Chapter 294: Jack's Snow Rescue

During the winter months, less construction work is needed to be done on the Island of Sodor. As such, Miss Jenny often lends her employees to other businesses so they don't get restless.

One winter morning, a week before Christmas, Miss Jenny came to see Jack.

"The village of Ulfstead needs another vehicle to keep the streets clear of snow. They're expecting a big snowfall, and they don't have enough machines to handle the job. I've agreed to loan you to them."

Jack was excited, he had never been to Ulfstead before. When he arrived at the town, he was greeted by the foreman of the clearing crew.

"We're glad you're here! This old machinery just can't quite get it."

"Happy to help, sir! Shall I get to work right away."

The foreman chuckled.

"I love the enthusiasm, but we need to get your front loader equipped with a snowplow first."

So Jack was led to the garage, where a big snowplow was fitted onto the machine in place of its bucket. When Jack saw how big it was, he quirked an eyebrow.

"That's pretty big, isn't it? Are you sure my front loader can handle it?"

"It has to be big, with how much snow we get in the mountains. Don't worry, I'm sure it'll be fine."
But it wasn't. Jack found the snowplow hard to work, and he had to constantly fight to keep his Front Loader on course. A few passing children saw his plight, and thought it hilarious.

"Ooh, look at that funny man! Have the icecapades come to Sodor?"

"No, I think he's a circus clown!"

"Either way, I think he needs to work on his act."

Poor Jack felt miserable. A while later, he was on break near the station. Thomas was there, collecting mail to go back to the main station. He could tell that his friend was unhappy.

"What's wrong, Jack?"

Jack told Thomas all about his mishaps. Thomas smiled kindly.

"I used to have troubles with my snowplow, too. It was always so uncomfortable and bumpy, but you'll get used to it in time."

"I think I'd rather not."
Thomas laughed, but before they could continue this conversation the guard blew his whistle and he had to set off, leaving Jack to try once more and control the heavy snowplow.

A few days later, Isobella was making her way to the school in the mountains with a load of coal. It was snowing heavily, and she strained to see through the thick fog.

"Oh dear, I hope I can make it in time."

Luckily, she managed to reach the school without issue. The headmistress was outside waiting for her.

"Bless you, Isobella! The furnace ran out, and without this delivery the Christmas party would be canceled."

"Happy to help, ma'am! I'd best get going, though, before the snow gets much worse."

Isobella began to back out, but her lorry's tires spun helplessly against the icy roads. Even the snow chains couldn't provide much help.

"Bother, I'm stuck!"

"It's not just you. I just checked, and the road back down to the village is blocked!"

"You mean no one can get in or out?"

"I'm afraid so. Come in and warm up, I'll call for help."

Back down in the village, Jack was just getting ready to head to the inn he was staying at when the foreman came running up.

"The village school is snowed in, and all of the people there for the Christmas party are trapped! I need you to go and rescue them quickly!"

But Jack wasn't sure.

"Are you sure you can't send someone else?"

"Jack, there is no one else! Your loader is the only machine strong enough for the job."

Jack was still nervous, but knowing he was the only hope he sprung into action. Hopping into his machine, he drove it full force up the mountain road, snow blowing past him as he made his brave charge. But the snowplow was still giving him trouble, and more than once he had to fight for control before it fell off the road.

"Come on, they're counting on us!"

Just then, the two way radio in the cab crackled to life. It was the headmistress, and she was worried.

"Is this the rescue team? Please tell me you're coming!"

"I'm on my way, Ma'am, but I'm having trouble. I don't know if…"

Before he could finish his thought, another voice came on over the radio. A voice Jack knew all too well.

"You can do it, Jack! I believe in you!"

With his girlfriend's words of encouragement, Jack focused with all his might and fought to control the machine. It was a close call, but he finally managed to get it under control, just in time to reach the school, tired but triumphant. All of the children cheered when they saw who had come to rescue them. Jack smiled and waved as he stepped down from the cab, Isobella rushing forward to give him a big hug.

"My hero!"

Jack just smiled wearily.

Later, as the party was well underway, Jack led Isobella off to a secluded corner of the school, much to her confusion.

"Jack, is something wrong?"

"No, but I wanted a little privacy for this."

"Privacy? For what?"

"For something I've wanted to do for a long time."

And to Isobella's shock, Jack knelt down on one knee and pulled out a box containing a ring.

"I'm not real great with speeches, so I'm just going to come out and ask it. Isobella, would you make me the happiest man in the world and ma-"

He didn't even get to finish his sentence, for Isobella threw herself onto him and gave him a big kiss. When they parted, she gave him her response with tears in her eyes.

"Yes. Yes, I will marry you."

Jack smiled, and placed the ring around his fiance's finger before pulling her in for another kiss. All in all, it was a great Christmas.

A/N: Before I go, I just wanted to say something. I know updates have been slow this year, and I apologize for that. It's been because of a combination of being busy at work, other commitments, and in some cases just not being very enthusiastic about the material I have to work with. But I wanted to say thank you to everyone who's stuck with me, and wish you all a Merry Christmas.