Disclaimer: I do not own Thomas the Tank Engine/ The Railway Series

Chapter 5: Thomas's Train

For a long time after Gordon took him and his train for a ride, Thomas had stayed fairly quiet, managing to do his work with little fuss. However, he was getting tired of doing nothing but pushing trucks and coaches around the yard, and made sure the other drivers knew it.

"I'm sick of pulling coaches around for you to take on long journeys," he would complain, "Why can't I pull passenger trains too."

"You're too impatient," they would tell him, "You're bound to leave something behind."

"Rubbish," Thomas would say.

One night he was getting ready for bed in the bunkhouse behind the sheds when Henry came in looking upset.

"What's wrong, Henry?" Thomas asked.

"My engine was having trouble steaming today," Henry sighed, "The workmen are having a look, but they say they might not be able to fix her tonight."

With that, Henry went to the kitchen to fix himself a snack. Thomas went deep into thought.

"If they can't fix Henry's engine tonight," he thought, "That means I'll take his train." He went to bed that night with a small bit of hope.

Henry's engine was still being worked on the next morning. Thomas collected his coaches and waited. The passengers climbed in, the doors banged shut, but still no Henry. Sir Topham Hatt was getting impatient.

"Where is Henry?" He asked aloud. "It's time for his train."

The stationmaster came up.

"The yard manager just called," he told Sir Topham Hatt, "Henry's engine is having trouble steaming and can't pull the train."

"Bother," said Sir Topham Hatt, "Well, who else is available?"

"Gordon has already left with the express, and Edward is about to leave with a slow goods to Wellsworth," said the stationmaster. "So that just leaves Thomas."

Sir Topham Hatt turned to the driver, "Do you think you can manage it?"

"I'll try sir!" Thomas replied excitedly, as he went around to the front of the train.

Thomas waited for what felt like (to him) forever before he finally heard the guard's whistle. Unfortunately, that was Edward's guard, and his engine wasn't coupled to the coaches. Everybody tried to get his attention, but Thomas paid them no attention.

"They're waving because they think my engine is splendid," he thought as hid engine puffed down the line.

He continued for a good while before he came to a red signal.

"Bother," he said, "I was having such a good run, too."

The signalman came up.

"Hello, Thomas," He said cheerfully, "What are you doing all the way up here?"

"I'm pulling a train," Thomas said, "Can't you see?"

"Well then, where are your coaches?" Asked the Signalman.

"Why they're-" Thomas began, only to lean out of the cab to see that nothing was attached to the engine. "I must've left them behind!" Thomas felt like he could cry.

"It's alright Thomas," said the signalman, "I'm sure everybody will understand that it was just a mistake. You better hurry back, though."

And so Thomas did. When he finally reached Knapford, he could see the passengers were furious. However, once they saw how sorry Thomas was they stopped complaining. They returned to their coaches, the guard blew his whistle, and Thomas finally pulled away with the coaches.

That night, Gordon and Henry laughed at his expense. Edward tried to stop them, but it was no good. Thomas went to sleep, wishing they would just shut up.

The next day Thomas was back shunting the coaches for the express. Gordon pulled his engine up to his.

"Remember to make sure you have them all now, little Thomas," he said pompously, "We don't want to leave anyone behind, now do we?"

Thomas tried to ignore him, but he wouldn't take a hint.

"Leave the poor guy alone!" Came a voice.

Gordon looked down from the cab to see a short, elderly man. He was barely able to stand with his cane, but his face sent shivers down Gordon's spine and he quickly left.

"Thanks for that," Thomas told the man.

"Don't mention it," The old man replied, "I hear about what happened yesterday and I felt sorry for you. I used to work on the railway, and I was just like you in my youth. Energetic, excitable, and not one to stay still for long. But overtime I learned that patience is a virtue, and that served me well. Don't worry about those boys. They'll get tired of it eventually. I have a feeling that you'll make a fine engine driver."

"Thanks, mr.-" Thomas said.

"Just call me Glynn," the old man replied. "I'll see you around."

And with that, Glynn walked away. Thomas, feeling just a little bit better, went back to his shunting.

A/N: And another chapter finished. I got the idea to include Glynn from Bigyihsuan, who asked if I planned to include him. Upon reading that, I realized that Glynn had a lot of potential as a character, so I decided to include him. Don't worry; this isn't the last you'll see of him. Until next time, read, review, and enjoy!