Chapter 302: Best Dressed Engine

May Day was approaching on the Island of Sodor, and all of the residents were excited. Even the railway was getting in on the celebrations, the stations decorated with flags and Topham Hatt allowed his engine drivers to decorate their engines as they saw fit, with a best dressed engine contest to be held on the holiday. Everyone couldn't wait to express themselves. Everyone, that is, except for Gordon.

"A bunch of nonsense," he snorted the morning before the contest was to be held. "All this hubub about some fancy flags and bunting for a stupid holiday."

"We can also change our engine's color," James piped up. "I'm going to the Steamworks after my last train and see Victor would min painting on a few flames."

"And it'll be gone just as soon as it's on," Gordon continued. "It's all just temporary flair. Why even bother."

"I think it's great he's allowing us to express ourselves in this way," Edward said. "After all, that is what the holiday's about."

But Gordon refused to budge on his opinion, and left in a huff. All day long he complained to anyone who would listen about it until they were all sick of him.

"He makes Duncan look pleasant," Sir Handel grumbled to Peteri Sam.

"Oi, I heard that!"

Later that night, Gordon backed his engine into its berth in the shed, still grumbling about the contest.

"Stuff and nonsense celebration for a stuff and nonsense holiday."

Once had put out the fire and emptied the smokebox, Gordon climbed down and left the sheds. Just before he walked out the door, he took one last look at his engine.

"Perfect just as she is. I don't need to decorate her just for some stupid contest."

But it was not meant to be. Later that night, a group of ten children snuck into the sheds. They had brought buckets of paint with them, and a devious plan in their heads.

"Let's paint one of these engines funny colors! That driver will look silly."

"How about number five? James is always boasting about its shiny paint."

"No way, his reaction will be more sad than funny."

"I know, how about number four?"

"Perfect!"

With their target in mind, the group got to work. It took them a long time, but before long they were satisfied.

"Boy, won't Gordon be in for a big surprise!"

"I almost wish I could see his face when he gets here!"

The next morning, Gordon went to work much happier, coffee in hand.

"All I have to do is make it to the end of the day, and I can put all of this nonsense behind me. Honestly, why do they even bo- Agh!"

When Gordon saw what shape his engine was in, he dropped his coffee to the ground in horror. Instead of a bright shiny blue, his engine was a whole pallet of colors. The smokebox was a shiny red, the boiler bright green, the cab roof a dark purple, the cab door yellow, and the whole tender a bright shade of orange.

"My baby! I can't possibly take the express with my engine looking like this!"

But the yard master came with bad news.

"No one else is available, and the express is due in 20 minutes. You'll have to take it."

"But just look at my engine! I'll be the laughing stock of the railway!"

"Sorry, but there's nothing I can do. Besides, what would Sir Topham Hatt say if the express was late?"

Begrudgingly, Gordon agreed and left for the station. As he expected, all of the passengers laughed and pointed at him. To make matters worse, James was at the station, and was quite delighted with what he saw.

"Well well well, decided to participate after all, did you? But tie-dye isn't a good color for you."

Before Gordon could respond, James drove off, leaving him fuming.

All day long, Gordon received jeers and mockery whenever people saw his engine coming. He was very relieved when the day's work was over.

"Whoever did this had better hope I don't catch them, or so help me…"

Emily chuckled, bouncing her son on her knee.

"Oh, lighten up Gordon! I think its funny."

"Emily, this engine is the pride of the express! To make a mockery of it like this is an insult to everything I've worked for."

Just then, Thomas Jr. noticed the engine. He laughed happily, clapping without a care in the world. Even Gordon had to admit it was cute.

"Well, at least somebody likes it."

Later that evening, the best dressed engine contest was held. To Gordon's shock, his engine was the winner.

"Me? But I didn't even want to enter this competition."

"Well, I'll admit your choice is…curious. But it is the most expressive of all of them, I believe!"

Gordon couldn't help but smile as he was handed the trophy.

"Well, thank you, sir! But I still think the whole thing is stupid."

Everyone laughed at that. Even Gordon.