had until I found her," Roberts said, earning smiles from the court audience. "Even my little engine Percy has taken a liking to her. And I think she may have a connection to us too." He looked over to the baby and smiled. The baby smiled back.
"I will now call for a fifteen minute recess. When we return, the jury will have decided who will have the parental rights to the infant. Court dismissed!"
The gavel sounded once again and Roberts headed out to the lobby with his heart racing in his chest. His lawyer stepped up beside him. "You did well out there, Mr. Roberts."
"Th-Thank you, sir," Roberts nodded, composing himself, "you did as well."
Just then, Mr. Dockter came over with a big grin on his face. "Ah, Mr. Roberts! I was hoping I would have a moment to meet you." He held out his hand for a shake which Roberts politely returned. "I just wanted to let you know that however this turns out, I hope we can still be friends. I wouldn't want such a trivial matter to come between two good men such as us, yes?"
"I-I suppose so, yes," Roberts replied, although he was unsure if he actually believed his own words.
"Splendid! Then I wish you a good day, Mr. Roberts. I'll meet you back in the courtroom!" With that, he went to meet back up with his own lawyer.
At that moment, Roberts heard the familiar peep peep of an engine's whistle outside. Recognizing it right away, he stepped outside to see Percy smiling excitedly on the tracks nearby. "Hello, sir! Any news on the adoption yet?"
"Hello, Percy," Mr. Roberts put on his most hopeful smile. "The jury is currently deciding which of us will be able to take her home. We'll find out in a few minutes."
"I just know you'll get to be her father, sir! You're the perfect one for her!" Percy beamed, warming Mr. Roberts's heart.
"Thank you, Percy. I hope so too."
"Please return to the courtroom," The bailiff called out.
Mr. Roberts looked back at Percy. "Wish me luck!"
"I will, sir!" Percy grinned while his crew gave their support as well.
Roberts stood back behind the desk along with his attorney, Mr. Dockter and his attorney doing the same. Once everyone had settled, the judge hit his gavel. "The recess has ended, and the jury has reached their verdict. May the jury representative please stand and announce their decision."
Mr. Roberts tried to gulp down the lump in his throat and calm his thumping heart. He took a deep breath as a woman stood up from the jury. She cleared her throat. "We the jury see that Mr. and Mrs. Dockter should be given full parental rights to the child."
The judge nodded. "I agree with this decision. By the power vested in me, I hereby give all parental rights and custody of this child to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Dockter. Congratulations to the happy family. That is it for today. Court dismissed!"
The final sound of the gavel being hit rang louder in Roberts's ears than any of the ones previous. The clapping of the court attendees were completely muted by the judge's words still fresh in his mind. The world seemed to fade away as Roberts tried to process just what he heard. No matter how many times he replayed it, his heart didn't want to accept the truth. Mr. Roberts had lost.
A hand on his shoulder got his attention. "I'm truly sorry, Mr. Roberts. I wish you the best luck in the future," Mr. Reynolds said before walking out of the courtroom along with the dispersing crowd.
Dr. Dockter was about to walk over to give his condolences before he was interrupted by the bailiff. "Your wife is on the phone from the clinic, Mr. Dockter! She says it's urgent."
"On my way!" Dockter replied back before he was stopped briefly by Mr. Roberts.
"I-I don't mean to keep you, Dr. Dockter," Mr. Roberts said, his eyes drifting to the floor. "I just… would it be a problem if I had just one more moment with the baby before she goes with you?"
Dockter smiled and nodded. "Of course, sir! Take as much time as you need." He headed out to talk to his wife as Mr. Roberts went over to the baby and took her from the nurse. He stared into her eyes, feeling tears build up in his own. The child gazed up back at him with that same innocent face she had since he found her a week ago. Roberts planted a kiss on her forehead.
"B-Be good for Mr. Dockter, little one. I'm sure he'll take good care of you. P-Perhaps he'll let me visit you once in a while. See that you grow up to be a fine young lady." He sniffled quietly, trying to keep himself composed as he hugged her close, relishing this last moment he'd have with this girl. Fighting the pain in his heart, Roberts handed the baby back to the nurse and solemnly walked out of the court house to give the news to his little engine and the crew.
When Percy saw Mr. Roberts, he let out an eager whistle. "Mr. Roberts, sir! Please tell me the great news!"
The expression that looked back up at him unfortunately did not show even the slightest hint of good news. Percy's smile fell as the crew stepped out of the cab to meet with Roberts. "Jacob..?" Jonathan spoke quietly. "Where's the baby?"
Roberts looked away, trying to hide the tears cascading down his cheeks. "I… I don't have her."
The crewmen and Percy gasped softly. Jonathan held onto Roberts's hand as the man finally gave in and let his tears fall freely. Percy felt a tightness grow in his boiler as he watched the scene, the realization of the situation hitting him like a ton of trucks. He was no stranger to sadness, but the emotions building inside him were stronger than usual. It was a feeling he'd only experienced a couple times before, like it wanted to burst out of him like a big wheesh of steam. He wasn't sure why this happened, but it did sometimes, and he felt it start as his eyes started to burn slightly, his vision growing blurry before a couple drops of water fell onto his running plate.
Mr. Roberts wiped his tears on his sleeve. "She'll be going to a great home. The man who adopted her is very kind. I'm sure he and his family will care for her better than I ever could." He let out a sigh and stepped into Percy's cab. "Thank you for managing Percy for me. I can take it from here."
The replacement driver nodded and got out to make room for Roberts. Percy had just started moving again when a voice started shouting for the engine to stop. "Mr. Roberts! Please, sir, stop! Don't leave!"
Percy screeched to a halt as Mr. Roberts saw Dr. Dockter rushing toward him in a frenzy with the baby in his hold. He stopped at the platform and took a moment to catch his breath. "M-My wife… called from the clinic.. she's… she's pregnant!"
Mr. Roberts froze in place as he saw Dr. Dockter hold the baby out to him. "I-I told the judge what happened. I thought that it was only fair that I let you have the girl since we now have another bundle of joy on the way, and he gave you full custody of her!"
Mr. Roberts's heart skipped a beat. The other driver, Jonathan, and Percy watched in stunned silence. Roberts carefully stepped out and over to Dr. Dockter. "Y-You mean… sh-she's... my..?"
"Congratulations on your new daughter, Mr. Jacob Roberts!" Dockter carefully handed the baby over to Roberts. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a wife to attend to!"
Dockter giddily rushed off while Roberts was left staring flabbergasted down at the infant in his arms while his mind struggled to process what just happened. "M-My… daughter..?"
His shocked silence was broken by a series of joyful whistles coming from beside him. "Oh, I knew it, sir! I just knew you were going to be her father! What a wonderful day!" Percy beamed as he peeped his celebratory song. The crewmen joined in with him. "Hoorah! Hoorah!"
Roberts's emotions took over once again as more tears poured from him, although this time they were tears of pure joy! He hugged his new daughter close and kissed the top of her head. He then held the baby out in front of him proudly. She smiled happily back at him and let out the first little laugh Mr. Roberts had heard from her. He laughed along with her and cradled her lovingly before noticing her eyes wandering toward the green tank engine next to them.
Roberts followed her gaze and smiled sweetly at Percy. He carefully stepped from the platform onto his running plate. Percy gasped in surprise. "S-Sir? What are you doing?"
"I thought you'd like to properly meet my new daughter, Percy," Roberts grinned.
His coupling rods shook with a mixture of enthusiasm and anxiousness. "R-Really, sir? But… aren't I too dangerous?"
"Dangerous?" Roberts glanced quickly over Percy. "Well, you may be a really big engine compared to this tiny little baby, but I know that you can be a very careful engine too. You know how to be gentle with her, don't you?" He held the newly adopted infant close to Percy's face.
Percy stared at the baby girl in his driver's hold. He couldn't gather much detail about her when she was several feet away from him, but now she was right under his nose. Percy could see her little head of hair which was a lovely blend of brown and blonde, her brilliant grey-blue eyes, and the adorable little nose right underneath. He grinned from buffer to buffer as he beheld the tiny person in front of him, the wonderful warmth returning once again inside him. "She's beautiful, sir… Does she have a name?"
"I've been thinking about that for a while now," Roberts replied, glancing down at her, "and I think I've made up my mind. I want to name her after another very important woman in my life. What do you think of Audrey?"
"Audrey… I love it, sir," Percy smiled, not taking his eyes off her for a moment. Audrey was just as fixated on him as well. Her arms untucked themselves from her sparkly purple blanket and reached toward Percy's face again. This time, however, they were finally able to touch it. Percy stayed completely still as Audrey felt his cheek with her little hands. Just then, she pressed her face against his. Percy's firebox fluttered as a happiness he never knew filled him from footplate to funnel. Audrey let out a happy coo and cuddled against him with a yawn, quickly lulled to sleep from the soothing warmth.
Mr. Roberts's heart melted. "I think she likes you, Percy," he said as he gazed up at the engine. As soon as he saw Percy's eyes, a brief memory flashed before Mr. Roberts. The way Percy gazed at his new daughter… those eyes… the same eyes his mother had when she looked at him as a boy. Eyes that expressed the purest affection and care.
Something clicked that moment for Percy. All the strange feelings and emotions that he'd been trying to figure out for the last week suddenly made perfect sense. His eyes closed gently, perfectly content with simply staying there and letting Audrey cuddle against his cheek. He had seen people hug each other before, but it wasn't until this very moment that he understood why they did it in the first place. His heartwarming smile said it all, but he spoke anyway.
"I love you, Audrey…"
Author's Note: I just wanted to make it clear that I know nothing about adoption cases in court! I hope you were able to suspend your disbelief for the sake of the story. The Island of Sodor has its own laws and proceedings, so it's different from others in some regards. I was inspired by The Flintstones episode "Little Bamm-Bamm" for the twist at the end.
And one more thing: the name Audrey. I came up with it, felt it perfect for the character, but I was like, Man, that name sounds familiar. Why is that? Oh yeah! Because it's the name of the creator of this whole franchise!! Well, I fell in love with the name too much to change it, so I made sure the spelling wasn't similar to the Rev. W. Awdry. So no, Audrey has no affiliation with him whatsoever.