The Midnight Train Crossing

Meg grabbed her coat and rushed out of her house, toolbox in hand. She had gotten out of bed and dressed in record time, as the emergency call warranted. One of the engines pulled her just slightly out of the trainyard to the crash site.
she hastened over to the scene, the engine seemed the worse off, the two coaches were just frightened, but not badly damaged. "Anyone else?" she asked.
The engine groaned, "I was... givin'... a caboose.... a ride."
Meg nodded and looked around for the caboose.

The Caboose, who by no doubt had caused the crash, had unhitched and rolled a separate direction from the train. He was banged up and beaten. but also not seriously injured. He knew how to handle his crashes. Besides, this one hadn't been a record breaker anyway, nothing really had since...his first.
Bushes nearby shook with movement. CB was checking himself over for any big damage and groaned as pain shot through his left shoulder...the one he had landed on as he first hit the ground.

"Hello?" Meg called, seeing the movement in the bushes.
He gasped and fell silent. He had heard the engine mention him and no doubt they were looking for him now. Oh, he'd get it....
"Is anyone there?"
He tried moving to get away but the pain yet again shot through his left shoulder. "Gah!" he hissed and then groaned again as the bushes moved some more.
He cried out as he glanced up and came face to face with the female repair truck. The caboose tried to get away but his injured shoulder wouldn't allow that.

"Hello there," she said calmly.
CB put on his toughest persona. After years in foster homes, that was easy to do. "Well," he growled. "Ya found me! Might as well let your Control know so he can 'deal' with me!"
"Oh dear," Meg said, "I think he hit his head."
CB growled again.
"Are you hurt?"
"I'm *fine*!" He exclaimed.
"There's no need to be ashamed of it..."
"I *said* I'm fi..." he gasped again as he jerked his injured shoulder.
"Uh huh," Meg said, it was just as she thought, "We'd better get you back to the house."
"No!" CB seemed slightly more fearful now.
"Yes."
"I *won't* go! You can't make me! I'm *fine*!"
"You aren't 'fine'," she said calmly.
"No!"
"Don't be afraid."
that's when he realized that fear was showing through and he tried to cover it up. "I ain't afraid!" The caboose tried to get away again by crawling.
"I'm very gentle," she said.
He stopped and turned back to her. "Says who?" he demanded roughly.
"Everyone I've ever worked on."
"I can repair myself! Have before!"
"come now."
"I. Can. Take care. Of. Myself!" CB insisted but the pain in his shoulder was becoming too much.

"What's your name?" she asked, trying another tactic.
"why should I tell you?"
"My name is Meg."
The caboose's deep blue, though wild, eyes looked back at the repair truck… Meg. "Why should I tell ya my name?" he demanded again, his eyes looking straight at her coldly.
"Because I asked?" she said, meeting his eyes calmly.
He gave a snort. "Ya right! I cause a crash and ya think I'm gonna give you my name?! Ya gotta be crazy!"
"You *caused* a crash?" she repeated.
"Course! Who ya think caused it?!"
"I thought it was an accident."
CB gave a sort of crazed laugh. "that's a good one!"
"It happens y'know."
"Well ya better keep your mouth shut!" CB warned as he tried to move again. If she had thought it was an accident then maybe the rest thought so too. This time he collapsed with a cry of pain. "Bet ya don't wanna....repair me now, huh?" he hissed.
She nodded to herself and moved away.

CB watched Meg go and swore to himself. "D***it CB! Ya could have had a decent repair job before you headed off! Better then what *you* would have done!" he chided himself.

A few minutes later several rather large looking freight cars came over to CB.
He looked up and fell silent.
"come with us."
"No!" he didn't know who these cars were working for. they could have had a direct link to their Control.....though part of him wanted to trust them....
"Meg told us to ask first..." one of them said slowly, "But she wants you to come to her house.
CB tried to stand. hey, it was a free, decent repair. He'd get it and run when it became available.
One of the trucks offered him a hand.
He took it. "thanks...." he said simply.
The car nodded.
CB stood, he didn't mind Freight. fact was, he always seemed to get along with them the easiest.
The car slowly led him to the only building with lights on.
CB looked up as they approached.
"This is Meg's house," the car explained.
CB gave a slow nod.
"She'll be in to take care of you in a few minutes," he said, opening the door.
The caboose stepped in.

Meg's house was empty at the moment, as she was out taking care of the rest of the train.
He looked around slowly at the comfortably furnished living room.
CB sat down in a chair...though slow and painful.
About ten minutes later, the door opened and Meg skated in.
it was so much like *her* house.... CB looked up seeing Meg enter.
"Ah, so you did make it," she said/
"Yeah..." he looked down.
"Good."
"ya...won't tell anyone...right?" the fire had gone by this time and it was more fear...
"I'll fix you first."
The caboose looked down. so she *would * tell....
"And then you can tell me what happened."
he looked back up. "all right...."
"Now what hurts the most?"
"My left shoulder..."
She nodded, "Alright then."
She touched his shoulder lightly.
CB looked down again and cringed at her touch.
She explored his shoulder and he cringed away every time Meg touched the sore spot.

"Ah I see..." she said
"what...."
"You dislocated your shoulder, you must've fallen on it."
"You can say that again..." he muttered.
"It can be fixed easily enough."
"It can?..."
She nodded, "You may be sore for a bit though'."
"Long as I'm able to get back on the open rails...."
She nodded, "I don't see why not."
"Good....I want to get going as soon as I can..."

She nodded, "Now, tell me what happened?"
"I warned that engine...." he growled low.
"How did the crash happen?"
"he was goin' too fast and my...my breaks gave way. I couldn't stop even though I tried!"
She nodded
"and the next thing I knew I...I hit the ground.."
"Hmm. Perhaps I should look at your brakes."
"look at m-my brakes?" he repeated.
She nodded, "You said they went out."
"I...you-ya can't!" He tried to pull away.
"Why not?"
"I....I'm sensitive there...." he said lamely.
"Most cabooses are," she said, "I've done it before."
"you....ya just can't!"
"Sure I can."
He looked uneasy.
Meg pulled a footstool over and sat down on it starting to inspect his brakes.
The caboose hadn't been lying about being sensitive in that area as he squirmed slightly.
"Easy now..." she said, gently inspecting how well his brakes were working.
The caboose knew what she would find. Nothing... Nothing wrong with them.
"Hmm." she said, leaning back.
He bit his lip as she looked up at him, but he could only manage to look at her for a moment before looking away.
She stood up without a word and went over to work on his shoulder again.
CB didn't say a word......cringing away every once in a while, biting back pain.

"Alright," Meg said after a few minutes, "You'll still be a bit sore for a day or so, but..."
CB tried to stand...a bit too quickly.
"Woah, careful," she said, catching him before he fell.
"I'm *fine* now!" though Meg's words rang true as he tried to pull away from her.
"Take it easy."
"I’m fine!"
"And you object to taking it easy?" Meg asked mildly.
"Whatever..." CB muttered. He wanted to get out of the station as soon as he could. there was *no* way he was waiting for the engine.
"I'm afraid that if you're eager to leave you're going to be rather disappointed."
"Oh yeah? why's that?" He was getting a little defensive one more.
"You aren't up to travelling yet."
"I do what I want!"
"Ah yes, so you would like to leave the yard and collapse just outside it?"
He didn't answer at first.
"The engine you were travelling with said if it was alright with you he didn't mind... said you weren't really part of his train..."
CB crossed his arms. "Got that right! so I don't gotta wait around!"
"No, that means that you can wait around."
"I don't *want* to 'wait around' "
"And why not?"
"I’ve got places to be!"
"Such as?"
"Just...places!" He had no family after all so it didn't matter where he went as long as it wasn't back to the orphanage or another foster home. "got the world to see!"
"The world will still be there in a few days."
"ya don't get it!....." Sooner or later Hilton Orphanage would hear that he had caused yet another wreck and didn't make it to his destination. they'd be looking for him....

"What don't I understand?"
"I *gotta* leave now!" he growled.
"No... y'know, it dawns on me, you never told me your name."
"I don't intend to either! Just make me easier for them to find!"
"Ah," Meg said suddenly.
He then shut up, realizing he was giving too much away.
"I see."
"I've *gotta* go!" he insisted.
"No one knows that you're here."
"They will! they'll hear bout the crash and radio in.....asking"
She shook her head.
"yes they will!" he insisted. "they'll ask about a red caboose and you’ll tell them I'm here!"
"Nope."
"you won't?"
"No."
"why" he demanded to know, giving her a suspicious glare.
"Because you need to recover."
"but once I’m near recovery...." the 'boose looked down. "You'll radio them back...."
"Why would I do that?"
"they...they always do...."
"All I am concerned about is your health, beyond that it is entirely your business."
"Why?" he asked suddenly.
"I'm a repair truck."
CB snorted.

"Alright," Meg stood up, "As I need to call you something, do you mind "Red"?"
"long as it *ain't* 'Caboose', I’m fine with whatever..."
"Alright Red," Meg said, "If you want to go somewhere, come with me."
He stood and followed her as Meg led him slowly down the hallway to a bedroom.
"You can stay here," Meg said.
"all right...' he entered and looked around before looking back to Meg.
"Fair enough?"
He gave a slow nod.
"Good."
CB didn't get what made him feel like he could tell this repair truck...Meg ...anything. He kept his mouth shut though. The caboose didn't trust anyone but himself. He had learned not to.
"Anything else?" she asked.
"I'm fine..." he insisted then thought better as his stomach growled. "Well...I *am* a lil' hungry..."
She nodded, "I'll heat something up."
"All right...."
Meg vanished into another part of the house.
CB began to look around the room. It seemed...cozy.
The bed was covered with a slightly faded, but still brightly patterned quilt. There was a small table and a dresser as well as the bed.
His curiosity taking over, CB began to check out the room in more detail.
The window was open slightly and a warm breeze blew the curtains danced slightly.
CB skated over to the window and studied it.
Outside was Meg's back yard, a decent sized green yard with a large tree in the back yard, a swing hung from it.
He blinked at the sight and slowly felt himself wishing that *this* had been the place he had been heading to.

"Hey Red!" Meg's voice called.
CB turned is head in the direction the repair truck's voice had come from.
Down the hallway a bit was the kitchen.
He exited the room and walked down the hall, finding the kitchen.
"Hello," Meg said, indicating the bowl of soup on the table.
He followed her motion with his deep blue eyes and sat at the table.
She went over to the fridge to get him something to drink
He took a spoon and began to eat the soup.
She sat the glass down on the table next to him.
CB took a sip. the soup was really good. The strong wishing feeling came back but he mentally pushed it aside. He'd be out of this station in a few days and would never look back! He'd always took care of himself and wasn't about to get all mushy now. there'd only be disappointment in the end.
Meg quietly left the kitchen as he continued to eat, finishing up. The wreck had taken a lot out of him.

He froze, hearing the shrill ringing of Meg’s phone.
It rang again and then it stopped as Meg picked up the extension in the other room.
CB quietly stood from his chair and moved to the door of the kitchen. He wanted to hear the conversation.
"Yup," Meg said into the phone rather cheerfully.
He blinked and continued to listen.
"All's well around here," she answered at the other end, "Smooth as normal."
Who could it be? had Hilton already heard about his wreck?
"Yup, all done. You can come over and pick it up whenever you're around."
He blinked again. In shock this time. It *was* Hilton calling! It *had* to be! 'It'?! Meg was calling him 'It' after asking for his name earlier? The caboose was hurt now.... She had said that they could came pick him up at any time. no doubt they'd be here it the next day or two.... He *had* to get away now...He *wasn't* going back!
"No, no trouble at all," she said, "I don't mind a bit, I like fixing things."
the caboose quietly and slowly slid back into the kitchen and sat back at the table. He wasn't done with his food but pushed it aside, no feeling hungry anymore.
"Mm-hm," she said, "Alright, see you later. Ciao."

He laid his head , face down, on the table.
Meg walked into the kitchen, "Aw c'mon, my soup isn't that bad..."
"I'm not hungry any more," he muttered into the table.
"Mm." She took the bowl away, "Alright."
CB kept his head down on the table. How could he have fallen for that and nearly trusting her?? He didn't want to look at her
Meg rinsed out the bowl in the sink. "How're you feeling?" she asked
He didn't answer her.
"Red?" she asked gently.
"What?" he said with a low growl.
"Are you feeling sick?"
He gave a shrug with his good shoulder. His other till ached if he moved it.
She set a gentle hand on his good shoulder and he tried to shrug it off.
"Red... honey..."
"I'm *fine*!" he growled, lifting his head when he said that, his face flushed from crying though all evidence of that was gone now.
She studied his face.
He looked away but she caught hold of his chin and gently turned his head back to face her.
"What?!" he demanded.
"I wish you didn't think that I was out to hurt you..."
He said nothing and tried to look away again.
She let him this time
"Why should I trust you..." he muttered masking any other emotions with anger.
"Do you have any specific reasons not to trust me?"
"you're just like the others!" he growled as he shot a glare back at her. "I'm leaving and you'll regret it if you try to stop me!"
"Hmm." Was all she had to say to that.

The caboose stood and turned to go, heading for the door.
Meg caught his couplings lightly.
The sudden, added weight made him stop. "Let. Me. Go......" he growled. "I'm warning you....."
"No honey..."
"Let. Me. Go!!" he ordered again.
"No."
He struggled and growled. "I mean it!! If ya *don't* let me go, you'll regret it!!"
"Oh?" she raised an eyebrow/
"Yes!!"
She pulled him back gently.
CB tried to pull away struggling. She wasn't buying his threat!... He'd never attack any female and had no intention to now but she wasn't buying his threat....
A sudden pain shot through his shoulder again, making him cry out. With all his struggling he had pulled wrong.
"Oh dear..." Meg pursed her lips slightly.
CB’s hand went to his shoulder as he bit back the pain.
She pulled him back a bit firmer.
He let her, though only because his mind was on his shoulder and fighting back tears.

There was a knock on the door.
The caboose's deep blue eyes shot to the door.
"Be there in a minute," Meg called, pulling the caboose back towards the kitchen.
CB wouldn't take his eyes off the door.
She didn't release him until they were in the kitchen, and then she headed over to the door, opening it.
There was a young steam engine at the door, which Meg let into the house.
CB blinked seeing him. A steamer....he hadn't seen one since...smokestack....
"Hang on a second," Meg said to the steam engine, "I've got it all set for you."
The caboose stayed silent, in hopes of not drawing attention to himself.
She rolled out of the front entrance and past the kitchen, down the hallway
He moved out of sight as Meg moved past the kitchen.
A moment later she returned with a radio in hand, which she passed on to the steamer, "There you are honey."
CB blinked again. Could the steamer have been who she had been talking to on the phone? Then the radio was....
"Thanks Meg," he said, "I'm glad you had time to work on it."
She nodded.
"Do you have someone staying here?" the steamer asked, "I mean... I didn't want to take away from your real job..."
Just then CB developed a tickle in his throat and he had to clear it, letting out a small cough.
They both looked up.
"Yeah," Meg said, "But it's no problem, I finished the radio before he came."
"Who is he?" the engine asked curiously.
CB didn't say a word.
Meg shrugged, "Just sometrain passing through."
The steamer nodded and after a few more minutes of conversation, he left.

"Who was that?..." CB asked when the steamer left.
"One of the engines from this yard," Meg answered, "I fixed his radio for him. He called earlier asking if he could come by and pick it up."
"I see..."
She nodded
He was silent a Moment as he thought. Maybe she wouldn't.... He then shook his head. No! Sooner or later they'd call asking for him and she'd hand him over.

"Sit down please," Meg said.
"Why?"
"Because you hurt your shoulder and I want to take care of that..."
"*I* didn't hurt my shoulder that time! If *you* would have let me go like I told you to....!"
"Alright then. Now sit down please."
He sat down with a huff.
She lightly set a hand on his shoulder.
he cringed even at her light tough.
"Mmm." she said, rubbing his shoulder expertly.
At first the caboose tried to shrug her off but she persisted and he soon gave up and gave it. It *did* feel good....
"Better?" she asked
"Much...." he agreed, relaxing.
"Good."
CB closed his eyes, all the tension in him just seemed to let loose.
She kept it up. "There, that's better now Red, isn't it?"
He took a deep breath. "yeah....."
Meg smiled.
CB still had his eyes closed though he was sleeping.
After a few minutes, Meg stopped.
The caboose seem relaxed and calm.
She was pleased by this and she let him be.
This had been the most CB had let his guard down since he started going to foster homes.
She stroked his hair affectionately before leaving him alone.
CB felt an odd warmth in his chest when Meg did that....but he didn't care! He liked that feeling. A hint of a smile crossed his face as he sat there, head in his arms, on the table.

Time passed as Meg busied herself in other things and it grew later. The sun set.
A few times, CB had nearly fallen asleep where he sat.
Meg peeked in on him every now and then
Finally CB had given up and fallen asleep.
She was hesitant to wake him, but finally she gently shook him, hoping to only wake him up partially.
He gave a groan as her hope came true.
"Come on Red..." she said evenly, attempting to get him to his wheels. She guided him out of the kitchen and to his bedroom.
As soon as he made it into his room and to his bed, CB laid down and curled up.
Meg tucked him in.
The caboose's breathing soon went back to slow and steady as he easily fell back asleep.
She smiled and turned off his light, closing his door.
Most of the night he seemed to sleep peacefully

The sun rose and shone in through the window
It shone right on CB's face. he gave a snort and rolled over, covering his head with the blanket.
Birds sang outside
He groaned and covered his head with his pillow. CB was *not* a morning person.
Other then the sun and the birds, the room was quiet.
However, CB couldn't get back to sleep. "stupid sun...." he muttered throwing his pillow to the floor.
He sat up and stretched some, Knowing there was no way he'd fall back to sleep. CB then yawned some.
There was a soft clatter in the kitchen.
The caboose looked around, for a moment forgetting where he was. He the heard the clatter from the kitchen and remembered.
CB went over to his door and tried to open it. It seemed stuck.
The door slowly opened with a soft groan and CB, trying to fix his moptop blond hair, made his way to the kitchen.

Meg was in the kitchen along with a dark red sleeper
The caboose stepped into the entryway of the kitchen and noticed Meg's guest right away.
"Good morning Red," Meg greeted him
"Morning..." he muttered still trying to fix his hair. However, he couldn't keep his eyes of the guest. she was...a sleeper. CB had met plenty to know that only...this one looked older.
"This is my friend Belle," Meg introduced the other car.
"Hey...." was all CB could find words say.
"Hi there," Belle said.
The caboose had always felt a slight uneasy around sleepers and Belle was no exception.
"Belle's better at food then I am," Meg said matter-of-factly, "So she kindly came over to make breakfast."
"all right....." he swallowed.
Meg set down a plate in front of the caboose's chair.
He sat. "Thanks Meg..." He silently began to eat.
After a few minutes of silence, CB looked up from his breakfast and over to Belle.
She smiled at him gently.
It was odd, but he couldn't help smiling back slightly.
"So how long are you planning on staying?" Belle asked him
"I'm headin' out as soon as I can," he replied simply.
"Oh. Eager to get home then?"
He shrugged. "Nah.....eager to continue on..." There was no way he was eager to go 'home'.
"Ah, an eternal traveler." She said with a smile.
"yeah, guess you could call me that."
Belle nodded.
"Never really had what you would call a home...but it don't matter," he added quickly. "I like the traveling."
"Oh... poor thing," Belle said
He shrugged. "It's no big deal...."
"Well I suppose you get used to it..."
"Yeah...." he finished off in sort of a sigh. CB had never really gotten used to it. He had always wanted a home. However, something always had come up and he was kicked out.
Meg met Belle's eyes over CB's head and the two shared a bit of a sad look.
"Can I go outside and get some fresh air?" he asked Meg, uncomfortable with the silence.
"Sure, you can go in the back yard."
CB pushed his plate away and stood, heading outside.
Meg pointed him in the right direction.
He nodded and , stepping out, looked around.
Meg's yard was circled by a white picket fence.
He skated around, taking it in. Overall, it was a nice yard. He sat down under a tree and took out his diary that he always had with him.
Birds chirped overhead
He gave a genuine smile and then sighed as he began to write events and thoughts.

There was a distant whistle down the tracks
He looked up.
The young steamer from before was on his way down the tracks
CB closed his diary and stood to watch him go by.
The engine came to a stop, looking at the caboose with interest.
"what ya looking at?" he asked though not rudely like he normally would have.
"Are you Meg's guest?" he asked
He nodded. "guess ya could call me that..."
The steamer nodded, "Cool."
he shrugged.
"Meg's pretty nice."
He shrugged again. "I s'pose... don't intend on stayin' around too much longer..."
"Oh," the engine said.
CB then looked up at the steamer. "Ya live here then?..."
He nodded, "Yeah, just down the tracks a bit."
"Where am I anyway?" He hadn't bothered looking before he wrecked.
"Apollo Victoria Station."
"Seems...nice here....." But the caboose was cautious about that feeling. He knew that all could change in a matter of minutes.
The steamer nodded, "Yeah it is."
He looked at the engine. "what your name?" CB asked.
"Rusty."
"Rusty huh?" He had to smile some.
"Yeah." he said, "Yes, I know."
"what d'ya like to do or fun 'round here?" the caboose asked.
"Well we race sometimes for fun," Rusty said, "And then there are big races every now and again."
"races? Neat!" CB then began to think. No *wonder* he had heard the name of the station before!! He had heard it mentioned in a couple foster stations.
Rusty nodded, "Yup."
"How old ya gotta be to race in the big races?" CB wanted to know. Even though he wasn’t an engine, he had heard the rules and figured he could race behind one.
"Twenty"
"CB gave a slight frown. "Not fair! I still got some years to wait." He then looked back to Rusty. "You plan on enterin' when ya can?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I've got a bit to wait too."
"S'pose it's for safety reasons..."
"Yeah," Rusty said, "Probably."

"What your parents like?...." CB asked out of the blue.
"My father's the champion," Rusty answered promptly
"No way! really?"
Rusty nodded with a smile.
"now *that's cool! s'pose ya *gotta* follow in your dad's tracks then, huh?"
He nodded

Inside, the phone rang. CB heard it through an open window and just seemed to freeze.
"So what's your name?" Rusty asked, not noticing.
The caboose didn't seem to hear as the phone persistently rang again until someone answered it inside
CB bit his lip. it was them! It *had* to be this time....
"Hey?" Rusty asked uncertainly.
his eyes turned back to Rusty.
"Are you okay?"
"yeah...yeah..I-I'm fine....."
"You look kinda pale..."
"I-I'm fine....."
"You sure? Maybe we should go get Meg..."
CB paused. He knew what she would say and didn't want to hear it.
Rusty looked a bit concerned for the caboose.
CB didn't say a word but seemed to grow paler.
"I think... I'm gonna go get Meg." Rusty said.
CB didn't respond.
Rusty headed into the house
As soon as rusty left,, CB collapsed to his knees and tears fell. He wasn't one to cry in front of others, but that didn't mean he never cried. CB honestly didn't want to leave Apollo....

"Hello?" A male voice spoke up as the phone was answered. "Is this Meg, the repair truck?"
"Yup."
"I heard there was a wreck out near your station. I called and was directed to you. You were first to the scene were you not?
"No, actually I wasn't," Meg said, "But first one to see it and not run the other direction I suppose."
"Yes well, by chance was there a caboose riding on that train?"
"I believe so."
"I thought so.... if it's not one thing , it's another....anyone seriously hurt?"
"Nope. Minor scraps and dents, a few strained muscles. Sent everybody on their way."
"You didn’t send the caboose off did you?" The male train asked. If this repair truck fell into his stories then it would be more difficult to find him.
"I didn't know I wasn't supposed to."
there was a frustrated sigh at the other end. "That caboose is a delinquent! Who knows what sort of trouble he could be causing next. Perhaps even another wreck!"
"Oh dear."
"I suggest you send out a couple engines to help us search for him. I'll give you the orphanage number here so that if you find him before we do you may call us."
"Alright. What's his name?"
The director had to think briefly. "...CB."
"CB?" Meg repeated
"yes, CB," the director replied. "he was on a way to a foster home but...now they refuse to take him in. Word travels fast you know."
"Yes. It does."
"Of course I warned them in the beginning" he gave an audible sigh. "This didn't surprise me a bit when word came. Anyway, get some engines out there looking and if you find him, *don't* let him out of your sight again until someone from the Hilton Orphanage comes to pick him up!" he ordered.
"Right," she said, "I will let you know as soon as I have something to let you know about."
"he *must* be returned."
"I understand honey," Meg said
The director then gave Meg the orphanage number. "Thank you for your cooperation ."
"No worries."
with that he gave another frustrated sigh, said his goodbye, and hung up.

Meg gave Belle a quick summary of the conversation and then headed to the back door to look for the caboose, "Red?"
CB had still been crying, but as soon as he her meg's voice, he dried his tears.
"Red?" she called again
he looked over but looked down. "whatdya want?"
"You okay?"
"I'm fine......."
She rolled out into the backyard
CB quickly turned away from her.
"Red?"
"what?! Leave me alone!"
"I'm not going to hurt you," she said mildly
"Whatever..." he muttered angrily
"Well what's gotten into you? You were almost cheerful this morning."
"who was on the phone?" he demanded, still not meeting her eyes.
"Just somebody asking about the crash."
"I knew it...." he muttered.
"wondering how much damage there was," Meg continued, "I told them that there wasn't too much and I sent the whole train out again good as new."
CB didn't say anything.
"So, Red, I was wondering something..."
he cringed slightly at that.
"Do you know a caboose named CB?"
"Who wants to know!"
"I do."
"Yeah...sure..."
"Yes."
"What if I *did* know him? Why would I tell *you*?!" He stood and started to skate back to the house.
"Because I asked?"
CB gave a sarcastic laugh. "yeah, sure! Ya think I would tell you just cuz you *asked*?!"
"Well why not?"
"Cuz what if I promised not to rat on him?!" he spat, growing more upset that she was drilling him like this though it was obvious she knew *something* and he was trying to hide it with anger.
"Ah, well you cannot break a promise then."
"D*** right!" he said with a low growl.
"Then I am sorry I asked."

then, against his better judgement for some reason, CB spoke barely above a whisper admitting, "I'm him......." He didn't know why.... Maybe it was because he knew sooner or later he'd get sent back....and wanted to get that over with now....
"Ah," Meg said
He turned back to her but looked down. "now that ya know....." he started.
"So can I call you that now?"
He gave a slow nod and quietly said, "yeah......"
"Alright CB."
"so.....who *really* was on the phone...."
"Somebody asking about the crash," Meg repeated
"I don't believe you! There's something more....."
"Yes," she said, "I hadn't gotten to that part yet."
"Well?...."
"He seemed especially curious about you," Meg said, "And he seemed quite disappointed when I told him that I sent off the entire train after the accident."
Only one person could be interested in him.... "The director of the Hilton Orphanage....." he muttered.
"Yes."
"I guess I'll get ready to go then....now that you know you'll call him right back...." CB started to head back inside the house.
"But I told him you weren't here," Meg said.
"Cuz ya didn't know!"
"Oh come now Red, there was only one caboose in that train..."
"but I’m *sure* you've heard the stories about me! why would ya want me around after *that?"
Meg shrugged, "Why not?"
"I’m a 'troublemaker, wreck trains, steal'...I've even been accused of attacking a coach! I'd *never* attack a coach!" "He then fell silent suddenly as if there was something more.
"I see," Meg said evenly, waiting for him to finish
"I'm.....I'm also a....murderer...." he said sadly and just above inaudible. Well....no one had actually accused him of that but deep down he felt it. CB looked down, wanting to fight back tears as that memory came back to him.

Meg set a hand on his shoulder.
As she did so, CB couldn't hold back the tears any longer. He cried silently, but his whole frame shook.
Meg gently took him in her arms.
CB allowed her to. It was the first motherly -type hug he remembered getting and certainly the first since his own mother passed away. The caboose continued to cry and every once in a while he mumbled. "I didn't mean to kill him...."
Meg rocked him and stroked his hair.
"I.....I don't know what came over me...." he mumbled and then gave a sob.
"Poor thing..." Meg murmured.
"I didn't mean to...."
She nodded
No one of course knew he had caused that wreck. A twelve year old trainlet do such a thing? Impossible! But....CB had....
Meg continued to rock him.
"I'm sorry Buck...." he mumbled. "I'm sorry....." Memories still haunted him.
Meg continued to hold him, just letting him be.
CB snuggled into her arms. He knew that if anyone *ever* found out the truth, he'd go straight to the scrap heap....however, he felt that no on could hurt him if he was in Meg's hug.
She stroked his hair gently and he slowly began to calm back down but Meg continued to hold him.

"I....I 'spose you'll...you'll want to call th-the orphanage back now....."
"No. Not really."
"He looked up at her, his faced flush and tear-stained y-you....you don't? But I'm......"
"Certainly not fit to travel."
"But....sooner or later they'll find me anyway...."
"Well we shall deal with that when we come to it."
"If they found out I've been here all the time and...and you didn't let them know....." CB wasn't eager to go back, but he didn't want meg to get in trouble either.
"mmm?" Meg asked
".....You could get in trouble...."
"Ah I see," she said
"so.....it'd be to your interest...."
"Mm."
He pulled away slowly and turned back to the house.
"But Red, I still don't think you are fit to travel."
"I'm fine!" he said turning back to her. "I just don't want you to get in trouble cuz of *me*!...."
"That's nice of you," she said with a smile.
He shrugged. "I'm only stating facts...."

She nodded, "Would you like to come inside now?"
"I guess..."
She nodded, "Belle's still here."
He nodded. "Okay..."
Meg set a hand on his shoulder to guide him into the house.
He kept his head down. His diary/Journal under his arm.
Meg didn't comment. They reached the house and went inside.
"Hi there," Belle greeted CB.
He didn't say a word.
"Well, I have some things to take care of today," Meg said, "You gonna be alright for a few hours Red?"
CB gave a slow nod. "I guess....."
She nodded and gave him a soft smile.
He laid his head on his arms.
Meg headed out, but Belle remained in the kitchen
His shoulders heaved in a sigh.

Belle set a gentle hand on his shoulder.
CB tried to shrug her hand away.
She rubbed his shoulders gently and the caboose tried again to shrug her away.
"Have you ever really had a home?" she asked.
"What's it to you?..." he muttered not really trying to be rude.
"Because I was wondering," she answered
"No......none......."
She sighed, "Yeah... that's what I thought..."
He gave a snort and then looked up at her. "don't need one either.....get in the way ........" though it was clear he felt otherwise.
"If you've got a good one it won't," she said.
"I don't belong anywhere..." he said simply. "Anyway, not since...." he stopped. that was the *one* topic he didn't wish to get into.
"Hmm," was all Belle said.
He looked down. "I just don't belong...."
"You could..." Belle said
He shook his head. "I don't got a real family...."
She stroked his hair gently.
"Always simply been 'that troublesome 'boose!' wherever I ended up...."
"poor CB..." she said softly.
He froze. how did she know his name? meg only had a hunch.... He looked to her.
"what is it?" Belle asked
"How..."
"Hmm?" she asked gently.
"How...how did...."
"How did what Red?" she asked
"how did you know my....my name?........"
"Oh," she said, "well I got four you see..."
he looked at her.
"Meg was talking on the phone to someone who was looking for a caboose named CB..." she said, "And you are the only caboose around here..."
"yeah....."
"so that's how I knew," she said, "And judging from your reaction I'd say I was right."
"yeah....that's my name........"
"but if you prefer Red..."
"that’s what I prefer at the moment...yes" CB responded.
"Alright," Belle said.

An older diesel approached AV and, after asking for directions, headed for Meg's house.
Meg was out on the tracks, running some errands when she passed an older diesel engine
The diesel came to a stop, watching meg for a moment.
"Hello," Meg greeted him.
"You wouldn't by chance be Meg, the repair truck would you?" the diesel asked.
She nodded slowly.
"my name's Cliff, the head of Hilton Orphanage. We spoke on the phone?"
"Oh yes," Meg said, nodding as she remembered.
"I’ve gotten word from the engines I sent out that there is no sign of the caboose. Yours wouldn't have found him by chance, have they?"
"Not that I've heard of," Meg answered truthfully enough
"May I... take a look around?"
"If you wish..." she said, "This must be some important caboose..."
"He's been the cause of some...problems in the past."
She nodded slowly.
"I've just about had it up to *here* with him! Been at the orphanage since he was six and I can't get *rid* of him because he's such a troublemaker!"
"Mmm." was all Meg said, quite calmly.
"I would *gladly* let him run off on his own. However, the orphanage would loose it's funding if that were the case."
"Would it?" she inquired politely
"oh, of course! if they heard that a young train ran away and couldn't be found, they'd figure me to be irresponsible."
She nodded, "of course."
"not my fault nobody trusts a caboose..."
"Mm-hm."
"If his father hadn't been one and his mother half, I'm sure he would have been adopted soon after he was dropped off."
"Mm."
"Now, if you don't mind, I've got to look for him.” He said, "Oh, and if you *are* holding onto him, I would suggest handing him over," he added.
"Mm." Meg said in her too calm tone.
"You *could* be charged of trainknapping."
"Why do you seem so sure that I would be hiding a caboose from you?" she asked
"I've got a particular feeling..."
"Ah," she said.

Belle smiled at CB gently.
Rusty was lucky and probably just didn't know *how* lucky, the caboose thought.
There was a slight sadness in Belle's eyes as she studied CB carefully.
CB looked back to belle and noticed her studying him. He shifted uneasily.
"Oh," she said, "I'm sorry..."
"Am I *that* interesting?...." he asked in an unsure tone. Belle *was* a sleeper after all...
"Oh. No honey, it's just... you remind me of someone, that's all."
"who?....." he asked curious.
"Some one I knew a long time ago..." she said, "You have her eyes."
"Her eyes?...." He blinked.
Belle blinked and laughed slightly, "I'm sorry Red."
"No...it's okay....” he paused, “H...how do *my* eyes remind you of her?"
"Well they're the same shade of blue, and the same shape," Belle said, a bit automatically.
"Same shade and shape....?”
"Yeah."
"You said a long time ago....who was she?.....what happened?"
"She was my sister."
"Your sister?"
Belle nodded a bit sadly.
"Where is she?...."
"She's gone..." Belle said softly, in a tone that could only mean one thing
"Oh...." said CB looking down. "I....I'm sorry...."
"It's alright," she said, "It was a long time ago."
"but....for you to be reminded of her through me...."
"I know, it's a little odd, but not that unusual," she said
"But...you've just met me...and I’m *not* the one to be in association with your sister...trust me..."
Belle gave him a gentle smile
"I'm positive I'm *nothing* like her!"
"All I said was that your eyes reminded me of hers," Belle said
"I'm still not one to compare her to..."
Belle shrugged, "Ah well."
He looked down again.

Belle suddenly reached over and ruffled his hair
"Gah!" he tried to fix his moptop.
She grinned at him.
he then sighed. "My....my mother died...."he confided.
She nodded slowly.
"My father too.....when I was six......"
She nodded again, "That must have been hard."
CB gave a slow nod. "they say...one wreck killed both of them...."
"I'm sorry," Belle said gently.
"I....I think about them quite often..."
She nodded, "Do you remember them well?"
"I do...kinda....can't here what they sound like but I can picture them.....though with no decent photos it's getting harder and harder..........."

She suddenly gave him a hug
He fell into tears as Belle did so and as she hugged CB, the pull forward caused him to loosen his hold on his diary and a newspaper clipping fluttered out.
Belle reached down to pick up the paper. She went a bit white when she saw it.
He gave a heavy sob and tried to dry his eyes.
Belle sat completely still. She stared at CB as though she had seen a ghost.
He looked back at her, question in his eyes.
"Your... parents?" she asked, holding out the newspaper
He looked and then sniffed. "yeah.....th-that's them...."
Belle didn't answer, reaching into her purse and pulling out a small photo album. She paged through it and then set it down on the table open to a picture.
CB looked down and it was his turn to turn white. "Where...where did ya get th-this photo?......."
"It's a photo of my sister," Belle said very quietly
"Your....your *sister*?.........." He swallowed. "That's......."
"Your mother."
CB nodded then looked to Belle.
Belle was silent.
"So...that makes you....."
"You said she died when you were six?" she asked
He nodded. "Yeah....."
"How old are you?"
"I'm....I'm sixteen..."
"Ten years," Belle said, "That's right..."
He blinked.

"I never knew she had a son..."
"Never knew I had an aunt.....maybe it was just as well...."
That seemed to snap Belle out of it, "Yes. Yes, you have an aunt.... and an uncle..... and a cousin."
"An uncle *and* a cousin?"
She nodded
"Who?.....Can I meet them?..."
"I think you've already met Rusty..."
he blinked again.
"And my engine you can meet later," Belle said
He looked back down. "May not get the chance......"

Belle suddenly hugged him again
All other thoughts slipped from his mind then.
She held him tightly.
"They....they'll be coming for me....I....I don't want to leave...."
Belle held him tightly as though she would never let him go.
"You....you won't let them...."
"Now that I've found you I'm not giving you up," Belle said
He snuggled against her, feeling like a trainlet.
Belle put her arms around him, holding him against her tightly.

Meanwhile, Meg had been trailing Cliff around the trainyard.
Cliff had been keeping his eyes open for a flash of red and his ears open for *any* sort of out-of-place noise.
"So, tell me more about this caboose," Meg said, "The more I know about him perhaps it will help me think of where to look for him."
"He's a delinquent! Steals, wrecks...has even attacked a young coach...."
"Besides that..."
"He likes to go off alone I've noticed.
She nodded.
"doesn't say much so I don't know *what* goes on in that mixed up and messed up head of his..."
"I see," she said, looking off to the side and waving to a reddish brown steam engine who was passing by.
Cliff looked over and noticed the steam engine as well.

"Hullo Meg," the young steam engine - Rusty- greeted her.
The diesel stopped to think a moment. He looked about CB's age...maybe by chance they had talked.
"This is Cliff," Meg said in her dangerously even tone, "From the Hilton Orphanage."
Rusty, who knew Meg rather well, nodded, wondering what the engine had done to fall from Meg's good graces.
"You haven't by chance talked to a young red 'boose today, have you? He's...." Cliff studied Rusty a moment.
Meg met Rusty's eyes as they waited for Cliff to finish.
"...About your height." he finished.
"A red caboose about my height," Rusty repeated
Cliff nodded. "Yes."
He shook his head
"are you sure?"
"Didn't talk to one today..." he said slowly.
"yesterday then...." Cliff tried again.
Rusty nodded, "Yeah... I think there was a caboose in the train..."
"Did you speak to him? Did he tell you where he was from? headed?"
"Yes. No. Sorta..."
"what's *that* supposed to mean?" It was obvious he was getting frustrated.
"Yes, I spoke to him," Rusty said patiently, "No, he didn't say where he was from, and all that he did say was that he was going to be fixed."
Cliff gave a huff. Obviously he wasn't going to get anywhere with this. then a thought crossed his mind. "Meg, may I take a look in your house?"
"If you wish..." Meg said, then she turned to Rusty, "Oh, before I forget, would you pass something on to Belle for me?"
He nodded and sped off down the tracks.
"Lead the way then," Cliff said watching rusty go.
Meg nodded and started down the tracks.
cliff followed.

Meanwhile, Rusty had gotten to Meg's house rather quickly and he knocked on the door.
CB sat up straight.
"Belle!" Rusty called. Belle stood up to let the steamer in.
CB looked to the steamer.
"Meg was... talking... to a diesel... named Cliff..." Rusty said as he caught his breath
His eyes grow wide. "A....diesel?......Cliff?....."
"He wanted to see Meg's house," he looked to CB, "He's looking for you..."
"Oh no....I-I don't want to leave......but if he finds me I-I'll have no choice...." he looked to Belle.
"Hmm," Belle said, "Well, we'll see about that."
CB swallowed.
"He's coming here," Rusty said, "But I don't think he knows exactly that you're here.... so... I dunno..."
"I *can't* go back.....not when I've finally found a place where I can fit in....."
Belle nodded and gave him a slight hug again
Cliff and meg approached the house.
"I had left instructions, that if anyone found him, to bring him to my house," Meg said
Cliff nodded. "good."
She led him up to the porch

CB noticed Cliff out the window.
Belle stood up, "Come with me Red."
CB stood and followed Belle.
She led him into the bedroom
The caboose was nervous and it could be seen.
"Lay down," Belle directed
He did as he was told.
She pulled the blanket over him and he took hold of it in his hands.
"Now, how good of an actor are you my new-found nephew?" Belle asked
"Tell me what ya need me to do, and I'll do it."
"Look hurt."
CB did so with ease, knowing all to well what it felt like.
Belle nodded in approval, "And just trust me."
CB gave a nod.

She headed out to the kitchen where Meg was just coming in with Cliff
Cliff entered behind the repair truck.
"Ah there you are Meg," Belle greeted Meg.
Cliff looked to Belle.
"We found the caboose you were looking for," she said.
"good," the diesel said with a nod. "Where is he?" CB heard Cliff's voice in the next room.
"He's not looking so well Meg," Belle said softly, "I found him out on the tracks, he could barely get up."
Cliff only raised a brow.
Meg frowned.
"Where is he?'
"In the bedroom."
Cliff motioned Belle and Meg to lead the way.
Meg rolled down the hallway into the bedroom. She entered first and winked at CB.
CB let out a pained groan as cliff entered. the diesel just gave him a look, not convinced at first. He knew many of CB's tricks.
Meg sighed, "I *told* you that you shouldn't leave yet..."
Cliff moved closer to the bed as the caboose let out another groan and looked as awful as he could.
Meg headed over to the bed as well
"What sort of trick are you pulling now Caboose?" Cliff asked, demanding to know.
Meg hissed softly from the other side of the bed where she was examining CB.
CB cringed at that and fought back a growl. He *hated* that!
Meg looked up at Cliff with a frown, "Well, what are you planning to do?"
"I plan on taking him back. Thank you for finding him."
"What are you going to do with him?" Meg said, "He won't be up to travelling until I repair him."
"I'll call one the orphanage's *own* repair trucks to look him over." CB continued to look in pain.
"I'm afraid you don't understand," Meg said, "He cannot travel."
"My repair truck will decide that." Cliff looked to CB. "He's played tricks to get out of going back before..."
"You doubt my ability to tell if he is truly hurt?" Meg asked calmly.
"He's tricked quite a few who would be considered bright."
"Hmm." Meg said.

"Excuse me," Belle said to the diesel, "May I speak with you in the kitchen please?"
The diesel gave a nod "Certainly."
Belle led him out of the room, "I wouldn't suggest to Meg that she doesn't know what she's doing, or that she is being fooled..."
"I'm not suggesting that she doesn't know what she's doing. I'm sure she's *very* skilled and very bright. However, like I've said in there, that Caboose has pulled tricks off before to keep from going back to Hilton."
Belle nodded, "I'm not doubting you, I'm just warning you about her temper..."
"And thanks for the warning, but I've got to get him back."
She nodded, "Yes... why is he so resistant to going back with you?"
"who knows with him. After all, you'd think he'd want some sort of shelter rather then always on the road."
"Mm-hm," Belle said, "How long has he been with you?"
"Ten years. brought to us after his mother and father both died in a train wreck."
"Ah. And he hasn't been adopted?"
The diesel shook his head.
"Why not?"
"No one seemed to want him and it got more and more difficult as he got older."
"I see. Poor thing. No wonder he always tries to run."
Cliff raised a brow. "Poor thing? That’s what you think?"
"Yes."
the diesel shook his head. "A few more days with him around and you'd be thinking otherwise..."
"Oh?"
He nodded. "he hasn't lasted a week at *any* of the foster homes he stayed at." The diesel then rethought that. "Actually, he had stayed longer then a week at one. but it had also been his first."
"I wonder why."
Cliff gave a shrug. "who can say? Went downhill from there."
"Hmm." she said.
"Think I'll give up on the whole foster home idea. I've only got two more years to deal with him and as soon as he turns 18 he's out of my hands."
"And then what?"
"he's out of my responsibility. He'll get to roam like he wants"

"Ah," Belle said, "That's too bad. He really ought to have a home."
"he's got no family so no home."
"Well that's a lovely attitude."
"I'm only stating the facts, ma'am. If he had *tried* at the foster homes maybe it would have been different. As it is, they could care less if they never saw him again."
CB strained to listen to the conversation between Cliff and his newly discovered aunt.
"I see," Belle said, "I'm sorry, I expect that you know better about this then I do."
Cliff gave another nod then shook his head. "If he *had* had any other family, I'm sure we would have heard from them soon after the accident..."
"Do you know much about his parents?" Belle asked
"Told his father had quite a reputation."
"Oh?"
He nodded. "told this by the neighbor that had brought him in. guess she found out his father had convinced his mother to run away and marry him."
"Oh yes?"
"and apparently she did. Love can make you do crazy things I guess."
Belle nodded.

CB tried to listen more intently. He heard they were talking about his parents.

"Perhaps no one knew what happened to her," Belle said
Cliff shrugged. "It's possible...but even when we tried to locate family we didn't have much to go by not knowing his mom's maiden name so what else could we do but declare no other relatives."
"She went to visit some friends..." Belle said softly, "And then she wrote us saying that she had met some one.... and then that she wasn't coming home...."
Cliff blinked. "Excuse me?..."
"I got occasional letters from her, but she would never tell me where she was... and then... we heard there had been a crash."
Cliff blinked again. "Are you saying that....?"
"We never knew that she had a son."
He blinked one last time. "You're saying that he's related to you through his mother?" Cliff had to get this straight.
"Yes."
"Then...he does have family....Does *he* know?"
"Yes he does."
"well, I suppose if you want to adopt him, and I’m positive you do, then I can't stop you. Is your right as his family after all."
Belle nodded.
"Of course, there is the paperwork...he'll also have to come back to the orphanage to pick up a few of his things.."
Belle nodded
"That's the *only* reason he'd need to return to Hilton," Cliff stressed.
She nodded, "Yes. I agree."
"So, as soon as he 'gets better', I'd like to take him. You may come along if you like or I can mail the paperwork to you."
Belle nodded, "I think I will speak to my engine, and then we will come along."
Cliff gave a nod. "Of course.""
Belle nodded as well, "If you will excuse me then...?"
The diesel motioned for her to go ahead.
She nodded and left Meg's house to go speak to her engine.

In the bedroom, Meg, who - being a good repair truck had an excellent skill at listening in on things, smiled at CB.
"Well?" the caboose asked. he had only been able to catch snippets.
"Belle's your aunt?"
CB grinned. "Yeah! Ain't that cool?"
she nodded, "Quite."
He gave a grin. "I'm actually gonna have a home. I was hoping to stay here," he admitted.
Meg smiled at him
He sat up, being as the coast was clear at the moment, and gave the repair truck a hug.
She smiled and hugged him tightly.
"I'll finally belong....that is, if her train agrees..."
Meg nodded, "I'm sure he will."
“What's he like? I've already heard from Rusty about him being Champion. Is it true?"
She nodded
"Cool!"
"He's also very nice."
"Really?" That would be a definite change.
"A little strict maybe, but still nice."
CB gave a shrug. "Certainly can't be worse then my foster homes. I'm even looking forward to meeting him."
Meg nodded, "Good."
CB sat up entirely in his bed. *He* honestly didn’t care if Cliff saw him well now, he wasn't going back after all.
"Take it easy," Meg said, "You're still hurt, remember?"
"Oh yeah!" he gave a sheepish grin and slid back down.
She smiled gently at him, "I figure that your recovery will take the rest of the day."
"Gotcha!" he said. "And I thought *I* was clever..."
She smiled, "Oh just wait 'til you know me for awhile..."
he raised a brow. "that so?"
"Yup."
"well, wait tell ya know me a lil' more then."
She smiled at him, "some how I have a feeling that you will keep me busy..."
He chuckled.
Meg grinned cheerfully, "You stay here, and I shall go keep our guest entertained for a bit until Belle comes back with her engine.
CB nodded. "All right."
Meg left the room and headed out to the kitchen.

Cliff looked up upon Meg's entrance into the kitchen.
"Hello."
"hello, how's he doing?" Cliff of course meant CB.
"He should be recovered by tomorrow."
"That's good to know. Glad to see someone like you as the repair truck here. He'll be a handful."
Meg nodded, "Oh I don't mind."
Cliff gave another nod. "Good to here that too. I had a few at the orphanage while he was there. 'Course there were two or three like yourself that just didn't seem to mind and he really didn't mind it when they worked on him."
Meg nodded.
"Just hope he doesn't give you folks too much trouble. He may have family here, but old habits are hard to break..."
She nodded, "Yes, I understand, but we're going to give him a chance."
Cliff nodded, "I think that's what he needs most.."
Meg nodded, "Yes. I agree."
"I'm sure CB knows of the news. He must be overjoyed."
"Yes. He is very happy."
Cliff shook his head. "don't blame him really. Ten years.."
Meg nodded.
"I'm sure he'll like it here. Just from my tour of the place."

Meg nodded as a deep whistle announced the arrival of an engine.
Cliff looked up.
"Ah, that would be Belle and her engine."
"Good."
CB sat up hearing the whistle as well.
Belle came into the house with her engine a rather impressive looking steamer
Cliff gave the steamer a nod in acknowledgement
"Hello," the steamer said politely.
"Hello," the diesel replied in same.
"You must be Cliff," he said, "I'm Jacob."
"Yes I'm Cliff," the diesel replied holding his hand out to the steamer.
They shook hands.
"I suppose you've come to see him?"
He nodded, "Yes, I'd like to meet my new nephew."
"I think the one to ask would be the repair truck taking care of him." Cliff looked to Meg. He was the stranger here after all.
Meg nodded, "Yes, you can go meet him, he's in the left guest room."

CB heard that they were coming in so he snuggled back under the blankets.
Belle knocked lightly on the door.
The caboose let out a groan in response
"Can we come in?"
"Yeah..." came the response.
Belle and Jacob entered the room
CB looked in the direction of the door and to the steamer. he was impressive. The caboose sat up some.
"Hello," Jacob said.
"Hi...." was all CB found himself saying.
"So you are my long-lost nephew."
"Yeah....I guess I am...." The idea he had a family still hadn't quite hit him. He was sure it was all some dream do to him lying out cold after one of his wrecks.
He rolled over to the bed.
CB sat up a bit more, his deep blue eyes following the steamer's every move.
Jacob came over to the bed, "So you would like to live with us then?"
"Yeah!" He then collected himself. "If ya really want me...."
"I think that we can handle another train in our house," he said with a wink
A wide grin crossed his face. CB couldn't believe all of his luck!
He smiled back

CB blinked as a thought crossed his mind. "What...what should I call you? I mean....."
"You can just call me Poppa," he said, "Everybody else does."
"Poppa?" He liked the sound of that.
He nodded.
"Poppa...." he grinned and looked up at the steamer.
Poppa, as he shall henceforth be known, smiled at the caboose fondly.
"Yeah won't be sorry for takin' me in, I promise."
Poppa nodded, "Good."
And CB meant it too. He'd try.
"so have they told you what will happen now?"
The caboose shook his head. "Nuh-uh."
"You will need to go back to Hilton to collect some things and finish up some paper work."
CB gave a slow nod. "All right.."
"But then you will be coming back home to us."
"All right"
Poppa nodded.
As long as he was coming back.
"So things will be alright then?"
He nodded. "yeah, it'll be all right"
"Good," Poppa said, "And then once that is sorted you can move in with us."
"sounds good," he said with a grin.