TGR but There's a Roleswap (2x5)

Chapter 5 - Coaches in a Siding

Word Count: 413

Edward was heading back to Maron after he had nearly veered off the Main Line again, this time at East Maron Junction until the signalman there stopped him. Afraid that it would happen again, he, along with his crew, decided it was best to go back to Maron and see if he could find another engine on his way there or at the station. He headed down to the next station, Cronk, and used the turntable so he could be turned around before heading back.

Finding an engine on the way back was easier than actually getting the help he needed.

Leaving Cronk, engines big and small stormed by with goods trains and passenger trains. As they did, he felt nervous and overwhelmed, not used to engines storming by. He tried asking or grabbing their attention but they seemed far too busy, ignoring his pleas for directions. Just a few moments ago, a grand green tender engine stormed by with a long train of goods with no time to waste.

"M-Maybe I can find James again," he piped up. And as he got closer to East Maron Junction, his eyes perked up. James was rapidly approaching him, coming from the south track that traveled up and over Gordon's Hill.

"James! I-!"

"I'm busy!" hollered the red medium-sized tender engine as he stormed by without slowing down.

"But I jist wantit tae ask-!" Edward sighed as he heard the chuffing quickly subside. "... nevermind," he murmured. His crew patted his cab to console him as they continued their journey to Maron.

When they arrived, Edward came across a set of five honey-yellow coaches sitting on a siding at the station. He stopped, immediately recognizing them.

"James' coaches," he muttered to himself, unaware of who they actually belonged to. "He..." Edward slowly approached the siding. "...abandonit his job?"

"I'm afraid so."

The other red medium-sized tender engine froze. "W-Who?"

"Us, darling! The coaches."

Edward quickly got closer and finally, the face of the first coach came into view. "Och!" he piped up, blushing with embarrassment. "I'm s-sae sorry! I couldnae see you!"

"Ah, very well," said the first coach. "Don't worry, dear."

A quick, soft hum of happiness slipped from him. "Why ur ye all there? Oan a sidin'? Where's James?"

"That red engine canceled our trip and rushed away!" huffed the brake coach.

"I just saw him," said Edward. "W-Why wis he rushin'?"

"We don't know!" they all exclaimed.

Just then, Edward had an idea.