A/N This is a Toby and James story.

Hey, it's me, Toby. Today, I shall tell about a time I had trouble.

The Island of Sodor had many visitors, and Sir Topham Hatt had scheduled more trains. Gordon the Big Engine had to work harder than ever before.

"Come on," he called to his coaches. "Come on, come on, come on. The passengers rely on me to be on time."

Whenever Gordon finished one journey, it was time for another to begin.

"Never mind," he puffed. "I like a good long run to stretch my wheels.".

Even so, Sir Topham Hatt decided that Gordon needed a rest.

"James shall do your work." This is what led to what happened when I had my trouble.

James was delighted. He liked to show off his smart red paint and was determined to be as fast as Gordon.

"You know, little Toby," he boasted. "I'm an important engine. Everyone knows it. I'm as regular as clockwork. Never late, always on time. ".

"Says you," I replied.

Just then, Sir Topham Hatt arrived.

"Your parts are worn, Toby, so you must go to the Works to be mended."

"Can I take Henrietta, sir?" I've always loved her, so I wished she could go with me.

"No. What would the passengers do without her?"

I saw Percy by the water tower.

"Don't worry, Toby," said Percy. "I'll take care of Henrietta until you get back.".

Soon, I was out on the main line. I clanked as I trundled along. I'm a little engine with small wheels. My tanks don't hold much water. I had come a long way and I began to feel thirsty. In the distance, there was a signal. That's where my trouble happened, that station ahead.

Good, I thought. There's a station ahead. I can have a nice drink and a rest until James has passed.

Driver thought so, too. I was enjoying my drink when the signalman came up. He had never seen me before. Driver tried to explain but the new signalman wouldn't listen.

"We must clear the line for James with the Express. You'll have to get more water at the next station.". I was quite sure I'd have a tough time getting there, but the signalman didn't know me. So, I had to try.

I clanked sadly away. Hurrying used a lot of water and my tanks were soon empty. I was out of steam and stranded on the main line.

"We must warn James," said my fireman. Then, he saw Percy and Henrietta. "Please take me back to the station. It's an emergency."

Henrietta hated leaving me. She loved me, as I loved her, even then.

"Never mind," said Percy. "You're taking the fireman to warn James. That's a big help."

Henrietta felt much better. James was fuming when he heard the news.

"I'm going to be late."

"My fault," said the signalman. "I didn't understand about Toby."

"Now, James," said his driver. "You'll have to push Toby."

"What me?! Me?! Push Toby and pull my train, too?!"

Grumbling dreadfully, James set off to find me. He came up behind me and gave me a bump.

"Get on you!"

James had to work hard. When he reached the Works station, he felt exhausted. Some children were on the platform.

"Cool," said one. "The express is late and it's got two engines. I think James couldn't pull it on his own, so Toby had to help him."

"Never mind, James," I whispered. "They're only joking."

"Ha! Ha!" said James. I just smiled. I thought when that kid said what he did, he was picking on James.

A/N I'm not British, they are. Respect my Thomasverse, if you choose to review.