The town of Great Waterton is a most intriguing, picturesque neighborhood on the Island of Sodor. Ever since its rediscovery, it has been one of Sodor's biggest tourist attractions as the town that time had forgotten about until Thomas found it again, shortly after which Stanley came along to supervise its restoration, much to Thomas' sheer jealousy until he wound up missing in the mine after trying to set everything right again, during which all the engines were searching the whole island for him until Stanley found him again and they returned to the rediscovered village together much to all the engines' joy.
The station at Great Waterton connects to the North Western Railway on account of the Bluebell Branch Line and a spur of the Main Line. When the town was restored upon its rediscovery, Stanley had been put in charge of running the branch line, and he found it most enjoyable. Long before it was abandoned, the town was originally served by Sodor Tramways, which supplied the coal and water to the town and Water Works, and soon after the town's restoration, Flora the Tram Engine was brought to the island to run the restored tramway. Harvey the Crane Engine also lives at the Water Works and does his best to help with shunting trucks whenever he can.
As for Stanley, he loved Great Waterton and the rest of the branch line more than any other place on the island. The line started north-east of Crovan's Gate, at the Transfer Yards on the Norramby Branch Line, which then crossed over the Main Line via Neville's Bridge, named notably after Neville himself nearly fell off the edge on his first day. From there, the line travels past the Sodor Racetrack where Buster beat Max and Monty in a race, continuing all the way up to the Skarloey Railway Depot and Mr. Percival's House, where it runs next to the Skarloey Railway and passes the Hillside Mill until the railways split at Bluebell Valley Station. Along that stretch of line, both standard and narrow gauge lines reconverge to go through two parallel tunnels, which was where Gordon was once buried thanks to his snow machine. Further along the branch line, the line splits up at Rolling River Bridge Junction with one line going to the Rolling River Bridge along the tramway, and the other running past Green Hills Junction and the Man in the Hills until the line finally stops at Great Waterton at a spur of the Main Line. If someone were to travel in the other direction at Rolling River Bridge Junction along the tramway, they would soon come to the Rolling River Bridge itself, which was long since rebuilt after it collapsed right before Thomas' wheels.
Beyond the bridge, the tramway climbs into the mountains until it stops at a station in the village of Sligwin, established shortly after Great Waterton's restoration. Every day, Flora collects workers from Sligwin with her double-decker Tram Coach and brings them to work at the Water Works in Great Waterton, as well as her duties looking after passengers on the rest of the branch line. All in all, the branch line of Great Waterton had a lot to show and a lot to enjoy for any engines who came and went along its stretch of Sodor's railways.
At this point in time, the Island of Sodor was starting to see another winter come and go, and with it came a huge surprise with Old Slow Coach being refurbished for service, and Percy's long-distance friend Gator had now officially moved in with the North Western Railway, shortly after which Gordon's axles ran hot, then he and Rebecca spent the night in the Steamworks cuddling by the fire. The weeks passed, and winter slowly but surely went away. Then sure enough, just as it became to be early-March, winter came to an end. All the snow had melted away, bringing back the grass and open fields, and now the railway was growing busier than ever before. Kirk Ronan's Restoration Project still had quite a way to go, and with the snow gone, progress was continuing at a faster and busier pace for all the engines. But deep in the midst of all the bustling about, there was one engine who wasn't feeling perfectly happy, and didn't quite feel like he was where he belonged.
The engine of course was Stanley. It was a starry Spring night and he had just finished another long day of shunting. He backed himself into his shed and sighed slowly as he started cooling is firebox and resting his pistons. But despite being done for the day, Stanley couldn't say he was exactly happy. He had been really useful, he had arranged many trains for several engines all throughout the day, as he had been doing almost every day, yet there was still something missing, and he knew exactly what it was and why. For a few years now, he had been kept endlessly occupied and busy in the Shunting Yards at Knapford, pushing and pulling trucks, box vans, tankers and brakevans every which way throughout the various sidings. As such, he had been spending very little time at Great Waterton, and to this effect, the Fat Controller had long since placed Neville in charge of the branch line's goods traffic, often bringing trucks to and from the Wharf beyond Crovan's Gate. Charlie, Stafford and Philip often worked alongside Stanley in the shunting yards, and while Stanley was good friends with them, he wished very badly that he could work at Great Waterton all the time like he used to.
But it wasn't just the landscapes of Great Waterton that Stanley missed so badly. The biggest and most pressing reason he yearned so badly to go back was on account of the very engine he had sworn his full loyalty, devotion and love to. None other than Rosie the No. 37 cherry-red tank engine. Ever since she moved to Vicarstown to work there as the station pilot, she and Stanley's interactions had been much more occasional, and what interactions they did have were few and far between as Knapford and Vicarstown were on absolute polar opposites of the island. For this given circumstance, Stanley knew very well that being back at Great Waterton would mean he would be much closer to her than they had ever been before. From where Great Waterton spurred to meet the Main Line, the closest station from that point onward was Vicarstown just beyond Henry's Tunnel. Compared to where Stanley was right now, Great Waterton was a good deal closer to Vicarstown and his beloved red rose.
"Ohh…oh, by my funnel, Rosie," Stanley sighed longingly to himself. "If I could just work on the Bluebell Branch Line and at Great Waterton again…then it would all be much easier to see you, much more often…I love you, so much."
Then slowly but surely, Stanley fell asleep, thinking endlessly about Great Waterton and if and when he'd be working there full time again.
That same hour at Vicarstown, while Henry was sound asleep, Rosie was staring at the stars as well. Likewise to her beloved engine, she had been thinking on and off about Stanley for a long time now. She knew how Stanley had been kept mostly around the shunting yards and on the Main Line, and she too knew how he used to run Great Waterton as a full routine. As happy as she was to be bustling about Vicarstown as the finest shunter they had, she only wished above all else that she and Stanley could be closer together more often, with their last occasion being when they attended Ulfstead Castle's Great Little Railway Show almost two years ago. By now, after so long, Rosie was feeling a sheer desire and need to feel Stanley's lips on her cheeks and her lips, kissing her with all the love he had for her and more.
"Oh, my God. So, so long it's been…and both of us so far apart," she whispered longingly to herself. "My sweet, beloved Stanley. What a perfect gift it would be for you to be right next door, back at Great Waterton…I love you, my silver stallion."
Rosie then puckered her lips and blew a kiss into the night, then reversed back into her berth beside Henry and fell sound asleep herself. But little did she and Stanley know of just what was to come along for them both, and much sooner than either of them were expecting…
The next morning, the whole railway woke up with a bustling pace yet again as the restoration of Kirk Ronan Harbour was still in full swing. With new rails being layed down, the Fat Controller arranged for Molly to bring loads of iron for the rails, and Emily was to bring loads of ballast for new sleepers, while Rowland the Ballast Regulator would spread the ballast once they arrived at the branch line, and so the restoration would continue smoothly over the next several days.
Meanwhile, in the midst of all the busy bustle at Kirk Ronan, Neville was at the Timber Yards near the Main Line on his own errand. He was collecting flatbeds of timber for Sligwin Station.
"I must say, mate," Neville said to his driver Silas. "It looks like full steam ahead on the Kirk Ronan Restoration Project."
"Yes, indeed, Neville," said Silas. "I don't think the railway has been this busy since you first came here."
"But don't forget when the Steam Team all had to come to the rescue," said his fireman Melvin. "Whilst all the Diesels were confined indoors."
"Yes, yes, but everyone's been really bustling just the same," said Neville. "As am I to deliver this timber to Sligwin. I'd better hurry."
True to his word, Neville ran swiftly along the line with his boiler bubbling strongly and his wheels thundering along the track. Before long, he could see the Great Waterton Junction and he was just about ready to drop off the timber. He was almost there, when suddenly, WHEESH! Inside the cab, both driver and fireman were suddenly clouded in a thick wave of steam, and Neville felt a slew of pressure rush through his boiler. Within seconds, he felt rather weak as his driver applied the brakes and stopped him in a siding out of the way. Steam was still spewing out from Neville's cab and hissing loudly as it came.
"Ohh! Uhh! What the blazes is that?!" Neville exclaimed. "I feel so weak!"
Silas waved some of the steam away and checked the gauges, then shook his head.
"Balderdash! Your safety valve is burst, Neville," he called over the hissing steam.
"That's done it," said Melvin. "Now we won't be getting these flatbeds to Sligwin!"
"Ohh, bother!" said Neville. "We were right at the junction too! Now what do we do?"
"We'll have to get Harvey over here," said Silas. "It's the Steamworks for you now, Neville."
Neville's fireman ran to telephone for help, and before long, Harvey came from Great Waterton to pull Neville and his flatbeds back to the town.
"Tsk-tsk-tsk-tsk-tsk. Not a good time for one's safety valve to go, is it?" Harvey smiled empathetically. "But chin up, Neville. I'll have you at the Steamworks soon, once your trucks are in order."
Harvey then pulled Neville to Great Waterton and placed the flatbeds in a nearby siding. After telling the stationmaster what had happened, Harvey then set off with Neville on his way to the Steamworks. The stationmaster pondered what to do to help fill in Neville's work, then suddenly it came to him. He went inside the station's office and started turning the dial on the telephone.
At Knapford Station, the Fat Controller's phone suddenly rang, and it didn't take long for him to hear what had happened to Neville.
"Oh, dear," he said disappointedly. "Kirk Ronan's project is in full swing, and now a burst safety valve? Ohh, goodness me!"
But in that same moment, the Fat Controller looked out the window and saw one engine in particular who he thought would be a helpful and even fitting substitute for Neville's absence. He nodded slowly, then answered over the phone.
"I see. Well, I think I know just the engine to work out this little jam. I'll send him right away. Goodbye."
The Fat Controller then hung up and stepped out of his office. In the shunting yard, Stanley had been bustling away throughout the different sidings, pushing and pulling trucks, box vans and tankers, moving them here, there and wherever they needed to be arranged into different trains. By this time, Stanley had just arranged the last few trucks in their proper order. As soon as he pulled away from the siding, he looked and saw the Fat Controller standing right by him.
"Oh. Good day, sir," said Stanley. "Been really bustling to get these trucks to their proper trains."
"Yes, I see, Stanley," said the Fat Controller. "And I must say, you've done an excellent job so far. I think you could probably match fairly to Thomas' shunting."
"Well, thank you, sir," said Stanley. "Although…if you don't mind me saying, I really wish I could be doing more than all this shunting."
"I know, Stanley," said the Fat Controller. "You're certainly a hard worker, but we can't let these trucks go without being shunted."
"But please, sir," said Stanley. "Isn't there anything I could do for Kirk Ronan's Project…or maybe…Great Waterton? Anything?"
"Hmm," the Fat Controller pondered. "Well, Stanley, that's actually a good question, regarding what I came to tell you."
"Really? What's that, sir?" Stanley asked.
"I just received word that Neville has burst his safety valve and has been brought to the Steamworks to be fixed. He was supposed to deliver flatbeds of timber to Sligwin Station today, but now, given the circumstances, I have made other arrangements. You shall deliver the timber in his place, and continue handle his work along Great Waterton until he returns."
When Stanley heard this, he suddenly smiled from buffer to buffer. After all this time shunting trains for other engines, the thought of going back to the place he loved best on the Railway was fantastic, and maybe he could finally work in another visit…with her.
"Really? Ohh! Thank you, thank you, sir!" Stanley whistled. "But then…who will look after the trucks here?"
"Dennis will manage your shunting in the meantime," said the Fat Controller. "Preferably without being lazy as when he first started out. Off you go now, Stanley."
Stanley whistled gleefully and set off at once, feeling most delighted with what he had heard. Soon he was steaming well and his wheels were thundering along the track. On the way he passed several engines, some of whom were too busy to greet him or whistle to him as Kirk Ronan's harbour was the top working priority for the time being, but Stanley didn't mind. He had his own priorities being worked out as he drew nearer and nearer to Great Waterton, wondering what else he'd be doing besides managing Neville's timber load.
Eventually, Stanley arrived at the heart of the little town. In the moments that followed, he felt a steady sense of content wash over him. It was all flooding right back to him as he recognized it all at once. Flora the Tram Engine was waiting at the platform as were the stationmaster and the townsfolk, and they were all glad to see him as well.
"Here he is! Stanley! Welcome back!" some of the townsfolk waved and smiled.
"Stanley! My goodness, so lovely to see you here again," Flora smiled merrily.
"Wow! Hello again, Flora," Stanley smiled. "Goodness, how long as it been?"
"None of us can't say quite for sure, Stanley," said the stationmaster. "Especially with everyone doing so, so much for Kirk Ronan since last October."
"Goodness, I really didn't know when I'd be coming back here again," Stanley murmured. "It's exactly as I remember it."
"Of course it is, Stanley," said Flora. "After all, you and Thomas brought this lovely place back to all our eyes."
"That we did, Flora," said Stanley. "Now, to business. I believe we have the matter of a timber load of Neville's for me to manage?"
"Why, yes," Flora replied as she ushered Stanley to look toward a nearby siding. "There it is right there. Neville was supposed to deliver that timber to Sligwin."
"But with his burst safety valve, perhaps you could manage that lot, Stanley?" asked the stationmaster.
Stanley recognized the station name, even though he had not seen it in a long time, and he was already prepared to do what he had to as he answered.
"I am grateful for Sir Topham Hatt having me come up here after such an overly busy and monotonous bustle of shunting in the yards. I am beyond delighted to help here again."
"Well, no need to wait anymore, Stanley," said the stationmaster. "Run along with the timber and enjoy the journey."
Soon, Stanley gathered the load of timber and set off, rolling steadily along the line of Great Waterton. After such a long time of dealing with the bustle in the shunting yards, this was a most welcome change. Much quieter, secluded and full of trees and vegetation, this was just what Stanley needed right now. Like Henry always felt in his forest, Stanley always felt better being here. The forest, the famous town, the sights to see, and most importantly to him, being all the closer to his beloved red rose at Vicarstown. With all of these factors in mind, Stanley had several infatuating desires he couldn't wait to fulfil once the time came.
He ran swiftly along the lush, green stretch of line until he came to the Rolling River Bridge. Ever since the previous old bridge collapsed and fell away with Thomas just out of harm's way, the bridge had been rebuilt with a much stronger frame which made crossing over the ravine go like clockwork. Nevertheless, as he proceeded to cross, Stanley couldn't help but feel his wheels wobble as he looked down the deep ravine.
"Whoa. That's deep," he shuddered lightly. "One of the highest bridges indeed."
Once Stanley and the timber were over the bridge, he continued on his way, enjoying the fresh and tranquil air all around him. Now and then, he heard rustling in and amongst the bushes, to which he looked fast and caught glimpse of a rabbit or two hopping through the forest. After a fair while, Stanley arrived at the grand station, Sligwin itself. A large, reddish-brown brick station with a canopy reaching from one side all the way to the other. There, the stationmaster and several villagers had gathered to see the silver tank engine come back along this stretch of the railway after such along time. Stanley whistled as he neared the platform and looked at everyone smiling back at him.
"Timber load for Sligwin," he said. "On account of Neville's burst safety valve, I'll be managing his work for the time being."
"Well, Stanley! So nice to see you here again," said the stationmaster. "Brings back the good old days when you ran this line full time."
"Thank you, sir," said Stanley. "I certainly would like to be here much more than back in the shunting yards…if we could only arrange it."
"Well, all the same, it's a privilege to have you back for the time being," said the stationmaster.
Stanley proceeded to shunt the timber flatbeds into a nearby siding in the station yards, then he set off back on his way. The warm welcome he had received at both stations so far really made Stanley feel all the more useful. Compared to how he had been feeling in the shunting yards for so long, being back here again was really building a strong sense of belonging he could only recall feeling here, and it made him think even more as to if he could move back here again, on a full-on basis.
When Stanley returned to Great Waterton, he found the stationmaster waiting for him, and in a nearby siding, there were three red passenger coaches waiting for him.
"Excellent timing on the timber, Stanley," said the stationmaster. "You're just in time for Neville's scheduled passenger run to Crovan's Gate."
"Really, sir?" said Stanley. "Of course. I'll make ready at once."
"Very good, because there are a whole lot of them wanting to travel on your train," said the stationmaster.
Stanley gathered the coaches and waited at the platform. Before long, passengers came flocking into the station, and they all welcomed Stanley dearly as they boarded the coaches. Stanley could only smile back until the guard's whistle blew, and soon he was puffing along the branch line with his passengers, enjoying the run moment by moment. Soon, Stanley came along the Bluebell Valley line and ahead was the tunnel where the standard and narrow gauge lines converged. Stanley huffed right inside into the dark with his whistle echoing right through the tunnel. Then as he emerged into the light again, he suddenly heard another whistle, to which he looked up and suddenly saw another very old yet familiar face. Duke was running along with a train of passengers heading for Ulfstead Castle.
"Stanley? Why, good heavens!" Duke exclaimed. "We haven't seen you along here a serious spell since!"
"Hello again, Duke," Stanley beamed. "So good to be out here again, and I'll be here for a fair while yet since Neville's safety valve burst on him."
"A burst safety valve!" Duke exclaimed. "That would never suit His Grace!"
Then the two lines split away from each other, and Stanley and Duke went on their separate ways with a whistle to each other. Stanley had really missed puffing along this line, and seeing Duke of all narrow gauge engines along the way only made it better. Soon he reached Bluebell Valley Station to let off passengers, where the North Western and Skarloey Railways ran next to each other again. Once the guard's whistle blew again, Stanley carried on through Bluebell Valley, one of the most famous parts of the whole branch.
"Wow. I can't put any other way," Stanley said to his driver. "This is where I belong."
"You really feel that way, do you, Stanley?" said his driver. "Well, I do agree, this is certainly more variety than all the shunting in the yards."
Stanley kept running steadily along the line, stopping wherever he needed to let off passengers. As he drew closer o Crovan's Gate throughout the passenger run, he could only wonder as to how perfect it would be to have Rosie right along with him, and if only he could get back to working on this line full term. Stanley kept these thoughts in his smokebox and pondered them carefully, until at last, he arrived at Crovan's Gate and let off the last of his passengers. Molly was also at the platform and suddenly looked up.
"Stanley? My goodness, haven't seen you in these parts for a long while!" she whistled.
"Hello, Molly," said Stanley. "Or as they call you, 'Molly the Mighty.' I'm filling in for Neville at Great Waterton since his safety valve burst."
"Are you, now?" said Molly. "Well, it's a welcome surprise to see you again."
"Thank you, Molly," said Stanley. "And I must say, it's such a huge step up after all the shunting I've had to manage of late. How are you keeping with Kirk Ronan's restoration?"
"Oh, I wish you could see some of what's been going on there, Stanley," said Molly. "Derek and I have been coming and coming and going almost every day with building materials for new buildings, sheds, and of course material to rebuild the quay itself. That whole area was a silent ghost town for decades, but with what work they've done thus far, the harbour at Kirk Ronan is coming alive again!"
"Wow! It all sounds very productive," said Stanley. "I can only wonder how we'll all be feeling once it's all finished. And the Grand Opening of course."
"There's still quite a long way to go before then," said Molly. "But yes, I can't wait for the day to come when it opens."
"Well, right now, there's one thing I've been waiting too, too long for," said Stanley.
"What's that?" asked Molly.
"With everything that's been going on lately, Rosie and I have not had any time to hold each other close and partake in any affections at all, ever since the Great Little Railway Show. That was almost two years ago."
Molly immediately felt a similar sense as to how she and James hadn't had an occasion of their own since his gambling caper the summer before, and she completely sympathized.
"I know just what you mean, Stanley," she nodded. "And actually, it makes me wonder…once Kirk Ronan is all finished…after such a long time I've been so far away from him, maybe James could…m-move there. So…so then…"
"So then he would be much closer to you," said Stanley. "Ohh…I feel just the same, Molly. If I could be back at Great Waterton full term, Rosie and I would be the closest we've ever been since the beginning."
"Yes. We'd both be much closer to our beloved engines," Molly said softly. "Well, right now, we'd best keep focused on what needs to be done."
"Sound point, Molly. I see the sun starting to set," Stanley replied as he looked down the line. "But my day is not quite over yet. Not by a long shot. I'll see you later."
And with a discreet wink, Stanley set off to find a wye line and bring his coaches back to Great Waterton. Molly sensed just what he meant by this and slowly smiled. She had a good feeling that Stanley would be onto some business of his own, as would someone else.
As evening was falling and the sun slowly lowered over the horizon, Stanley ran back along the Bluebell Valley Line, through the converging tunnel, over the Rolling River Bridge and more, all the way back to Great Waterton. The stationmaster was pleased and proud of Stanley's diligent work, and tipped his hat goodnight. By now, as Stanley took in that his work was done for the day, he was fully determined to head out and meet up with Rosie again after too long a wait. He proceeded quickly to arrange the coaches in a siding, and just as he returned to the platform, Harvey and Flora came along next to him, having finished their own work for the day.
"Hello, you two," Stanley said surely.
"Hello, Stanley. Whew. Another really useful day for us all," said Flora. "About time we call it a day, wouldn't you say, Harvey?"
"Indeed we must, Flora," said Harvey. "Stanley? You've done such a fine job today. Would you care to join us in the shed tonight?"
Stanley thought for a moment, but he already knew just what he had in mind ever since he first arrived here today. With his work now complete for the day, now was his chance to close the biggest gap he had ever felt from her.
"Thank you, you two, but no, actually," he said. "I have a special visit to make…"
Then off he steamed down the line, quite quickly. Flora and Harvey watched him go round the bend.
"Hmm. What special visit could it be?" asked Flora.
Harvey smiled. "Well, Flora. It's been a very long time for him. And for her."
Flora suddenly remembered and smiled to Harvey as they both headed for their shed.
In the coming darkness as the stars began to appear overhead, Stanley ran along the line, keeping his eyes fixated straight ahead as he hurried all along the way he had gone with his passenger run today. The last few pink creases of sunlight faded away, and just as nightfall settled through the sky, Stanley arrived at Vicarstown Station. He stared upwards to the huge station and took a deep breath, drawing closer and closer as his firebox fizzed excitedly. If Henry was busy for the night, then it would be absolutely perfect. Sure enough, Stanley heard a familiar whistle from the platforms. He looked ahead, and there was Henry setting off out of the station, bound to take the Flying Kipper yet again. Stanley kept absolutely quiet as he watched Henry go round the bend until his trail of smoke disappeared. And then, with one glance to the sheds, Stanley knew just where to get his buffers on his beloved, cheerful and most beautiful red rose.
He slowly proceeded toward the sheds with his heart jumping madly in his boiler. After all the time that had gone by, the gap was finally about to be closed again. Then just as his buffers were about to touch the shed doors, he heard a soft little snore from inside. Stanley recognized just who it was and couldn't resist another moment. He pressed his buffers to the doors, they steadily opened, and right there before his eyes, was Rosie, huddled in her berth, having just fallen asleep and snoring adorably.
For a few moments, Stanley's wheels locked where they were on the rails as he could only stare at her every feature, marveling at all her lovely features which he had not seen for too long now. Her cherry-red livery, her perfectly shaped cylinders, her three domes and her absolutely adorable little face covered in little freckles all stole his mind away, and he was not going to waste any opportunity now. He steadily huffed forward, gently pressed his buffers to hers and broke the silence.
"Well, hello there. My ravishing red rose."
Rosie snorted gently and her eyes fluttered open as she felt herself waking up. Then her eyes suddenly popped wide open as she gave a gasp of surprise and let off a sudden hiss of steam.
"St…Stanley!" she gasped and gaped.
Stanley nodded and smiled. "Hello, Rosie. My sweet, beautiful red rose."
Rosie's eyes remained fixed on Stanley's as she stared for a moment with surprise, which then turned to sheer joy.
"Stanley? Ohh…oh, Stanley!" Rosie wheeshed happily. "Ohh! C-c-come here!"
Without any hesitation, Rosie felt fully awake as she buffered up to Stanley, pressed her lips tightly to his and started kissing him as strongly as she could. Stanley instantly felt his heart jump into his throat, and his eyes bulged as Rosie's lips clamped onto his and pulled him deeper into their longest awaited kiss they had ever waited for. Stanley then closed his eyes slowly and returned the kiss, feeling his ever-strong desires being quenched already, as were Rosie's. She moaned and hummed almost musically as she caressed and nibbled his lips with hers, and Stanley groaned strongly to the soft, sweet taste of Rosie's lips until they slowly smooched apart and caught their breath before Stanley pressed his face right to hers.
"Oh, Rosie," Stanley gasped as he felt her soft and warm little cheeks. "I've missed you so much."
"Oh…oh, Stanley. I've missed you even more," Rosie shook. "I really can't describe what a lovely surprise it is to see you!"
"Oh, you've no idea, Rosie," said Stanley. "I've been waiting too long for this moment, as you've waited too long yourself."
"Well, here we are now, Stanley," said Rosie. "What brings you out here tonight, after such a long time for us both?"
Stanley told her all about Neville's burst safety valve and that he was now posted to work along the line until Neville would return. Rosie nodded and smiled as she knew Stanley would be much closer at least for the time being. But then Stanley suddenly frowned, seeming irritated.
"What's wrong, Stanley?" Rosie asked gently.
"I'm tired of all this. Shunting here, shunting there, and all without you, Rosie," he huffed. "As excellent a shunter as you are at this station, you and I shouldn't be kept on polar opposites of the entire island! Last you and I had any time together was the Great Little Railway Show two summers ago!"
"I know, Stanley, but we both know it's not all that simple," said Rosie. "You and I have both been highly busy, as have all the engines. Kirk Ronan's project is one of the biggest I've ever seen since I first ever arrived on this railway, and it's still going."
"Yes. I know," said Stanley. "Huh, but what does it matter? As soon as Neville's back in business, I'll be right back in the shunting yard away from Great Waterton."
"It does matter, Stanley," said Rosie. "We knew it would be like this. Perhaps things can change after Kirk Ronan is fully restored. For now, we all have to pull our weight to get that project finished. But wherever you and I may be, close or far, inside or outside our sheds, and most importantly in my heart, I will always love you."
Stanley's heart beat so strongly and purely to Rosie's loving words and her most caring and beautiful smile.
"Well, your duty of working hard is very attractive," he grinned. "Just like your cherry-red paintwork. Only the perfect look for my red rose."
Rosie blushed and cooed sweetly. "Oh, Stanley…"
And she closed her eyes and gave him a big kiss on his cheek. Stanley blushed deep red as he felt Rosie's soft, warm and tickly little lips smooching softly on his cheek. His axles shook steadily and a warm wave rushed right through his boiler as Rosie let go and tittered cutely.
"I am endlessly glad to be right here with you again, Rosie," Stanley murmured.
"So am I, Stanley," Rosie whispered. Then she suddenly smiled deeper. "You know…Henry's quite busy tonight with take the Flying Kipper…"
Stanley immediately knew right where Rosie was going with this, and there was no guessing about it.
"I know," he smiled. "I saw him leaving myself."
"And he won't be back until the morning. Late morning," Rosie trickled slowly toward Stanley and batted her eyelashes.
"I guess it's just you and me, Rosie. You and me for the rest of the night, however long it is."
"I'll take whatever you've got," Rosie crooned. "I'm all yours, Stanley."
With no further thought on the matter, Stanley gently pushed Rosie to the back of the sheds and brought his lips right for her cheek and started kissing. As soon as he started, Rosie's boiler jumped and tingled quite suddenly and she gave a chortling moan of pleasure. It had been such a long time since she or Stanley had shared in any banter together since the last time they had together.
"Ooh…ooh, Stanley…St-Stanley…" she moaned longingly. "Oh, God…I've not felt your beloved kisses for so long! Huh…! Oh...!"
Lost in ever-growing lust and desire, Stanley felt his boiler trembling happily as he kissed leisurely along Rosie's face. How soft, warm and round her cheeks were, and her accompanying whimpers and moans were the best music he had heard in a long, long time.
"Oh, Blistering Boilers," Stanley chimed with delight as he looked into her eyes. "Your cheeks are so, SOO cute, Rosie. All your little freckles…absolutely adorable."
Rosie looked away and tittered shyly, to which Stanley proceeded further. He leaned in then started trailing his lips along her little freckles, kissing them one by one. Rosie gasped sharply and moaned with a warm shudder as she felt Stanley's lips tickling her freckles. Then he chortled dearly and began softly nibbling her freckles, which only made Rosie jump and squeal even more.
"Oh-oh-ohh! St-Stanley! St-stop! My freckles are so ticklish! Oh…Tee-hee-hee-hee! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
Stanley's heart was now pounding with joy as he heard Rosie's petite, sweet little laugh sounding through his ears. Her adorable little chirps, squeaks and whimpers were tickling his boiler like crazy and he proceeded to nibble her other cheek even more, dotting her freckles with quick little kisses along the way.
"Tickle-tickle, Rosie. Tickle-tickle-tickle," he chimed most delightfully.
"Ohh…Stanley…! Ahh! Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!" Rosie squealed.
Then Stanley decided to really please his love and started sucking on the tips of her cheeks, making her freckles tingle even stronger.
"Uhh! Uhh! St-Stanley…!" she gasped and groaned happily. "Ohh, almost two years since our last time, and you're just as perfect as ever…"
"You're more than perfect, Rosie," Stanley panted. "Everything about you is beyond perfect."
And he proceeded even stronger, sucking her freckles gently but surely, followed by a few kisses within. To all of this, Rosie trembled and shuddered with more and more pleasure as she felt her entire boiler tickling away with such delight, which then made her steam start creeping through her.
"Oh…oh! St-Stanley…Stanley!" Rosie squealed. "Oh-oh, my goodness! I-I'm gonna…I'm g-gonna…!"
"Oh! Rosie!" Stanley exclaimed and briefly withdrew. "Was…was I being too…?"
Rosie immediately pressed her cheek right back to his lips.
"No, no! Bring me all the way!" she pleaded softly. "It's okay, Stanley. I want you to do it. Please, Stanley! Give me everything!"
Stanley needed no further invitation and smiled deeply as he then sucked and kissed Rosie's cheeks and freckles as strongly as he could, and just a few moments later, Rosie shut her eyes tight and tried to hold together, but of course, it was all for naught as her steam built and built until she suddenly let loose and her steam let off with a loud hiss while she blushed bright red and wailed with utter joy.
"Whee-hee! Stanle-e-e-ey!"
Stanley's boiler was now swelling with pride as he watched Rosie's steam drift around her for a few moments until it slowly disappeared. Rosie panted hard to retrieve her breath, then she looked at her beloved engine again.
"How was that, Rosie? Did you like that?" Stanley smiled.
Rosie narrowed her eyes and smiled deeply.
"Wow…that was fabulous…and I must say…" she smirked coyly. "You must have been very pent up since our last meetup."
"Not anymore, I'm not," Stanley smirked in turn. "Just feeling your lovely face on my lips and seeing you laugh so joyfully was just the ticket."
Rosie's eyes twinkled sweetly as she buffered to Stanley and rubbed her nose with his, giggling softly. Stanley chortled gleefully and gave Rosie's sweet little nose a dotting kiss, making her jump and chirp. Then after a few moments, Rosie sighed smoothly and narrowed her eyes again, to which Stanley felt a jump in his heart.
"Well, now…I think it's my turn to settle a few wishes myself, right here with you," she teased softly.
"Hmm. And why wouldn't you, my cherry-red babe?" Stanley grinned. "I think you've been feeling rather pent up yourself of late."
"Yes…yes I have," Rosie whispered as she started leaning in. "But now…ooh, here's my handsome, strong silver stallion right here at my buffers. May I?"
Stanley smiled as deeply as he could and nodded slowly. "Go right ahead, Rosie. It's your turn. Proceed all you wish."
"Ooh, thank you, Stanley. Indeed, I shall," she purred.
And so, after such a long time since she could recall, Rosie cooed most lovingly, then reached out, pressing her cheeks to Stanley's and started kissing his cheeks, immediately blushing red again as Stanley lurched upward and trembled from smokebox to cab.
"Oh…oh, Rosie…R-Rosie…" Stanley whispered as she gently kissed and caressed him wherever she went.
Rosie's heart tickled most delightfully as she softly planted her little kisses along Stanley's face, listening to him groan and sigh almost by the moment. It all made her so happy to see how good she was making him feel, and Stanley knew this just the same as he was in sheer bliss in the given moment. Her soft, warm and tickly little lips were like soft little petals of a flower on his face. Petals of the rose that she always was for him.
"Ohh…oh, Rosie…I love you…I love you…oh, my God…" he sighed and blushed profusely.
"Oh, thank you," she whispered. "I love you too, my silver stallion."
Then Rosie decided to make it even better as she pressed her lips to his cheek and started nibbling all along his face, as if she were preening him.
"Tickle-tickle, Stanley. Tickle-tickle-tickle!" she chirped very happily.
Stanley jumped and gave a sudden gasp. "Oh-OHH! Rosie! R-Rosie! Whoo! That tickles! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! He-heh!"
Rosie squealed and blushed almost as deep as her cherry livery as she heard Stanley laugh to her nurtures right now. A few moments later, she slowed down and let Stanley catch his breath. Then she felt another deep tingle in her boiler as to what she wanted to do next.
"Oh, Stanley?" she teased softly.
Stanley looked and saw her eyes glimmering in the light, giving him that irresistible look of desire and lust.
"R…Rosie?" he said a little nervously, but smiling just the same.
"Close your eyes, Stanley…and let your rose make YOU blossom now," she purred.
Stanley chuckled and closed his eyes as he began to tremble as to what Rosie could have in mind. Suddenly, he felt Rosie's lips close around his cheek, then with great precision, she began sucking on it, moaning almost hungrily as she went.
"Uhh…!" Stanley groaned as his eyes popped open and he saw it for himself.
Rosie's eyes were closed and her lips were tugging steadily and diligently, sucking on his cheek like a lollipop. Stanley's boiler shuddered strongly and he gave a louder groan full of passion. Rosie stared dreamily at him then sucked his cheek yet again. His groans were only fueling her flame of lust, and she began to whimper longingly as she moved to his other cheek and started sucking it too. Stanley began to shake and whimper now, which made Rosie briefly withdraw as she decided to playfully tease him further.
"Oh-ho-ho-ho…do you like that, Stanley?" she asked excitedly.
"Y…yes…yes…ohh…!" Stanley groaned.
"Okay…and this?" Rosie tweaked as she suddenly gave his chin a little suck too.
"Y-YES! Yes! Whoo, Rosie!" Stanley exclaimed.
Rosie then decided to bring Stanley to his peak tonight and suddenly pressed her face right into his, planting kiss wherever she leaned and nibbling just along the creases of his mouth. Stanley shut his eyes and began to pant through his deepening blush, which told Rosie her magic was working on him like a charm. She then kissed him right below his bottom lip, right by his chin, then suddenly nibbled his nose right afterwards. This all made Stanley start to feel his steam catching up to him, and as Rosie tittered and moaned with joy, it was only a matter of a few moments.
"Oh…R-Rosie? Ohh…Rosie!" Stanley gasped and shook. "You…you're gonna make me burst…!"
"Aww, Stanley. Are you almost there already?" Rosie cooed sweetly. "Oh, Stanley. Don't hold it in. It's alright. Oh, I love you Stanley…"
And she kissed, sucked and nibbled him along his face just a little more. Stanley shut his eyes and shuddered as his boiler bubbled more and more, but he knew there was no chance of holding it back in the end, and so he let off steam as well with a loud whistle.
"Whoo! Rosi-i-i-ie!" he whistled.
Rosie just giggled and chimed most happily as Stanley let off steam with great pleasure before it all drift around him for a few moments while he caught his breath again. Once he had gathered himself together again, he saw Rosie smiling happily at him.
"Well, my silver stallion? Did you like that?" she asked sweetly.
Stanley's eyes were half open as he smiled most impressively.
"Like it? That is grossly understated. I LOVED it all, Rosie," he glowed proudly. "Just as much as I love you."
"Why, thank you, Stanley," Rosie blushed. "I absolutely love to see you so happy and so privileged…especially after having to hold it all in for all this time."
"We both had to hold it all in," Stanley sighed. "But now, it's the best I've felt ever since the Little Railway Show. What about you?"
"I think this was even better, Stanley," said Rosie. "I had a lot of desires to settle with you, and now, here we are. I really can't thank you enough for coming out here tonight, Stanley."
"Oh, Rosie. You're forever welcome for all I have for you and more," Stanley whispered. "I can never thank you enough for being my red rose."
And he leaned in and kissed her cheek once more, to which Rosie blushed happily. Soon, both tank engines began to feel sleepy and they both gave a deep yawn together.
"Ohh…my goodness, Stanley," Rosie yawned. "I think I'm gonna sleep most delightfully tonight."
"Oh, Rosie. So will I," Stanley yawned. "Because I'm staying the night, if you don't mind."
"Oh, Stanley. I never mind when you can stick around," Rosie tittered. "Besides, Henry won't be back until late morning."
"Yes. I'll be back at Great Waterton before he's back here," said Stanley. "But not before I see you off, my precious girl."
"I know, Stanley," said Rosie. "And not before a goodnight kissy with you…won't you join me?"
"Oh, Rosie…of course I will," Stanley smiled.
Rosie giggled most delightfully, then closed her eyes and puckered her lips, to which Stanley followed suit, then their lips came together in a warm, soft and truly bonded kiss. There they sat in the shed together, slowly kissing and caressing each other's lips, both feeling such a warm and delightful glow in their boilers. Suddenly, Stanley slowly felt Rosie's tongue pressing to his lips, making his heart jump. She wanted to feel his tongue with hers. After all the time they'd been away together, he would never object. Slowly, he brought his tongue forth, then felt it touch to Rosie's, to which she moaned very happily into his lips. Over the next few minutes, Stanley and Rosie held their kiss deeper and deeper while their tongues gently caressed and clung together with such enduring love, until at last, they gently let go and stared dreamily into each other's eyes.
"Ohh…oh…Stanley…that was so lovely," Rosie sighed sleepily. "You're such a good boy."
"Thank you, Rosie…" Stanley sighed. "You made it lovely every second there was. Good girl, Rosie."
Rosie smiled and yawned again as she slowly huddled down for the night, pressing her face to Stanley's to snuggle him close.
"Goodnight, Stanley. I love you, baby," she whispered.
"I love you too, Rosie. Goodnight," Stanley whispered as he huddled in with his rose and they both fell fast asleep.
The night passed peacefully, and the sun began to rise again. After a long and loving sleep together, Rosie and Stanley slowly woke up together with a yawn and a smile.
"Good morning, my red rose," Stanley whispered as he kissed Rosie's cheek.
Rosie smiled and kissed his cheek in turn. "Good morning, my silver stallion."
They both held each other close and looked into each other's eyes. It dawned on them both that Stanley would be sticking around Great Waterton for some time yet, so long as Neville was still under repair.
"I'm sure you're feeling better now, after last night?" Rosie smiled.
"The best in a long time," Stanley replied. Then he sighed a little forlornly. "All the same, I wish I could work around Great Waterton full time like I used to…then you and I wouldn't be so far away anymore."
"Yes. That would be very, very nice, Stanley," said Rosie. "Then I could visit you on a few more occasions than lately."
"That would be most wonderful, Rosie," said Stanley. "For now, though, I'd best return to Great Waterton and keep on with Neville's work."
Rosie watched as he made ready and was just about to reverse out of the sheds.
"Stanley?" she said gently.
"Yes?"
He stopped and looked at her again as she buffered up to him.
"I love you, so much," she crooned.
"I love you too," he nodded as they leaned in and shared a gentle kiss to the lips.
Once they gently let go, Stanley winked to Rosie and set off out of the sheds, turned around on the Vicarstown turntable and set off for Great Waterton again. Rosie watched wistfully as he went round the bend then slowly made ready to start her own day.
Stanley was soon back at Great Waterton and ready to start work again. Flora and Harvey watched as he got ready with his bundle of trucks and they could tell his visit the other night was indeed special. Flora came alongside Stanley and saw him smiling quite steadily.
"Morning, Stanley," she said gently. "We sense as though your visit was indeed special last night. How are you feeling now?"
Stanley looked at Flora and smiled further. "Right now? Fantastic."
Flora and Harvey smiled as Stanley went about his work. It really was the happiest they had seen him be in a considerable amount of time.
Over the next few days, Stanley was indeed happy as he continued to fill in for Neville's work. His night with Rosie had helped him immensely and the town and village folks were always happy to see him whenever he came and went through the various stations. Thanks to his visit with Rosie, they had finally closed the long wait between them both, and he they really did feel much closer in regard to the proximity between Vicarstown and Great Waterton. But even as he continued to smile with each day that passed, Stanley knew on the inside that his time to fill in for Neville wouldn't last much longer, and he'd likely be sent back to the shunting yards as soon as Neville returned. Although he tried not to, he slowly began to feel as though his hopes were too strong to be true quite yet. Kirk Ronan's project still demanded a busy pace as it was keeping all the engines on their wheels, and until the project was complete, there was no telling whether or not Stanley could seek a change in location to be closer to Rosie.
After four more days, Stanley had just finished his work for the day when the stationmaster came to see him.
"Very good work today, Stanley," he said. "I must say, you've been a most helpful set of buffers in Neville's absence."
"Thank you, sir," Stanley replied. "I'm just happy to have been working back here after so long."
"We're all glad to have seen you again too, Stanley," said the stationmaster. "However, as the circumstances are, I thought it best to let you know that Neville's repairs are just about complete."
Stanley looked up with a flip in his heart. "They…they are?"
"Yes. Sir Topham Hatt told me this afternoon," said the stationmaster. "Neville should be back at work the day after tomorrow."
Stanley took note to this and nodded slowly. He knew this day had to come and Neville of course had his work to do along this branch line.
"Well, thank you, sir," he said with a nod as he set off for Flora and Harvey's shed.
"Hmm. He really feels like this is where he belongs," the stationmaster said to himself. "After all, he used to run this line full time…"
Flora and Harvey were already in their berths and settled in for the night when they saw Stanley come along and back into the berth right between them both.
"Another good day's work, Stanley?" said Flora.
"Y…yes, Flora. Good work indeed," Stanley said lowly.
"Something's troubling you, Stanley. We can tell," said Harvey. "What is it?"
Stanley sighed and came out with it.
"I really don't know how I feel about going right back to shunting," said Stanley. "Of course, we all must be really useful, but my night with Rosie and being out here again has been the best I've felt in a long time. I know Neville has his work to do here, but I really don't think Rosie or I can take being so far apart much longer. I really do feel the greatest sense of belonging right here on this branch line."
Flora and Harvey could feel the sincerity and strong dependence Stanley had to be here again, and they understood well.
"We understand, Stanley," said Flora. "You used to run this branch line all the time after it was rediscovered."
"Perhaps we'll see what happens once Neville is back, Stanley," said Harvey. "Who knows what will happen?"
Stanley nodded gently as he, Flora and Harvey settled in for the night. What they said made him start thinking just what would happen in the time that was left before Neville would come back…and they would all find out soon enough.
As the hours passed through the night, clouds loomed overhead, then it began to rain. Lightly at first, then more and more steadily. It rained and rained all through the night, and this would all play right into Stanley's ongoing sense of belonging at Great Waterton.
When the next morning came, Stanley, Flora and Harvey all woke up to the sound of rain. It was still falling hard even now, and they couldn't see too far ahead into the rain. Compared to the bright weather they had all seen so far, this wasn't the cheeriest way to start.
"Ooh. Looks kind of wet," said Flora.
"More like a full shower for all of us," said Harvey.
"Not quite what I had in mind for my last day here before Neville returns," Stanley said mostly to himself.
"All the same, we'd best make the most of it," said Harvey.
And so they did. After talking with the stationmaster, Harvey was soon put to work, and Flora set off with her double-decker tram coach to pick up the Water Works workmen from Sligwin to bring them to work. Stanley, meanwhile, was sent to bring a goods run along the line to Crovan's Gate. With a sigh of disappointment regarding his likely return to shunting once Neville returned, he set off through the rain.
While Stanley ran slowly but steadily along the line, the rain continued to fall hard and heavy, to which his driver and fireman placed a tarp over his bunker to keep his coal dry. As with all goods trains, Stanley had to stop at each station to drop off some of his load. The rain streamed down his boiler, making him shiver a little now and then, reminding him of when Rosie got soaked to the boiler and came to his shed for shelter, to which he obliged most dearly. He could only imagine how she must have felt to be in such a state, and it made him wish even more that he could truly return to this branch line again. It just seemed so tailor-made that he would return to the shunting yards and go right back to bustling about with arranging goods trains for all the engines to manage with Stafford, Charlie and Philip's help…
Stanley spent the rest of the journey yearning endlessly over moving back to this branch line, all the way to Crovan's Gate where his goods run was now finished. Then he set off on his way back to Great Waterton.
"Ohh…just to be back here full time," Stanley said to himself, a little desperately. "Just to be here…where I belong."
His driver looked out and patted the side of his cab.
"Oh, Stanley, boy. I know what you mean. It's a very strong sense of hopeful thought, then reality sets in. And yet…and yet I wonder…"
Stanley looked back and saw his driver looking notably at the sky. He looked up too and noticed the clouds seemed a little darker, which could only mean heavier rain was yet to come. It was then that Stanley began thinking about what Flora and Harvey said the night before. In the time that was left before Neville would return, perhaps something would happen that would change the outcome in some way. As he drew closer to Great Waterton again, Stanley knew something was bound to happen. He just didn't know what yet.
That afternoon, as the clouds darkened overhead, the rain was coming down even harder, and Flora was heading up the Tramway with her double-decker tram coach, bringing the Water Works workmen home to Sligwin. She looked at the grey clouds and by now, she couldn't help but worry about the rain. Everywhere she looked, the green fields and hills were becoming saturated like sponges, and she began to worry if the rain would weaken the slopes and cause nearby trees to block her way, or worst still, cause a mudslide as Thomas unfortunately had to contend with while taking the birthday mail for Alice.
"Oh, this is a rough downpour," she said nervously. "I'd better get the men home."
"Just be careful, Flora," said her driver. "Rain like this can cause trouble if it's heavy enough."
Flora knew that to be true, all too familiar with Percy's experience with the flood when he promised Thomas he would bring the children home from the Vicar of Ffarquhar's Sunday School, and when Toby was whisked down the river on the old bridge up along Ulfstead. She continued to hurry along the line, trying to beat the worst of the rain, when suddenly up ahead, it happened.
"Ohh! OHH! Flora! Look!" her driver shouted.
Ahead, just where the line curved round a bend, along one of the hillsides, the whole slope suddenly gave way from the heavy rain, and a massive flow of mud started cascading down the hillside and across the line, slowly piling higher and higher.
Flora saw everything and became much alarmed.
"Ohh! Oh, no! Watch out!" she cried.
Her driver immediately shut off steam and braked hard, but the heavy rain had made the rails slippery as bubble fluid, and it did no good. Flora's wheels skidded helplessly along the line as she yelped and wailed with fright, and the next thing she knew, Flora's wheels churned into the mud, she lurched upwards just a little bit, and she was now stuck in the treacle-like mud. Luckily, none of the passengers were hurt, and the coach wasn't caught in the mud, but they were now completely stranded in the rain, and in a fair heap of trouble now.
Flora tried hard to huff backwards, but her wheels spun helplessly and her side plates only sunk deeper into the pile. Climbing out of the mud was impossible. Flora began crying out for help, and her driver rang her bell vigorously, hoping urgently that someone would hear her over the pouring rain. Then sure enough, Flora heard a whirring sound overhead. She looked up and there was Harold beaming his spotlight on her.
"Harold! Harold!" she cried.
"Good Gracious, Flora! The mud got you, did it?" called Harold. "Stay put right there! I'll sound the alert at Great Waterton and bring along help!"
"Oh, please hurry, Harold!" Flora hollered.
Harold then shot off through the sky, while Flora braced herself with great worry.
Harold flew speedily over the line and it wasn't long before he was hovering over Great Waterton where he saw Stanley just finish arranging his trucks in a siding, but he couldn't see Harvey anywhere.
"Stanley! Ho there, Stanley!" Harold called out.
"Harold? What's going on?" Stanley called up.
"Flora is in trouble! Stuck in a mudslide along the Tramway!" called Harold. "We've got to get Harvey up the line fast!"
"Flora? In a mudslide?!" Stanley exclaimed. "Oh, no! Harvey is still busy elsewhere!"
"Ohh! Calamity!" Harold exclaimed. "There's no time to wait!"
It was then that Stanley saw his chance.
"Don't worry! I'll come, Harold!" he called. "Harvey might still be busy, but it doesn't mean I can't try! Lead the way!"
"Right, you are, chap!" Harold called.
Quickly, Stanley found a coach and gathered some workmen. They all scrambled into the coach, then Stanley set off with all haste to the rescue, with Harold flying overhead. The rain seemed to fall harder as Stanley hurried along, but he didn't care. As he had wondered earlier, something really did happen, and he was now determined to see how this would all play out. If ever he were to show his sense of belonging on this branch line, it was now.
Soon, Stanley and Harold came along the Tramway line, and Stanley saw a red flag waving. As he drew closer, he saw it was Flora's driver, and sure enough, as he slowed down and prepared to stop, there was her coach right ahead of him. He looked closer, and there she was, stuck wheel-deep in the mud slathered across the line, and her passenger coach just on the outside of the mud. Stanley whistled quickly to announce his arrival.
"Oh! Stanley! Is that you?" Flora called behind her.
"Don't worry, Flora!" Stanley huffed. "We'll get you out somehow! No mudslide is carrying you away!"
"The passengers come first, Stanley!" Flora called. "Get them away from here quick, before the mud sucks you in too!"
Stanley's workmen hurried to uncouple Flora's coach while Stanley coupled on the other end. Then his driver turned the regulator to reverse, and Stanley started pulling back on the coach. He struggled a little as the wet rails made his wheels slip, but after a few minutes, he managed to pull the coach and the passengers out of the mudslide. He pulled the coach some distance back along the line and placed it safely in a siding. Then he went back for Flora. When he returned, the workmen had cleared away as much mud as they could and had managed to lever Flora back onto the line so Stanley could pull her out as well. His driver fastened a chain to his front coupling, then fastened the other end to Flora's back coupling. Then Stanley proceeded to pull her back up the line and out of danger. The hard work made his fire burn fiercely as the other workmen worked quickly to dig away as much of the mudslide as they could. Slowly but surely, Stanley pulled Flora out of the mud and away from the slide, then as the rain just began to fall lighter, they came to the siding where her coach and passengers were waiting. Stanley then rejoined Flora to her coach, then he pulled them all the way back to the safety of the Rolling River Bridge Junction.
"You're safe now, Flora. As are your passengers," said Stanley. "Are you alright?"
Flora looked down at herself. She was quite a mess after landing in the mudslide, but most thankful nonetheless.
"Ohh! Thank you, Stanley!" she gasped. "You were quick to jump in."
"I had to be, Flora," said Stanley. "Harvey was still busy, and with you on that mudslide, we couldn't wait. All your passengers must have been worried."
"Worried, but safe enough," said Flora. "At least they weren't trapped in the mud like I was."
"Well, I'd best bring you and the passengers back to Great Waterton," said Stanley. "Until the rain stops and the mudslide is cleared away, we'll have to wait somewhere."
So Stanley shunted Flora and her passengers back down the Tramway Line, all the way back to Great Waterton. Just as they neared the platform, Harvey was waiting nearby with a beaming smile, and on the platform, there came a large crowd of townsfolk and the stationmaster. Flora's passengers came out of their coach and they all cheered immensely for Stanley's heroic efforts, clapping and even jumping up and down once or twice.
"Stanley! Our hero!" some of them called out.
Stanley just smiled to them all, feeling the strongest sense of belonging he had ever felt yet on this branch line, while the stationmaster ran inside to the telephone. Soon, the Fat Controller heard the news, and he came rushing up in his car all the way to Great Waterton. When he arrived, Stanley saw him step onto the platform, looking very proud indeed.
"Well. I heard all about your heroics today, Stanley," he smiled. "And I must say, a very fine piece of work. You acted quickly and bravely to help Flora and her passengers out of that muddy jam."
"Most heroic, he was, sir!" Flora smiled. "He came and just got us right out of that slide. Really useful and thoughtful too."
"Thank you, sir, and thank you, Flora," said Stanley. "Really, I would do anything I can for Great Waterton, for all the engines who work here…"
It was then that Stanley's smile slowly faded and he suddenly seemed forlorn as he remembered what would be happening the very next day.
"Say? What's the lowly look for, Stanley?" asked the Fat Controller. "You've shown a most remarkable feat of courage today."
"I know, sir, and I'm very happy to have done what I did for Flora and her passengers. But…well…"
"Is there something troubling you, Stanley?" asked the Fat Controller. "If there is, do please let me hear about it."
Stanley looked up and took a deep breath. After remembering all he had been feeling day by day, he decided to come out with it and looked to the Fat Controller.
"Well, sir, it's like this…I know Neville will be returning to work tomorrow, but I have to confess. Being back here again has been a transformation for me after all the shunting I've been doing with Charlie, Stafford and Philip. But for the longest time I can recall now, on the inside, I've been feeling steadily upset that I've spent more and more time working in the shunting yards than I have here. Here and now, more than anything, I really wish I could go back to running this branch line full time, as I did all those years ago. Ever since coming back here, I've grown a very strong sense that this is where I truly belong."
The townsfolk all heard Stanley and steadily agreed.
"I think Stanley is right, Sir Topham," one of them said. "After all, he played a crucial part in restoring this town, alongside Thomas."
"And to that effect, this place has indeed become Stanley's home," said the stationmaster. "He really seems to feel that this is his place to be."
"To be frank, sir, it would be most lovely if he could move back here again," said another villager.
The Fat Controller had heard everything and kept very quiet as he considered everything that had been spoken, by Stanley and the townsfolk. All things considered, he suspected that part of the reason why Stanley had been longing to come here and stay again was so that he could be much closer to Rosie as she had moved all the way to Vicarstown after rescuing him on runaway. As such, both engines' romantic interactions had been very few and far between ever since, with the previous interaction they had together being when they attended the Great Little Railway Show along with Luke and Millie two years earlier.
Finally, about ten minutes later, the Fat Controller straightened his hat and came right up to Stanley, who kept very still as he waited for his answer. Then it came.
"Well then, Stanley. Today, you were brave to rescue Flora and her passengers from that mudslide. You have always loved this branch line as much as Thomas loves his, and as Emily loves Black Loch. And considering how distant you and Rosie have been over the last few years, your courageous and really useful conduct today must not go unrewarded. Therefore, as your reward for all your hard work here in Neville's absence and rescuing Flora and her passengers…I am more than happy to allow you to work on this branch line full time once again, while Dennis will continue to work in the shunting yards alongside Charlie, Stafford and Philip. What do you say, Stanley?"
Flora, Harvey and the townsfolk were all most delighted to hear this, and above all, Stanley felt the happiest he had been for quite a long time now. He smiled from buffer to buffer and felt his heart jumping in a way he could not recall in a long, long time as he looked to the Fat Controller and answered.
"Oh…sir…I…I really don't know what to say but…thank you! Thank you each and every day!"
"I'm sure there's a lot you would like to say, Stanley," said the Fat Controller. "And you are indeed most welcome…and so is Rosie."
Stanley began to feel his wheels trembling beneath him as it all began to sink in. Here he was, after such a long time of working through the shunting yards, now reassigned to work at Great Waterton and along the Bluebell Valley Line, just as it had been at the very start. It was then that Stanley knew exactly what he needed to do. He set off with a most excited whistle and hurried off to the Main Line. As he sped along, the rain finally stopped and the clouds began to part, letting the sun shine through and light Stanley's way, which only made him smile even wider as he whistled merrily on his way.
Stanley soon arrived at Vicarstown again and looked quickly and eagerly along the tracks. There was Rosie, having just finished shunting another train into place. She looked up and widened her eyes with a smile as she saw her beloved engine rushing toward her.
"Hello again, Stanley. What are you doing here again?" she asked.
"Rosie, leave those trucks right where they are," Stanley said quickly. "I've come with most important news."
"Stanley…you're really trembling," said Rosie. "I take it you have something amazing to tell me."
"Yes, Rosie. I most certainly do," Stanley chortled excitedly.
Over the next few minutes, he told Rosie all about Flora's slip in the mudslide and how he got her out of it, to which Rosie was absorbed and impressed.
"Goodness me! Well done, Stanley," she beamed. "It all goes to show just how well you fit in on that branch line."
"Indeed, Rosie," said Stanley. "But that is not even the smallest bit of amazing news I have for you. The very reason I'm here right now, is that today…as of this very hour…you and I have been blessed with a miracle."
Rosie's heart jumped and she looked right at Stanley, going very still.
"Miracle?" she said very directly. "What miracle do you speak of? Do tell me, Stanley. Do tell."
Stanley smiled and buffered up to Rosie, touching his nose right to hers.
"Rosie…my ravishing red rose, I have even more wonderful news. I confided with the Fat Controller how I'd been feeling for the last long while, both in the shunting yards, then back at Great Waterton…and now…after such a long, long time of mostly working in the yards and on the Main Line…I am now stationed back at Great Waterton to run the branch line. At last, you and I are the closest we've ever been since the very start."
Stanley then watched as Rosie went very still and her eyes became very focused right on him. It seemed like something was building up inside her, and Stanley could sense it getting stronger by the moment. She very slowly formed a big, broad smile from buffer to buffer and she took in her breath.
"Stanley? You…you don't really mean you're MOVING back to Great Waterton?" she trembled strongly. "All the closer to Vicarstown, and all the closer to me? Is this really true, or am I in a most extremely vivid dream?"
Stanley leaned in and kissed her on her cheek to prove his point.
"Rosie, you are NOT dreaming in any sense of the word. I am now re-assigned back on the Bluebell Valley Line and at Great Waterton, just as I was at the beginning, and there I shall be staying now. You and I are now truly the closest we've ever been since we first came together."
Rosie began to breathe heavily and she trembled more as she took it all in. Then she looked right into her beloved engine's eyes.
"Oh, Stanley! You're back! My beloved silver stallion!"
Then without another tarried moment, Rosie suddenly buffered up to Stanley and showered more than a dozen kisses all over his face, pecking and smooching her lips with a most delightful tickle to Stanley's face right up to one more big smooch on his cheek. Stanley could only blush most happily as he whistled merrily along with Rosie.
"Oh, I love you, Rosie. This really is one of the proudest days of my life," he said proudly.
"I love you too, Stanley," Rosie gleamed happily. "Your sense of belonging on that branch line is as true as our bond together."
"Indeed it is, Rosie," said Stanley. "And my sense of loving you will always remain to be forever."
"Mine too, Stanley," Rosie whispered as she kissed him again, to which he nuzzled her happily.
And so it was arranged. The next day, Neville returned from the Steamworks with a new safety valve and was back in business along the Blue Valley Line and Great Waterton. He soon heard all about Stanley's heroics, and the most welcome news that Stanley was now stationed back on the branch line with them. From then on, Stanley, Flora, Harvey and Neville would now live together at Great Waterton, and Stanley and Rosie were indeed happier together than they had ever been before.
Yep, Stanley is back where he belongs; working on the Great Waterton line full time, and for the record, "Rusty to the Rescue" isn't canon in these stories, hence why the Bluebell Valley line was never referred to as "Stepney's Branch Line"; as far as I'm concerned, it's Stanley's Branch Line. Also, it should go without saying, but Sligwin is not an actual location in the show, it's just a place I made up for the sake of having something on the other side of Rolling River Bridge, though the place was inspired by Enterprisingengine93's "Ice Breaker" video. And yes, if Molly and Stanley's conversation is anything to go by, I do indeed plan for James and Molly to live and run the Kirk Ronan Branch Line together once the harbour is finished, which means that, yes, James will eventually move out of Tidmouth Sheds, only not quite permanently; that'll be explained later down the road. So, next time we're focusing on Thomas and Emily again, and until then, tell us what you thought of this story, and as always, stay safe.