Spring had been quite seasonal and warm on the Island of Sodor. Now it was early May, and in that time, there had been a fair few events in the working. David had taken to owning Caroline as his set of wheels for the road, and Thomas, Emily and Beatrice were indeed happy for them both. Then one day in April, there came one more brief snowfall for the engines to cope with. Snow had fallen overnight, which meant Cleo woke up to see Sodor taken over by filthy white stuff, or so she thought. Ruth assured Cleo it was only snow, to which Cleo knew nothing about. Ruth then treated Cleo to a trip in the snow to enjoy it while it lasted. Cleo thought it all looked quite pretty, though she was a little skittish when she got hit by a flying snowball. Then Cleo saw what she thought was a snow monster, only for Thomas to come along with his snowplough. It wasn't long before Cleo loved the snow, even making a giant snow angel by weaving all around the open field.
But later that day, Cleo saw something awful. With the sun beaming brightly overhead, the snowmen were beginning to melt. Cleo then decided to save the snow herself, so she dashed off to the field again and convinced the children to help her save the snowman. Then she dashed off to the Dairy Farm to find a fridge, but the fridges were full of cream. After looking for an ice cream stand only to find it closed, Cleo thought that Ruth would know what to do, but by the time she came back to the workshop, the snowman had melted right down. Cleo was most discouraged and disappointed, telling Ruth she would miss the snow dearly, to which Ruth assured her there would be more snow another time. Then a few days later, Cleo woke up to a most delightful surprise. She saw it was snowing again…in a little patch around the workshop. Ruth had invented a way to spray temporary snow in a little spot just for Cleo, so she could enjoy it whenever she pleased, and so Cleo continued to be ever-so curious, vigorous and truly precious in her newfound experiences with everything on Sodor.
But even in the midst of all of this, there was something much more important and truly wonderful being put together for someone else. At the Search and Rescue Centre, one of the workers is a beautiful young woman with brunette-brown hair, deep blue eyes and a truly lovely smile. With dedication and fairness being her well-set ways, the woman's name is Fiona Fox, the younger sister of Gordon's fireman, Walter Fox. Meanwhile, right along Cabalnoo, there lives a man named Ronald Acorah. A fair gentleman with broad shoulders and an open heart, he was the manager of the Cabalnoo Maritime Museum. Both Acorah and Fox had known each other for a fair number of years, and now, as of the past several months, they had both been in truly loving and happy spirits. With the snow now melted and all the arrangements set in place, these two were due to be married and become husband and wife, with the wedding set to be held outside the museum near Pirate's Cove.
One warm evening as the Search and Rescue Centre was winding down for the night, Belle and Flynn were sitting side by side at the platform when they saw Fiona walking along the Centre, humming happily to herself. All the rescue vehicles knew all-too well as to what was going on between her and Ronald, and although their duties to keeping Sodor safe were ever-so constant, they were all most happy for the soon-to-be bride and groom. Fiona came walking alongside both fire engines and sighed most contently.
"Hello, Fiona," both fire engines greeted with a smile.
"Hello, Belle and Flynn," Fiona beamed from ear to ear. "Oh, my sainted souls. Everything is finally set. Ronald and I have waited ever-so long for this most joyful day to come."
"You certainly have, Fiona. Now the time has just about arrived," said Flynn.
"I can't believe your wedding is being held tomorrow afternoon!" Belle beamed dearly. "We're both so happy for you, Fiona!"
"Thank you, Belle and Flynn," said Fiona. "Ronald and I have known each other for a good while now, and we both agree we're truly meant for each other. It seems like only yesterday when he came out with everything…and made the greatest joy I could ever feel come true."
Belle and Flynn could only nod most admirably as Fiona thought back to the very day Ronald came forth with that very question…
Several months ago in the year before, shortly after Belle had been issued her new boiler ticket, Ronald had invited Fiona on a date for the evening to which she happily agreed. They two of them met up at the Seaside Bistro for a romantic dinner, and in the end, it turned out most swimmingly for them both. After that, while everyone else went home, Ronald and Fiona walked down to the quayside to watch the sunset over the sea. They stood together for a long time as the sun dipped lower to the horizon. At last, one of them spoke.
"This romantic dinner was a lovely idea, Ronald," Fiona said lovingly. "And such a lovely sunset to share with you as well. Thank you."
"You're truly welcome, Fiona," Ronald said surely. "Only the very best for a dear and fair lady such as you."
"Oh, Ronald. You're very sweet," Fiona chimed as she gave him a kiss on his cheek. "I really don't know what my life would have been had I not met such a kind and understanding gentleman like you."
As Fiona looked out to the sunset again, Ronald's eyes shut halfway as he smiled lovingly at the young woman before him. Then in that very moment, it suddenly came to him. He hadn't said anything of the sort for a long time, but given their position this very moment, he secretly glanced down toward his pocket where an ever-so faint small square shaped showed through the fabric. Something he had been keeping safe and secret with all the dedication his heart could possibly carry. In that moment, with his heart starting to beat faster, Ronald took a deep breath and mustered up his nerve and confidence.
"You know…now that we're alone…just the two of us…" he said a little carefully. "There's…there's actually something I really feel I should come out with…and tell you, Ms. Fox."
Fiona looked back to her fellow gentleman with a smile. "Yes, Ronald? What is it?"
Ronald took a deep breath again and stood tall as he came forward and held Fiona's hand.
"Fiona Fox. I love you more than all else on this whole island and in this entire world. You're kind, helpful, dedicated, hard-working and a truly beautiful young woman, and I have always felt happy to see you whenever we've spent our occasions together. Through all the time we have known each other since the beginning, our relationship has proven us both to be strong and dedicated to the other, and I have come to realize that you are what makes my life truly worth living."
Fiona's eyes glimmered in the sunset as she felt a very warm feeling in her heart and held Ronald's hand.
"Oh, Ronald. Why, thank you," she smiled. "I love you too, dear, so very much. I've always enjoyed our occasions together, and I must say, I feel a great sense of belonging whenever I'm with you. Of course my line of work is at the Search and Rescue Centre whilst your work lies with the Museum, but that doesn't affect anything as to how fond I've grown of you."
"I'm very happy to hear you say that, Fiona," Ronald said with a genuine and serious smile. "Which is why tonight…I have made my decision."
Fiona's heart suddenly skipped a beat and she went very still as she noticed Ronald reach into his pocket.
"Excuse me, Ronald…decision? What exactly do you mean by that?"
Ronald brought his hand out of his pocket and drew it behind his back as he kneeled to one knee and looked right up to the woman he loved more than anything else in his life.
"Fiona Fox. There is no easy way for any man to bring this forth to the potential woman of his life, but here and now, I am prepared to make my move. After a fair number of long and well-lived years of the two of us building on our relationship, and after a very long time for me to consider and think about it all…I ask you now…"
Fiona then watched as Ronald brought his hand out again, revealing a small jewelry case. Then in the next moment, Ronald opened it, revealing a gleaming golden ring with a perfectly shaped diamond which twinkled in the sunset as the question came out.
"Will you marry me?"
In that very moment in time, Fiona drew in a deep breath as she felt a most powerful, swelling joy coursing through her veins, right into the core of her heart. She suddenly became very, very happy and her face formed such a big, beautiful smile as her eyes shone and glimmered. Then as she took the ring case and held it in her hands, big tears of pure love left her eyes and trailed down her cheeks.
"Ronald!" she sobbed happily "You had this ready? Just for me?"
"I have, Fiona. For a long time now," he said with a pounding heart and a loving smile. "I've been holding onto it for nobody else on this island. Except for you. Now please tell me…what is your answer?"
"Ohh…Ronald Acorah!" she gushed, then threw her arms right around him. "Why, of course I will!"
And she held his face and kissed him happily on both cheeks. Hearing her answer clear as anything, Ronald's heart soared like never before as he kissed her in turn on both her cheeks, then looked most happily into her eyes.
"Fiona Fox, all the thanks in the world and beyond are not enough! You have made me the happiest man the Cabalnoo Museum will ever see!"
"Oh, Ronald! You've made me the happiest woman at the Search and Rescue Centre!" Fiona whimpered with utter joy. "Ohh, nothing in the world would give me any more joy than to be your wife!"
"And nothing in the world would give me any more joy to be your husband, dedicated to you and you only, for as long as we may live."
"As I shall be dedicated to you right to the end, Ronald," said Fiona. "As such…what date would you say would fit us both for our holy matrimony?"
Ronald thought for a moment, then smiled.
"Well, with it being November now, winter is coming along soon," he said. "To that effect, once the snow melts…how does next May sound to you?"
Fiona heard Ronald's suggestion, then smiled dearly.
"…Just the time of year I would have chosen myself, Ronald. Next May, it is. Arrangements shall be made, guests shall attend, and in just a few months, you and I shall be joined in holy matrimony. Until then…I love you, Ronald. I love you so much, and right until the very end, I always will."
Ronald hugged her close with a loving kiss to her cheek as he replied.
"I love you too, Fiona. I always have, and until the very end, I always will."
With no further words needed, Fiona and Ronald hugged each other close, exchanging kisses to each other's cheeks for some time into the evening as the sun went down completely…
With that, Fiona's little flashback concluded as she stood up and looked at Belle and Flynn again, smiling with such love in her heart for her fellow man.
"My goodness. Such a lovely proposal he made to you, Fiona," said Flynn.
"And now, this very evening…here we are," Belle smiled. "The two of you due to be married at long last. Joined in holy matrimony…just as Flynn and I hold each other in our own steamy matrimony."
"Yes, Belle. Tomorrow is it," said Fiona. "My wedding gown and veil is all set for tomorrow, as is everything and everyone else."
Suddenly, Flynn had a certain thought come to him as he took a little glance at Belle, then to Fiona.
"Hmm. You know something, Fiona?" he said. "While our duties to the Rescue Centre are ironclad and set in like steel…I'd love it if we could attend the wedding. Especially since it's being held so close to the Rescue Centre…and more-so given how Belle and I are our own husband and wife figures to each other. Wouldn't you agree, Belle?"
"That we are, my Fiery Flynn. And yes, it would be very lovely to be there," said Belle. "But even with an occasion as truly wonderful as this, you and I will have to stay on duty. Anything could still happen even tomorrow. You never know."
"That is true," Flynn admitted with a sigh. "Whatever the circumstances may be, duty calls."
"Well, I would have loved if you could be invited," said Fiona. "But I assure you both. However you two spend tomorrow, it shall be the most wonderful day of my life, and Ronald's too."
"It certainly will be, Fiona," said Belle. "Now perhaps you'd best make your way home. You and Ronald have the biggest day of all tomorrow."
"That we do, Belle," said Fiona. "Goodnight to you both. And to my beloved groom."
With that, Fiona set off on her way home. Belle and Flynn left the platform and were soon settled in their shed together, still thinking most admirably about Fiona and Ronald.
"My goodness, Belle," said Flynn. "Duty calls, but still, wouldn't it be something to serve as some form of contribution to Fiona and Ronald's wedding?"
"I do admit, it would be very lovely to be there, Flynn," said Belle. "And I will admit, this is one of very few times where I wish our duties didn't have to get in the way of seeing something truly wonderful. Even if we could be there, what could we do besides being guests?"
To this, Flynn suddenly looked right at his beloved wife and smiled deeply.
"Well, Belle…there's another reason I thought of us being there if we could. You see…it so happens that your name fits very nicely for the occasion."
"How so?" Belle asked. "Is it about your pet-names for me? Bella and Beauty?"
"Well…yes, I suppose. But I wasn't thinking so much about that," Flynn replied as he buffered closer. "I'm talking about how they say the wedding bells ring…as you yourself have your own bell…to which if we had any part in tomorrow's events, then you would be the Wedding Belle…Belle. Just imagine what that would be like?"
Belle noticed what Flynn meant right away, to which she felt her heart jump and flutter most delightfully. Then she looked right at him and smiled most lovingly.
"Aww…oh, Flynn," she cooed sweetly. "My big, sweet honey-pie…come here."
Then she puckered her lips and gave him a big, smooching kiss right on his cheek until she let go with a loving smack of her lips.
"Mmm…mmm-ah!" she kissed. "Flynn, my sweet, handsome honey-pie. You're not only the strongest and most handsome fire engine I could ever be blessed to have as my own…but the absolute sweetest too. In such a scenario we could have been there, I would be most proud and honoured to do such a thing. Thank you!"
"You're more than welcome, Belle. I would be forever honoured to see it too," Flynn blushed. "Likewise, you're the loveliest, most dedicated and truly sexy fire engine I could ever be blessed to have. Anyway, we'll see what tomorrow brings us. Whatever may happen, we shall see it out."
"That we will, certainly," Belle smiled as she kissed his lips. "Goodnight now, Flynn. I love you, honey-pie."
"I love you too, Belle. Goodnight, my sweet, lovely babe."
Then both fire engines huddled together and fell asleep, feeling just as happily entwined as Fiona and Ronald would very soon feel the very next day.
Meanwhile in his home right along Cabalnoo, Ronald Acorah had everything just about ready. His suit was spotless and ironed up for the next day, and he couldn't be more eager to proceed with his soon-to-be wife at the altar at the Museum. He was of course anxious and jumpy, but only due to the buildup. He knew this day was to be the happiest of his life, and so it would always be for him and his bride.
"And so it has finally come for you and I," he said to no one in particular as he looked out his window. "Tomorrow afternoon, I shall be blessed with a marriage to a fine woman. You have become a fine woman, Fiona Fox."
And with a warmly beating heart and a most spirited smile, he settled down and went to bed, all set for the big day.
At Arlesburgh, inside the Rider House, David and Beatrice were most proud and happy for the events to be set forth the very next day, and David had been making preparations of his own for the occasion.
"Are you all ready for tomorrow, David?" Beatrice asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be for a blessed event as this, Mum," said David. "I may not be the one to court the marriage, as some navy captains can do for seafarers in their jurisdiction, but I am more than pleased to partake in this wedding."
"I just wonder who or what may be in the Good-Luck Package," said Beatrice.
"Indeed," said David. "We'll all see for ourselves tomorrow."
Then he and Beatrice settled down for the night themselves. Meanwhile at Tidmouth Sheds, the Steam Team knew what the next day would be, and they were all most delighted by the prospect. Gordon in particular was most happy for his fireman's sister and was most keen to be a guest at this wedding.
"Truly, Walter. I can hardly put to words how happy I am for your sister," Gordon said proudly.
"Thank you, Gordon," said Walter. "I'm really looking forward to seeing my sister paired up with the man of her dreams."
"Belle and Flynn must be very proud too, as should the rest of the Rescue Team," said Thomas.
"Of course they are, Thomas. Who wouldn't be?" Emily smiled. "It's not every day someone is married to someone who works at the Search and Rescue Centre."
"Unless you count Belle and Flynn as being each other's husband and wife figures," said James.
"That, they are, James," said Rebecca. "As am I with Gordon, you with Molly, Thomas with Emily and so on."
"Well, I think we can all agree, tomorrow is going to be truly wonderful," said Nia.
"Here, here," all the engines agreed.
And so they all backed into their berths and settled in for the night, while Fiona and Ronald had everything worked out for the very next day.
However, in the dark stillness of the night, there sat a lonely alleyway just outside Cabalnoo. And in that alleyway, walking in circles with an open liquor bottle in his hand was one particular figure who was feeling very bitter, resentful, depressed and utterly vain about what was soon to transpire for Fiona and Ronald. A miserable drunkard with a rough, whiskered face by the name of Herbert Flannagan. Several years earlier, in a much different light, Herbert was Fiona's former boyfriend. The relationship had lasted a fair few weeks way back when, but ultimately, Fiona didn't feel it was going to fully work as he wasn't the most sincere of men she could think of, and so, much to Herbert's crushing disappointment, Fiona had decided they had to break up. Driven to sheer bitterness over losing Fiona, Flannagan had turned to alcohol and even smoking, trying vainly to drown and snuff out his sorrows however he could, to very little avail.
"How could she have left me?!" he grumbled before gulping a large mouthful of liquor. "It all seemed so certain, yet she had to shut me out just like that! Never mind getting together with a quaint little museum keeper! 'I' had everything! SHE took it all away! Uhh…my head…"
With that, Herbert slipped away into the night, too drunk and far-gone to have any good spirit now…and as it would soon be shown, this particular figure would end up playing right into Belle and Flynn's ongoing regard to this wedding, and something Belle would most unexpectedly end up taking part in, along with her beloved Flynn.
After a clear and quiet night was slept straight through, the big day finally arrived. The morning of the wedding day dawned warm and clear without a single cloud to be seen. The wedding spirit was now in full swing as the Steam Team came out of their berths with delighted smiles. Presently, the Fat Controller's car came along, then out he stepped with a hearty smile himself.
"Today is a most important and beloved day for Fiona Fox and Ronald Acorah," he said. "They've waited, they've wondered, and the day has now come. Their wedding is to be held this afternoon at the Cabalnoo Maritime Museum right along Pirate's Cove."
The engines cheered and whistled happily for a moment or two, after which the Fat Controller went on.
"Now, many across the island have had their minds on this occasion for some time now, but as with every day on this railway, the work must come first."
"Yes, sir," said Thomas. "So, what are we all to do today?"
"You, Thomas, have passenger runs throughout most of the day on your Branch Line. If you keep right up to schedule, perhaps you can attend the wedding afterwards."
"Thank you, sir," Thomas smiled.
"Gordon, you are to look after the Express with Rebecca," said the Fat Controller. "After that, you are most welcome to attend the wedding. After all, Walter must see the holy matrimony for his sister."
"Why, of course, sir," Gordon beamed proudly.
"I can already see her smiling to her groom," Walter said gladly.
The Fat Controller then told James and Nia they would be managing their goods trains, and Percy was to take the mail train.
"And what am I doing today, sir?" Emily asked.
"Well, Emily. As it so happens, you have a certain part to play for today's event. You are to fetch Judy and Jerome and bring them to Arlesburgh. I hear David has a certain hand in this wedding, and he's going to need those cranes to help him. Then he'll be going with you to the Venue."
"Oh. David's got something in mind, does he?" Emily perked up. "Yes, sir. I'll get right to it."
"I wonder who or what will be in Fiona and Ronald's Good Luck Package," Percy wondered, remembering Susan Kyndley's wedding fondly.
"I'm sure they have it worked out, Percy," said Thomas. "We'd all best get through our work, then some of us can attend later today."
With that, all the engines set off for their day's work, thinking most fondly for Fiona and Ronald and their big day today.
Emily puffed right into Knapford Yards and found the Breakdown Train in their siding. She came right alongside them and whistled cheerfully.
"Say, good morning, Emily," Judy greeted. "Lovely day for the wedding."
"Good morning, Judy and Jerome," Emily greeted warmly. "Yes, it's a perfect day for them both."
"Now, what brings you here, Emily?" Jerome asked. "Has someone called for our service?"
"As a matter of fact, yes…on account of the wedding," Emily replied then mentioned what the Fat Controller said about David.
"Is that so? Well, whatever it must be, it requires at least one of us," said Judy.
"We're all set, Emily. For the wedding," said Jerome.
"Well, come right with me, then," Emily chimed as she coupled up to the train then set off.
Emily huffed happily along the line with Judy and Jerome on the way to Arlesburgh. With the wedding fresh on her mind, Emily thought back to the time Thomas proposed to her with her very own bridal veil, and the night she and Thomas reiterated their husband and wife connection after Thomas' most horrific nightmare. Now with a true wedding being held today, Emily felt her heart tickling with most delighted joy for Fiona and Ronald. She was so happy, she couldn't help but giggle and sing the tune of the Bridal Chorus and give a happy toot on her whistle.
"La-la-la-laa, la-la-la-laa,
La-la, la-la, la-la-la, la-la-laa!
Toot-toot!"
After a brisk run along the line, Emily and the Breakdown Train soon arrived at Arlesburgh and looked towards the pier. There they saw Oliver waiting with a large flatbed. Emily noticed this at once and came right down to the pier, stopping alongside the Sea Emperor. She looked down at the deck and was just in time to see David rolling his grand piano out of the cabin with a bundle of ropes and pulleys tied right around it.
"Good morning, David!" Emily whistled. "Happy wedding day!"
"Why, hello, Emily," he smiled up to her. "I see you've heard the news. Ronald Acorah and Fiona Fox are being joined together at last."
"Yes, I did hear," said Emily. "Such a joy and gift, it is. Now, Sir Topham Hatt says you have a certain part in this wedding."
"That I do, Emily. And I see you've brought Judy and Jerome along. Most excellent."
"And now that I'm here…" Emily said as she looked down. "Am I right to assume that your piano has something to do with it?"
"You got it, Emily," said David. "I'm to play the Bridal Chorus when the ceremony starts, then the Wedding March when the moment comes."
"Wow! You really are?" said Emily.
David nodded and sang as he played the keys on the piano:
"Here comes the bride, all dressed in white.
Sweetly serene in the soft glowing light.
Lovely to see, marching to thee,
Sweet love united for eternity."
"Oh, David," Emily smiled sweetly. "That's so lovely of you to do. I am most delighted."
"Thank you, Emily," said David. "Now, we must get this load ready. Lower away, Jerome!"
Jerome got right to work and brought his arm out over the pier, then lowered his hook down to the deck. David got hold of it and hitched the hook to the piano and its securing system. Then, taking great care, Jerome slowly lifted the piano up off the deck and into the air. David left the ship and came up the pier stairs, watching intently as the piano was lifted up to the track level, then Jerome carefully manoeuvred his arm to the other side and toward Oliver's flatbed.
"Bring it down, Jerome. Take it easy," David checked until the piano was right on the flatbed. "That's right. Perfect!"
At that moment, the workmen stepped out of the Breakdown Coach and helped to secure the piano down with more ropes and chains.
"Piano secure, gentlemen?" David asked the workmen.
"Piano secure, Captain," they answered.
"Well, I'd say you're all set, David," Emily noted as she turned to Oliver. "Are you and Duck going to be at the wedding ceremony, Oliver?"
"Of course we are, Emily," said Oliver. "It's not often a wedding is held right by the Cabalnoo Maritime Museum. Now, I have to fetch my special train. I'm to bring the guests to the wedding…and Isabel and Dulcie are ready for their part too."
"Part? What part, Oliver?" Emily asked.
"You'll see," Oliver winked as he was uncoupled from the flatbed, then set off down the line.
"Now, Emily," David piped up. "We'd best bring Judy and Jerome back to the yards, then you and I are off to the museum with the piano."
"Right away, David," Emily nodded.
So the flatbed was coupled behind the Breakdown Coach, David got in Emily's cab and they set off on their way back to Knapford. When they returned, Emily's fireman uncoupled the piano, then she shunted Judy and Jerome back into their siding, after which she was coupled to the flatbed. Then she set off down the line for the Cabalnoo Museum, humming the Bridal Chorus again as David leaned out from her cab and smiled.
"Well, Emily," he said. "I reckon Belle and Flynn must be very pleased with this momentous occasion."
"And why wouldn't they be, David?" said Emily. "After all, Fiona works at the Search and Rescue Centre. It's only quite a shame they can't attend since they're both fire engines. Always needing to stand by in case of any emergencies."
"Yes, I know, Emily," said David. "I'd like to think it would be truly lovely for them to see the wedding themselves. I know I'm very happy that you've been given that chance."
"Oh, David. So am I," Emily smiled.
Then suddenly, there came a familiar squeal of glee from the road. David and Emily looked and saw Cleo running swiftly along the road, driven by Ruth.
"Well, hello, Ruth and Cleo," said Emily. "Where are you two off to?"
"To Ronald and Fiona's wedding, of course, Emily," said Ruth. "Cleo's been given a great honour for this wedding, given her circumstances."
"Her circumstances? Say…is she the Something New?" Emily asked.
"That's right, Emily," said Ruth. "Being newly built, of course, I thought perhaps she would be a perfect fit for the Good-Luck Package, and Fiona and Ronald fully agree."
"Well, I think that's a lovely idea, Ruth," said David. "Are you excited, Cleo?"
"Yes, yes! Oh, yes, David! I've never seen a wedding before!" Cleo chimed sweetly. "It sounds SOOO lovely!"
Then she and Ruth hurried on down the road. Emily watched Cleo go and felt that little tickle in her heart again.
"He-he-he! Little Cleo," she cooed. "She really is so sweet. Wouldn't you say, David?"
David had to chuckle too. "There is no equal in the entire world. And she is Sodor's."
Emily and David carried on down the line, then sure enough, as they passed through Maron, Emily heard an old but familiar whistle. She and David looked ahead and saw Glynn the Coffeepot Engine running slowly but steadily on the other line, heading for the junction that would lead to Cabalnoo.
"Ah, hello, Emily, and David," he greeted.
"Hello, Glynn. Where are you off to?" asked Emily. "Are you one of the wedding guests today?"
"For Fiona and Ronald? That, I am. But not just any guest, Emily," said Glynn. "…I'm the Something Old for the Good-Luck Package."
"Wow! You are? That's very good," said Emily. "A very fine honour for our No. 1 Coffeepot."
"Thank you, Emily. See you both at the ceremony," Glynn called as he went around the bend.
At the Search and Rescue Centre, Belle and Flynn had been awake since sunrise, and had been standing by at the platform right from the start, waiting for any alarm to respond to. But both their minds were heavily focused on what was due to take place in just a matter of hours now. Belle in particular found herself wondering longingly as to what it would be like to serve as the wedding bell for this wedding, or any wedding for that matter. She took a deep breath and sighed longingly as she looked ahead.
"Thinking fondly about them, are you, Belle?" said Flynn. "So am I."
"Oh, yes, Flynn," said Belle. "To think…it's happening today…almost imminently, I'd say…yet you and I must stay here and hold to our duty."
"Yes. That we do," said Flynn. "But I stand by what I said last night. You really would be the perfect wedding bell, Belle."
"Thanks, Flynn," Belle smiled sweetly. "Oh, well. The thought itself is indeed lovely. For now, the most we can do is stand by and see what comes along."
Just as Flynn nodded surely, Emily came along with a cheerful whistle.
"Hello, Emily," the two fire engines greeted.
"Hello, Belle and Flynn," said Emily. "I was just passing and thought to see you for a moment. How are you two keeping? Happy for the beloved couple?"
"Oh, yes, Emily. We're both very proud and happy," said Flynn. "We only wish we could be there, had it not been for the duty Belle and I must always hold to."
"That's right, Emily," said Belle. "All we can do is wait and see what comes along for us, though we are indeed happy for the occasion. Are you on your way there?"
"In fact, yes. David and I," said Emily. "As you see, I've brought his piano along too. He is to play the Bridal Chorus, then the Wedding March."
"Well, my goodness," said Flynn. "That's very good…and had we had the chance, I thought of something Belle could have done…"
"What might that be?" David asked from Emily's cab.
"Well, David," said Belle. "Just last night, Flynn told me something which really makes me wish I could be there."
When David and Emily heard what Flynn had suggested, Emily gave a smiling gape and her eyes glimmered.
"Is that right? Well, I think that would be the loveliest thing ever, Belle," she gleamed.
"A most honourable pleasure, that would be," said David.
"Yes…but as our matter stands, duty calls," said Belle.
"Well, two things are absolutely certain," said Emily. "You two are the best fire engines Sodor could ever have, and today is truly the best day for the soon-to-be newlyweds. Perhaps we can tell you all about it afterwards."
"I suppose so, Emily," said Belle. "Thank you for stopping by."
"Happy to. See you later, you two," Emily chimed as she set off again.
Emily and David carried on down the line, not far from their destination now. Then sure enough, just few minutes later, they came around the bend, and when Emily looked ahead, she smiled from buffer to buffer. Ahead was the Cabalnoo Maritime Museum, and by now everything was just about ready. Along the side of the museum, there were three long tables with white tablecloths and white canopies draped over them for shade, each loaded with drinks, refreshments and more. Placed just in front of the museum, there were perfectly-arranged lines of white seats, each decorated with bows and small flowers. Right between the two large sets of seats was a long crimson aisle runner, which Emily knew distinctly was where Fiona and Ronald would make the much-anticipated walk to the altar. She stopped right beside the venue and took a deep breath.
"Ohh…Look at it, Paul," she whispered. "It's absolutely beautiful."
Her driver nodded then suddenly looked ahead. "Look, Emily. There he is."
Emily and David looked, and standing right nearby the venue was Ronald Acorah, all dressed in black with a white dress shirt and a black bowtie. He saw who just arrived and walked over with a smile.
"Hello, Mr. Acorah. Congratulations," Emily whispered.
"Thank you, Emily," he said softly. "How do I look?"
"Most distinguished, Mr. Acorah," said Emily. "You're all ready."
Ronald nodded thanks and walked back to where he was. Emily then moved the flatbed with David's piano closer toward the venue, then left it there for when David's part would come. He and Emily waited for some while more for the others to arrive…
Time passed, and the preparations continued. Emily and David wondered where everyone else could be. Then sure enough, just as David's pocket watch showed 2:00 p.m., there came the sound of several more engines from around the bend. Emily looked back, and along came Thomas, Percy, Gordon, Duck and Ryan. They all gathered around beside her, right by the museum, most eager and pleased to have found time to be part of this most beloved occasion. As soon as Gordon stopped, Walter stepped down and hurried to find his seat, smiling from ear to ear for his sister. A few moments later, Ruth and Cleo came alongside the line and stopped near the Museum, just as Glynn slowly came rolling in from around the bend until he stopped right near Cleo.
"Hello, Thomas," Emily whispered to him. "Very nice you could make it. You too, Percy."
"Thank you, Emily. Is everything just about ready?" Thomas whispered.
"I think so," said Emily. "Just a few more things, and everything will be put in motion."
Sure enough, as Emily finished her sentence, there came another whistle and Oliver came around the bend with Isabel and Dulcie right along with him. They pulled in close to the museum, the coaches' doors opened, then out came the guests. Amongst them were Ronald's parents, Fiona's parents, Captain Joe, Copper, Hetty, Geraldine, Ian Wainwright, the Arlesburgh Constable, Mrs. Kyndley, Susan and her husband and many more guests. As they gathered around and found their seats, everyone looked and saw the Fat Controller's car and Caroline roll in from the road and park near the museum. From the Fat Controller's car, he, Lady Hatt, Stephen, Bridget and Dowager all came out, and from Caroline, out came Beatrice.
Seeing that just about all the guests had arrived, Oliver discreetly huffed over to where Glynn and Cleo were standing, where he uncoupled Isabel and Dulcie, then returned to the other engines. It was then that Emily remembered.
"Say…Oliver?" she whispered. "You told me they both had a part today…are they being what I think they are for today?"
Oliver just smiled as Emily looked ahead.
"That's right, Emily," Isabel chimed. "Dulcie and I are the Something Borrowed."
"Oh…of course!" Emily smiled.
"Now we're just wondering who or what the Something Blue will be," said Dulcie.
"It's sure to come along soon. You two look lovely today," Emily winked.
Over the next little while, the guests were arranged and organized in their seats, shortly after which the Clergyman came out of the museum, ready for the proceeding to begin. By this time, Ronald was beginning to feel antsy. The time was ever-so close. So very close now. Then in that very moment, there came one more car pulling in from the road. A deep blue car which Ronald recognized at once. The guests all watched as it drove in closely, then came to a stop. Out of it stepped a man in blue overalls, quite like the Fat Controller's bodyguards. Everyone watched as he walked around to the other door, then opened it. In that moment, the passenger came out, and presently, everyone went very quiet and very still. Especially Ronald Acorah.
There, standing before the whole gathering in her white wedding gown and veil, with the bouquet of wedding flowers in her hands, and bearing the loveliest smile she could ever give, was Fiona Fox. The bride had now arrived. All the engines spoke not a word, and all the guests watched intently as she slowly walked toward the aisle runner and toward her groom. Thomas and Emily exchanged a very happy smile to each other, then as Fiona came closer, she took a little breath and started to sing very softly and lovingly to her groom.
"I love you truly, truly dear,
Life with its sorrow, life with its tear
Fades into dreams when I feel you are near
For I love you truly, truly dear…"
Ronald was so happy and so touched with the arrival of his bride, he almost cried. She reached out her hand, to which he took hers and held it most happily. Fiona's gaze deepened on her groom. It was then that David gave a nod to Emily, then walked briskly to the flatbed where his piano was perched. He climbed onto the truck, then sat down, ready to play once the ceremony began.
"Are you ready, Fiona?" Ronald asked softly.
"The readiest I could ever be, Ronald," Fiona smiled most dearly.
It was at that moment that the Clergyman spoke, and everyone looked ahead.
"Ladies, gentlemen and engines," said the Clergyman. "It is with great pleasure to welcome you all on this very day for the wedding and holy matrimony for Ronald Acorah, manager of the Cabalnoo Maritime Museum, and Fiona Fox, a fellow worker at the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. Here today, this very hour, we gather here to observe and celebrate such a love these two have grown for each other. Now, let us come together and let the proceeding begin."
To this, Fiona and Ronald held each other's hand and walked slowly but surely into their position, while everyone else watched and waited. David made ready with his fingers over the piano keys, all set to play any moment. But most unfortunately at this very moment, right around the bend behind the museum and behind the venue, who should come stumbling along…but Herbert Flannagan! No one noticed or saw him coming along as they were all completely focused on the bride and groom, but Herbert hid behind the museum wall, not far from the refreshment stands and could see everything. Still under heavy influence since night before, Herbert could not believe what he was seeing as he shakily lifted a liquor bottle to his mouth for another gulp.
"There she is…there she goes…" he muttered lowly and very bitterly to himself. "The only lady I ever had a life with…then she had to throw me away for him! What is love but an empty promise with NO reward for what I offered for her!"
With that, Herbert scoffed vainly as he gulped the last mouthful of alcohol from his bottle, then tossed it away and continued to watch bitterly as the venue unfolded. But what Herbert failed to see was where his bottle had exactly landed. After he had tossed it, it had rolled slightly along the ground until it was resting right at the foot of one of the refreshment tables, right by the tablecloth. With the sun baking brightly overhead, it reflected fiercely against the bottle, beaming it alongside the tablecloth and the draping canopy…and very slowly, that little spot began to emit a tiny line of smoke. Herbert was of course completely oblivious in his intoxication as he drew another bottle and started to drink…
At this moment, Fiona and Ronald were ready to proceed down the aisle runner and up to the Clergyman as he looked toward the Good Luck Package. That is, what was there so far.
"Now, ladies, gentlemen and engines," he said. "As with some weddings, for this ceremony, Fiona and Ronald have the gift of being presented the Good Luck Package. Glynn the No. 1 Coffeepot Engine, something old. Cleo the Road Engine, something new. Oliver's Autocoaches Isabel and Dulcie, something borrowed. And the something b…"
The Clergyman suddenly stopped, and everyone looked up.
"I say…" said the Clergyman. "Where is the something blue?"
Everyone suddenly felt a jump in their hearts and looked. There were Glynn, Cleo and the autocoaches…but nothing blue. Fiona and Ronald suddenly noticed this and seemed a little worried.
"Oh…oh, dear," said Fiona. "I…I don't think we…really thought about that…Ronald, did you?"
Ronald noticed this too and shook his head.
"Well, I'll be," he said. "We've been so focused on this very day coming for so long, it slipped under my mind too. What can we do?"
"Hmm…" Thomas spoke up. "Well, I would be happy to be just that for you two…but I've already done that for Susan's Wedding. I'd say you two deserve something…or someone other than me…but what or who?"
The guests and other attendees pondered this for a moment or two as Ronald and Fiona wondered what to do as well. Then suddenly, in that very moment of chance, through the air there came a distinctive whiff of smoke. Ronald noticed it first.
"Hey…what…?" he puzzled. "Whatever is that? Is that…smoke?"
"What? Smoke?" Fiona asked worriedly as she could smell it too. "What…What's happening?"
Presently, the other guests smelt it too and started shifting in their seats.
"Where's that smell coming from?" Ruth asked.
Emily sniffed the air too, and suddenly felt her Safety Engine side kicking in. "Wait…that smells very, very close. What's going on?"
Then suddenly, just out of the corner of everyone's eyes, there came a little dance of flame right near the refreshment tables. Everyone suddenly looked in that direction and saw that the tablecloth at the table nearest the museum had caught fire, and the ocean breeze began to blow those flames closer to the museum!
"Fire! THE VENUE'S ON FIRE!" Ronald suddenly shouted.
When Herbert heard this, he suddenly jumped up and stumbled right behind the museum wall. In the sudden panic, nobody saw him. It was then that David, who had been waiting to start the Bridal Chorus, saw what was happening, then as the guests jumped up and backed away, David suddenly burst up from his seat.
"ODDS, BOBS, HAMMER-AND-TONGS! IT'S BURNING, COPPER!" he screamed. "Do something! DO SOMETHING!"
Copper pounced up from his seat, removed his vest and ran over to the flaming patch of the tablecloth, to which he blanketed his vest over the flame, snuffing it out. But no sooner had he snuffed it out than the rest of the fire began spreading closer to the rest of the venue. All the guests jumped from their seats and ran back several paces to keep away from it. Glynn's driver immediately built up steam and eased him away, to which Oliver swiftly retrieved Isabel and Dulcie while Ruth scrambled back to Cleo and started her up.
"Cleo! Get away from there! That's fire!" she hollered.
"Fire! Fire! Ohh, it's very, very hot! I don't like it one bit!" Cleo squawked frightfully as she darted away.
"Our wedding! SAVE IT!" Fiona wailed as she held onto Ronald.
"Everyone keep calm! I'm Safety Engine, and I know what we need!" said Emily. "David! Dash to the telephone and get Belle and Flynn over here!"
David nodded then shot away like a bullet to the nearest telephone and began dialing.
At the Search and Rescue Centre, Belle and Flynn were still standing by for any emergency, while still pondering over Fiona and Ronald. By now, they were very sure in their minds as to what could be happening.
"I wager the bride and groom are walking up the aisle right about now," said Flynn. "The Clergyman is sure to be proceeding with the Good-Luck Package, the speeches, and then the final passage, wouldn't you say, Belle?"
"Perhaps so, Flynn. I still can't help but wonder about them both," Belle replied. Then she suddenly looked up. "Hmm…say, Flynn…it just came to me. Who do you think could be in the Good-Luck Package? Just curious."
Flynn looked up and suddenly grew curious, looking notably at Belle.
"I can't say for sure, Belle…but when it comes to Something Blue…well, Thomas has already done that for Susan Kyndley's wedding. Gordon is there to be one of the guests today, with his fireman being Fiona's brother, of course. Perhaps something or someone like-"
Suddenly, the alarm rang all through the Centre. Belle and Flynn's eyes darted up at once as the Rescue Manager came hurrying out.
"What's this? What's happened?" the two fire engines asked.
"Belle! Flynn! Fire at the wedding venue!" shouted the Manager. "It seems something, or someone set the venue alight, and the ceremony is now under burning threat! Ronald and Fiona's passage must NOT be endangered! Get down to that museum and save that wedding!"
In that very instant, Belle and Flynn's hearts almost jumped into their mouths. A fire to rush to was one thing…but a fire at the wedding ceremony, of all places and of all days?! Fiona and Ronald's wedding in danger of a fire?! It did not seem possible, yet here was the alert for them both to rush to!
"Ronald and Fiona's wedding in danger?!" Belle exclaimed.
In that moment, Flynn suddenly sniffed the air and could sense a small hint of what was happening right near the Centre this very moment.
"Belle? Do you?"
"Yes, Flynn! I smell it too!" she gasped.
"It's very faint, but it's there, Belle!" Flynn urged. "Not an INSTANT to waste! On the double, my dear! On the double!"
"You're on, Flynn! And so am I! Save that wedding!" Belle wheeshed as she rang her bell, then she and Flynn started up and roared away down the line.
"Well, by my hoses!" Flynn exclaimed. "I had to know something would come up for us to take care of! But NOT THIS!"
"Looks like we'll be attending after all, Flynn!" said Belle. "Though, NOT at all like this! We've GOT to save that venue!"
Belle and Flynn raced with all their might down the line. Before they knew it, the came around the bend, then saw it. In the distance, they could see the wedding venue all set up outside the museum, and right nearby it, flames were dancing wildly amongst the refreshment tables, with black smoke blowing into the air. The guests and engines had gotten well back from the fire, and were all watching worriedly as the flames danced about. Then they all turned and saw who had arrived in the nick of time.
"There they are! Thank goodness!" Ronald pointed.
"Belle! Flynn! Save the venue! PLEASE!" Fiona wailed.
Belle and Flynn raced right past the engines and guests, and on towards the fire.
"Stay well back, everyone! We've got this!" Belle called over the flames.
"Let's show them what we've got, Belle!" Flynn smiled strongly.
With that, both fire engines stood ready, then their hoses started spraying lines of water over the tent roofs. Steam hissed and rose into the air, and in almost before anyone knew it, the flames were gone, the embers were soaked through, and the fire was out. While the refreshment tables' overhanging canopies had been considerably burned, most of the refreshments were fairly intact, and the ceremony was now safe to proceed. As Belle and Flynn stood beside each other, there suddenly came a round of applause and cheers from all the guests and engines. Belle and Flynn then looked and saw them gathering around.
"Thank goodness, Belle and Flynn! Thank you! Thank you!" the guests exclaimed.
"The wedding is saved! Thank you, Belle and Flynn!" Fiona rejoiced most gratefully.
"Well done, Belle and Flynn!" Emily whistled happily.
"Excellent work, Belle and Flynn," said the Fat Controller. "You came in the nick of time for Fiona, Ronald and all the rest of us."
"Oh, it was such a shock, sir," said Flynn. "Belle and I were really thinking about today's event…but never did we think we'd have to rush to save it!"
"Indeed!" said Belle. "I'm just so thankful you're all alright! But…just what could have caused this to happen? On Ronald and Fiona's wedding day, no less?"
Almost before Belle had finished her sentence, another car came hurrying towards the venue. Everyone looked and saw it was Phelps and Gallagher. David had called them too about the fire and requested for them to investigate the cause.
"Dan? Shay? What are you two doing here?" the Fat Controller asked.
"Investigating, of course," said Phelps. "Captain Rider told us what just happened here."
"That he did," said Gallagher. "Now, Belle and Flynn, it seems you've got everything under control. Perhaps Dan and I should search the area and see what the root to all of this was?"
"Oh, please do, sirs," said Ronald. "My bride must not be kept waiting after Belle and Flynn's most diligent efforts."
And so in less than a minute, the two detectives began investigating the burned area, looking for clues as to what could have started the fire. Sure enough, less than ten minutes later, as everyone watched and waited, Phelps walked along the burned table, then suddenly stopped and looked. Then he knelt down and picked up a slightly blackened liquor bottle right by the table where the tablecloth had started burning.
"Well, well. Ladies, gentlemen and engines. I found this at the very foot of this table," he said. "No doubt the sun must have baked it until it caught alight…and it still has the smell of alcohol. That only means one thing…"
"Now what in the world could have caused that to be put there?" Ronald exclaimed.
"Not what, Mr. Acorah. Who!" said Gallagher.
"Hey…who's that?" Thomas suddenly noticed as he looked ahead. "Over there! Just behind the wall!"
Everyone suddenly looked, and sure enough, from the corner of the museum wall, there came the stumbling, heavily influenced culprit, having just opened another small liquor bottle. Everyone stared as the man displayed a very uneven and clearly not fully coherent position…but Fiona suddenly felt a sneaking suspicion jump in her heart as she took a closer look.
"What the…is that?! Is that really…?!"
"Oh, bother," Herbert slurred as he stood still for a moment, then suddenly darted off to try and escape.
"Hey! There he goes! Rush him!" David ordered.
Phelps and Gallagher dashed after the culprit, and within seconds, they pounced upon the intoxicated drunkard. They snatched the liquor bottle away from him and cuffed his wrists in the same moment.
"Got him! Here's the most unwanted guest of this wedding!" Phelps announced. "Does anyone know who this drunken fellow may be?"
Ronald and Fiona hurried over to see who it was, and with a closer glance from Fiona, she suddenly noticed and frowned most indignantly, recognizing the man all too well.
"Well, I never! Unbelievable!" she exclaimed. "It's Herbert Flannagan himself!"
"Who? What?" some of the guests asked. "WHO is Herbert Flannagan?"
"Well, everybody…Herbert here…is my ex-boyfriend from years and years ago," said Fiona. "We tried having a relationship way back when, but between the two of us, things just didn't turn out as well as we would have liked. Effectively, I thought it best that we break up, and so we did…but he didn't take well to that at all, and in spite of his efforts to still make it work, my mind was made up. Hence, so I hear, he turned to smoking and booze to dull the loss. Ever since then, he's been a rather infamous drunkard…and never did I think HE would be the one of all people to have caused such a horrific and downright nasty disruption such as this! Had Belle and Flynn not come in time, everything would have been completely ruined!"
"Indeed, it would have been ruined," said Ronald. "Yes, Fiona told me about this fool. And we can all see exactly why it never would have worked out with HIM."
"Oh, the Indignity," said Gordon. "Double or nothing he's spent many a-night fraternizing with ladies along the seaside. Quite like a few unruly sailors David had to hand over to Phelps and Gallagher whenever the duty called."
"Why, you clumsy, dumbfoundedly empty, dirty RUBBISH-HEAP!" Walter shouted to Herbert. "What in Almighty HELL do you mean by tumbling upon my sister's venue, setting it alight and endangering her day of all people, INDEED!"
Herbert was too under influence to feel any proper regard for what he had done, fully consumed by his loss and bitterness.
"Pah! Poor Ms. Fox! Oh, yes. Poor Ms. Fox! But poor Herbert? Oh, no! All of this is only because she had to make the most cruel choice of leaving me without anyone else! I was very sure it could work. I felt as though it was all absolutely certain! But just when I thought I had all the answers, I had our relationship all figured out, the little slip of truth had to crash onto my lap, and so EVERYTHING fell apart completely! Her choices in the end were NOT without consequence on my part! It's left me a broken man, see?!"
David marched up and held Herbert firmly by the shoulder.
"Flannagan, your story is indeed an unhappy and discouraging one," he said. "But it is no excuse and no valid reason as to you endangering this ceremony in which these two beloved people are to be joined in holy matrimony. To that effect, I'm afraid you'll have to go with Phelps and Gallagher, and they and the Sudrian Court shall decide what consequences are to befall you."
Herbert just lowered his head in desecrated defeat as Phelps and Gallagher took him by the shoulders, ushered him into their car, then drove away. Everyone watched grimly until the car was out of sight. A few moments later, the two fire engines looked to the guests again and smiled.
"Well," said Flynn. "The fire is out, the drunkard is in confinement…"
"And the ceremony is now safe," said Belle. "Is the day still young for the bride and groom?"
"I do believe it is, Flynn and Belle," said the Fat Controller. "All thanks to both of you. You have really done Sodor a great service today of all days."
"She certainly has, Sir Topham," said Fiona. "I really cannot thank you enough for coming so quickly and saving the venue, Belle."
"You're truly welcome, Fiona," Belle smiled. "Flynn and I will always come, whatever the call for alarm may be…and truly, I never thought we would be attending the wedding today…especially not in the circumstances that came to be."
Suddenly in that moment, Fiona got an idea as he looked toward Glynn, Cleo and the Autocoaches. Noticing the one step short of the Good-Luck Package before, she whispered something to Ronald, to which he smiled and nodded in turn. Then they whispered to the Fat Controller, to which he smiled too and nodded. Then the bride and groom came up to Belle and looked at her.
"Ronald? Fiona? What is it?" Belle asked.
"Well, Belle…given the circumstances…we've just had an idea," said Ronald.
"This wedding is worth more then the entire world to me and Ronald," said Fiona. "And you and Flynn have saved it."
Belle and Flynn nodded and smiled.
"No reward should be too great for you two," said Fiona. "Furthermore, just before the fire started, Ronald and I couldn't help but notice…our Good-Luck Package was one step short, given how focused we were on everything else…"
"Really?" said Belle, feeling her heart start to beat faster.
"But now, with everything as it is now," said the Fat Controller. "I very well agree with Fiona and Ronald on just what…or rather, who they would like to have as part of their wedding now."
Belle looked eagerly to Flynn, who seemed to smile wider as everyone else listened.
"Belle the Blue Fire Engine," said Ronald. "For your swift response and diligent action to save our venue and wedding…"
"We would like to appoint you as our Something Blue for the Good-Luck Package," said Fiona. "What do you say, Belle?"
Hearing this, all the guests beamed proudly, and Belle's heart beat so strongly, she felt her boiler swell. As she thought back to Flynn's ideas of her being part of a wedding, she had never felt so proud and pleased with herself. She had helped to save the wedding, and now she was the Something Blue for this very ceremony. Overcome with pure joy, Belle gave a big gasp of delight, then blew a very happy whistle.
"Ronald! Fiona!" she gasped. "Why, of course I will! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Well, then. It's settled," said the Clergyman. "Belle, why don't you make your way alongside the other three?"
Belle nodded at once as she took her spot next to Glynn, Cleo and the Autocoaches. Then Fiona and Ronald gave a glance to each other and smiled, then Ronald looked ahead and nodded.
"Showtime."
Before anyone says something; no, the bride's name Fiona Fox was NOT meant to be a nod to the Fiona Fox character from the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comics, that was a pure coincidence. Anyway, this ended up be another beefer of a story, so I've decided to split it into two chapters. The second half will be posted tomorrow, and it will mostly focus on Belle and Flynn, to which you will see why this story is M-rated; if you remember how intense Thomas and Emily were in, say, "Passion Before Dawn", then you can probably imagine something similar to that only with Belle and Flynn. Until next time, tell us what you think of this first chapter, and as always, stay safe.