A/N: Hello, everybody! I hope you all had a happy new year! Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Still don't own this franchise.

Chapter 127: Elizabeth

Thomas drove his engine cheerfully through the countryside. He was taking an important load to Brendam Docks, where it was to be put on a ship

headed for the mainland at sundown. If he didn't get there on time, the ship would leave without it and Sir Topham Hatt would be cross.

"Must be quick, must be quick," he muttered to himself, "No confusion, no delay."

But the train was heavy, and Thomas was pushing his engine to its limits. With a loud snap, the coupling rods broke off, and the train crawled to a stop.

"Oh bother! I'll never get there on time now."

Thomas saw a small cottage beside the line.

"Maybe there will be a phone in there and I can call for help. Looks haunted, though."

Apprehensively, Thomas approached the front door and knocked. No answer. He tried again, still no response. He was about to do it once more when...

"Can I help you?"

Thomas jumped up in fright.

"AH! I'm sorry for trespassing, I promise to leave, please don't eat me!"

"What on Earth are you blabbering on about? I wouldn't eat you. You look like you'd taste disgusting, anyway."

Thomas turned around to see an older woman standing behind him, looking very cross.

"I could hear the commotion from my garden. You stupid railway men, always making noise and ruining my peace and quiet."

Thomas was insulted, but kept his cool.

"My engine has broken its coupling rods and my train is stranded. If I don't get this train to the docks by sundown, we'll miss the boat. Do you

have a phone I could use to call for help."

"Trust me, no one will come. Perhaps you haven't noticed, but we're in the middle of nowhere. But I do have another way to help you. Follow me."

She led Thomas to a small shed. There, sitting inside, was a rusty old Steam Lorry.

Thomas was indignant.

"What a piece of junk!"

Elizabeth whacked Thomas on the head.

"I'll have you know that my driver used this to deliver goods all over this island when you were still in diapers. Besides, its not like you have much

of a choice. You said it yourself, you have a deadline to meet."

Thomas knew Elizabeth was right. He got some coal from the cab and helped Elizabeth build up a fire. Before long, the lorry was all set to go. Elizabeth climbed in.

"I'll be back shortly. Don't touch anything!"

Thomas watched dubiously as she drove off. Elizabeth made good timing, but soon came to a large hill. The lorry spluttered and struggled the whole way up. Elizabeth began to worry.

"Father always did mention she had trouble on hills. I hope she'll make it over alright."

And it did. Before Thomas knew it, Elizabeth drove her lorry back to the cottage, weary but triumphant. Before long, Thomas had the coupling rods set and ready to go.

"Thank you for your help."

"You're quite welcome, but next time don't be so careless."

Thomas thought she was the rudest woman he had ever met, but was so happy to have his engine fixed that he wisely ignored her and set off for the docks. He soon arrived 30 minutes before the ship was due to head out. Sir Topham Hatt as there, looking most pleased.

"Well done, Thomas. Right on time and really reliable."

"Thank you, sir. But I couldn't have done it without..."

Just then, they heard a loud honk as Elizabeth drove her car into the docks. Elizabeth stepped out and eyed Sir Topham Hatt.

"Oh, its you. Have you learned to drive properly yet?"

Thomas grinned.

"She's going to get it now," he whispered to himself. But Sir Topham Hatt looked pleased.

"Elizabeth, my first love! I haven't seen you since College."

Thomas spluttered in fury.

"Oh, I've been keeping to myself. Father gave me his truck when he passed, but I never have been quite able to restore her fully."

"Well, we're about to change that.

Sir Topham Hatt sent her lorry to the Steamworks, instructing Victor and Kevin to give it a full restoration.

"Not to worry, Sir. We'll have her ready in no time."

CRASH!

"Kevin!"

"Sorry, boss. It was a slip of the hook!"

Victor sighed sadly.

"Well, maybe some time."

Within a month, Elizabeth drove her lorry out of the Steamworks, brand new and ready for work. Sir Topham Hatt and Thomas were there as well.

"Your father's Lorry looks like it just got off the assembly line."

"I Know! Oh, if only he could see it now."

And even Thomas had to agree, it did look splendid.

Elizabeth now does odd jobs around the island. She and Thomas are now good friends, although Thomas does wish she would keep some of her opinions to herself.