A Little Engine That Could

With The Little Engine That Did being a bust, it's been decided to COMPLETELY reconstruct the story and give it more of a nod to the original story of the Little Engine That Could.
The Story has a brand new setting, new set of characters, and possibly a MUCH better story line. The primary locomotive known as the Little Engine, is heavily inspired off the Ward Kimball Number #5 locomotive from the Disneyland Railroad, and like in the Little Engine That Did, the entire roster is all narrow gauge. However the railroad consists off an all Diesel fleet, except of course the main protagonist, the little engine.
Set in the fictional upscale town of Aldin, Maine is where are story takes place. Our main characters, live a happy life, but when an emergency comes up, it's up to our Little Engine to respond to the call and save the day.
10 Chapters have already been completed, with an 11th in the works

I feel that, this story will be WAY better than its predecessor, The Little Engine That Did, and will be WAY more practical and down to earth as well.

A Little Engine That Could!!!!

Do great things come in small packages?  Is the impossible possible?  How would you feel if you were perfectly happy with where you were at in your life, but something better came hitting you in the face all of a sudden?  We all have an appreciation for some of the simplest things in life, and we’re all taught to be happy with what we have, however when something better comes our way, then what do we do?
We’ll take you to a place where this sort of thing happened, and it’s in the beautiful upscale seaside town of Aldin, Maine.
Aldin is a VERY popular tourist destination, given that it’s full A LOT of history, beautiful boutique shops, multiple upscale restaurants, beautiful historic buildings from the 1800 and 1700s, A LOT of museums, luxurious 4 and 5 star hotels, a state of the art aquarium, many beautiful timeshare houses, a beautiful 100-year-old Gothic Cathedral that houses so many treasures including a beautiful 5 manual pipe organ built by Casavant Freres with over 5,000 pipes, a historic theater that dates back to over 100 years ago that even features a Kimball Pipe Organ, a drive in movie theater, an ancient fort that dates back to the 1700s, and of course a historical narrow gauge railroad that runs 75 miles north to the Big City of Portland.
The Narrow Gauge Railroad has played a VERY important role to Aldin’s community for well over 130 years.  
Some of the BEST and most delicious Lobsters were discovered in Aldin, and the only way to transport them along with many other things found in the historic town, was by the Aldin & Portland Narrow Gauge Railroad.  
Why is it the only way you ask?  The Aldin and Portland Narrow Gauge Railroad runs through a mountain located in a forest reserve that is off limits to cars, buses, and trucks.   Some of the curves are so tight, and some of the rock formations made dynamiting tunnels VERY difficult, and for this, full sized standard gauge trains that you see on the main lines cannot fit.  The Narrow Gauge of the rails being only 3 feet apart, was the most that could fit through the mountain range, and was the only logical way to transport goods and passengers between the 2 cities, and it’s how goods and passengers are still transported between Aldin and Portland today.
Well, enough about the history, it’s time to get our story started.
It’s 7:30 a.m. and the fog is slowly heavy lifting, but you can see in a small beautiful wooden shed located at the far end of the railroad yard, is something more than just fog; it’s REAL steam.  A little red 2-4-4RT Forney Tank engine, known as Number #5, is being steamed up and ready for work.
The little engine’s owner is 25-year-old Christian Ryan May, and he volunteers on his days off, to help out with switching operations in the yard, and helping with getting the trains ready.
The trains are handled by pretty large 60-80 ton Diesel Electric Locomotives, but some shorter trains are hauled by some of the smaller 25-45 Diesel Electric Locomotives.  Number #5 is only a little 15 ton locomotive, but she’s more than enough to handle the job of switching operations, and together both the little steam engine and Chris are perfectly happy just helping out in switching operations; heck they are even proud of it.  Number #5 is the railroad’s only steam engine, and seeing her handle switching operations is always a special treat for when tourists pass by the town’s train station and railroad yard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqp-Mdz4-xY

Chris: Alrighty Number #5, are you ready for another day of switching?

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris: So am I!!!!!  Time to get to work!!!!!!

Chris gives 2 blasts on Number #5’s small 3-inch single chime Lunkenheimer whistle, opens the cylinder drain cocks, and gently eases the throttle lever open, as Little Number #5 opens her firing valve, opens up her water injectors, rings her bell, and slowly and gently comes steaming out of her shed.

Chris: Alright, time to hook onto some of the refer cars since the morning’s catch of lobster’s gonna be loaded on soon.

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!  CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG……………………………

Little Number #5 didn’t always have such a happy life.  She was originally built in 1902 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia for the Laurel Valley Plantation in Louisiana as their Number #2 locomotive.  She worked on Laurel Valley until 1932 when she was sold to a private collector named Arthur LaSalle.  She was then restored in 1963 for use in a theme park in Ohio, but when she was no longer needed she was again sold to another Private Collector in 1999.   Unfortunately the locomotive’s owner had gotten VERY sick, and when the locomotive was in the process of being restored, plans were scrapped, and the little engine lied stored in thousands of pieces all over a shop floor to possibly never see the light of day again.
She was then shipped to a dark warehouse on a wharf in Aldin with all of her parts in crates, and remained stored, untouched, unloved, and very sad and broken hearted.
But one day in 2016, a wealthy businessman named Eiji Yagami was looking to build an upscale Japanese Sea Food Restaurant, and the warehouse on the wharf overlooking the bay was the perfect place for.  However, the little engine was blocking Mr. Yagami from building his restaurant, and when Mr. Yagami tried to have the engine removed and possibly scrapped, 22-year-old Christian Ryan May, a soon to be qualified chef, who had just recently graduated from one of the country’s top class gourmet cooking schools and with a HUGE passion for old steam trains, stepped in.  Chris then made a deal with Mr. Yagmi, to be one of his chefs for the restaurant in exchange for ownership of the engine.
Christian had a valuable skill that not many chefs had, for Chris was at the time in the process of getting his license to cook Puffer Fish.  Everyone in the seafood cooking business knew that cooking Puffer Fish was a lost art, for it was a long and laborious task, for Puffer Fish was VERY dangerous to eat unless cooked by a licensed chef, who had been cooking it for at least a minimum of 3 years every day before getting certified.  Chris had been cooking Pufferfish every day for himself for a WHOPPING 5 years, and hadn’t had an accident while cooking it, which in turn made him a VERY promising chef.
Mr. Yagami thought long and hard about it, but he knew in the end that he had to get rid of the engine somehow, and he also knew he was in need of chefs.  With one who was learning to cook puffer fish, and not having an accident after cooking it for himself for 5 years straight offering to work for him to get the engine off of his hands, ended up being too good of a deal to pass up.
Mr. Yagami got himself one of the most upscale restaurants in all of Aldin, a VERY good chef who in the end got licensed to cook Puffer Fish.  Chris then got himself a VERY good paying job, and got to save the little red engine.  
Chris then used money that his wonderful parents gifted to him to for college graduation to help restore Little Number #5, bring her back to life, and the 2 have been inseparable ever since.
It’s now 2019, Chris is now one of the top chefs working at Yigami’s By The Bay.  His cooking is so renowned that he even beat Bobby Flay on T.V. TWICE.  Also Little Number #5 is now a VERY beautiful and reliable little engine, that the railroad is proud to have help out when they can.

Little Number #5 has now just finished moving some refrigerated boxcars into the station, and they’re now ready for the freshly caught Maine Lobsters to be loaded in.

Chris: Alright Number #5, let’s go fetch the caboose, then we’ll wake up Big Joe and Phil to get Engine Number #2205 to haul the train off to Portland.
Next we’ll get the string of flat cars, Murphy Roof boxcars, and gondolas to load up the expensive furniture, and other historic treasures, for the heavy freight train bound for Portland at 10:00 O-Clock!!!!
And if I’m not mistaking, over 8,000 organ pipes plus a brand new state of the art 5 manual console as well as a bunch of blower motors just arrived in from Fratelli Ruffatti in Italy to be shipped off to the Cathedral Basilica in Portland for their new pipe organ.  With that being said, we can’t allow this train to be late!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!

It isn’t long until Chris and Little Number #5 fetch the train’s caboose, and all the fresh lobster and fish are loaded up in the refrigerated boxcars ready for their trip to Portland.

Chris: Okay, now it’s time to get Big Joe!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris and Number #5 steam over to the engine house to find Big Joe, when…………………

Chris: WHAT THE????!!!!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG……………………

The sound like that of the Titanic’s whistle is heard while the whole ground shakes violently, and EVERYBODY comes running out of the locker room and bathroom like no tomorrow.


Adam: UUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!  SOMEBODY FUCKEN BLEW UP THE BATHROOM!!!!!

John Goss: OH GOD, OH JESUS, JOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEEE??????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big Joe: SORRY ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!  I WARNED YOU NOT TO COME IN HERE FOR THE NEXT 40 MINUTES!!!!!!!!!

Chris: Number #5, it sounds like Joe put on another “Tuba Concert” while in his office again!!!  LOL!!!!!!!!

Big Joe: SHUT UP CHRISTIAN!!!!!  I HEARD THAT!!!!!!!!!  AND THAT’S ENOUGH OUT OF YOU!!!!!

Joe says while tapping his foot from behind the bathroom stall.

Chris: Number #5 and I came to inform you that your train is ready to go!!!!

Big Joe: ALREADY?????!!!!!!!!!!  IT’S ONLY 7:45!!!!!!!  The train’s not supposed to leave until 9:00!!!!!!!

Chris: Hey, Number #5 decided to wake up early since her boiler pressure reached to 150 earlier than expected, so we figured we’d get a head start.
Plus with my little sisters Brooke and Kaitlin arriving later on tonight for their camp at the forest reserve in a couple days, an earlier start allows me and Number #5 to get the jobs done ahead of time, and that also gives me more time to prepare dinner for the girls.   I’m a working chef after all, even ON my days off from work. LOL!!!!!

Big Joe: Good point, earlier start means being off earlier, even if you’re a volunteer!!!!  And besides it allows me to go home early too!!!!!  Plus, I have a REAL Tuba Concert to prepare for in a couple days!!!!!  

Chris: John are you up for having your heavy freight train depart here at 9:00 instead of 10:00 because Number #5 and I can have the cars all lined up right after Joe’s train departs.

John Goss: SURE!!!!!!!  The earlier the better!!!!!!!!

Chris: Robert, I’ll try to get your mail train out on the line by 10:00!!!!!

Robert: Well, wonderful!!!!!!  That sounds like a good plan!!!!!!

Chris: Phil, watch your speed with the 11:00 O-Clock Milk Train, and go easy on the horn too!!!!!

Phil: HEY, HEY, HEY; COME ON NOW, I DON’T DO THAT!!!!!!  BUT ROBERT DOES THOUGH!!!!!!!

Robert: WHAT????!!!!!!  WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT PHIL????!!!!!!  YOU’RE THE ONE WHO ALWAYS HIGHBALLS AND WHALES ON THE HORN!!!!!!!  HAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

Chris: Jonathan, I can have the Toy Special ready for you to haul out of here at 12:00 O-Clock Noon!!!!!  Even though the Toy Special normally doesn’t leave until after the 5:00 O-Clock Light House Express luxury train, but if I can make that the LAST train out of here, then it works better for my schedule and gets you guys home earlier.

Jonathan: Yeah, it works just fine!!!!!!!

Chris then has a good look at Old 45-Ton Center Cab Diesel Number #302, and sees just how beat up it is.

Chris: How has Old 302 been holding up.  It looks rather like it’s seen better days.

Jonathan: That’s a HUGE understatement, but it’s still going to put it kindly. LOL!!!!

Old 302 is a 45 ton center cab Diesel Electric locomotive that was built in 1944 by Whitcomb for use on the Oahu Railway in Hawaii.  Old 302 is a VERY unique engine featuring outside frame counter weights and side rods much like a steam engine, but on her electric motor bogies to pass motion from one axle to another.  Old 302 also features an engine hood mounted bell with a cradle MUCH like a steam engine’s bell, head and back up lamps mounted on top of the engine and generator hoods, and towering exhaust pipes on both sides of the cab.
She was for many years a crew favorite given her history, and being the easiest to operate and maintain.  But she is also the oldest and smallest locomotive in the fleet.  However with her parts out of production and now being scarce, 302 is now the MOST expensive locomotive to operate and maintain.  It doesn't help that she’s no where NEAR as young or as powerful as she used to be, and has been renegaded to hauling the Toy Special, the lightest train on the roster, to keep her wear and tear down.
Old 302 is also a VERY dear friend to Number #5, for they are both very understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses of being small engines, and would also often exchange stories with one another about their lives on the sugar cane plantations. Chris has a soft spot for her as well, and thinks she is the most special locomotive out of all the Diesels.

Chris: I can really hope that we can find a way to preserve old 302 given that she's just too precious for the unthinkable.  

Jonathan: I don't know................sadly her time will come where we'll just have to let her go...............

Chris: Hopefully a museum can take her and put her on display rather than have her thrown away................  

Jonathan: I feel the same way, but it's out of our hands..................

Number #5: Hey 302!!!  Are you okay?  You look very tired!!!  I’m starting to get worried.

Old 302: Hey, don’t worry.  I’m WAY passed my prime Little Number #5.  

Number #5: But can’t they fix you?

Old 302: I’m old, I’ve lived my life.  Now given that I’m the most expensive engine to operate and maintain, I’ve been renegaded to pulling the lightest train on the schedule, and with spare parts for my make and model being almost impossible to come by, things are not looking too good for me.
I’d hate to say this, but my days left here are numbered…………

Number #5: DON’T SAY THAT!!!!!  THERE’S LOTS OF FIGHT STILL LEFT IN YOU!!!!  

Old 302: That’s very sweet of you to say that, but no…………I’m on borrowed time now that my replacement parts are no longer made, my pistons are all gummed up, my plugs can’t detonate the way they used to, the gears in my traction motor are almost shot, my frame is badly corroded, my electronics are failing, and the sound of my horn isn’t what it used to be.  It’s just what happens as you get to be an old diesel engine.

Number #5: Hey, I was built in 1902, faced many years of use and abuse, and in the end sat in pieces in a warehouse…………..I honestly thought I’d never see the light of day again until my wonderful owner Chris came along.  He restored me, and I’m still going as good as new!!!!

Old 302: That’s the thing, you’re practically a brand new engine!!!!  More than 90% percent of your parts are NOT original to when you first rolled out of the factory……………

Number #5: Ohhhhh……………you are right about that…………Chris had almost ALL of my parts replaced.  My frame is brand new, my cylinders are brand new, my pistons are brand new, my boiler is brand new, my axles are brand new, my wheels are brand new, my water tank is brand new, my cab is brand new, my pilot and cowcatcher are brand new, my head lamp bracket is brand new, my copper stack cap is brand new, my whistle and safety valves are brand new, my valve gear was completely machined to like new as were my drive rods, my head lamp is from 1963, and I’m no longer coal fired, but bio diesel fired now.  
The only things original I have are my domes, bell and cradle, cylinder saddle, trailing tender truck, and smoke stack minus the copper cap.
I’ve never worn so much ornate brass in my life, and never before have I worn so many bright and beautiful colors.

Old 302: EXACTLY!!!!!  YOU ARE PRACTICALLY BRAND NEW!!!!!  The reason for that is, because old steam engines like you can have brand new parts made from scratch.  Although you’re technically many years older than me, mechanically you’re the youngest locomotive in the fleet, and still practically a baby.
You have your whole life ahead of you!!!!
Your days of shuffling cars about in the yard are numbered because of your like new condition, sooner or later, it’s only a matter of time before you’re hauling a train out on the main line instead of me!!!!

Number #5: I………..I………I don’t know about that!!!!  There’s too much liability with me given that I’m a steam engine, and it’s written in the contract Chris made with the railroad super intendant that I can’t leave headquarters.  

Old 302: You say that now, but knowing how much life you have in you and how much spunk you have, it’s not a matter of IF you go out and haul a train on the main line in my place, but a matter of WHEN!!!!  ESPECIALLY given that I’m getting too old for this job.

Number #5: PLEASE DON’T SAY THINGS LIKE THAT!!!!  I COULD NEVER REPLACE YOU!!!!

Old 302: You’re very sweet, but it’s okay.  Don’t worry!!!  I’ve enjoyed my life, and it’s time for you to have a chance.

Number #5: Still, it’s not right for you to be replaced!!!!  I’m sure there’s hope for you.

Old 302: It’s okay!!!  I’m just glad to have you as a friend during my final years.

Number #5: These aren’t your final years, I promise!!!!

Chris: Alright Number #5, it’s about time to get the trains out on the line!!!!

Number #5: I promise, these are NOT your final years, I know there’s still hope for you!!!!

Old 302: Again, don’t worry about old me, you need to enjoy your life when your chance comes.

Chris: Are you alright with these earlier departures Old Man Ernie?

Old Man Ernie: FUCK YOU, I’M NOT THAT OLD!!!!!!   AND SURE, THE CITY OF PORTLAND WILL PAY THE RAILROAD MORE WITH TRAINS ARRIVING AHEAD OF SCHEDULE!!!!!

Chris: AWESOME!!!!!  I only wish I could get the Light House Express to leave earlier, but unfortunately that train CANNOT leave earlier than 5:00 O-Clock because of it being a high class and upscale luxury train that constantly gets COMPLETELY booked daily, and an early departure would have tourists who pay that big money pissed off for missing their train.  So, nothing we can do about that, but have the train ready for departure on time.

Bruno: Hey, if we can have the train ready in the station early, then no harm done!!!!

Big Joe then soon gets out of the bathroom and is ready to go to work.

Big Joe: ALRIGHT!!!!!  I’m READY to go to work!!!!!!

Chris: Alright, I’ll haul your locomotive into place, while you fire it up!!!!!

Big Joe: SOUNDS GOOD!!!!!

Big Joe then removes the safety chains out from under the wheels of Diesel Locomotive Number #2205 before climbing in her cab, as Little Number #5 gently backs on, and couples up with a good and solid……………..

CLUNK!!!!!!!!!!

Chris: ALRIGHT, WE’RE COUPLED ON!!!!!!

Big Joe: ALRIGHT, I’M RELEASING THE BREAKS NOW!!!!!!  JUST TOW ME TO MY TRAIN, AND I’LL TAKE IT FROM THERE!!!!!!  NOW WHERE IS MY ASSISTANT ENGINEER?

Adam: Right here Joe!!!!!!

Big Joe: PERFECT!!!!!!  WE’RE GONNA HAVE AN EARLY GO HOME TODAY!!!!!!

Adam: SOUNDS GOOD!!!!!!

Chris: READY NUMBER #5?

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Number #2205: UUUUUUGGGGGHHHH!!!!  DO WE REALLY HAVE TO BE OUT THIS EARLY????!!!!!  I’M NOT SUPPOSED TO DEPART UNTIL 9:00!!!!!!!

Number #5: COME ON!!!!  AN EARLIER START MEANS YOU GET TO COME HOME AND RELAX EARLY!!!!

Number #2205: ALRIGHT!!!!  YOU MAKE A GOOD POINT!!!!! -_-

Little Number #5 then tows Diesel Number #2205 out of the roundhouse, over the turntable, through various switches, and soon has her coupled up to her train.

Big Joe: ALRIGHT!!!!!!  

Adam: WOW!!!!!!  It’s ONLY 7:59 and the train’s ready to go already!!!!

The brakeman then connects up all the air hoses and safety chains from Number #2205 to her train and pulls up on Little Number #5’s coupler lift bar.

Big Joe: THANKS CHRISTIAN!!!!!  WE’LL TAKE IT FROM HERE!!!!!

Chris: AWESOME!!!!!

Chris and Number #5 then uncouple from the train and steam back to the yard to prepare the next one.

Moving train cars and locomotives out and about is not really a glamorous job, and in fact it’s rather diminutive.  But because Chris isn’t getting paid to do it and is only doing it just so he can run Number #5 for fun on his days off, he and Number #5 are just happy to have the chance to just be active on the railroad.  Hey, no one is really complaining, so it’s a win/win.  Heck, Chris and Number #5 like moving the trains about because it makes them feel important.  In fact, VERY few railroads in North America still use steam locomotives unless it’s a tourist operation, and to see one in action, even just to move cars and locomotives about, is still something you don’t see every day anymore in this day and age.
It's soon 4:00 O-Clock in the afternoon, and is now time to get the BEAUTIFUL Light House Express ready.

Chris: Alrighty Number #5, it’s time for us to get the Light House Express Ready!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj2EQRLm7Vc

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!

Chris and Number #5 then set off to go fetch the coaches for the Light House Express.  Now the Light House Express is a VERY BEAUTIFUL Luxury dinner train that carries tourists out of Aldin, along the beautiful coastline before going through the forest reserve, over the mountain, and to the big city of Portland.
The coaches for the Light House Express however, are small, and can’t fit many passengers.  Each coach can BARELY fit one bathroom, the dining car is BARELY large enough to fit tables for 2 on each side of the coach, and meals have to be prepared ahead of time at Harry’s Seafood Grill and Joe’s Crab Palace before being loaded onto the train and reheated in the microwaves onboard the concession car.
Although the coaches are small, they’re still VERY BEAUTIFUL, and fitted with gorgeous Mahogany, Maple, and Rose Wood, beautiful stained glass, velvet curtains, and plush velvet seats.
There’s also an open-air sightseeing car that’s often located near the rear of the train just in front of the First Class lounge car, and V.I.P. Parlor Observation car for some of the higher paying passengers.
But despite the small size of the coaches, the Light House Express is a VERY popular train to ride, for it gives the passengers a chance to enjoy a delicious meal while looking out at the BEAUTIFUL sunset along the coastline, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the 130 year-old railroad line.

Chris: Alright, here they are.  Time to back on, and haul them into the depot!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!!

Little Number #5 with much noise and billowing with steam, slowly, carefully, and gently backs onto the train for they don’t want to knock over the beautiful crystal glass, or damage any of the fine China plates while coupling on, for the Light House Express, is not a train meant for rough handling like the freight trains that can be bashed about.
It isn’t long until Number #5 is coupled on, and ready to haul the train into the station.

Chris: Alrighty Number #5, let’s go!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!  CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG……………

With 2 blasts on the whistle, and the ring of her bell, Number #5 soon hauls the beautiful 8 car Light House Express out of the yard.
Over at the station, many passengers formally dressed are ready to board their train, while porters are waiting to load the bags onto the baggage car, and the meals into the concession car.

Chris: Alright, it’s 4:30, and we’re right on time!!!!!!!!

Chris then gives one VERY long blast followed by one short blast on Number #5’s whistle with a…………………….

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!

As she came steaming into the station ringing her bell, with her firebox glowing and drumming, cylinder cocks hissing, rods knocking, air compressor huffing and puffing, headlamp shining, beautiful red and gold colors gleaming, beautiful mid-night blue boiler jacket glowing, and beautiful copper cap stack and gold brass shining like gold.
All the passengers get out their cameras, cellphones, and video recorders as the little engine hauls the train into the station, and many more passengers get excited with the expectations and hopes of getting the chance to ride behind a steam engine.

Passenger: OH WOW!!!!!  I DIDN’T KNOW THE TRAIN WAS GONNA BE HAULED BY A STEAM ENGINE!!!!!!

Passenger: THE BROCHURE HAS A PICTURE OF A MODERN DIESEL PULLING THE TRAIN!!!!!  THERE’S NO MENTION OF A STEAM TRAIN EXCURSION!!!!!

Passenger: WHAT A BEAUTIFUL AND CHARMING LITTLE ENGINE!!!!!!  THE BEAUTIFUL RED, AND GOLD COLORS, METICULOUS PIN-STRIPING, THE GORGEOUS GOLD BRASS, AND THE COPPER…………………WOW!!!!!!
I ESPECIALLY LOVE THE YELLOW STARS ON THE CENTER HUBS OF THE GORGEOUS CRIMSON RED WHEELS!!!!!

Passenger: HAAAAAA, HAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAA!!!!!!  THAT’S CUTE!!!!!!  WE’RE RIDING ABOARD A LITTLE TOY TRAIN!!!!!

Chris and Little Number #5 hear the remark and are instantly offended.

Chris: EXCUSE ME?????!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOO?????!!!!!!!!!!

Number #5 then weeshes more steam at the passenger from her cylinder drain cocks and gets him all wet.

Passenger: UUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!  I AM WET……………………NOT FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!

Chris: Serves you right for calling my engine a toy!!!!!!  She’s actually FULL SIZE YOU KNOW?????!!!!!!

Chris then slows Number #5 down to a full and complete stop before throwing the Johnson Bar/Reverser lever in reverse, locking on the steam jam engine brake, and giving on blast on the whistle, signaling that it’s safe to board.

Chris: Alrighty Number #5, our job is done, let’s go fetch Al and Bruno in engine Number #2202, and then we’re done!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!

Little Number #5 then detaches from the train and set off to go fetch the assigned locomotive.  A LOT of passengers however, become disappointed after seeing that Number #5 is NOT going to be the engine pulling the train.

Passenger: WHAT????!!!!!  WHAT’S GOING ON HERE????!!!!!!!  WASN’T THAT OUR ENGINE?????!!!!!!!

Passenger: I THOUGHT IT WAS A NICE SURPRISE TO SEE OUR TRAIN PULLED IN BY A STEAM ENGINE!!!!!!!!  IS THAT WHAT’S GOING TO PULL US????!!!!!!

Passenger: I WAS HOPING TO ENJOY A STEAM TRAIN RIDE AFTER SEEING THE ENGINE!!!!!

Conductor Eric: Unfortunately, the steam engine is NOT owned by the railroad, but by a private individual.  For this reason, the steam engine is only a switcher that moves cars about in the yard and brings trains into the station before fetching the actual assigned locomotive.
There are unfortunately no plans to have a steam powered excursion unless our management team, and the locomotive’s owner can work out to expand their contract.  

Passenger: AWWWWWW MAN!!!!!!

Conductor Eric: I know!!!  It would be nice if we could have a steam engine pull this train.  Our tickets would CERTAINLY sell out MUCH quicker, but maybe someday.  You never know.

Chris: Al, Bruno, are you guys ready???!!!!!

Al: Ready as we’ll ever be!!!!

Bruno: Number #2202 is fired up and ready to go!!!!!

Chris: Awesome!!!!!!  Ready to tow em out Number #5???!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!

With 2 blasts on her whistle, and the ring of her bell, Little Number #5 tows Engine Number #2202 out of the roundhouse stall, over the turntable, through a few switches, and out of the railroad yard.
Conductor Ruben is making a final count of passengers as they boarded.

Conductor Ruben: Okay, I show a total of 87 passengers which is a good number, and now I just need to make sure everyone’s in their assigned seats before we go.

Conductor Ruben then checks to make sure that all passengers are in their assigned seats, and sure enough everything seems in order.

Conductor Ruben: ALRIGHT!!!!  We are good to go!!!!  Now we just need to wait for our locomotive to……………AAAAAHHHHHH-HAAAAAAAAA, here it is!!!!!!!

Little Number #5 then backs Locomotive Number #2202 onto her assigned train with a good solid………………..

CLUNK!!!!!!!!

Bruno: ALRIGHT!!!!!  WE’RE HOOKED UP!!!!!

Al: YOU ARE GOOD TO DETACH!!!!!

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!!!!

Bruno: THANKS FOR YOUR HELP CHRIS!!!!!

Al: WE’LL SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: IT’S ALWAYS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU AND NUMBER #5 CHRIS!!!!!  YOU 2 ROCK!!!!!!

Chris: NUMBER #5 AND I ENJOY WORKING WITH YOU GUYS TOO!!!!

Conductor Ruben: I SURE HOPE I CAN BE YOUR CONDUCTOR SOMEDAY!!!!!

Chris: IT WOULD BE OUR PLEASURE!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!

Chris: LET’S GO NUMBER #5, I HAVE 2 LITTLE SISTERS TO FEED!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris then uncouples Number #5 from the Light House Express, and the 2 steam off to the little shed at the end of the railroad yard.
The Little Engine’s fire will be damped down before she’s put to bed for the evening.


To Be Continued…………………

Chapter 2

A Damsel In Distress?!

Number #5: WHOOO, WHOOO, WHOOO!!!!!!  CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG…………………………..

With 3 blasts on her whistle, and a ring of her bell, Little Number #5 gently backs into her cute little red engine shed for the night.

Chris: Alrighty, we’re good right about…………THERE!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!  CLANG………………..

With one blast on her whistle, and a final ring of the bell, Number #5 is then parked before Chris shuts off her firing valve, and closes up her atomizer and blower valves.
He then hops out of her cab, throws safety chains under her drive wheels, and then sets to work on closing all of her injector branch pipes, main steam turret, covering the stack opening, opening up the air compressors bleeder valves, and giving Number #5 a final polish on her brass and boiler jacket.

Chris: It’s always great to help out in the yard when we can. 

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!

Chris: Though I wish we could actually haul a train over the right of way.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Chris: Unfortunately 2 things, you’re a small 15-ton locomotive, no offense, I don’t have an FRA Engineer license to run you over a public road, and we’d have to go through a mountain of insurance papers, which I unfortunately don’t have the time for at the moment.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Chris: I know Sweetie.  But I’m Mr. Yagami’s top Chef at Yagami’s On The Bay, and am on call more times than I’d care to count.  I have 2 little sisters that come visit me A LOT because my 2 older brothers are either dealing with a court case, or helping Dad run the company.
Anyways, on the bright side, it’s good that my 2 little sisters visit me A LOT.  Mom and Dad are away on an overseas business trips, Anthony is taking care of things at Dad’s office, while he’s away, and Andrew is now finally starting up his own law firm.  Who else to look after the girls before they go off to camp?  
I only wish you could help out though Number #5 because an extra pair of hands would come in handy, and both Brooke and Kaitlin can be a HUGE handful. LOL!!!!

Chris then gives Number #5 a final polish before her gorgeous Lunar Mid-Night Blue Boiler Jacket shines like the night sky, her Crimson Red paint gleams under the shop lights, and her brass shines like gold.

Chris: OH, I CAN’T FORGET YOUR COPPER STACK CAP!!!!!!

Chris then gives Number #5’s beautiful Copper Stack cap a final polish, and it soon shines beautifully just like the rest of her.

Chris: I do confess, you maybe a little bit too clean, and I probably go overboard with your polish, but Hey, I’m proud of you, and how many people have the joy and honor of owning a beautifully restored operating steam locomotive that’s over 100-years-old?  I don’t think many.

Number #5: WHOOO, WHOOO!!!!!

Chris: Well, it’s time I get going, you have a good night Number #5, and I’ll see you tomorrow!!!!  The girls will no doubt be happy to see you too!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!

Chris then locks up the shed as Little Number #5 yawns and goes off happily asleep.

Chris: Now it’s time for me to prepare dinner for the girls!!!!!  I know they’re both gonna be starving once they arrive home!!!!

But as Chris makes his way back to his car, he notices a young girl on her cell phone calling her mom for help.

Chloe: MOM!!!!!  I’M STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND I NEED HELP!!!!!

Her Dodge Pick-up truck has just broken down with a flight tire right at the curb, and the poor girl has no idea what to do.

Chris: Uh-Oh!!!!  A flat tire; this does NOT look good!!!!  I best jump in and help out!!!!

Chris makes his way over to the girl to offer his help.

Chris: Excuse miss; is there any way I could help?

Chloe: Oh hi, ummmmmmmm yes…………..I could REALLY USE SOME HELP!!!!  Ya see, I’m on the phone with my Mom, who is unfortunately ALL THE WAY down in Georgia, I’m new here, I’m driving my big brother’s pick-up truck, I just got a flat tire all of a sudden, and I don’t know where the heck I am!!!!!!

Chris: I’m sorry!!!!  If you’d like I can call up roadside assistance off my AAA Insurance.  They’ll happily come by and swap out your flat tire for a spare.

Chloe: OH, YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THAT!!!!

Chris: Don’t worry about it!!!!  

Chris then gets on the phone with Roadside assistance and gives the location for the mechanic to swap out the flat tire before getting off the phone.

Chris: Alright, roadside assistance is on their way.

Chloe: SERIOUSLY, YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO DO THAT!!!!

Chris: Here in Aldin, the people maybe rich, but they’re not stuck up like they are in many other cities.  We actually care for one another, and we NEVER turn away from helping those in need.  Besides it wasn’t all that long ago when my Old 98 Volvo V70 Cross Country Wagon blew an engine, and then later on ran out of gas.  Both times were NOT fun!!!!!  Fortunately, they both happened just outside my house on Toripines Road, so I only had to push my car into the driveway before a tow truck towed me to my mechanic. LOL!!!!!  
But I know how frustrating it is when your car breaks down, and it sucks.

Chloe: Well, thank you very much; it’s very sweet of you!!!!!  I’m sorry I look all disgusting, but I was at a track & field meet at Notre Dame university and was on my way back to the sorority house when this happened.

Chris: No problem, and don’t worry, I have 2 younger sisters that wear those Notorious Nike shorts and T-Shirt almost ALL the time, and I myself am in some pretty sooty overalls after working on the railroad all the live long day. LOL!!!!!!

Chloe: Hey, Nike Tempo Gym Shorts are the BEST, and you don’t look that bad in those overalls, at least not as bad as me. LOL!!!!

Chris: Hey, I was on the steam engine, Number #5 for the past few hours, and although she has a nice large and airy cab, it gets pretty hot in there. LOL!!!!!

Chloe: SHUT UP!!!!  YOU WORK ON A STEAM TRAIN???!!!!

Chris: Yes I do!!!!  

Chloe: WOW; THAT IS SO AWESOME!!!!  I DIDN’T KNOW THIS TOWN HAD A STEAM TRAIN????!!!!!!!

Chris: Well, they do and they don’t.  The Aldin & Portland Narrow Gauge Railroad has been in the community for well over 150 years, and has been a thriving business since the dawn of time.  However, the steam engine Number #5 does not belong to the railroad she’s actually privately owned by yours truly.  I only run her in the yard and station of the railroad on my days off to help out in switching operations by moving cars and locomotives about.  The Railroad doesn’t have to pay me, they get extra help, and I get to run my steam engine for free on my days off, so it’s a win/win.

Chloe: WAIT, WHAT????!!!!!

Chris: It’s a long story. LOL!!!!!

Chloe: YOU OWN YOUR OWN TRAIN???!!!!  THAT IS SO COOL!!!!!!  WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK????!!!!!!

Chris: I’m actually one of the head chefs for Yagami’s On The Bay.

Chloe: OH MY GOD!!!!  THAT IS SO AWESOME!!!!!! MY MOM TOLD ME ABOUT YAGAMI’S AND SAID THAT THEIR FOOD IS AMAZING!!!!!

Chris: Thanks; we do our best!!!! LOL!!!!
Not to brag, but I’ve beaten Chef Bobby Flay twice on T.V. LOL!!!!

Chloe: OH MY GOD, I LOVE BOBBY FLAY, AND I THINK I REMEMBER SEEING YOU ON ONE OF HIS EPISODES!!!!
WAS IT SURF & TURF YOU COOKED ONE TIME?  AND……….

Chris: Hawaiian Pizza with sausage the second time.

Chloe: OH MY GOD, I THOUGHT YOU LOOKED FAMILIAR!!!!!  THAT WAS SO AWESOME!!!!!  THAT PIZZA YOU MADE LOOKED SO GOOD!!!!!

Chris: I honestly didn’t think I’d make it past the first challenge BOTH times, since they were outside of my comfort zone, but I somehow managed.  But once after I got past it and was up against Bobby, it was GAME ON!!!

Chloe: WOW; THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE!!!!  As much as I love seeing Bobby Flay and what he can cook, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT when a challenger takes him down, and you blew me away both times you took him donw.

Chris: Well thanks, I’m flattered!!!!

Chloe: How long have you lived here?

Chris: Almost 3 years.
In fact when I first moved here, Mr. Eiji Yagami was a wealthy businessman looking to start up his own upscale seafood restaurant.  He found a warehouse on what was once an old wharf, which is now a popular shopping district on a pier, and in the old warehouse was this little rundown steam engine that was a sad pile of nuts and bolts.  
Mr. Yagami saw that the warehouse was for sale for a VERY good price, and found it to be the perfect location, but the little engine was in the way.  He wanted to have it cut up for scrap, but I jumped in and offered to take it from him in exchange for being one of his chefs.  
I had just graduated a top class gourmet cooking school, and was just about to get my license for cooking Puffer Fish.
Mr. Yagami knew that he was gonna need a chef, and one that knew how to cook Puffer Fish, who was offering to work for him, and take the engine off of his hands was WAY too good of an offer to pass up on.
So, I got the engine, I got a good paying job, Mr. Yagami got his restaurant, and a chef who knew how to cook Puffer Fish.  In fact, I’m his ONLY chef who is licensed to cook Puffer Fish, but fortunately I’m only asked to cook it once or twice a year.

Chloe: WOW!!!!  THAT IS AMAZING!!!!!  I heard Puffer Fish is VERY DANGEROUS to eat unless it gets cooked by a trained professional.

Chris: IT IS!!!!  IT TAKES YEARS of practice, and knowing what parts of the fish to cook and what parts you can’t use because Puffer Fish is EXTREMELY venomous with enough power to kill up to 35 people.
The first times I learned to cook it, I got pretty sick, but I thankfully didn’t wind up in the hospital like many others, and I eventually got the hang of it.

Chloe: OH MY GOSH THAT MUST HAVE SUCKED!!!!!  I’m glad you’re okay though………….

Chris: It is a tedious task though, and requires precision, and so I am paid double time to cook it, and those who order it have to sign a waver not rendering me, or Mr. Yagami responsible for if anything goes wrong.  Thankfully, I haven’t had any problems, and we’ve been doing very well.  

Chloe: I think that’s awesome, and I’m glad you have such a good skill.  It looks like you enjoy your job.

Chris: I do, and I am the 3rd of 5 children in my family, so needless to say that my 2 older brothers got JEALOUS once they heard that I landed a high paying job before them.  My parents wouldn’t stop laughing for days on end saying “WOW CHRIS, YOU SURE KNOW HOW TO MAKE YOUR 2 BIG BROTHERS LOOK BAD!!!”  LOL!!!!

Chloe: THAT IS JUST SO AWESOME!!!!  I’m the younger of 2 siblings in my family, since I have an older brother, and it SUCKS!!!!!!
I couldn’t wait to get out of the house and move off to college, and now here I am.

Chris: My name’s Chris by the way; Christian Ryan May.

Chloe: I’m Chloe, Chloe Kimble.  It’s very nice to meet you.  And WHAT

Chris: What are you majoring in, if you don’t mind me asking?

Chloe: Hospitality Management.  I also do track and field as well as Tennis and diving on the side since I REALLY LOVE Sports!!!!!

Chris: OH, then you’d LOVE my younger sister Brooke, and she’d really LOVE you!!!!
She does cheerleading and also does tennis too, so she’s quite the athlete in the family, and my youngest sister Kaitlin does Ballet and Rhythmic Gymnastics, so she’s also up there!!!!!

Chloe: WOW!!!!!   THAT’S SO COOL!!!!  How old are your siblings if you don’t mind me asking?

Chris: I’m 25, my oldest sibling, Anthony is 32 and is taking over my Dad’s business as corporate CEO of McCollen Technologies in New York City, my second eldest sibling, Andrew is 29 and is in the process of starting up his own law firm in Philadelphia, my second youngest sibling, Brooke just turned 14 and she’s just starting High School this fall, and my youngest sibling, Kaitlin just turned 13, and is going into her final year of middle school.
My family is from Queens New York, but I moved here because Aldin is a VERY WELL known upscale town, and competition isn’t nearly as thick as it is in New York.  I figured it would be a good place for opportunity.  Needless to say, I’m not here for 5 minutes and I land myself a job right off the bat.  
What brings you here if you don’t mind me asking?

Chloe: Well, I’m 22 and from Atlanta, Georgia.  I went to Community College for 2 years to get my general education out the way, but I came here to attend Notre Dame University’s Sports Program and they also had a good course on Hospitality Management too!!!!  Unfortunately, it took me far away from home, and I come across a flat tire.
My brother Connor is 27 and owns a sporting goods store in Downtown Los Angeles.

Chris: I think it’s great that you came here, because Notre Dame University has SO MUCH to offer, and you’ve landed yourself in a VERY NICE town.  
It also just happens that I’m a parishioner at the Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame De Aldin just one block away from the university.

Chloe: WAIT, YOU’RE CATHOLIC????!!!!

Chris: YEP!!!!

Chloe: THAT’S GREAT!!!!  SO AM I!!!!!!

Chris: That’s awesome!!!!  I attend the Cathedral’s 4:30 service most Saturdays or 10:00 a.m. services on Sunday and am close friends with the organist and head music director David.

Chloe: THAT’S SO COOL!!!!  We should go together once my practice ends at 4:00 on Saturday.

Chris: Sure, why not?  I’ll gladly introduce you to my friends on the music staff.

Chloe: That would be wonderful!!!!

Chris: I also think it’s cool about your brother, but it sounds like your family is VERY MUCH into sports.

Chloe: Well, thank you, and yes WE ARE!!!!!  However, watching football EVERY Sunday gets old.

Chris: I’m not much of a sports person, but I do enjoy going to a few games here and there.

Chloe: Hey, whatever works.  Would you mind showing me pictures of your train?

Chris: Sure, and if you were parked in the lot, I would gladly show you my engine, but I’m kinda on a tight schedule since my sisters are crashing at my house for the night before they go off to camp at the Forest Reserve for the weekend.

Chloe: OH MY GOD, I’m one of the junior counselors for the camp this weekend!!!!

Chris: REALLY?  THAT’S AWESOME!!!!!

Chloe: I REALLY hope that I get to meet your siblings.

Chris: They’re VERY nice and well behaved girls, so I promise you that they won’t give you any problems.

Chloe: Hey, it’s all part of hospitality management.

Chris then shows Chloe pictures of Number #5 on his cell phone from when he first saw her in the warehouse that became Yagami’s On The Bay, to more current pictures of her being beautifully restored, out and under steam in the railroad yard handling switching operations.

Chloe: OH MY GOD, WOW!!!!!  THAT’S HOW IT LOOKED WHEN YOU FIRST SAW IT???!!!!

Chris: Yep!!!!  She looked pretty sad when I first saw her.  Her former owner tried to restore her back to working order, but all of a sudden he got sick and passed away.  The plans then got scrapped, and she wound up in the warehouse collecting dust.  
But once I got ahold of her, she was sent off to the Mandez Locomotive & Machine Works in Philadelphia, and was fully restored back to working order after 5 months of hard work and dedication.
Now here are pictures and videos of her in action.

Chloe: OH MY GOD!!!!!  IT’S SO PRETTY!!!!!!  WHERE DID YOU GET THE IDEAS FOR THOSE BEAUTIFUL COLORS????!!!!!!

Chris: The engine’s former owner was VERY MUCH into Disney, and Ward Kimball’s artwork in steam trains.  But what’s funny about that is, I go to Walt Disney World in Florida A LOT, and grew up riding the steam trains there.  Heck, I take the Magic Behind The Steam Trains Tour ALL THE TIME, and can’t get enough of seeing their locomotives up close and in person.  And you know that those steam engines are VERY bright and colorful, so I wanted my little engine to be bright and colorful too, and the locomotive’s former owner was thinking that as well while trying to restore her.
In fact, she used to work at a theme park in Ohio until 1997 when she was retired after breaking her front tender wheel axle, and she was pretty colorful back then too.
But after getting in touch with the former owner’s family, they gave me the drawings, and plans for what the engine was going to look like, and I honored the plans, and used those same colors that were in the plans.
And honestly, those would have been the same colors I would have chosen too.

Chloe: WOW!!!!  THAT’S AMAZING!!!!  You’re very passionate and I think that’s SO wonderful.
I wish I had something that I was so passionate about.

Chris: Hey, you seem pretty passionate about track and field, and I think that’s great.

Finally, the roadside assistance mechanic named Miguel arrives and hops out of his tow truck.

Miguel: Hello, my name’s Miguel, I was called to help out with a flat tire?

Chris: Yes, right over here!!!!

Chris then shows Miguel the flat tire, and it looks pretty bad.

Miguel: OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!!!!  Looks like you had a blow out.  Those are pretty hairy, but not to worry!!!!  I’ll have it swapped out with the spare in no time!!!!

Chris: Awesome, thank you!!!!

Chloe: Again, thank you so much for doing this!!!!!  It’s very sweet of you!!!!

Chris: Hey don’t worry about it, what are friends for?

Chloe then gives Chris a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Chloe: You’re very sweet Chris, so please don’t ever change.

Chris: I won’t, I promise.

Chloe: Is it okay if I add you on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter?

Chris: Of course, also are you okay with swapping numbers?

Chloe: Most DEFINITELY!!!!!  That was the next thing I was gonna ask you for. *Giggles*

Chris and Chloe then swap contact information with their phones while Miguel sets to work on swapping out the flat tire.
It isn’t long until at long last, the flat tire is swapped out with the spare, and Chloe is good to get back on her way.

Miguel: ALRIGHT!!!!  You’re good to go!!!!  Good thing your spare is a full size tire, but you may wanna get the bad one swapped out.  I’m sure you know of a good mechanic.

Chloe: I don’t since I’m new here.

Chris: No problem, I ALWAYS take my car to Alba Car Care!!!!!  They specialize in European Cars, have taken SUCH GOOD care of my aging Volvo, and will be handling the maintenance on my new Volvo, so I won’t have to drive 75 miles all the way to Portland.  But I’m sure they won’t mind swapping out a tire or performing basic maintenance on a Dodge Pickup.

Chloe: AWESOME!!!!!  I’ll be sure to look them up!!!!

Chris: Alright!!!!

Chloe: Thank you again, SO MUCH for helping me out!!!  That was very sweet of you!!!

Chris: No problem.  Having a car break down on you sucks, so I know the feeling.

Chloe: Can I give you a hug?

Chris: Of course.

Chloe then wraps her arms around Chris and hugs him.

Chloe: You’re very sweet Chris, and I’m SO GLAD I met you!!!!

Chris: I was glad to meet you too.  Now is your dorm very far from here?

Chloe: That’s the thing, I’m just following my GPS, and it says the Sorority House is on Cabrillo, Avenue………..

Chris: OH, That’s just around the corner from where my house is.  Just follow me, and I’ll gladly take you there.

Chloe: OH MY GOD, THANK YOU!!!!!!  YOU ARE SO SWEET!!!!

Chloe then wraps her arms around Chris again and gives him another gentle kiss on the cheek.

Chris: Hey, anytime.

Chris then hops in his brand new Metallic Blood Red 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country Wagon, depressed the clutch pedal, turns the engine start knob, puts the car in gear and drives up next to Chloe’s truck.
Chloe is shocked when she see Chris’s car.

Chloe: WOAH!!!!!  NICE CAR!!!!!!  IS THAT NEW???!!!!

Chris: Just got her fresh off the lot a few days ago.  There wasn’t even 10 miles on the odometer when I drove it off the lot.

Chloe: IT’S SO NICE!!!!  I LOVE THE INTERIOR!!!!!!

Chris: Thanks!!!!!  It’s called City Weave, and believe it or not, it’s one of only 2 Volvo Wagons in the US with this type of interior design given how new it is to the US market.  The other Volvo V60 with this interior is all the way down in Orlando, Florida.

Chloe: WOW!!!!!  THAT IS JUST SO COOL!!!!!!
So, should I just follow you?

Chris: Yep, I’m on Toripines Road, which is just around the corner, so I’ll only need the address.

Chloe: Okay, it’s here!!!!

Chris: No problem!!!!!!

Chloe then notices Chris’s Biden Harris 2020 sticker on the back bumper of his car and can’t help but giggle.

Chloe: I see you support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris!!! *Giggles*

Chris: Yes I do!!!  I ABSOLUTELY HATE DONALD TRUMP!!!!!!  So does a majority of Aldin!!!!

Chloe: *Giggles* That is a HUGE RELIEF because I do too!!!!!  A lot of my friends and neighbors back home unfortunately LOVE and support Donald Trump, but not me and my family.  NO WAY!!!!!!  So, it makes me happy to know that the first person I meet feels the same way.

Chris: I was gonna say the same thing!!!

Chloe then gives Chris another gentle kiss on the cheek before she hops in her truck, depresses the clutch, turns over the engine, puts it in gear, and as Chris drove off Chloe follows after him.
After making their way through downtown, they soon finally make it to the suburban area on the hillsides overlooking the bay, and are soon in the VERY upscale neighborhood.
Chloe is SHOCKED at all the fancy mansions she is seeing as she drives by.

Chloe: WOW!!!!!  THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!  THESE HOUSES MUST COST A LOT!!!!!!!

Chris: Alright, 1725 Cabrillo, Avenue!!!!!  AND WOW, IT’S A PRETTY BIG MANSION!!!!!

Chloe then takes a look and is shocked at the size of the mansion her sorority is staying in.

Chloe: OH MY GOD!!!!!  THAT THING IS HUGE!!!!!

Chloe then pulls into the driveway as Chris drives off and arrives at his quaint little 2,200 square foot 2 story home just down the road.

Chris: After working on the railroad, all the live-long day, it sure nice to come back to my quaint little home.

Chris then backs his car into the garage and parksnext to his Old 98 Volvo before shutting off the engine.
Chloe then sends Chris a text, thanking Chris for his help.

Chloe: Once again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for being my guardian angel and helping me out!!!!  I wouldn’t have known what to do had you not stopped to help me.
I’m now safely in the house with the other girls, and they’re all VERY NICE!!!!
I hope we can hang out sometime, so please call me when you’re up for it.   I sure can’t wait to meet your sisters this weekend.

Chris: She’s a VERY SWEET GIRL, and VERY CUTE too!!!!  Not to mention she looked HOT in them Notorious Nike Gym shorts and I couldn’t help but notice her panties showing through her shorts on her cute butt.  LOL!!!
It’s always nice to make a new friend, and the more the merrier.
Now it’s time for me to take a shower and prepare dinner for the girls.

Chris then gets out of his car, and goes in his house to take a quick shower and prepare dinner for his sisters, who were due to arrive within 2 hours.



To Be Continued………………….

Chapter 3

Enter The Handful Siblings

After taking a shower, Chris sets to work on whipping up some pizza for himself and the girls for when they arrive.

Chris: Alrighty!!!! It’s a good thing I prepared the sauce and Pizza dough last night, otherwise I’d be in BIG TROUBLE!!!! LOL!!!!

Chris then goes over to his kitchen and sets to work at once.

Chris: Okay, first I gotta fire up the Pizza Oven outside, then fire up the stove to reheat the sauce.

Chris then goes outside to his back yard patio to fire up his gas & wood hybrid burning pizza oven. Chris then throws in piles of wood to keep the fire nice and hot until the fire is strong enough to sustain itself.

Chris: Alright, we should be good to go there. Now time to reheat the sauce.

Chris then goes back to his kitchen, fires up his gas stove, and sets the pot of his homemade pizza sauce on the stove for it to reheat.

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!! Only takes 10 minutes to reheat the sauce, which is good, because it takes at least 5-7 hours to make the sauce from scratch. LOL!!!!

Chris then gets his homemade pizza dough out of the fridge and sets to work on forming the pizza pies.

Chris: Alright, 2 medium sized pies should be good, since I eat A LOT, and the girls eat A LOT. LOL!!!!!

Chris then hand tosses the pies until they lay out nice and flat for thin crusts.

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!! Perfect!!!! Now time to fry up some ham, sausage, and cut up some fresh pineapple.

Chris then gets out his frying pan, places it on the stove, pours in some oil, and fires up another burner before placing in some fresh ham slices.

Chris: Now time to cut up some Italian Sausage and fresh pineapple!!!!

Chris then gets out 3 Spicy Italian Sausage Links before cutting them up into small pieces and placing them in the frying pan with the ham slices.
Chris then gets out a nice large pineapple, and then sets to work on cutting it up into nice small bite sized pieces.
After all the cutting is done, the sauce is finally ready to be poured onto the pizzas.

Chris: Alright!!!! Time to pour on the sauce and then grate the cheeses!!!!!!

Chris then gets a large ladle and gently pours the sauce onto the pies. He then distributes the sauce nice and even with some cooking brushes.

Chris: Now a key to VERY GOOD pizza sauce is to use LOTS of carrot, celery, onion, and of course tomatoes before mixing them all up in the Cuisinart.
Then once it’s in a paste you need to put in more carrot, celery, onion, and tomatoes to help keep the flavor nice and strong, and it goes a LONG WAYS!!!!!

After putting on lots of sauce and distributing it nice and evenly on the pies, Chris grates on Mozzarella, Gouda, and Cheddar Cheeses until they are all evenly distributed on the pies.

Chris: AWESOME, the ham and sausage should be ready!!!!!

And sure enough they are!!!!!
Chris then shuts off the stove, drains the oil out of the frying pan, and gently places out all his ham and sausage pieces on the pies.
Chris then placed the freshly sliced pineapple slices on the pies, and they are soon ready to be shoved into the oven.

Chris: AWESOME!!!!! Time to throw them in the fire!!!!

Chris then gets out his pizza paddle, gently scoops up the pizza pies one by one, and then places them in the pizza oven, where the fire is now nice and hot.

Chris: Alright, time to set the table, make some Cesar Salad, get some trains running, and put on a movie. It’s a beautiful night out tonight, so might as well have it out here on the back patio by the garden railroad.
And while I’m at it I should fire up the fire pit, and turn on the waterfalls for the trains!!!!

Chris then sets to work on wiping off the table and chairs, and setting up the table.
He then sets to work on cleaning up his garden railroad train tracks by setting out his track cleaning locomotive, along with the use of his dry wall mesh scrubber on the end of a broom stick.
Once the tracks are clean, Chris got out his Bachmann Spectrum Denver & Rio Grande Raton 2-6-0 Mogul Steam Locomotive Number #15 along with a Spectrum Denver & Rio Grande Boxcar with Murphy Roof, matching set of 5 beautiful Jackson Sharp Denver & Rio Grande Big Hauler Passenger Cars, and Spectrum Long Denver & Rio Grande Western Caboose.
He then gets out his Hartland Locomotive Works Model of Engine Number #5, a little red 2-4-4RT Forney tank engine, along with a couple Delton Train Cars and a small Hartland Caboose.
He then gets out his Aristocraft Rio Grande C-16 2-8-0 Number #278 Locomotive with some Piko Denver & Rio Grande Freight Cars and Caboose.
He then gets out his LGB Olomana Sugar Cane 0-4-2 Tank engine with a couple LGB sugar cane train cars.
Next he gets out his Old USA Trains Southern Pacific NW2 Diesel locomotive with matching USA Trains freight cars and caboose.
He then gets out his LGB Trolley, and places it on the small point to point track.
Then one by one each train is set up on its own track on the layout.
Chris then oils up the locomotives, turns on the lights in the houses and buildings, turns on the waterfalls, fires up the fire pit, and gets all 6 trains running perfectly.

Chris: Awesome!!!! Now time to whip up the salad, and then slide a movie into the DVD player by the sitting area.

Chris then sets to work on cleaning the Romaine Lettuce Leaves before placing them in a large bowl and pouring on his home made Cesar Dressing, home cooked olive oil croutons, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
After tossing the salad, it is ready to be placed on the table.

Chris: Alright, the salad is ready, now time to place a movie in the DVD player, and I think I know just the one………………..
Beverly Hills Ninja NEVER gets old!!!!!!!

Chris then places the salad on the table, turns on the T.V. by the outside patio’s sitting area, and throws in a DVD into the player.

Chris: Alright, and the pizzas should be ready!!!!

Sure enough, they are! Chris get out his pizza paddle, gently gets the pizzas out one by one before placing them on plates, cutting out the slices with a pizza slicer, covering them up to keep them nice and hot, and placing them on the table.

Chris: Now what to drink……………..AHHHHH, can never go wrong with Sparkling Blood Orange Juice.

Chris then pours his home made Sparkling Blood Orange Juice into a large pitcher, places it on the table, and gets out the glasses.
He then sets to work on cleaning up the kitchen until it’s spotless, and at long last everything is ready to go, or is it???!!!!!

Chris: Is there something missing?
AHHHHHHH, the elevated ceiling railroad!!!!! I forgot!!!!! Whoops!!!!! LOL!!!!!

Chris then places his LGB Colorado & Sothern 2-6-0 Mogul Number #10 with matching lit LGB Colorado & Southern Passenger Cars and Dovers Caboose on the elevated track and gets it running just in time!!!!!

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!!! I am good and ready to GO!!!!!!

*Door Bell Rings*

Chris: It’s a GOOD THING I made the dough, pizza sauce, Croutons, and Cesar Dressing last night, because otherwise I’d be screwed!!!!! LOL!!!!

Chris then answers the door, and instantly gets tackled to the ground by his 2 little sisters, Brooke & Kaitlin.

Brooke & Kaitlin: CHRISSY!!!!!!!!! *JUMPS UP AND GLOMPS*

Chris: WAAAAHHHHHTTTTT????!!!!! I kinda knew that was coming!!!! LOL!!!!

Brooke: CHRISSY, WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: WE’RE SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!!!!!!!

Chris: And I’m happy to see you too girls!!! 

Brooke: WE WISH YOU’D COME HOME MORE OFTEN!!!!

Kaitlin: WE’RE KINDA LONELY WITHOUT YOU!!!!

Chris: Well, I unfortunately have a fairly busy life being one of Mr. Yagami’s Top Chefs, but he gave me a few days off so I can spend time with you girls.

Brooke: WE’RE SO GLAD!!!!!

Kaitlin: WE REALLY MISS YOU CHRIS!!!!

Chris: And I miss you Too!!!!!

The family’s limo driver Earl walks up to the front door to drop of the girls’ bags.

Earl: Here are the bags Master May.

Chris: Thanks Earl!!!!

Earl: What time should I pick them up on Tuesday?

Chris: What time works for you girls?

Brooke: WE DON’T WANNA LEAVE!!!!!

Kaitlin: WE WANNA STAY WITH YOU!!!!!

Chris: I know, but Tuesday night I have to go back to work.
I have a shift from 4:00-12:30, so I’d say, about 3:00 O-clock would be good!!!!

Earl: You got it sir.

Chris: You have a safe drive back to Boston.

Earl: Thank you, and you have a good night with the girls!!!!

Chris: Will do!!!! By the way girls, are those the notorious Nike Shorts I see on you 2 AGAIN???!!!!

Brooke: HEY, I CAN’T HELP IT!!!!!! THEY’RE COMFY AS HECK!!!!

Kaitlin: THESE ARE LULULEMON IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE, AND THEY’RE HOTTY HOTS!!!!!

Chris: Some things just never change!!!! LOL!!!!!

Brooke: That sound, ARE YOU RUNNING TRAINS AGAIN????!!!!!

Kaitlin: And that smell, YOU MADE DINNER AGAIN, DIDN’T YOU???!!!!

Chris: Guilty as charged????!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: AWESOME, WE ARE STARVING!!!!!!

Chris: Come on in, I’ll take your bags to your rooms, and let’s eat!!!! I also have a movie ready to go for us to enjoy by the fire pit after dinner.

Kaitlin: AWESOME!!!!!

Chris: Just leave your shoes in the mud-room area, and make yourselves at home!!!

Brooke: SWEET!!!!!

The girls then enter the house, take off their shoes, and Chris takes their bags to their rooms just down the hall from the kitchen.

Chris: Dinner is out on the back deck by the train layout since it’s a beautiful night, so dig in!!!!!

Kaitlin: ALRIGHT!!!!!

Brooke: WE ARE STARVING!!!!!

The girls then make a mad dash to the table out on the patio, and when they see dinner, they are shocked, for Chris had just cooked their favorite meal.

Brooke: OH MY GOD!!!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: CESAR SALAD AND HAWAIIAN PIZZA WITH SAUSAGE PIZZA AND EXTRA CHEESE & SAUCE?????!!!! OUR FAVORITE!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris: And it’s mine too, which is why I made us 2 pizzas, 1 for you girls, and 1 just for me!!!

Kaitlin: AND YOU GOT THE TRAINS RUNNING!!!!!!!!!

Brooke: ALSO, THE LIGHTS AND THE WATERFALLS!!!!!!

Kaitlin: NOT TO MENTION YOU HAVE THE FIREPIT GOING!!!!!

Brooke: AND THE T.V.’S ON WITH A MOVIE READY TO GO AFTER DINNER!!!!!

Chris: It’s a good thing I prepared most of this last night, otherwise I would have been in BIG TROUBLE!!!!!!!

Brooke: WE LOVE YOU CHRIS!!!!!

Kaitlin: YOU ALWAYS KNOW HOW TO MAKE US HAPPY!!!!!

Brooke: AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO TELL ALL THE OTHER GIRLS ABOUT YOU IN CAMP!!!!!

Chris: Oh please, I still have a long ways to go if I wanna get out of Anthony’s and Andrew’s shadows!!!! LOL!!!!

Brooke: HEY, DON’T SAY THAT!!!!!!!! YOU’RE OUR FAVORITE BROTHER, AND WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!!

Kaitlin: YOU’RE ALWAYS SO SWEET TO US WHERE AS ANTHONY IS VERY MEAN, AND ALWAYS HAS SO MANY RULES WHEN WE GO TO HIS HOUSE!!!!

Brooke: AND ANDREW IS WAY TOO BUSY TO GIVE US HIS TIME OF DAY!!!!!

Chris: Hey, I know Anthony maybe very strict, but that’s because he also loves you and cares about you both very much, and doesn’t want you to end up corrupted. He’s just more tough love since he’s following in Dad’s footsteps and has A LOT of responsibility to bare. He’s also VERY hard on himself since he feels the need to be as successful as Dad. I know he’s gonna do just fine, but he’s under A LOT of stress since taking over the company is A LOT to take on.
As for Andrew, he doesn’t mean to be negligent; he in fact REALLY loves and cares about you girls VERY MUCH!!!!! It’s that he’s been VERY busy with law school, dealing with the Bar Exam, having worked as a defense attorney for 2 years, and is just starting to open his own independent law firm. With that being said however, it takes A LOT out of you, and you rarely to almost NEVER have any spare time on your hands, not even for yourself, so Andrew’s just had his hands tied. However, neither Anthony nor Andrew ever want you to think that they don’t love you, because they do. They’re both going through A LOT.

Brooke: You’re always VERY understanding!!!!

Kaitlin: It’s like you know what’s going on, even when you’re not with them!!!!

Chris: I know both Anthony and Andrew VERY well, having lived with them for over 16 years. And heck, before either of you girls were born, I was mainly the one having to do A BUNCH of favors for them!!! LOL!!!! I was the youngest child for many years, and it SUCKED!!!! But when you girls took the title and I became the middle child, it was a HUGE weight off my shoulders!!!!!
But even to this day, they STILL call me “Little Brother.” Even with you girls in the picture, and now that I’m out living in my own house, they STILL CALL ME “LITTLE BROTHER!!!!!” LOL!!!!!! But it doesn’t bother me one bit. LOL!!!!! Big Brothers will be, well BIG BROTHERS after all!!!! LOL!!!
However, I will NEVER forget how all 3 of us would fight over who’s turn it was on holding you girls when you were both newborns. But they both dumped the responsibility of taking care of you 2 on me, but I have no regrets. LOL!!!!

Brooke: Anthony may have held us first, but………..

Kaitlin: You held us the LONGEST and wouldn’t let go!!! *Giggles*

Chris: And that irritated them!!!!
Heck, they’re STILL both jealous of me because of how I managed to land a job at Yagami’s On The Bay in such a short time, get paid VERY GOOD money for it, and have a very low stress level, so they also feel like they have a need to play catch-up when all I was trying to do was save a little engine from the scrapper’s torch.

Brooke & Kaitlin: *BURST OUT LAUGHING* WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH CHRISSY!!!!!

Brooke: You always know how to bring a smile to my face.

Kaitlin: By the way, how is Number #5?

Chris: She’s doing very well. In fact, she and I had a nice day moving and switching cars about in the yard today. But because she and everyone else on the railroad knew that you were coming to visit, we got everything done MUCH quicker and WAY ahead of schedule!!!! That way I was able to make dinner and enjoy a night with you girls.

Brooke: Well, it means A LOT to BOTH of us!!!!

Kaitlin: I REALLY hope we can see her, if that’s okay!!!!

Chris: OF COURSE, in Fact Number #5 will be VERY happy to see you girls.

Brooke: We only wish you and Number #5 were the ones pulling our train to the camp and not a box on wheels diesel……………

Chris: Hey, be nice because those Diesel locomotives work VERY hard for our community here. I know they’re nowhere NEAR as beautiful or as lively as Number #5, but they work hard, and are a reason why the town of Aldin does as well as it does.

Kaitlin: I just wish that maybe someday we could have our train pulled by you and Number #5.

Chris: Maybe someday sweetie………Maybe someday it’ll happen, you never know!!!!

Just then Chris receives a phone call on his Iphone X and it’s from Anthony.

Chris: Oh, speaking of the devil, Anthony’s calling me up now!!! I wonder what he wants this time?

Brooke: Of course!!!! He always calls you up whenever he wants a favor!!!!

Chris: And it gets old too!!!! I’ll put it on Face Time, so we can ALL call him!!!!

Chris then gets out his Ipad and connects it to his Iphone before answering the phone call.

Anthony: Good evening Christian.

Chris: Hello Anthony.

Kaitlin: Again with the formalities?

Chris: Unfortunately, that’s how he is. So I just need to bare with it.

Anthony: As obnoxious as ever I see, but good evening Brooke & Kailtin.

Brooke: WHAT????!!!!!!! UGH!!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE HE CALLED US THAT!!!!!

Chris: Hey, don’t worry, just let me handle the call.

Anthony: Let me guess, you cooked for them again???!!!!

Kaitlin: He also got his trains running, fountains, waterfalls, and fire pit going, and has a movie ready for us to watch after dinner.

Chris: Plus I picked us up some Peach Cobbler from the bakery yesterday along with handmade ice cream to enjoy with the movie.

Brooke & Kailtin: SWEET, THAT’S AWESOME!!!!!!

Anthony: CHRISTIAN, YOU REALLY NEED TO STOP SPOILING THE GIRLS OR HOW ARE THEY GOING TO GROW UP TO BE FINE ELEGANT LADIES?????!!!!!!!!

Chris: They’re only 13 and 14 Anthony, so they’re still kids. Give them time, and they will turn out just fine. Besides they’re good girls and haven’t done anything wrong. They keep their grades up, take extra credit courses, stay physically active with Tennis, Cheerleading, Rhythmic Gymnastics, swimming, and Ballet, but most of all they stay out of trouble.

Anthony: You always were the soft one in the family!!!! One day that will get you in trouble!!!! People will take advantage of you left and right!!!!!

Chris: Now don’t start that again; we’ve been over this more than 10 million times. I haven’t bumped into any bad people in the town of Aldin. Everyone looks out for one another so I don’t see the big deal.
Anyways, that’s NOT what this is about; I know you have something to ask of me, so ask away.

Anthony: Very well, I will cut right to the chase. In 2 weeks the company is coming to visit Maine, and we’re making a 2 night stop in Aldin to sightsee. We’re planning on going to the Aquarium, visiting the Cathedral for David’s Organ Concert, attend Kaitlin’s Ballet Recital at the Fine Arts Center, and lastly take a scenic train ride to Portland for a conference. And while we’re in Aldin, we would like to eat at Yagami’s On The Bay and we’re all wondering if you could reserve the entire restaurant.

Chris: 2 weeks is kind of pushing it because it requires AT LEAST a minimum of 1 month in advanced to book a table for a large party, and 2 to sometimes 3 months for a room, but the ENTIRE RESTAURANT????!!!!!!
I can’t guarantee anything, but I’ll do my best.

Anthony: I’m well aware that you can cook Puffer Fish, and I would like that as an appetizer for the entire staff of 70 employees, plus another 30 for the higher executives.

Chris: WHAT????!!!!!!!!!! RARELY do I ever get the demand to cook Puffer Fish, and anyone who orders it HAS TO SIGN a legal waver to not hold me, Mr. Yagami, or any other employee at the restaurant liable for a mistake. Although I’ve been VERY lucky and never had an accident cooking Puffer Fish, even in training, you can still NEVER be too careful.
And with my hourly salary of $52.00 dollars an hour, I am also paid time and a half to cook Puffer Fish, and on holidays Double Time and a half because it’s a VERY graphic and tedious process unlike King Crab, Lobster, Filet Mignon, Shrimp Tempura, Ahi Yellow Fin Tuna, Yellowtail Amberjack, Chilean Sea Bass, Tilapia, Oysters, Calamari, Sushi, Chicken & Pork Katsu, Hawaiian Pizza, or even a burger, which are WAY more straight forward.
This means your company is REALLY going to have to pay up and there are going to be multiple wavers that will need to be signed because that’s a VERY tall order of Puffer Fish that you’re demanding. We don’t even keep that many in our fish tanks.

Anthony: Another thing, we would like to charter our own train to Portland.

Chris: The Light House Express is already booked up for the month, it sometimes requires the use of 2 locomotives, and we ONLY have a fleet of 7 locomotives. One is currently out of service for extensive maintenance, so we’re down to 6, and my engine, Number #5 is only a switch engine for moving equipment about in the yard.
There’s no way we’d be able to get a second train for a special charter on the Light House Express. Even though we have enough coaches, there are not enough locomotives, and not enough staffing to make it possible.
But I’ll do my best to see if there’s a way to make it happen.

Anthony: No matter what the conditions are, I want it all to work out because I don’t want to let down the company, and I ESPECIALLY don’t want to let Dad down.

Chris: I know where you’re coming from, since we all know that Dad can be VERY TOUGH to please, so I will do whatever I can for you, and the company, but I don’t guarantee it all going COMPLETELY 100% percent given that this is kinda at the last second.

Anthony: I really appreciate it Little Brother, so Thank you. You and the girls have a good night.

Anthony then hangs up the phone leaving Chris a little non-plussed about everything.

Chris: FLYING FUCKEN SHIT!!!!!! I’ve got my work cut out!!!!

Brooke: I’m sorry!!!!

Kaitlin: HE ALWAYS DOES THIS TO YOU, IT’S SO UNFAIR!!!!!!!!

Brooke: Just because you’re the youngest of the brothers doesn’t mean you should pull through with this; ESPECIALLY since it was at the VERY LAST SECOND!!!! IT’S NOT RIGHT!!!!!

Chris: I know girls, but he’s family, he’s still my brother, and I still love him regardless. And I know exactly how he feels when he says that he doesn’t wanna let Dad down. You know all too well how Dad gets when we don’t reach his expectations. Like when I got an A- on a test and ranked Number #2 for graduating a TOP CLASS cooking school.

Brooke: OH MY GOD DON’T GO THERE!!!! It was just as bad when my cheerleading squad won SECOND PLACE at the Regionals.

Kaitlin: Or how I ranked second at a Ballet Recital………………

Chris: Or when Andrew couldn’t pass the BAR exam on his first shot and needed to take it a second time!!!!

Brooke: OH MY GOD!!!!! Don’t forget when Mom’s Beauty Salon came up as the Number #2 choice in New York City’s favorite Salon’s and Not Number #1!!!!!

Kaitlin: Daddy never spoke to any of us for at least a week after all that happened!

Chris: I know that Dad wants what’s best for us and doesn’t want us to have the same life that he had when he was growing up, since he was homeless living in a shelter while growing, and had to study HARD to get into a top school.
He wants us to be happy, live a good life, and not live off the street the way he and his family did for many years until they got a break.
But still, I only wish he would give his acknowledgement more often.
With all that being said I gotta do what I gotta do, and that’s help out Anthony. See to it that Dad’s company gets treated to a good experience while they’re here in Maine.

Brooke: Just know that we have your back Chris.

Kaitlin: And we always will!!!!

Brooke: We don’t think it’s right for you to be doing this, but we will honor your decision, and give you our support.

Chris: Thanks Girls, it means a lot.

Kaitlin: Hey, no matter what happens, you’ll always be our favorite big brother.

Brooke: And we’ll always love you, no matter what.

Chris: I love you girls VERY much and am beyond blessed to have you 2 in my life. Heck I’d be SCREWED without you 2 for multiple reasons.
Heck, no longer being the youngest child made it A WHOLE LOT EASIER to get away with pulling pranks on Anthony and Andrew. LOL!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: *BURST OUT LAUGHING* OH MY GOD, THAT IS SO FUNNY!!!!

Chris: I maybe the middle child, but I still have my ways. LOL!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: We love you Chrissy!!!!!

Brooke: We love you so very much!!!!!

Kaitlin: And we REALLY did miss you!!!!!

Chris: Hey, we’ll have a good amount of time together when you get back from Camp. Besides, like Anthony said, I heard there’s a Ballet Recital coming up here in Aldin in a couple weeks, and a Cheerleading Competition at the Convention Center in Downtown Portland, so you girls maybe back sooner than we think!!!!!

Kaitlin: COOL!!!!!!! I WILL TRY AND REGISTER FOR THAT!!!!!!

Brooke: I HAD ALMOST FORGOTTEN!!!!

Chris: I thought I’d let you know about em.

Brooke: MUCH APPRECIATED CHRIS!!!!!

Kaitlin: HEY, I NEVER PASS UP ON ANYTHING RELATED TO BALLET!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: AND IF IT MEANS MORE TIME WITH YOU; WE’RE IN!!!!

Chris: Well first I need to figure out how I’m gonna get through this predicament. LOL!!!!
Anyway enough with the chattering, we can’t let our food get cold!!!!

Brooke: GOOD POINT, I’M STARVING!!!!

Kaitlin: ME TOO!!!!!!

Chris: Me 3, since I was working on the railroad all the live long day with Number #5 and haven’t eaten anything. LOL!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: *BURST OUT LAUGHING*

Brooke: YOU ARE SO FUNNY CHRISSY!!!!!

Kaitlin: CHRISSY, YOU REALLY KNOW HOW TO MAKE US LAUGH!!!!

Chris: And I don’t try to be funny either.

Both Brooke and Kaitlin both sit beside Chris and gently kiss him on both cheeks at the same time before Chris gently kisses them both on their foreheads.

Chris: Alrighty, seriously we should eat!!!!!

And with that everyone digs in! It isn’t long until all of the salad, BOTH pizzas are, the pitcher full of Sparkling Blood Orange Juice is all gone.

Brooke: WOW!!!!

Kaitlin: WE WERE HUNGRY!!!!

Chris: Not to blow my own whistle, but it hit the mark!!!!

Brooke: You’re awesome Chrissy!!!!!

Kaitlin: I haven’t enjoyed pizza like that in a LONG TIME!!!!

Chris: I’m glad you girls enjoyed it.
Now I’ll take care of cleaning up the table, while you girls just relax on the sofa, and I’ll take care of the desert.

Brooke: Are you sure?

Kaitlin: We’d REALLY like to help.

Chris: Hey, you girls are guests in my home, and you’re NOT at Anthony’s, so don’t worry about it. It won’t even take me 5 minutes!!!!

And before the girls can help out, Chris sets to work, cleaning up the table, shutting off the Pizza Oven, and placing all the dishes and glasses in the dish washer.
He then gets out the Peach Cobbler and Strawberry/Pepper/ Tomato Ice Cream from Salt & Straw along with the whip cream, raspberry sauce, and caramel.

Chris: Alright, now time to put this together!!!!!

Chris then cracks his knuckles, before cutting up the Peach Cobbler, and serving it on the plates. He then drizzles on the Raspberry Sauce, and then drizzles on the caramel sauce.

Chris: Now for the fun part!!!!

With the use of a handheld flame-thrower, Chris manages to get the caramel sauce to harden into beautiful honey come shapes.
He then serves the ice cream on the plates before doing on final drizzle of raspberry sauce and putting on a light touch of whip cream.

Chris: And that should do it!!!!!!!!!

After putting the supplies away, Chris takes the desert outside to the coffee table by the outdoor sofa, before pressing the play button for the movie.
Both Brooke and Kaitlin are shocked when they see the desert.

Brooke: OH MY GOSH!!!!!

Kaitlin: WOW!!!! IT LOOKS SO PRETTY!!!!

Brooke: I’M ALMOST TOO AFRAID TO EAT IT BECAUSE IT LOOKS SO NICE!!!!!

Chris: Hey, when you’re a chef in a 4 and a half star restaurant, presentation DOES actually matter. You can’t just slap on Cobbler slices and Ice Cream on a plate and then eat. That’s bad show!!!!
Besides it’s always fun hardening the caramel sauce with a flame-thrower. LOL!!!

Brooke: Well, it looks AMAZING Chrissy, and I feel so bad trying to eat it.

Kaitlin: I know, same here!!!!

Chris: Don’t worry about it girls, you 2 enjoy!!!!

Brooke: If you insist we will then!!!! Just one favor………….

Kaitlin: Yeah, if it’s not too much to ask.

Chris: Okay?......................

Brooke: Can I borrow your shoulder? That way in case I get tired, I have something to rest my head on.

Kaitlin: And may I use your lap? Because I always enjoy sitting in your lap and snuggling.

Chris: You girls aren’t so little anymore, and I’m not as young as I used to be…………..

Brooke & Kaitlin: PLEASE??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....................*TEARY PUPPY EYES*

Chris: What’s the use? No problem, go right ahead girls!!!! You always get me with the Puppy eyes LOL!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: *GIGGLE* WORKS EVERYTIME!!!!!

As Chris crashes on the couch, Kaitlin sits on Chris’s lap and makes herself comfortable, while Brooke sits Next to Chris and lays her head on his shoulder as they begin to eat their desert as the movie starts.

Brooke: So, what are we watching?

Chris: Beverly Hills Ninja!!! You can NEVER go wrong with this movie when you’re looking for a good comedy!!!! Besides I can NEVER get enough of Chris Farley and Chris Rock making fools of themselves. LOL!!!

Kaitlin: AWESOME!!!!!! I LOVE THAT MOVIE!!!!

Brooke: GOOD CHOICE CHRISSY!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: WE ARE SO GLAD THAT IT’S NOT A HORROR FILM!!!!!

Chris: Oh please, if I wanted to watch a horror film, it would be during the day or at a friend’s party. And I wouldn’t wanna watch a sad love story because I know how you girls get!!!!! You’re either crying on me uncontrollably with a sad love story, or after watching a horror film, you girls ALWAYS come climbing into my bed in the middle of the night after a nightmare, so best to stick with a Comedy. LOL!!!!

Kaitlin: You know us well Chrissy!!!!!

Brooke: And that’s why we love you!!!! Unlike Anthony…………..

Kaitlin: Or Andrew……………

Chris: Again, be nice girls!!!! They both love very you girls much but show it differently. Besides it’s taking them longer to get their careers off the ground, so they’re under A LOT more stress than we are, so let’s be thankful we’re not in their shoes, and try to be more understanding of what they’re going through.
Now let’s sit back and enjoy the film. You girls have a big day tomorrow, and Number #5 and I are up to help out again. 

Chris and his sisters relax and enjoy the movie, but little do any of them know that the next day would change things forever, for Chris is gonna play a MUCH bigger role in the community than he’ll ever think he’ll have to.

To Be Continued………………………..

Off To Camp!


The next morning, Chris, Number #5, Brooke, and Kaitlin are all waiting at the town’s railway station for the campers.
As stated before, the only way to get to the campsite in the forest reserve near the base of the mountain halfway between Aldin and Portland is the railroad line. And because of this, a special train powered by 2 engines is chartered to take the campers to the campsite.
This however throws a monkey wrench in the railroad’s normal routine of operations, causes the early morning Freight Train having to combine with the Milk Train, and still be powered by only one Diesel Locomotive. Engineers Bruno and Al are NOT happy about it AT ALL for a double load is VERY taxing on one engine.
Fortunately the mail train is able to leave ahead of schedule, and it gives Chris, and his sisters time to hang out and mingle with Number #5 on the station platform.

Chris: Well it’s 10:00 O-clock, and the train is not yet set to depart until 12:00 Noon. What time are the campers supposed to meet up?

Brooke: It should be between now and 11:00, so we’re good on time.

Kaitlin: It is a 2 and a half hour journey to the campsite, so that gives us PLENTY of time to get acclimated when we arrive, but……………

Brooke: But we REALLY wish it was you and Number #5 that was pulling our train.

Chris: We wish that too, but in order to run all the way to Portland, Number #5 and I need to expand our contract with the railroad’s management, and that could take a while.
Besides, Number #5’s hauling capacity over the railroad line hasn’t been accurately determined, so even though she is capable of moving over 10 fully loaded freight cars in the yard, we don’t know how many she’d be able to pull out on the line with the 2.5% percent grade over the mountain.
However, she’s a powerful engine, despite her small size, and can no doubt pull a decent sized load if she maintains a nice hot fire and a consistent pressure close to 150 PSI.
But still, it all depends on what management wants to do.

Brooke: Well I really hope it works out because we REALLY wanna ride your train so bad.

Kaitlin: And WE LOVE Number #5.

Chris: And Number #5 has grown very fond of you girls. She’s gets along well with the staff here, along with the crews, and other engines, but she’s often moving about in the yard, and doesn’t really have much time to mingle with others. Luckily Number #5 still had 30 PSI left on her boiler and managed to get up to 150 in less than an hour. And we were able to get our 2 early morning trains out of the way ahead of schedule.

Brooke: Well we really appreciate it because we always enjoy seeing Number #5.

Kaitlin: And we’re REALLY EXCITED about this camping trip.

Chris then hears some familiar voices in the break room.

Big Joe: WHAT THE GET AWAY!!!!!!

John Goss: BOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!

Robert: OOOOWWWWWWW, OWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!

Adam: You guys are being ridiculous!!!!!!

Chris: OH GEEZ!!!!!!!! John, what did you do this time?

John: You better ask Joe!!!!

Big Joe: IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS ON WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BREAK ROOM!!!!!

Robert: John’s up to his old tricks again!!!!!

John Goss: HAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

Chris: You guys are hauling a bunch of campers, and you know that the camp is an all GIRLS camp, right????!!!!!!!

Adam: They know; they just don’t care!!!! LOL!!!!!

Robert: I HEARD THAT, YOU SHUT UP!!!!

Big Joe: SHUT UP YOU!!!!!

Chris: Never a boring moment with these guys!!!! LOL!!!!

Brooke: I’ll Say!!!! *Giggles*

Chris: I just hope that John doesn’t eat too many mushrooms, and Joe doesn’t eat too many salads, or even worse BEANS!!!!!

Big Joe: SHUT YOU!!!!! THAT’S ENOUGH OUT OF YOU!!!!! NOW QUIT HOGGING THESE BEAUTIFUL LADIES!!!!

Chris: Joe, you know all too well that they’re my sisters.

Big Joe: SERIOUSLY????!!!!! THEY’VE GOTTEN SO BIG, AND MOST DEFINITELY MORE BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: *GIGGLE* THANK YOU!!!!!

Big Joe: NOW WHERE ARE THE REST OF THE CAMPERS, WE NEED TO GET MOVIN!!!!

Brooke: Ummmm, they should be here any minute, right?

Kaitlin: The train leaves at noon, so they should be showing up soon.

Chris: Normally Number #5 and I are busy moving cars about in the yard, but…………..

Robert: YOU OOGWAY, YOU AND NUMBER #5 GOT IT ALL DONE YESTERDAY AND GOT THE 2 EARLY MORNING TRAINS OUT, WELL EARLY!!!!!!!

Big Joe: YEAH, YOU PECKERHEAD!!!!!

Chris: Hey, I wanted to get everything out of the way to spend more time with my sisters, plus they wanted to see Number #5, but unfortunately she’s just sitting here under fire and……………

Then out of nowhere……………….

Number #5: POP, HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Number #5’s low pressure safety valve goes off having reached 162 PSI.

Chris: Full head of steam, no load to pull, and no cars to move about.

Brooke: Hold on…………

Kaitlin: Here come some of the campers……………

Brooke: THAT’S ALEXIS!!!!!!

Alexis: HEY GIRLS!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: AND HERE COMES LEXI!!!!!!!!!

Lexi: HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brooke: AND EMILY!!!!!!!

Emily: I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU GIRLS IN FOREVER!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: AND HERE COMES JENNY!!!!!!

Jenny: BEEN WAY TO LONG GIRLS!!!!!

Brooke: HERE COMES KIMMIE!!!!!

Kimmie: HI!!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: AND KYLIE!!!!!!!

Kylie: OH MY GOSH, I DIDN’T KNOW I’D BE SEEING YOU HERE!!!!!!!!

Brooke: DON’T FORGET WENDY AND CHELIA!!!!

Wendy: HEY GUYS, GOOD TO SEE YA!!!!

Chelia: IT’S BEEN TOO LONG!!!!!

Chris: Well, here come the campers, and they’ll all wanna mingle. Come on Number #5, let’s go get the train, haul it in, and then fetch the engines.

Number #5: WHOOO, WHOOO, WHOOO!!!!!! CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG………..

With 3 blasts on her whistle, and a few clangs of her bell, Chris opens up Number #5’s cylinder drain cocks before throwing her Johnson Bar/Reverser lever in reverse, eases the throttle open, and backs Number #5 out of the station to fetch the train.
The train cars are made up of 12 old and rundown steel coaches. They have not been moved for a VERY LONG time, and the maintenance workers had just finished cleaning them.

Rob: OH MY GOD!!!! THAT WAS A NIGHTMARE!!!!!

Doug: GOODNESS KNOWS HOW MANY SPIDERS CAME CRAWLING OUT WHEN WE STARTED POURING WATER ON THE COACHES!!!!!

Jim: THERE WAS SO MUCH DUST ON THE SEATS; IT WAS DISGUSTING!!!!!!

Dave: I JUST GOT THE AIR-CONDITIONING TO WORK, AND IT TOOK FOREVER TO GET IT TO CRANK!!!!!

Brian: THOSE BATHROOMS WERE DISGUSTING!!!!!! UGH!!!!!! IT TOOK A LOT TO GET THEM CLEAN!!!!!

Rob: Well, at least it’s as close to ready as it’ll ever get!!!!!

Doug: Thankfully it’s just a few campers, and NOT extra needed cars for the Light House Express!!!!!

Jim: We have 5 spare cars for that!!!!!

Dave: And they’re MUCH prettier than these things!!!!!

Brian: And here comes Number #5!!!!! Let’s just hope she’ll be able to pull this train out of the yard.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Chris: UGH, THOSE OLD THINGS!!!!!! THEY HAVEN’T BEEN USED IN OVER 2 YEARS, AND THEY ARE IN DIRE NEED OF REFURBISHMENT!!!!!!

Chris shuts Number #5’s throttle all the way, and Number #5 gently coasts her way over to the cars, couples on gently before Chris throws Number #5’s Johnson Bar/Reverser lever forward, and brings her to a dead stop.
Rob and Doug then hook up the air brake hoses and safety chains to Number #5, and give him the thumbs up.

Rob: Alright, go fetch a caboose, and then haul it to the depot!!!!

Chris: Alrighty Number #5 it’s time to couple onto a caboose, and then we’ll haul it into the depot.

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris then opens Number #5’s throttle almost completely wide open, but Number #5’s wheels slip fiercely and aren’t getting any traction.

Chris: WHAT THE?????!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris: WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE????!!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Chris then throws Number #5’s Johnson Bar/Reverser Lever in reverse, and opened up her throttle again before……………

BANG!!!!!!!!!!

An air brake jam on one of the coaches releases, and the train rolls back without any problems.

Rob: ONE OF THE AIR BRAKE JAM CYLINDERS WAS LOCKED!!!!!

Doug: BUT YOU’RE GOOD NOW!!!!!!

Chris: MUST HAVE BEEN FROM ALL THAT SITTING AROUND!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Chris then throws Number #5’s Johnson Bar/Reverser Lever forward again, eases the throttle open, and Number #5 hauls the cars out of the siding.
Number #5 then hauls the train over a few switches, backs the train onto a Bay Windowed Caboose, and couples on.

Conductor Brad: I’LL HOOK UP THE BRAKE LINES!!!!!

Conductor Brad then hooks up the air hoses and safety chains, and gives Chris the thumbs up to go.

Conductor Brad: ALRIGHT, HIGH BALL!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG……………

With 2 blasts on the whistle, clanging of her bell, and MUCH huffing and puffing, Number #5 charges out of the railroad yard with the train in tow at a WHOPPING 15 feet per second.
Clouds of smoke and steam, comes pouring out of Number #5’s BEAUTIFUL copper capped smoke stack and cylinder drain cocks as she hauls the train into the station as she gives a VERY long blast followed by a short blast on her whistle with a……………

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both Brooke’s and Kaitlin’s eyes widen as they see Number #5 charge into the station with their train in tow before Chris gently slows her down to a full and complete stop.

Brooke: THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: WE REALLY WISH YOU WERE PULLING US!!!!!

Chris: I know, and I wish she was hauling you too.

Brooke: BUT THAT WAS SO AWESOME!!!!!

Kaitlin: YEAH, NUMBER #5 REALLY KNOWS HOW TO PUT ON A DISPLAY!!!!!

Chris: YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!!!

Brooke: You were coming in pretty fast too!!!!! HOW FAST WERE YOU GOING???!!!!

Chris: We were coming in at a WHOPPING 15 feet per-second, which is a little over 10 miles an hour, which may not seem like much, but you scale that down to Narrow Gauge, and consider the heavy load we’re pulling of 12 steel coaches and a caboose, that’s pretty darn good!!! LOL!!!

Chloe then comes up to say hello. She had seen everything!!!!

Chloe: HEY CHRIS!!!!!

Chris: Hello Chloe!!!!

Chloe: I SAW YOU COMING IN; YOUR TRAIN LOOKED AWESOME!!!!

Chris: Thanks, Number #5 and I do enjoy putting on a good show from time to time.

Chloe: SO THIS IS THE TRAIN YOU SHOWED ME PICTURES OF YESTERDAY!!!! OH MY GOD, IT’S SO PRETTY!!!!!!!

Chris: The pin-striping, gold leafing, and other forms of artwork was inspired by famous Disney Animator, Ward Kimball. He was a HUGE steam locomotive enthusiast, an amazing artist, and went ALL out when it came to artwork on steam engines.
In fact, the delicately pin striped arrows you see on the cab, along with on the front of the cow catcher, and all the gold leafing on the tender are all a nod to his artwork.

Chloe: WOW!!!! THAT IS JUST SO COOL!!!!!

Brooke: CHRIS, WHOSE THE PRETTY GIRL?????!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: YOU DIDN’T TELL US YOU HAD A GIRL FRIEND!!!!! *GIGGLES*

Chris: *Blushes Dark Red* WAHHT!!!! OH GEEZE GIRLS!!!! It’s actually not like that, the thing is……………

Chloe: *Giggles* Chris came to my rescue when my truck blew a tire yesterday. I was stranded and was frantically calling my mom. I’m new to the area and didn’t know who to call other than my mom, but Chris helped me out. He called up roadside assistance, got the tire switched out, and helped guide me over to the sorority house I’m staying at.
I told him that I’m one of the junior counselors here, and he told me that you girls were attending the camp!!!!
I REALLY hope I’m your junior counselor!!!!!

Brooke: CHRIS, THAT’S SO SWEET OF YOU!!!!!
You seem REALLY NICE!!!!!

Kaitlin: YOU’RE VERY PRETTY TOO!!!!!

Brooke: AND WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU AS OUR COUNSELOR!!!!!

Chloe: I REALLY HOPE WE CAN BOND OVER THE WEEKEND!!!!!

Brooke: WE’D LOVE THAT!!!!!

Kaitlin: WE’RE GONNA HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!

Chloe: Chris you were right, your sisters are VERY well behaved, and I can’t wait to spend time with them!!!!

Chris: Well, I’m VERY glad that you 3 are getting along, and it looks to me that you’re gonna have a VERY good time. 

Chloe: Thank you!!!!!! I’m VERY excited to spend time with your little sisters.

Chloe then wraps her arms around Chris as she gives him a big hug.

Brooke: It’s 11:30, so it looks like it’s time to board.

Chris: WOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!! Where did the time go????!!!!! I MUST fetch the engines at once!!!!!

Chris then uncouples Number #5 from the train, and Number #5 then steams off out of the depot and thunders over to the roundhouse to fetch the train’s assigned locomotives.
Back at the Roundhouse, both locomotives Number #2104 and 2303 are fired up and ready to go when Number #5 steams in to fetch them.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOO!!!!!!

Chris: Alright, the train is out and ready!!!! It now just needs the 2 engines to pull it!!!!

Big Joe: IN A MINUTE, JUST LET ME GET MY THINGS!!!!!!

Then suddenly out of nowhere, the sound like that of a monorail horn goes off, and EVERYONE knows all too well what it is.

Big Joe: GOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John Goss: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big Joe: DON’T YOU DARE RUN AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!!

Big Joe then chases John Goss out of the locker room as John Goss makes a mad dash for the cab of his assigned engine Number #2104.

Robert: UH-OH!!!!!! THAT’S NOT THE FIRST TIME HE’S GIVEN POOR JOE A “BACK MASSAGE,” AND IT WON’T BE THE LAST!!!!! HAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big Joe: SHUT UP YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Adam: THIS WILL BE A FUN TRIP!!!!!

Adam then climbs into the cab of his assigned engine Number #2104, while Big Joe and Robert climb into the cab of their assigned locomotive Number #2303

Chris: Okay Number #5, time to get em into position!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!

Number #5 steams over the turntable, and couples onto the front of what would be the lead engine of the train, locomotive Number #2303, hauls it over the Turntable and into the railroad yard.

Chris: Alright, let’s detach and fetch the other engine!!!!
from engine Number #2303, went over a few switches,
Number #5 then detaches and backs up onto the turntable.

Rob: Okay, I’ll rotate you to the right bay!!!!

With the push of a few buttons, the turntable rotates to the correct bay, and Number #5 couples up to the front of the helper locomotive Number #2104, and hauls it out onto the turntable.

Chris: Okay, let’s detach!!!! We’ll fetch the lead engine and couple on back!!!!!!

Rob: Alright!!!!!

Rob then sets to work on rotating the turntable a full 180 degrees to get Engine Number #2104 facing the right way as Number #5 couples back onto the front of Engine Number #2303, and gets her into position ready to couple up.

Rob: Alright!!!!! We’re good!!!!!

Number #5 then gently backs up Engine Number #2303 and the 2 Diesel engines are gently coupled up back to back.

Rob: Now time to hook up the hoses, wires, and safety chains!!!!

Rob and Doug then set to work on connecting all the hoses, wires, and safety chains between the 2 Diesel locomotives, and it isn’t long until the 2 engines are ready to go.

Doug: ALRIGHT!!!! TIME TO GET THAT TRAIN OUT OF HERE!!!!!

Chris: You got it!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

With MUCH puffing and wheel slip, Number #5 hauls the 2 large Diesel Locomotives out of the railroad yard, backs them over a few switches, and into the station where the train is waiting.

John Goss: ALRIGHT, Engaging engine power!!!!!!

Engine Number #2104’s electric motors kick in, and suddenly Number #5’s job becomes MUCH easier!!!!!

John Goss: THOUGHT WE’D GIVE YOU SOME HELP CHRISTIAN!!!!!

Chris: THANKS JOHN!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!

With MUCH bell ringing from the 3 engines, Number #5 gently backs the 2 Diesel Locomotives onto their assigned train, and couples them up!!!!!!
Chris then hops out of Number #5’s cab to give Chloe and his sisters a final good bye.

Chris: Alright girls, you have a good time!!! Please be good to Chloe, and try to help her out, since she’s a VERY sweet girl, just like you 2.

Brooke: We will!!!! *Giggles*

Kaitlin: We promise!!!!!!

Chris: And PLEASE try not to eat too many sweets because it’s impossible to get you girls off a sugar rush.

Brooke: We’ll do our best!!! *GIGGLES*

Chloe: And I promise to take REALLY good care of your sisters!!!!

Chris: I know you will do just fine. 

Kaitlin: Please take care of yourself, and don’t work too hard!!!!

Brooke: It would break our hearts if anything were to happen to you!!!!

Chris: You don’t have to worry about me, besides Number #5 will help keep me out of trouble! 

Number #5: WHOOO, WHOOO!!!!

Brooke: We love you Chrissy!!!!!

Kaitlin: We love you so very much!!!!!

Brooke and Kaitlin then wrap their arms around Chris a give him gentle kisses on the cheeks, and Chris hugs and kisses them back.

Chris: I love you too girls, and you have fun!!!!!

Brooke: We will!!!!!

Kaitlin: We’ll call you once we’re at the camp!!!!!

Chris: Call me if ever there’s an emergency!!!!

Kaitlin: We will!!!!!

Brooke: WE LOVE YOU CHRISSY!!!!!

Brooke and Kaitlin then climbe aboard the train as Chloe was says her last good bye.

Chloe: I’m VERY excited to spend time with them!!!!

Chris: I have a feeling all 3 of you will have a GREAT weekend.

Chloe: I think so too!!!!
Is it okay if I call you tonight?

Chris: Of course, call me anytime. 

Chloe: Thank you!!!!

Chloe then gives Chris a gentle kiss on the cheek before she boards the train.

Both Brooke and Kaitlin see EVERYTHING and do not stop giggling.

Brooke: OH MY GOSH!!!!!

Kaitlin: SHE LIKES HIM!!!!

Brooke: THAT IS A DEFINITE GIVE AWAY!!!!!

Kaitlin: I ONLY HOPE HE RETURNS HER FEELINGS!!!!!

Brooke: LET’S WAIT AND SEE!!!!

Chris then uncouples Number #5 from the train, and Number #5 steams over to a siding.

Big Joe: ALRIGHT, IT’S 12:00 O-CLOCK!!!!!!

Robert: TIME TO GET GOING!!!!!!!! READY JOHN????!!!!!!

John Goss: READY!!!!!!

Adam: AND SO AM I!!!!!!!!

Big Joe gives 2 blasts on the horn, and presses the button activating the bell as Robert checks the left side of the train from his seat.

Robert: OKAY YOU’RE GOOD ON THIS SIDE JOE!!!!!

Big Joe: AWESOME!!!!!!

Big Joe then eases the throttle open, and the 2 powerful Diesel engines haul the BIG and HEAVY train full of campers out of the station.
Brooke and Kaitlin wave and blow kisses at Chris and Number #5, but Chris and Number #5 aren’t going to sit idle as the massive train rolls by.

Chris: Lets give them one more show Number #5.

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG!!!!!!!

With the whistle blowing, bell ringing, firebox drumming, cylinder cocks hissing, and the pistons pounding Number #5 runs alongside the train strutting her stuff.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!!

Brooke: GOOD BYE CHRISSY!!!!! GOOD BYE NUMBER #5!!!!!

Kaitlin: WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

Chloe: PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES!!!!!!!!!

Number #5 then slows down to a stop as the siding ends and the train full of campers soon vanishes off into the distance as it runs along the beautiful coastline of Maine.


To Be Continued………………..

Chapter 5

The Toy Special In Trouble

Chris: Alright Number #5!!!!  All the trains have left except for one, and that’s the Toy Special, so lets get that train ready!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris and Number #5 then steam off to fetch the last train for the evening and that train is known as the Toy Special.
Now the Toy Special is a VERY small train that consists of only 7 small small freight cars including 2 tank cars, 2 gondolas, 1 hopper, 2 box cars, and a caboose.  Although it’s diminutive, it actually plays a VERY IMPORTANT roll.
The Toy Special consists of VERY BEAUTIFUL and HIGH QUALITY hand made toys that are made locally in a factory just outside the Town Of Aldin.   These would consist of dolls, teddy bears, stuffed animals, model electric train sets, jigsaw puzzles, Droid Depot robots such as R2 and BB units, Remote Control Cars, model sail boats, beautiful hand carved spinning tops, music boxes, remote control air-planes and helicopters, wooden toy soldiers, and much more.
The Toy Special also consisted of freshly harvested fruit from near by markets and grocery stores, milk from the dairy, bread, cakes and pastries from the bakery, and freshly squeezed organic fruit juices.
Now what makes this train so important you ask?  The train hauls all the toys and good food out of the upscale town of Aldin, and over the Mountain to the Big City of Portland to kids in need, whether they’d be homeless kids living in a shelter, sick kids in the hospital, orphaned kids living without parents in an orphanage, or disabled kids in a care facility.  Many kids count on the Toy Special, and it’s a train that’s been running 7 nights a week, 365 nights a year since December of 1890, and not once has the Toy Special ever missed a single run.

Chris: Alrighty Number #5.  The Train is good and ready to haul into the depot, and then we’re good to fetch the engine!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!

Number #5 then hauls the empty train cars into the depot where workmen are ready to load up the wagons with all the toys and delicious food for the children.
Conductor Eric is getting a final count on his inventory and EVERYTHING seems in order.

Conductor Eric: WOW!!!!!  We have more cargo than usual!!!!

Conductor Ruben: That is odd!!!!!

Workman: There was a LARGE ORDER by mistake, and because of this, there are lots of toys that we’re unable to fit in the 7th car!!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: OOPS!!!!!!  Looks like we need an 8th car on this train!!!!!

Conductor Eric: Chris, can you and Number #5 fetch another……………….Do we need another box car or will a gondola be fine?

Workman: A gondola should be JUST ENOUGH to fit the last of the cargo, but you may wanna put a tarp on top of it.

Conductor Ruben: NO PROBLEM!!!!  Chris, please fetch us 1 more Gondola Please!!!!  We need an 8th car!!!!

Chris: UH-OH!!!!  An 8th car on the Toy Special is almost unheard of!!!!!  That makes the train a WHOPPING 9 cars long if you count the caboose!!!!  Come on Number #5, let’s go fetch one more gondola before we get the engine.

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!

Number #5 then steams off to fetch one more car for the train, while Jonathan and Ryan get to work on firing up Old Center Cab Diesel Number #302.

Number #5: I sure hope 9 cars isn’t too much for Old 302!!!!!  The poor girl has been through so much, and if she breaks down because of this, I’ll never forgive myself!!!!!!!

At long last Number #5 fetches the 8th car for the train, and it is soon loaded up with the last of the toys before having a tarp tied down good and secure on the top.

Chris: Okay, time to fetch our old friend, Old 302!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!

Number #5 detaches from the Toy Special and sets off to fetch her friend Old 302.
Jonathan and Ryan are waiting anxiously for Number #5, for the last minute addition of another car puts them on the boarder line of falling behind schedule.

Jonathan: FINALLY!!!!!

Ryan: DIDN’T THINK YOU’D SHOW UP!!!!

Jonathan: OLD 302 IS TAKING LONGER THAN USUAL TO GET HER AMPS UP!!!!!!

Chris: I’M SORRY!!!!  THERE WAS A MISTAKE WITH THE ORDER QUANTITY OF TOYS, AND AN 8TH CAR HAD TO BE ADDED!!!!!  THAT BRINGS YOU UP TO 9 CARS TOTAL WITH THAT CABOOSE!!!!!

Ryan & Jonathan: WHAT????!!!!!

Ryan: AN 8TH CAR ADDED TO THE TRAIN PLUS THE CABOOSE WILL HAVE US MAXED!!!!

Jonathan: IT’S A STRUGGLE TO GET OLD 302 TO HAUL SEVEN CARS AND THE CABOOSE UP THE HILL!!!!!

Ryan: THIS THING IS AT IT’S LIMIT, SO WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS!!!!!

Ryan is right because Old 302 is NOT feeling so good, for her engine is shuddering and black smoke is coming out of her exhaust pipes.
Number #5 is worried for she can’t help but notice Old 302 being in a lot of pain as she hauls her old friend out of the roundhouse bay and over the turntable.  

Number #5: Are you sure you’re okay???!!!!!

Old 302: Yes, but after this run, I’m gonna need a VERY LONG REST!!!!

Number #5: Please be careful!!!!  I would HATE for you to have a break down!!!!!

Old 302: Don’t you worry; I’ll be just fine!!!!!!  The Toy Special can NEVER be cancelled.

Number #5 knows that Old 302 is lying, but she also knows that Old 302 is right, the Toy Special is WAY too important to cancel a run.
Number #5 continues her job, and soon has Old 302 coupled onto the Toy Special.

Number #5: Again, please be careful and don’t overwork yourself!!!!!

Old 302: I'll take it easy, I promise!!!!

Number #5 then uncouples from 302, and heads off to the yard as Old 302 hauls the Toy Special out of the station.

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO, WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!

Chris: Hey Number #5, what’s up????!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO, WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!

Chris: 4 short blasts on the whistle means train in trouble!  I take it you’re worried about our friend Old 302?

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Chris: If it makes you feel any better, I am too!!!!!  She was NOT looking good, and something was MOST DEFINITELY WRONG with her internal combustion engine.
I pray that everything works out just fine for her.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Chris: I’ll keep your fire lit and water level nice and high to be safe, because like you I have a VERY bad feeling about this.

Number #5 steams back to her shed, but Chris keeps her fire going and water level nice and high when an emergency distress call is received.

Conductor Eric: CALLING CONDUCTOR RUBEN AND DISPATCH!!!!  THIS IS AN EMERGENCY CALL!!!!!  I REPEAT THIS IS AN EMERGENCY CALL!!!!!!

Chris turns up the volume on Number #5’s radio as Ruben answers the radio back at the station.

Conductor Ruben: CONDUCTOR ERIC, THIS IS CONDUCTOR RUBEN!!!!!  PLEASE LET ME KNOW OF THE EMERGENCY!!!!!

Conductor Eric: THE TOY SPECIAL HAS BROKEN DOWN ON THE MAIN LINE!!!!!  I REPEAT, THE TOY SPECIAL HAS BROKEN DOWN ON THE MAIN LINE WITH ENGINE TROUBLE!!!!!!!  OLD 302 HAS BLOWN UP!!!!

Chris’s jaw hits the ground, and both of Number #5’s safety valves go off from the shock…………………………….


To Be Continued………………..

Chapter 6

Little Number #5 To The Rescue

Dispatcher: Acknowledged!!!!!  The Toy Special has broken down with engine problems!!!!!!  Old 302 has blown up!!!!!!!

Conductor Eric: ARE THERE ANY OTHER ENGINES AVAILABLE???!!!!!!

Ruben: NEGATIVE!!!!!  ENGINE NUMBER #2205 IS STILL UNDERGOING REFURBISHMENT, AND I DON’T KNOW IF NUMBER #5 HAS BEEN SHUT DOWN FOR THE NIGHT OR NOT!!!!!

Conductor Eric: TRY TO GET AHOLD OF NUMBER #5!!!!!!!!  WE NEED NUMBER #5 OUT HERE RIGHT AWAY!!!!!

Without hesitation, Chris picks up the radio and answers it.

Chris: This is Chris with Number #5!!!!  Fire’s still nice and hot, boiler pressure is up, and the water levels are nice and high!!!!!  WE’RE READY TO GO ASAP!!!!!!!

Dispatcher: THE TRAIN HAS BROKEN DOWN 2 MILES OUT FROM THE STATION NEAR THE HARBOR!!!!!  

Conductor Eric: CHRIS, YOU AND NUMBER #5 MUST TAKE US BACK TO THE STATION AS SOON AS YOU CAN!!!!!

Chris: WE’RE ON OUR WAY!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!

Chris and Number #5 storm out of their little shed, out of the yard, out of the station, and onto the mainline.
Number #5 is now VERY worried about her friend after hearing that she had blown up out on the mainline.  However, because of this, she doesn’t notice how fast she’s going until Chris has to shut her throttle and notch down her Johnson Bar/Reverser lever.

Chris: WOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!  NUMBER #5 TAKE IT EASY!!!!!!  YOU NEARLY HAD THE SPEEDOMETER MAXED AT 35 FEET PER SECOND!!!!!!  I AIN’T CASEY JONES YOU KNOW!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!

Number #5 soon slows down to a MUCH safer speed of 22 feet per second, and it isn’t long until the train comes into sight.

Chris: THERE IT IS AND OH MY GOD!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!  CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG……………………….

With loud whistle blowing and frantic bell ringing, both Chris and Number #5 are beyond appalled by what they see.
Old 302 is SPEWING out black smoke and diesel fuel from her engine bays, both of her motor blocks in her wheel bogies are on fire, and the rear of her frame above the rear bogie has finally cracked after so many years of corrosion having finally taken its toll.
Tears soon began pouring out of Number #5’s headlamp and small side marker lamps, for she knows that an engine that her dear friend is damaged beyond repair, and is doomed to meet an uncertain fate just like she did when her last owner got sick.

Number #5: 302!!!!!!!  ARE YOU OKAY????!!!!!!!  SAY SOMETHING!!!!!!

Old 302: NO!!!!!!!  THIS IS IT!!!!!  I’M DONE FOR!!!!!!  AND THIS TIME IT’S FOR REAL!!!!!

Chris is also very distraught at what he sees for he also knows that Old 302’s days are over if Old 302 can’t be fixed.

Chris: RYAN, JONATHAN, ERIC, ARE YOU GUYS ALRIGHT????!!!!!!

Jonathan: WE’RE OKAY!!!!!

Ryan: BUT OLD 302 IS DONE FOR!!!!!!!

Conductor Eric: THE POOR OLD GIRL JUST FINALLY GAVE OUT THE GHOST!!!!!!

Jonathan: HER FRAME IS CRACKED FROM SO MANY YEARS OF CORROSSION, HER ENGINE’S BLOWN UP, AND HER MOTOR BLOCKS ARE ON FIRE!!!!!!

Chris: I CAN SEE THAT!!!!!!  USE NUMBER #5’S FIRE EXTINQUISHER AND GRAB THE EMERGENCY FIRE HOSE OFF THE TENDER TANK!!!!!!!

Chris, Ryan, Jonathan, and Eric then set to work on connecting Number #5’s fire hose to her water syphon filler nozzle under her water tank.

Ryan: ALRIGHT!!!!!  OPEN HER UP!!!!!

Chris: OPENING HER UP!!!!!!

Chris then opens up an injector, and Number #5 sends water out of her tender tank, through the fire hose, and water comes jetting out hard and fast.  This in turn COMPLETELY douses the flames on Old 302’s motor blocks, and put the fires out.

Chris: AWESOME!!!!!

Ryan: GLAD WE PUT OUT THE FIRE!!!!!

Jonathan: NOW WE GOTTA GO BACK AND WRITE A REPORT ABOUT THIS!!!!

Number #5 then couples onto the front of Old 302 and backs the train down the line back to the station.
The tears would not stop pouring out of Number #5’s head and side marker lamps, for Number #5 cannot stop worrying about her dear friend’s fate.

Old 302: I’ve let em down this time………….

Number #5: NO, YOU’VE LET NO ONE DOWN 302!!!!!  YOU’VE LET NO ONE DOWN!!!!!  You did everything you could……………………..

The train soon arrives back at the station where Conductor Ruben is waiting for them.

Ruben: Alright, management will be here REAL soon to speak with you about the incident.  Right now, they want you to fill out a report about what happened.

Eric: Sure thing, we’re on it!!!!!!

Number #5 then detaches Old 302 from her train and hauls her back to the roundhouse.

Old 302: That’s it I’m done……….

Number #5: NO, DON’T SAY THAT!!!!!!!  YOU’RE ONLY 75-YEARS-OLD, AND STILL HAVE A LONG WAYS TO GO!!!!!  I’M ON THE OTHER HAND 117 AND………………..

Old 302: I’VE TOLD YOU THIS BEFORE; YOU DON’T GET IT!!!!!  

Number #5: OF COURSE I DO!!!!!  I’VE BEEN RESTORED MULTIPLE TIMES, AND YOU CAN BE TOO!!!!!!

Old 302: BUT AT WHAT COST????!!!!!

Number #5: WHAT????!!!!!!!

Old 302: You maybe 117-years-old from a theoretical point, but you’re NOT completely original to 1902.  Heck you still have the soul of a 15-year-old girl!!!!

Number #5: That’s because……………

Old 302: I know you’ve been VERY YOUNG at heart all your life, but it’s also because you’re practically a brand new locomotive from a mechanical view point.  In fact, because of this, you are the youngest locomotive in the fleet!!!!!  Because of this you are VERY lucky!!!!!  You have an owner who LOVES and CARES about you, and can afford to fix you over and over again, no matter how much you break down.

Number #5: BUT KNOW THAT MY LAST OWNER DIDN’T HAVE THE TIME OR STRENGTH TO RESTORE ME, AND I SAT IN PIECES IN A WAREHOUSE WITH THE POSIBILITY OF NEVER SEEING THE LIGHT OF DAY!!!!!!!  IT WAS HEART BREAKING AND I DON’T WANT ANYONE TO HAVE TO EVER GO THROUGH THAT!!!!!!  I ESPECIALLY DON’T WANT YOU TO GO THROUGH THAT BECAUSE YOU’RE OLD!!!!!

Old 302: *Sighs*  But because you’re a steam engine, you’re VERY lucky that you can be restored over and over again.

Number #5: What do you mean?

Old 302: It’s like I told you, you can get new replacement parts built from scratch, but I CAN’T!!!!!

Number #5: BUT…………..

Old 302: Sweetie, if you break down, someone can ALWAYS make you the new parts that you need from scratch, but when I break down, I need a dead donor locomotive to rob from, or management has to spend BIG MONEY to track down the parts I need, since the parts for a Narrow Gauge 75-year-old 1944 Whitcomb Center Cab Diesel are NO LONGER available!!!!!!  Plus my frame is cracked from DECADES of corrosion in Hawaii, and there’s NO WAY that they could ever find me a replacement frame, where as you were blessed with getting a brand new frame during your recent restoration.

Number #5: THAT’S TRUE, BUT STILL…………………………………………THERE HAS TO BE A WAY TO FIX YOU……………….

Old 302: Don’t worry about me, I’m old, I’ve lived my life, and 75 years for a Diesel locomotive is a VERY long time!!!!!  You however, still have a VERY LONG life ahead of you, and now have a loving owner who takes care of you.  Please keep going on.  You must keep chugging on, no matter how difficult life gets.  Friends come and go throughout our lives and as each generation changes, but the fond memories will always remain.
Now please do me a HUGE favor.

Number #5: What is it?

Old 302: Please, take the Toy Special for me!!!!!  It’s a train that can NEVER have it’s run cancelled for you see, all the toys and good food go to kids IN NEED!!!!  

Number #5: *Gasp*

Old 302: This train is perhaps the MOST important train on the railroad, probably even more than The Light House Express!!!!!  It’s made a trip since before you were even born!!!!!  1890 is when the first train for the Toy Special made its run out of Aldin and over the mountain to the Big City Of Portland.  And since it’s first run, the Toy Special has been a continuously running train for 7 nights a week, 365 nights a year, and all for the kids in need in the Big City Of Portland.  We can’t let them down!!!!  So please, take the train, and finish the run for me…………….this is your time to shine………….your chance to show management and the railroad super intendant what you can do…………….You always told me that you wanted to run out on the main line, and now is that chance!!!!  You are the only one who can, so please………………..please take the Toy Special for me……………

Number #5: Okay……………I will…………….
WHOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! CLANG-CLANG!!!!!  I WILL TAKE THE TOY SPECIAL AND PULL IT OVER THE MOUNTAIN!!!!  FOR YOU AND FOR THOSE KIDS ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!!!

Old 302: THAT A GIRL NUMBER #5!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  CLANG-CLANG!!!!!!

Chris: What is it Number #5?

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!  

Chris: Train in distress???!!!!!!  But the train is………………OH WAIT A MINUTE……………the train is now without an engine, and we’re the ONLY ONES who can pull it!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Chris: Alrighty Number #5, LET’S GO!!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!
Please 302; hang in there…………….

Old 302: I’ll do my best…………………but now is your time to shine………………..

And with that, Old 302’s headlamps shut off as her cab lights go out while Number #5 steams out of the roundhouse with tears cascading down her headlamp and side marker lamps.
Back at the station, Ruben, Eric, Jonathan, and Ryan are ALL arguing and bickering about having to cancel the train.

Ruben: THERE IS NO WAY WE CAN CANCEL THIS TRAIN!!!!!  IT HAS TO MAKE ITS RUN TO PORTLAND!!!!!  MANY GOOD KIDS ARE COUNTING ON US!!!!!!!

Dispatcher: I’M SORRY BUT THERE’S NO OTHER ENGINE AVAILABLE TO PULL IT!!!!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: BUT WE MUST GET THIS TRAIN OVER THE MOUNTAIN!!!!!  THE TOY SPECIAL HAS NEVER MISSED A RUN SINCE 1890!!!!!  IF WE CANCEL THIS RUN, WE’LL BE LETTING A LOT OF KIDS DOWN!!!!

Conductor Eric: I’m sorry, but there’s a first time for everything…………….

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!!! CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG, Clang, clang………………..

After 2 blasts on the whistle, and continuous ringing of the bell, Number #5 backs on and couples up to the Toy Special with a Big and Solid……………………

CLUNK!!!!!!!

Chris: Haven’t you forgotten????!!!!!  We still have one engine left, and that’s Number #5!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!

Chris: Now fill up my water tanks, and bring in the Bio-Diesel Truck because we gotta get this train over to Portland TONIGHT!!!!!!

Jonathan: RIGHT AWAY CHRIS!!!!!!!

Ryan: I’M ON IT!!!!!!!!

Chris: Ruben, since Conductor Eric needs to fill out a report, I’m gonna need you as my Conductor.

Conductor Ruben: YES SIR CAPTAIN!!!!!!!

Chris: Don’t worry about assigning me an assistant engineer.  Although steam locomotives normally require a crew of 2, which consists of both an engineer, and a fireman, Number #5 and I are a team, and we understand each other VERY WELL.  Therefor, I think we’ll be just fine getting over the mountain with just the 2 of us.
Besides she’s got a good headlamp, and 2 side marker lamps, so she’ll see something before I will.

Chris then notices the tears coming out of Number #5’s headlamp and side marker lamps, and sees how sad she is after seeing  her friend Old 302 practically destroyed from her break down.
Chris climbs out of the cab to give Number #5 a good polish.

Chris: Hey, it’s gonna be just fine!!!!!  Old 302 maybe down, but she’s not out!!!!  Just give it time, and everything will work out!!!!  I will tell management to get in contact with Mandez, the same shop that restored you, and have them take it from there.
However, it is now your time to shine, and show the railroad just what you can do.  You maybe a little engine, but you have a BIG HEART, and the pulling power that is TOUGH to rival.  
One steam engine can pull twice as much as one diesel locomotive!!!!
If we could haul a heavy 13-car train at 15 feet per second, then we should have no problem with the Toy Special, since it’s a MUCH lighter train!!!!
So let’s show them what we’re made of and get this train hauled off to Portland.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris: Alright, you heard her!!!!!  Fill up her fuel and water tanks; we have no time to lose!!!!!  We’re almost an hour and a half behind schedule!!!!!

Ryan and Jonathan set to work on getting hoses off the Bio-Diesel Truck, pulling down the waterspout from the water column and topping off Number #5’s water and fuel as Chris quickly oils up Number #5’s valve gear and external drive rods.

Ryan: ALRIGHT!!!!!!  WATER TANK IS FULL!!!!!

Jonathan: SO IS YOUR FUEL TANK!!!!!!

Chris: CYLINDER VALVES AND DRIVE RODS ARE OILED AND GOOD TO GO!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: TRAIN IS READY TO GO WHEN YOU ARE!!!!!

Chris: ALRIGHT, LET’S GO!!!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: HIGH BALL!!!!!!

Number #5: ALL ABOARD!!!!!!!!  LET’S GO!!!!!!!!!!!
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG……………………

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TgesoItBHE

With 2 VERY LOUD blasts on her whistle and continuous clanging of her bell, Number #5 hauls the Toy Special out of the station with her firing valve, cylinder drain cocks, and throttle wide open.

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!!!  It’s 7:45, WE ARE ALMOST 2 HOURS BEHIND SCHEDULE!!!!!  BUT THAT’S OKAY, YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Chris: It’ll be getting dark REAL soon, so we best get a move on.

Chris then notches up Number #5’s Johnson Bar, and soon the mighty little engine is hauling the Toy Special along the railroad line at a WHOPPING 25 feet per second.  That’s WAY faster than all the other trains on the Aldin & Portland Narrow Gauge Railroad line, but the train is already an hour and 45 minutes late, and there is A LOT of time that has to be made up.
From here on, it’s all up to Little Number #5 to carry on the Legacy of the Toy Special, and get the train over the blasted mountain.

To Be Continued…………………..

Chapter 7

Girl Talk!!!!

Over at the campsite in the Forest Reserve near the base of the mountain by the railroad’s halfway point between Aldin and Portland, Chloe, Brooke, and Kaitlin are getting VERY worried. They had tried calling Chris since their arrival, but he is not answering his cell phone or landline.
Brooke is taking a short break from a tennis match as she attempts to make another phone call, but like before she isn’t having ANY luck.

Brooke: COME ON CHRISSY!!!!! PICK UP THE PHONE!!!!!!! UUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

Lexi: Brooke, it’s your turn!!!!!!

Brooke: Hold on, I just need to make a call!!!!!!

Alexis: Brooke: You’ve been saying that for the last 5 minutes!!!!!!

Kimmie: And you’ve been dialing your phone for the past few hours since we got here!!!!!!

Wendy: I hope everything’s alright!!!!

Brooke: I KNOW!!!!!! I just REALLY NEED TO MAKE THIS CALL!!!!!!!

Lexi: What could be so important?????!!!!!!!

Inside the air-conditioned gymnasium, Kaitlin is sitting on the bench in her beautiful orange and light blue gymnastics leotard ready to practice her routine, and she has still not yet hit the mat due to multiple failed phone calls.

Kaitlin: CHRISSY, PLEASE ANSWER!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

Emily: Kaitlin, you’ve been dressed and ready for your routine, but you still haven’t hit the mat!!!!

Kylie: Yeah, you’ve been dialing on your phone for hours!!!!! What’s going on?

Chelia: Don’t worry too much!!! You’re brother’s a big boy and can take care of himself.

At the same time Chloe is in the locker room having just changed into a comfy pair of Navy Blue Nike Tempo Gym Shorts, and Red Nike T-Shirt ready to meet up with the head counselors to be assigned her squad of girls, but she is also not having any luck trying to get ahold of Chris.

Chloe: OH GOD, CHRIS, PLEASE PICK UP YOUR PHONE!!!!!!

The Camp Counselor’s general manager, Marcy, is starting to get impatient.

Marcy: CHLOE???!!!!! How much longer are you gonna take??!!!! Gym shorts and T-Shirts don’t take long to slip on and slip off!!!!!!
And what did we say about being on the cell phone during counseling hours?
We’re about ready to assign you to your squad of girls!!!!!!

Chloe: But I REALLY need to make this important call!!!!

Marcy: Your call must Wait Chloe!!!!! Now it’s time for you to come out of there, meet up with your head counselor, and get assigned to your squad.
Meeting is in the dining hall and it starts now!!!!!

Chloe: Okay!!!!!!

As Chloe is leaving the locker room, Brooke iss also given orders to hang up and meet up with the other girls in the dining hall.

Lexi: Brooke, it’s time to go!!!!!

Brooke: But I……………

Alexis: You can get back to your phone call later!!!!!

Kimmie: Right now we must meet up in the dining hall!!!!!

Brooke: Fine………………..

Kaitlin is also reminded that her time was up as well.

Emily: I’m sorry Kaitlin, but we have to go!!!!

Kylie: We must meet up with the rest of the girls in the dining hall!!!!

Kaitlin: Just one more minute PLEASE????!!!!!!.................

Emily: I’m sorry, but the call has to wait!!!!! We must meet up with the other girls…………

Kylie: You can get back to your call once the meetings over!!!!

Kaitlin: Alright……………………….

Brooke and Kaitlin then collect their sports bags, and make their way over to the dining hall before meeting up with each other.

Brooke: Hey Kaitlin, I’ve been dialing Chris for hours now and he hasn’t picked up EVEN ONCE!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: I’m having the same problem!!!! THIS ISN’T LIKE HIM AT ALL!!!!!!

Brooke: I know, right????!!!!! Chris ALWAYS answers our calls, even when he’s at work!!!!!

Chloe soon meets up and overhears.

Chloe: OH THANK GOD I FOUND YOU GIRLS!!!!!! I’ve been trying to call your brother and he’s not answering!!!!!

Brooke: Kaitlin and I are having the same problem!!!!!

Kaitlin: His phone is ringing, but he’s not answering, and this isn’t like him AT ALL!!!!!!!

Chloe: I’m REALLY starting to get worried.

Brooke: So are we!!!!!!

Kaitlin: We’re worried that something might have happened!!!!!

Chloe: I hope nothing bad has happened, but let’s try not to think about it. I mean, we should try to find a table, and talk things over once we’re seated.

Brooke: Good idea.

Chloe, Brooke, Kaitlin, along with their friends all sit down at a table in the dining hall.
Marcy soon makes her way around the dining hall to assign counselors and junior counselors their assigned squads.

Marcy: Alright!!!! Chloe, it looks like you found your squad, so I’m going to be assigning these girls to you! You’ll be referred to as Squad Number #5, your head counselor will be Annabelle, and you’ll be in cabin Number #2.
Come to me if you have any questions.

Chloe: ALRIGHT!!!!! LOOKS LIKE I’M YOUR GIRLS JUNIOR COUNSELOR!!!!!

Brooke: AWESOME!!!!!

Kaitlin: YAY!!!!!!

Chloe: THIS MAKES THINGS A WHOLE LOT EASIER!!!!!!!

Brooke: MOST DEFINITELY!!!!!!

Kimmie: So what’s going on?

Lexi: Yeah what’s this phone call about?

Maddie: That’s what I’d like to know too!!!!

Kylie: Yeah please tell us!!!!!

Wendy: You girls seem very worried.

Chelia: And now it’s making us worried too!!!

Carla: It’s not like you girls to skip out on your favorite activities over a phone call!!!!

Kaitlin: We’ve been trying to get ahold of our older brother Chris, since we promised to call him once we’ve arrived to let him know that we’re safe, but he hasn’t been responding.

Brooke: Yeah, his phone is ringing, but he’s not answering!!!!!

Chloe: I’ve also been trying to call him since I promised him that I’d look after his sisters while we’re here. It’s a long story, but Chris has become an important friend to me, and since he’s not calling, it’s got me worried too!!!!!

Chloe, Brooke, & Kaitlin: *Sigh* I sure hope he’s okay because I’d hate to think otherwise!!!!!!

The other girls at the table are shocked, for the 3 girls, Brooke, Chloe, and Kaitlin all speak the same words at the exact same time.

Emily: WOAH!!!!!

Kimmie: WOAH IS RIGHT!!!!

Maddie: THEY ALL SPOKE THE SAME WORDS AT THE SAME TIME!!!!!!

Wendy: THAT I WASN’T EXPECTING!!!!

Chelia: NEITHER WAS I!!!!

Carla: IT’S CERTAINLY NOT SOMETHING YOU SEE EVERY DAY!!!!

Jenny: THAT IS CREEPY!!!!!!!

Kylie: ARE YOU GIRLS SURE YOU’RE NOT TWINS?????!!!!!!!

Brooke: OH MY GOD, YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW OLD THAT QUESTION GETS???!!!!!!

Kaitlin: SERIOUSLY, IT’S ANNOYING!!!!!! Sure, we’re the same height at 4 ft 10, but I’m younger by almost a full year!!!!!

Brooke: MANY people who don’t know us and just see us on the street at random ask us that question!!!!!

Kaitlin: We found it cute at first, but after a while it gets old and annoying!!!! Plus, we don’t look much alike!!!!!

Lexi: We’re sorry!!!!!

Wendy: We didn’t mean to upset you!!!!

Chelia: Honestly, we didn’t think it was something that was an occurring problem……………

Alexis: Yeah, I feel bad now.

Carla: But you girls are both sisters, so who can blame anyone who doesn’t know you for asking? It doesn’t seem too far fetched……………..

Brooke: Girls don’t worry about it!!!!

Kaitlin: Yeah, we’re used to it, so it is what it is.

Brooke: Anyways we’re VERY worried about our brother Chris, and just hope he’s okay since he hasn’t been answering his phone.

Emily: You girls talk about him A LOT!!!!!

Kimmie: He must be VERY special to you if that’s the case.

Kaitlin: You have NO IDEA!!!!

Brooke: Speaking of which, he was kind enough to pack us meals for the next few days since the food here tends to be DISGUSTING!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: YEAH, UGH!!!!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: So to make sure we have something good to eat tonight, Chris packed us a DELICIOUS Chicken Alfredo Pasta dish, and Oreo Cookie Cheese Cake for desert!!!!!!!

However, when Brooke and Kaitlin unpack their dinner out of their bags, they see that Chris may have prepared a little too much food for their meal.

Brooke: WOAH!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: HE SURE PACKED A LOT!!!!!!

Brooke: YEAH, ALMOST TOO MUCH!!!!!

Kaitlin: We’ll be more than happy to share with you Chloe!!!!!

Chloe: Don’t worry about it; it’s okay!! You girls enjoy!!!!

Brooke: No seriously Chloe…………

Kaitlin: This is WAY TOO MUCH for the 2 of us to handle.

Brooke: So we don’t mind sharing with you AT ALL!!!!!!

Chloe: AWWWWWWWWWWW GIRLS…………………….YOU 2 ARE SO SWEET!!!!!!!

Brooke: Hey, Chris is an AMAZING chef, so you just gotta try his cooking!!!!!!

Chloe: THANK YOU SO MUCH GIRLS!!!!! IT REALLY MEANS A LOT!!!!!!

Kaitlin: Hey, any friend of Chris’s is a friend of ours!!!!! 

Chloe: SERIOUSLY, YOU GIRLS ARE JUST SO SWEET!!!!!!!!

Brooke and Kaitlin then split their meals with Chloe, and the 3 all enjoy a delicious home cooked meal while everyone else has to endure what is being served in the camp’s dining hall.

Chelia: OH WOW!!!!!

Carla: MY GOODNESS!!!!

Emily: OH MY GOD!!!!!!

Wendy: THAT LOOKS AMAZING!!!!!

Kylie: YOU GIRLS ARE SO LUCKY!!!!!!

Kimmie: HAVING A CHEF AS A BIG BROTHER MUST BE AWESOME!!!!!!

Maddie: OH MY GOD THAT CHICKEN ALFREDO LOOKS SO GOOD!!!!!!

Lexi: FORGET THE CHICKEN ALFREDO, I WANT THAT CHEESECAKE!!!!!!

Soon all the girls finish their meal, but EVERYONE is jealous of Brooke, Kaitlin, and Chloe for having eaten Chris’s gourmet class Chicken Alfredo and Cheesecake.
After the meal is done, Marcy the camp’s head general manager rounds up all the squads and gives everyone further instructions.

Marcy: Alright!!!!! You’ll all head off to your assigned tents to unpack. Meet by the camp’s main fire pit for a campfire and you’ll all introduce yourselves to one another in your squad while enjoying some s’mores.
You have until 11:00 Clock to mingle when it’s curfew.

Chloe: Alright girls, let’s meet up with our head Counselor Annabelle, and head off to our cabin.

Brooke: Sounds good!!!!!

Chloe then takes her squad over to the Counselor Table where Annabelle is waiting.
Chloe quickly introduced herself.

Chloe: Hello Annabelle, my name is Chloe Kimble, and I’m your junior Counselor in Squad Number #5.

Annabelle: Hello Chloe, it’s VERY nice to meet you!!!!! Welcome!!!!! I’m Annabelle, your head counselor, and we should be in for a VERY fun weekend!!!!!
I’m REALLY looking forward to working with you!!!!!

Chloe: Thank you, I’m REALLY looking forward to working with you too!!!!

Annabelle: Well, let’s head on over to our cabin, get ourselves organized and then head on over to the camp fire.

Chloe: Awesome!!!! Do you mind if we stop by the locker room really quick? I got VERY hot and changed into something more comfortable. For that I left a bag of clothes in a locker.

Annabelle: Not a problem sweetie, we don’t mind making a quick stop!!!!!

Chloe: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

Annabelle: Your welcome sweetie!!!!!!

Annabelle, Chloe, and their squad make a quick stop in the locker room for Chloe to collect her bag of clothes. They then make their way over to their assigned cabin, and getting themselves acclimated.

Brooke: I’M TAKING A TOP BUNK!!!!!

Kaitlin: ME TOO!!!!!!

Chloe: SO AM I GIRLS!!!!!!

Annabelle has a good laugh, for she is REALLY beginning to grow VERY fond of Chloe, Brooke, and Kaitlin.

Annabelle: Such delightful girls who know what they want!!!! And if that’s the case, I’m taking a top bunk too!!!!!

The girls then set to work at unpacking their things and getting their sleeping bags laid out on their beds.
It is soon time for the girls to head out to the campfire.

Annabelle: Alright girls!!!! Let’s head on out to the campfire!!!! We have until 11:00 O-Clock to mingle, so let’s get going!!!!

Chloe: Alright, sounds good!!!!!

Kaitlin: Hold on, I need to get a sweater in case it gets cold.

Brooke: Good idea, I’ll grab one too!!!!

Chloe: Me 3!!!!!!

Chloe, Brooke, and Kaitlin all grab their sweaters before heading out with the rest of their squad over to the camp’s fire pit.

Annabelle: Alright, here we are!!!!! So let’s sit down on this bench and introduce ourselves to one another.

All the girls take a seat and begin introducing themselves, while Chloe, Brooke, and Kaitlin get their phones back out and try to give Chris another call, but just like as before they aren’t having any luck!!!!!!

Brooke: OH NO NOT AGAIN!!!!!!

Kaitlin: CHRIS PLEASE ANSWER!!!!!!

Chloe: OH MY GOD, WHY WON’T YOU PICK UP!!!!!

Annabelle then starts to get worried.

Annabelle: Are you girls alright? You seem stressed out.

Brooke: It’s our big brother Chris back at home!!!!

Kaitlin: We tried calling him over and over, and his phone is ringing……………

Brooke: But he’s not picking up!!!!!!!

Chloe: Chris has also become a good friend of mine in such short time, and I promised him that I’d look after his little sisters for the weekend, so………….

Brooke: We promised we’d call him as soon as we arrived to let him know that we’re okay, but he’s not answering!!!!!

Kaitlin: We’re worried that something may have happened……………..

Annabelle: I take it you and your brother are VERY close?

Brooke: Yes we are!!!!

Kaitlin: The thing is, I’m the youngest of 5 kids, but Brooke is right on my tail as the second youngest since we barely have a 1 year age gap. However, Chris is older than us by 12 years, and he’s the MIDDLE CHILD???!!!!!!

Annabelle: WHAT????!!!!!!

Chloe: SERIOUSLY????!!!!!!

Brooke: I know!!!!! Kaitlin’s 13, I’m 14, Chris is 25, our second eldest brother Andrew is 29, and our eldest brother Anthony is 32.

Annabelle: WOW!!!!!! That is A HUGE age gap!!!!!

Chloe: And I’m the youngest of 2 kids!!!!!

Kaitlin: Chris was the youngest for a VERY long time, but Brooke and I were unexpected blessings in the family. But when we came in, Chris was no longer the youngest child, and he LOVED it!!!!!!

Brooke: Because we took the titles of being the babies in the family, Chris took on the responsibilities of taking care of us while we were little.

Kaitlin: It’s also because our older brothers Anthony and Andrew dumped the responsibilities on him. *Giggles*

Brooke: It’s not just because Chris took care of us when we were little that we’re so close to him. It’s mainly to do with the fact that he’s VERY different from our other 2 elder brothers.

Kaitlin: He’s actually VERY SWEET, is VERY patient with us, is VERY understanding about everyone in the family, and has NEVER once gotten angry with us.

Brooke: I know!!!! Anthony is VERY strict with us and is sometimes borderline mean to almost abusive. He’s yelled and threated to hit us more times than we’d care to count. Because of that, he scares me and Kaitlin VERY badly at times, and we can’t wait to get out of his house.

Kaitlin: And Andrew seems to care more about his work than he does about us. But he’s A LOT nicer than Anthony.
He unfortunately just doesn’t really talk to us, or do anything with us, so when we visit him, the visit is VERY awkward……………….

Brooke: Chris however, ALWAYS makes time for us, no matter how busy he is.

Kaitlin: If he has a busy schedule, he makes it work for us.

Brooke: And every time we come over to his house in Aldin to visit…………….

Kaitlin: He always cooks for us, and when he does he goes all out!!!!

Brooke: He’s also ALWAYS shows up to ALL of my important cheerleading competitions…………….

Kaitlin: And my Ballet Recitals too!!!!!!

Chloe: WOW!!!!!!!

Brooke: I KNOW!!!!!!

Kaitlin: I know Brooke and I have been HUGE handfuls for him when we were younger.

Brooke: We’re still HUGE handfuls!!!!! Heck, we can’t watch a sad love story without crying on him, or if ever we watch a horror film, we’re always climbing into his bed in the middle of the night.

Kaitlin: However, Chris has always been SO SWEET about it, where as Anthony and Andrew would NEVER be so nice!

Brooke: He’s always there for us, whenever we need someone, where as Anthony and Andrew are almost NEVER there.

Kaitlin: How many of your cheerleading competitions have Anthony and Andrew shown up for?

Brooke: Almost ZERO!!!!!! And the same with your ballet recitals!!!!!
They also missed other important events like our Baptism, First Communion, and my middle school graduation. I know they’ll miss our confirmation, Kaitlin’s middle school graduation, both of our high school graduations, and possible award ceremonies depending on what we accomplish……….

Kaitlin: But Chris tries to give a logical explanation by saying that, Anthony is under A LOT of stress by taking over Dad’s company as CEO, and that Andrew is just barely getting off the ground having just started up his law firm.

Brooke: However Chris works as one of the top chefs at Yagami’s By The Bay, which is one of Aldin’s top upscale restaurants!!!!!!

Kaitlin: He’s also the ONLY chef that is licensed to cook Puffer Fish!!!!!

Brooke: And on his days off, he helps out on the town’s local railroad by using his privately owned steam train by moving cars and equipment about in the yard and station.

Everyone: WOW!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: He always makes time to attend a Saturday Church service at the Cathedral, attend their organ concerts, and support their music program.

Brooke: He donates a generous amount of money per month to the music department so they can maintain and care for their pipe organ, which I will admit is VERY BEAUTIFUL!!!!
He is friends with the organist and head music director David after all, so it kinda makes sense. LOL!!!

Everybody: THAT’S WONDERFUL!!!!

Kaitlin: We always tell Chris, NEVER to change because we love him just the way he is.

Brooke: We can’t imagine our lives without him, which is why we’re so worried about him.

Chloe: If I may add, I know I just met you girls, and I may not have known Chris for very long, but the reason why he’s become such a special friend is…………………..
Yesterday afternoon, my brother’s truck that I am borrowing for college blew a tire, and I was stranded out in the middle of a busy street during commuter traffic.
I was frantically calling my mom, who lives ALL THE WAY down in Georgia, and asking her what I should do. I was really scared and almost at my breaking point ready to cry.
Chris is about to head home when he sees me freaking out. He rushes over to help me, uses his OWN INSURANCE to get ahold of roadside assistance, and has my flat tire swapped with the spare.
While we wait, he and I talk, and I see that Chris is different from all the other guys I’ve met.

Brooke: If anyone would rush into help…………..

Kaitlin: It’s our brother Chris!!!!!

Brooke: And it sounds like him to do something like that!!!!

Chloe: Anyways, as I was saying I am new to the area, was on my way to the sorority house from college after a meeting of track and field when this all happened. I don’t know my way around, but Chris isn’t bothered by it AT ALL!!!!!! He tells me how nice of an area Aldin is, he comes off as VERY confident, but NOT cocky, and when he is telling me about his job as a chef and what he does on the railroad he seemed VERY passionate. It’s like he REALLY LOVED what he does and doesn’t care what others think.

Brooke: It’s the kind of person he is…………

Kaitlin: He does what he loves, and doesn’t care about what others think…………..

Brooke: If they object, then he says haters are just gonna hate.

Kaitlin: Which is another reason why we both really look up to him.

Chloe: Anyways, after my tire is changed, he gives me the number to his mechanic, whom of which I will visit once I get back, and because of sorority house that I am staying at is just around the corner from his house, he helps guide me over to the sorority house no problem.

Brooke: That is SO MUCH like him!!!!!

Kaitlin: Chris is the type of person who would help out a person in need.

Brooke: He gets that from our Mom.

Chloe: He was just so sweet, and so nice, so I knew I had to add him on Facebook, and Instagram.
I will admit, I have stocked his profiles, but MY GOD!!!!! The food he cooks LOOK SO GOOD!!!!! I MEAN WOW!!!!!!!!

Brooke: I know, Chris is an AMAZING CHEF!!!!!!!

Chloe: Not to mention that Chicken Alfredo and Cheesecake you girls shared with me was UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!
It’s also SO COOL that he beat Bobby Flay twice in his own cooking show on t.v.

Brooke: ISN’T IT???!!!!!

Kaitlin: BROOKE AND I WERE BOTH THERE, BOTH TIMES WHEN IT HAPPENED!!!!!

Brooke: As a cheerleader, I honestly don’t think I ever cheered so hard in my life!!! ESPECIALLY after hearing that the judges liked Chris’s Surf & Turf and Hawaiian Pizza better than Bobby Flay’s.

Kaitlin: When we heard that Chris beat Bobby Flay the first time, we were VERY SHOCKED!!!!!! And the second time we were even more blown away and couldn’t be anymore proud of him than we were then!!!!!

Chloe: After enjoying some of that Chicken Alfredo and Oreo Cookie Cheesecake you girls shared with me, I am beginning to believe why he beat Bobby Flay. LOL!!!!

Brooke: Honestly, it doesn’t really surprise us anymore that he’s beaten Bobby Flay twice given how amazing he really is at cooking. So if they were to face of again………….

Kaitlin: I wouldn’t be so shocked at all if Chris were to beat him again. LOL!!!!

Brooke: Neither would I. Honestly we couldn’t be anymore blessed to have such an amazing brother who’s willing to go out of his way to cook for us these amazing meals.

Kaitlin: Anthony and Andrew unfortunately can’t cook to save their lives, so Anthony hires a chef who’s just okay, while Andrew just always orders take out………

Brooke: But Chris goes above and beyond, and actually cooks for us despite his busy schedule!!!!

Kaitlin: I know!!!!!!

Annabelle: WOW!!!!! Your brother seems like a very sweet and caring young man.

Brooke & Kaitlin: He is, and we love him SO MUCH!!!!!

Brooke: And we noticed that you’ve given him a few pecks on the cheek. *GIGGLES*

Kaitlin: We know there’s something going on!!! *GIGGLES*

Brooke: I can’t help but notice it either!!!! ESPECIALLY while in the train station!!!!

Kaitlin: Is that true?

Chloe: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK & FRANTICALLY WAVES HANDS* HEY, HOLD ON!!!!! YOU MIGHT BE GETTING THE WRONG IDEA!!!!!!

Brooke: We’re totally fine if you are!!!!

Kaitlin: Because you’ve become a good friend to us!!!!!


Chloe: *Blushes Bright Pink* Well,
Brooke: If you like him, then it’s okay!!!!!

Kaitlin: We promise to COMPLETELY support you if you do!!!!

Chloe: Well, OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH…………………… *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* IT’s Just that he’s so sweet, I mean it’s hard NOT to like him………………….He was there for me when no one else was!!!!!! He didn’t even know me and came to help me!!!!!! I guess I maybe a little interested given how he’s been so sweet to me, and isn’t obnoxious like many other boys I’ve met or dated………….
I mean, you don’t meet nice guys like that everyday!!!!!

Brooke: If you REALLY like him, then don’t be afraid to tell him!!!!!

Kaitlin: I’m sure it would mean A LOT to him!!!!!

Brooke: And believe it or not, Chris hasn’t dated anyone in YEARS!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: And it’s because he’s just not in a hurry to rush into something he’s not ready for, and that’s admirable.

Brooke: And if he does find someone, he wants the feeling to be mutual, and he wants it to be sincere.

Chloe: WOW!!!!!!! That’s kinda what I’m looking for after my ex boyfriend and I had a fall out a few months ago!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: OH, I’m so sorry!!!!!

Chloe: It’s okay; it was for the best.

Brooke: But seriously, if you REALLY like Chris please don’t be afraid to tell him.

Chloe: Are you sure???!!!! I mean, I just met you girls, and I don’t want to impose or make you girls feel like I’m taking your brother away from you because I don’t ever want you to think that!!!!

Kaitlin: It’s okay!!!!! You’re very beautiful, very sweet, and so for that we don’t mind at all!!!!

Brooke: You should go for it Chloe!!!!! Don’t hold yourself back from something that could really make you happy………………

Kaitlin: You’ll always have our support; regardless of whatever happens……………………..

Chloe: Thanks girls, it means A LOT. I know I’m a VERY shy girl when it comes to this kind of stuff……….

Kaitlin: Hey, Chris is actually VERY shy as a guy even though he doesn’t look it……….

Brooke: Besides, it’s time our brother got himself a girlfriend to help keep him grounded. *Giggles*

Chloe: Thank you girls!!!!!! You’re really sweet!!!!!!
You are Chris’s little sisters, there’s no denying that given how sweet you both are.

Brooke & Kaitlin: *Blush Bright Pink & Giggle* LOL!!!

Brooke: *Blushes Bright Pink* I’m sorry, we didn’t really mean to hog up so much time………..

Kaitlin: *Blushes Bright Pink* Yeah, so………………

Chloe: *Blushes Bright Pink* You now know who the three of us are, so let’s move onto who’s next. LOL!!!

Annabelle: It’s alright, you girls are totally fine. I’m glad you said what you needed to say because it’s important to be heard, especially when you’re feeling a little stressed out. And we’re all here to listen to one another and support one another, so it’s totally fine!!!!
Now, lets continue introducing ourselves, and while we’re at it, let’s enjoy some s’mores.

Girls: YEAH!!!!!!!

The girls then get back to introducing themselves as they enjoy some nice hot and delicious s’mores.
Meanwhile, barely 10 miles away, Number #5 is highballing along the mainline at a good steady 26 feet per second.
Her fire is burning nicely, her water levels are nice and high, boiler pressure is staying well around 150 PSI, but the Toy Special still has a long ways to go.

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!!!! We’re doing VERY Well Number #5!!!!! Now let’s keep at it!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!


To Be Continued……………………….

Chapter 8

A Promise Must Be Kept!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpBHdbLiBKs

Number #5 is huffing and puffing away along the mainline hauling the Toy Special hard and fast as her speedometer slowly creeps up to 30 feet per second.

Chris: WOAH Number #5!!!!!!  We’re going a little fast there!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Chris: I understand that you’re trying to make up for lost time, but we must do it safely.  We can’t afford to jump the tracks and wreck because of speeding.

Little Number #5 is soon steaming along the BEAUTIFUL coastline on a hillside passing through multiple wharfs, by various piers, harbors, and many fishing boats, ferries, and private yachts are soon spotted along the horizon.
A LOT of fishermen are all shocked to see Little Number #5 hauling the Toy Special along the coastline, for no one has seen a steam engine on the railroad line in over 65 years.

Fisherman: WHAT THE, HOLY SHIT!!!!!

Fisherman: WHAT IS IT????!!!!!

Fisherman: JUST LOOK AT THAT????!!!!!

Fisherman: WHAT THE, MY LORD!!!!!!

Fisherman: WHAT IS A STEAM TRAIN DOING WITH THE TOY SPECIAL!!!!!!

Fisherman: BETTER YET; THAT LOOKS JUST LIKE A TOY PULLING THE TOY SPECIAL!!!!!

Fisherman: THERE HASN’T BEEN A STEAM TRAIN SPOTTED HERE IN OVER 65 YEARS!!!!!!!

Fisherman: I wonder where it came from!!!!!

Number #5’s small size is not enough to stop her, for her fire still burns brightly, and with plenty of water in her water tank, sight glasses, and boiler, plenty of steam on her pressure gauge, and plenty of fuel in her oil tank going to her firebox, Number #5 keeps steaming on with the Toy Special.   The train maybe running late, but it's going to its destination for kids in need just as it has been since 1890, and is never going to stop.

Chris: Alright!!!!!  Good job Number #5, you’re doing great!!!!!  Now let’s keep at it!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Number #5 soon steams by the world renown, Broadmoore Resort, a world class 5-Star Luxury Resort Hotel located along Maine’s Beautiful Coastline that dates back to the 1870s, and was the inspiration to California’s famous Hotel Del Coronado.  

Chris: WOW!!!!!  NOW THAT IS SOMEWHERE I WOULD LOVE TO STAY!!!!!!!  But unfortunately, there’s no time to stop for time’s a wasting, and the children over in Portland are counting on us, so let’s keep on steamin.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!

As Number #5 makes her way along the railroad line, both the early morning freight, milk train and Mail Trains pull off onto passing sidings along the route.
Both engineers Bruno and Al are VERY confused as to why they have to pull their empty train onto a passing siding, as are engineers Mark and Jackie.

Bruno: I don’t know why the dispatcher asked us to move onto the sidings.

Al: It doesn’t make any sense!!!!  

Mark: Jackie, you won’t believe it but the Toy Special is late!!!!

Jackie: WHAT???!!!!!  How and why would it be late????!!!!

The engineers of the 2 trains soon found out as Number #5 comes into view as she steams her way down the line at a full 28 feet per second with the Toy Special in tow.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Al: WHAT THE??????!!!!!!!!!!

Bruno: WHAT ON EARTH HAPPENED TO OLD 302??????!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris shuts Number #5’s throttle and slows her down to a gentle crawl at 5 feet per second as she steams passed the now parked trains.

Al: Hey Christopher?  What’s going on???!!!!

Bruno: Yeah, what happened to Old 302?

Chris: Old 302 has finally broken down after many years of service.

Al: OH MY GOD!!!!!

Chris: Her internal combustion engine blew up, her motor blocks on her wheels caught fire, and her frame has cracked.

Bruno: OH MY GOD, THAT’S TERRIBLE!!!!!!

Chris: There are no other engines around, and the Toy Special is too important of a train to cancel.  Therefor, it’s up to Number #5 and myself to get this train to its destination to make sure those good boys and girls get their toys to play with and good food to eat.  We must get this train delivered to the other side of the mountain just as the railroad always has since 1890.  If we cancel this train, we’d be letting down A LOT of children.

Al: Well good for you for taking the initiative Christopher.  You get the train over to Portland.

Bruno: You 2 be careful, and make sure the train makes it to Portland no matter what.

Chris: You got it!!!!!  This is one promise the railroad intends to keep, as do Number #5 and myself!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!

Little Number #5 continued steaming on, and soon passes by the Mail Train where engineers Mark and Jackie are waiting.

Mark: Hey, what’s going on?

Jackie: Yeah, where’s 302?

Chris: Old 302 blew up on the mainline.

Jackie: WHAT?????!!!!!

Chris: Her diesel engine exploded, her motor blocks caught fire, and part of her frame broke.  With no other engines available, Number #5 and I have no choice but to fill in and take the train, since the Toy Special cannot be cancelled.

Jackie: OH MY GOD!!!!!!  That is AWFUL!!!!!  But you must do what you must!!!!

Mark: There are too many kids counting on us to get the train over to Portland safe and sound.

Chris: The Toy Special is perhaps the railroad’s most important train, since the railroad’s president at the time made the promise to have good toys to play with and good food to eat delivered for the kids in need back on the other side of the mountain in Portland WAY back in December of 1890.  

Jackie: The Toy Special must be delivered no matter what the conditions.

Mark: At first Jackie and I were wondering why we got sidelined, but after what happened with the Toy Special, now we know.  This is too important of a train to stop, and it must make it to its destination.

Jackie: And the Toy Special maybe late, but you know what they say, better late than never.

Mark: Very true.

Chris: Thank you so very much for understanding.

Jackie: Thank you for stepping in in times of need.

Mark: The train must make it to Portland no matter what.

Chris: It will, I promise you that.

Jackie: You be safe Chris.

Chris: We will Jackie.

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!

Chris then opens Number #5’s throttle again, she soon picks up speed again, and is soon highballing down the mainline at 26 feet per second again.
After dropping off the campers at the campsite, Big Joe, and the others take a short layover in the little town of Friendship to enjoy their lunch.  They are getting ready to head back to Aldin, and are soon making their way back to their locomotives when they hear a familiar steam whistle and bell.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!   CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG, CLANG, CLANG, CLANG………………

With the 2 blasts on her whistle and the clanging of her bell, Number #5 steams right through the harbor in Friendship passing the parked empty passenger train that hauled the campers earlier.

Big Joe, Robert, Adam, and John Goss are all shocked, for none of them are expecting to see Number #5 on the point of the Toy Special.

Big Joe: WHAT THE???!!!!  CHRISTIAN????!!!!

Robert: Yeah, what is Number #5 doing on the point of the Toy Special.

John Goss: Uh-Oh!!!!  Something must have happened to Old 302.

Adam: That engine was ready to give out the ghost a long time ago, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it broke down.

Big Joe: You think that’s what happened?

Robert: Come to think of it, Old 302 has been pretty beat up for a while.

John Goss: It’s seen better days, that’s for sure.

Big Joe: With 302 down and no other engines available, then Number #5 is our only hope in getting the Toy Special over to Portland.

Robert: There’s never been a time where we’ve had to cancel the Toy Special, whether it be rain, snow, thunder, a hurricane, or shine.  The Toy Special always made it to Portland no matter what the conditions were since December of 1890.

John Goss: The train may have been late a few times, but it’s never missed a trip.

Adam: And that’s because it’s promise that was made by the railroad’s president back in 1890, that no matter what conditions, the Toy Special will always be there for kids in need every night of the year from then on.

Robert: For this we owe Chris and Number #5 a HUGE thank you when they return home.

Big Joe: Better let Old Man Ernie Know right away.

Robert: Forget Old Man Ernie, we need to inform the boss, John Bowker.

Adam: That’s if they make it.

Big Joe: Knowing Christian, and Number #5, they’ll make it.  Christian maybe young, but he’s mature for his age.  And Number #5 maybe a little engine, but for her small size she sure is powerful!!!!!  Heck it took 2 of our diesels to haul this passenger train into the station, but that little engine hauled it into the station no problem…………………….
What does that tell ya?

Robert: You can never under estimated the power of a steam engine!!!

Adam: And the Toy Special is a MUCH LIGHTER train than this one!!!

John Goss: I know they’ll make it.  They maybe late, but they’ll make it.

As Number #5 continues steaming along the coastline the sun begins to set, and as the sun sets, Number #5 soon steams past the old and beautiful Point Caldron Light House.

Chris: WOW!!!!!!  Would you look at that????!!!!!!  A lighthouse overlooking the horizon on the bay during a sunset is always a beautiful sight.  But when it’s dark out, a Lighthouse really shows its beauty along with all the harbor buoys.  

Little Number #5 can’t get enough of the beautiful scenery for it's something she's never experienced before in her life after working on a plantation hauling sugar cane, hauling tourists in a theme park, and spending the remainder of her life mostly in stored in a warehouse in thousands of pieces.
The coastline is perhaps the most beautiful route she’s ever seen, and she's enjoying every minute of running along it.

Chris: It’s been a VERY LONG time since I’ve been on the Lighthouse Express and seen this beautiful route.  And this is the first time you’ve ever seen this, so I’m glad you and I are getting this once in a life time opportunity to experience it together.

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!

Number #5 can’t agree anymore as she soon steams into a tunnel that leads to the forest reserve near the base of the mountain where the campsite is located.

Chris: Alright, we’re almost half way to Portland and we’re almost down to a quarter a tank of water.  
The Campsite where the girls are staying at has a well for its water supply, and should be good for us to use.
However, we should have enough fuel to last us until Portland, and there should be a Bio Diesel truck readily available once we arrive there.

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!  

Number #5 soon steams her way through the Forest Reserve as nightfall comes.  But little do Chris and Number #5 know that their water stop is gonna be more than just a quick pit stop.

To Be Continued……………………

Chapter 9

I Think I Can!

At the camp site, Brooke, Kaitlin, and Chloe along with the rest of the girls are enjoying delicious hot S’mores around the camp fire while of course talking about guys.

Ella: So Brooke, please tell us, is there anyone you’re crushing on?

Brooke: Hmmmmmmm, well, there is this guy in the automotive club named Charlie who I think is kinda cute. But he’s going into his senior year and WAY OUT of my league.

Ella: UUUUUGGGGGHHHH!!!!! That sucks!!!!! I know what you mean!!!!! I REALLY like Eddie, but again, he’s A LOT older, is the school’s student council president, and is also out of my league.

Chelia: Wendy likes some!!! *Giggles*

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* CHELIA??????!!!!!

Carla: There’s no need to hide it Wendy!!!! Everyone can see that you’ve been crushing on the Cathedral Organ Scholar for months now!!!! I just can’t remember his name though………..

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* OOOOOOOHHHHHHH????!!!!!! His name is Todd Blancher………………He’s 16 making him 3 years older than me……………..

Chelia: And he’s a top honor student who REALLY KNOWS his music. Which is why he’s an organ scholar at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and is applying for Juilliard Musical School for when he graduates……….

Wendy: He’s AMAZING, and is also very sweet.
He's been nothing but kind to me since we first met…………

Chelia: Not to mention he’s REALLY CUTE. However, he’s rather quiet and reserved compared to most boys.

Brooke: That sounds a little TOO familiar!!! *Giggles*

Kaitlin: ESPECIALLY given that Chris is almost the same way. *Giggles*

Carla: It just means that they keep to themselves, and don’t really care about the pressures of society, which is very admirable.

Emily: Hey Kaitlin, don’t you like someone?

Kaitlin: Not really. I mean, I’m not in a hurry, and you know all too well that A LOT of boys are just downright obnoxious!!!!

Kylie: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Chloe: That’s the problem with boys when in both middle school, high school, and college too. Their brains are in the wrong place, and they just wind up hurting us.
So, my advice to you girls is, be careful because what may seem sweet and innocent, may turn out to be the worst heart break you’ll ever feel. I learned that the hard way.

Brooke: What happened if you don’t mind me asking?

Chloe: Well, to put things simple, my ex boyfriend only wanted a casual relationship that was still, “Fun,” but was not up for commitment.

Chelia: Meaning?..................

Chloe: He really only cared about us sleeping together and then doing only things that he wanted to do……………he didn’t really consider my feelings and what I wanted……………….not to mention he wasn’t the most faithful……………

Wendy: I’m sorry…………….

Chloe: Things went downhill after the first time we “Did It” and after a few short months we broke up. And it happened RIGHT before my move here.

Brooke: Again, I’m so sorry that happened.

Chloe: It’s okay!!! If anything good came out of it, I realized what it is I don’t want, and what it is I actually want.

Chelia: That’s a good way of putting it.

Carla: Exactly. It only means you’re closer to finding the right person.

Chloe: Ummmhmmmmm. So I don’t feel too bad that we broke up.

Soon the sounds off huffing and puffing of a familiar steam engine is heard through the distance.

Chloe: What the?

Ella: Is that a train?

Annabelle: Normally the Light House Express doesn’t pass through here until around 12:00 O-clock mid night when everyone’s asleep. Besides I don’t recall the sounds of steam train traveling through here at night.

Chris: Alright Number #5, there’s the camp site, and access to a well shouldn’t be too far from here.

Chris then gives one VERY Loud blast on the whistle followed by one short blast with a………………..

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Brooke, Kaitlin, and Chloe all recognize the sound of Number #5’s whistle.

Brooke: That sounds A LOT like Number #5s whistle!!!!!

Number #5: CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG, CLANG, CLANNNNNNGGGGG……………………

Kaitlin: That is MOST DEFINITELY NUMBER #5’s BELL!!!!!!

Brooke: THERE’S NO MISTAKING IT!!!!!!!

Chloe: GIRLS, LET’S GO CHECK IT OUT!!!!!

Annabelle: Alright, it’s off to train tracks by the camp’s entrance.

With the ringing of her bell, Chris shuts Number #5’s throttle, notches the Johnson Bar/Reverser lever into the far forward corner, before gently applying the brakes, and bringing Number #5 to a gentle stop.
Chris then throws the Johnson Bar/Reverser lever in reverse, gives one blast on Number #5’s whistle before climbing on top of her tender tank, and grabbing ahold of the fire hose.
Chris then climb down the tender ladder located on the rear of Number #5’s water tank, hops off the locomotive, attaches the hose to Number #5’s syphon hose nozzle outlet located on the bottom of the tender tank beneath the rear sub frame, before running the hose out a fair distance.

Chris: Okay, now there should be a water nozzle outlet for the well around here somewhere…………………………AHHHHH-HAAAAAAAAA HERE IT IS!!!!!!!

Chris quickly attaches the fire hose to the nozzle outlet on the campsite’s well water supply before opening up the valve and sending water rushing to Number #5’s water tank.

Chris: And while we’re filling up, now would be a good time to top off your automatic McCoy oiler, and valve gear.

Chris then grabs Number #5’s oil can, and goes around her oiling up her valve gear, and topping off the oil levels in the hydrostatic lubricator, and automatic McCoy oiler when…………….

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Chris: What is it girl?????!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Number #5 then opens up her steam injectors causing steam to go ALL OVER the place, covering up herself, Chris, and the entire front section on the Toy Special.

Chris: HEY, WHAT THE???!!!!! NUMNBER #5, I CAN’T SEE ANYTHING!!!!! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO OIL UP YOUR VALVE GEAR ECCENTRIC STRAPS IF I CAN’T SEE?????!!!!

Brooke, Kaitlin, Chloe, Annabelle, along with the entire assigned Camp Squad soon show up to the railroad tracks only to find a bunch of clouds smoke and steam blowing all over the place.

Brooke: WHAT THE????!!!!

Chloe: I CAN’T SEE A THING!!!!!

Carla: SOMETHING LOOKS SUSPICIOUS!!!!!

Kaitlin: IT’S NUMBER #5 ALRIGHT!!!!!

Soon the clouds of steam slowly lift when the shine of light from the headlamp comes into view. Then the beautiful copper cap stack comes into view followed by the brass top of the box headlamp, then the gold leaf silhouette of a beautiful American steam locomotive on the sides of the headlamp comes into view along with the gloss black headlamp bracket, then the brass front number spot plate and brass builders plate, followed by the beautiful red cow-catcher with delicate pin stripes along with the gloss black pilot deck and gloss black smoke box supports, crimson red pilot guide wheels with little golden yellow stars on the center hubs, then the beautiful brass bell, red bell clapper and red bell interior, red and pin-striped bell cradle with the brass acorn bolt on top, then comes the beautiful red sand dome with delicate gold leafing, the red steam dome with a large gold brass center, the dark lunar blue boiler jacket with brass boiler bands and handrails, brass lining along the running boards, the red and brass cylinder engine jackets, the side rods and crimson red drive wheels with golden yellow stars on the center hubs, the glowing firebox, the large bright red cab with the delicate pin stripes, the glowing cab oil lights, large red oversized tender tank with beautiful gold leafing, gloss black swing bolster tender bogie with red wheels, and Chris with his oil can all come into view.

Chris: FINALLY I CAN SEE AGAIN!!!! WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT NUMBER #5?

Chris then sees Brooke and Kaitlin as they come running up to him and nearly tackling him to the ground.

Brooke & Kaitlin: CHRISSY!!!!!!!!!!

Brooke: OH MY GOD!!!!! THANK GOD YOU’RE ALRIGHT!!!!!!

Kaitlin: WE WERE WORRIED SICK ABOUT YOU!!!!!!

Chris: Worried, why? What’s wrong? Is everything alright?

Chloe: CHRIS!!!!!! THANK GOD!!!!!!

Chloe just runs up to Chris, and wraps her arms around him with a big hug.

Girls: AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!

Chloe: WE TRIED TO CALL YOU MULTIPLE TIMES FOR HOURS, BUT YOU NEVER RESPONDED!!!!!!! WE ALL PROMISED THAT WE’D CALL YOU ONCE WE ARRIVED HERE, AND SO WE DID, BUT YOU NEVER ANSWERED!!!!!!!!
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED WE’VE BEEN?????!!!!!!! WE THOUGHT SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU!!!!!!

Brooke: IT’S NOT LIKE YOU TO NOT ANSWER YOUR PHONE!!!!!

Kaitlin: YOU ALWAYS ANSWER!!!!!! AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, AND WITH YOU NOT ANSWERING, WE ALL GOT SCARED AND THOUGHT SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU!!!!!!

Brooke: BUT THANK GOODNESS YOU’RE OKAY, AND YOU’RE HERE WITH US!!!!!! BUT……………..

Chloe: WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ANYWAYS??????!!!!!!!!

Chris ss lost and confused at first, but then notices that his phone is not in his pocket as he searches.

Chris: WHAT THE?????!!!!!! That’s strange, it’s not here???!!!!!

Chloe: What’s not????!!!!

Chris: My cellphone. It’s normally in my pocket, but for some reason it’s not.

Chris then climbs back into Number #5’s cab, and checks everywhere until he finds it in her bright orange toolbox on her tender tank.

Chris: AHHHHHH, HERE IT IS!!!!!

Chris then grabs ahold of his phone and sees that he has over 250 missed phone calls and over 50 voice mails left.

Chris: WOW!!!!!!! 250 missed calls, and over 50 voice mails!!!!! How could I have been so dumb????!!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!! CLANG-CLANG!!!!!!

Number #5 reminds Chris of all the chaos that happened earlier after shortly Chris returned from church, and it then dawns on Chris on what had happened.

Chris: NOW IT MAKES SENSE!!!!!!! GIRLS, IT’S been a CRAZY night, I don’t know where to start.
But there’s a VERY GOOD reason why Number #5 and I are here.
After I return to the railroad yard after church around 6:00 O-Clock, practically ALL HELL breaks loose. LOL!!!
What you’re looking at right now is perhaps the MOST IMPORTANT train in our entire operation. This is the Toy Special, and it’s normally the last train to leave the railroad yard, which is around 6:30 p.m. every night. Given its small size the train is normally handled by our oldest and smallest diesel locomotive, Old 302, but something went terribly.

Brooke: NO WAY!!!!!

Kaitlin: WHAT HAPPENED!!!!!

Chris: Old 302 broke down on the main line after its internal combustion engine exploded, the motor blocks caught fire, and the rear end of the frame cracked.
In the mist of the chaos, I then get Number #5 back up to pressure, and she hauls the train back into the station. Engineers Ryan and Jonathan along with Conductor Eric, then stay behind to write a report on the break down.
With no other engines available, and no other crews left, except for Conductor Ruben, Number #5 and I have no choice but to take the Toy Special over to Portland in Old 302’s place.

Chloe: OH MY GOD!!!!!

Chris: The reason that the Toy Special is such an important train is because all the toys along with the good food that’s loaded up in these train cars, is all going to kids in need over in Portland. Whether they’d be sick kids in the hospital, homeless kids in the shelter, severely disabled kids in the care center, or orphaned kids in the orphanage, they all count on this train to follow through with the deliveries.
Ever since December of 1890, when the railroad’s president promised that the Toy Special be a nightly run, this train has NEVER missed a single run in its history. Whether it be rain, snow, thunder & lightening, a hurricane, tsunami, flash flood, landslide, or a break down, the Toy Special always made its trip from Aldin to Portland. There were times when the Toy Special was late, but never a time where the Toy Special had to cancel a run. If we were to cancel this train, we’d be letting a lot of good children down, and that’s something that the railroad can NEVER live with.
I may not be licensed to operate a locomotive over a public road, nor does my contract allow me to run Number #5 out of the railroad yard, and Number #5 maybe a small engine, but that’s not stopping us from making sure that the Toy Special makes its way to Portland safe and sound.
We maybe late, but this isn’t the first time the Toy Special has been late, it won’t be the last, and at least it’s getting to Portland to follow through with the promise that was made back in 1890.

All the girls are flabbergasted, especially Brooke, Kaitlin, and Chloe, for they have no idea that an emergency situation like this could ever happen.

Chris: While all the chaos was going on, I must have thrown my cellphone into the toolbox. I was listening for radio calls, and constantly having to respond, so I couldn’t have any distractions such as phone calls.

Conductor Ruben jumps off the caboose and makes his way up to the engine to inform Chris about the time.

Conductor Ruben: Captain, it’s almost 10:00 O-Clock, and time is a wasting…………

Chris: I understand Ruben, and after we’re done taking on water, we’ll be on our way.

Conductor Ruben: Alright, sounds good!!!!

Chris: The reason why we’re stopped here is because the campsite is home to a well that happens to be your water supply. And given that Number #5 is a steam engine, we need to have water to continue our journey. With no water, we can’t have steam, and if we can’t have steam, then we’ll end up stranded on the mainline.
So, once we’re done, we’ll be on our way to Portland once again.

Chloe then understands that Chris is on an important mission and knows that Chris has to follow through.

Chloe: WOW!!!! I had no idea that this was so important, but I now fully understand what’s going on. You’re on a mission, and you can’t stop until it’s complete. I’m sorry if I came off as a worry wart, but I really care about you, and was very worried that something bad happened to you.

Chris: No Chloe, I’m sorry. I should not have thrown my phone into the toolbox during the chaos. I should have returned your calls and informed you what’s going on.
I Could have at least sent you girls a text in acknowledgement of your safe arrival, so you had every right to be worried.

Chloe: It’s okay. You were caught in the middle of an emergency, and I think you’re doing a wonderful thing!!!!! You’re a very sweet and caring guy, and you have my full support.

Chris: Brooke & Kaitlin, I’m so sorry that I never returned your calls. I feel terrible for letting you girls worry like that and could have at least texted you in acknowledgement.

Brooke: We forgive you Chris, and besides we all make mistakes.

Kaitlin: You were in an emergency, so it’s okay.

Chris: To be honest, and to be fair, we should have seen this coming. Old 302 is a VERY old 45-ton Center Cab Diesel locomotive that dates back to 1944. Most of her parts are original from when she was built, and she suffered DECADES of corrosion during her career while in Hawaii. She’s also VERY beat up and literally falling apart, so she has seen better days. It was just a matter of time before she gave out the ghost.
Number #5 on the other hand maybe a MUCH OLDER engine, given that she was built by Baldwin back in 1902, but most of her original Baldwin parts are gone. In fact, she’s practically a brand new engine, supporting a new boiler, new cylinders, new pistons, new valve steam chests, new frame, new wheels, new axles, new cab, new water tank, new pilot deck, new headlamp bracket, new stack cap, and new whistle. The valve gear and drive rods have been machined to as new condition, the domes have been refurbished, the bell has been restored, the smoke stack has been sand blasted and recoated, the cylinder saddle has been heavily cleaned and repainted, and the headlamp from 1963 has also been completely redone. So the very few original parts that remain on Number #5 are in as new condition.
Overall, Number #5’s practically the youngest locomotive on the railroad from a mechanical view point.
Given that she’s only used as a switcher, Number #5 has barely broken in from her rebuild 3 years ago.
If Number #5 breaks down, I can contact the restoration shop that rebuilt her to build the new replacement parts from scratch, and once they arrive I can put em on ASAP. Whereas if an old diesel locomotive like Old 302 breaks down, we either need a good dead donor engine to rob from or spend BIG MONEY tracking down the parts we need from across the continent. They don’t make parts for a Vintage 1944 Whitcomb Center Cab Diesel locomotive anymore.
With that being said, we should have been better prepared, and thought more about getting an emergency back-up engine and crew to haul the Toy Special. However, it looks like Number #5 and I are now the emergency back up, so go figure. LOL!!!!
Anyways, those kids can’t be left hanging, and like I said before, this train is WAY too important to cancel.

Chloe: Chris, you’re very sweet, and I think you’re doing a wonderful thing. Again, I am so sorry coming off as an annoying worry wart………………..

Chris: Don’t worry about it Chloe, I take full responsibility on my end…………………

Chloe then gives Chris a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Chris: *Blushes Dark Red* Thanks Chloe, I…………I………kinda needed that given the chaos that’s been happening tonight………….LOL!!!

Chloe: *Blushes Bright Pink & Giggles* Of course…………..no problem……….LOL!!!

Girls: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!

Ruben then notices that the water tank is starting to over flow.

Conductor Ruben: OH CHRIS, YOUR WATER?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!|

Chris: OH FLYIN, FUCKEN, SHIT!!!!!!!!

Chris scrambles over to the well, shuts off the water, disconnects the fire hose from the outlet nozzles on both the locomotive and the well, rolls it up, and places it back on top of Number #5’s tender tank.
Chris then goes around Number #5, and finishes oiling up her valve gear, before climbing on top of the fuel tank, pulling out the dipstick and checking the fuel level.
And so far, everything’s checking out well, for Number #5 still has plenty of fuel left to burn, has a full tank of water, has all over her valves oiled, all of her lubricators topped off, and a full head of steam on her pressure gauge.

Chris: Alrighty, Ruben the water tank is full, we still have plenty of fuel, we’re all oiled up, and we’re good to go.

Brooke: You be careful Chris.

Kaitlin: We’re so proud of you Chris!!!!!

Brooke: We know you’re gonna make it!!!!!!

Kaitlin: Take good care Number #5!!!!!!

Brooke and Kaitlin wrap their arms around Chris as Chloe comes over to say her last good bye.

Chloe: By the way before you go, I’d like you to meet Annabelle, our head counselor.
Annabelle, this is Chris, my good friend.

Chris: It’s very nice to meet you.

Annabelle: It’s very nice to meet you too Chris. Now you take care and be safe.

Chris: I will mam, I promise.
Let’s go Ruben!!!!

Conductor Ruben: Aye, aye Sir!!!!

As Chris make his way back to Number #5’s cab, Chloe grabs Chris by the hand.

Chloe: CHRIS WAIT!!!!!!

Chris: Yes, Chloe………………..

Chloe takes huge gulp and a deep breath before buckling down and telling Chris the truth.

Chloe: *Blushes Bright Pink* Chris, I know that I haven’t known you for very long, and I just met your sisters, but you’re so sweet and so nice, you’re very humble, and I like that very much about you. So please promise me that you won’t change.

Chris: No problem Chloe.

Chloe: *Blushing Bright Pink* Chris, I also REALLY like you, a lot……………………..

Chris smiles as a couple tears of joy poured down his face.

Chris: I know; and thank you so very much; it really means a lot. You’re a sweet and wonderful girl Chloe, and very beautiful too.
I’d really like to get to know you more.

Chloe instantly beams in tears of joy as Chris climbs into Number #5’s cab while Conductor Ruben makes his way back to the caboose and gets on his radio.

Conductor Ruben: Okay Captain, I’m ready when you are!!!!!! ALL ABOARD!!!!!!!

Chris: HIGH BALL ENGINE 5!!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!! CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG…………………………..

With 3 blasts on her whistle, the ringing of her bell, and the opening of her cylinder drain cocks, Number #5 and the Toy Special back up a good few hundred yards from the campsite to get a good running start before tackling the nasty 2.5% percent grade that lies ahead.
After backing up a good distance, Chris soon shuts Number #5’s throttle, and brings her to a full and complete stop before throwing her Johnson Bar/Reverser lever forward, and giving one blast on the whistle.

Chris: Alrighty Number #5, your pressure’s good, water level’s good, fuel level’s good, and your valves are all oiled up. It’s time to make a running start and get this train over the mountain to Portland.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG…………………………….I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN!!!!!!!!!

With 2 blasts on the whistle, and constant ringing of the bell, Chris opens Number #5’s throttle all the way, and Number #5 takes off down the mainline nearly maxing out her speedometer at a WHOPPING 32 feet per second.

Number #5 gives a VERY LONG blast on her whistle followed by one short blast on her whistle with a………………………………………..

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As she comes charging down the line with her pistons pounding, firebox roaring and vibrating, air compressor huffing and puffing, smoke stack barking, head, cab, and marker lamps shining, smoke and fireboxes glowing red hot, and bell ringing with the Toy Special in tow.
All the girls in the camp wave goodbye as Number #5 makes a mad dash for the mountain that separate the camp site and Forest Reserve from the Big City Of Portland.

Brooke, Kaitlin, and Chloe are cheering, shouting, and waving the hardest of all the girls.

Brooke: GOOD NIGHT CHRISSY!!!!!!! YOU AND NUMBER #5 BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!! AND YOU BETTER COME BACK SAFE!!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU CHRISSY AND NUMBER #5!!!!!!!!! I KNOW YOU 2 WILL MAKE IT!!!!!!!! NOW YOU KNOCK EM DEAD!!!!!!!!!!

Chloe: GOOD NIGHT CHRIS!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE COME BACK SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chloe then blows a kiss at Chris and Number #5 as the train vanishes off into the night.

Brooke: Way to go Chloe!!!!!!

Kaitlin: I’m so proud of you!!!!!!

Brooke: Now he knows how you feel!!!!!!

Annabelle: What a fine young man!!!! You have VERY good taste Chloe!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: That she does!!!!! *Giggle*

Chloe: *Blushes Bright Pink* Thank you so very much girls, you’re all VERY sweet about everything!!!!

Emily: Hey, it looks like he might like you back!!!!

Kylie: He didn’t say thanks but I don’t feel that way about you, and that’s a good sign!!!!!

Ella: He did say that you’re a sweet and wonderful girl!!!!!

Kimmie: And he said you’re beautiful too!!!!

Alexis: He also said that he’d like to get to know you more!!!!!

Wendy: AWWWWWW!!!! He’s the sweetest boy ever!!!!!

Chelia: And he’s so cool!!!!!

Carla: He’s also very well mannered!!!!

Chloe: I know, and I’m so happy!!!!!! I’d REALLY like to get to know him too!!!

Jenny: It looks like he’s taking it into A LOT of consideration.

Annabelle: I wouldn’t get your hopes up, but things look VERY good. If a guy thanks you like that and compliments you, then it’s a VERY good sign.

Brooke: But it’s also true, you are a very sweet and beautiful girl Chloe.

Kaitlin: And Chris would be VERY lucky to have you.

Chloe: Thanks Girls, you’re so sweet!!!!!! I don’t wanna rush anything since my boyfriend and I did just break up. But I REALLY like Chris a lot, so let’s hope for the best. 

As the lights from the caboose fade off into the forest, the girls all head back to their cabin for the night, since it’s almost their curfew.

Annabelle: Alright girls, it’s time to return to our cabin and go to bed. We have a big day ahead of us.
Also Chloe, since you like track and field as well as diving, feel free to branch off to those activities tomorrow during slow times.

Chloe: Thank you so very much Annabelle, I might just do that!!!!

Back on the Toy Special, Number #5 is steaming hard and fast towards the mountain as her speedometer is now maxing out at the full 35 feet per second.

Number #5: I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris: I KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS NUMBER #5, I KNOW YOU CAN!!!!!! I KNOW YOU CAN, I KNOW YOU CAN, I KNOW YOU CAN, I KNOW YOU CAN!!!!!!!

The gradient begins to change, and Number #5 begins to climb, but as the gradient gets steeper, Number #5 slows down to 15 feet per second, and the train cars are REALLY beginning to feel heavy.

Number #5: I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN!!!!!!!!

Chris: YOU CAN DO IT NUMBER #5!!!!!!! YOU CAN MAKE IT!!!!!!! WE CAN MAKE IT!!!!!!!! WE CAN MAKE IT IF WE TRY!!!!!!!!

Number #5 soon steams higher and higher into the mountains, and although the train is feeling VERY heavy, it’s not enough to slow the little engine down below 13 feet per second. Little Number #5 is on a mission to get the train safely over the mountain to the Big City of Portland.

Number #5: I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!


To Be Continued……………………….

Chapter 10

Over The Mountain, Nothing Can Stop Us Now!!!!

With much puffing and wheel slip, Little Number #5 hauls the Toy Special up the mountain at a steady 13 feet per second.
The train is heavy and the hard work makes Number #5’s fire burn fiercely as she battles the steep 2 ½ % percent grade, but despite the heavy load, Number #5 continues steaming up the hill.

Chris: COME ON NUMBER #5!!!!!  YOU CAN MAKE IT!!!!!  WE CAN MAKE IT!!!!!!!

Chris then pours a small can of sand into Number #5’s firebox through her firebox door’s peep hole as she struggled up the hill.  The sand that is being poured into her firebox, gets sucked in through the boiler’s heat tubes to clean all soot from the tubes, and help allow the boiler tubes to conduct heat better to provide Number #5 with more power to climb the grade.

Number #5: I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN!!!!!!

Up, up, up……………….faster and faster, Little Number #5 continues hauling the Toy Special up the mountain with all her might with her fire burning brightly.
And the harder Number #5 pulls, the more her speed increases, and the more her speed increases, the easier the climb becomes.

Chris: OH MY GOD NUMBER #5 YOU ARE DOING IT; YOU ARE DOING IT!!!!!!!!!  THAT A GIRL NUMBER #5, THAT A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!

As Number #5 continues climbing up the mountain she soon steams her way through multiple tunnels, over multiple steel trestle bridges, behind various waterfalls, and over gorges.

Number #5: PUFF-PUFF PUFF-PUFF, PUFF-PUFF PUFF-PUFF, PUFF-PUFF PUFF-PUFF…………I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN!!!!!!!!

Rounding a bend, Number #5 soon struggles up an EXTREMELY steep 4 and ½ percent grade at an extremely slow speed of only 6 feet per second.  However, as slow as she’s going, the steep grade is still not enough to stop Number #5 from doing her job.

Chris: Time for some more sand!!!!!

Once again Chris opens up Number #5’s peep hole on her firebox door, and pours a can full of sand into her firebox, and of course this most definitely helps Number #5 pull the train up the VERY steep grade!!!!!

Chris: YOU’RE DOING GREAT NUMBER #5!!!!!  YOU’RE DOING AMAZING!!!!!!

Rounding another bend, Number #5 soon steams over a HUGE steel viaduct known as the Devil’s Gate Viaduct.  The high bridge is 600 feet long, 200 feet high, and spans a massive gorge and rushing river.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

With a blast on her whistle, Number #5 continues puffing with all her might as she tows the Toy Special over the Devil’s Gate Viaduct.

Chris: WOW!!!!  NOW THAT IS A VERY LONG DROP!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!

Chris: Now that I think about it, we’re halfway up the mountain and almost to the top!!!!!  The rest of the gradient is ONLY 1 and a half to 2% percent!!!!!
YOU’VE GOT THIS NUMBER #5!!!!!  YOU’VE GOT THIS GIRL!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!

As Number #5 steams off the Devil’s Gate Viaduct, the gradient begins to flatten out, and Number #5’s speed soon picks up back to a decent 18 feet per second.

Chris: ALRIGHT, THAT A GIRL NUMBER #5!!!!!  NOT MUCH FARTHER FROM HERE!!!!!!

Then suddenly out of nowhere it begins to rain, and when it rains, it pours in buckets.  
Wind and rain are soon bucketing on Number #5, and water is soon pouring into the cab dousing Chris.

Chris: FLYIN FUCKEN SHIT!!!!!  THERE WAS NO MENTION OF RAIN IN THE FORECAST!!!!!!!

Thunder and lightening begin striking near the railroad line as Number #5 continues soldiering on through the storm.
Back at the camp site at the base of the mountain, Brooke, Kaitlin, and Chloe are about ready to hit the sack along with the rest of the girls as the storm strikes with a VERY LOUD……………….

BANG, BANG!!!!!!!!

Brooke, Kaitlin, Ella, Emily, Kimmie, Kylie, Jenny, Lexi, Maddie, Alexis, Carla, Chelia, Wendy, and even Chloe along with all the other girls freak out, for all of them are terrified of thunder and lightening.

All Girls: *FREAK OUT AND SCREAM!* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Brooke: MY GOD I HATE THUNDER & LIGHTENING!!!!!!

Kaitlin: IT ALWAYS SCARES ME TO DEATH!!!!!

Chloe: I KNOW I’M 22 AND SHOULD HAVE GROWN OUT OF THIS BY NOW, BUT I AM STILL TERRIFIED OF THUNDER & LIGHTENING!!!!!!

Kimmie: I DON’T LIKE IT EITHER!!!!!

Emily: IT SCARES ME TOO!!!!

Maddie: MY GOD WHY NOW OF ALL TIMES?????!!!!

Wendy: I REALLY HATE THUNDER AND LIGHTENING!!!!!

Chelia: ME TOO!!!!!

Carla: THAT MAKES THREE OF US!!!!!

Annabelle: GIRLS, IT’S OKAY!!!!  We’re all gonna be fine!!!  This isn’t the first time we’ve encountered thunderstorms.

Kylie: BUT THERE WAS NO MENTION OF THEM IN THE FORECAST!!!!!

Jenny: IF I KNEW, I WOULD HAVE STAYED AT HOME!!!!!

Annabelle: You can never predict the weather all the time, and unfortunately thunder storms happen when you least expect them.

Brooke and Kaitlin suddenly realize that both Chris and Number #5 are still out there in the horrible storm.

Brooke & Kaitlin: OH MY GOD!!!!!  CHRIS AND NUMBER #5!!!!!!!

Chloe: OH MY GOD YOU’RE RIGHT!!!!!!  THEY’RE STILL OUT THERE IN THIS WEATHER!!!!!!!

Chloe gets out her phone and tries dialing Chris, but unfortunately Chris is WAY far out of range.

Chloe: UUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHH, NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!  I’M NOT GETTING THROUGH TO HIM!!!!!!!!

Brooke: OH NO!!!!!  THERE IS NO RECEPTION OUTSIDE OF CAMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: AWWWWWWWWW MAN!!!!!!  WHY, NOW OF ALL TIMES ARE CHRIS AND NUMBER #5 OUTSIDE IN THIS AWFUL WEATHER??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With MUCH puffing and wheel slip, Number #5 struggles on as she hauls the train up the mountain through the awful storm.
The hard work has her fire burning so fiercely that the silhouette of the actual firebox and stay bolts can be seen through the firey hot metal of the firebox area, and the silhouette of the petticoat pipes can be seen through the red hot metal of the smoke box.

Chris: DAMN!!!!!  WE ARE GOING THROUGH A LOT OF FUEL AND WATER AND FAST!!!!!!!  

Chris then jumps on top of Number #5’s tender tank, and opens up her water hatch.

Chris: I KNOW IT’S SMALL QUANTITIES, BUT WE NEED EVERY OUNCE OF WATER WE CAN GET!!!!!!  BUT TO KEEP YOUR TUBES SAFE………………

Chris opens up Number #5’s toolbox, gets out an emergency supply of water chemical treatment, and pours the bottle into the water tank to help keep Number #5’s boiler tubes safe from corrosion.

Chris: ALRIGHT, IF WE COLLECT ENOUGH RAIN WATER, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO PORTLAND!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Number #5 continues steaming bravely on through the storm, but little do she and Chris know that they are almost at the top of the mountain, and not too far from reaching the other side.

Chris: COME ON NUMBER #5 YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!  WE CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THIS STORM!!!!!!!!

Number #5: I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN!!!!!!!!!!

SUDDENLY…………………….Number #5’s speed is soon picking up to 22 feet per second and the train is slowly beginning to feel lighter and lighter.

Chris: WAIT A MINUTE!!!!!  YOUR SPEEDOMETER…………….IT’S ALMOST AT 25 FEET PER SECOND!!!!!  THAT MEANS WE HAVE CRESTED THE GRADE AND REACHED THE TOP!!!!!!!!!!

AND THEY HAVE!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Whistling in triumph, Number #5 soon rounds a bend through beautiful rock formations and steams out onto a beautiful vista overlooking the beautiful forest reserve, coastline, and………………

Chris: THERE IT IS!!!!!!!!!  THE BIG CITY OF PORTLAND!!!!!!!!!  It’s all downhill from here Number #5!!!!!!!

Chris soon closes Number #5’s firing valve until her fire is down to a simple spot fire to help conserve what’s left of her fuel as she begins to gently coast down the mountain.
But the weather still isn’t showing any mercy for the wind only grows more violent, and slowly begins blowing the tarp off the first gondola located directly behind Number #5.

Chris: SHIT!!!!!!!  Number #5, do you mind handling part of the downhill descend, we could be in danger of losing some of the toys if the canvas on the first gondola blows off!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!

Number #5 understands and tries to keep her speed under control as Chris climbs onto Number #5’s tender tank, climbs down her tender ladder, and grabs onto the handrails of the gondola in attempt to tie the canvas tarp back down.

Chris: OKAY, NOW WHERE DO I…………….

Suddenly Number #5 steams into a tunnel and all is dark!!!!!  Chris can’t see a single thing when……………

Chris: WHAT THE?????!!!!!!

A stuffed animal comes flying out of gondola and hit Chris in the face when………..

Chris: GOT IT!!!!!!  

Chris catches the plushy before it can blow away and be lost forever.

Chris: WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE A SINGLE TOY OFF THIS TRAIN!!!!!  THOSE KIDS NEED THESE!!!!!!!

Chris throws the plushie back into the gondola and sets back to work tying down the canvas tarp when………………

SNAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A handrail had breaks loose out of the gondola’s wood rot causing Chris to lose his grip and fall.

Chris: OH SHIT……………..

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!  (CHRIS NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!)

Number #5 freaks out, as she hears Chris fall off the gondola.  Number #5 then slams on her brakes, causing Chris’s face to scrape against the side of the gondola, but it also allows Chris to grab onto another handrail just in time.

Chris: THAT WAS A CLOSE CALL!!!!!!!

Number #5: WEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSHHHH!!!!!!!

Weeshing a sigh of relief, Number #5 releases her brakes and continues coasting down the hill.
Judging his moment, Chris ties down the ropes holding the canvas tarp on top of the gondola and secures it down good and tight on both sides.

Chris: OKAY I GOT IT!!!!!!

Chris then carefully makes his way back to the front of the gondola car, climbs up Number #5’s tender ladder, and back on top of her tender tank when he noticed his nasty scrapes.

Chris: DAMN!!!!!  I REALLY took a beating on both hands, my left arm, and no doubt the face too!!!!!

Holding out his hand, rain water cleans the blood from Chris’s wounds as her opens up Number #5’s toolbox and reached for the first aid kit.
Once the wounds are cleaned, Chris hops off of Number #5’s tender tank and back into her cab before gently treating and dressing the wounds as the rain gently begins to subside to a regular downpour.

Chris: THAT WAS FUN!!!!!!

A hot steam valve comes flying off of Number #5’s injector branch pipe and hits Chris right in the face.  Steam then gushed ALL OVER CHRIS!!!!!!!!

Chris: OWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!  WHAT WAS THAT FOR??????!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!  CLANG, CLANG-CLANG CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG, CLANG, CLAAAAAANNGGGGGGGGG……………………………….(IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!  I ALMOST LOST YOU!!!!  DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I WAS?????!!!!!  YOU COULD HAVE DIED!!!!!!  WE STILL HAVE PLENTY OF FUEL TO MAKE IT TO PORTLAND, SO YOU SHOULD HAVE STOPPED ME AND THEN TIE DOWN THE TARP BEFORE WE KEEP ON GOING!!!!)

Chris then sees that Number #5 is angry at him for scaring her half to death, for he could have been killed having nearly fallen off the freight car while attempting to tie down and re-secure the tarp.

Chris: You were worried about me, weren’t you?

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!! (OF COURSE I WAS)

A couple tears pour down Number #5’s head and side marker lamps, for losing Chris is a heart breaking thought she’d never want to think about.

Chris: I’m sorry for worrying you like that, I should have been more careful.  And you’re right, we should have stopped, and I should have then resecured the tarp.  NOT while you’re still in motion at 20 feet per second.   A short minute or 2 stopped to secure a tarp safely is most definitely the way to go compared to the cost of a life?  I know Chloe and my sisters will NEVER let me hear the end of it once they find out.  Speaking of which, I must text them ASAP to let em know that we’ve made it over to the other side of the mountain.
Anyways, It’s downhill, we won’t be using much more fuel than we already are, and I shouldn’t have been so stupid.

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!! (It’s okay!  Just be more careful next time.)

Chris: Thank you so much for your concern Number #5.  It really means a lot.   You’re my best friend, and I’d be screwed without you.
Now we’re on the other side of the mountain and Portland isn’t too far away!!!!  WE’VE GOT THIS NUMBER #5 AND I AM PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!  I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD!!!!!!!!!

The rain soon lightens up dramatically as Number #5 gently coasts down to the other side of the mountain.  It’s all downhill and Portland is in plain sight.
Back at the camp site, the girls are all still worried about Chris……………….

Chloe: NOOOOOOOO!!!!!  WHY IS THE RECEPTION SO BAD?????!!!!!!!

Brooke: THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But suddenly………………….

Kaitlin: GIRLS, I JUST GOT A TEXT FROM CHRIS!!!!!!!!  HE AND NUMBER #5 ARE OKAY!!!!!!

Brooke: REALLY?????!!!!!!

Chloe: THANK GOD!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: THEY’VE JUST MADE IT TO THE OTHERSIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN AND ARE ON THEIR WAY TO PORTLAND!!!!!!!!

Brooke: HE JUST TEXTED ME TOO!!!!!!!  EVERYTHING’S OKAY!!!!!!

Chloe: SAME HERE!!!!!!!!  AND JUST WISHED ME A GOOD NIGHT!!!!!!

Girls: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!

Chloe: GOOD NIGHT SWEETIE!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: GOOD NIGHT CHRISSY, WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

The girls then all hit the sack and go to sleep, happy to know that Chris and Number #5 were safe and on their way to the Big City of Portland.

Chris: I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!!!!  WE ARE OVER THE MOUNTAIN AND NEAR THE BASE!!!!!!!!!  NOTHING CAN STOP US NOW NUMBER #5!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!  I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD!!!!!!


To Be Continued………………………………..

Chapter 11

Safely In Portland At Last

As Number #5 gently coasts down to the bottom of the mountain, the rain slowly subsides to a gentle shower, and it is now an easy straight shot to the Big City of Portland.
Number #5 makes a short stop to take on a quick drink of water at an old tower at the base of the mountain.
Conductor Ruben comes up to the cab to help Chris top of the water tank.

Conductor Ruben: WOW!!!! That was quite the storm there, Captain!!!!

Chris: YOU’RE TELLING ME!!!! Number #5 and I got thrown for a loop.

Conductor Ruben: Are you sure you’re alright, because you got pretty banged up by strapping down the tarps. You’re bleeding pretty badly there.

Chris: Yes, I’m fine. Again, we should have stopped to have them tied down before resuming motion. I still have a quarter tank of fuel left, and that’s just enough to get us to Portland.

Conductor Ruben: I’m glad you’ve learned your lesson, but I’m sorry that you almost had to learn it the hard way. Let’s try not to have repeat of that, otherwise your sisters will never let the railroad hear the end of it!!!!

Chris: Got that right!!!!! LOL!!!!! They may seem VERY sweet and innocent, but they can be VERY vicious if you piss them off. LOL!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: Let’s not forget Chloe though; she seems like a VERY sweet girl who cares about you.

Chris: She is a wonderful girl and I do like her………………

Conductor Ruben: Then you should go for her!!!! I don’t really see any reason why you shouldn’t.

Chris: We’ll see. We gotta get the Toy Special safely to Portland, and make a safe journey home first.

Conductor Ruben: Good point.

At long last, Number #5’s water tank is once again full.

Chris: Alright, looks like we’re full and good to resume our trip.

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!

With the 2 blasts of her whistle, Number #5 gets back to work on hauling the Toy Special on its final leg of the journey as the Big City of Portland gets closer and closer into view.

Chris: WE’RE ALMOST THERE NUMBER #5!!!!!!

Number #5’s fire glows brighter and brighter as she steams her way out of the forest, through a tunnel, and once again back along the beautiful coast line.
Over in the Big City Of Portland, it’s 12:00 O-Clock mid-night, and there’s no sign of the Toy Special.
The Station Master Edward and Conductor Rick are getting very worried.

Station Master Edward: It’s 12:00 midnight and the Toy Special should have radioed that it’s on the final stretch!!!!!

Conductor Rick: We were told that the engine pulling the Toy Special had blown up after barely leaving the yards, and that there was no replacement engine available to pull it.

Station Master Edward: Oh no, what do we tell all the children who are counting on that train? Never once since December of 1890, has the Toy Special ever had to cancel on us.
For once those good little boys and girls won’t have any good toys to play with or good food to eat………………….how sad…………………………………

Conductor Rick: I’m so terribly sorry……………………

Engineers Allen and Rudy on the Lighthouse Express can’t help but overhear.

Allen: There could be a chance if………………….

Conductor Rick: If what?..........................

Rudy: If somehow the little steam engine Number #5, was still steamed up…………

Allen: And hauling the Toy Special over here in Old 302’s place?...............That could happen………………

Rudy: It could, but there’s A LOT of red tape to go through to get Number #5 out on the mainline, let alone pull a train from Aldin all the way to Portland.

Conductor Rick: Number #5 pull a train to Portland?????!!!!!!! But she’s not even our engine; she’s privately owned by Chris, works only as a yard switcher, and is most likely too little to haul a train out of Aldin.

Allen: Management would have to expand the contracts with Chris in order to get Number #5 out on the mainline to pull a train, but there’s always still hope…………

Rudy: True, 302 blowing up is an emergency so you never know.

Conductor Rick: There was also that nasty storm we just dealt with, and no train could possibly climb over that mountain with slippery rails in that; ESPECIALLY on that nasty small stretch of a 4% percent gradient.
We haven’t heard from anyone about the Toy Special, they’d normally radio us saying they’re on the way to give us the queue to depart, but they haven’t…………..
We can’t wait here all night. We have to go home……………………………

Both engineers Allen and Rudy look at each other and know that Conductor Rick is right, but they still hold onto that small ray of hope.

Allen: You’re right, we must return home to Aldin, but we should be on the lookout for the Toy Special, and keep our radios on high alert.

Rudy: The Toy Special has never missed a run since December of 1890, and has been our railroad’s most important train since then, so there could still be hope.

Engineers Allen and Rudy then climb in the cab of their Diesel Engine number #2602, as Conductor Rick climbs on the train’s rear observation parlor car.

Conductor Rick: ALL ABOARD!!!!!!

The Lighthouse Express then departs Portland Station and sets off for home. Station Master Edward watches the train disappear in sadness hoping for a miracle.

Station Master Edward: How am I gonna break the sad news to the children?..............................................
That train has almost NEVER missed a run, rain, thunder, snow, or shine………………….

Pretty soon, Sena, a 17-year-old who is second in command of the charity operation arrives at Portland Station along with her assistant and dear friend, 14-year-old Kobato.
They are VERY worried about no word being said about the arrival of the Toy Special.

Station Master Edward: I don’t know how to tell you girls this, but I got word that the engine that normally pulls the Toy Special had broken down, and with no spare engines available, there was just no way to get the Toy Special over here tonight.

Saena: WHAT DO YOU MEAN????!!!!!

Kobato: THE TOY SPECIAL HAD TO CANCEL????!!!!!!

Station Master Edward: The railroad had no choice given that there’s no other engine left to pull the train, and we just encountered a nasty thunderstorm too.

Sena: OH MY GOD!!!!!! NOT ONCE HAS THE TOY SPECIAL HAD TO CANCEL SINCE IT FIRST BEGAN IN DECEMBER OF 1890!!!!!!

Kobato: NO MATTER WHAT CONDITIONS, RAIN, THUNDER, SNOW, OR SHINE!!!!!!

Sena: BUT NOW IT HAS TO BECAUSE OF NO SPARE ENGINE AVAILABLE????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kobato: THIS IS SO UNFAIR!!!!

Sena: THIS OUR MY FIRST NIGHT HANDLING THIS OPERATION ON OUR OWN!!!!!!!

Kobato: HOW ARE WE GONNA TELL ALL THE KIDS??????!!!!!!!!

Sena: HOW AM I GONNA TELL DADDY?

Kobato: AND HOW AM I GONNA TELL MY BIG BROTHER KODAKA THAT………………….

Sena & Kobato: THAT ON OUR FIRST NIGHT WHEN WE’RE IN CHARGE GOES DOWN AS A FAILURE????!!!!!

Sena and Kobato soon break down crying, for they feel that they’re all the children down.
Things are not looking good on Portland’s end……………..
Little do they know that Number #5 is now steaming down the line with her firing valve, water injectors, and throttle wide open at a whopping 35 feet per second with the Toy Special in tow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amtd8t5nHv8

Number #5’s fire is burning nicely, she has plenty of steam on her pressure gauge, her water level ss nice and high in the water sight glasses, and she has just enough fuel to finish the journey.

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!!! WE’RE ALMOST THERE NUMBER #5!!!!!!!! NON-STOP FROM HERE!!!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of fishermen out on fishing boats are shocked when they see the clouds of smoke and steam pouring out of Number #5’s smoke stack and fire’s light shining brightly from the firebox, for they are not expecting a little steam engine to be hauling a train into the Big City Of Portland.

Fisherman: MY GOSH!!!!! IS IT ME OR IS THAT A STEAM TRAIN I’M SEEING?????!!!!!

Fisherman: THAT’S A STEAM ENGINE ALRIGHT, AND A VERY BEAUTIFUL ONE AT THAT!!!!!!

Fisherman: THERE HASN’T BEEN A STEAM TRAIN HERE IN OVER 60 YEARS!!!!!!!

Number #5 keeps steaming hard and fast as she hauls the Toy Special along the beautiful coastline.
After crossing a VERY LONG trestle bridge and steaming through a VERY LONG tunnel, she soon enters the harbor on the outskirts of the Portland.
Both Chris and Number #5 can’t believe it!

Chris: OH MY GOD!!!!! NUMBER #5 WE ARE ENTERING PORTLAND RIGHT NOW!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

With 2 VERY LOUD blasts on the whistle, Number #5 steams through Portland’s Harbor.
An hour has since past when the Lighthouse Express departed Portland’s station, and the train is soon making its way into Portland’s harbor when………….

Allen: HOLY SHIT!!!!!

Rudy: A HEADLAMP?????!!!!!!

Chris: GOD DAMN IT, THE LIGHTHOUSE EXPRESS IS HEADING STRAIGHT FOR US!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG……………

With a loud blast on her whistle, and clanging of her bell, Number #5 slams on her brakes, and Chris shuts her throttle and throws her Johnson Bar/Reverser lever into reverse as engineers Allen and Rudy slam on their motor and air brakes on Diesel Engine #2602.
Luckily a switchman switches the points and manages to get the Lighthouse Express onto a passing siding just in the nick of time.
Both Allen and Rudy are shocked to see Number #5 hauling the Toy Special into Portland, yet they are also impressed and thrilled.

Allen: CHRIS????!!!!!

Rudy: NUMBER #5?????!!!!!!!!!

Allen: YOU BROUGHT THE TOY SPECIAL?????!!!!!!!!

Chris: There was no other engine available, so someone had to bring it!!!!

Rudy: YOU MADE IT ALL THE WAY FROM ALDIN, AND OVER THE MOUNTAIN WITH THAT LITTLE ENGINE????!!!!!!

Chris: Yes, but I don’t have much time, I’m almost out of fuel and I gotta get to the station before I run out. Let’s go Number #5!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlZ--Wjs9Sk

Number #5 then steams off and out of the Harbor on her way to the station in downtown.
Both Allen and Rudy cannot believe it.

Allen: WOW!!!!!! Looks like there is still hope for the Toy Special!!!!!!!

Rudy: WAIT UNTIL EVERYONE HEARS ABOUT THIS BACK AT HOME!!!!!

Words are soon spreading over the radio throughout the harbor of a little engine making its way to the station in downtown Portland, and those words soon make their way over to the big station in Portland.

Radio Broadcaster 1: WHAT IS THIS????!!!!! A LITTLE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE HAULING WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE TOY SPECIAL????!!!!!

Radio Broadcaster 2: AND NOT JUST ANY LITTLE ENGINE, BUT A LITTLE STEAM ENGINE, NUMBERED 5!!!!!!!!!

Radio Broadcaster 3: UNBELIEVABLE, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME A STEAM TRAIN HAS EVER MADE IT TO PORTLAND IN OVER 60 YEARS!!!!!!!!!

Station Master Edward cannot believe his ears, and neither can Sena or Kobato:

Station Master Edward: DID YOU HEAR THAT????!!!!! THE TOY SPECIAL IS COMING AFTER ALL!!!!!!!

Sena: THIS IS WONDERFUL!!!!!!

Kobato: NOW I KNOW EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE OKAY!!!!!

Station Master Edward: THOSE GOOD CHILDREN WILL HAVE GOOD TOYS TO PLAY WITH AND GOOD FOOD TO EAT TOMORROW MORNING!!!!!!!

Sena: AND I WON’T BE LETTING DADDY…………

Kobato: OR MY BIG BROTHER KODAKA………..

Sena & Kobato: OR THOSE KIDS DOWN!!!!!

Sena and Kobato then call up the trucking companies to bring in the 2 large 18-wheeler tractor trailer trucks to get in position to haul the toys and good food off to their destinations.

Number #5 comes steaming through Downtown Portland proudly ringing her bell and blowing her whistle with a………………..

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOO-OOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOO!!!!!
CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG…………………………………

As she hauls the Toy Special along side the streets through the beautiful city lights with her beautiful dark lunar blue boiler jacket, bright crimson red cab, tender, wheels, headlamp, and cow-catcher, copper smoke stack cap, and beautiful gold leaf paint work and brass work gleaming in the moon light.
Chris couldn’t be any prouder of his beloved little engine as she steams her way into the streets of downtown.

Chris: MY GOD!!!!!!!! I NEVER THOUGHT WE’D EVER SEE THIS HAPPEN!!!!!!!

Number #5: I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD………………………

Chris: THERE IT IS!!!!!!! THERE IT IS!!!!!!!

At long last, the station finally comes into view.

Chris: NOT MUCH FURTHER NUMBER #5; YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!

Little Number #5 makes one final big effort, and at last she comes steaming into the station ringing her bell and blowing her whistle with a VERY long blast followed by one short blast with a……………..

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG…………………………………

As Chris slows her down to a gentle stop just in time before throwing her Johnson Bar/Reverser lever in reverse and giving one blast on the whistle just in time.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Chris: And out goes your fire because we are now out of fuel!!!! LOL!!!!! But, YOU DID IT!!!!!! NUMBER #5, YOU DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOO!!!!! (I DID IT; AND IT WAS WORTH IT!!!!!)

Conductor Ruben jumps out of the caboose and scrambles towards the front of the train.

Conductor Ruben: WE DID IT!!!!!!! WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris jumps out of Number #5’s cab and sets to work on helping Conductor Ruben along with all the workmen unload all the toys and food out of the wagons.
Multiple tears of joy come pouring out of Number #5’s headlamp and side marker lamps for this was the biggest accomplishment she’d ever done in her entire life.
75 miles all the way from Aldin to Portland with the mission of delivering an important train for kids in need; safe and sound.

Station Master Edward, Sena, and Kobato cannot believe their eyes when they see Little Number #5 on the point of the Toy Special.

Sena: THAT IS JUST SO DARLING!!!!!

Kobato: I KNOW!!!! THAT LITTLE TRAIN IS JUST SO CUTE!!!!!!

Station Master Edward: WHAT A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE ENGINE!!!!!! IN FACT THIS STATION HASN’T SEEN A STEAM ENGINE IN OVER 60 YEARS!!!!!!!

At long last, the last of all the toys and delicious food are unloaded out of the train, and loaded into the trucks ready to be delivered to their destinations.

Workman: THAT’S THE LAST OF EM!!!!

Workman: ALRIGHT, NOW TIME TO DELIVER THESE AT ONCE!!!!!!

Chris: WAY TO GO NUMBER #5!!!!!!!! YOU HELPED THE RAILROAD KEEP ITS PROMISE AND BROUGHT THE TRAIN HERE SAFE AND SOUND!!!!!!! I AM SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! CLANG-CLANG!!!!!!
(THANK YOU, BUT WE DID IT TOGETHER AS A TEAM!!!)

Chris: Now if I can get a Bio-Diesel Truck and some fresh water over here????!!!!!

Station Master Edward: NOT A PROBLEM SIR!!!!!!

Sena: WOW!!!!!! I SO CAN’T WAIT TO TELL THE KIDS HOW THEIR TOYS AND FOOD GOT HERE!!!!!!!!!!

Kobato: MY BROTHER KODAKA WILL ALSO NOT BELIEVE THIS!!!!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: WHEN WORD GETS OUT ABOUT THIS, NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET IT!!!!!!

Chris: It’s not everyday that you see an old steam engine like Number #5 doing this kind of job. But Number #5 and I are always ready and willing whenever we’re needed.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!


TO BE CONTINUED…………………………………….

Chapter 12

Two Hearts

With her oil tank now refilled with Bio-Diesel Fuel, water tank topped off with fresh water, and valve gear oiled up, Little Number #5 is back at a good full head of steam and ready to set off for the journey home.
Both Sena, Kobato, and Station Master Edward are VERY grateful to Chris and Number #5 for pulling through.

Station Master Edward: We thought the Toy Special would never come tonight, and we’d just about lost hope.

Sena: But once we heard about your engine pulling through on the radio……………

Kobato: We knew everything was gonna be okay.

Station Master Edward: The good little boys and girls are gonna have their good toys to play with and good food to eat tomorrow morning thanks to you.

Chris: With Old 302 down, and no other engines or crews available, Number #5 and I knew that we had to fulfill the railroad’s promise.  Number #5 maybe a little engine at only 15 tons, but she’s VERY powerful and has never let me down.
Heck, I couldn’t be anymore proud of her.  

Sena: Well your engine is very beautiful………….

Kobato: And we still can’t thank you enough for pulling through.

Sena: I still can’t go over the colors!!!!

Kobato: Neither can I!!!!  They’re so beautiful!!!!!

Station Master Edward: What’s your name Young Man?

Chris: The name’s May, Christian Ryan May, but you can call me Chris.  And the little engine as you know is Number #5.

Sena: Well, thanks again Chris.  

Kobato: Please have a safe journey home.  

Sena & Kobato: You Too Number #5!!!!

Station Master Edward: It’s 2:00 a.m, so best you be off.

Chris: Yep, it’s time for Number #5 and I to head back for home.  It’ll be daylight by the time we arrive.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!

Station Master Edward: Safe travels home Chris.

Sena: Once again…….

Kobato: Thank you so much………….

Sena & Kobato: And please travel home safe!!!!  

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!  CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG……………….

With 2 blasts on the whistle, clanging of the bell, steam comes wooshing out of Number #5’s cylinder drain cocks as Chris eased her throttle open and has her hauling the empty train out of the station en-route for home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSsNZqumihQ

The train feels as light as a feather now that it’s empty, and in no time, Little Number #5 is thundering out of downtown Portland at a whopping 30 feet per second.

Chris: AMAZING!!!!!!  I still can’t believe that we pulled through!!!!!  Now all we gotta do is make it home in time to clear the line for the other trains.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Number #5 soon thunders over a viaduct, through the harbor, through the shipping yard, and through the tunnel in clouds of steam.
She is soon steaming along the beautiful coastline leading back to the mountain.

Chris: There’s no reason to believe she'll always be there
But if you don't put faith in what you believe in
It's getting you nowhere…………….

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO-OOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris: Cause it hurts, you never let go
Don't look down………………….,

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO-OOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris: Just look up
Cause she's always there behind you
just to remind you……….

Two hearts, believing in just one mind
You know we're two hearts believing in just one mind

Number #5 and steams through a tunnel as she leaves the coast line behind and climbs ferociously up the mountain hardly breaking a sweat.
It isn’t long until she reaches the top of the mountain and begins her descend down the other side of the mountain leading into the forest reserve.

Chris: There's no easy way to, to understand it
There's so much of my life in her, and it's like I'm blinded……………….

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO-OOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris: And it teaches you to never let go
There's so much love you'll never know………………

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO-OOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris: She can reach you no matter how far
Wherever you are……………………..

Chris & Number #5: Two hearts, believing in just one mind
Beating together till the end of time
You know we're two hearts believing in just one mind
Together forever till the end of time………………………

Number #5 soon steams through the Forest reserve, past the campsite, and into the last tunnel, which leads back to the beautiful coastline.

Chris: She knows (she knows)
There will always be a special place in my heart for her
She knows, she knows, she knows
Yeah, she knows (she knows)
No matter how far apart we are
She knows, I’M ALWAYS GONNA BE THERE BESIDE………………..

Number #5 then steams out of the last tunnel and is out onto the coastline as a beautiful sunrise slowly comes into sight beyond the horizon.

Chris: We’re two hearts, believing in just one mind
Beating together till the end of time
You know we're two hearts believing in just one mind
Together forever till the end of time……………………..

Number #5 soon thunders passed the beautiful Cauldron Lighthouse and is soon zipping her way through the little town of Friendship.

Chris: You Know We’re two hearts, believing in just one mind,
In just one mind, just one mind……………
till the end of time

Number #5 soon highballs passed the Broadmoore Resort as she continues thundering along the coastline.  She soon passes all the fishing boats out on the pier as the fishermen are getting ready for the morning catch.

Chris: Two hearts, believing in just one mind
Beating together till the end of time
till the end of time…………………
You know we're two hearts believing in just one mind
Together forever till the end of time……………………..

At long last, exhausted, but triumphant, Number #5 steams back into the Aldin Railroad yard.
The time is now 6:45 a.m. as she drops her cars off in the yard.

Chris: MY GOD!!!!!!  CAN YOU BELIEVE IT????!!!!!  WE TACKLED A FULL ROUND TRIP ON THE ALDIN & PORTLAND RAILROAD LINE!!!!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOO!!!!!

Poor Little Number #5 is just too tired to celebrate, and just wants a good rest, but Chris understands.

Chris: You worked very long and very hard sweetie, and I’m VERY proud of you.  You deserve a good long drink, a polish, and a good long rest. 

Conductor Ruben gets out of the caboose and comes up to help.

Conductor Ruben: Mind if I lend a hand?

Chris: Not at all.

Chris and Conductor Ruben detaches Number #5 from her train before climbing back into the cab.  Number #5 then steams back to her shed where an oiler is waiting for her with a Bio-Diesel truck and water hose.

Chris: Alright, time to fill her up before it’s off to bed!!!!

Oiler: No problem!!!!

Conductor Ruben: Okay, how can I help with the polish?

Chris: You take care of the brass fittings, along with the headlamp, cab and tender; I’ll take care of the boiler jacket, back head gauges, copper stack, cylinders, and wheels.

As the oiler is topping off Number #5’s fuel and water, Chris and Conductor Ruben set to work on polishing up Number #5 until she shined in the morning sunrise.
It is soon 7:15 a.m. when Number #5 is fully polished and her fuel and water levels are full.

Chris: Alright, Thank you so very much for your help Conductor Ruben!!!  This wouldn’t have been possible without your help.

Conductor Ruben: Thank you Chris, for stepping in at the last second.  You did a wonderful thing for the children.  And now thanks to you, they’ll have good toys to play with and good food to eat.

Chris: We were beyond lucky to have a good little engine on our side.

Number #5: Whoooooo, whooooooo…………

Chris: This poor girl is ready for bed.  She’s had a long day…………

Number #5 barely has any strength left to blow her whistle…………….

Chris: You did well sweetie, and we can’t thank you enough for your hard work.  Now it’s time to take a good long nap.

Chris dampens down Number #5’s fire, closes up all of her injector branch pipe valves, shut off the firing valve, closes the atomizer and blower valves, opened up the air compressor bleed valves, and closed off the main steam turret valve.
Once everything is shut off, Chris gently backs Number #5 into her little engine shed before placing safety chains under her drive wheels.

Chris: Sleep well Number #5.  You’ve done me, and the railroad Very proud.

Little Number #5 can’t hear Chris at all; she just goes straight to sleep once Chris puts the safety chains under her drive wheels.
Chris then locks up the engine shed and heads to his car.

Chris: Once again, thank you very much for your help Conductor Ruben.

Conductor Ruben:  And once again, thank you for stepping in at the last second.  It’s been a pleasure.

Chris: It’s been a pleasure working with you too.

Chris and Ruben then shake hands before they get in their cars and go their separate ways.
When Chris arrives home, he takes a quick relaxing shower, and crashes on his living room couch in front of the T.V. for a nice long nap.
He and Number #5 have done the railroad proud, and this news is soon gonna spread more than what they are expecting.
Their job, well done…………..


TO BE CONTINUED………………

Chapter 13

News Spreads To A New Partnership

The next day, the news of a little engine hauling the Toy Special out of Aldin to Portland soon spreads like a wildfire.
Multiple people had taken pictures of Little Number #5 rescuing the broken train, hauling it along the coastline, steaming through the Harbor, and arriving into Portland’s big train station before submitting them to the local news papers early the next morning.
Multiple railfan groups on Facebook see the pictures and instantly post them all over the social media.
Over at the campsite in the forest reserve, Chloe had just finished putting on her red Nike running Tank top and pair of black Nike Running Briefs in preparation for a day of track & field when she opens her Facebook on her phone and sees the post of Chris and Number #5 hauling the Toy Special into Portland.
Brooke had just put on her cute Black Tennis tank top and white pleated mini skirt in preparation for Tennis, while Kaitlin finishes putting on her Navy Blue gymnastics leotard in preparation for Rhythmic Gymnastics when they both open up their Instagram accounts on their phones and see the post.

Chloe: OH MY GOD!!!!!!!! GIRLS YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS!!!!! IT’S CHRIS AND NUMBER #5!!!!!!!!! THEY MADE THE NEWS FRONT!!!!!!

Brooke: I’VE GOT IT ON MY INSTAGRAM TOO!!!!!

Kaitlin: SO DO I!!!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: THAT’S OUR BROTHER!!!!!!!!

Chloe: THAT’S MY BEST FRIEND!!!!!

Chloe, Brooke, & Kaitlin: WAY TO GO CHRIS!!!!!!!

The news of Little Number #5 even reach over seas as Chris’s parents Annie May, and Alan McCollen open up the evening daily international news papers in a First Class airport lounge in Hong Kong before boarding their flight en-route to Los Angeles.

Annie May: OH MY GOD ALAN!!!!!! LOOK AT THIS!!!!!!!

Alan McCollen: WAIT A MINUTE THAT LOOKS LIKE OUR CHRIS!!!!!!!!

Annie May: IT IS!!!!!!! LOOK!!!!!!!

Alan McCollen: Little Engine helps save a stranded train and helps the Aldin & Portland Railroad keep a 100-year-old promise in always delivering the Toy Special for kids in need!!!!
The little engine known as Number #5 is being piloted by……………………OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!

Annie & Alan: 25-YEAR-OLD CHRISTIAN MAY!!!!!!! THAT’S OUR SON!!!!!

The news makes it to the office where Chris’s eldest brother, Anthony McCollen is sitting down for work.
When Anthony sees the news of Little Number #5 on his computer, he spits out his morning coffee and instantly gets pissed off.

Anthony: STUPID LITTLE BROTHER!!!!!!!! YOU ALWAYS KNOW HOW TO MAKE ME LOOK BAD!!!!!!

And the news of course makes it to Andrew McCollen’s Law Firm in Philadelphia as he finally gets his first BIG case.

Andrew: Alright!!!! My first big case, and I’m ready to go to work!!!!!

As Andrew gets out his Tablet, the news of Little Number #5 and Chris hits the screen. This instantly puts Andrew in a panic.

Andrew: SHIT!!!!! NOW I NEED TO PLAY CATCH UP AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY DOES CHRIS ALWAYS OUTSHINE ME LIKE IT’S NOTHING EVERYTIME!!!!!!
FIRST, HE LANDS A JOB AS A CHEF IN AN UPSCALE SEA FOOD RESTAURANT, THEN HE GETS A LICENSE TO COOK PUFFER FISH, THEN HE BEATS BOBBY FLAY TWICE ON T.V, AND NOW THIS????!!!!! UUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! THAT BRATTY LITTLE BROTHER OF MINE ALWAYS KNOWS WHEN TO BEAT ME!!!!!

Back in Aldin, Maine, Chris is back at work at Yagami’s By The Bay, cooking his specialty signature Surf & Turf!!! The Surf & Turf consists of Rare to Medium Rare Filet Mignon, Baked Blue Lobster with cheese, sautéed mushrooms & green beans, and red and cauliflower mashed potatoes topped with wine sauce.
It is by far one of the most popular signature dishes served at Yagami’s, and is an entre Chris always enjoys cooking.
After Chris finishes cooking a plate of his signature entre, the Restaurant’s owner, Eiji Yagami comes into the kitchen to see him.

Mr. Yagami: Good evening Christian May………

Chris: Oh, good evening Mr. Yagami………………

Mr. Yagami: May I have a word with you?

Chris: Most definitely…………Is everything alright?

Mr. Yagami: Absolutely, but if you don’t mind coming with me?

Chris: Uhhhhh, sure……………..
Guys do you all have everything under control?

Kitchen Staff: Yes, we got it Chris!!!!

Chris: Okay, and also that Shrimp Mac & Cheese order has been given a special request to be made non-spicy, so NO HOT peppers!!!!
Also we can’t have any nuts on the side of the Bananas Foster for another special order!!!!!
Plus go light on the Wasabi with the Ahi Tuna appetizer on yet another special order!!!!
The Fish & Chips needs to be Halibut and Sweet Potato Fries instead of Cod and regular French Fries on the request of another special order.
No mushrooms in the other special order Clam Spaghetti.
Remember that the Calamari can’t be left on the fryer for more than 2 and a half minutes.
Also, don’t overheat the Baked Alaska again…………………..it gave us a bad review the last time that happened……………
Also cook the oysters for a decent length of time!!! You know what happens when they’re undercooked.

Kitchen Staff: Yes Sir, no problem Chris!!!!

Chris: Good!!! I have great faith in you guys, so lets keep our customers happy.

Mr. Yagami: I’m sorry that I caught you at a bad time since you’re the head chef, but someone has requested to meet with you tonight…………..

Chris: Oh………….I wonder who it could be?

Mr. Yagami: He didn’t say who he was, but he’s obviously someone of great importance and specifically requested to meet with you tonight.
And it was also lucky that he was able to get a table since a reservation cancelled at the last minute.

Chris: Uh-Oh!!!!! I know my brother Anthony requested to book out the entire restaurant in 2 weeks, but I didn’t think he’d come this soon to request.

Mr. Yagami: Don’t worry, it’s not your brother!!!! LOL!!!!! But I know what you mean, and I’d hate to say it, but your brother Anthony is not the easiest customer to deal with.

Chris: You got that right!! LOL!!!!

Mr. Yagami: Anyways, he’s in the V.I.P. Dining Room, so we shouldn’t keep him waiting much longer.

Chris: Alrighty, no time to lose.

Mr. Yagami escorts Chris out to the Restaurant’s V.I.P. Dining Room, and when Chris sees who the V.I.P. that wants to speak with him is, his jaw nearly hits the ground.

Mr. Yagami: Here you are Sir, as you requested, our head Chef tonight, Christian May.
And WOW, it looks like you REALLY enjoyed the Filet of Sea Snake on the Trumpet Shitake Mushroom Truffle Bed!!!! I’ll take that plate and have your Surf & Turf sent to you right away!!!!

Mr. Bowker: Thank you very much Mr. Yagami, and yes that Sea Snake Filet appetizer was EXCELLENT. I’m now really looking forward to the specialty Surf & Turf.

Mr. Yagami: Wonderful to hear Sir. I’ll get it out to you right away!!!!

Mr. Bowker: Good evening Mr. Chris, I don’t believe we’ve met.

Chris: Mr. John Bowker, it is truly an HONOR!!!!!!

Mr. Yagami: YOU MEAN, THE JOHN WILLIAM BOWKER OF THE ALDIN & PORTLAND RAILROAD!!!!!! IT REALLY IS AN HONOR TO HAVE YOU IN OUR RESTAURANT SIR!!!!!

Mr. Bowker: HAAAAAA, HAAAAAAA!!!!!! No need to be so formal Mr. Yagami!!! I’ve been wanting to eat here for a long time, but it’s always tough to get a reservation. However, I am so glad that there was an opening tonight.

Mr. Yagami: Well we are truly delighted to have you, and if ever you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me or my head chef Chris here know.

Mr. Bowker: Very well, thank you sir.

Mr. Yagami: Well, I’ll leave and Chris alone to talk for a little bit.

Mr. Bowker: Thank you Mr. Yagami.

Mr. Yagami: I’ll have your Surf & Turf out IMMEDIATELY!

Mr. Bowker: Mr. Christian May, please have a seat.

Chris: Once again, it truly is an honor having you here at Yagami’s. I’d never imagined that we’d host you in a million years.

Mr. Bowker: HAAAAA, HAAAAAA, HAAAAAAA!!!!! Yagami’s By The Bay has always been a place I’ve wanted to try for a long time after hearing about their good reviews.
And weren’t you the one who cooked my Filet Of Sea Snake?

Chris: Yes, and I believe I just finished preparing your Surf & Turf.

And low and behold Mr. Yagami brings out Mr. Bowker’s Surf & Turf that Chris had just finished preparing less than 2 minutes ago.

Mr. Yagami: Here you go Mr. Bowker, our specialty Surf & Turf, that was just prepared by our Head Chef Chris here, so it’s fresh right off the grill.

Mr. Bowker: WONDERFUL!!!! This looks AMAZING!!!!!
I heard that you were a chef, but I didn’t think you prepared meals that were this exquisite.
How long have you been working here if you don’t mind me asking?

Chris: A little over 3 years. I began cooking when I was 12, and it’s been a passion of mine since then. But what got me to Yagami’s was back when I graduated cooking school, and the competition for chef positions in the big cities was tough and VERY cut throat. However, I’ve noticed that this small upscale and historic town has always been well known for its amazing boutique restaurants, and the need for chefs has always been high, but the competition is actually at a reasonable level.
So I decided to move out here to see if there was opportunity, and I’m not even here for 5 minutes when I noticed that Entrepreneur Eiji Yagami was looking to build a new upscale restaurant here in the town of Aldin.
And normally when someone is looking to build a new restaurant, they will be searching for good chefs, and REALLY GOOD chefs are hard to come by, so I thought it was my chance to show Mr. Yagami what I was capable of, having just graduated fresh out of college, and nearly having my license to cook Puffer Fish in hand.

Mr. Bowker: WHAT????!!!!!! YOU ARE LICENSED TO COOK FUGU????!!!!!

Chris: Yes, shortly after I got hired here, I got my license to cook Fugu.
Anyways, I find Mr. Yagami here at this building when it was just a vacant warehouse up for sale, but there was something inside of it that was preventing Mr. Yagami from turning this warehouse into an upscale four and a half diamond restaurant.
And that something was a little 2-4-4RT Baldwin Locomotive Works Tank Engine from 1902.

Mr. Bowker: WOAH!!!!

Chris: I know, what a RARE FIND!!!! However, Mr. Yagami wanted to scrap it, but I stepped in and told him that I’d take the engine in exchange for being one of his chefs. I then told Mr. Yagami that I had just graduated cooking school, knew how to make all sorts of upscale cuisines, and was REALLY close to getting my license for Puffer Fish.
Mr. Yagami then said I drove a hard bargain, and that we had a deal.
So in the end of a long story short, Mr. Yagami got himself an upscale restaurant that is now one of Aldin’s most exclusive places on the map, a chef that was fresh out of cooking school and that got a license to cook Fugu, and I got the little engine, and a VERY GOOD paying job.

Mr. Bowker: WOAH MY GOODNESS THIS SURF & TURF IS AMAZING!!!!!! It’s no wonder Mr. Yagami hired you because MY GOD!!!!! I’ve never had Surf & Turf cooked this good, and Blue Lobster is something I’ve NEVER seen, let alone tasted.
You REALLY know how to cook!!!! I also heard that you beat Bobby Flay on T.V. with this VERY SAME signature dish, and I can see why. LOL!!!!

Chris: Second time was with Hawaiian Pizza with sausage!!!!

Mr. Bowker: I’ll have to try that next time!!! LOL!!!!
Also what you said earlier about finding the locomotive is an AMAZING story, and what are the odds of that ever happening????!!!!!

Chris: I know. I am also a HUGE steam train fanatic, so I knew that I couldn’t let that little Baldwin steam locomotive be sent to the scrap yard, and had to do something about it.
Luckily my parents helped me because they gave me money for a house.
Thankfully housing costs here isn’t that high, so I managed to find myself a decently sized 2 story fixer upper, buy myself a good car from Volvo, and use MOST of the money gifted to me to help restore the locomotive.
I had her sent off to the Mandez Locomotive & Machine Works, and in 6 short months, the locomotive was fully restored to working order, and on my days off Number #5 and I help out with yard switching operations on your railroad.

Mr. Bowker: That makes A LOT of sense.
Now before coming here to Yagami’s, I did some background research on you, and I see that you’re the son of Alan McCollen, who is President and CEO of McCollen Technologies in New York City.
So, you’re from a VERY well off family, and have been very fortunate enough to have the assets to help you get yourself a VERY good career, a good home, and the little steam engine on the railroad.

Chris: Yes. This would not have been possible without the love and support of my family. From day one both of my parents supported me and my passion for cooking, and they thought that the little engine was another good way to pursue my passion for trains and were VERY supportive of the restoration.

Mr. Bowker: That is wonderful!!!! You don’t come across a supportive family very often, so I think that is wonderful.
Now if you’ve wondered why I’ve asked Mr. Yagami to meet with you tonight, it’s because I’ve heard all about what happened on Friday night.

Chris: Oh………………..

Mr. Bowker: I wanted to personally and properly thank you for what you have done. If it wasn’t for you and that little engine of yours, we would have let down a lot of good kids, and broken our promise that we made back in 1890 about the Toy Special always making nightly trips no matter what the conditions.
When 302 broke down, there was no other engine available, and there were no other engine crews available, but you stepped up to the plate and took initiative.
You risked your locomotive and pulled an over night shift to make sure the Toy Special was delivered safe and sound.
And for that I could not be anymore grateful to you and your locomotive.
And after hearing that story on how you saved that little engine from scrap, it’s a good thing you did, because otherwise we would have been screwed on Friday had you not saved Number #5.

Chris is at a loss for words, for he cannot believe that the Aldin & Portland Narrow Gauge Railroad’s owner, went out of his way just to thank him for his deed.

Mr. Bowker: Because of your actions please know that you and Number #5 are always welcome to run on the railroad line from Aldin to Portland at anytime.
What you did was brave, selfless, thoughtful, and down right remarkable, and I couldn’t be anymore honored than to be eating this delicious Surf & Turf that you just cooked.
You have an amazing gift and a wonderful passion; don’t stop pursuing it.

Chris: Thank you so very much Mr. Bowker, it means a lot.

Mr. Bowker: No, thank you. If it wasn’t for you, we would have been in a lot of trouble on Friday night.
And as a token of my appreciation, I will pay you the same hourly rate as my engineers on the Light House Express plus time and a half for your over nighttime run. It is the least I can do.

Mr. Bowker then hands Chris a check for a VERY HIGH amount for his deed in getting Number #5 to haul the Toy Special.

Mr. Bowker: The Toy Special is the most important train on the Aldin & Portland Narrow Gauge Railroad, and it has never missed a run in its history. We’ve had a close call, but you helped us pull through.

Chris: If ever you need me and Number #5 for anything, don’t hesitate to let me know.
Number #5’s had a VERY TOUGH life, and was constantly abused during her career as a sugar cane hauler on the Laurel Valley Plantation in Louisiana. After she was retired in 1932, she spent her life in storage during the great depression and never ran again until 1963 when she was restored for use at a theme park in Ohio.
However, she was rebuilt rather poorly, worked water like crazy, was finicky to fire, had constant break downs, and even broke a tender axle when it was her time to be retired again in 1997.
And what was supposedly a ray of hope for her when she got bought by a private individual who planned to restore her, ended up being more of her life being spent in storage for the next 17 years.
And then she almost got scrapped, but I wasn’t gonna let it happen. I knew I had to save her, so I felt I had to make the deal with Mr. Yagami to save something that I truly loved in life, a steam train.
I had since gotten in touch with the former owner’s family, and they gave me the blue prints, drawings, color patterns, and diagrams of what she was going to look like when restored.
To honor the family who was gracious enough to let me restore the engine, I had the locomotive painted in the colors that the former owner wanted it, and in all honesty Number #5 could not have come out more perfect.
Never have I seen a steam locomotive so colorful, and never have I worked with such a good machine. Number #5 has run like a champ since her restoration and has never let me down.
Even when she was put to the test on Friday night, she pulled the Toy Special like it was nothing, and kept on steaming on with no signs of wanting to stop.

Mr. Bowker: WOW!!!!! Your little engine has quite the history, and is a priceless treasure that we are beyond fortunate to have on our railroad.
And again, I cannot thank you enough for your actions on Friday.
As another token of my appreciation, any maintenance that needs to be done on your locomotive will be paid for and taken care of by the Aldin & Portland Railroad.

Chris: Mr. Bowker Sir, you don’t have to do that?

Mr. Bowker: Actually I do. Number #5 is now a VERY important engine on the Aldin & Portland Narrow Gauge Railroad, and we need to have her running sure and strong for years to come, so we need to give her the care she deserves.
And because of this, I don’t want her living in that wooden shack out in the railroad yard anymore, but instead want to expand the roundhouse by 2 more stalls so she can have her own stall in the roundhouse.

Chris is at a huge loss for words, for he never thought his and Number #5’s actions would lead to a better life on the railroad.

Mr. Bowker: I will also have water towers, drop service pits, machines, bio-diesel tanks, and anything else Number #5 needs brought to this railroad.
Number #5 is also a historic artifact, and I honestly don’t think that this railroad can survive without a historic steam engine, since steam locomotives are part of the heritage.

Chris: Well, if ever you need me and Number #5 to step in again we’re more than willing.

Mr. Bowker: Once again, Thank you so very much for your actions. Please know that if ever you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Chris: Thank you so very much……….

Mr. Yagami soon brings out freshly made Baked Alaska.

Mr. Yagami: And to help you finish your night, we baked you Baked Alaska. Now don’t worry Chris, I made sure the Kitchen staff made it right! LOL!!!

Chris: Awesome!!!

Mr. Bowker: Now this looks amazing, though I’m a little bummed that it wasn’t made by you Chris, but you and I were too busy talking, so I’ll let it slide. LOL!!!!!

Mr. Yagami: Well, I promise you that the kitchen staff did everything right on this.

Then suddenly, Chris remembers the request his brother Anthony made.

Chris: Now that I think about it, my eldest brother Anthony McCollen is succeeding my Dad as company CEO in a few years, and wants to have his next conference in Portland.
But he wants a few nights in Aldin, and has requested to reserve a train on the Light House Express, but it’s been all booked up.
He’s also requested to book this entire restaurant, but again, he should have planned that MONTHS in advanced.

Mr. Bowker: Hmmmmmmmm, it sounds like your brother tends to put things off to the last minute.

Mr. Yagami: This is quite the dilemma.

Chris: Hmmmmmm, Mr. Bowker?

Mr. Bowker: Yes?

Chris: You did say that Number #5 and I could run on your railroad at anytime.

Mr. Bowker: Yes, you 2 are always welcome to run on the main line.

Chris: So we have an engine to pull the train with Number #5 being the motive power.

Mr. Bowker then remembers that he made an order from the Mandez Locomotive & Machine Works and the Strasburg Railroad.

Mr. Bowker: OOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I had forgotten that we have a new order of 6 coaches that should be delivered in 2 weeks.
They’re new replica 5/8 scale Luxury Kimball cars that are to be added to the Light House Express.
This includes one dining car, one open-air sightseeing car, one baggage car, one combine that will feature a snack bar with a kitchenette, one regular coach, and a First Class Observation Parlor Car!!!!
You can use those coaches for your charter train!!!!!

Chris: AWESOME!!!!!! THAT’S PERFECT!!!!!!
But the restaurant is still booked…………………………….

Mr. Yagami: However, Chris if you can work some more hours to help prepare the food ahead of time, we can cater onboard the train.

Mr. Bowker: EXCELLENT!!!!!! I NEVER THOUGHT OF USING YAGAMI’S TO CATER ABOARD THE LIGHT HOUSE EXPRESS, BUT THAT’S AN EXCELLENT IDEA!!!!!!
IT MEANS MORE CUSTOMERS WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY TOP DOLLAR TO RIDE THE TRAIN!!!!!

Mr. Yagami: AND MORE BUSINESS FOR YAGAMI’S IN A UNIQUE WAY WE NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE!!!!

Chris: PERFECT!!!!!! Like the old saying if you have lemmons………………

Mr. Bowker, Mr. Yagami, & Chris: MAKE LEMONADE!!!!

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!! This is perfect, we have an engine, a set of train cars, and Yagami’s all in one for my brother’s business trip here!!!!!

Mr. Bowker: Mr. Yagami, I say this is the start of a new partnership!!!!!

Mr. Yagami: And it’s such an honor!!!!!

Mr. Bowker: We need to have more conversations here Chris.

Mr. Yagami: Hey, from here on out, if ever you want to dine in my restaurant, there will ALWAYS be a table ready for you!!!!!

Mr. Bowker: As long as Chris is the head chef.

Chris: Works for me!!!!

Mr. Bowker: I wanna try that Hawaiian Pizza that you cooked to beat Bobby Flay for a second time with next!!!! LOL!!!!

Chris: You got it!!!!

Mr. Yagami: Chris's Hawaiian Pizza with sausage is the MOST popular dish on the kids menu that we have, and we even get requests for adult sized ones, which of course we will happily cook upon request, but only when Chris is available. LOL!!!

Chris: I'll never say no to making it. If someone wants it, I'll cook it!!!!

Mr. Bowker: And that's the next thing I'd like to try!!!!

Mr. Yagami: It’s gonna be a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Bowker!

Mr. Bowker: Now it’s time to set that plan in motion!!!!


To Be Continued……………………………….

Chapter 14

A Plan In Motion

Monday afternoon rolls around much quicker than expected.
It is now 2:30 p.m. in the after noon, and Chris is at the Aldin & Portland Railroad’s roundhouse now that Little Number #5 is moving into Old #302’s stall.
Christian Mandez and his crew come by to pick up Old #302, and haul her off for a complete top to bottom restoration.
Both Chris and Christian Mandez have a good talk while Chris waits for Chloe and his sisters to return from Camp.

Christian Mandez: Good to see you again Chris.

Chris: It’s really good to see you Mr. Mandez, and thank you very much again for your bang up restoration work on Number #5. She came through for us when we needed her the most, and never let us down.

Christian Mandez: Little Number #5 needed a fair chance, and it seems that she’s done you and the railroad very proud after hearing about your actions on Friday night.

Chris: That she has, and now Mr. John Bowker has given me permission to run her on the entire line at anytime I’m available. I just need to let the conductors know which day I’d like to run her, and they’ll just schedule me in.

Christian Mandez: That’s wonderful!!!!! I’m very happy for you.

Chris: However, Number #5 has been very sad about what’s happened to Old #302, and if I maybe honest, I’ve been kinda worried about her myself. For she’s our oldest Diesel engine, is a VERY rare center cab with the outside frame counterweights and side rods on her electric motor trucks, and it would be such a shame to lose her.

Christian Mandez then smiles.

Christian Mandez: Everyone on the railroad agrees, and that’s why Mr. John Bowker called me over to pick her up. Old #302 is WAY too important to be scrapped or put on display in a museum, and she holds too much historic value too. So, rather than retire her, we’re going to rebuild her.
Although they may not make parts for her like they used to, you’d be amazed by what we can do with our new resources and how close we can get her back to her original self with VERY GOOD aftermarket manufacturers. She’ll just be MUCH better than new when we’re done.

Chris: Just like you did with Number #5!!!!!

Christian Mandez: EXACTLY!!!!! And you remember that Little Number #5 was literally a sad pile of bucket of bolts with multiple parts and components missing, a broken front tender axle with the wheel sheered off, and looked WAY WORSE than old 302 does now. Heck it took imagination to figure out how Number #5 was gonna be restored, and what she’d look like when completed.
Fortunately you and I took the drawings and designs that her former owner left behind and got a masterpiece of a locomotive out of it after 5 long hard months.

Chris: That’s for sure. Number #5 is now an excellent performer and is now ready for anything you throw at her.

Christian Mandez: And Old #302 will be the same way. Her old engine will be replaced by a brand new one that will run on Bio-Diesel, which will not only be a huge benefit for her, given that the new Bio-Diesel engine is much stronger and more powerful, but it’s also less polluting and WAY better for the environment.
EMD has developed brand new upgraded motors that will both last MUCH longer and fit the unique outside frame trucks no problem.
Also, we the blueprints and diagrams to build a brand new frame that’s EXACTLY identical to the original, but will be A LOT stronger since it will use Titanium alloy and be less prone to corrosion.
Also she’ll have a brand new coat of paint with a brand new proud name and paint scheme.

Chris: WOW!!!!! That sounds awesome!!!!!

Christian Mandez: We may not work with Diesel engines as much as we do with old steam engines, but we gotta stay in business, and Old Diesel Engine restorations help us make revenue.

Old 302: Number #5, you were right all along!!!! Management has decided to have me restored after all!!!!

Number #5: I know, I’m so happy for you!!!!

Old 302: I don’t know how long I’ll be out for unfortunately though………….

Number #5: That’s okay!!!! All that matters is that you’re being given another chance at life just like I have!!!!!

Old 302: I also can’t thank you enough for filling in for me……………..you’ve become a legend because of your selflessness and I couldn’t be anymore proud of you!!!!

Number #5: AWWWWWWW!!! It really wasn’t much…………

Old 302: No, it was!!!!
What you did was selfless, brave, and historic!!!!
You didn’t let your small size or the fact that you and Chris didn’t have a contract to run on the mainline stop you from taking the train.
You guys also really helped put the railroad on the map in keeping our age old promise from 1890!!!!

Number #5: I really only did what I thought was right because I didn’t want to let those kids down, or let you down after what happened to you……………

Old 302: You didn’t let those kids down, and you MOST CERTAINLY didn’t let me down. You did me and this railroad very proud, and I can’t be anymore thrilled or honored than to have you officially join our roster as per the boss’s orders.

Number #5: Thank you so much!!!! It really means a lot!!!!

Old 302: No, thank you for always being such a sweet and wonderful friend.

Christian Mandez: Restoring Old Number #302 back to her former glory is gonna be quite a fun challenge, and I can’t wait to get started on her.

Chris: Well hay, I’m glad it’s working out, and I’m glad that Old #302 will get a new lease on life when she’s restored.

Christian Mandez: Yep. Also since I brought some of my men over…………..

Chris: Yes?

Christian Mandez: Aaron, Alex?

Aaron & Alex: Yes????!!!!!

Christian Mandez: Call some of the workmen over to perform a complete top to bottom boiler wash and inspection on Little Number #5.
Have the cylinder head covers, Ash-pan, smoke box ring front, steam dome lid lover, whistle, safety valves, and valve gear eccentric bolts all removed and inspected while you clean out the boiler, smoke box, firebox, and steam cylinder engines. Also drain the tender tank and oil tank completely. Completely retime the valves, replace the ash-pan fastening bolts with new ones, service the McCoy oiler, replace all the packing, tighten up the packing glands, replace the valve gear eccentric bolts, recalibrate the safety valves, make some repairs to the whistle valve, clean out the whistle bell chamber, replace the head, and cab light bulbs, and service the steam turbine generator.
Afterwards, have a boiler inspector hydro-test the boiler, so we can have state inspection out of the way.
Also don’t forget to service the steam/water injector brand pipes too.
Also get someone from the FRA to certify our friend here!!!!!
Master May must get FRA certified ASAP!!!! He also has a charter that his engine has to pull in a couple weeks and Number #5 needs to be in tip top shape. She’ll also be pulling a line of our brand new coaches that we’ll be delivering next week, so failure is not an option.

Alex: We’re on it Sir!!!!!!

Aaron: We’ll set to work right away and have Number #5 ready to go in time for the charter.

Christian Mandez: Awesome!!!!!! Good to hear!!!!!! Engine Number #2602 can now handle the yard switching duties and the Toy Special while the Number #5 undergoes routine Maintenance and it’s Hydro test.

Chris: WOAH, WOAH, WOAH!!!!! Mr. Mandez, you don’t have to do this!!!!!

Christian Mandez: Hey, don’t worry about it. You have your hands full getting your brother’s business trip ready, along with being a Chef at Yagami’s, as well as your 2 little sisters that you need to take care of, plus I heard there’s some love interest in your life now.

Chris: WHAT?!!!!! How did you know???!!!!

Christian Mandez: Mr. John Bowker told me about the charter, but it also happens that my wife Chrissy is close friends with a girl named Meghan Smith, who also just happens to be best friends with a girl named Chloe Kimble, who from what I heard REALLY LIKES a guy named Chris if that rings any bells.

Chris: WOAH!!!!!

Christian Mandez: Small World Master May!!!!! Chloe has told Meghan A LOT about you through phone calls and text messages, and Meghan has told what Chloe has said about you to Chrissy, and I then get wind of what’s going on.

Chris: *Blushes Dark Red* Well if I maybe honest, I kinda like Chloe myself and would really like to get to know her before asking her out.

Christian Mandez: Then go for it!!! You never know what it could lead to.

Chris: You’re right.
And soon enough the train hauling the campers from the Forest Reserve soon comes rolling back into Aldin Station.

Christian Mandez: Well you should get going since your sisters need you, and you don’t wanna leave Chloe waiting.
My guys will take care of Number #5, and we have Old #302 loaded onto the truck and ready to head off to the Mandez Locomotive & Machine Works to begin its restoration back to operating service.

Chris: Well thank you very much for everything!!!!

Christian Mandez: Hey, I’m always happy to help out a fellow train fanatic, and it’s the least I can do after your selfless act on Friday. I know the Big City of Portland will never forget it for years to come.

At long last, Old #302 is chained down good and secure on the low bed tractor trailer, and ready for its trip to Philadelphia.

Old 302: Well it’s time for me to go!!!!

Number #5: And it’s time for me to get ready for Chris’s family’s special charter in 2 weeks!!!!

Old 302: You take good care of yourself while I’m gone!!!

Number #5: I will!!!!

Old 302: Good bye Sweetie, I promise I’ll be back again someday!!!!

Number #5: Good bye, I’ll miss you!!!!

Old 302: I’ll miss you too!!!!

Christian Mandez then hops in the cab of his tractor trailer, depresses the clutch, turns over the engine, and drives off for his repair facility.
Aaron and Alex have their workmen set to work on Number #5’s maintenance at once as Chris makes his way over to the station platform to greet Chloe and his sisters.
As Chris arrives onto the station platform both his sisters dart off the train and tackle him to the ground.

Brooke & Kaitlin: CHRISSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE MISSED YOU!!!!! *GLOMP*

Chris: WAHT???!!!!! I should have seen this coming!!!!!! LOL!!!!! But I missed you too girls and happy to have you home!!!!!!

Chloe then makes her way over to Chris and wraps her arms around him in a big hug.

Chloe: Hey Chris!!!!!! How’ve you been???!!!!! I missed you!!!!!

Chris: Hey Chloe!!! I’ve been very well Thank you and I’ve missed you too!!!!

Chloe: I’m sorry that I’m all disgusting in my track & field tank top and running briefs, but the head counselor let me do a track & field run during our last few hours.
I ended up losing track of time and didn’t even have the time to change.
It’s kinda embarrassing. *Blushes Bright Pink* I know these look like panties, but I promise you they’re not!!!!! I’m wearing my underwear underneath!!!!! These bikini cut running briefs help increase aero dynamics and decrease drag when I run!!!!

Chris: Hey don’t worry, I’m used to it since both girl’s can be pretty disgusting too. No offense.

Brooke: Hey, none taken!!!!

Kaitlin: We can look pretty gross, and Chris is used to it. LOL!!!

Chris: Brooke’s VERY physically active in Tennis and Cheerleading, and Kaitlin’s also fairly active from Gymnastics and Ballet, so don’t worry about it. Besides the track and field outfit looks really cute on you.

Chloe: *Blushing Bright Pink* You’re always so sweet Chris, and thank you for understanding.

Chloe then gives Chris a gentle kiss on the cheek, and Chris gently kisses her on the forehead, which causes Chloe to blush even more.

Chloe: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* CHRIS, YOU’RE MAKING ME BLUSH!!!!!

Chris: *Blushes Dark Red* WAHTT; SORRY!!!! My mistake!!!!!

Chloe: It’s okay. *Giggles*

Chris:  Anyways do you have a ride home?

Chloe: I don’t actually since I left my truck back at the Sorority house.

Chris: Hey no problem, I’ll be happy to give you a lift, and if you’d like to hang out at my place, you’re more than welcome to.

Chloe: REALLY????!!!!!

Chris: Of course, please know that my home is always open for you. Especially since how you and my sisters bonded very well over the weekend after the stunt I had to pull on Friday. LOL!!!!!

Chloe: THANK YOU!!!!!!! If it isn’t too much trouble, is it okay if I borrow your shower and do some laundry at your place?

Chris: Of course!!!!! What are friends for?

Chloe: CHRIS, YOU ARE SO SWEET!!!!!

As Chloe gives Chris yet another kiss on the cheek, both Brooke and Kaitlin giggle for they can see that the chemistry between them is only building.

Chris: By the way girls I received a texted from Mom and Dad earlier this morning after they arrived in LA, and since Kaitlin you have a ballet recital here in Aldin in 2 weeks, and you Brooke have a cheerleading competition over in Portland around that same time, they’ve asked me to keep you girls at my house for another 2 and a half weeks.

Brooke & Kaitlin: REALLY!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU CHRISSY!!!!!!!

Chris: Also because I work long hours at Yagami’s, someone needs to look after you girls while I’m away, and Chloe if it isn’t too much trouble to ask you to look after my sisters, could you?

Chloe: Chris I’d love to; your sisters and I have really become close friends over the weekend, and they’re like little sisters to me too!!!!

Chris: THAT’S AWESOME!!!!! I’m so glad!!!!!
However, I was also wondering that if it’s okay with my sisters, that you’d wanna go out on a date with me? I mean, I completely understand if you’re not ready………

Chloe blushes even brighter, and gives Chris another gentle kiss on the cheek.

Chloe: *Blushes Brighter Pink* I’d love to Chris………………..

Chris: I really like you Chloe, and would love to get to know more about you.

Chloe: That really makes me happy Chris because I really like you a lot, and I’d love to get to know more about you too.

Brooke & Kaitlin: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!! YOU 2 WOULD BE SO CUTE TOGETHER!!!!!!!

Chris: Okay, one thing at a time here!!!!! It’s been a VERY LONG TIME since I last dated, so I can’t go rushing into things. Therefor it’s best to take things slow and steady if Chloe’s alright with that.

Chloe: Of course!!!!

Chris: Last thing I want is for Anthony and Andrew to be even MORE pissed at me now that they know about the stunt Number #5 and I pulled on Friday after it got in morning the papers!!!!

Big Joe: WHAT THE GET AWAY!!!!!!

John Goss: WAAAAHAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, WHOOOOOOAAAAAAAA HOOOOOOOOOO, HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big Joe: DON’T YOU DARE GIVE ME ANOTHER BACK MASSAGE!!!!!!!

Chris: UGH-OH BOY!!!!!! HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!!

Adam: YOU’RE TELLING ME!!!!!!

Chris: Just don’t go putting on anymore tuba concerts in the roundhouse because Number #5 now lives in there and I don’t wanna have to pay for a brand new coat of paint!!!!!

Big Joe: SHUT UP MAY!!!!! THAT’S ENOUGH OUT OF YOU!!!!!!!!

Chris: Have you seen the insides of the cabs of the Diesel engines????!!!!! All the paint inside has pealed off because of their……………..you know????...................

Robert: HAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! IT’S ALL BECAUSE OF SIR GAS-O-LOT AND THE BIG BAD GAS!!!!!!!! IT GETS OLD TOO!!!!!!!! THEY STINK UP THE CABS USING THEIR GAS!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!

Brooke: What’s going on with Number #5 if you don’t mind me asking?

Chris: She’s now out of service undergoing an extensive boiler wash, and yearly state boiler and firebox inspection. For this they remove a few of the external components to thoroughly clean the inside of the boiler, firebox, smoke box, and steam cylinder engines for inspection and any mechanical readjustments.

Kaitlin: WOW!!!!! It sounds like a major job!!!!

Chris: Not really. I mean, steam locomotives are VERY high maintenance vehicles compared to a car and require A HECK of A LOT more work. This maintenance is just basic and routine, but it’s a heavier than normal boiler wash because the Federal Railway Administration is getting involved in pressure testing the boiler, but it shouldn’t be a major issue.
When this is all done, Number #5 will be ready to go to pull the special charter train for when Anthony arrives!!!!

Brooke: So that means you’re going through with his crazy plan?

Chris: Yes, but let’s just say I’ve been VERY lucky with it!!!! We have a locomotive available, and Mandez will be dropping off 6 brand new beautiful train cars that are supposed to be used on the Light House Express.
However, after hearing about what Number #5 and I did on Friday along with Anthony’s demand, the railroad’s President, Mr. John Bowker has not only given me permission to run Number #5 on the mainline at any given time, he’s also decided to let me use the cars for the company charter.
Which means with Number #5 approved to run on the mainline, and 6 brand new coaches now available, we now have a train to use for the company charter!!!!

Kaitlin: THAT’S GREAT!!!!!

Chloe: There’s no doubt a whole lot more to the plan.

Chris: There is actually, but we’ll talk more in the car. I’m baking out here and it’s getting as hot as Number #5’s cab.

Chloe: Good point, I’m REALLY starting to feel more disgusting in this heat.

Brooke: Same here, this Tennis uniform is starting to feel heavy from all this heat.

Kaitlin: This leotard is starting to get sticky and uncomfortable, so AC would be REALLY nice!!!!

Chris: I’ll take your bags girls!!!!!

Chloe: Chris, you are SO SWEET!!!!

Chris takes the girls’ bags, walks up to the car’s driver door handle, unlocks all the doors, kicks the car’s rear bumper, and the drunk’s door opens.

Chloe: WOW!!!!!! THAT IS SO AWESOME!!!!!!!

Brooke: I KNOW!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: MOM’S Porsche Cayenne doesn’t even have the kick-open feature!!!!

Brooke: NEITHER DOES DADDY’S ROHLS ROYCE……………..What is it?

Chris: Rohls Royce Phantom.

Brooke: EXACTLY!!! It doesn’t even have that Kick-open feature!!!!

Chris: Neither does Anthony’s Mercedes Benz AMG CL65, or Andrew’s Porsche 911 Carerra S, or Noelle’s Nissan GTR or BMW X3, or Uncle Louie’s Aston Martin DB-10, or Aunt Lizzie’s Lexus RX350, or Uncle Rob’s Ferrari F430, or Aunt Ruthie’s Jaguar XF. And lets not forget that Aunt Louise still drives her 1963 VW Beetle that she had transformed into a Herbie Replica in his 1974 Rides Again Appearance, and Uncle Martin still drives his classic 1955 Ford Thunderbird, but to be fair those are beautifully restored classics, and they’re pristine without a single scratch on them. However, this car is a brand new 2020 Model and is A LOT newer, so it’ll come with a few more upgrades than previous model years.

Chloe: WOW!!!!! Your family owns A LOT of NICE cars!!!!!

Kaitlin: However, those cars are too flashy for my taste, where as this one is WAY more down to earth, and more my style.

Chris: As nice of cars as what Mom, Dad, Anthony, Andrew, and Noelle have, I am just WAY too attached to my old hand me down 98 Volvo V70XC Cross Country Wagon, so the new car had to be as close as possible.
This I feel is perfect and is no more or less than what I need.
Besides as much as I LOVE high end European Sports Cars, they’re just not practical, I wouldn’t feel too comfortable driving one, I wouldn’t want everyone thinking that I’m too stuck up and flashy, and I ESPECIALLY wouldn’t want to deal with the high insurance costs either, especially from that of an accident.
John William Bowker has taken Number #5’s insurance costs off of my hands now that the railroad’s paying for it, and I can’t thank him enough for it, though the cost really wasn’t that bad…………..

Brooke: Chris has always been the most humble one in the family.

Kaitlin: Which is partly why we love him!!!

Chris then loads the bags into his Volvo wagon’s trunk before pressing the close button and the trunk closing itself automatically.

Chris: Well, a lot has been weighing on my mind with preparing for Anthony’s company event, but I do have a majority of it arranged. However, I could use the extra help from you girls, so it would be great if you’d help out on the planning.
Chloe you’re also more than welcome to help out as well.

Brooke: AWESOME!!!!

Kaitlin: I CAN’T WAIT!!!!

Chloe: I’D LOVE TO!!!!!

Chris: Let’s get in the car and I’ll tell you the plans I have so far.

Everyone then hops in the car before Chris depresses the clutch, turns the engine start knob on the center console, shifts the car into gear, and drives off.

Brooke: So what are the plans you have so far?

Chris: Okay, so we have the train taken care of, and both Mr. Bowker and Mr. Yagami have made an agreement with the catering, so rather than booking up the entire restaurant, Yagami’s will be catering the meals on board the train.

Kaitlin: That is the PERFECT meet in the middle!!!!

Brooke: WOW!!!!! Talk about killing 2 birds with one stone!!!!!

Chloe: I was gonna say, that solves a good number of your problems right?

Chris: It does but let’s not forget that Anthony also wants 100 orders of FUGU!!!!
That means 100 wavers to sign and it increases the chances of anything going wrong in the cooking process due to how long and tedious it is, and how much of a toll taker it can be resulting in fatigue.
I will admit that when I first started cooking Puffer Fish, I got sick from minor food poisoning, but other students who I have worked with NEARLY DIED when they first started.
And the thing is, when you’re in your 3-5 year training period of cooking Fugu, you need to eat EVERY Puffer Fish you cook!!!!
This has led to multiple accidents, and near fatalities, which is why many quit and give up on Fugu.
I however was VERY lucky, and soldiered on until my certification.
Now I only get an order or 2 once every six months, and the most I’ve done in a year was 5. But 100 is not only a ridiculous amount, but it’s also too dangerous.

Chloe: WOW!!!!! I completely agree with you Chris, it sounds like your brother is being completely unreasonable!!!!!

Brooke: I know and it’s NOT FAIR!!!!!

Kaitlin: Anthony always does this to Chris and it REALLY makes me VERY upset!!!!

Brooke: Anthony has always been VERY strict and demanding, and takes out A LOT of his problems on Chris, Kaitlin, and I, so it’s very frustrating!!!!!

Kaitlin: But Chris is always so nice, thinks nothing of it, and almost always follows through.

Chris: Which is why we are getting on the phone with Mom and Dad once we get home and telling them EVERYTHING!!!!
For once I am drawing the line!!!
I know that Dad is a VERY tough customer to please, but he’s also VERY reasonable, and also knows when and where to draw the line.
Also, because Dad is still the REAL CEO of the company, he can override Anthony on A LOT of things, and get the numbers down to a more reasonable level.
Mom will back him up on this, and Anthony will have no choice but to comply.

Brooke: WOW!!!! That is awesome planning!!!!!

Chris: Tonight, I will bring home menus, and I would like you girls to discus with Mom on who would like to have what off the menu. We don’t have a full kitchen on the train, so everything has to be prepared well in advanced.
And this is where I need your help girls.

Brooke: Awesome!!!! We’re more than happy to help!!!!

Kaitlin: You can count on us Chris!!!!

Chloe: I’m all in!!!!

Chris: Chloe, you and I can look up the hotels, and book the ones with the best reviews.

Chloe: Awesome!!!! Sounds like a good plan!!!!

Chris: Also, since Brooke and Kaitlin will be riding on the company charter, and enjoying Portland before they go back to New York with Mom and Dad, you’re also more than welcome to be part of this as well Chloe.

Chloe: Are you sure?

Chris: Of course!!!! My sisters REALLY like you, I REALLY like you, my parents will LOVE you, and I really enjoy your company. So, this just wouldn’t be the same without you.

Chloe then gently kisses Chris on the cheek as a few tears pour down her face.

Chloe: Thank you so much Chris. You are very sweet; you know that?

Chris: Hey, I may not have known you for very long, but I feel like you’ve become part of the family. Plus, we have a date coming up soon, so I’d really like us to spend more time together.

Chloe: Thank you so much Chris. It really means a lot and makes me very happy.

Chris: Once we reach Portland, we’ll go our first date.

Chloe: Sounds good Chris.

Chris: And we’re home already, so let me back into the garage, and we’ll get on the phone with Mom and Dad.

Chris then backs his car into the garage and parks it before shutting off the engine and removing the bags out of the trunk.

Chris: Alrighty, so this house has 2 laundry areas. There’s the main laundry & utility room with a full size washer and dryer next to the mudroom by the backdoor and garage for guests, and those staying on the main floor to use. Then there’s the second floor laundry closet with a small stackable wash & dryer unit, which is used ONLY for the main suite upstairs. So, while the girls use the main laundry room, you Chloe, are more than welcome to use the second floor laundry.

Chloe: REALLY, are you sure Chris???!!!!

Chris: Of course, my laundry’s all done and has been packed away, so while the girls get theirs done down here, it’ll be quicker for you to get yours done upstairs.

Chloe: Thank you so much Chris, you are SO SWEET!!!!!

Chris: Hey, my home is your home anytime.

Chloe: It REALLY means A LOT Chris.

Chris: Okay, while we’re at it, lets go upstairs to the office area and get on the phone with Mom and Dad.

Brooke & Kaitlin: Okay sounds good!!!!!

Everyone enters the house before Brooke and Kaitlin unpack their bags in the mudroom and set to work on doing their laundry, while Chris takes Chloe’s bag upstairs to the second floor Laundry Closet, and Chloe sets to work on doing her laundry.

Chris: Alrighty everyone, I’m getting on the phone now, so come on up when you’re ready girls. And Chloe if you’d like to also say hello to my parents, you’re more than welcome to.

Chloe: Okay. 

Chris then goes to his small office area on the second floor landing and calls up his parents.
Brooke and Kaitlin soon join Chris and Chloe upstairs as he gets on his laptop to make the call.
His parents soon answer right away.

Annie May & Alan McCollen: Hello Christian, Brooke, and Kaitlin!!!!! It’s great to hear from you!!!!!

Chris: Hi Mom and Dad!!!!! It’s great to hear from you too and thank you so much for responding to my call!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: Mommy, Daddy, we miss you!!!!!

Annie May: And we miss you too girls!!!!!

Alan McCollen: I see you have a VERY PRETTY girl with you Christian!!!! Did you just meet her?

Chris: Yes, we met a few days ago, and she’s already become such great friends with the girls!!!!

Chloe: Hi, my name is Chloe Kimble, and I’m attending Notre Dame University. Chris came to my rescue when I was stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire and has become my best friend since my recent move here.

Annie May: Wow good for you!!!! And that is so wonderful that Chris was there to help you in a time of need!!!!!

Alan McCollen: Good Man Chris, because she’s REALLY beautiful, so I wouldn’t let her go!!!! LOL!!!!

Chris: *Blushes Dark Red* Dad, I don’t intend on it. LOL!!!
Come to think of it Chloe has become my best friend too since I haven’t really mingled or befriended anyone for anything outside of work or the Cathedral’s music staff until I met Chloe.
She was also the junior counselor for the girls while they were away at camp over the weekend, and they’ve become very close.

Annie May: Well, it’s great that you’ve become such good friends in such short time.

Chloe: Chris, Brooke, and Kaitlin have really helped me feel welcome here, and I can’t thank them enough. Now I’m only sorry that I look disgusting, and I promise you that what I’m wearing isn’t underwear, I’m actually wearing them underneath these pair of running briefs. These are for better aero dynamics and less drag in track and field since I’m a runner.

Annie May: That’s so wonderful to hear, and I know that Chris is a very loving and loyal friend as are Brooke and Kaitlin. They’re VERY different from their older siblings Anthony and Andrew who are a MUCH BIGGER handful. LOL!!!!
And don’t worry about how you look because what matters is what’s on the inside. Plus, we’ve had our fair share of seeing Brooke and Kaitlin look disgusting, so you’re not alone. LOL!!!!

Alan McCollen: Also I think it’s great that you’re a runner, it helps keep you active, so good for you!!!!

Chloe: Thank you very much you’re too kind!!!!

Chris: Anyways, there’s a reason why we’re calling you and that’s because………….

Brooke & Kaitlin: Anthony decided to invite the entire company on a business trip over here demanded Chris that he reserve the entire restaurant he works at with only a 2 week notice.

Brooke: It gets even worse when he asks for 100 orders of Puffer Fish.

Kaitlin: And it gets worse when he asks Chris to reserve an entire train at the Railroad Chris helps out at too!!!!

Chris: However, I have talked with both Eiji Yagami and John Bowker, and we have come to an agreement. Yagami’s By The Bay is going to cater the meals needed for the company, while the Aldin & Portland Railroad is loaning me 6 brand new train cars built for the Light House Express for Anthony’s Charter. Engine Number #5 has also been granted permission to run on the mainline after the stunt I pulled on Friday night.
With that being said, we have the food, and we have a train, but there is still one major problem.

Everyone: ANTHONY’S CRAZY DEMAND IN NUMBERS!!!!!!

Chris: I mean in all my years in cooking Fugu, never have I ever had to cook 100 orders. I mean I only get approximately 5 orders PER YEAR, and everyone who orders it has to sign a waver not holding me or Yagami’s responsible if anything goes wrong!!!!
I know not once has anything gone wrong during my cooking of Fugu since I’ve been licensed, but 100 orders is WAY TOO HIGH!!!!! We have to cut that number down to something far more reasonable.
I get that Puffer Fish is rare and exotic to eat, but it’s also dangerous given that the venom in the flesh is powerful enough to kill around 35 people. It’s a VERY LONG and TEDIOUS task to prepare and cook one Fugu, but 100 orders is like playing with fire.

Annie May: We completely understand loud and clear, and we totally agree.

Alan McCollen: I know I’m VERY HARD on you guys, but that’s only because I believe in you guys, and want what’s best for you. Anthony on the other hand takes it the wrong way, and thinks he has to go 1000 extra miles overboard.

Brooke: AND HE ALWAYS DOES THIS TO CHRIS!!!!!! IT IS SO UNFAIR!!!!!!

Kaitlin: IT REALLY MAKES ME ANGRY!!!!!!! NEVER HAVE I SEEN CHRIS SO STRESSED OUT AND THAT NEVER HAPPENS!!!!!

Alan McCollen: Anthony maybe second in command, but he still has A VERY LONG WAYS TO GO before he succeeds in becoming the next company’s CEO.
I am glad that he wants to have a company trip to Aldin, enjoy some of the town’s finest upscale restaurants, and enjoy the beautiful train ride along the coastline to Portland. There’s so MUCH you can do in the town of Aldin and the Big City of Portland, so no worries, BUT he’s once again gone too far!!!!!
I am going to have a serious talk with him in person man to man.

Annie May: Part of his problem is also jealousy, and he’s jealous that Chris has a better life than he does. Even though Anthony makes WAY MORE money, lives in a MUCH LARGER house, and drives a WAY FANCIER car, he’s WAY more tense and stressed out. He doesn’t have the luxury to relax and enjoy life the way Chris does. Chris we see how much you LOVE cooking, and we are happy that you’ve got yourself a great job working as a head chef for Yagami’s, live in a beautiful 2 story house in a VERY NICE town, drive a good car, attend a VERY NICE church that has a beautiful pipe organ, and also get to pursue your hobby of steam trains.

Alan McCollen: That is another thing that blows me away!!!! Your mother and I are so proud of you for what you did on Friday night!!!! You selflessly out of the goodness of your heart used your own locomotive to take a train 75 miles to the City Of Portland to give toys and good food to kids in need.

Annie May: And that was also an overnight job without pay!!!!! I mean, I wouldn’t have the heart to do something like that!!!!!! But how you did it was WOW!!!!!!!

Alan McCollen: You have our full support and respect, which is why your Mom and I are coming to visit you in Aldin, and ride the charter train pulled by your engine to Portland.

Annie May: And we also want to keep Anthony on a leash!!! He called us up this morning ranting on his jealousy of you even more, so it’s time that we put him at bay.

Chris: I understand that he wants to do you and Dad proud, and that he wants to do well in life, and do what’s best for the company. Unfortunately, it’s getting to his head causing him more stress than it should.

Alan McCollen: Hit the nail RIGHT ON THE HEAD!!!! When I grew up homeless out on the streets, I made a vow to never have my kids grow up the same way I did. I made a vow to make sure they grew up with better lives, and I was determined that you guys would have the wonderful childhood that I could only dream of.
It makes me happy to see all of you succeed, and it makes me even happier to see that you love what you do in life, and that you’re happy with your life.
It now makes me even happier to see that you found a pretty girl.

Chloe: OH MY GOSH!!!! I didn’t know things were that serious???!!!!!

Chris: We actually come from very humble beginnings Chloe. This beautiful Craftsman styled house, my brand new Volvo V60 Cross Country Wagon, our beautifully restored steam locomotive Number #5, Brooke’s Tennis and cheerleading, Kaitlin’s Gymnastics & Ballet, and this conversation that we’re having, wouldn’t have all been possible if it wasn’t for the love and support our Dad received before we got this far. It took A LOT of LOVE, support, determination, and perseverance to make all of his accomplishments, and all of our accomplishments become a reality.

Chris then gently holds Chloe’s hand as continues.

Chris: Also I was very lucky to find you when I did, and finding you was an accomplishment in itself given that good people like you are very hard to come by.

Alan McCollen: Very well said Christian. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
And by the way, you should ask this girl out since she’s VERY BEAUTIFUL, and since you really seem to like her.

Chloe: *Blushes Bright Pink & Giggles* He already has, and I said yes!!!! We’re having our first date once we get to Portland.

Chris: I invited her aboard the company charter train since she’s pretty much become like family to me and the girls, so I hope that’s alright.

Annie May: Absolutely sweetie. She’s a lovely girl, and since you asked her out, you can’t go back on your word.

Chris: No, I can’t!!!! LOL!!!!!

Annie May: By the way Chloe, we’d like to invite your family to join us if they can.

Chloe: Here’s the thing, my family’s from Atlanta, Georgia and I’m the only one who lives here in Maine. My older brother owns a Sporting Goods Store in Los Angeles, California, and both of my parents are rather busy golfing out in their vacation rental in Florida.

Annie May: Well, our door is always open to your family in case they are interested.

Chloe: Thank you so very Mrs………………………..

Chris: Oh, our parents go by different last names. Our mom held onto her maiden name, so she goes by the last name of May. Dad’s last name is McCollen, and both Anthony and Andrew go by the same last name as Dad, but because I was the third son, they wanted at least one of us to carry on Mom’s last name, so I was given the last name May. Then later on, we get 2 miracle surprise girls, and both Brooke & Kaitlin end up taking the last name May as well. LOL!!!
So the 2 older children have Dad’s last name, while the 3 younger children have Mom’s last name. LOL!!!

Chloe: I think that’s great!!!!

Annie May: You can call me Annie if you’d like.

Chloe: Thank you, I will!!!!!

Chris: Anyways, to get back to what we were saying, what is the likelihood of 100 being the total number of people on this company trip Anthony is trying to plan?

Alan McCollen: VERY UNLIKELY!!!!! In fact if he only planned it 2 weeks before the start, then it’s most likely that more than half of the people he has invited have other plans, and are vacationing elsewhere since it’s the Summer.

Chris: That’s what I was thinking, since you don’t book a business trip ONLY 2 weeks in advanced, invite an entire company, and expect EVERYONE at the office to be available and come along.

Alan McCollen: EXACTLY!!!!! In fact, I know more than half are vacationing elsewhere!!!!! I know one of our employees is planning a trip to Alaska, another one is visiting South America, another is going to Europe, another has a trip to China, another is going to Egypt, and so on………. So, I HIGHLY DOUBT that we’ll be having 100 people on this trip.
I will talk to Anthony, we will call up those he’s invited, ask the ones who are available if they’re interested, and will give you a final number once we got it. And it’s WAY MORE likely that it’ll be less than half of 100.
And I also don’t think that EVERYONE will want an order of Puffer Fish as an appetizer since there’s WAY more to choose from at Yagami’s.

Chris: Thank you that sounds good. And you are most certainly right, Yagami’s has WAY MORE to offer than just its signature appetizer of Fugu, and everyone’s gonna want something different.
And while we’re on the subject of food, you and the girls will be working together to get the food orders on who wants to eat what aboard the train.
The train cars are ONLY Narrow Gauge 5/8 scale coaches, and don’t have NEARLY enough room for a full sized kitchen like a standard gauged Amtrak or Orient Express Train, so the meals have to be prepared for in advanced.
Once onboard, the meals will be reheated in the concession car’s microwaves, and the finishing touches will be added then and there.
With that being said, we need to know who wants to eat what before we start cooking the meals, and it’s up to you and the girls to get on the phone.

Annie May: That sounds like a good solid plan!!!!!

Chris: Each meal will consist of 4 courses, an appetizer, soup or salad, main course, and dessert. And since it’s a nice 5 and a half hour trip, each course will be spread out for people to enjoy. Also, we do intend to have people enjoy cocktails along the coastline while everyone enjoys a nice sunset on the water for the first half hour to 45 minutes of the trip.
The meal shall be enjoyed up until the train crests the top of the mountain because I don’t think people will be too happy trying to eat when descending a hill, and for the final stretch of the journey, it’ll be full steam ahead with the speedometer nearly maxed out at 35 feet per second. 35 feet per second may not seem like much, but on Number #5 its high speed.

Alan McCollen: VERY IMPRESSIVE!!!!! It seems you have everything well laid out!!!!!

Chris: Also, we should land the Cathedral Tour, and David’s Pipe Organ Concert on the night everyone arrives. Then do the History Museum, Art Gallery, and Aquarium on Day Two. Then day 3 will be Kaitlin’s Ballet recital, and right afterwards we can then hop on the steam train for a Sunset Excursion.

Annie May: That sounds like a great plan!!!!!!

Brooke: Also Kaitlin’s Ballet Recital lands REALLY close to my Summer Cheerleading competition in Portland by just a couple days, so that would work out perfectly!!!!!!

Alan McCollen: Even better!!!!!!

Chris: David’s Pipe Organ Concert at the Cathedral is on the night of this date which is perfect because it’s just 2 days before Kaitlin’s Ballet Recital at the Fine Arts Center. And that works out great because 2 days after that it’s Brooke’s Cheerleading Competition at the Portland Convention Center. it’s then all hands on deck in getting everything ready.

Annie May: Sounds like a good plan.

Chloe: Heads up that I have track and field in the afternoon everyday except for Saturday and Sunday, but I think I’ll have no problem ending early.

Chris: Hey no problem. The Light House Express doesn’t leave until 6:00 and the Charter wouldn’t leave until 6:30, so you can be at the track and field meet as long as need be. 

Chloe: Thank you so very much for always understanding Chris. And I promise not to come looking all disgusting.

Chris: Hey don’t worry about it, you come however you want, and whatever’s comfortable to you. And if you wanna come dressed as you are now you can, since you look really cute in that outfit.

Chloe then gives Chris a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Chloe: You’re too nice Chris, and thank you so very much for being so understanding.

Brooke & Kaitlin: Chris has really been nothing but good to us since our stay here!!!!

Chris: And I told Chloe that if ever she needs somewhere to stay, she’s always welcome here.
Also since the girls are crashing here for the next couple weeks until they go back to New York with you guys, Chloe will be looking after them at night while I’m away working at Yagami’s.

Annie May: That is wonderful!!!!! Everything happens for a good reason, and I’m glad everything’s working out for you!!!!

Chloe: Me too!!!! 

Chris: Anyway, I’m glad we’ve had this talk, and that we were able to sort things out.

Alan McCollen: Me too!!!! Anthony is notorious for going overboard and he’s done it this time!!!! But don’t worry, your mother and I will straighten him out!!!!

Annie May: We’ll let you go now since your father and I are attending a guided tour of Beverly Hills and Hollywood and you have work in a couple hours.

Chris: Okay, sounds good you take care!!!!

Chloe: It was nice meeting you!!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: We love you!!!!!

After saying their final good byes, the phone call then ends.

Chris: Alrighty, make yourselves at home everyone. I’ll leave you $50 bucks for take out before I head off to work since I wasn’t able to cook anything unfortunately.
And Chloe if you and the girls need to borrow the 98 Volvo Wagon, the keys are on a little tray on a small side desk in the kitchen.

Chloe: Alright, sounds good Chris!!!!

Brooke: By the way, why are there stitches on your face?

Kaitlin: Also why is your hand bandaged up along with your arm?

Chloe: That’s what I’d like to know too!!!!

Chris: Ugh-Oh Boy????!!!!!! I was kinda hoping you girls wouldn’t notice that………………..

Brooke, Kaitlin, & Chloe: CHHHHHRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS????????!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris: Oh Flyin, Fucken, Shit!!!!!!! Here comes the scolding!!!!!!

To Be Continued………………………….

Chapter 15

A Special Bond

The 2 weeks fly by really fast, and it is already 3 days before Kaitlin’s Ballet Recital, and the big Company Charter excursion.
Chris is working extra long hours to try to make sure every meal order is carried out right.  He also makes sure that Little Number #5 is good and ready to go to haul the train, and that all 6 coaches are ready too.
This time away from home, leads to Chloe constantly having to stop over at the house to watch the girls, but this leaves them worried, especially Brooke.

Chris: Alrighty!!!!  It’s 3:30, and I’m off to work again at Yagami’s.  I’ve cooked some Chicken Fuccini Alfredo and Strawberry Cheesecake for your dinner, and if ever you need anything, the keys to the 98 Volvo are in my office area on my desk.
If you ever need anything else, please call me.

Chloe: Okay, but how long will you be working tonight?  

Chris: No idea, because there is A LOT we have to do because of charter in a few days.

Kaitlin: My Beautiful New Tutu has finally arrived, and I’d like you to see me wear it before I perform in a couple days.

Brooke: And my new All Star Cheerleading uniform just arrived too!!!!!

Chris: I promise to be back as soon as I can, but I have a lot of special orders tonight, plus 15 orders of Fugu that have to be cooked for the charter.

Brooke: Okay, but before you go, I’d like you to do me a favor…………….

Chris: Okay??...........................

Brooke: Please let me help you!!!!  You’ve been dead tired these past few days, you haven’t been playing with me and Kaitlin as you usually do, Chloe’s having to come and watch us after her track and field meets, and she’s also getting worried about you too.
You’re always coming home VERY late, and it’s been taking a toll on you.  So please let, Kaitlin, Chloe, and I help you!!!!!

Chris: Brooke sweetie, you, Kaitlin, and Chloe have done your part and got me the orders.  Now all I have to do is cook them, and make sure they’re done right.   Yes, it’s the final and most stressful night since EVERYTHING starts tomorrow night when everyone arrives.  We have the Cathedral Tour and David Ball’s Pipe Organ Concert to enjoy, but don’t you worry.  I have it all wired, and the finish line is in sight.
Plus Kaitlin has her ballet recital to worry about in 2 days, and you have a cheerleading competition to worry about in a couple days as well, so let me take care of this.
And Kaitlin, I can’t wait to see you in your new dress, so please work hard on your dance routine!!!!

Kaitlin: I will, and I’ll get back to practice right away!!!!!

Kaitlin then goes back to her room to continue practicing her dance routine.

Chris: Brooke, I promise to be back as soon as possible, and I promise to see you in your uniform as soon as I can.  But please worry about yourself.  I have this in the bag, so you take care of yourself and practice on your routine for the competition.

Chris then gives Brooke a gentle kiss on the forehead before walking out of the house, getting in his car, and driving off.  
This leaves Brooke even more upset because she can’t help but worry even more.
Chloe tries her best to calm her down.

Chloe: Brooke sweetie, it’ll be fine.  I know you’re worried about your brother, but so am I, and so is Kaitlin.  

Brooke: But he’s been working so hard, by leaving early in the morning, and not coming back until VERY LATE at night when we’re all asleep.
You’re having to come after Track & Field Practice, and it’s unfair to you.

Chloe: I know, and I completely understand how you feel.  Chris is doing this because he loves you girls and the rest of your family VERY MUCH!!!!

Brooke: I know, but it’s also because STUPID ANTHONY is making him do this!!!!

Chloe: I understand how you feel, and if it makes you feel any better, I’m the youngest child in my family.  My older brother would make me do things I wouldn’t want and it SUCKED!!!!!!  
Older siblings REALLY suck sometimes, but I still love my brother the same way you love Chris.
And I know despite the amount of resentment, you still love your eldest brother Anthony, don’t you?

Brooke: Kaitlin and I have always loved our brothers, even though Anthony can be VERY difficult, and Andrew can be too tied up in work.
I guess we love Chris so much is because he is always nothing but sweet to us despite how big of a handful we can be.   Heck I don’t think I’d ever seen him get angry at us even once!!!!!

Chloe: Chris, get angry???!!!!!  I have a VERY HARD TIME picturing that!!!! LOL!!!!

Brooke: I know right???!!!!

Chloe: Anyways, do you mind if I use your shower again?  

Brooke: Of course!!!

Chloe: Thank you!!!!  I gotta stop coming to your house looking all disgusting in this tank top and running briefs!!!!  But one of these days I promise you will see me in a proper girly outfit!!!!  LOL!!!!

Brooke: Hey don’t worry about it.

Chloe then makes her way to the girl’s bathroom and once the bathroom door is closed, Brooke makes her way up stairs to Chris’s office desk and sees the keys to the old 98 Volvo.

Brooke: I know I shouldn’t do this, and I’m sorry, but I must!!!!!!

Brooke then grabs the keys to the 98 Volvo, rushes down the stairs, goes through the mudroom, into the garage, opens the main door, and unlocks the car.
Brooke gets in the driver’s seat, puts on her seat belt, depresses the clutch, turns over the engine, and after grinding some of the gears, puts the car in gear and drives the car out of the house and onto the main road.
Over at the restaurant, Chris and the crews are hard at work getting the charter’s orders, and current orders prepared.  

Chris: Okay, we have 45 people in the company, plus 12 people in my family, so that’s 57 orders we have to prepare for the charter on top of the orders we have to prepare for tonight!!!!

Mr. Yagami: I’m paying you guys double time for your effort, and if we need to work late, you’ll all be paid additional time in a half!!!!

Chris: Alright, no time to lose, we must get cooking!!!!

Kitchen Staff: RIGHT!!!!!

The Kitchen staff sets to work right away in getting all orders ready.

Chris: Alright!!!!  Time to prepare the 15 orders of Fugu!!!!!

Chris then walks over to a private room in the kitchen to begin preparing his orders of Puffer Fish.
Back at the house, Chloe gets out of the shower, and dries off.  
She then slides on her pure white panties, light blue pair of Nike Tempo Gym Shorts and Gray Nike T-Shirt before grabbing her Red Nike Running Briefs, light green panties, and Black Nike Running Tank Top.
She then exits the bathroom, takes her running briefs, panties, and tank top to the laundry room, and throws them in the washer.  After she exits the laundry room, she notices that Brooke is not in the living room.

Chloe: UH-OH!!!!!  BROOKE????!!!!!

Chloe then sees Brooke’s Bedroom door wide open and sees that she’s not in her room!!!!

Chloe: OH MY GOD NO!!!!!  BROOOKE?????!!!!!!

Chloe then knocks on Kaitlin’s door, and Kaitlin answers.

Chloe: Hey Kaitlin, is Brooke in there with you????!!!!

Kaitlin: No, I thought she was with you!!!!!

Chloe: I went to take a quick shower, and she was in the living room!!!!  I get out the shower and she’s not there!!!!!  I then see the door to her room is wide open and she’s not in there either!!!!!

Kaitlin: WHAT????!!!!!!  

Chloe: I know!!!!  Chris WILL KILL US IF WE DON’T FIND HER!!!!!

Kaitlin: OH MY GOD!!!!!  WE HAVE TO FIND HER!!!!!!

Chloe and Kaitlin search all over the house, and they search EVERY LAST ROOM until……………

Chloe: THE GARAGE????!!!!!

Kaitlin: THE KEYS TO THE 98 VOLVO ARE NOT HERE????!!!!

Chloe: WHAT??????!!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: THE KEYS TO THE OTHER CAR ARE ALWAYS HERE ON HIS OFFICE DESK!!!!!  HE ALWAYS LEAVES THEM HERE FOR YOU IN CASE YOU NEED TO USE THE CAR!!!!!

Chloe: SHE WOULDN’T TAKE THE CAR?????!!!!!

Kaitlin: SHE’S ONLY 14, AND HAS NEVER BEEN BEHIND THE WHEEL BEFORE IN HER LIFE EXCEPT AT TOMORROWLAND SPEEDWAY IN WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!

Chloe: OH MY GOD!!!!!

Chloe then opens the door to the garage and instantly freaks out when she sees that the 98 Volvo is NOT in the garage!

Chloe: KAITLIN????!!!!!  THE CAR’S NOT HERE!!!!!

Kaitlin: WHAT????!!!!!!

Chloe: THE CAR’S NOT HERE!!!!!!

Kaitlin: YOU WOULDN’T THINK SHE’D LEAVE FOR YAGAMI’S WOULD SHE?????!!!!!

Chloe: OH MY GOD!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: SHE AND CHRIS WERE ALWAYS CLOSE, AND SHE ALWAYS WORRIES ABOUT HIM AS DO I, BUT TO ACTUALLY DRIVE WITHOUT A LICENSE????!!!!!!

Chloe: We’re gonna have to take my pick-up to find her!!!!  It’s back at the sorority house!!!!!!  We’ll go fetch it and look for her!!!!!

Back at the restaurant, Chris is working on his 4th order of Fugu when assistant Chef Brian knocks on the door.

Brian: Hey Chris?

Chris: Yes???!!!!

Brian: Mr. Yagami wants to see you!!!!  He says it’s important!!!!

Chris: Okay, I’m almost done with this puffer fish!!!!

Chris finishes carefully cutting up the Puffer Fish making sure that all the venomous bits are cut out, and that the good bits are ready for cooking.
Once the fish is fully cut up and ready, Chris gets out of the room and walks over to Mr. Yagami.

Chris: Mr. Yagami, you said you wanted to see me?

Mr. Yagami: Yes, please come with me!!!!

Chris: Okay?

Mr. Yagami takes Chris over to the V.I.P. dining room where Brooke is waiting.

Chris: Uh-Oh!!!!

Chris’s eyes just dilated the moment he sees Brooke.  Brooke sees some of the anger in Chris’s face and instantly got scared.

Brooke: Chris?.......................

Mr. Yagami: This young lady asked for you and wouldn’t leave until she saw you.  Do you know her?

Chris: Yes, I do!!!  She unfortunately happens to be my little sister, Brooke!!!  Please leave us alone.  I need to have a word with her.

Mr. Yagami: Very well Chris.

Mr. Yagami leaves the room, and all is silent.

Brooke: Chris I’m sorry, but……………

Chris: *Sighs*  I’m not really good when it comes to scolding, because never once have either you or Kaitlin really upset me until now.
I honestly don’t really know where to start.

Brooke: I’m so sorry Chris, but I………………….

Chris: First off, I would like to know how you got here in the first place, and please tell me the truth.

Brooke: I………………….I TOOK THE KEYS TO THE 98 VOLVO AND DROVE HERE!!!!!!

Chris then looks out the window and sees the 98 Volvo parked awkwardly out in the parking lot next to his 2020 Volvo.

Chris: Does Chloe know?  Have you at least called her?

Brooke: I unfortunately haven’t……………………..she doesn’t know I’m here…………….I took the keys when she went to the bathroom to take a shower.
Kaitlin was busy practicing her dance routine for the recital…………………….

Chris: So you took off, drove here without a license, didn’t inform Chloe or Kaitlin, and you walk in here, distract and embarrass my boss Mr. Yagami, and pull me from my job when I’m in the middle of preparing Puffer Fish orders for the charter?
Do you have an idea how much trouble you’re in?

Brooke: Please let me explain…………………………

Chris: You already told me what you’ve done, and do you realize that you could have gotten seriously hurt in an accident, or wound up in juvenile hall if a cop pulled you over?  Do you have an idea how that would make me feel young lady?

Brooke: CHRIS, I’M SO SORRY………………………….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy7blaYGJHk

Chris wraps his arms around Brooke and hugs her as a few tears pour down his face.
Brooke is shocked because she was expecting to get yelled at or hit.

Chris: THANK GOODNESS YOU’RE ALRIGHT!!!!  If anything were to happen to you, I would be beyond devastated and distraught!!!!!!  Seeing you or Kaitlin get hurt or in trouble is my worst nightmare.  If a cop pulled you over, I’d have to bail you out of Juvenile Hall, and you really could have gotten seriously hurt if you were involved in an accident,!!!!

Chris then gives Brooke a gentle kiss on her forehead as a few tears pour down her cheek as she began to cry.

Brooke: CHRIS, I’M SO SORRY!!!!!

Chris: I love you very much Brooke and would hate to have anything happen to you!!!!  So please promise me, NEVER DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT EVER AGAIN!!!!
Just promise me………………..

Brooke: I’M SO SORRY!!!!!!

Chris gently wipes Brooke’s tears and strokes her face.

Chris: You’re a wonderful girl, and an even more wonderful little sister.  To lose you is too painful and heart breaking of a thought I would never want to think about.

Brooke: I’m so sorry!!!!!  

Chris: I know I should really tell Mom and Dad what you have done, and also ground you.  But I’ll let you off with a warning this time given that I was also stupid to think that I could successfully tie down a tarp on a moving train.  
Just promise me you won’t do that again.


Brooke: I’m sorry Chris……………It’s just that I only wanted to help you.

Chris gives Brooke another gentle kiss on the forehead.

Brooke: I promise not to do that again if you promise not to pull that stupid stunt you did by tying down a tarp on a moving train again.

Chris: Deal!!!!

Brooke: Deal!!!!

Chris: Now we need to let Chloe and Kaitlin know where you are and then I must get back to work.

Brooke: Okay.  Also thank you for not hitting me.

Chris: Hey, I don’t believe in corporal punishment, but you sure gave me a nasty slap in the face after I told you my stunt. LOL!!!!  You also stormed off to your room and stayed in there for at least an hour, maybe 2…………..LOL!!!!

Brooke: I’m sorry, but you scared the shit out of me after you pulled that stunt!!!!

Chris: And I thought Number #5 gave me a nasty scolding, but she’s nothing compared to you!!!! You’re actually pretty scary when you get angry!!!!  LOL!!!!

Brooke: What can I say?  I’m a tough little girl who REALLY loves her brother. *Giggles*

Chris: Your thought means more to me than words can describe.

Brooke: I feel the exact same way Chris.

Chris then hears the chaos going on in the kitchen and nothing goes right……….

Chris: Uh-Oh Boy!!!!!  Looks like some order needs to be restored, and with your help I think we can make up for lost time!!!!

Chris then gives Brooke another gentle kiss on the forehead, and Brooke wraps her arms around him and gives him a very big hug before kissing him on the cheek.

Brooke: I LOVE YOU SO MUCH CHRIS!!!!!

Chris: I love you too Brooke!!!!  
Now it’s time we put things back under control in the kitchen.
I ain’t the head chef for nothing? LOL!!!!

Brooke: Once again Thank you for not getting too mad at me.

Chris: Just promise you won’t do it a second time.

Brooke: I promise as long as you don’t pull your stunt again.  *Giggles*

Chris: Alrighty, now it’s time to put the kitchen back under control.

Brooke: Right!!!! *Giggles*

Chris: Also, for once I’m glad you’re wearing those Notorious Nike Tempo Gym Shorts and T-Shirt because it gets VERY MESSY in the kitchen!!!!
Brooke: They sure come in handy don’t they?  And they’re comfy as heck too!!!! *Giggles*

Then both Chris and Brooke hear crashing, banging, shouting, and yelling coming out of the kitchen.

Chris: OH, FLYIN FUCKEN SHIT!!!!

Brooke: UH-OH!!!!  THAT DOES NOT SOUND GOOD!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w4VEc92Y_4

Chris and Brooke then take off running for the kitchen.
Right after they enter, they see that everything is utter CHAOS!!!!
The main stove is on fire, and many of the other chefs don’t know what to do.  Everyone is running around like chickens with their heads cut off!!!!

Chris: UUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!  WHY AM I ALWAYS HAVING TO FIX THIS!!!!!

Chris slaps on a pair of safety onion glasses before setting to work in cutting onions.  Within seconds the onions are cut up into finely cut rings.

Chris: STAND BACK EVERYONE!!!!!
NOW BROOKE, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!!!!

Everyone steps back as Chris begins to work a few of his tricks.
Chris covers up his ENTIRE left arm in cooking oil before turning off the stove’s main burner before swiping the fire off the burning stove top using his entire left arm, instantly firing up the tepanyaki cook top, throwing onions down onto the cook top, and relocating the fire off of his arm and onto the onions.  
The fire soon subsides to a gentle plume of smoke through the onion rings, and at long last, everything is back under control.

Chris: FLYIN FUCKEN SHIT!!!!  I’M GONE FOR 5 MINUTES AND ALL HELL BREAKS LOSE ON A COOK TOP????!!!!!  I MEAN HELLS BELLS!!!!!  HAVING THE MAIN BURNER ON HIGH WON’T COOK THE FOOD ANY FASTER, IT’LL ONLY CAUSE TROUBLE!!!!!  Thankfully we weren’t yet at a point where a fire extinguisher was needed because if we were, we would have lost a good number of orders, lost a stove, lost money, and Mr. Yagami would not be happy.
If we fall behind schedule, we fall behind.  Not the end of the world, but better than a kitchen fire!!!!!
Thank Goodness our second main head Chef Sebastian returns from Florida Tomorrow because otherwise we’d be in big trouble.

Kitchen Staff: Yes Chris, we’re sorry!!!!!

Chris: At least no one got hurt, everything’s fine, and we can get back to what we were doing.
And if you’re all wondering why my little sister’s here, she’s my personal assistant tonight, and will help us get back on schedule.  Also, she’s partially filling in for our assistant Sou Chef Will for the night since he’s now on a flight to Vegas for the week.
Please help her feel welcome and let her know how she can help.

Kitchen Staff: Yes Chris!!!!

Chris: Okay, I have 4 orders of Fugu ready for cooking and now I have 11 more to go, so if we can start Brooke on something easy until I get back……………

Brooke: Actually I was hoping to watch you cook the puffer fish, if that’s okay………………

Chris: I don’t mind it at all, but preparing Fugu is a VERY tedious task not just because it requires absolute focus, but it’s also VERY graphic.  
It requires me to actually………………….

Chris then tells Brooke everything and explains how graphic the whole process is, but Brooke still insists on watching the whole process from start to finish.

Brooke: I completely understand, and as an animal lover, I know it will take A LOT of getting over, but I still want to learn how it is done……………

Chris: No problem.  But you have been warned that cooking Fugu is not for the faint of heart.

Brooke: I understand.

Chris and Brooke then walk into the private room where the process is done and close the door behind them.  

Chris: Before we start I have to call Chloe and inform her of where you are.

Brooke: Okay.

Chris then gets out his cell phone and calls Chloe.

Chloe and Kaitlin finally make it to Chloe’s pick-up truck, and as Chloe depresses the clutch to start the engine…………………………..

Chloe: WHAT THE?????!!!!!!

Kaitlin: Is everything okay?

Chloe: IT WON’T START!!!!!!

Kaitlin: WHAT????!!!!!

Chloe: MY TRUCK WON’T START!!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: HOW CAN THIS BE????!!!!!!

Chloe: I JUST HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND FUEL LINES CLEANED BEFORE I MOVED……………………..OH NO!!!!!

Kaitlin: WHAT???!!!!!

Chloe: I JUST LEARNED HOW TO DRIVE STICK BEFORE MOVING HERE…………………SOOOOO

Kaitlin: HOW CAN IT NOT BE WORKING???!!!!

Chloe: OH NO!!!!!

Kaitlin: WHAT??!!!

Chloe: I MUST HAVE WORN THE CLUTCH OUT WHILE I WAS LEARNING, AND NOW IT’S GONE!!!!!  THE CLUTCH IS GONE!!!!!

Kaitlin: OH MY GOD!!!!!!

Just then Chloe’s phone rings and it’s Chris.

Chloe: OH MY GOD IS RIGHT!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: IS IT CHRIS?????!!!!!

Chloe: I DON’T KNOW HOW TO TELL HIM!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: WE ARE SO DEAD!!!!!!!!!!

Chloe: BUT WE HAVE TO TELL HIM THE TRUTH NO MATTER WHAT………………………..even if it means he may not want to date me after what’s happened……………..

Kaitlin: Hey, this was not your fault……………………Brooke and Chris have ALWAYS been really close.

Chloe: But I shouldn’t have been so selfish to shower and change.  I should have just stayed the way I was and waited for Chris to return…………

Kaitlin: Chloe, don’t worry…….we’ll explain together………………….

Chloe: We have to, and it’ll break my heart if Chris calls our date off, but we must tell him that we lost Brooke.

Chloe takes a gulp and then a deep breath before answering her phone.

Chloe: Hey Chris……………….I AM SOOOOOOOOOO, SOOOOOOOOOOO, SOOOOOOOOO SORRY, BUT BROOKE………………..

Chris: She’s safely over here with me.

Chloe: WHAT????!!!!!!

Chris: It’s okay.  She made it here safely, and I had a good talk with her.  So don’t worry about a thing.  You can relax, and rest assured that Brooke is alright.  She’s here with me, helping me cook.

Chloe: OH THANK GOD!!!!!  I WAS SOOOOOOOOOOO WORRIED THAT IF YOU FOUND OUT I LOST BROOKE THAT YOU’D GET MAD AT ME AND…………………..wouldn’t wanna date me anymore………………….

Chris: Why would you think that?  

Chloe: Because I was selfish and wanted to take a shower and change out of my running uniform……………

Chris: There’s nothing wrong with that, and this was out of your control.  This was not your fault, and Brooke knows what she did was wrong.  We talked it out, so it’s all fine.  You don’t have to worry, and I still want us to go out once we reach Portland because I still like you regardless.  We’re all human and no one’s perfect.

A few tears began pouring down Chloe’s face for she wasn’t expecting Chris to be so sweet and understanding of everything…………..

Chloe: Thank you so very much for understanding…………………..

Chris: Of course!!!  We all make mistakes, and sometimes making mistakes is the only way to learn.
Besides, I messed up when I was stupid enough to tie down the tarp on the moving train while going over the mountain 2 weeks ago.  LOL!!!!!

Chloe: Well, that was VERY stupid of you, and I am still a little mad at you for that, so I don’t feel too bad. LOL!!!!

Chris: However, can you do me a HUGE favor, and I know it’s a lot to ask but………….

Chloe: CHRIS, I’LL DO ANYTHING!!!!!!

Chris: Would you and Kaitlin mind calling an Uber after I get off work and come on over.  I have both of my cars here, and I need someone to drive one home.

Chloe: ABSOLUTELY!!!!  YOU HAVE MY WORD CHRIS………….BUT…………………Do you mind if I ask a favor and you’ll have every right to say no if you’re not comfortable………

Chris: Okay????????

Chloe: Would it be too much trouble if I borrowed your 98 Volvo?  The clutch on my truck went out, and it won’t start.

Chris: No problem Chloe.  In fact, you can borrow the newer 2020 Volvo, and I’ll drive the 98 as long as need be.

Chloe: OH MY GOD, ARE YOU SURE????!!!!!!

Chris: ABSOLUTELY!!!!!  Brooke may have put the 98 through some abuse because it’s a stick shift like your truck, but the transmission has been rebuilt, and it’s had a brand new clutch put in, so 2 miles of abuse won’t really do much damage.  The engine’s also been replaced along with the steering rack, fuel pump, cabin blower motors, front suspension, and it also has new brakes and tires.  The car’s in pretty good shape, and I’m not too worried.  So, I’ll be just fine driving the 98 Volvo.

Chloe: OH MY GOD, CHRIS YOU ARE SO SWEET!!!!!

Chris: You’ve been VERY good with my sisters, you’ve been VERY understanding with my long working hours, you’ve taken care of my house while I’m at work, so I know I can trust you with my new car.

Chloe: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING SO SWEET CHRIS!!!!!

Chris: I really like you a lot Chloe, and I trust you.  You’re a very sweet girl, and a good person.  Please know if ever you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask for my help at anytime.

Chloe: Thank you so very much for being so sweet and understanding.

Chris: I’ll call you and let you know when we’re done with work so you can call an Uber, and pick up the 2020Volvo.  Use the car as long as you need while your truck gets repaired.
In the meantime, you and Kaitlin should just order pizza, watch a movie and relax.

Chloe: Thank you for understanding Chris.

Chris: Of Course.

Chris then gets off the phone with Chloe.

Brooke: Chloe’s truck broke?

Chris: Yep.  The clutch went out, and that’s a HUGE repair.  She’ll be needing to borrow the 2020 Volvo for a little while.  I’ll once again drive the Old 98 Volvo.

Brooke: I hope I haven’t done too much damage to it……………..

Chris: Don’t worry about it.  The transmission was just rebuilt, and the clutch is brand new, so 2 miles of abuse won’t really hurt it in the long run.  But if the gears were grinded every day consecutively, then the car would be on its way to the repair shop.

Brooke: That is still VERY sweet of you to trust her with your new car, I mean you just got it about a month ago!!!!

Chris: Yep, but she’s been very good to you and Kaitlin, so I have no reason not to trust her.
Anyways, everything’s been worked out and we should get back to work.

Brooke: Okay.

Chris sets to work on sharpening all his knives before putting on a clean set of vinyl gloves, picking up a puffer fish out of the fish tank and setting to work.
Brooke watches closes as Chris performs the delicate operation of cutting away all the venom contaminated areas, and delicately cutting out all the good edible meat.

Brooke: WOW!!!!!!  How you do it………………….it’s just WOW!!!!!!!!

Chris: It takes a lot of learning, and a lot of understanding in how to keep the fish calm before beginning the procedure, and keeping the process as humane as possible before you start the preparation for cooking.

Chris finishes preparing the meat from one fish and moves onto another.
One by one, slowly but surely, Chris carefully prepares the meat of each fish as carefully and thoroughly as possible.
After 3 and a half hours the 15th and final Puffer Fish is prepared and ready to be cooked.

Chris: Alright!!!!  3 and a half long hours of careful and precise cutting, and we are ready to bake these and place them in the oven!!!!

Brooke: GREAT!!!!  What do we do with the remains?

Chris: AHHHHHHHH!!!!!  I’m glad you asked!!!!  The thing is, there is no known antidote for Puffer Fish venom, so the remains are full of venom, and venom that’s powerful enough to kill up to 35 people.
However, there’s LOTS of research going into developing a successful anti-venom for Puffer Fish.  So these remains are carefully boxed up and refrigerated before being sent off to the Marvell Venom Research Facility in California.
There the venom is studied and analyzed in the hopes finally developing a successful antidote.

Brooke: THAT’S AWESOME!!!!!

Chris: It is, and now with all the Puffer Fish prepped and ready for cooking, we can now go back into the main kitchen, and get the orders ready.

Brooke: AWESOME!!!!!!

Chris and Brooke walk back out into the main kitchen, wash their hands, and put on fresh pairs of vinyl gloves.  Chris then finds a nice small apron that was a perfect size for Brooke.

Chris: This should hopefully fit you just fine!!!!

Brooke: Awesome, it fits perfect!!!!!!!

Brooke then puts her hair in a ponytail and is ready to help out!!!!

Chris: Alrighty Brooke, just follow what I do and you should be just fine!!!!

Brooke: Alright!!!!!  

Chris and Brooke then set to work on preparing all the orders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqp-Mdz4-xY

Brooke: How old were you when you first learned how to cook?

Chris: Believe it or not, I first started when I was 12.  Yes, I got burned on my first time, and I cut myself A LOT!!!!

Brooke: WOW!!!!  Did you cry?

Chris: Believe it or not, I didn’t.  I was having too much fun learning to cook that cutting myself and getting burned didn’t really phase me.  The more I helped out in the kitchen, the more I fell in love with it, and that’s when I decided that I wanted to pursue it as a career.
I was also your age when Mom stepped down and retired from cooking in the kitchen and hired a professional chef to train me.  From then on, I cooked all the family meals, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Brooke: WOW!!!!  THAT IS AMAZING CHRIS!!!!!  I really admire for what you’ve done and how you’ve pursued what you love.

Chris: Hey, soon that will be you, and I know you’re gonna do just fine.  You’re the most beautiful and awesome cheerleader I’ve seen, and the way you perform your stunts is beyond amazing.  If you keep doing what you are doing, there’s no doubt you’re gonna succeed at what you do, and your squad will no doubt rank high in nationals.

Brooke blushes very brightly and gives Chris a gentle kiss on the cheek.  Chris then gently kisses the top of Brooke’s forehead back, and they continue working.
More and more orders are prepared and cooked, and the kitchen is soon completely caught up.

Chris: Alright!!!!  We’re now on your order!!!!!!!  And I feel it’s right that you make it!!!!!!

Brooke: Shrimp Mac & Cheese……………….I don’t know………………..

Chris: You can do it sweetie………….I know you can, and besides it’ll be more rewarding knowing that you cooked your own meal.
I will guide you through it, but you’re gonna do all the work.

Brooke: I still don’t know.

Chris: Sometimes you don’t need to know.  You just do, and things work out just fine.

Brooke: Okay……………….

Chris: You’re gonna do just fine.  I will talk you through it every step of the way.

Brooke then sets to work on preparing her meal.  She accidentally cuts and burns herself a couple times, but with Chris’s help and encouragement, cuts and burns don’t phase her.  Brooke keeps on making her order until……………...

Brooke: I THINK I GOT IT!!!!!

Chris: AWESOME!!!!  LOOKS GREAT!!!!!!!  

Brooke’s order is ready to be placed in the oven and cooked!!!!!

Chris: You did VERY WELL on your first time Brooke, and I’m VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!

Brooke: Thank you so very much Chris!!!!!  I can see why you love your job so much!!!

Chris: It is awesome!!!  And I treat every order as if I was making it for you, Kaitlin, Chloe, Mom, Dad, Andrew, Anthony, Noel, Aunt Ruthie, Uncle Louie, Aunt Lizzy, and Uncle Rob.
I put my heart and soul into all my orders, and I prepare them as if I was preparing for those I love and care about.

Brooke: WOW!!!!!

Chris: You’re all with me every step of the way no matter how near or far away from me you all are.  A part of you guys is always with me, and that’s how and why I enjoy my job so much.

Brooke: And that’s probably why Yagami’s has so many good reviews, and why you beat Bobby Flay twice!!!!  It’s because every order you make is always special.

Chris: Exactly.  My skills, knowledge, and experience are only a mere fracture of why Yagami’s is the way it is, and why I was able to beat Bobby Flay twice.  It’s the thoughts I feelings I have for you and everyone else in my family that really put it on the map.

Brooke: I love you very much Chris.

Chris: I love you too Brooke with all my heart………….

Brooke: Thank you so much for being such an awesome and wonderful big brother.

Chris: You’re the most wonderful little sister anyone could ask for.

Brooke: Because of you, I finally realized the key to success in life.  It’s not the skills or knowledge in what you do that matters, but the love and feelings that you put in what you do that make you successful.

Chris: Exactly!!!!  You’re a very smart girl, and you’re gonna go a VERY LONG WAYS if you make a career out of cheerleading and playing tennis.
Plus you did very well on your first time learning how to cook, so your future boyfriend’s gonna be very lucky to have a girlfriend who knows how to cook!!!!

Brooke: *Blushes Bright Pink*  Oh please stop it!!!!!  I have a long ways to go, and I’m not really interested into boys at this moment!!!!

Chris: But when the right one comes he’s gonna be damn lucky!!!!
Now it’s a good thing you did come over to help me because I do need your help on this last order……………It’s Chloe’s and I want to surprise her by making a dish she REALLY LIKES!!!!!  Do you know what her favorite thing to eat is????!!!!!!

Brooke: OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD!!!!!  DO I?????!!!!!!  She told me first thing at camp!!!!!!  It’s…………………………….

Chris: Then that’s what I’ll make for her!!!!!!!

Brooke: OH MY GOD!!!!!  SHE’S REALLY GONNA LOVE YOU IF YOU MAKE THAT FOR HER!!!!!!!  But a heads up, her mom is coming out to visit her and will be on the train if it’s no problem.

Chris: This will be tricky because I don’t know what her mom likes, or what kind of a person she is.  However, knowing Chloe she’s probably a VERY sweet and wonderful woman, and I kinda have an idea of what I should cook.  
These meals will be extra special, and I have no room for error.  This meal will require a bit of a woman’s touch, so I’m gonna need your help in preparing these last 2 orders.

Brooke: I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO!!!!!

Chris and Brooke set to work on preparing the last few orders.  Together Chris and Brooke put in more love and thought in the preparations and go over everything more thoroughly and carefully from the appetizers, to the salads, to the soups, to the main courses, and the desserts.
After all the final preparations are made, each course is carefully cooked, and together both Chris and Brooke make sure everything is done right.

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!!!

Brooke: I THINK WE’RE JUST ABOUT DONE!!!!!

Chris: I THINK YOU’RE RIGHT!!!!!

Both the orders are carefully removed from the oven and off the stove, and judging by the looks, the scent, and the temperature of all courses, everything is done just right.

Chris: WOW!!!!!  I’D SAY WE ARE BANG ON WITH THESE ORDERS!!!!!

Brooke: WOW IS RIGHT!!!!!  I MEAN THESE ORDERS LOOK ALMOST TOO BEAUTIFUL TOO EAT!!!!!
CHLOE AND HER MOM ARE GONNA FREAK!!!!!

Chris: WELL DONE BROOKE!!!!!  For your first time cooking, you did VERY WELL and I am VERY proud of you!!!!!

Brooke: Thank you so very much Chris!!!!

Chris: And it gets even better because we're over by a few orders, which is good, incase anything goes wrong or we have an extra guest or 2 join us.

Brooke: That's great!!!!

Mr. Yagami then comes by and presents Brooke with her very own paycheck.

Mr. Yagami: I know I shouldn’t be doing this, but with your help we were able to stay on schedule, and all orders were done to satisfactory.  I am beyond impressed with your dedication and am beyond grateful for your assistance in the kitchen tonight.
With Will on vacation in Las Vegas and Sebastian not back until tomorrow, we were in trouble.  But you helped Chris keep everything in order, and as a token of my appreciation and I am presenting you with your very own paycheck for what you have done.  It’s under the table, so no tax or union fee deductions.

Brooke: OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD!!!!!  THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!

Mr. Yagami: NO, THANK YOU!!!!  YOUR HELP IS MOST DEFINITELY APPRECIATED!!!!

Chris: WOW!!!!  WAY TO GO BROOKE!!!!  YOUR VERY FIRST PAYCHECK AND YOU EARNED IT!!!!!!  HOW DOES IT FEEL???!!!!

Brooke: IT FEELS AMAZING!!!!!!  WHAT SHALL I DO WITH IT???!!!!!

Chris: Do with it in any way you want!  If you want a new cheerleading or tennis uniform, a new dress for your first prom, a new makeup kit, a day at the hair salon, a spa treatment, payment on your first car, college tuition, or save it for later on in life, then go ahead.  It’s your money to do as you please.
You’ve earned it.

Brooke then gives Chris a gentle kiss on the cheek, and Chris gently kisses her back on the forehead.

Mr. Yagami: That is one wonderful and hardworking little sister you have their Mr. May and for her first time she did an outstanding job!!!!  Maybe she should apply to work here when she’s of legal age.

Chris: It’s her decision, and if she’s up for it, she’s welcome to it now that she knows the secret to our success. 

Mr. Yagami: And that is?

Chris: Skill, knowledge, and experience are only a fracture of what makes us amazing.  It’s the thoughts, feelings, love and support that we have and put into our food that really make us the restaurant we are today.

Mr. Yagami: WOW!!!!!  All these years I couldn’t really figure it out, but you probably answered the question I’ve been wondering all this time.  Why have we made it this far, and the answer you gave me really explains it.

Chris: My little sisters Brooke and Kaitlin, my best friends Chloe and Engine Number #5, my parents Annie and Alan, my older brothers Anthony and Andrew, my aunts Ruthie, Louise, and Lizzie and uncles Rob and Louie, my friends on the Cathedral’s music Staff Organist David Ball and Head Canter Lauren McCaul, and my coworkers both here and on the railroad are the most important people in my life and they mean the world to me.  Without their love, support, encouragement, and understanding, I wouldn’t be here.  I prepare and cook each meal as if I was cooking for one of them, and I put my heart and soul into each meal I cook.
And no matter how near or far my family and friends are, a part of them is always with me when I cook.

Mr. Yagami: Hiring you was the perhaps the best and smartest decision I’ve probably ever made because if it wasn’t for you, our restaurant would be here, and it certainly would not be what it is today.
Please promise me one thing.

Chris: What would that be?

Mr. Yagami: Please don’t change the great person you are because it would be a very sad and dark day if our restaurant were to lose that magic.

Chris: You have my word.

Mr. Yagami: Wonderful!!!!  We are ready to close, and the dining room is now available for you and your sister to enjoy a good meal after all your hard work.

Chris: Thank you very much!!!!  Shall we enjoy some pizza in the dining room Sweetie?

Brooke: Yes, I’m STARVING!!!!

Chris: Then lets

Chris and Brooke then take an order of their favorite pizza before getting a table in the dining room.
Just as Chris and Brooke are about to sit down, Brooke asks Chris a favor.

Brooke: Chris can you do me a favor?

Chris: Okay?

Brooke: Can I borrow your lap please?

Chris: Of course you can sweetie.

Chris sits down in a chair before Brooke sits in his lap, and the 2 begin enjoying their meal.

Chris soon receives a phone call.

Chris: Mom & Dad????!!!!!  

Brooke: It’s VERY LATE AT NIGHT!!!!  Why would they want to call at this time?

Chris: Not sure!!!!

Chris then answers.

Chris: Hey Mom!!!!

Annie May: Hey Sweetie!!!  The company along with your father, your brothers, and I all just arrived at the Beacon Hill Hotel, and I thought I’d give you a call to let you know we’ve arrived safely.

Brooke: It’s awfully late!!!!  What was the hold up?

Annie May: Heavy fog out of San Francisco wouldn’t clear for hours!!!!  Our flight wouldn’t leave until 2:30!!!!!!

Brooke: OH MY GOD!!!!!

Chris: That means your flight couldn’t arrive until about 10:00-10:30ish!!!!!

Annie May: EXACTLY!!!!!  And we had to wait for a gate to clear, and we couldn’t get off the plane until 10:45!!!!!!!

Brooke: WOW!!!!!!!  THAT’S TERRIBLE!!!!!

Annie May: I know!!!!!  We didn’t arrive at the Hotel until just about now, and your father is checking all of us in right now!!!!!

Chris: IT’s 12:02 a.m. and you’re just checking in????!!!!!

Annie May: Yep!!!!  But once after we get in our rooms, we are going straight to bed.

Brooke: I don’t blame you at all!!!!!

Chris: However, you are a day early, and that’s a GOOD THING given that David L. Ball’s organ concert at the Cathedral is tomorrow night.

Annie May: EXACTLY!!!!!!  It gives us ALL DAY of tomorrow to rest up before we have a fun night on the Cathedral tour and Organ Concert tomorrow night.

Chris: We just got off work.  Because we fell behind on orders and had a lot to cook, Brooke out of the kindness of her heart, tagged along and helped me.
She was nothing but a real trooper, and I am beyond proud of her.

Annie May: That is wonderful!!!!!  I’m glad you were able to get things done, and both your father and I are very proud off all of you!!!!!  You 3 are doing well for yourselves.

Chris: Thank you!!!!!

Annie May: Well it looks like your father has just finished checking us all in, so I must let you go, but you have a good night, and I’ll see you 2 tomorrow at the Cathedral.

Brooke: See you tomorrow Mommy!!!!!  I love you!!!!

Annie May: Love you too sweetie!!!!  Good night!!!!!

Chris and Brooke then get off the phone with their mother, and after a couple slices of pizza, Brooke soon passes out and falls fast asleep in Chris’s arms as Chloe and Kaitlin arrive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy7blaYGJHk

Chloe: Hey, do you have the keys to the car?

Chris: Yes.  You get to your home safely, and I’ll take care of the girls from here!!!

Chloe: Again THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for letting me borrow your car.

Chris: Anytime Chloe!!!!  If and whenever you need the car, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Chloe: You are so sweet Chris!!!!!  I really appreciate what you’ve done for me.

Chris: Hey, you’ve done so much for me and the girls, so it’s only right.

Chloe: Well, I still can’t thank you enough.

Chris: Kaitlin do you mind carrying the leftover pizza to the car?

Kaitlin: Not at all Chris!!!!  

Chris: Thank you so very much!!!!  Your sister has worn herself out by helping me tonight, and I wouldn’t have survived if it wasn’t for her.

Kaitlin: She was VERY worried about you, and both she and I love you very much!!!

Chris: You 2 are the most wonderful little sisters anyone could ever have, and I’m beyond blessed to have you 2.

Kaitlin: We’re always here for you Chris.

Chris gently picks Brooke up and holds her in his arms as he carries her out to the car and straps her in the front passengers seat of the 1998 Volvo.

Chris: Alrighty Chloe, here are the keys to the 2020 Volvo, and you can keep the car as long as you need.

Chloe: Again, thank you so very much Chris!!!!  You are so sweet!!!!!!

Chris: Anytime Chloe.  I’ll help guide you back to your sorority house.

Chloe then gives Chris a gentle kiss on the cheek before Chris hands her the keys to his 2020 Volvo.
Kaitlin then hops in the back of the 1998 Volvo, before Chris and Chloe hop in their cars, turned over the engines and drive off for home.



To Be Continued…………………….

Chapter 16:

Being On Top Of It All!!!

Two days later at 9:00 a.m. Chris and the guys from the railroad are preparing Little Number #5 for her run that evening.
Her fire is burning nicely, her boiler pressure is keeping steady at 150 PSI, and her air compressor is huffing and puffing away with a VERY LOUD…………………..

BANG………………BANG………………..BANG………………..BANG………………BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BAAAAAAANNNNNNGGGGGGGG…………..

Once the main valve on the steam turret is opened up all the way.
Chris soon sets to work on oiling up her valve gear and connecting rods when all of a sudden the ground shakes violently as the sound of the Titanic’s whistle goes echoing VERY LOUDLY…………………

Chris: WHAT THE?????!!!!!!!

Rob: I THOUGHT THE TITANIC SUNK OVER 100 YEARS AGO!!!!!!!

Doug: AND AREN’T EARTH QUAKES SUPPOSED TO BE LIMITED TO THE WEST COAST???!!!!!!!!!

Adam: UUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH SOMEBODY FUCKEN BLEW UP THE BATHROOM!!!!!!!!!

John Goss: OH GOD!!!!!!  OH JESUS, JOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big Joe: HHAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!  SORRY ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!  AND I TOLD YOU, NO ONE COME IN THIS BATHROOM WITHIN THE NEXT 45 MINUTES!!!!!!!!!

Chris: GOOD THING THE BATHROOM IS A GOOD DISTANCE AWAY FROM WHERE ENGINE #5 IS, OTHERWISE I’D CHARGE YOU FOR PAINT TOUCH UPS COMING FROM THE TUBA CONCERT YOUR PUTTING ON IN THERE!!!!!!

Big Joe: SHUT UP CHRISTIAN!!!!!!!  THAT’S ENOUGH OUT OF YOU!!!!!

Big Joe says while tapping his foot.

Chris: Somehow, I just knew he was gonna say that!!!! LOL!!!!

As Number #5 is being prepared for her evening run, back at the sorority house Chloe finishes getting ready for Track & Field after putting on her bright red Nike Running Briefs, Black Nike Running Tank Top, and Nike Running Shoes.
But before she heads out for track and field, she’ll make a stop at Chris’s house to help Kaitlin prepare for her ballet recital that afternoon.

Chloe: Okay, time to go help Kaitlin get ready then I’m off to track and field, but first I need to get something cute to change into.

Chloe then picks out a beautiful pure white pleated micro mini skirt along with a beautiful pink tank top, and white platform shoes with matching socks, and matching pure white bra and underwear.

Chloe: Hmmmm, am I missing something?  AHHHHHH!!!!!

Chloe then picks out a cute pink scrunchy and matching red bow to put in her hair after track and field practice was over.

Chloe: Perfect!!!!!!  OH, and in case my skirt flaps up!!!! *Giggles*

Chloe then grabs a pair of light blue Nike Running briefs to go over her panties in case her mini skirt flaps up.

Chloe: OH YES, AND THIS!!!!!

Chloe then picks out a beautiful bright baby blue blouse, along with her makeup kit, toothbrush, tooth paste, and perfume.

Chloe: Got it everything I need!!!!!

Chloe then puts all her things in a small bag for her to carry to the campus, and puts everything else she needs for the trip to Portland in her small roll along suitcase.

Chloe: Alright, now I think I have just about everything I need!!!!!  I SO CAN’T WAIT FOR MY FIRST DATE WITH CHRIS!!!!! *GIGGLES*

Chloe then leaves the sorority house, throws her suitcase into the trunk of Chris’s 2020 Volvo, places her small bag in the backseat of the car, before getting in the car, depressing the clutch, turning over the engine, and driving off for the house.
Back at Chris’s house, Brooke has just finished putting on her brand new beautiful Dark Navy Blue and Gold All Star Cheerleading uniform.  After putting on her eye glitter, fake eye lashes, mascara, and lip gloss Brooke looks VERY STUNNING!!!!

Brooke: WOW!!!!  THIS NEW UNIFORM IS SO GORGEOUS!!!!!  I SURE HOPE CHRIS LIKES IT WHEN HE SEES IT!!!!!

Soon Chloe arrives, knocks at the door, and Brooke answers.

Brooke: Hey Chloe!!!!

Chloe: OH MY GOD BROOKE YOU LOOK GORGEOUS!!!!!!  THAT NEW CHEER UNIFORM LOOKS AMAZING ON YOU!!!!!!

Brooke: AAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWW, THANK YOU!!!!!!  DID YOU CHOOSE A CUTE OUTFIT TO WEAR FOR YOUR FIRST DATE WITH CHRIS????!!!!!

Chloe: I SURE DID!!!!!!!!  AND IT’S IN THE CAR ON THE BACKSEAT!!!!!

Brooke: AWESOME!!!!!!

Chloe: Where is Kaitlin?

Brooke: She’s in the bathroom taking her morning bath!!!!  Because she needs more time and preparation and we both needed to take a bath, she’s upstairs in the main suite bath, while I used the regular bath room down here.

Chloe: Okay, does she have what’s she needs????!!!!!

Brooke: Pretty much!!!!  Her new Tutu looks STUNNING!!!!!!!  But with our help, I know she’ll look AMAZING!!!!!

Chloe: Awesome, lets go help her!!!!!

Brooke: Sounds good!!!!!

Chloe and Brooke rush up to the main suite where Kaitlin is taking her bath.  She had gone under water to rinse off when Chloe and Kaitlin knock on the door.

Chloe: Kaitlin?  It’s us!!!  Is it okay if we come into help?

Kaitlin: Yeah, sure!!!!  Come on in, the doors are unlocked!!!!

Chloe and Brooke enter the main suite bathroom and set to work on helping Kaitlin.
Back at the railroad yard, Engine Number #5 is fully serviced, oiled, watered, fueled, and ready to go to work.

Chris: ALRIGHT!!!!  Time to get breaking in and moving some engines and cars about!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
CLAAAAAAAAANNNNNNGGGGGG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG………………..

With 2 blasts on her whistle and constant ringing of her bell, Number #5 steams out of her roundhouse stall, and puffs out onto the turntable.  She then sets to work on coupling up to the diesel locomotives, and moving them out to their assigned train sets.
One by one soon each locomotive is hooked up to its assigned train set, as Number #5 continues moving cars and equipment about in the railroad yard.

Chris: So far so good Number #5!!!!!  IT’s great to have you back in service!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Chris: You’re steaming great, you’re firing great, you’re holding pressure very well, and your running gear seems to be running smoothly.  
After some more moving about in the yard, you should be good to go for this afternoon’s run!!!
However, someone’s gonna have to look after you while I’m at my sister’s ballet recital, but who?.....................

Back at the house, Chloe and Brooke are nearing the end of helping Kaitlin prepare for her recital.  She’s dressed in her brand new beautiful black Tutu with dark blue roses and silk ice white tights.  Her hair is beautifully braided into a bun, her makeup is beautifully applied, and she is now having the finishing touches applied.

Brooke: Alright!!!!  It just comes down to the blush and eye glitter!!!!!

Chloe: Then just the mascara and fake eyelashes and we should be good to go!!!!

At long last, the finishing touches are applied and Kaitlin is ready for her recital!!!!
Both Brooke and Chloe are outright stunned and blown away.  They can’t believe how beautiful Kaitlin is all dolled up in her make up and beautiful new Tutu.

Brooke & Chloe: WOW!!!!!!

Brooke: KAITLIN YOU LOOK GORGEOUS!!!!!!!

Chloe: YOU’RE VERY PRETTY, AND YOU’LL MOST DEFINITELY BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BALLERINA AT THE RECITAL!!!!!

Kaitlin: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH GIRLS!!!!!  THIS MEANS SO MUCH TO ME!!!!!

Chloe: Brooke, you also look gorgeous in your brand new beautiful cheerleading uniform!!!!  I know your squad is gonna do great!!!!

Brooke: Thank you so very much Chloe!!!!!

Chloe: Well girls, do you have your suitcases?

Brooke & Kaitlin: Yes we do!!!!  They’re packed and ready to go!!!!

Chloe: Throw them in the trunk of the car, I’ll drop you girls off at the performing arts theater, and head on my way to the campus.
Track & Field should only take me an hour, so I should be back to make it in time for your recital Kaitlin!!!!!
What time does it start again?

Kaitlin: It starts at 4:30 and goes until 6:00 p.m.  Which unfortunately doesn’t give me time to change out of my Tutu, but it’s fine…………I honestly don’t wanna change out of this Tutu because it’s SOOOOOO CUTE!!!! *Giggles*

Brooke: At which time we all have to head off to the train station because I believe our charter train leaves at 6:30 on the dot.

Chloe: That gives us just enough wiggle room to arrive at the station, drop off the suitcases, park the car, and board.

Kaitlin: Awesome!!!!  Timing should work out just perfectly!!!!

Brooke: Great!!!!!

Chloe: Now time to lock up the house and get on the road!!!!

Brooke & Kaitlin: YES!!!!

Chloe, Brooke, and Kaitlin grab their suitcases and throw them into the trunk of the 2020 Volvo.  Once all the bags are in the car, all the girls hop in the car.  Chloe locks up the house, sets the burglar alarm, turns over the car’s engine, puts the car in gear, and drives out.
Back at the Railroad yard, after doing her early morning chores, Little Number #5 steams back to the roundhouse to take a short break.
Hours pass and that short break turns into a LONG nap!!!!
Big Joe walks by Little Engine Number #5 and sees Chris fast asleep in her cab.

Big Joe: Wake up Christian!!!!  No time for dozing off!!!!!

Unfortunately Chris doesn’t wake up.  He is still fast asleep from working so hard on getting Number #5 ready for service.
Big Joe soon gets an evil grin on his face and brings out his big golden C Tuba.

Big Joe: Hmmmmmmmm………………To Tuba or not to Tuba?........................
WHAT KIND OF A QUESTION IS THAT?  ALWAYS TUBA!!!!!!

Big Joe takes a HUGE DEEP breath, and gives a mighty blow into his tuba with a VERY BIG AND LOUD…………………..

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The noise is so loud that it not only wakes up Chris and Number #5, but it causes maintenance men to fall off their ladders, drop light bulbs, and slip on mop water.

Number #5: WHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris: OH ,FLYIN FUCKEN SHIT JOE!!!!!!!!  

Workmen: GOD DAMN IT JOE!!!!!!!!!  ARE YOU TRYING TO WAKE UP THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD??????!!!!!!!!

Big Joe: LOL!!!!! HAAAAAA, HAAAAAA, HAAAAAA!!!!!!  THAT’S JUST HOW I LIKE IT!!!!!!  YOU GUYS ARE ALL LUCKY THAT I’M OUT OF GAS OR I’D LET YOU ALL HAVE IT!!!!!!

Chris: Seriously!!!!  That was NOT FUNNY!!!!!  

Chris then looks at the time and sees that it is soon approaching 4:30 p.m.

Chris: OH SHIT!!!!!!  I barely have a little over an hour to get to Kaitlin’s Ballet Recital!!!!!!!

Big Joe: Well, it’s a good thing I woke you up!!!!!!  It’s 3:25 now, and if you don’t get yo ass in gear, you’ll never make it!!!!!!

Chris: Good point Joe!!!!!

Big Joe: Good Luck Kid!!!!!

Chris then hops out of Number #5’s cab set to work on giving her a good cleaning and polish.
Soon Little Number #5’s beautiful red paint gleams in the sunlight, and her brass and leafing shine like gold.

Chris: Alright you’re looking great Number #5!!!!!  If we keep you warm, you should be good for the charter tonight!!!!
Just need to check on your coaches and see how they’re coming along.

Number #5: WHOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!

Engineer Robert soon stops by the Roundhouse to get ready for his job as assistant engineer on the charter train later that evening.
He soon walks over to Number #5 to help out with whatever is needed.

Robert: Hi Chris!!!!  How are ya?

Chris: Hey Robert!!!!!  I’m doing very well, how are you?

Robert: Doing great so far!!!!  It should be a fun night on the charter!!!!

Chris: Yes, I can’t wait to put Number #5 to work again!!!!  John Bowker and Eiji Yagami will be riding on board the charter to test out their new investment and see how it does.  However, they’re not really the ones we need to please.

Robert: Oh?

Chris: It’s my parents, my brothers, my aunts and uncles along with my dad’s company, but most of all my sisters, Chloe, and her mom who we REALLY need to please.  Therefor no corners can be cut on this run.

Robert: I hear ya!!!!

Chris: With that being said, the plan is for you to engineer at the throttle out of Aldin while I fire all the way to the Forest Reserve, which is our first water stop.
You are a WAY more experienced engineer than I am, so while people enjoy a sunset with cocktails, along a nice multi-course meal from Yagami’s, the ride will be nice and smooth..

Robert: Okay, that sounds like a good plan, and thank you!!!!!  I would be honored to take the throttle of Number #5 up to the Forest Reserve.

Chris: Once we get to the Forest Reserve we will swap places, because it’s VERY TRICKY to get Number #5 up over the mountain.  ESPECIALLY on the short 4% percent grade.  But once we’re on the other side of the mountain, everybody will be asked to sit, and we will play Choo-Choo!!!!
Meaning, you’re gonna crank the firing valve wide open, I’ll have the throttle wide open, the Johnson Bar/Reverser Lever will be almost near the center notch, and we’ll be trying to max out the speedometer to put on a good show.

Robert: HAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!  Playing Choo-Choo!!!!!  I like that!!!!  LOL!!!!!

Chris: Also on the final leg will be A LOT of bell ringing, VERY LOUD barking of exhaust, and VERY LOUD whistle blowing, so we have 2 layers of ear protection including the regular ear plugs, and the large head-phone like ear protectors.

Robert: That’s good!!!!

Chris: However, with the new cab block-light signals inside our cabin, I will make sure to keep us a safe distance behind the actual Light House Express Train itself.  
The Light House Express departs 30 minutes before us, but doesn’t run faster than 20 feet per second, where as we’ll be going 35 feet per second on the final leg, and that’s 15 feet per second faster than the Light House Express would be going.
We can easily catch up if we’re not careful, but I’ll make sure we stay within the right block zones and keep a safe distance.
Number #5 will also let me know if we’re getting too close if need be.

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!

Robert: Awesome, that sounds like a great plan!!!!!  

Chris: Now I need to ask a favor of you while final preparations are under way.

Robert: Okay?

Chris: Can you watch Number #5 for me while I’m at my sister’s ballet recital?  I promised her that I’d be there to watch her perform, and never once have I missed ANY of Kaitlin’s recitals, and I don’t intend to break that promise now.  MUCH like how the Railroad has never broken the promise of delivering the Toy Special every night.
So if you can watch over Number #5 while I’m at my sister’s recital that would be greatly appreciated.

Robert: ABSOLUTELY CHRIS!!!!

Chris: Number #5 is a really sweet little engine, and given that you and Joe have experience in working with steam locomotives over on the Walt Disney World Railroad in Florida, I know I can trust you to take care of Number #5.

Robert: I know you can most certainly count on me!!!!

Chris: Now lets back Number #5 onto her assigned train set and keep her warm.

Robert: It’s Almost 4:00 O-Clock so we can’t waste time!!!

Chris: Good point!!!!

As Chris and Robert soon get Number #5 backed onto her assigned train.  All 6 coaches are beautifully cleaned, polished, and oiled up.  The crews set to work on putting on the final touches with the flags and banners along the length of each coach, while setting out all the china plates and glasses, and loading up all the food and drinks from Yagami’s.

Robert: Well Chris, I’ll take over from here!!!!  It’s 4:15 and you should get going to your sister’s recital.

Chris: Good point, but I can’t go in these old overalls!!!!  They look disgusting………….

Robert: Oh, Joe said that John Bowker left a box for you on the table in the break room earlier this morning.  

Chris: He did?

Robert: Yep!!!  Go check, and head on off to your sister’s recital!!!!  Number #5 and I will be here waiting for you until you get back.

Chris: Okay, Thanks Robert!!!!!

Robert: By the way………………..why is there a little box here in the tool box????!!!!

Chris: OH, THANKS FOR REMINDING ME!!!!!!

Robert: Good thing I checked!!!!

Chris: Yes it is!!!!!

Robert gently hands the little box to Chris out of Number #5’s toolbox before Chris heads off to the railroad’s break room.   Sure enough there is a box labeled just for Chris on the table inside.

Chris: I wonder what could be in here?

Chris soon opens the box, and cannot believe his eyes when he sees what’s inside the box.  He is completely blown away.
In the box is a brand new set of BEAUTIFULLY striped Dickies Railroad styled overalls with a nice button up plaid long sleeve shirt, a nice red railroader’s kerchief, and beautiful bronze railroad stationmaster’s pocket watch.

Chris: WOW!!!!!!  I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS!!!!!!

Big Joe: Well you earned it Christian!!!!

Chris: JOE???!!!!

Big Joe: Hey Man, you did something amazing that Friday night, and Mr. Bowker still can’t thank you enough for what you and Number #5 did!!!!

Chris: I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!!!

Big Joe: Well I can!!!!  You’re a good person, and young good kids like you are hard to find these days!!!!!
Now what are you still doing over here, you have a recital to go to!!!!!!

Chris: Thanks Joe!!!!

Big Joe: Anytime Kid!!!!

Over at the performing arts theater, Brooke is helping Kaitlin in the back stage area with final preparations for her recital.  Her best friend Wendy Marvell who is also performing in the ballet recital, is also back stage getting ready with the help from her big sister Carla.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy7blaYGJHk

Brooke:  Okay, EVERYONE LOVED the AMAZING Tour and pipe Organ Concert by David Ball at the Cathedral.  They also LOVED the History Museum, Art Gallery, and Aquarium, and now they are ALL coming to your recital to see you perform with pretty high expectations.

Kaitlin: WHAT?????!!!!!!!

Brooke: I know, it’s a shocker, but just think of it this way, at least you don’t have NEARLY as much to deal with as Chris does!!!!!  

Kaitlin: Yeah, no thanks to Anthony!!!!!

Brooke: But all you gotta do is perform the way you always do!!!!  
I’ve seen you perform hundreds of times, and you are always AMAZING!!!!  Heck you’re the most beautiful ballerina here!!!!  I would know!!!!  The others are nowhere half as gorgeous as you, nor do I think they’re as skilled as you are!!!!!

Kaitlin: Still, EVERYONE in the family, and Daddy’s company????!!!!!!
You saw and heard how AMAZING David Ball performed on the Organ at the Cathedral!!!!!  And Chris is both an AMAZING Chef and engineer!!!!  How am I supposed to compete with that????!!!!!!

Wendy: NOW I'M GETTING SCARED TOO!!!!

Carla: Calm down Wendy, you 2 will be just fine!!!!

Brooke: I know, but I learned something very important a couple nights ago while working with Chris.
I overheard him talking with Mr. Yagami while I was dozing off.   And I kinda overheard him talking with David Ball about it while they were talking after the concert.

Kaitlin: Oh?

Brooke: Have you ever wondered why Yagami’s By The Bay has become one of the most recognized high end restaurants in all of Aldin?

Kaitlin: Of course, because Chris is SOOOOOO AMAZING!!!!

Brooke: I know but why?  He gave perhaps the corniest, but sweetest, and perhaps the most truest answer.
He said the reason why it’s so successful, isn’t so much the skills and knowledge he has gained over the years, but the thoughts and feelings he has for you, me, Chloe, his train, Mommy, Daddy, Anthony, Andrew, and everyone else in the family that he puts into his cooking that make it so special.   Meaning it’s not so much the skills you have that makes you good at what you do, but being around the ones you love and putting your heart and soul into your work for the ones you love that make you amazing.
David Ball feels the same way when it comes to the pipe organ, which is why he’s also such an amazing organist at the Cathedral and is the head music director there!!!!!
It's all because of love!!!!!

Kaitlin: WOW!!!!!  I never would have thought that!!!!

Brooke: Neither would I, so perform as if it was for the ones you love and care about the most!!!!  If you do that, then no doubt you’re gonna be amazing!!!!

Carla: That is some VERY GOOD advice!!!!

Wendy: Yeah it is!!!!!!

Brooke: And that’s what I plan to do at the cheerleading competition in a couple days!!!!

Kaitlin: Chris always knows the right things to say………

Wendy: Your brother's really Smart Kaitlin and Brooke!!!!

Brooke: I know, and don’t tell Anthony or Andrew this, but Chris is the smartest one in the family by far, besides Mommy & Daddy that is.  *Giggles*

Carla: Best you don't tell them that!!! *Giggles*

Wendy: I don't think they'd wanna heart that, but it makes perfect sense!!! *Giggles*

Kaitlin: It explains why he’s the happiest and most successful one in the family besides Mommy & Daddy. *Giggles*

Chloe: I hope I’m not too late!!!!

Chloe arrives.  She had just finished her Track & Field meeting, and is now ready to watch Kaitlin perform in her ballet recital.

Brooke & Kaitlin: CHLOE!!!!!!!

Brooke: OH MY GOSH CHLOE YOU LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

Kaitlin: THAT OUTFIT ON YOU IS SOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!

Chloe: OH MY GOD, REALLY?????!!!!!!!

Brooke: That Pure White Pleated Mini Skirt is SOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!

Kaitlin: DON’T FORGET THE PINK TANK TOP OR BABY BLUE BLOUSE!!!!!!

Brooke: AND I LOVE THE RED BOW IN THE HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: AND THE PLATFORM SHOES LOOK GREAT TOO!!!!!!!!!

Brooke: And VERY SMART choice in putting on the light blue running briefs over your underwear in case your skirt flaps up!!!!!

Chloe: DO YOU THINK CHRIS WILL LIKE THIS?????!!!!!

Brooke: WHY WOULDN’T HE?  I MEAN YOU LOOK SOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!

Kaitlin: If he likes you in your running uniform, no doubt he’ll be blown away by your outfit!!!!!

Chloe: YOU GIRLS ARE SO SWEET!!!!!!!

Chris: I thought you might be needing this!

Brooke, Kaitlin, & Chloe: CHRIS???????!!!!!!!!!

Carla: I thought I saw someone looking familiar walking back here!!!!

Wendy: Hey Chris, good to see ya!!!!

Chris: It's good to see you too Wendy and Carla!!!

Chris pulls out his brand new beautiful bronze pocket watch.

Chris: 4:00 p.m. and 30 minutes to show time.  I hope I’m not late, am I?

Kaitlin: Not at all Chris!!!!  In fact your timing couldn’t be anymore perfect!!!!
And MY GOD YOU LOOK SO HANDSOME IN THAT NEW UNIFORM OF YOURS!!!!!

Chris: And you are by both you and Wendy are by far the MOST BEAUTIFUL ballerinas here!

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink* AWWWWWWWW!!!  Thank you so much!!!!

Kaitlin blushes brightly before running up to Chris and wrapping her arms around him a big hug and giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Kaitlin: I’M SO HAPPY YOU WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT!!!!

Chris: Never once have I missed a recital and I don’t intend on breaking my promise.  
And while I was on my way to the railroad yard, I got this.  I thought you might need it.

Chris hands the little box to Kaitlin, and Kaitlin soon opens it.

Brooke, Chloe, Carla, & Wendy: OH MY GOD!!!!!!!  IT’S SO PRETTY!!!!!!

Kaitlin: IT’S A PRINCESS TIARA!!!!!!

Chris: And the perfect final piece to compliment your beautiful brand new tutu.

Chris then gently takes the tiara out of the box and places it on top of Kaitlin’s head.
Kaitlin then gives Chris another gentle kiss on the cheek.

Kaitlin: I LOVE YOU SO MUCH CHRIS!!!!!

Chris: I love you too Kaitlin.

Wendy: AWWWWWWWWWW!!!  CHRIS YOU'RE THE SWEETEST GUY EVER!!!!!

Carla: Your sisters a VERY LUCKY to have you as their big brother!!!

Chloe: It’s no wonder your sisters love you so much!!!!  You do so much for them.

Chris: They mean the world to me, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.
You’ve also become another important person in my life Chloe, and now I can’t imagine my life without you.
You also look VERY beautiful in that outfit too.

Chloe is speechless.

Chloe: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK*  CHRIS????!!!!!!!!

Chloe then gives Chris a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Brooke: Hey, what about my new all star cheerleading uniform???!!!!

Chris: Don’t worry Brooke I didn’t forget about you!!!!  Your new uniform looks gorgeous on you!!!!  
As I’ve said before, you’re by far the most beautiful cheerleader on your squad, and I know you’re gonna knock em dead.

Brooke blushes brightly before she ran up and wraps her arms around Chris in a big hug and gives him a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Chloe: Your sisters really love you Chris as do I………….

Chris: I know…………..

Chloe: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK*  WHAT???!!!!!  DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID???!!!!!

Chris:  Only a little………….

Chloe: LIKE WHAT???!!!!

Chris: That my sisters love me, but I kinda forgot the rest!!!!!  Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind right now. LOL!!!

Chloe: OH, RIGHT!!!! AND DON’T WORRY, I UNDERSTAND *BLUSHING BRIGHT PINK & GLIGGLES*  (THANK GOD HE DIDN’T HEAR MY ACCIDENTAL CONFESSION!!!!)

Brooke: They’re SOOOOOOOO CUTE together!!!!!

Kaitlin: Yeah!!!  I REALLY HOPE IT WORKS OUT FOR THEM!!!!

Wendy: Me too!!!!

Carla: I most certainly agree with you on that!!!

Chloe: Hey Brooke, lets go find a good spot to watch the recital!!!!

Brooke: Right behind you Chloe!!!!

Chloe and Brooke leave the backstage area and make their way into the theater to find a good spot nice and close to the stage.

Kaitlin: Again, thank you so much for the Tiara Chris!!!!  I LOVE IT!!!!

Chris: I knew you would.

Kaitlin: You’re the best big brother a girl could ask for.

Chris: Brooke told me the same thing a couple nights ago!!!!

Kaitlin: Hey she’s right because it’s true Chris!!!  You mean more to me and Brooke than words can describe and if anything happened to you, we’d be heart broken.
Just promise me one thing………..

Chris: Of course………..

Kaitlin: Please DO NOT perform another dangerous stunt like you did that night where you almost fell off the train!!!!!!  Brooke, Chloe, and I worried about you non-stop that night when the storm hit.  Then we see you banged up when we get back from camp, and we find out why!!!

Chris: I wasn’t really thinking straight.  I was too worried about the fuel level, when it only would have taken about a minute or 2 to do it the right way by stopping before tying the tarp back down.
Fortunately, we didn’t run out of fuel until after we had just arrived in the station.
However on the return trip we managed to make the whole journey on one tank of fuel and water, but the train was empty with no load.

Kaitlin: Just be careful okay?  Brooke and I would be VERY heartbroken if we lost you.

Chris: And I would be heart broken if anything happened to you girls, but if anything, regardless of whatever happens, a part of me will always be with you.
And a part of you is always with me.  That is why I enjoy my career so much.

Kaitlin wraps her arms around Chris in another big hug before snuggling in his arms.

Kaitlin: I promise to dance my heart out for you.

Wendy: So will I!!!!

Chris: I know you will.  And afterwards, you have an awesome train ride to Portland to look forward to.

Kaitlin: I know, and I can’t wait!!!!!  Also if it's not too much to ask, would it be okay if Wendy and Carla joined us on the train afterwards?  Their parents wished they could come, but are at a conference in Portland unfortunately.

Carla: Also Wendy is taking part in the cheerleading competition at the convention center in Portland too, so.................

Kaitlin: So I was wondering if we could take em there on the charter train, since it would be the easiest way to get them to meet up with their parents.

Chris: Absolutely!!!  We made a few extra orders a food, and there are still plenty of seats on the train, so of course, Wendy and Carla can come along.  Friends of my little sisters are ALWAYS welcome!!!!

Kaitlin: AWESOME!!!!

Wendy: AWWWWWWW; THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Carla: That is VERY kind of you!!!

Kaitlin: Unfortunately we won't have time to change out of our tutus given that the train departs almost LITERALLY RIGHT AFTER our recital ends.

Wendy: That's okay!!!

Carla: I'll call our nanny, so she can pack our things and have them ready to go by the time we arrive at the station.

Chris: I didn't you girls had a place here!!!!

Wendy: Yeah, we do!!!!

Carla: It's on Torrey Pines Road!!!

Chris: That's on the same I'm on!!!

Wendy: THAT'S AWESOME!!!!

Chris: Next time you girls are in town the same time Brooke and Kaitlin are, and wanna have a sleep over, then don't hesitate to ask!!!!

Carla: That's so kind of you!!!

Wendy: Thank you so much!!!!

Chris: Again, any friends of my sisters are ALWAYS welcome.

Kaitlin: By the way, who’s watching Number #5 now that you’re here with me?

Chris: Engineer Robert is taking care of her right now.  Don’t worry he’s someone I know I can trust.  He’s a former steam locomotive engineer from the Walt Disney World Railroad in Florida, so he knows what he’s doing when it comes to steam engines.

Kaitlin: That’s good!!!  I’m glad she’s being well taken care of!!!!

Chris: So am I.

Stage Manager: Alright, it’s time to clear the backstage area of any guests!!!!!  

Chris: I gotta go!!!!

Carla: Right behind you!!!!

Chris & Carla Knock em dead!!!!!

Kaitlin & Wendy: We will!!!!!

Kaitlin gives Chris another big hug and gentle kiss on the cheek and Chris gives her a gentle kiss on the forehead before he leaves the back stage area.

Kaitlin: I love you so much Chris!!!!

Chris: I love you too Kaitlin, with all my heart!!!!

Kaitlin: Hmmmmmm, the key to success isn’t from skill and experience you have, but the thoughts and feelings you have for those dear to you that you put in your skills.  I THINK I GET IT!!!!!  

Kaitlin & Wendy: We know what to do now!!!!!!!


To Be Continued………………

Chapter 17

ALL ABOARD

The clock strikes 6:00 p.m. sharp, and Little Number #5 along with her train is ready to go!!!!

Robert: Alrighty Number #5!!!!!  It’s 6:00 p.m. the recital should be over, and Chris should be on his way now!!!!

At the performing arts theater, the whole theater is in an uproar round of applause, for Kaitlin has just pulled off her best performance yet.
While all the other ballerinas performed amazingly well, Kaitlin was by far the star of the show that outshined almost all the other girls as did Wendy who was another one of very few who outshined the all the other girls.
Everyone in the audience is cheering shouting and throwing flowers at both Kaitlin and Wendy for their amazing performances.
Kaitlin and Wendy are at a loss for words and just blushes, smiles, and curtsies.

Kaitlin: Again, thank you so very much!!!!  

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink* This is kinda embarrassing though...............

Chris pulls out his watch, and sees that the clock is now reading 6:10!!!!

Chris: OH, FLYIN, FUCKEN, SHIT!!!!  I GOTTA GO!!!!!

Chris takes off out of the performing arts center and makes a mad dash for his 98 Volvo.  Now that Kaitlin has pulled off an amazing performance the pressure is now on him and his beloved Number #5 to pull through.

Chloe: CHRIS, WAIT UP!!!!

Brooke: KAITLIN, TIME TO GO!!!!

Kaitlin: ON IT!!!!!

Wendy: WAIT UP!!!!

Carla: WE'RE RIGHT BEHIND YOU!!!

Kaitlin and Wendy run off the stage and meet up with Brooke, Chloe, and Carla, and the 5 girls make a mad dash for the 2020 Volvo.
Back at the Station Chris pulls his 98 Volvo over to the valet parking area, and drops off his car.

Valet Parking Attendant: Do you know what day you’ll be back Master May?

Chris: My family and I will be in Portland for a week, and I return with Chloe and Number #5 along with our crews around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, so a week exactly.

Valet Parking Attendant: Very well sir, I’ll have this parked for you in the parking garage below ground.

Chris: Thank you!!!!

Chris then hands his car over to Valet Parking, and makes a mad dash for the railroad yard where Robert and Number #5 are waiting for him.

Robert: AHHHHH, THERE HE IS NUMBER #5!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Robert: How was the recital Chris???!!!!

Chris: WOW!!!!!!  I am at a loss for words!!!!!  Never have I seen my sister perform so beautifully in my life!!!!!

Robert: REALLY???!!!!!  THAT’S WONDERFUL!!!!!

Chris: I know.  My baby sister is not a little girl anymore; she’s grown up.  In fact, both Brooke and Kaitlin have beautifully matured into fine and beautiful young ladies.

Robert: That’s such a wonderful thing to hear Chris.  And it’s so wonderful that you and your sisters have such a good relationship.  They love you very much and are very lucky to have you as their brother.

Chris: And I am beyond blessed to have them as my little sisters.

It was now 6:15 and the Light House Express is already falling behind schedule.  Engineers Big Joe, John Goss, Phil, and Eric are doing final checks on their engines.

Big Joe: Alright!!!!  Number #2205 is good and ready to go!!!!!!

Eric: And So Is Number #2602!!!!!

John Goss: Both engines looking sharp and proud as peacocks!!!!!

Eric: Now Phil, try not to go too fast this time.  LOL!!!!

Phil: HEY, HEY, HEY COME ON NOW!!!!!  I DON’T SPEED!!!!!  YOU GUYS DO THAT!!!!!

Conductor Justin: Alright, we’re just about ready to go!!!!!  Just 2 more bags coming in through the station and 2 more passengers coming to board!!!!!

Big Joe: ALRIGHT!!!!

Chloe soon drives the 2020 Volvo over to the Valet parking area where her mom is waiting.

Chloe: MOM?????!!!!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: Hello Chloe, sweetie!!!!!

Chloe: Alright Girls, go to the platform and wait for me there, okay?  

Brooke, Kaitlin, Carla, & Wendy: Okay!!!!

Brooke, Kaitlin, Wendy, and Carla head over to the station platform where Carla and Wendy's nana is waiting.

Wendy: HEY THERE!!!

Carla: PERFECT TIMING!!!!

Nana: Congratulations girls!!!! I made sure to pack everything you need, and here are your bags!!!!

Wendy: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Valet Parking Attendant: How long will you be away Ms. Kimble?

Chloe: We’ll be away for a week!!!!!

Valet Parking Attendant: Very well Miss, we’ll park the car in the underground garage.

Chloe: Thank you so very much!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: Here you go sir.

Mrs. Kimble tips the Valet Parking Attendant before he goes on his way.

Valet Parking Attendant: Thank you very much mam!!!!

The Valvet Parking Attendant drives the 2020 Volvo down a ramp leading to the underground garage as Chloe and her mom reunite.

Chloe: I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: I missed you too Chloe!!!!!  AND WOW!!!!!!  YOU LOOK GORGEOUS!!!!  THAT OUTFIT LOOKS VERY CUTE ON YOU!!!!!

Chloe: THANK YOU MOM!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: Now I must ask, where did you get such a nice car???!!!!!

Chloe: Oh, I’m borrowing it from my best friend Chris since the truck’s clutch went out.

Mrs. Kimble: AGAIN????!!!!!!

Chloe: Yes!!!!  Shortly after I got the flat tire, the truck hasn’t been holding up very well, and the clutch decided to go out AGAIN!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: UUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!  That truck is turning out to be a huge pain in the ass if you ask me.  Pardon my language, but I feel more comfortable with you driving your boyfriend’s Volvo, than I ever did with you driving your brother’s truck.

Chloe: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* MOM????!!!!!!!  He’s not my boyfriend yet!!!!!  We haven’t yet even gone on our first date!!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: *BURSTS OUT LAUGHING* I know, I’m just teasing. LOL!!!!!  Now lets go to the platform because we have a train to catch.

Chloe: Right!!!!!

Big Joe: Alright, it’s 6:25, and we’re WAY BEHIND Schedule; we have A LOT of time to make up!!!  IS EVERYBODY READY??????!!!!!!

Conductor Justin: Everyone is onboard, everything looks good, and it’s time for us to go!!!!!!

Conductor Justin gives Engineer Big Joe the high sign.

Conductor Justin: ALL ABOARD!!!!!!!!!!!

And with that the Light House Express departs for Portland.  And as the Light House Express departs for Portland, the Gray Hound Bus carrying Annie May, Alan McCollen, along with everyone else from the family and company arrives in the station parking lot.  
Mr. Yagami, and Mr. Bowker soon show up in their cars as well, and EVERYBODY walks to the station platform at once.

Robert: Alright, the cab signal is now green!!!!

Chris: Let’s go Number #5!!!!!

Number #5: WHOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!
CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG!!!!!!!

Little Number #5 soon hauls her train out of the railroad storage yard, and steams her way into the view of the station platform.
At the station platform Brooke and Kaitlin soon met up with their parents Alan and Annie.

Brookie: MOM!!!!

Annie May: Oh, there they are!!!!!

Alan McCollen: HEY GIRLS!!!!!

Kaitlin: HEY DADDY!!!!!!

Both Kaitlin and Brooke ruun up to their parents and give them a great big hug. Wendy and Carla run up to greet them too.

Carla: HEY MR. McCOLLEN AND MRS. MAY!!!!

Wendy: IT'S GOOD TO SEE YA!!!!!

Alan McCollen: OH MY GOSH KAITLIN YOU WERE AMAZING!!!!!!!!

Annie May: BY FAR THE BEST RECITAL WE HAVE EVER BEEN TO, AND YOU STOLE THE SHOW!!!!!!

Kaitlin: *Giggles*  THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

Alan McCollen: WENDY YOU WERE ALSO WONDERFUL!!!!!!

Annie May: YOU WERE MARVELOUS WENDY SWEETIE!!!!

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink* AWWWWWWWWWW; THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Annie May: THAT TUTU OF YOURS IS ALSO JUST DARLING ON YOU KAITLIN AS IS YOURS WENDY!!!!!!

Alan McCollen: YOU 2 WERE BY FAR THE PRETTIEST GIRLS ON STAGE!!!!!

Kaitlin & Wendy: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Kaitlin: I sure hope you don't mind Wendy and Carla tagging along since their parents are up at a conference in Portland, and Chris already told me it's okay.

Alan McCollen: Well, it's Chris's train, so I don't really have the authority to approve or deny.

Annie May: But if Chris says it's okay, then by all means, of course we're fine with it too!!!!

Kaitlin: AWESOME!!!!

Wendy: AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Carla: WE'RE SO VERY GRATEFUL!!!!

Kaitlin: It's a good thing Chris cooked extra food and that there are still plenty of seats available!!! *Giggles*

Anthony: DOG GONE IT KAITLIN!!!!!  BOTH YOU AND CHRIS ARE MAKING ME LOOK BAD!!!!!

Annie May: ANTHONY, NOT THIS AGAIN!!!!!!

Andrew: SERIOUSLY YOU GUYS ARE MAKING IT HARDER FOR US TO PLAY CATCH UP!!!!!

Alan McCollen: I THOUGHT WE TOLD YOU GUYS TO STOP COMPARING YOURSELVES TO YOUR YOUNGER SIBLINGS!!!!

Chloe: Hey Girls, I’d like you to meet my mom!!!

Brooke: HEY CHLOE!!!!!  HELLO MRS. KIMBLE, IT IS SO NICE TO MEET YOU!!!!  I’M BROOKE, CHRIS’S YOUNGER SISTER!!!!!

Kaitlin: CHLOE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A WONDERFUL FRIEND TO CHRIS AND US!!!!!  I’M KAITLIN, CHRIS’S OTHER YOUNGER SISTER!!!!

Brooke: And these are our good friends Wendy and Carla!!!!

Carla: It's a pleasure to meet you!!!!

Wendy: It's a real honor!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: IT’S SO WONDERFUL TO FINALLY MEET YOU GIRLs!!!!!  Chloe has told me A LOT of good things about you 2, and am beyond happy to meet you!!!! And it's so wonderful to meet you too Wendy and Carla!!!!

Brooke: We’d like you 2 to meet our parents!!!!

Annie May: Well hello Chloe, it is so wonderful to meet you Sweetie!!!!!

Alan McCollen: Again, Chris was not lying when he said that you are beautiful!!!!!!

Chloe: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK*  OH MY GOSH!!!!!! *Giggles*

Mrs. Kimble: IT’s very nice to meet you!!!!  I’m Chloe’s Mom!!!!

Annie May: Wonderful to meet you too, I’m Chris’s, Brooke’s, and Kaitlin’s Mom!!!!

Alan McCollen: And these are Anthony and Andrew, Chris’s, Brooke’s, and Kaitlin’s older brothers.

Anthony: Hi there!

Andrew: How are you doing?

Annie May: BOYS, BE NICE!!!!

Uncle Louie: I hope I’m not interrupting anything, am I???!!!!!

Aunt Lizzie: It would be a shame if we were!!!!!

Anthony & Andrew: UNCLE LOUIE & AUNT LIZZIE!!!!!!

Uncle Rob: I hope we’re not too late for the party!!!!

Aunt Ruthie: Again, that was an AMAZING ballet performance!!!!  I’m more looking forward to this train ride!!!!

Uncle Martin: As am I!!!!!

Aunt Louise: And it looks like a beautiful evening too!!!!!

Alan McCollen: LOOK AT THAT, THE GANG’S ALL HERE!!!!!

Mr. Yagami: Not quite!!!! LOL!!!!!  You must be Mr. McCollen!

Alan McCollen: Yes I am!!!!

Mr. Yagami: It is such an honor and pleasure to have you here!!!!  If I could’ve, I would have gotten you and your family a table at my restaurant last night!!!!!

Alan McCollen: We would have loved to have eaten at your restaurant, but we all got hung up on visiting the SPECTACULAR aquarium, and the night before we were at this AMAZING Organ concert at the Cathedral.

John Bowker: Well it’s a pleasure having you here with us on the railroad tonight!!!!  Now do keep in mind that this is an experimental operation with a steam powered charter train plus the catering of Mr. Yagami’s restaurant, so there are bound to be some bugs.

Alan McCollen: Hey, not a problem!!!!  We’re all here to relax and enjoy a nice train ride to Portland!!!!!

John Bowker: These train cars are brand new and beautifully furnished from Mandez, so I hope they’re bound to please you!!!!

Mr. Yagami: And I made sure that all of our meals were prepared and cooked to the highest standards.
Now here are the wavers of liability that I will need those who are eating Fugu tonight to sign.

Annie May: Not a problem.

Soon a familiar whistle is heard.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!!

It's none other than Number #5 steaming into the station with her beautiful assigned charter train in tow.  And this time it is not just an odd job switching chore of a switcher engine, but an actual assigned job, for she is actually gonna haul this train out of Aldin and take it to Portland under her own steam power just like she did with the Toy Special 2 weeks earlier.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!  CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG………………..

Little Number #5 comes steaming into the station at a smooth 10 feet per second with her whistle blowing, bell ringing, steam hissing from her cylinder drain cocks, low pressure safety valve popping off, pistons pounding, bark of exhaust huffing and puffing, Westinghouse Air compressor banging, drive rods knocking, firebox drumming and vibrating, head and side marker lamps shining, and beautiful brass work, paint work, and copper stack cap gleaming.
Everyone is completely blown away and captivated by Little Number #5’s beauty and grandure!!!!

Annie May: OH MY GOD!!!!!

Aunt Lizzie: WHAT A CHARMING LITTLE ENGINE!!!!

Aunt Ruthie: ISN’T SHE LOVELY???!!!!!!

Aunt Louise: A PRICELESS TREASURE!!!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: AND THAT IS WHAT’S PULLING US???!!!!!  IT LOOKS AMAZING!!!!!

Chloe: I KNOW, SHE’S SO CUTE!!!!!!

Wendy: I STILL CAN'T GET OVER THE PRETTY COLORS!!!!

Carla: YES, THEY ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Alan McCollen: Other than cooking, this train is Chris’s baby, and he takes great pride in taking care of it!!!!

Brooke: And I thought Uncle Louie, Uncle Rob, and Uncle Martin were particular about their fancy sports cars???!!!!!  *Giggles*

Uncle Martin: Nope, this is on a whole other level of being meticulous!!!!!  I mean, WOW!!!!!!  THIS THING IS ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE!!!!!

Mr. Yagami: And Chris got it for free if you can believe that?  LOL!!!!!

John Bowker: Except he paid a great deal of money for the restoration work!!!! LOL!!!!!

Slowly but surely, Little Number #5 slows down to a gradual and gentle stop and everyone soon gets on board.
Chloe, Brooke, Kaitlin, Wendy, and Carla all make a mad dash for the very front of the very front open air sight seeing car right behind the locomotive as Chris and Robert set to work on oiling up Number #5’s valve gear.
The railroad’s OE mechanics bring over the Biodiesel truck, to top off the fuel tank, attach the firehouse to top off the water tank, and set to work on greasing some of the fittings, servicing the McCoy Automatic Oiler, and the hydrostatic lubricator.
Chloe’s mom comes up to talk to Chris as he’s servicing the little engine.

Mrs. Kimble: Hello young man, I don’t believe we’ve met, but I’ve heard A LOT of good things about you!!!!

Chris: Hello Mam!!!

Mrs. Kimble: I’m Chloe’s mom, Lynette!!!!

Chris: OH HI, IT’S REALLY NICE TO MEET YOU!!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: CHLOE HAS TOLD ME SO MUCH ABOUT YOU!!!!!

Chris: Well, she’s been nothing but wonderful to both me and my little sisters!

Mrs. Kimble: Well, you’ve been nothing but good to her, and for that I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Chris: Hey, I couldn’t leave her stranded at the curb with a flat tire.  And she needs a working car to get her from A to B, and with no one driving my 98 Volvo, I felt it made sense for me to use it, and let her borrow my newer and nicer car.
And since she babysits the girls A LOT, I feel it’s only right that she can use the house for whatever she needs.

Mrs. Kimble: Well, I thank you for being such a sweet and wonderful friend to her.  It was VERY tough for her to move away from home, and she just got out of an awful relationship with her ex oyfriend too, so she needed a good friend to help her feel at home here.

Chris: Well, I’m always gonna be there for her if and whenever she needs a friend.  She’s become my best friend in such a short time, is literally now a member of my family, and means the world to me and my sisters.
And both my parents seem to really like her too.

Mrs. Kimble: That makes me so happy to hear all that you’ve said!!!!  You really are a blessing to her, and it makes my heart sore to hear that you asked her out on a date.

Chris: *Blushes Dark Red* Well, I REALLY like her, and hope that things work out.

Mrs. Kimble: She seems to really like you too, and I think she couldn’t have found a better friend.
She also tells me that you’re an AMAZING cook!!!!

Chris: Oh, cooking’s my life!!!!  It’s my second love after trains. LOL!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: It’s hard not to see that you’re a train guy. LOL!!!!!  My husband also really likes trains, and my son used to love them when he was little too!!!!
And my gosh, this train reminds me A LOT of the trains over at Walt Disney World.

Chris: LOL!!!!!  The engines on the Walt Disney World Railroad were inspirations to the paint and color schemes used on this engine.  In fact, a lot of the delicate pin striping you see is based off the artwork of famous Disney Animator, Ward Kimball.

Mrs. Kimble: WOW!!!!

Chris: Ward Kimball was one of Walt Disney’s best friends, and he had a full sized railroad in his back yard.  The engines in his back yard had all this fancy brass work, gold leafing, and delicate pin striping that you see here.  This locomotive’s former owner was a HUGE fan of Ward Kimball’s and wanted this little engine to be as extravagant and flamboyant as possible, but he unfortunately got sick and passed away before he could set to work on restoring the engine.

Mrs. Kimble: Awwwwww, That’s so sad………….

Chris: This engine sat run down in VERY bad shape in the warehouse of what is now Yagami’s By The Bay until I found her.
During the restoration process I got in contact with the former owner’s family, and is it was their wish to see the engine restored to the way the former owner wanted it to look.  I honored their request and pain-stakingly tried to get it as close as possible to how the former owner’s family wanted it to look, and I’d say things could not have turned out anymore perfect.

Mrs. Kimble: Wow that is amazing!!!!

Chris: I know!  The Mandez Locomotive & Machine Works and I were on the phone with the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Railroad Crews, the volunteers at the Orange Empire Railroad Museum, which houses Ward Kimball’s collection, and the Golden Spike engine crews at Promontory, since Ward Kimball hand painted those engines himself, in order to get as close to an authentic replication of what Ward Kimball would have done had the former owner been able to restore this engine.
At the same time, I also tried to retain as much of this engine’s history as possible.

Mrs. Kimble: Wow!!!!  When was this made?

Chris: This little engine was built in 1902 by the Baldwin Locomotive works for Barker LaPine’s Sugar Plantation on the Laurel Valley Railroad in Louisiana.  
However she was built using blueprints and diagrams that date back to 1875, so this is a VERY old design of a locomotive you are seeing right here.
She ran on Laurel Valley hauling Sugar Cane up until 1932 when she was retired due to the Great Depression.
In 1942 she was sold to a private history buff and collector named Arthur LaSalle, who kept the engine in storage on the Laurel Valley Estate, and he sold the engine in 1961 to George Roose for use at a theme park in Ohio.
She was fully restored to working order in 1963 and ran until 1997 when she suffered a terrible break down.  A leaf Spring had snapped in her spring rigging assembly, a tender axle had also sheered, her steam turret blew, her valve gear eccentrics gave out, her dry pipe cracked, and her frame suffered extensive damage.
In 1999 a private collector and man dedicated to history bought the engine for the intention of fully restoring it back to life for use at his private museum on his massive estate.  Unfortunately the owner got sick and passed away, and the engine wound up in storage in a warehouse here in Aldin.
Then one day Mr. Eiji Yagami was looking to build a high end and upscale seafood restaurant on the bay, and the warehouse where Number #5 was being stored in, was up for sale and was the perfect location.
However, this little engine was in the way.
I was looking for a job having graduated a top culinary school, and on my way to getting my license to cook Fugu, so I thought I’d look in a town where competition wasn’t too bad, and new restaurants were always in demand.
I was in the right place at the right time because I stumbled upon the warehouse, and Mr. Yagami found the engine and wanted her scrapped.  I however wasn’t gonna let it happen since steam trains were always my Number #1 love, and the little engine looked so sad and helpless.  So, I told Mr. Yagami that I would take the engine off his hands in exchange for being his chef.  A deal was then struck, Mr. Yagami got his restaurant, and a chef who was willing to cook for his business, and I got a good paying job, as well as the engine.
I then take the engine over to the Mandez Locomotive & Machine Works, and they restore it and bring it back to life.
Now here she is today; meticulously restored to her beautiful gleaming perfection.

Mrs. Kimble: WOW!!!! That is an amazing story!!!!!  

Chris: Would you like to have a look in the cab?

Mrs. Kimble: Of Course!!!!!

Chloe, Brooke, Kaitlin, Wendy, and Carla’s jaws all hit the ground for none of them were expecting Chloe’s mom to get an invite into the cab.

Chloe: WHAT?????!!!!!!

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!

Brooke: YOUR MOM GOT AN INVITE INTO THE COCKPIT!!!!!!

Carla: THAT IS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED!!!!!

Kaitlin: THAT IS SO COOL!!!!!!!

Chloe: I HAVEN’T YET GOTTEN AN INVITE IN THERE!!!!!

Chris: Alright Mrs. Kimble, I’d like you to meet Engineer Robert.  He’s gonna be the one driving us on the first leg of the journey.

Robert: Hi there!!!!!  How are ya?

Mrs. Kimble: I’m doing wonderful, how are you?

Robert: I’m doing great thank you!!!!!

Chris: You can see that it gets VERY HOT up here, but because the cab is nice and large we get fairly good ventilation when in motion.

Mrs. Kimble: I was going to say, I felt like I was getting a hot flash for a second!!!!

Chris: It’s about another 35 to 40 degrees hotter up here in the cab than it is outside.

Chris then opens Number #5’s firebox door.

Chris: Here is where the fire is burning and what’s boiling our water to make the steam.  This engine works just like any other steam engine, but rather than using coal or wood like railroads would use in the old days, we burn Biodiesel, aka recycled vegetable oil, which is MUCH cleaner.

Mrs. Kimble: WOW!!!!!  That is amazing!!!!!

Chris: Right here is one of the VERY FEW original components of the locomotive that date back to 1902.  It’s our pressure gauge stand, and the large gauge on the bottom is our main steam boiler pressure gauge, and right now we’re at about 152, which is good since we try to run her at 150.
The smaller gauge on top is our main air brake pressure gauge for the train, and next to the small pressure gauge is our little baby gauge for my steam jam engine brake.  So, the big gauge is for boiler pressure, the small gauge is for my train brakes, and the baby gauge is for my engine brakes.

Robert: And right here are the water sight glasses, and they tell us how much water is in the boiler.  But if the water was to drop to low, we have a safety device called a Mapo, which triggers when the water runs too low, and it cuts off the fuel flow, puts out the fire, and shuts off the engine.

Mrs. Kimble: WOW!!!!!  THAT IS CLEVER!!!!!!

Chris: We inject water into the boiler through use of these steam injectors here, and they use the venturi effect to syphon water out of the water tank, and inject it into the boiler, and that’s how we keep our water level nice and high.

Robert: And of course by Chris’s hand is the firing valve, and that’s how we get the Biodiesel out of the fuel tank and into the boiler, and right by my hand is the air brake that controls the brakes on the train.

Chris: And that large lever you see going across on top of the boiler is the throttle, and it’s what opens a valve inside the steam dome, sends steam down a large pipe on top of the boiler known as the dry pipe, and into the cylinder engines down at the front of the locomotive, which moves the pistons, pushes the rods, turns the wheels, and makes us go before that left over exhaust steam comes blasting out of the stack.

Robert: And this large lever you see here that kind of looks like a gear shift is called the Johnson Bar/Reverse Lever, and it directs steam in the cylinders to make us go forwards, backwards, go fast, or slow.

Chris: And this chord right here of course is the bell!!!!

Robert: And this chord right here is the whistle!!!!

Doug: Alright!!!!  Your hydrostat is now full!!!!!

Chris: Awesome!!!!!  This is Doug one of our OE Mechanics, and he just finished filling up our Hydrostatic Lubricator with steam oil.

Robert: And it lubricates internal components such as the throttle, the inner valves, and steam pistons from the inside.

Chris: And we have a McCoy Oiler that lubricates some of the external valve gear components, so the engine practically takes care of itself while we run it.

Rob: Alright!!!!  Both your water and fuel oil are full!!!!!

Chris: Alright!!!!!  We’re ready to go, so I’ll escort you back to the train!!!!

Mrs. Kimble: WOW!!!!  THIS HAS BEEN SO WONDERFUL, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE TOUR!!!!!

Robert: IT’S BEEN OUR PLEASURE MAM!!!!!

As Chris escorts Mrs. Kimble out of the cab, Chris’s parents come up to say a quick hello as do Wendy and Carla's nana.

Alan McCollen: How are you doing Chris, it’s great to see you!!!!!

Chris: I’m doing great and it’s wonderful to see you Dad!!!!!

Annie May: We are SO PROUD of you Chris!!!!!

Chris: Thanks Mom!!!!!

Annie May: I know that Anthony has been a bit of a jerk, but you made the best of the situation, and made it all work out.

Chris: But you helped me.

Alan McCollen: Still, you pulled through to make sure everything worked out, and you never once complained.

Nana: Long time no see Chris.

Chris: It most certainly has been!!!!

Nana: Thank you again for allowing Wendy, Carla, and I to tag along!!!

Chris: Again, friends of Brooke and Kaitlin are ALWAYS welcome.

Annie May: We couldn’t be any more proud of you Chris, and we couldn’t be anymore excited than to finally ride on your beloved train at last.

Chris: Thank you so very much Mom.

Chris then gives both of his parents a big hug and kiss before they climb aboard the train and get a spot in the rear V.I.P. Parlor Car along with Wendy and Carla's Nana along with Mr. John Bowker, Mr. Eiji Yagami, Anthony, and other company V.I.P.s.

Chris: Alright!!!!!  IT IS NOW 6:38 P.M.!!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: Alright Audrey, time to get on board!!!!

Conductor Audrey: YOU GOT IT RUBEN!!!!!!

Conductor Ruben then gives the high sign.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TgesoItBHE

Conductor Ruben: ALL ABOARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Engineer Chris rings the bell and opens the firing valve as Engineer Robert gives 2 blasts on the whistle.

Number #5: WHOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!  CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG…………………..

Engineer Robert then opens the cylinder drain cocks, releases both the train and engine brakes then eases the throttle open, and with a mighty, and powerful………

HUFF, PUFF, PUFF, PUFF, CHUFF……….CHUFF……….CHUFF……….CHUFF…………CHUFF-CHUFF CHUFF-CHUFF, CHUFF-CHUFF CHUFF-CHUFF, CHUFF-CHUFF CHUFF-CHUFF………………..

Little Number #5 is rolling and hauling the Light House Express’s Special Charter Train out of Aldin Station at 6:40 p.m. on the dot!

Conductor Ruben: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME ABOARD THE ALDIN & PORTLAND NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD’S FIRST AUTHENTIC STEAM POWERED PASSENGER TRAIN IN OVER 60 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone: YYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: For your own safety, PLEASE, be careful when walking about the cars!   We are riding aboard old turn of the 19th century technology here, so our journey is bound to be a little bumpy and jerky.
Also these cars feature BEAUTIFUL Walnut wood, so for your safety, and the safety of those around you, the only one allowed to smoke during our trip is our steam engine because we DO NOT want any fires on board during our trip.
Also please use caution when using the lavatories when on board, and only use them while the train is motion because we don’t want an unpleasant mess and neither do the stations.  Also please do not stick your hand out or grab at anything outside of the train while we’re in motion for your own safety.  We run along the beautiful coastline, and we don’t want to be fishing anyone out of the ocean.  This train is NOT equipped with life vests or Life Saver Inner Tubes you know!!!  Also on the mountain some of plants are not friendly and could grab you back.

Conductor Audrey: *EYES ROLL*  OH MY GOD!!!!!!  UUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!

Conductor Ruben: Otherwise, sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice authentic steam train ride and scenic journey along the beautiful Coastline Of Maine!!!!  Thank you!!!!!

To Be Continued…………..