It was a sunny day on the Island of Sodor. Over on Thomas' Branchline, Tomas the Tank Engine and Bertie the Bus were discussing having a race

"We'll race from Dryaw to Hackenbeck." Thomas decided. "And I know I'm gonna win!" He added

"Right then Thomas- but I'm pretty sure I'll win!" Countered Bertie, loftily.

But just as the air were getting ready to race, Percy chuffed by.

"Hello Thomas! Hello Bertie!

"Hello Percy." Replied Bertie.

"Hi Percy!" Thomas greeted his best friend.

"What are you two doing?" Asked the green saddle tank curiously.

"Oh, just having a little race." Said Thomas, smirking at the red bus.

"That sounds like fun- oh can I join you Thomas? Please?"

The bus and the blue engine exchanged looks.

Although Thomas cared for Percy greatly and was fond of him, he really didn't want him to race against them. Ever since their infamous race, Thomas and Bertie always raced each other- just them, no one else.

Percy was also very sensitive. Thomas had learned that despite Percy's occasional show of cheekiness, he was naïve, and sometimes took things to heart.

"Well, maybe another time Percy- Bertie and I already made the plans." Thomas said hastily.

Percy sighed, and puffed away.

Thomas sighed. He felt bad doing that to his best friend. But he brushed the guilt away quickly.

"So Bertie, shall we begin?

"You're on, Thomas!"

At a signal from Bertie's driver, the two friends raced away, each determined to win.

...

Bertie won at Hackenbeck, though Thomas still blamed the signalmen for not changing the points quickly enough.

"Ah ah Thomas, no use blaming the signalmen- you're getting slow!" Teased Bertie,

"I am not!" Thomas retorted. "And to prove it, we'll race back!"

Bertie thought this sounded like a great plan.

...

But just as they were getting ready to race, they heard Percy chuff up to them.

Now can I race with you two?" He asked.

Thomas hesitated.

"Look, Percy, I don't know want you to race with us."

"Why not?" Percy asked, hurt.

"Don't take it the wrong way," Thomas continued. "I like spending time with you. But Bertie and I race other because it's our thing- a bit like your race with Harold. You still race him don't you?"

"Sometimes, yes I do. Why?"

"Well, that's my point. But don't worry. You and I can still race against each other- and maybe someday we can race against Elizabeth. But Bertie and I like to keep racing each other to ourselves."

"I have to agree with him there Percy." added Bertie.

"Alright Thomas I see what you mean. I'll leave you be. But try and win this time at least!"

He peeped, and chuffed away.

And Thomas did win the race back.