Chapter 126: Mike's Christmas Surprise

Bert and Rex were excited. Christmas was around the corner, and they couldn't wait to spend their first Christmas on Sodor. Mike, however was not as ecstatic.

"All Christmas means is more work. More trains, more passengers, and more headaches. A whole load of Humbug, if you ask me."

"Funny, I don't recall asking you."

"Don't mind him, Rex. Some people just have trouble getting into the Christmas spirit."

Bert and Rex decided it was best to ignore Mike, and so they did. As December crawled by, Mike's attitude got worse and worse. He would complain about anything he could think

of. He would complain that the weather was too cold, he would complain that the carolers were too loud, he even complained that the school's Christmas lights were too bright!

"Merry Christmas, Mike!"

"Bah Humbug, Willie!"

"Was it something I said?"

At last, December 24th rolled around. Mike was looking forward to sleeping in, but The Small Controller had other plans.

"I've arranged for a special train tonight at 10. Mike, you are too pull it."

Mike was not happy.

"Why me?"

"Because I want to keep a Christmas theme going, and Rex is visiting family in Knapford. Please, just do it."

So Mike did, but very begrudgingly.

Mike grumbled as he reached the platform. A smartly dressed man was helping his pregnant wife into one of the coaches.

"Oh, I can't wait for the baby to come."

"The doctor said it would be any day now, dear."

At 10 o'clock sharp, the guard blew his whistle and Mike set off for Arlesdale. The journey went well at first, but trouble arrived as they reached The Green. A loud hissing noise

could be hear from the cab as steam burst out. The engine went slower, and slower, until crawling to a hault.

"Bother, burst the safety pipe. Could this night get any worse?"

"AAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

"I just had to ask."

In seconds the husband came rushing to the cab, frantic and sweating.

"My wife's water just broke, she's going into labor! We need to get to a hospital stat!"

"My engine's not going anywhere, and there isn't a hospital close enough."

"Well, what are we going to do?"

Mike thought for a minute before answering.

"Take me to her. One way or another, that baby will be delivered."

The two rushed to the first class coach. The wife was sprawled over a seat, sweating profusely and in agonizing pain. One of the passengers held her hand while the guard tried

waved his hankerchief to cool her down. Mike knelt down next to her.

"Alright, honey, how are you holding up?"

"In pain."

"Its alright, we'll get you through this. Now, when your next contraction hits, I need you to push, alright?"

"Alright."

The guard went to telephone for help while Mike continued to coach the woman. An hour later, and Mike was starting to make progress.

"I can see the head, just one more push!"

"I-I can't do it!"

"Its alright, honey, You're doing great. Just one more!"

"Alright. Hnnnnnngh-"

PlOP!

"WAAAAAAAAAAH!"

As the clock struck midnight, the baby fell into Mike's hands.

"Congratulations, its a boy!"

"Great job, honey!"

"I couldn't have done it without Mike's help."

Harold Soon arrived and gave the new parents a lift to the nearest hospital. Bert came shortly after and gave Mike and his passengers a ride home.

Later that day, Mike arrived at Mr. Fergus Duncan's office.

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Ah, Mike, good to see you. There are some people who wish to see you."

Before Mike could ponder who, the happy couple from the night before stepped out, cradling their newbord son.

"We wanted to say thank you. If it wasn't for your diligence, I don't know what would've happened."

"We decided to name him Mike as thanks. Would you like to hold him?"

Mike hesitated, but relented. As he held the newborn in his hands, he felt a warm wave wash over him as the baby smiled at him and cooed.

Later that night, Mike returned to the house to find Bert and Rex waiting for him.

"I heard you had quite the adventure last night, Mike."

"Now I almost feel bad that I missed it."

"Oh stow it, Rex. But you know what, Bert?"

"What?"

"I think I might have found my Christmas spirit."

With that the three friends laughed, and toasted their eggnog to a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed the Christmas chapter. We accomplished a lot this year (Yes, I know New Year's is a week away, but I doubt I'll be able to upload a chapter next

week). We reached 100 chapters, 90,000 views, and over 100 reviews of this story. I want to thank each and every one of you who read this, whether you've been reading

since day 1 or have just started. You guys keep me going with your love and support and give me the confidence to try new things. You guys are amazing and I love each and

every one of you. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanakuah, Happy Kwanza, or whatever it is that you celebrate. See you later.