A/N: Thanks to Scrubb1910, who gave me the idea for this little arc. Hope they, and all of you, enjoy it!

Disclaimer: Still don't own Thomas and Friends.

Chapter 145: Molly to the Rescue

Based off of Molly's Special Special

Molly had come to love her life on Sodor. Although she could still be quite shy, she was more outspoken and had soon made friends with everyone on

The Skarloey and Arlesdale Railways, and most of the crew on the North Western Railway. James and her had especially hit it off, with James helping

her learn the ropes.

For the past few weeks, Molly had been working at the Wellsworth Coal Plant, bringing empties there to be filled and put on trains across Sodor and beyond. She enjoyed it, but it could get boring.

One morning, Molly was pulling a train of coal trucks to Vicarstown when she was diverted onto a siding. A very familiar whistle told her why.

"That'd be Gordon with the express."

The thunderous pounding of pistons proved her correct as Gordon's engine sped through the siding. Molly cheerfully whistled a greeting, but Gordon paid no mind. Although

he no longer made remarks to her face, he was still dismissive of Molly's capabilities.

That night, he spoke his mind to the charging of his colleagues.

"You know, Molly, I feel sorry for you. It must be dreadful dealing with such a boring job like that."

"Oh, I don't mind Gordon. What's most important is being really useful."

"Still though, I cant imagine how envious you must have felt when I flew by you earlier. You see, the Express is a high priority train, and cant stop for anything. I never have to be shunted off into a siding like that, the line is cleared for me. But you will never enjoy that kind of privilege."

"But I wasn't-"

But Gordon grew bored of the conversation at hand, and went off to sleep. James and Emily rolled their eyes.

"Typical Gordon, boasting about himself to no end. Has he always been like this, James?"

"Some days are better than others, Emily. He has a good heart, but most of the time its overshadowed by his ego."

He then turned to Molly.

"You shouldn't let anything he says get to you, Molly. He's a pain in the neck, but he's all talk."

"Thank you, James. But to tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind a little bit of excitement every now and then."

"Be careful what you wish for. You may just get it."

A week went by without further fuss. One day, James, Molly, and Emily were refilling their engine's tenders when the manager came running up.

"The Hospital at Crovan's Gate has run out of coal for their furnace! If they don't get more soon, a lot of patients will be at risk due to the cold. Fetch the train from siding 4 at once."

"Well Molly, you wanted some excitement. I guess now's your chance."

"Good luck, and be safe."

"I will, Emily. Thanks."

Without a second to spare, Molly opened the throttle and rushed off to find the train. Coupling the train as fast as she could, she flew out of the yard like a rocket.

Meanwhile, Gordon was racing down the line with the express, stroking the fire as needed.

"Ah, this is the life. A fine train for a fine engine like this one, and a fine engine for a fine man like myself."

Just then, the signal ahead turned red. Gordon, acted quickly, reduced speed as they came to a stop in the siding.

"What's going on? This is the express, its not meant to stop here!"

The signalman rushed out.

"Sorry, Gordon, but a special train needs to run get through urgently. Every signal from here to Crovan's Gate has been told to clear the line at once."

"What could possibly be so important that I need to be delayed?"

Just then, Molly rumbled into view with her train, whistling to a shocked Gordon as she passed.

"Hi Gordon, Bye Gordon!"

The train soon disappeared round a corner, leaving Gordon spluttering in confusion.

"B-bu-bu-bu-WHAT?!"

At long last Molly reached the hospital. Urgently, the workmen hurried to the furnace with the load of coal. Before long, the furnace was up and running once more.

The head doctor came out to thank Molly personally.

"Thank you so much for the coal. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't arrived. You are a really useful engine driver."

Molly just beamed. That night, she told her story to everyone at the common house.

"Wow, Molly, you were brave."

"Thanks, James, but I like to think anyone would have done it. What do you think, Gordon?"

Gordon, who was still in shock from earlier, wisely said nothing at all.