The next morning, before breakfast was done yet, Jimena was silently getting ready by putting on her coat and newsboy cap before walking into the dining room. She was contemplating whether she should eat breakfast or not since she wasn't really hungry, when suddenly Luke came racing down the stairs and straight to the dining room.

The older boy looked ruffled and in so much hurry before he turned to her, "Jimena, we have to go now! We're late! Sir Topham Hatt has some urgent duty for us to do. Come on! Grab some fruit and let's go!" Just like his words, Luke snatched an apple from the fruit bowl on the table before he looked expectantly at her.

For someone who was panicking for lateness, Luke can still convey mischief and happiness with his eyes and smile, but that only does little to Jimena's sudden anxiety at the news.

"Luke! Yee Rascal! Donnae teach her bad habits of skipping breakfast!" Skarloey scolded from the kitchen island where he was cooking some eggs for breakfast toast.

Jimena was about to reach for the fruit bowl but stopped when Skarloey shouted. Skarloey's eyes met hers and softened a smidge, which was the nudge she needed to grab whatever fruit on the top before running out of the dining room to go after Luke who was laughing and said a brief 'goodbye' to everyone in the vicinity.

When both children had already left, Skarloey huffed and fumed about Luke and how 'he's teaching unhealthy habits to their newest Lassie'. Rheneas just chuckled and came over to calm down his older brother and fellow guardian to Luke, "Ach, let thum be, Skarloey. It's juist this one time."

"It's better juist this anes." Skarloey grumbled before turning back to his eggs.

Rheneas shook his head in amusement and went back to his coffee.

"So, what did you end up grabbing Jimena?" Luke asked while he showed her his apple.

Jimena looked at the fruit in her hand and realized it's an orange.

Luke looked too, "Nice, let's split it. I'll cut mine to half and we can break the oranges in half, how's that?" He asked with a kind smile to Jimena's nervous energy. She didn't think she could eat with the nerves, but nodded in agreement.

Since the orange is the easier one to break, they ate the orange first. When that finished, Luke brought out his pocket knife, cleaned it, and cut the apple to two pieces, giving the other half to Jimena.

They walked with a controlled pace when they ate and managed to get to Knapford Station on time.

Apparently, one of the Stationmasters was suddenly ill and no one could take his shift, which was why Jimena was called. Luke on the other hand was also called to fix the Public Address System.

All in all, it was a usual morning hustle and bustle.

Jimena still hasn't got her Steamworks intern badge, which Sir Topham Hatt promised her he will give it to her today. Jimena doesn't mind, really.

But apparently, other people do.

She was standing at the middle platform, between platform 2 and 3. She got two things to indicate her current duty, which were a Stationmaster's hat on her head that a worker lent her and a whistle which hung around her neck that she occasionally blew to signal the departure of a train.

She was not expected to cover the whole shift, seeing that it was only her third day working on Sodor, but she still has to wait for someone to come and replace her, so Jimena does her job as best as she can.

She was announcing that the Platform 3 train was about to depart when a group of (possibly rich) boys came to stand near her. One of them asked the other quite loudly, "Why is a girl doing a man's job?"

"Maybe she's just a street kid who needs money."

The boys laughed, Jimena ignored them. She didn't even look at them and kept announcing that the train at Platform 3 was about to depart.

But the boys didn't like to be ignored. There were 3 of them, and all three came towards her then one of them shot his hand out and snatched the collar of her shirt to force her to face him and get her on her tiptoes, considering she was quite short for even her real age in the first place.

And the boys are probably 12 or 13 years old by the looks of it, and look quite well off.

"Don't ignore me you brat." The one who grabbed her collar, snapped. The other two boys sneered and laughed at her.

Jimena didn't see that some people and passengers were looking in her direction worriedly. She didn't even see Luke was trying to fight his way to her from the full pack of Platform 1. Jimena only looked at the boy with little annoyance in her eyes, a pinch of purse on her lips, and blandly said to him, "You're going to miss your train."

The boy looked at her, confused, "What?"

The other two noticed that their train at Platform 2 was about to depart, "She's right! Come on man, we have to go now!"

"Leave her. She's not worth it anyway."

No one saw it since it was in the blink of an eye, but Jimena's grey eyes reflected the hurt she felt inside her at the words before she was pushed to the ground where she instinctively tried to hold her weight with her hand and was left there before the boys ran to catch their train.

Jimena felt a twinge of pain on her wrist from catching herself before she stood up again and dusted off her coat. Luke saw the whole thing and had finally managed to wrestle himself out from the crowd and went to her, "Jimena! Are you alright? Does anything hurt?" He helped the younger child brush off the dust from her clothes and picked up her fallen cap, dust it off, and put it back gently on her head.

Jimena mindlessly fixed her cap by the bill while Luke looked panicked and fussed over her, "I'm fine.." but she hissed in pain when Luke's hand brushed over her injured wrist which made Luke immediately narrowed his eyes in concern.

"Does your wrist hurt? Did he hurt you?" Luke asked. He didn't see the whole thing so he was afraid he had missed something.

Jimena shook her head and held her wrist in one hand, gingerly trying to roll it slowly and tried to assure the older teenager, "No.. I think I landed on it wrong.. I'm fine though.."

Luke was worried though, "Regardless, we've got to get that check out. Look, the replacement substitute is here so we can go now."

Not one to argue, Jimena let herself be led away by Luke with her good hand in his, while the substitute station master continued the rest of her duty.

Luke brought her back to the Steamies House which confused her slightly before he called out, "Victor! Are you home?"

Sensing the urgency within Luke's tone, Victor and several other adults came out to the hallway and stopped what they were previously doing, "I'm here my friend. Is there something wrong?"

Luke motioned to her bad wrist, "Accident at work- or, well.. some kids harassed her and pushed her down, hurting her wrist."

The concerns from the adults were swiftly moved to her which made Jimena shrank to herself and duck her head down, "I'm fine though.. it doesn't hurt that much.."

Victor stepped forward and motioned for Luke to bring their youngest to the living room, "Even so, I would like to examine it first and lessen the pain." he said a little pointedly which from her words 'it doesn't hurt much', means presently her wrist was still hurt.

Jimena admitted mentally she walked into that one.

She was led into the big living room and sat on one of the sofas before Rex came in with the first aid box to give to Victor. Sensing the curiosity of his current patient on why he was the one Luke called, Victor smiled at her and explained, "My anomaly is 'First Aid', which makes me able to learn accurately about the extensive knowledge of first aid more quickly and knows how to apply them."

Jimena gaped but quickly shut her mouth again, "That was so cool.." she remarked quietly.

Victor softened at the genuine admiration radiating from the child, "Thank you Jimena. Now, can you show me your injured wrist please?"

Jimena nodded and gave him her left hand which he gingerly took and examined, "Hm.. It looks like a sprained wrist. I'll wrap it with some elastic bandage to compress it after we ice it for a while. Can someone get me a small towel and an ice pack please?"

"Ah'll get it Victor." Rheneas went out from the living room to get the supplies and that made Jimena notice some of the adults were following them to the living room.

Jimena was too nervous for having an audience to notice, but they were all looking at her in concern and worry.

When Rheneas came back, Victor wrapped the ice pack in the cloth before gently pressing it on her sprain wrist. Porter took the opportunity to ask, "What exactly happened?"

Jimena nervously averted her eyes, but knew that she can't exactly run away from explaining, so she did, "It was just some well off boys.. they don't like seeing me doing a man's job. At first they just teased me verbally and I ignored them.."

"Then all three came forward to her and one of them grabbed her collar," Luke was fuming, "He seemed to threaten her before he pushed her hard until she fell before they all hurriedly left to catch their train."

Jimena didn't correct or add anything to what Luke said and the reality made the adults seeth and infuriated, "Why ye dinnae fight back Lassie?" Duncan asked frustratedly.

Jimena didn't have an answer to that and Duncan huffed, "Donnae let yeerself be a doormat tae anyone Las', yee hear? Yee need tae learn haw tae fight back." he showed his fist for emphasis which made Rheneas smacked the back of his head,

"Nae everything is solve bah violence Duncan. Donnae teach her to use her fist tae solve problems."

Duncan shrugged, "Weel, in this case, she shuid." Rheneas went to smack his head again but Duncan simply dodged and went out to get back to work.

Rheneas sighed and turned to look concernedly at their youngest charge, "Still, Duncan's got a good point. Ye cannae just stay quiet when somethin' or someone's botherin' ye, Jimena. At the very least, ye need tae tell someone aboot it."

Jimena ducked her head but nodded, "I'll try.."

Victor told Jimena to keep the ice pack on her wrist for an hour or so then he will check on it again before leaving her to continue on what he left earlier. The other adults also left after making sure their youngest is okay before leaving Luke to watch over her.

Jimena shifted uncomfortably. She knew Luke had other jobs and felt guilty that he had to leave his job unattended for the moment to watch over her, "I'm sorry.."

Luke looked up from the book he was reading and tilted his head in confusement, "What are you sorry for Jimena?"

Jimena shifted again from her position on the couch, still not daring to meet Luke's inquiry gaze, "That you have to watch over me for the moment.. If I didn't get hurt, you wouldn't have to."

"Oh Jimena.. I don't mind." Jimena heard Luke put his book down and plopped himself over to sit beside her and squeezed her shoulder comfortingly to make her look at him, "Besides, you make me get out from work so I can take a break for a while." he smirked a little before smiling warmly at her, "But of course I would rather not see you get hurt Jimena, so don't go looking for trouble, alright?"

Jimena nodded, shoulders sagged minutely in slight relief, "Yeah.. I won't."

Then they both heard idle chatter of voices from the front door and the door opened and closed again before they saw several of the teenagers have come home from work to take a break.

Emily, one of the teenagers, saw the younger two first and greeted them with a wide smile, "Hi you two! Your jobs are done already?"

Luke hummed while Jimena looked away in slight embarrassment, "Not exactly.." Luke said while gesturing to Jimena's injured wrist and the ice pack.

Emily's smile turned to a frown in a matter of seconds before she leaned on the back of the couch to look at Jimena more closely, "What happened?" she asked in concern.

Luke repeated to them what he said to the older Steamies. Emily, and some others like Rosie are equally pissed, "Why I oughta.. Those rascals can't do that. Do you remember who they are or their faces?" Emily asked, annoyed for their youngest behalf.

Jimena shook her head, "No.. it's fine.. It's probably just this one time."

"And if this happens again?" Rosie asked.

Jimena shrugged, "I'll think of something then.."

James huffed, "It's because you're too small. You have to be bigger if you don't want to be picked on by some kids."

Toad crossed his arms and glared at James, "Hey! What does that mean? I'm small too, but no one dares to pick on me."

Thomas laughed, "Because Oliver will make anyone who did, regret it immediately."

Jimena tilted her head in confusion, not seeing the connection, "Oliver?.."

Toad nodded sagely, pride was clear on his face, "Yes! Mr. Oliver is the best!"

Rosie laughed lightly at the younger's declaration, "Hey, come on, don't sell our guardians short, Toad. Henrietta is one of the best too. I love having her as my guardian."

"Don't count the Scottish Twins out yet! Though I don't know about Gordon." Emily teased. James just rolled his eyes but didn't protest. Not everyone can get along with his guardian.

"Edward's the best though, all hands down." Thomas said proudly.

Seeing the total confusion in Jimena's face, Luke elaborates, "They were talking about their Guardians, Jimena. Do you know what they are?"

Jimena shook her head, "Not really.. Sir Topham Hatt had said it before.. but didn't explain it."

Luke hummed, "Maybe he wants you to settle in first for a few weeks or so before setting you up with a permanent guardian, though Edward is your temporary one right?"

Jimena hesitantly nodded while Thomas looked like he just ate something sour, but didn't say anything about it.

"Well in that case, we'll just have to explain it to ye." Emily said while plopping down on the couch at Jimena's other side, the other teenagers followed suit by spreading out and sat on the various long big couches and regular armchairs, "So first of all, Guardians are mandatory to people who started to work here when their age are under 20 years old." Emily started explaining.

"Like Mike, he started here when he was a teenager, so he got settled with Rex and Bert as his guardians when he just started." Stanley said from his spot on one of the armchairs.

Jimena tilted her head in confusion, "He got two guardians?.."

"Oh! Yes, there are some exceptions to that. Normally a pair was formed with one guardian and one ward. But sometimes, there can be more than one guardian chosen to be responsible for one ward or a guardian can have and be responsible for more than one ward." Emily added.

At Jimena's lost expression, Ryan, the oldest of them all at 18, elaborates, "For example, Luke here has two guardians as well, Skarloey and Rheneas."

"Yeah, because the two of them are brothers, so it was easier to conjoined responsibility. It was hard work to take care of a ward." Luke said with a teasing smile at the end but felt bad when Jimena looked concerned at his last words, "I mean, taking care of a child especially a teenager is hard for everyone, even to our parents. But I assure you that every guardian here doesn't mind and they are happy to do it."

Jimena nodded at that. She guessed that if they are reluctant to do it in the first place, they won't get settled with a ward.

"Like Luke, my guardians are the Scottish Twins, Donald and Douglas. They are also brothers." Emily added.

Ryan nodded, "Another example is Millie, who has two guardians but the both of them are not biologically brothers, but are best friends enough that they are like brothers in anything but blood."

At Jimena's inquiry look, Luke elaborates since Millie is not at home, "It's Glynn and Stephen. The three of them are rarely home since they work with Sir Norramby. Sir Norramby lives at Ulstead Castle, so the three of them usually reside there, but sometimes they come back here too, like on your first day here."

"On the other hand, we have another example like Timothy." Ryan continued, gesturing to the younger teenager who waved and smiled slightly at Jimena, "Marion is a guardian for Timothy, Bill, and Ben. Bill and Ben are twins but Timothy is not their brother."

"Why did they all get settled together?" Jimena asked.

"Because we work at the same place, the Sodor China Clay." Timothy said gesturing to the 'SCC' embroidery on his uniform pocket, "Marion can wrangle the twins from their shenanigans and manage them just fine. And since we all work together in one place and Marion was already responsible as a guardian for me at that time, Sir Topham Hatt decided that it will be in everyone's best interest that Marion becomes a guardian to Bill and Ben as well."

"Sometimes guardians were settled with their wards based on their jobs or works, like James and Gordon, Percy and Henry, and even the Chuggers, like Hoot and Toot got settled with Dunbar and Skylar as their guardians, Wilson with Jackman and Brewster along with Rosa with Zack." Ryan said, listing off the pairs. Stanley nudged him and shook his head when they noticed Jimena had gotten overwhelmed with the information dump.

Ryan rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Sorry about that, but that's quite the gist of it. Have you got any questions?"

Jimena nodded slowly, "Yes.. I just- well.. What are the Guardians for?"

Emily hummed, "Well, a guardian here, under Sir Topham and the others agreement, acted as the one who is responsible for you individually while you work here. Like.. Oh! Parents at work."

"Guardians are usually the ones who take care of their ward the most and take more attention to their ward's well being while working here. Other adults can step in, but guardians are the main ones who are responsible for you." Ryan added.

"The simplest example is, if you get in trouble, the first person people are gonna tell is your guardian." Percy said with a small laugh.

"They literally like your second parents." Luke said with a smile.

Emily hummed in agreement, "I'll say.. Donald and Douglas sure act more like my father than my own." she said quietly, but still heardable to Jimena who sat on her side.

At Jimena's confused look, Luke shook his head and whispered to her softly, "That's a can of worm she's not ready to open to you yet, so don't ask, alright?"

Jimena nodded in understanding.

"Any other question, Jimena?" Ryan asked.

"Yes.. How did Sir Topham Hatt paired each guardian and ward? Is it from their work place assignment like Timothy said?"

Ryan hummed, "No, not really. Well, some do, but some don't. It depends, really. Like me for example, I work at Harwick Branch Line, but my guardian is Porter who works at the Docks. Our jobs don't really cross with each other."

"Oh.. so there's really no way of knowing it?.." Jimena asked quietly with only the ones who sat around her, heard it.

Sensing the nervous tone, Luke asked softly, "What's wrong Jimena?"

Jimena nervously fidgeted and her fingers fiddled with the ice pack, "I'm not sure about the guardians stuff.."

"Nervous?" Emily asked, equally soft. Jimena nodded, "Don't worry Jimena. Sir Topham Hatt and the other adults always take so much consideration in the guardian and ward's pairing, and they always pair you with the ones you get along the most, or the ones they think you will get along the best. Who knows? Maybe you will be my ward sibling with the way the Scottish Twins adore you." Emily smiled and hugged the younger's shoulders with one arm.

"Maybe Mr. Victor will be your guardian! He is one of your supervisors and mentors, so there's a possibility." Toad said excitedly.

"Or maybe you will stay as Edward's ward. Edward is one of the best guardians, just like Thomas said." James teased while Thomas just huffed and went out of the living room to get lunch in the kitchen across the hallway, seemingly done with the conversation.

Jimena noticed the gesture and immediately felt her anxiety rise. The nerves were coiling in her guts and twisting it, making her feel a phantom sickness to throw up which she desperately tried to mask off from her face.

"Well we might as well have some lunch now." Emily stood up and stretched while the other teenagers went to the kitchen, "How about you two?" She asked both Luke and Jimena.

"We'll join you a bit later. I'm going to find Victor first to check on her wrist." Luke said, getting up and ruffling Jimena's hair.

Emily nodded, "Alright, hope you get better soon Jimena." She winked at the younger girl and went to the kitchen as well.

Luke finds Victor at the front of the Chuggers House, but he isn't alone. He was talking with Zack, Irving, Calley, Duck, and the Scottish Twins.

And by the look on their faces, Victor seems to be telling them about Jimena and what had just transpired when she was working earlier.

"Victor? Can you check on Jimena's wrist now? We're going to have lunch soon." Luke called out.

"Ah, yes, my friend. I'll be there right away." Victor broke off from the group and went towards the Steamies House. With him, Duck, Donald, and Douglas followed.

Luke internally grimaced. Well, sooner or later they would find out anyway.

When Victor went to check on Jimena, Duck and Douglas followed while Donald ruffled Luke's hair and told him to get some lunch first since his next shift will start soon.

Duck bristled internally when he saw Jimena's injury. He shared a glance with Douglas and Duck knew the other twin shared his sentiment.

"Uhm.. Hi Duck, Hello Douglas." Jimena greeted them with nervous eyes and a slightly nervous wave from her uninjured hand. Victor was holding her injured one.

Donald came in and smiled when he heard Jimena had once again differentiated the twins correctly, "Tha's remarkable Jimena. How yee knae who is who, I would never knae, but tha was a great observation yee have thair." Donald ruffled her hair which elicited a small giggle from the girl while Donald gave a meaningful gaze to the two standing men.

The Lass' is alright naew. Donnae make her even more nervous with yeer moodiness. Was what Donald's gaze meant. Douglas shook his head slightly with a slight smile while Duck huffed in relentness.

"Hello Dear, I see you have an eventful morning." Duck greeted and sent her a pointed look which she looked away from.

"I hope it wasn't this eventful.." she said quietly.

Douglas sighed, "So dae we, Las'. Yee knaew any of thae scoondrels' names?"

Jimena shook her head, "No.."

"Well, it seems your wrist heals nicely, my friend." Victor smiled and took the ice pack away from her wrist. At the wide inquired eyes of the small child, Victor chuckled lightly, "As long as you don't hold anything heavy and doesn't force your wrist to work too much, then it's a clean bill. You can go to lunch now."

Jimena smiled slightly at that after rotating her wrist carefully, "Thank you Victor."

Duck ruffled her hair and gently led her to the dining room, "Come on, let's get some lunch in you before you go back to work."

"And us tae! We're starving." Donald said with a smirk while Douglas followed closely behind his twin. Duck rolled his eyes while Jimena looked back at the twins with confused but slightly amused eyes.

When they went in, they all saw the various teenagers at the dining table, chatting idly while eating their lunch.

Donald grinned when he spotted his ward, "Emily! Lassie, it's been so long since Ah last saw yee." he came over and ruffled the 16 year old's hair, messing up the top of her hair.

"Ach, Donald, quit it! You're messing up my hair." Emily batted away Donald's hand before patting down her hair to fix it as best as she could. When she saw Donald's grinning without an ounce of guilt in him, she huffed, "Besides, you saw me yesterday evening, it wasn't that long ago."

Donald shrugged, crossing his arms while still grinning with his trademark charming smile, "It feels long tah me. So, hou's the Mainland?" he inquired while sitting beside his ward. Douglas patted Jimena's head before sitting beside Emily's other side and ruffled the teen's hair similarly like what his twin did earlier which elicited an immediate protest from Emily that Douglas just grinned at.

Duck just smiled at the sight of two of his oldest friends interacting with their ward before directing his attention back to their youngest, getting the both of them some british pies that Skarloey had cooked earlier and salads before sitting down on their seats to eat.

Duck and the Scottish Twins were pleased to see that Jimena ate her whole lunch with a normal sense of hunger from a child her age. The three of them were hoping that this is her normal response for food instead of the lack of appetite like she had shown so far.

After some lunch, Jimena went to get up to go outside to continue her work, but Douglas, who stood up to get some water, put his heavy hand on her head, halting her mobility,

"Woah! Hold on Las' Where dae yee think ye're going?"

Jimena lifted up Douglas' hand a little with her good hand to peer at the taller man, "Uhm.. work?.."

"Wit' that hand?" he continued with a raised eyebrow.

Jimena shrugged a little, "Victor said it's good enough for work as long as I don't strain it."

Douglas hummed, "Wha's yeer predict' Edward? Dae yee think we let the Las' out fo' the rest of the day?"

Edward, who just came into the dining room after being briefed and up to speed of his temporary ward's condition by Victor, went and gave her a once over. His eyes, intently searching for any other injuries than the one he was already told, just like what Duck and the Scottish Twins had done earlier, reached the same conclusion as the other three that she is fine now.

So Edward smiled kindly, "As long as you don't do anything hard today, I think it's fine. The day is still young after all."

Jimena gave him a grateful smile, "Thanks Edward. I'll be off now then. Bye.." she waved them all goodbye after she escaped from under Douglas' hand which had tousled her hair, before getting her cap and coat putting it on.

She quickly went outside and closed the door before any of the adults changed their mind from letting her off outside. She was about to go to the Steamworks when she spotted Piper, the 4 year old resident of the Chugger's House and the youngest of them all. She's also Old Puffer Pete's granddaughter if she wasn't mistaken.

Piper perked up when she saw Jimena and grinned brightly, "Hi!" she waved to her.

Jimena waved back and came closer when Piper went to her.

The little girl put her hands up and asked, "Can you give me a piggyback, please?"

Jimena sweatdropped, but Piper gave her her biggest puppy eyes and Jimena could only sighed in resignation before bending down to let Piper up on her back.

The younger girl gave a little cheer before climbing on Jimena's back. When Jimena carefully stands up and puts her hands under Piper to hold her so she won't fall, she can feel her previously injured wrist tingling as if in warning.

And with Piper's added weight, Jimena can barely stand straight before trying to walk forward.

Piper was excited and cheering her on, but Jimena is a small child herself, so her breath was quickly turning ragged and she didn't know how to let Piper down safely. So before she or Piper could fall off, she knocked on the Chuggers' House and pressed the bell.

Fortunately for her, Zack was in the house and quickly answered the door. Jimena was not surprised when she saw his widened eyes at the scene in front of him, "Sorry Zack, but- can you help me get her down, please?"

"Of course, hold on-" Zack quickly grabbed Piper by her armpits and carried the younger girl in his arms, "Oh Jimena, you don't have to give her a piggyride, you know that right?" Zack gave her a concerned look since he knew and saw Jimena is a lot smaller than her peers.

Jimena flicked her previously injured wrist a little when it got numb from the unexpected weight, "I know and It's okay.. Thank you Zack." she gave him a small smile to assure him which makes Zack sighed in fond exasperation before patting her top cap.

"Don't force yourselves too hard, you hear me Kid? And it's okay to say 'No'. Especially when your wrist just got injured earlier." he gave her a pointed look. He knew from experience that she should've taken it easy for now.

Jimena sighed, "I had a feeling you know what happened.. How many people did Victor tell about it?"

Zack looked at her with amusement, "Just a few, but that's enough to make words go around right here." seeing Jimena's somewhat troubled look, he softened, "Victor is just worried Kid. We all are."

Jimena looked up at that, confused, "It really wasn't a big deal.. Everyone got injured all the time."

Zack shook his head with a somewhat sad smile, "No, they're not Kiddo. And it's quite a big deal to people who care about you, and that means most of us if not all of us. Now, where are you off to?"

Jimena jolted at the reminder, "Right, I'm going to work for now. Just some light work, I already promised Edward I won't do anything hard today, and Douglas wouldn't have let me out of his sight if I do."

Zack chuckled, "I can imagine that. Well, I won't keep you from your work, but be careful, alright?"

Jimena nodded, "I will. I'm off to work now. Bye Zack! Bye Piper!" she waved them before sprinting to Knapford Station, waving off Zack's warning to 'slow down' and 'not to run so fast'.

She's got some work to do.

Nearing dinner time, Jimena's work at Knapford Station was finally done. Truthfully, the workers at Knapford didn't really have work for her, but they would appreciate it if she could help out with some miniscule things, so she did that for the rest of the day.

She was walking down the shortcut stairs outside of Knapford to get back home when someone bumped into her back hard enough that made her fall spiralling down to the ground at the end of the stairs.

Jimena yelped in pain when she felt her front and feet impacted with the asphalt ground.

"Move faster you Runt!" the big wide man in a bus driver uniform said to her with a sneer before he went to his double-decker bus that was parked at the side and drove away.

She doesn't want to think about how he pushed her down and just left her there. She doesn't want to feel that pain from the deja vu she just felt. Jimena also has a new problem.

When she put her hands under her to stand up, she pulled up her left foot under her, and immediately she felt an immense pain from her left ankle which made her yelp and hissed in pain, before she fell back to the ground on her behind.

Jimena was trying really hard not to cry. But she can't stand up. Her left leg can't hold her weight and it was quite a track to go back to the Steamies House.

The sky was also getting darker, and there were almost no people left at the station. Sodor is a small island, and there are no nighttime passengers ride and no one really strolled outside in the dark night.

Before she started to feel more panic than she has already, she heard a voice from up the stairs, "Oh my word, are you alright?!"

The person quickly came down the stairs while Jimena turned to look at the man.

Bertie was running a little late, and he was taking the shortcut stairs to go back to his house faster. He really didn't expect to see a young girl down the stairs, and seeing her just sitting down there, he thought the worst. When he got close enough and saw her face, Bertie could see her frightened expression with tears pooling in her eyes.

Poor kid..

"Hey there.." he tried to make himself smaller by hunching himself and kneeling down so as to not make her more scared. Because of this, he observed her face and realized she looked familiar. At least, the description he had heard lately from several people was similar enough that he is quite certain who this girl is.

"Are you.. Jimena? The new kid at Steamies House?" Jimena gave him a wary nervous glance so Bertie quickly introduced himself, "I'm Bertie. A bus driver here at Sodor and Thomas' friend. I've heard about you from the Steamies I've met lately. Why- why are you on the ground Jimena?"

Jimena's glassy eyes looked at him and sniffled, "S-Someone bumped into me from the b-back. He- uh- left me and drove th- the double-decker bus away.."

Bertie has a good enough guess who that person is, "Was it a wide man with a permanent scowl on his face? And he rode a double-decker bus which on the side has 'Railway Bus' words?"

"I- guess so.." Jimena murmured.

Bertie sighed, "Then you just have an unfortunate encounter with Bulgy. He's a really rude man and hates the engineers. He just.. hates engines, trains, railways, and all the things and people that are connected to it. But he's a pain in the neck to most people if not all."

"Oh.." Jimena sniffled and winced when she felt the twinge of pain from her left ankle when she shifted it.

Bertie frowned in concern, "Does your leg hurt?" He lightly touched Jimena's ankle and she immediately hissed in pain, making Bertie even more worried.

"That's not good.. Here- let me- let me help you stand up."

Bertie carefully helped Jimena stand up, which thankfully, she's able to manage. But walking is a different matter entirely..

Bertie hummed, "Best I carry you back home. You can't walk with that foot, that's for sure, and I already returned my bus to the depot. Come on," he crouched down to let Jimena climb on his back so he could carry her piggyback style, but the child was unsure and anxious, mixed with her pain, it really wasn't a good combination, "It's okay Jimena, I don't mind, and it will help you get home safely which will bring me a great peace for my mind." he said gently coaxing her.

Not having much of a choice, Jimena carefully climbed to Bertie's back and grabbed onto his shoulders while Bertie's hands secured themselves under her knees to prevent her from slipping off his back and falling.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Yes.."

"Alright, hold on tight." He carefully stands up and when he felt Jimena held on to him securely, he started to walk to the Steamies House, "So.. how do you find Sodor so far?" He asked her to settle her nerves, and to fill the silence of the night.

"It's.. good." Jimena said, "Everyone seems so friendly so far."

"Except for Bulgy." He added.

"Yeah.."

"Have you done some sight seeing yet? Tours and stuff?"

"No, just around where I was stationed to work. I haven't got the time yet, or courage really.. I'm afraid to get lost."

Bertie hummed, "How about your guardian? Won't they usually give you some kind of thorough tour of the island?"

"I guess?.. I haven't got a guardian yet." She thought for a moment before she added, "Edward is my temporary one, but everyone is busy around these days so I don't think it's a good time to get a tour around the island."

"Ah.. yes, we're in the middle of fall season. There will be preparations for the holiday makers in winter time, but we are still quite far from that time of season. My advice? Get a tour soon. It will be better if you do it now than later when the snow comes and then it all becomes white and unrecognizable."

They talked idly about random things until they finally reached the Steamies House. All 3 houses were full with lights which means almost all were already at home.

Bertie carefully puts Jimena under her two feet again when they are already by the Steamies' door, "Thank you so much Mr. Bertie." She breathed out, "I really really appreciate it. I couldn't have gotten home without you."

Bertie smiled softly, "Your welcome, Jimena. And call me Bertie, Kid. 'Mister' makes me feel old." he chuckled.

Jimena gave him a small smile and nodded. Bertie went to knock on the door when suddenly, she heard Piper's high-pitched voice somewhere behind her, "No fair! I want a piggy ride too!"

It all happened so fast.

At first Piper jumped up to Jimena's back to get a piggy ride, but Jimena was already unbalanced with her injured ankle, so when Piper grabbed onto her shirt, Jimena couldn't hold the sudden added weight and they both immediately fell to their backs.

Piper immediately cried from shock and pain, while Jimena got her wind knocked out of her. She felt an immense flare of pain from her injured ankle and it traveled up to her upper body.

"Piper!" Irving hurried to both girls on the ground, "What have we all told you about forcing someone to give you piggy rides?" He scolded but was quick to check on the younger for injuries, carefully standing the little girl up.

Piper hiccuped, "But- Ji-Jimena gave me piggy rides earlier, and- and she got one too.. I just want one-" she sniffled.

Irving sighed in exasperation but was glad that Piper has no injuries, "Next time you have to ask first Piper. No more jumping on people, alright?" When he got a tearful nod from the child, he shifted and was about to ask about Jimena when he saw her curled up on her side while gritting her teeth, holding on to her ankle. Bertie was at her side in panic but didn't dare to move or touch her,

"Jimena, your ankle.." Bertie's hands hovered, not touching her while some occupants from the Steamies and Chuggers House went out of their houses when they heard the commotion.

"Jimena-" Irving went to help her, but Jimena was in so much pain,

"My ankle.. I can't-" she breathed out and choked on a halted sob, "It hurts.."

"What's goin' on?" Donald asked out when he went out of the house. His twin was the one who saw the figures on the ground first since he heard Douglas gasp, "Wut happened?" They both ran to Jimena, Duck following close behind.

Bertie helped her up by holding under her armpits in a moment of panic, but that forced her hands to let go of her injured ankle which fell and touched the ground. Jimena cried out in pain which made Bertie startled and almost let her go. Thankfully, Irving was already behind her and propped her up before Duck replaced Bertie's place.

Jimena's eyes were brimming with tears, tugging on Duck's heartstrings, "Oh Kid.. Here, let me help.."

Duck carefully and slowly pulled her up into his arms before he stood up and gently cradling her close while she hid her pained gasp and tear filled eyes on his shoulder.

"What hurts, Jimena?" Duck murmured, asking softly, but Jimena was in such immense pain that she wasn't able to answer him.

Bertie was the one who answered and somewhat brought an order to the small chaos that happened in their cobbled yard, "Her ankle. It's- it's her ankle. She was pushed down the stairs by Bulgy earlier and hurt her ankle. She can barely stand on her own, but I don't know the extent of her injuries.."

"Best get the Las' to Victor fur now Duck." Donald said, "See what he says aboot it."

Duck nodded and quickly brought Jimena into the Steamies House while being mindful not to jostle her too much. Emily was the one who hollered for Victor to come to the living room, who was already on his way down from their second floor.

"What is wrong? What happened?" Victor asked when he saw Jimena being sat carefully on one of their armchairs.

Duck gave him a short version of what Bertie had just said, "Bulgy pushed her down the stairs and her ankle is hurting a lot. Is it sprained, Victor?"

Victor gently prodded on her ankle which drew a hissed pain from the child. He quickly apologized and confirmed Duck's guess, "It is sprained. Her bone might have bruised too if she's in this much pain right now. Rest for a few days and constant ice compression is what she needs, and your foot will need to stay off the ground for it to heal. Do you understand Jimena?"

Jimena sniffed and nodded, "Yes Sir.." she murmured, and she knew Victor looked frustrated and worried because she just hurt her wrist this morning, then she came home with tear filled eyes and an injured ankle.

Duck helped clean her face gently with his handkerchief and knowingly swiped her tears away. Jimena was so weary from the day's events just let him do it and promptly fell asleep not long after that.

Seeing that the young child has finally fallen asleep drew a weary sigh from Duck. It was only her third work day and she was already injured twice and both because of someone else hurting her.

"The Lassie's asleep?" Douglas asked quietly when he came to the living room to check on their youngest occupant and after helping Victor to send everyone away as to not crowd his patient.

Duck nodded and stood up from his crouched position and sat on one of their long sofas, "Victor said her ankle is sprained and the bone might be bruised. She has to keep that foot off the ground for a while."

Douglas looked at Duck thoughtfully before sitting nearby on the same couch, "Donnie is talking with Sir Topham Hatt naew." he noted the worried look on Duck's face, "We all knaew it's nae the Las' fault."

Duck sighed again, " I know and I know Donald is explaining that to Sir Topham. But.."

"Yee worried tha' the Las willnae keep her internship." Douglas concluded.

Duck ran his hand through his brunswick green hair, "It was only her third day of work. You know how much Sir Topham despised delayments. And her injuries delayed her work. She's still so early in her internship that this might change Sir Topham Hatt's mind."

Douglas regards his words contemplatively before saying, "Let's say that Sir Topham changed his mind and the Las has tae go.. Why dae yee care Duck? Yee only knaew the Lassie fur three days, foor if we count the Lassie's very first day."

Duck snapped his attention to Douglas with steely fury in his eyes, "Don't act like you don't care about what is going to happen to her. I see how you twins look at her. Your look is just like how you look at Emily, you two adore her. She has become one of our charges the moment she came and stood in our cobbled yard, you know that. We all also know that she hides something. Something big that we all can't help but worry for her. Dang it, even Gordon worries for her and that was saying something. Who knows what's going to happen to her if she has to go back to her family. No healthy and functional family would send their not 13 year old child, a girl nonetheless, to work with baggy and worn out clothes. We all learn that from Emily's case. So tell me again that you don't care about her Douglas so I can tell you that you lie."

Douglas calmly looks at Duck and placates him with raised hands, "Relax Duck. Yee're right, Ah dae care fur the Lass. Ah'm joost asking because yee look so work up. We've been friends- nae, family fur years, Ah knaew when yee need to let something out of yeer mind and tah tell yee that we all knaew our boss. Sir Topham seemed to have a soft spot fur her and he wunnae let the Lass gae that easily. Yee knaew that."

Duck slumped his weight to the back of the sofa, "You're right. I'm sorry Douglas, that was not a Great Western way."

Douglas gave Duck a concerned look, "Ah'm asking because Donnie and Ah are worried aboot yee Duck. We knaew the Lass reminds yee of sum things. Things that yee're healing from 'till naew."

Duck was silent for a moment and Douglas patiently waited. He didn't push the older man because he knew how much those 'things' hurt Duck until this day.

At that moment, Donald came in and gently shifted Jimena's sleeping form on the armchair into his arms, where she immediately snuggled her face to the crook of his neck instinctively, "Ah'm going tae take the Lass tae her room. Yee're okay Duck?"

Duck looked up to the younger man and smiled faintly at the sight of Donald and Jimena in his arms, "Yes, I will be. Let's take care of her for now. I'll bring up the ice Donald. You go on and put her to bed. I'll meet you upstairs."

When Duck went out to do just that, Donald and Douglas looked at each other and sighed, knowing that Duck just avoided them. But they won't push. Not when he's not ready to admit it just yet, "He's upset." Donald stated.

"Of coorse, he is. It hits almost tae close tah home. If Bertie wasnae there tah help her, Ah donnae think she'll be home by naew."

"Aye, poor Las. Bulgy is a sorry excuse of a man tah did that tae her." Donald's face was contorted with concealed anger.

Douglas patted his brother on his unoccupied shoulder, "Donnae worry Brother of mine. The rest of the hoose and even the Chuggers knaew what he did tae her. And Sir Topham also knaew. Bulgy wunnae be let off unscathed that easily."

Donald spat out with contempt, "He wunnae. And we'll make sure of that."

Douglas smirked, "Aye, we will. Let's get the Lass to bed. Duck is probably waiting fur us by naew."

Duck indeed was already waiting for them in front of Jimena's room, but he didn't say anything. He helped open up Jimena's room while Donald set her down gently on her bed and tucked her in. Douglas propped her injured foot up with an extra pillow from the living room while Duck compressed it with the ice bag before wrapping it tightly with a towel.

"Victor said he will check on her in a few hours. Best we get some sleep. We all have morning shifts tomorrow." Duck said quietly after they all left Jimena's room and left her the crutches near her bed from their storage room. With how many incidents they have around here, those kinds of things are mandatory in their storage room.

Donald grimaced at the reminder, "Aye, who will look aftah the Lass tomahrrow morning?"

"Edward has the afternoon shift so he said he will keep an eye on her. Gordon also said he's available in the morning if Edward needs help, so that's taken care of. Rex, Duke, Percy, and Charlie volunteer for the rest of the afternoon if we are busy, and we have multiple people in the evening. Victor will also occasionally check on her when he has the time off from the Steamworks."

Donald and Douglas look at Duck before they look at each other, "Shoot, yee're right. Gordon does have a soft spot fur her." Douglas said in a bemused way.

Donald chuckled in an amazed manner, "Aye, and most of the occupants of the hoose tae, if not all of them."

Duck smiled genuinely at that.

Jimena woke up in the morning at the usual time she did for the past few days and remembered the past day event when she saw and felt her wrapped ankle.

Sighing, she got up and used the crutches that were left by her bed post. Fumbling with it a bit, Jimena went and opened her bedroom door to go downstairs..

Then she was immediately swept up into someone's arms that elicited a strained surprised squeal from her.

Duncan smirked when she looked up to meet his eyes, "Sorry Las'. Nae way we let ye went duwnstairs bah yeer own. Victor's orders." he added when she frowned up at him.

Jimena sighed but held on to Duncan as they went down, "Thank you Duncan.." she murmured when they reached downstairs.

Duncan let her down carefully then ruffled her hair, messing up her bed hair even more, "Yeer welcome Las'."

"Jimena? You're awake?" Edward asked from the dining room.

"Yes, Edward." She answered before hobbling awkwardly to the dining room. She doesn't really feel any immense pain on her ankle.. only a twinge of pain but other than that, she thinks it's okay to use her foot. But since Victor told her not to, she won't, lest she'll frustrate him even more.

"Morning Dear, how's your ankle?" Edward asked kindly while flipping some pancakes for breakfast.

"Good, I think.. it doesn't really that hurt anymore." Jimena answered honestly.

Edward hummed in thought, "Anomaly people usually healed faster on some good days, but let's leave that to Victor's examination later, hm?" he smiled before setting some fresh pancakes in front of her.

"Okay.. thank you Edward." She thanked him and started to slowly dig into her breakfast. She saw Duncan and Gordon did the same on nearby seats, while Edward sat diagonally from her on his usual seat.

"The Scottish Twins, Duck, and several others have already left for their shift. But Donald told me earlier that Sir Topham doesn't expect you to work today and until your ankle heals. Instead, he asked you to learn about work inside the House, chores and that kind of stuff, so it won't hinder your internship progress when you're healed." Edward said.

Jimena nodded. That's fair, since she can't really do anything that is physically productive until Victor deemed her clear for work.

So after breakfast, Edward showed her various chores that needed to be done around the house. He told her that they usually rotate chores daily and there's a schedule for it. But occasionally when someone was punished, they usually were the ones who handled a few of the chores for a week or so, depending on the ones who gave the sentence.

Throughout Edward's explanation, Jimena hobbled awkwardly to follow him. She was itching to just put her injured foot down and walk on it. But without Victor's consent, she's not allowed to, which was reminded to her by Gordon when he saw her trying to put her injured foot down.

With the constant supervision, Jimena felt cared for even if it's a bit draining since she wasn't used to it yet. Still, she promised herself not to get hurt in the future so she won't trouble the people around her.

When noon came, Victor came home to check on her ankle which made her perked up visibly at the chance to finally walk on her two feet again. Victor saw this and chuckled with amusement,

"I'll wash up first, my friend. You can sit in the living room and wait for me."

Jimena nodded an agreement and went to the living room before sitting on one of the long sofas. Edward, Gordon, and Duncan had left to go on their shift while Victor, Rex, Duke, and Charlie replaced their position. Charlie had said that Percy was supposed to join them, but he was called on for an urgent delivery.

Charlie was talking up about various topics with her while waiting for Victor. Rex and Duke were in the kitchen to prepare lunch. Jimena still doesn't know if she should prepare her own food in the future or not, but Charlie assured her that she won't.

"You will probably do it just for learning experience or helping out in general for chores, but usually the adults prepare the food. Just in case to avoid food poisoning." Charlie joked to her, but she had a feeling that there's a story behind that one.

When Victor was done cleaning up, he promptly came and checked on her ankle first. He prodded it and rotated it gently around, but besides a twinge of left lingering pain, Jimena's ankle was healed to the point that Victor lets her off the crutches but still insisted that she stays off her foot for today unless necessary.

"Maybe your lightning anomaly was helping you healed instinctively," Victor concludes from his examination, "In some occasions, people with anomaly ability can heal faster in their good days, but with how your ankle progressed from yesterday's pain to today's, I think your lightning anomaly helps in some parts where it triggers your muscles and bones to heal even faster. If this continues, I think your ankle will be completely healed by tomorrow and you'll be cleared for work." he smiled when he saw Jimena beaming at his conclusion.

Charlie chortles, "I don't understand why you're so keen on working, but if it delights you it's fine in my book." he smirked, "Though I'm curious of what you think when you start your study as part of our homeschooling."

Jimena tried not to think on the part where she soon needs to learn a 13 year old's school lessons, and instead focus on the fact that she will soon be free from her house ward status.

Lunch come and go, and soon enough it was evening again. Her afternoon guardians set off to do their evening shift while most of the occupants of the House came home from the day's work.

"Hi Jimena! Hey, you're already walking on two feet again, that's great!" Toad said excitedly when he saw her, matching Jimena's happy small smile.

Oliver, who came in right after Toad, looked on and asked skeptically, "That soon? You can barely stand yesterday. Did Victor say you're okay to walk on your two feet yet?"

Jimena nodded, she understands his doubt because even for anomaly people, they don't always heal faster. It was rare and only occasionally when their body cooperates, "Yes.. Victor checked on it before lunch. He said my lightning anomaly helps with healing my muscles and bruised bones, so I can walk around for a bit."

Oliver smiled in relief at that, "Well that's good. We all hate to see you youngsters get hurt, that's for sure. Come on Toad, you need to wash up before dinner. Have you already washed your hands Jimena?"

She shook her head, "No, not yet, I was just about to."

"Come on then Jimena, you can come with me." Toad said before beckoning her to follow him to their collective washroom at the first floor, where there are at least 10 sinks for them all, including 15 stalls of bathrooms.

"So, who do you think will become your guardian?" Toad asked her.

"Not a clue." she answered honestly.

Toad hummed, "I think Sir Topham is thinking hard to choose for you since you can connect with everyone just fine."

"I wouldn't say everyone.." Jimena muttered to herself when she remembered Thomas and James' interactions with her.

"Probably Edward or Victor though since Victor is your mentor and Edward is already your temporary guardian, but we'll probably find out in a week or so." Toad dried his hands on a towel while Jimena did the same, "Come on, let's have some dinner. I'm starving." Toad said while dramatically showing how starving he was.

Jimena can't help but smile at that and Toad took that as a win.

Both children helped set up the table since it was still quite early before the others got home.

Eventually, the others started to arrive, including Duck, The Scottish Twins, Victor, and Edward. The 5 adults brightened to see that their youngest is okay now and can walk without hurting anymore. Victor gave her one last check up for today and said the same thing he said before, if her lightning ability helps her heal more, then she's good to go to work tomorrow.

Edward waited patiently until Victor was finished before he showed her what was in his hand, "Sir Topham Hatt heard from Victor that you're healing faster than expected, so he asked me to give this to you." In his hand is her Steamworks Intern Badge which was golden metal and has a steam engine engraved on it along with a ribbon and the words that said 'Steamworks'. Edward smiled softly when he saw the enraptured look she had in her eyes, "He expected you to wear it at all times when you have to go to work so no one would mistake you and know that you are part of our interns."

Ah.. Sir Topham must've heard about her wrist injury on the platform yesterday. She was sure it was just a one time thing, but Jimena guessed that they all would like to play it safe which is fine by her.

"Thank you Edward." She took the badge and kept it safe in her shirt's pocket.

"Aye, 'Ello Las! We have nae see each other today yet." Donald ruffled her hair making it a mess.

"Yeer ankle does heal faster than it shood be.. But that's good since yee're nae in pain and we trust Victor's judgement." Douglas ruffled her hair next which messed it up even more. But Jimena didn't mind. It shows that they care for her somehow which is surprising to her since she doesn't think she gave them the reason to care.

"Yes.. Emily is already in the dining room if you want to see her." Jimena said while patting down her hair in an attempt to fix it.

Donald and Douglas looked amused, "How dae yee know we havenae seen Emily yet today?" Douglas asked.

Jimena gave them a small smile, "Edward told me that you, Donald, and Duck have to go on shift in the early morning today. He also said that you're the first ones to get out of the house. I'm in the house for the whole day and I haven't seen you, so I guessed you haven't seen Emily yet."

Edward chuckled, "Good observation Jimena."

"Yes, well done." Duck praised with a smile which made her smile a little wider.

"Dinner's ready!" Luke hollered from the dining room.

"Well, we better wash up. Ah'm starving." Donald said.

"Yee're done washing up Las'?" Douglas asked.

Jimena nodded, "Yes."

Duck patted her head, "Go on and have dinner first. We'll catch up after we're done washing up."

Jimena nodded again and went to the dining room where a comforting cacophony of different conversations were sounded.

As Victor had said, her lightning anomaly continued to heal her ankle throughout the night, so the next morning, Jimena was cleared to go back to work.

But Victor had asked her to be careful and not get used to getting hurt, "-Because no anomaly knows when their good days will come and when they don't. You got lucky with your ankle Jimena. Extremely lucky."

Jimena promised Victor that she will be more careful in the future, and she didn't remind him that both times she got hurt were because of someone else. The least she could do for him is to assure his concerns.

Since Jimena is practically Victor's mentee, he decided that she should take it easy for today, so at the Steamworks, he gave her the lesson about fixing a generator that she missed since winter is nearing. The rest of the day she spent helping fix up a small part of the engines there using spare parts.

A quiet mundane day after three eventful days. Four if she counted her very first day she arrived in Steamies House, but even that very first day was quite eventful for Jimena.

Victor even released her early for the day since he doesn't have any more jobs for her that weren't being handled by someone else already, so she walked back home in mid afternoon.

Suddenly, the clouds rumbled in the sky. It has been cloudy all day, but Jimena doesn't mind. She quite likes the rain. She always does.

So she waited for a light pour to fall on her before she sighed in quiet relief.

Jimena kept walking slowly to the Steamies House, enjoying the chilly rain. But when she reached their cobbleyard, underneath the big oak tree was a puppy.

The puppy was excited to see Jimena and was determined to play in the rain which has become a steady pour. Well.. Jimena won't say no to playing in the rain.

So she took off her newsboy cap, her coat, her steamworks badge, her shoes, and her socks before putting it on the front porch where it will be dry.

Clad now only in her white long sleeved shirt and black trousers, Jimena played with the puppy in the rain.

Duck and the Scottish Twins had come home before the rain came down, and some others arrived just by the neck before the rain started.

Not one of them wants to be caught in the rain in the fall season. The rain is cold water, chilly and windy, and that's enough to push everyone to go home or find some shelter from the rain.

Which made the adults worried when Victor had called the house on the landline phone, asking if Jimena had already come home yet.

"I thought she was with you." Duck said to the phone since he's the one who answers it. But some of the other adults were also standing nearby.

"No, I sent her home early since she got her job done for the day. Maybe she was sheltering from the rain right now. Although.. I thought she would've been home by then." Victor said.

Duck locked eyes with the Scottish Twins and turned back to the phone, "Alright Victor, we'll keep an eye out for her. We'll call you back when she gets home."

Just right after Duck puts back the phone on the landline, they all hear a light squeal from their yard. A happy squeal.

Rex was the first one to open their front door and huffed in amusement, "Well what do you know. She is home after all."

Duck and the Scottish Twins quickly went towards the door along with some of the others and saw a bewildered but welcoming sight to them all. In fact, they etched it in their minds.

Right there in their cobbleyard was Jimena, playing and running around with a puppy close to her heels. She was laughing, down right a full happy laugh that they had never seen from her before.

The rain, instead of being a nuisance, was a welcoming joy for the child and the puppy. They were both soaked to the bones, but they didn't care. It was only the two of them with their own world since none of them noticed their audience.

Jimena took a tumble and rolled around with the puppy in her arms, not a care in the world. The joyful laugh was still plastered on her face. Not nervous, not even that tiny laugh that she showed them, just a purely simple happy laugh.

It was such a sight that none of them had the heart to tell the child to stop. They all only watched silently. Even when Donald silently picked up her clothes from the front yard to put it inside, no one said a word.

After a while, they all heard a barking of a dog and a running splash and steps from their cobbled stairs, "Poppy! There you are, we were so worried!" A young woman holding an umbrella and her dog running beside her called out to the puppy who licked Jimena's face before she ran full speed to its owner and mother dog.

Jimena stood up and still has a smile plastered on her face while the owner smiled gratefully at her, "Thank you so much for finding her and playing with her. She ran outside before I could catch her and the rain fell. I was so worried that something bad might happen to her, so thank you and I apologize if she did something bad."

Jimena grinned, "You're welcome Miss, and she's alright. She was just playing around, nothing bad or annoying."

The young woman sighed in relief while holding onto her puppy now, "That's a relief. Thank you again. Erm.. Is it alright for you to stand and play in the rain on your own?"

Jimena laughed nervously before she felt the rain stop pouring on her. She looked up and found a big umbrella on her and.. Douglas, sheltering them from the rain. Douglas smiled at her to assure her that she's not in trouble. But still she smiled sheepishly at the amused look he gave her.

"Donnae worries Miss, we're taking care of wee Lassie 'ere." Douglas said politely to the young woman while tousling Jimena's damp grey hair.

The young woman smiled in relief at that and thanked Jimena again before leaving with the puppy and her dog.

Douglas and Jimena watched them go before Jimena sneezed and shivered a bit from the cold wind. Douglas chuckled and gently nudged her back to the house, "Cum on Las'. Let's get yee clean up and dry."

So she did as he asked, and because she already felt the cold that was settling in on her skin. When they were both back in the house, she felt bad for dripping water on the floor and she said it as much, "I'm sorry.. I'll clean it up later."

Douglas shook his head and patted hers, "Nae worries Las'. Ah'll handle it. Yee just clean up yeerself and get ready fur dinner. Ah bet ye that rain made yee starving."

As if on cue, her stomach growled to her surprise and Douglas' amusement, "Go on Las'. Marion already get yeer clothes fur yee in the bathroom. Use warm water so yee wonnae get cold."

Jimena nodded and noted to herself to thank Marion later, "Thank you Douglas.."

Douglas grinned, "Yeer welcome Las'. Donnie brooght yeer stuff tae yer room so it was safe and dry."

Jimena nodded and went to the bathroom. She will have to thank Donald too later.

When Jimena is in the bathroom, Douglas cleaned up the water on the floor before he went to the dining room and meet up with his twin and the others. Dinner is already starting. Before the youngest child in the house came in, Douglas said to Donald and Duck, "That was the happiest Ah have seen frum the Las'."

Duck hummed in agreement, "Never thought she would like to play in the rain that much. But everyone has their own quirkiness."

Donald grinned, "Like yee and yeer 'Great Western' obsession."

Duck huffed but didn't deny it, "I'm just glad she could actually laugh joyfully like that. It was concerning when a child that young can barely laugh without any nervousness like she had shown so far."

Douglas hummed, "Somethin' must 'ave happened to make a wee bairn like 'er to act like that."

The three men thought about it in silence and only broke it when Donald saw Jimena and invited her for dinner.

That will be another discussion for another time. For now, they need to make sure their youngest child in the house eats a healthy portion of food.