Chapter 263: Not So Hasty Puddings

Winter had reached Sodor, but life was far from quiet. With the early snowfall, the engine drivers had to work extra hard to get their passengers and cargo to their destinations on time, but they didn't mind. They all just wanted to be really useful.

One cold morning, Thomas was stopped at a signal. Just then, Elizabeth drove up in her lorry.

"Good morning, Elizabeth!"

"Oh, its you. Broken down, again? Sorry, can't help you today. I have far too many deliveries to make."

Thomas was insulted by her bluntness.

"Geez, what's bit you today? All I said was good morning."

"Ugh, its this weather. Good thing this is a steam lorry, I'd be frozen stiff if it ran on gas. Goodbye!"

And before Thomas could say anything else, Elizabeth drove off.

"She's still the same as ever, I see."

Later that day, he was passing through Maithwaite when he saw Sir Topham Hatt talking to Elizabeth.

"The Sodor Pudding Factory is completely snowed in, and they need to get their last shipment out before they close for the holidays. Please go and help them."

Thomas, seeing a chance to prove himself to her, interjected.

"Pardon me sir, but I can go and collect it."

"Thank you, Thomas, but I need you to run your branchline. Besides, its quicker by road, and Elizabeth knows the route by heart!"

"Indeed. Besides, if he sent you you'd get stuck in a snowdrift somewhere!"

Thomas wanted to reply, but Elizabeth sped off, leaving him fuming.

"Bossy boots," he muttered to himself as he left the station. He could tell this was going to be a long day.

At the Pudding factory, Elizabeth waited patiently as the crates of puddings were loaded into her Lorry's bed. At last, she was ready to depart.

"Be careful, the roads are very icy this time of year," the manager warned. "And watch your speed on the hill!"

But Elizabeth just scoffed rudely.

"I know how to drive, thank you very much."

And with that, she left the factory. But she had underestimated just how steep the hill was. Despite her best efforts to slow down, her lorry kept gaining speed while she fought for control. To make matters worse, a large snowdrift blocked the road ahead. She braked with all her might, but it was no good. She crashed right into it and got stuck, the tires spinning helplessly as she tried to escape.

"Bother! Help, somebody help!"

Thomas had just reached Hackenbeck when he found Sir Topham Hatt on the platform, looking very concerned.

"Elizabeth has become trapped, and the ship leaves in an hour. Please fetch Terence and rescue her immediately!"

Thomas sped off immediately, he dared not hesitate. He grabbed Terence and his tractor and raced toward the factory. He found Elizabeth at the bottom of the hill, huddled in the cab for warmth. She was happy to see Thomas.

"Oh, thank goodness you're here! Any longer and I'd become a popsicle."

"Don't worry Elizabeth, we'll soon have you out!"

Terence soon got to work, and before long Elizabeth was free. Once more she set off for the docks, Thomas and Terence following closely behind to make sure she didn't crash once more. At last, they reached the docks just in time.

"Well done, all of you!" Sir Topham Hatt boomed. "You are all really useful!"

"Thank you for rescuing me, Thomas," Elizabeth said to him before she left for home. "I'm sorry I was rude to you."

"Its alright, Elizabeth. Friends?"

"Friends."