TGR but There's a Roleswap (2x5)

Chapter 6 - Repaints

Word Count: 287

As James left Crovan's Gate Steamworks and pulled onto the Main Line, he saw Emily quickly pull onto the line next to him. The green medium-sized tender engine was bubbling with excitement but from what, James didn't know.

Confused, he approached Emily. "What's got you in a bright mood?"

"Oh, Jimmy! I was chosen to participate in the Great Railway Show!" she exclaimed, her eyes shimmering with joy.

"What? Really? What for?" James asked excitedly, happy for his sister.

"For The Best Decorated Parade! He wants me to be repainted! Oh, I'm so excited!"

And that did it for James. His smile faltered, and he swore that he felt one of his tubes crack.

"The Best Decorated Parade?" he asked meekly.

"Yes!" she exclaimed. "I-!" Then she froze once she saw James' heartbroken face. "Oh..." It dawned on her. "You wanted to be chosen for that, didn't you?"

James frowned and looked away.

"James, listen, I can talk to the Fat Controller and-!"

"Fat chance," James replied bitterly. "The entire day, I've been trying to get chosen for that competition but every single time I do, I get pushed aside and he chooses someone else for something else!"

"Well, you haven't been doing your jobs. I just saw another engine pulling the Honeypot."

"What?" James began to worry. "Who?"

"He was a red tender engine. I'm pretty sure it was that Scottish engine you told me about earlier. I saw him at Wellsworth on my way here."

"Edward! Where was he heading?"

"He was going down the Main Line towards Tidmouth-!"

Once again, James interrupted her with his whistle. "I gotta go! I'll see you later!" And before Emily could say, "Goodbye," he was already far away.