Chapter 148: As Good as Gordon

One morning, Sir Topham Hatt called Gordon into his office.

"Gordon, I would like to start this meeting off by saying how pleased I have been with your work recently. The express has never run quicker to time,

all thanks to your hard work and determination."

Gordon blushed modestly.

"Thank you, sir. I do take pride in my work."

"As you should. Now, on to why I called you here. A Rail tour going to York has been booked for tomorrow, but the engine supposed to take it has broken down and British Rail can't spare any others. Now, they've asked me for a replacement, and as a reward for all of your hard work, I figured it would be a nice treat for you to take it."

Gordon beamed proudly.

"Oh, thank you sir! But, who will do my work while I am away?"

"Leave that to me. I'll be making the official announcement tonight. It'll only be for the day, so it shouldn't effect the timetable too much."

To everyone's surprise, he chose Molly. Although she accepted the temporary position, she became rather nervous once Sir Topham Hatt had left.

"Oh dear, I've never had to do the express run by myself before. What if I'm not ready?"

"You're not."

Everyone turned to Gordon, his face twisted into a pompous frown.

"Gordon, there's no need to be rude."

"I'm not, I'm being honest. Believe me, I wish to see her succeed as much as anyone, but the simple fact of the matter is that the job is more than one person can bare. Do you know why I'm only able to do one round trip a day, James? Its because the work is so physically exhausting that any more would be outright impossible.

Now keep in mind that I've only been able to work up the energy for a round trip after many years, and ask yourself what chance does Molly possibly have? Now if you

excuse me, I leave first thing tomorrow and would very much like to be well rested."

And Gordon quickly fled before any thing else could be said. Everyone else soon followed, save for James who put a reassuring hand on Molly's shoulder.

"I'm scared, James. What if Gordon's right? What if I can't do it? What if..."

"Gordon's a clod who cant see past his huge nose. Don't worry, Molly, you'll do fine. You just have to have confidence in yourself."

"But-"

"Molly, you'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take. I promise, as long as you do your best, no one will blame you."

Molly pushed her bangs out of her eyes, giving a small smile.

"Thanks James, it means a lot."

"Come on, lets get some sleep."

The next morning, Molly brought her engine to the platform a rack of coaches waiting for her. James was at the adjacent platform, waiting for to leave with a stopping

train.

"You'll be great, Molly."

Molly smiled, waving goodbye as the whistle blew. James watched as she and the train disappeared into the distance.

The train went well at first, but Molly soon found the job was taking its toll on her. Her hands shook, sweat dripped from her forehead in puddles, and she grew exhausted,

but still she struggled on."

"I can...do it. I can...do it."

James's advice echoed in her mind.

"You'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

"I can...do it. I can...do it."

Gordon's Hill was her biggest struggle. Even with Edward's help, it felt like her hands were weighed down with 100 ton weights. It seemed like it would never end, but finally, tired but triumphant, she arrived at Barrow-n-Furness to a cheering crowd. Gordon had arrived back from the railtour, and took over for the return journey. He didn't say anything to her as he left, but Molly swore she could see a small but approving smile on his face.

That evening, James and Molly watched the sunrise together on a small hill.

"I heard you did a good job on your own today."

Molly giggled, teasingly intertwining his fingers with hers.

"Sir Topham Hatt wouldn't stop praising me. Even Gordon seemed impressed. And I have you to thank for that."

"Me?"

"You never gave up on me, James, even when I was about too. You're the best friend I can ever ask for."

Feeling brave, James wrapped an arm around her.

"Well, to be honest, I think I would like to be more than just friends."

"Oh? Because..."

James stiffened as she scooted closer, their lips almost touching.

"I would love that very much."

And with that, she closed the distance, the two kissing passionately as the sun set on a perfect day.