Disclaimer: Nope. Still Don't own Thomas.

Chapter 76: Jack to the Rescue

A week had gone by since Jack's first day. He hadn't gotten into any other accidents, but Miss Jenny still wasn't sure if she wanted to hire him. This made Jack worried.

The Pack was busy widening the road underneath the old quarry bridge. Everybody was hard at work. Jack and Alfie were loading Max's Dump truck. Dust and dirt flew everywhere, yet they were having a blast. When Max had left, Alfie turned to see Jack was sad.

"What's the matter, Jack?" He asked.

"Miss Jenny still hasn't given me the final verdict," he sighed, "I've done my best not to mess up again, but I'm still worried she won't let me stay."

"Don't be silly," Alife said, "You're a hard worker, and you're eager to work. Everybody makes a few mistakes. I'm sure once Miss Jenny sees how hard you've worked, she'll let you stay for sure."

Jack just smiled.

"Thanks Alfie."

"No problem, Jack. Now let's get back to digging. Max will be back soon, and he doesn't like being kept waiting."

"Sounds good to me."

Meanwhile, in another area of the worksite, Ned and Monty were clearing away some rocks. Ned operated a steam shovel, and loved his job. But Ned isn't always careful, and often makes mistakes. For example, he had overloaded his shovel's bucket, and the rocks rattled around in the dumper. Monty could feel the vibrations, and was rather shaken up.

"Careful, bumble bucket," he snapped, "If this thing breaks, Miss Jenny will take it out of my salary."

"Sorry, Monty," Ned said cheerfully, "Won't happen again."

"Yeah, like we haven't heard that before."

Meanwhile, back at the bridge…

"Oliver, this topsoil needs moving now!" cried the foreman.

"I'll do it!" Jack said, and before anyone could stop him he raced under the bridge. He was about to take the topsoil when he remembered Miss Jenny's warning: Don't jump in where you don't belong.

"Hehe, sorry Oliver," Jack laughed nervously, "This is your job, not mine. I just got a little excited there."

"Ah, don't worry about it," Oliver said kindly, "A little enthusiasm never hurt anybody. But you better get back to your own work."

Jack agreed, and quickly scuttled away.

"Nice save," Alfie whispered to Jack, who just sighed in relief.

An hour later, the foreman blew the horn, signaling that it was time for lunch. Jack and Alfie were just about to find a place to sit when he heard a voice.

"That sounds like Isobella," Jack said, and they ran off in direction of the voice. It was Isobella, and she was lying at the bottom of the ditch.

"Isobella! Are you alright!" Alfie asked.

"I think so," Isobella said, "But I can't get back up. Call for help."

"No need," Jack replied, and he slid down the slope. "I'll give you a boost, and then one of you guys can lower a branch down to lift me back up."

"Are you sure that's safe?" Alfie asked.

"Only one way to find out," Jack said, as he knelt with his hands cupped. Isobella put her foot on them, and Jack hoisted her up, where Alfie helped to drag her back to solid ground.

"Hold on to this," Alfie told Jack, holding a branch out to him. However, just as Jack was almost back up, the ground gave way, sending him tumbling back to the bottom.

"Oh, my goodness! Are you alright, Jack?" Isobella asked

"No," Jack spluttered, "I think I broke my arm."

Quickly, they called for an ambulance, Jack was taken to the hospital. The arm wasn't broken, but would have to be in a cast for several weeks. Isobella gave Jack a lift back to the yard, where Miss Jenny was waiting.

"Oh dear," Jack thought miserably, "She'll send me away for sure. Not only did I jump into something I shouldn't have, I also injured my arm. There's no way she'll let me stay."

But Miss Jenny was smiling.

"Well done, Jack," she said kindly, "You'd make a mother proud."

"Not to mention a lady very grateful," Isobella added.

"Looks like it's a month's paid vacation for you, Jack," Miss Jenny continued, "But once your arm is better I expect you to be back and ready to work."

"Do you mean I can stay?" Jack asked hopefully.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Miss Jenny smiled. Once everyone had left, Isobella turned to Jack.

"Thanks for saving me today," Isobella told him, "It was really brave."

"Think nothing of it," Jack responded, before looking nervous, "Um, would you like to maybe get coffee some time?"

"You mean like a date?" Isobella asked.

"Um, well, it doesn't have to be. I mean, if you want…"

Jack was silenced when she kissed him on the cheek.

"Sounds like fun," she said, smiling.

Jack just smiled.

A/N: And, done! The Pack episodes are some of my favorites in Thomas, and I look forward to adapting them. And yes, there will be pairings in this story. I know there are fans who don't like the idea of pairings, and I respect their opinion. Don't worry, it won't get overly romantic. For the most part, it'll just be kissing, maybe small dates, but nothing that will detract from the main story. I ship Jack and Isobella, and I feel that it is a pairing that doesn't get a lot of attention, so I decided to make them a couple here. Anyway, let me know what you thought. Bye!