Chapter 221: Percy in a Jam

It was a beautiful day on Sodor, and Daisy was making his way to the docks when he passed Percy on her way. Percy was heading there with a train from the farms. Daisy snorted in annoyance.

"Hurry up, Percy! Sir Topham Hatt was expecting that train an hour ago!"

"I know that! Its the stupid farmer's fault. His sheep got out because he can't be bothered to fix the latch on their pen, and somehow that became my problem and I had to help him get them back in."

"That's no excuse! If you can't make up for lost time, then stay out of the way! Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."

And with that, she drove off, leaving a very annoyed Percy in her wake.

"Bossy boots."

But Daisy didn't let this upset her mood, and she drove cheerfully into the harbor yard. It was market day, and all kinds of fruits and vegetables from around the world lined the key. Daisy watched as it was all carefully loaded onto the waiting trucks.

"Do hurry up! I don't want to be late."

"Ah, hold your horses! You've got plenty of time."

Sure enough, the trucks were soon loaded and Daisy was heading down the main line. On the way, she passed by Thomas and Emily while they were having a picnic.

"Good afternoon, you two! Isn't it a lovely day?"

"Wouldn't be out here if it wasn't."

"Hello to you too, Daisy. Off on an important job, are you?"

"You could say that, Emily. But even if I wasn't, at least I'm not as useless as that Percy! Goodbye."

And before either of them could reply, Daisy's signal turned green and she left in a huff. The couple rolled their eyes and returned to their lunch.

"That Daisy is headed for trouble."

"No doubt about that."

A little while later, Percy had brought his train into the station and shunted the trucks into their proper sidings. He was just about to fetch the next train when The Stationmaster came up.

"Daisy's railcar has broken down. I need you to take her train."

"Yes, sir."

Percy found Daisy trying not to choke from the smoke billowing from her engine. He felt sorry for her, but couldn't help but laugh nonetheless.

"Well, well, well, I am surprised. What's that you said earlier? If you can't make up for lost time, then stay out of the way?"

Daisy just scowled. It was bad enough she had gotten filthy trying to fix the problem, she didn't want Percy there making it even worse.

"Oh well, happens to the best of us. Don't worry, I'll get them the produce to market with time to spare."

Soon, Percy was on his way again. But trouble lay ahead. The signalman hadn't been informed of the change of plans, and so hadn't set the points. By the time he or Percy had realized this it was too late. With a loud CRASH! Percy's engine hit the runaway buffes. A large squelching noise was heard from the train. Percy gulped nerviously.

"Oh no."

Sure enough, when Percy opened the van, smashed fruit lay everywhere. Sir Topham Hatt soon arrived, looking none too pleased.

"I'm sorry, sir."

"I know this isn't your fault, Percy. Poor communication was the problem. Still though, the market goers won't be very happy, but there's not much that can be done."

Sadly, Percy nodded and headed home.

That night, the house was quiet. Daisy and Percy felt very sorry for themselves. Thomas tried to lighten the mood.

"There's more than one way to get jammed, I think you both learned that today. Even when we help each other, things can go wrong."

Daisy snorted.

"So?"

"So you both learned a lot today. And therefore..."

Daisy and Percy gave a small smile.

"We're really useful after all!"