Chapter 107: Edward, Trevor, and the Really Useful Party

One day, Edward stopped at the signal near the Vicarage Orchard. Trevor was there, looking excited.

"The Vicar's holding a garden party this Sunday to raise funds for the church," he told Edward, "There will be food, games, and I'll be the star attraction.

"Sounds like fun," said Edward, "Oh, there's the signal. I must get going. Goodbye."

Later that day, Edward was still thinking about the party.

"I wish I could go, but I'm needed on the railway. This branchline won't run itself. Still, I wish there was something I could do to contribute."

His wish would soon be granted. When he passed the vicarage orchard the next day, he saw Trevor again, but he no longer looked cheerful.

"Bad news, Edward. The vicar's been so busy that he forgot to put up posters for the party. Now no one will come."

This gave Edward an idea.

"Why don't you put them on my engine's cab and coaches? That way all of my passengers will see them."

Trevor beamed.

"Oh, thank you Edward. You are a life saver."

"It's no problem, Trevor. But I do need to get permission from Sir Topham Hatt."

Sir Topham Hatt was happy to agree, and soon Edward, Trevor, and the vicar were busy pasting posters all over the train. They covered it from smokebox to brake coach, and soon it was time for Edward to depart.

"I hope this works."

When Edward arrived at the station, everyone flocked to see what was on the coaches.

"A garden party? At the vicarage orchard?"

"Food, games, and hay rides?"

"My kids would love a ride on a Traction Engine!"

"Hey, this sounds like fun!"

"And admission is cheap too."

"Mommy, I want to ride on a traction engine."

"Alright, Mickey, I'll buy some tickets."

Edward smiled his plan had worked.

Later that day, he stopped by the orchard. Trevor was there and was looking happier than before.

"Thanks to you, tons of people have bought tickets to the party. We've more than doubled our goal. Thank you, Edward, you are really useful."

Edward just smiled proudly.

On the day before the party, Trevor had some time off and was resting underneath a tree. Just then, Bertie drove up in his bus.

"Hello, Trevor, sleeping on the job are we?"

"Nothing of the sort. I had some free time and decided to catch some z's. Besides, I'll need plenty of energy for tomorrow. I'll be giving children rides all day."

"Oh yes, the garden party. I'll be taking guests there. I don't see why anyone would want to ride with a stick in the mud like you after a smooth ride in my bus. Well, I must be off. Goodbye."

And he sped off before Trevor could retort. Trevor just rolled his eyes. He knew Bertie was just teasing him.

It rained hard the night before. While the road had stay dry for the most part, the ground was a muddy mess. But that didn't deter anyone from coming to the party, nor did it ruin their good mood.

"Rain and mud won't spoil my day," Trevor told the vicar, "I'll stick to the roads."

"Good idea but do be careful. The roads are still bound to be slick."

"Don't worry, I will."

Trevor was soon kept busy giving children and parents alike rides up and down the country lane. He passed Bertie on the way.

"Hello, Trevor. Sorry I can't stay to chat, but I have to keep busy. Hope you're having a good time, you old stick in a mud."

Trevor just laughed and blew the whistle at Bertie as he passed, with Bertie honking the horn in him in return. A few minutes later he turned around and headed back for the orchard, where he found an amusing sight.

Bertie's bus was wheel deep in mud. Bertie tried and tried to reverse, but it did him no good. He and his passengers were stuck. Terence was there too and was trying to get Bertie free.

"Oh, Trevor, good thing that you're here. Give me a hand, will ya? This thing is heavier than I thought."

"Hey, my bus isn't that heavy."

"It's not the bus that's the problem, it's the driver."

"Hey!"

"Sure thing, Terence."

Trevor got some chains, tied them to Bertie's bus, and slowly but surely the two of them pulled the bus free of the mud.

"Thank you, Trevor. I'm sorry I called you a stick in the mud. You're anything but."

"Yes, but you were. For a while there, anyway."

The two had a good laugh. Then Bertie turned to Terence.

"And Terence. What was that comment about me being the problem?"

"uh-oh."

Trevor laughed as Bertie chased Terence around the vicarage orchard. The party had been a success.

A/N: Alright, another chapter finished. Remember that there won't be any chapters next week, as I will not have the time or access to a computer to write them. Peace!