ROLEPLAY HQ - from-headcorn-to-robertsbridge

TW: Accidents, boiler explosions and injury.

6:14 AM

Today was like all working days on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, a fresh faced nineteen year old fireman named David Carter was to work alongside a driver named Isaac Bale as they were in control of a Hawthorne Leslie 2-4-0 tank engine named Tenterden as the aforementioned locomotive was ready to pull a mixed traffic train from Headcorn Junction station to Robertsbridge Junction all the down in East Sussex. The train consisted of two small four wheel passenger coaches, one box wagon, one open wagon and a brake van at the back of the train. The time to depart was at 11:40 and their journey would be a steady one all the way from Headcorn to Robertsbridge, due to having to unload and shunt the goods wagons at most of the stops on the way.

6:17 AM

@Manafest123

Isaac walked over to the engine, fixing his hat more firmly on his head. He spotted his fireman, David. Good. He was glad to see he was there on time. It made the day run more smoothly. “David. It’s good to see you. Are you ready to get started?”

5:01 PM

@Deleted User

“We look ready to go, engine is coupled, everyone aboard and it is nearly twenty to twelve now.” David was sure everything was in perfectly good order, the train was ready to set off from the station and he spoke. “Should you pull the whistle, Mr Bale?”

Issaac nodded. “Certainly. It’s time to get aboard.” He walked in and sat down. He pulled the whistle and began preparing the engine for operation.

7:02 PM

@Deleted User

David soon boarded the engine, grabbing the shovel in the cab and was ready to shovel in the coal into the firebox once the engine was moving. “Should be a steady journey from here to Robertsbridge.” It was a light railway that had a twenty five mile an hour speed limit.

Issac nodded. “Yes. I’d think so. It’s easy, only a slight grade.” He said. “How’s the water level?” He asked, wondering if he needed to inject more water or not as they prepared for the journey. The fire box looked like it needed more fuel in the front, but he’d wait to see if David noticed. He wanted him to gain knowledge for himself as well as being taught. He looked around the mechanisms, and was satisfied everything was in order. Even if there was some rust in spots. “We’ll need to ask about an inspection. I don’t want this corrosion posing a hazard that we can’t see.” He said, frowning at the thought of what catastrophe hidden failures could bring. Especially if that failure was starting inside the water tank. “Keep in mind that the water level will drop as we go up. So we want enough to compensate for that. But not so much that might prime the engine.” He warned, not wanting to cause further damage by letting water past the safety valves accidentally. Safely operating these machines was an art as well as a skill and it took an eye to see the subtle signs that might signal a problem. (edited)

6:20 PM

@Deleted User

David looked at it and soon replied to this question. “I think we should be fine until we reach Biddenden.” This being a station after Frittenden Road station, then he shovelled in some coal into the firebox. The passengers were ready to begin their journey to Robertsbridge or anywhere else along the line.

After letting up on the brakes, Issaac opened the regulator and got the engine to slowly move forward, gradually opening it up until they had hit the right speed, and the regulator was open fully. Once they were going at a steady pace, he used the reverser to stay at the speed limit.

David shovelled in more coal, then briefly leaning his head out in the cab as he saw farmers go about their business briefly. “It’s routes like these that always seem the most pleasant.” He commented before leaning back in.

“Aye. That’s true. I love the countryside.” agreed Issaac, smiling as he saw the crops and livestock. “What color is the smoke?” He asked, wanting to make sure the combustion was right.

David looked out and then saw white. "The steam is white." Not knowing something would go wrong somewhere on the journey. "What is the pressure on both water and steam?" He was ready to hear this.

The driver checked the gauges and frowned. “A little too high. And still climbing. Let me try to lower them.” He said, hastily trying to adjust them before they hit the bill and the water level went down in the boiler. He swore under his breath. “It’s not going down!”

“What’s the matter?” David asked and saw the gauges for himself. “This can’t be,” The colour drained from his face and spoke. “Can you lower the pressure?” He knew this engine was done for if Isaac didn’t lower the pressure.

Isaac shot the fireman a dirty look. “Don’t you think I’m trying!” He snapped, starting to panic. His hands were shaking as he still tried to adjust things. “I’m going to try to stop and get everyone off. I just hope we can do it in time.” He said, shaking his head. This was his worst nightmare and he was living it at light speed.

David looked worried as passengers were right behind this locomotive and he spoke. “What if we stop and uncouple the engine?” He didn’t want passengers to be killed in the blast.

“We’ll have to. Open the fire box, and turn on the blower. It’ll cool down and help me stop. You see if you can get back to the passenger compartment and get people ready to leave, quickly.”

David opened the firebox. "I would need to climb over and open the doors to tell them." These were only four wheel coaches with three compartments for passengers, all of them were purchased second hand from bigger railway companies who had them going as surplus. He did that, climbing over to inform the passenger as fast as he could and they were clearly concerned.

Issac was able to slow the train, but the pressure kept mounting. As soon as it was slow enough to do so safely he pulled the whistle, and shouted back. “Get off!!!! NOW!” He went to bail out, but was thrown off instead, out onto the gravel and debris surrounding the track. There as a ringing in his ears, and a strange sensation on his leg. Then things started to go fuzzy around the edges. “David?!?” He managed to call meekly, unable to see through the dust and smoke. He heard screams and tasted the iron. This was his worst nightmare. He hung his head as he crawled to a sitting position, trying to stay upright. (edited)

David was thrown off by the blast, he had sustained wounds himself and the passengers were utterly terrified. The driver was on the ground and bleeding as groaned in pain. “I…Isaac?” He tried to call out to him. Trying to stop any bleeding that was occurring too.

Issaac heard something that might have been his name. He looked over and started crawling toward the sound. “Did they get off?” He asked, coughing a bit from the smoke. “Are you hurt?” He started to feel woozy and looked down. His leg was bleeding profusely. He swore, and took his shirt off to try and wrap his leg with it to stay awake.

(Sorry, I didn't notice this!) "They...they ran as they could." David was shaken up but wounded. "Isaac?" He got up, looking for Isaac as help limped as his leg was bleeding from debris. "Bloody hell..." He soon found him with his wounded leg. "Someone...get help!" He called out to the passengers and the guard from the brake van came running over too. (edited)

Isaac looked up at David, and the guard, hearing the panic. But somehow, he couldn't be concerned with it. He shook his head like a dog trying to get water out of his ears. "I- it's starting not to hurt as much." he said softly. "I'm rather cold. If I could have my jacket...." he murmured, his eyes starting to close despite all his best efforts. "Get them taken care of. They're our responsibility." he muttered, his voice getting weaker as he floated towards unconsciousness. (edited)

5:55 PM

(You're all good.

) (edited)

David nodded and went to tend to the passengers who had convened in a field somewhere as well as being shaken up from what had happened to the engine that had been pulling their train. The guard from the brakevan looked at the wound and tried all he could to stop the bleeding. “If Mr Stephens could see this…he will not be happy…” This being Holman Fred Stephens, manager of the Kent and East Sussex Railway and other light railways that were apart of his growing empire.

Isaac sighed. “We did what we could.” His eyes closed then, as he was loosing the fight to stay awake. “I can’t feel my leg. It’s the strangest thing.” He admitted, only half aware and that was fading fast.

"No, don't fade out, help surely has to come!" The guard yelled and soon a doctor that had come out from Headcorn soon came over and so did a farmer with a wagon too. "Where are they?" He called out and soon came over. David came over while limping in pain. "Unnghh...someone came..."

“The- the passengers. You have t..” with that, he slumped over, unable to fight it anymore. He was ashy, but his shallow breathing still visible. His pulse was faint though, and he was clearly chilled. Despite how faint they were, the signs of life in Isaac kept coming slowly but steadily. Hopefully with some care and stitches in his leg, he’d come to again. (edited)

"I know but you are in the worse state of all!" The doctor exclaimed and did all he could to stop the bleeding. He was doing everything possible to stop the bleeding and the other passengers including David needed attention too. This would indeed need more than one doctor on the scene.

A few hours later, Isaac finally came to. Once the leg had been stitched, he’d fallen into a deep, deep sleep and his color and signs of life had slowly improved. He groaned a bit, unable to help it since his leg felt like it was on fire. “Where am I?” He said, glancing around. “What time is it?”

"Twenty to two in the afternoon, Mister Bale and your colleague David needed treating too." The doctor answered after some work done, more doctors had come out and an investigation was soon launched into why the locomotive Tenterden exploded. "Doctors from Ashford had come over to help as well." Ashford being a town on the mainline to London Charing Cross.

Isaac nodded. “Good. I’m glad you took care of him. “How are the passengers. They’re our responsibility. I need to know how badly things went.”

"Shaken up, some are wounded and your locomotive as far as I know is a flaming wreck." The fire brigade went to put out and the train would be delayed. David soon spoke. "Mr Stephens won't be happy then."

“He certainly won’t be. But I’m glad that nobody was killed. It’s a miracle that they got away only with injuries.” The young man sighed deeply. He grimaced in pain though. “Aah. This stings.” He admitted, grimacing slightly. It hurt worse than that, not that he’d let it on. (edited)

“You need to rest and recover.” The doctor answered and then said. “I and the other doctors will be around if you need anything.” He was to check on the others, such as David and so many more.

Isaac looked over at David. “How bad are the injuries. Nobody was killed, right? I just assumed since they didn’t say that. But I need to know, as the one operating the engine. I have to. How bad is this, David?” His eyes were full of concern and guilt. (edited)

“Their injuries are a few cuts and that is it. A miracle that your passengers survived, did you uncouple the engine?” The doctor questioned Isaac on the matter. Looking at both him and David too.

“I didn’t have time. But the fire man, David. He crawled back and raised the alarm while I was slowing the train for evacuation.”

"He did a good thing, I imagine it would of been much worse if he had not." The doctor answered and could imagine how bad it would of been if the train had not been uncoupled. Mr Stephens had been called to survey the scene for himself.

Isaac looked over and saw Mr Stephens arriving. He went pale again. “David. We’re going to loose our jobs for this. Where will we work?”

Mr Stephens had come all the way from his office in Tonbridge once he had word of what happened. "Are the crew of Tenterden alright despite everything that has happened?" He sounded concerned and approached them. "Gentlemen, I am glad you have both survived, barely and I apologise for what has happened."

Isaac was surprised and relieved. “Thank you sir. I should be apologizing to you though, for being unable to lower the pressure. I tried and tried, but the gauges wouldn’t go down.”

“I see, I hear it exploded and the engine in question was not that old.” Second hand it was not old at all. Mr Stephens’s business model was everything built simply and cheaply and this meant buying second hand locomotives and rolling stock. “Was the engine in maintenance beforehand?” He soon asked.

“I am unsure. I don’t think so, unfortunately. I was going to make a report that I had noticed corrosion around some joints and levers. I was concerned there might be potential for the tank to be compromised if it wasn’t addressed.”

“I wonder why it was not tended to once it was noticed.” Mr Stephens was ready to investigate this matter. “I will see into.” He was going to take a look.

“I wondered as well, which was why I was going to report it.” Isaac watched him go then, relaxing slightly. “I hope that means this is better than I thought it would be. All things considered, we’re lucky.”

“Why did you hesitate to report it then?” Mr Stephens soon questioned Isaac on the matter and he then said. “At least you are both still with us and now the track needs repairing.” The explosion did some damage to the rails too.

“I just noticed it this morning. I hadn’t been on this engine for very long before, since it was a recent purchase. I was wondering how it hadn’t been noticed and addressed myself.” He then grimaced as Mr. Stephens mentioned the track. This was expensive all around. The costs just kept adding up. People’s belongings, the engine, the track, and the cost of the delays and rerouting everything coming down the line. It was a main line too, so for a lot of things an alternate route wasn’t possible. “I’m truly sorry Mr. Stephens. I did everything I could. It wasn’t enough though.” (edited)

"It's going to costly and it will likely bite into the railway's funds." Mr Stephens looked concerned and he added. "It's not your fault, also we are a single track line and cannot reach Headcorn Junction until the track is repaired so services will have to terminate at Frittenden Road." Yet Frittenden Road station had no passing loops or sidings at all.

Isaac grimaced. “I am aware, Mr Stephens. This will pose a major hindrance to travel and commerce. I knew how important this line was. That’s why I waited so long to jump. I was hoping to avoid this.”

It connected many rural villages together, despite having their stations built a distance away from the intended destinations but this was a cost saving measure as to avoid hills and digging tunnels which could ramp up building costs. "I am aware, you putting the passengers first." He with a shadow of doubt admired this, glad that he put them first for the sake of their safety.

“Thank you. They were my priority. As the driver of the engine, it’s my responsibility to make sure the journey is safe. I failed that today. But I hope you can believe that we did every thing we could.”

Mr Stephens did and he answered. "The track likely needs repairing too but I understand you saved passengers today." As long as David, Isaac and the passengers were safe. He was happy.

Isaac sighed. “That was my goal when I realized the pressure was beyond my control. I wanted to avoid as many injuries to person as possible.”

Mr Stephens understood this and was glad no one had died. "Yes I understand and I can commend that." He really was and was thankful nobody died today. "I tell you what, you and David can be paid extra for your trouble today and you two are free to rest." David soon answered. "Mr Stephens, thank you so much."

Isaac was shocked. He’d exported to be reprimanded and maybe fired or fined. Not compensated and given time to rest. “Thank you, very much.” He said softly.

Mr Stephens would have it out for the maintenance crews in Rolvenden, not for Isaac or David and he soon answered. "You two are not at fault, but I know who I will be having words with." He was to make his way down to Rolvenden, this was where the engine shed was and where maintenance took place.

Isaac sighed. “Hopefully you can get to the bottom of it. I’m sure it wasn’t deliberate. A costly mistake, but a mistake none the less”.

“I intend to.” It was his railway and Mr Stephens was going to get answers from the engineering department. “My driver will take me there.” He was to be driven there.

The young engine driver nodded. “Right. Well. I hope your journey is safe and that we find answers. I’d like to know how this happened as well. It was quite worrying to find that much rust when I came in, and it seems I was right to worry.”

“Thank you and it should be safe as my driver is very good.” Mr Stephens had a good driver and he spoke. “I shall be on my way now.” He was soon to leave too.

Isaac nodded. “We’ll be seeing you, Mr. Stephens. Thank you for checking in on us.” He waved the man goodbye and leaned back, trying to get comfortable as his leg started to throb again. The pain medication was wearing off it seemed.

"Of course, my employees are important." Mr Stephens answered and walked off as David soon spoke. "I thought he would be roaring, but I imagine he will be once he gets to Rolvenden." He could only imagine it too.

“I thought so as well. I was prepared to lose my job and get dressed down for this. But thankfully he understood. It was in fact on the maintenance crew. That engine was compromised when we stepped on, and we were assuming it was safe. I should’ve raised an alarm when I saw that rust. Something didn’t seem right.”

"I think it will be the maintenance department will be losing their jobs, perhaps I should of said something too but then again I am only a fireman." David's job was to shovel coal into the firebox and he added. "It's a shame, I rather liked Tenterden." The Hawthorne Leslie 2-4-0 tank engine that had been on the line since the line opened originally as the Rother Valley Railway in 1900.

“I did too. She was a nice engine to fire. The design was a bit off with the tanks I’ve noticed on engines like that. They don’t seem to hold up the way others do.” Isaac shook his head. “We’re lucky to be alive. Hopefully we can get back on the line soon enough.”

"I never found Northiam to be a problem." Northiam being a sister engine to Tenterden and David soon said. "Hawthorne Leslie is one of the manufacturers of locomotives and then there are the A1 Terriers." Bodiam and Rolvenden, these were formerly of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway when these engines were still called Poplar and Wapping. "I same here too." He was hoping to get back into work once again, on a different locomotive that was and he had been planning on using one of the A1 Terriers too. (edited)

Isaac shifted. “They all have their quirks.” He conceded. “I love my job though. I enjoy seeing the sights honestly.” He admitted. “I hope we can get back to work soon.”

"I like the job too, a lot less stressful than the South Eastern and Chatham Railway." David didn't want to give this job up either and the SECR was a bigger railway company that the Kent and East Sussex Railway met at both Headcorn in Kent and Robertsbridge in East Sussex. A nurse came to check up on the two of them. "Hello, how are you two doing?" She soon asked them. (edited)

Isaac shrugged. “I’m alive and lucky to be that way. I can’t complain.” He said. Truthfully, his leg hurt badly but he wasn’t about to complain.

"Well, better than what I was doing earlier." David answered as he looked at the nurse. "Thanks for asking." He looked somewhat better too.

Isaac nodded. “That’s true for me as well. You look better than you did honestly.” He said looking over. Truthfully, he felt better as well, once he settled and got his mind off the pain. (edited)

"Well, both of you have recovered so well despite everything." The nurse spoke and then said. "I wanted to know how are you two doing." She really wanted to know as well.

“It smarts a bit. I can’t lie. But it’s better when I’m still. I’m a little hungry as well, if I could get something to eat.” Isaac conceded, giving the nurse a smile. “What’s your name!” (edited)

“Lydia.” The nurse answered and looked at Isaac. “Sure, we can bring you something and what of your colleague too?” She soon faced David and he soon answered. “Yes please.” He would like something to eat too.

“Thank you Lydia. I appreciate it.” Isaac smiled at her, enjoying the softer company after dealing with the doctor and his boss. A few moments later, when Lydia left and was well out of ear shot, he looked to David. “She seems sweet. Not bad looking either, huh?”

Lydia left to get some food for the two men and David answered. “She is nice and I hope the food is good.” He waited for her to come back with food.

“I’m sure it’s whatever people can scrounge up. I’ll be grateful for anything honestly.” Isaac replied. He looked out at the scene outside and surveyed the aftermath for the first time. People were milling about, but things seemed more calm. There were people finding their luggage, and tending minor wounds, as well as clearing debris. Everyone hard at work to start the recovery from this catastrophic failure. “I just wish I could have stopped this.” Isaac almost got choked up a little bit as he fought back a surge of guilt as he saw the children that had been on board. “Thank god nobody was killed.”

“It’s fine and at least it is better than nothing I suppose.” David understood and he added. “I hope I am able to cycle to Headcorn again from Smarden.” He had come from a village not too far away named Smarden and he cycled to work. “At least they live, it’s your or my fault at all.” He answered and then Lydia came back with hot food. “I know it is not much, but here you are.” She soon handed them their food too.

“The traffic will be congested, but the road wasn’t destroyed. The only question is if you’re physically able. How are your legs?” he asked. Lydia came back then and Isaac smiled. “Thank you Lydia. This stew will hit the spot I’m sure.” He paused then. “Would you mind if I come say hello when I’m feeling better?” He asked, a little nervous but deciding to take his shot and see if she’d want to spend some time with him not as a patient.

David soon answered. "They should be healing but I hope it is enough to ride a bike again." Then he addressed Lydia. "Yes, thank you." He soon began to eat and the nurse soon answered Isaac. "That's fine by me." Once she had the time, she would not mind at all.

“I really hope so too.” Isaac took a small bite before answering Lydia. “I’d love that. Maybe I can bring some sandwiches and we can have lunch together and take a walk sometime. He motioned to the stew in front of him. “This is quite good. Where’d you find it?”

"It was made in house." Lydia answered and even David was liking it too. "Sandwiches eh?" She grinned and soon added. "Are you planning on taking me out?" Meanwhile David continued to eat and enjoy the food.

Isaac blushed a little. “If you’d let me, I’d like to. Yes.” He said quietly, trying not to be too sheepish.

Lydia looked amused and she soon answered. "Why not?" David then looked at Isaac. "Looks like you have a date."

Isaac shot a look at David. “You’re not helping anything.” He said, growing more embarrassed. He looked to Lydia. “How about day after tomorrow?”

“I think I can do tomorrow.” Lydia answered with certainty and she looked at Isaac as if she felt he was into her. “Tomorrow is fine.” She soon added too.

Isaac nodded. “Tomorrow it is then. Thank you, Lydia.” He said, smiling a bit at her tentatively. “I’m looking forward to it.” He said, noticing the look she had. It gave him some hope she might be interested as well. (edited)

Lydia looked happy too and she soon answered. "Well, I will see you then and now I have others to tend to." As in the other patients that was and David soon commented. "Well, Isaac, it seems you have a woman now." Grinning at him too. "Lucky you."

Isaac chuckled. “I don’t know about that. I have a lunch date. That’s all I know. I’m just surprised she said yes. She’s bound to have every poor sap who she tends to asking her for her time.” He cringed at the thought a bit. “She’s a looker though, isn’t she?”

"Still, you got lucky and she sure does." David answered and he soon said. "She must be what, eighteen or nineteen?" He was nineteen himself and he soon added. "I can't be that far but you got her first."

Isaac grinned sheepishly. “I’m sorry for that. I didn’t intend to cut in if you were interested.” He said, shrugging a bit. He was almost 20, so not too much older than David and Lydia appeared to be.

"No, it's fine, I can see chemistry between you." David was not that upset about it and he soon added. "Best of luck to you." Taking it very well too.

Isaac sighed in relief. “Thanks David.” He then thought about it. “How am I going to get myself presentable? I’m in my work clothes, which are bloodied on top of all the soot. I also don’t have much money on me.” He buried his face in his hands. “This was such a bad idea.” He murmured.

"It's fine and somewhere, don't they sell them here in Ashford?" David responded and then he was thinking too. "Infact, I too am in buggered up and bloodied workclothes and how am I going to get back to Smarden without my bike?" He didn't have his bike with him, so he could not cycle back and even if he had, it would be a long bikeride back to Smarden from Ashford.

“Maybe you can hitch a ride with someone? There’s carts going back and forth all the time, right?” He asked. “Maybe I can take out some credit at a shop. Leave my watch as insurance until I come back.” He thought aloud.

"Probably, or unless I catch a train back from here to Headcorn and catch a coach back down there." David was thinking that and he soon added. "Not a bad idea but do remember to pay it back." He soon stated as he faced him. (edited)

“Certainly I will. The boss said we’d get a bonus though. I’ll pay it back with that.” Isaac shrugged. It wasn’t ideal, but he’d made a commitment and he didn’t see a way around it. (edited)

"Thanks, you know, I had considered working for the South Eastern and Chatham Railway but that would take me too far from Smarden." Smarden had no railway station yet the Ashford to London Charing Cross ran on the outskirts of the village itself. "But the Kent and East Sussex Railway is a bikeride away from me as it has a terminus at Headcorn." Headcorn was closer to Robertsbridge, meaning he didn't have to cycle through Biddenden and Tenterden to make his way down to Rolvenden.

Isaac nodded. “That makes sense for you. It’s easier all around if your work is closer to home. I’m close to Headcorn, so I just walk in to the station.”

"Lucky you, I have to get up early in the morning for me and make my way my bike." In Winter this would be a not so enjoyable and David soon brought this up. "In Winter, it's a pain in the arse, cycling in the dark and I have to be careful too."

Isaac made a sympathetic grimace. “No kidding. It’s dangerous. Why don’t you move closer then? Do you have family in Smarden?”

"I do have family there." It was David's parents and then he said. "Unless I ended up moving out to Tenterden or anywhere closer." "From Tenterden down to Rolvenden, there is that hill though." Which meant he would have to cycle up and down it.

He nodded. “True. But hills are only bad half the time really. How much of a grade is it?” He idly munched on some biscuits he found in the drawer beside him. He offered one to David as well. (edited)

"I can't remember off the top of my head." David couldn't remember for the time being. "Sometimes I have to walk down it." He soon stated.

“It’s that steep. Goodness. No wonder you don’t want to keep traveling up and down it constantly.” Isaac shook his head.

"And God forbid I peddle down it." Which could cause David to have an accident one of these days. "I'd end up killing myself." Which he didn't want to do. (edited)

“No, nobody wants that.” Isaac agreed, grimacing a little. “Either way, you’ve gotten to work and back alright.” He shrugged a little. “It’s about time for sleep. It’s a little late, and I’ve got to get up early tomorrow and get cleaned up and ready for my date with Lydia.”

"See you tomorrow I hope." David too needed some rest, he needed to get back home and even get back to work once more. He would need his bike again too.

“I’m sure we’ll talk tomorrow as well.” Isaac reassured his coworker. He laid back and got comfortable before heading to sleep. If was deep and dreamless, peaceful due to the medication and his exhaustion

David was soon asleep in bed and would rest up as much as he could. He was needed for work again and clearly his family would be worried. They were all still back in Smarden too.

Isaac woke up in the morning and stretched his limbs. He slowly got up and started to shuffle around on his bad leg and get himself freshened up. It was hard with one leg injured, but he was managing. He looked to see if David was awake yet or not. (edited)

David woke up and he was soon yawning. "Morning, I guess it's time that I get up and head back home." He knew Isaac was to have his date today with Lydia and he soon said. "Isaac, looks like today's the day." He hoped his bike was still around too once he had left Ashford.

“I know. I have to go pawn my watch and get some clothes and food to take Lydia out.” Isaac shook hai head, knowing he was being foolish. “I’ll get it paid though. For sure.” He said softly, kind of embarrassed about it all. . “Are you going to be alright getting back?”

"I hope so and I should be fine." David soon got out of bed and he soon added. "It can't be that far." Without a bicycle, he needed to walk to Ashford station on his own speed. "I will see you later then." He was soon off too.

“I’ll see you when we get back to work!” He waved him goodbye and hobbled over to town. He got what he needed and went back to the clinic with a bouquet of wild flowers in one hand and a small basket the shop keep had lent him in the other.

Dave waved back and spoke. "See you." He was now on his way to Ashford station where he was to purchase a single ticket back to Headcorn, yet it would be quite the walk to get there. He hoped Isaac's date would go off without any problem at all.

Isaac went back inside and cleaned up and changed before going to a nearby nurse and clearing his throat. “Excuse me. I’m looking for Lydia.”

“She is seeing some patients right now but she will be with you if you need anything.” The nurse answered and then said. “You must be that engine driver from the explosion on that railway.” Clearly she had heard about the incident too.

Isaac smiled sadly. “I am, yes. Quite the horrible sight really.” He shook his head. “I’m just glad to be alive.”

"I saw your colleague leave earlier." This nurse had seen it and she soon added. "I heard no one was killed too, miraculously." She saw it as a miracle that no one died.

He nodded. “Yes, it is quite the miracle honestly. He was the brave one. He climbed over and let the passengers know. I just sat there and tried to stop the engine as best I could.” A sigh left Isaac at the memory. “I hope they get to the bottom of it.”

"I hope so too, I have a relative who works down at Wittersham Road station and he says its mostly quiet apart from a few trains that pass by." Wittersham Road station was quite the walk away from the actual village itself.

Isaac nodded, knowing where she meant. “I see. That’s a fair bit away. Their service will be affected by the derailment. I’m sure though. Of course it also is messing with the trunk road as well. It’s a real mess.” He glanced around, hoping Lydia would be ready soon.

"Yeah, it's quite close to Sussex and I hope services aren't too affected." The nurse answered and expected Lydia to come along and in due time she was soon approaching. "Hello, sorry for being late." She spoke and had to deal with some patients before finding David again.

David smiled. “That’s perfectly fine. You’ve got an important job to tend to. It’s alright if sandwiches with a busted up bloke like me have to wait.” He teased, just happy Lydia was still able to come on their date. “Are you ready to go?” He would have offered her an arm but had to support himself with a cane. (edited)

“Don’t worry about that and I hope you are well enough to come along with me.” Lydia was ready to go with Isaac on this date. “Ready when you are.” She was ready to go with him too.

“Good. Let’s go.” Isaac led the way and smiled as the fresh air and sunshine hit his face. “So, tell me about your day. How have you got on?”

Lydia was soon walking with Isaac and she soon answered. "It was a busy one, all kinds of patients were there as well and even I had to deal with children." Always on her toes and ready to help whoever came to her too.

“Children. Really? There weren’t any of them hurt in the wreck, were there?” He was instantly worried and guilt ridden about the wreck again. It had been consuming his thoughts in almost every spare moment.

"Don't worry, most of them are from here in Ashford, they were not aboard that train and from what I have seen it was mostly adults and a small amount of children." That was what Lydia had to deal with. "Most of the children I have dealt today are from Ashford itself." She said to reassure Isaac and she was soon off to get ready.

The man nodded in relief and sighed. “I’m so happy to hear that. Really. I was so worried. I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if children were seriously hurt.” He shook his head a little bit, unsure if he could have done anything differently to keep things safe. With that, he began setting up the picnic for them both and getting ready to eat. “Does this look good enough?” (edited)

"It does." Lydia soon sat down and was ready to have this picnic. "At least you and your colleague got the engine to safety." By now, David had got back to Headcorn after taking a train from Ashford. The trains operated by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway were much faster.

Isaac grimaced. “If you can call it that.” He sighed, shaking his head. “I just managed to get the train slow enough for the passengers to jump safely.” He shrugged. “I almost didn’t make it though. I was lucky.”

"You did and that's the main thing." Lydia was glad Isaac and David survived and everyone else was safe. The rest was not worth thinking of.

Isaac nodded. “I suppose you’re right.” He took a few bites of food while he thought. “So how are you doing with all of these extra patients?”

"As well as I can be to be honest." Lydia had colleages to work with as well so she was not alone. "They come and go." She soon added.

"I'm really glad it isn't running you ragged." Isaac took a sip of water to wash down his food. He rubbed his leg idly, feeling it ache from walking on it for a while to get out here. "I must admit it hurts honestly. But thanks to you I'm on my feet. I hope you know how grateful I am."

Lydia was eating as she listened, she soon swallowed and soon replied. "It's my job, I hope you will be okay in the long run and your colleague as well too." She wished the best of health for the both of them. It was indeed her job to see that people like Isaac and David along with so many more were in good health.

The young driver nodded. “Yes. I’m sure we will, thanks to you.” He smiled over at her appreciatively. He then finished his food and took a large drink of the water he’d packed. He then ruffled around in the basket and found the little cakes he’d tucked away as a special surprise to her. They were small raspberry tarts, fresh from the bakery. It had been the baker’s way of thanking him for handling the situation well and sympathy for his injuries while doing it. He’d been utterly grateful because it pulled the whole meal together and would hopefully make the pretty girl happy. “Here. The baker gave me some tarts as a thank you. I wanted you to have some since you’re more responsible for the good outcomes than I am.” He chuckled sheepishly as he offered her the tart.

Lydia continued to eat and she looked very happy too. "Oh and you get a thank you from me." She was appreciative it and soon took one to eat and it looked like she was enjoying that too along with the food here. "Let's hope you get back to work soon but in the meantime, I am having fun." She was indeed enjoying herself too.

Isaac was extremely relieved as Lydia ate and enjoyed the tart. Then he responded to her statement. “I hope so as well. But I’m glad we did this. It has been a lot of fun.” He went red then and decided to push his kick and reach for her free hand to hold it as they relaxed. “I would like to keep doing things like this together, if you’re willing.”

“That would be nice.” Lydia liked the sound of that and she soon added. “That means I would have to make my way down to Headcorn or wherever you live.” That was what she needed to do as well.

“Or I could come up here. I pass by close on the route. It could work if we plan it right and I get someone here locally to take a shift occasionally.” He smiled over at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. (edited)

“If that’s easier, I don’t mind that at all.” Lydia was fine with it and she was still eating too while hoping David was okay. Speaking of who, he had made it to Headcorn.

“Well. I can’t very well ask you to travel all that way and not be willing to make the voyage myself. We can take it in turns to visit each other if we want to spend time. I can always move to be closer, starting in another station.”

“If you would like.” Lydia was not against the idea at all and she soon added. “The South Eastern and Chatham Railway mainline from here to London Charing Cross is much faster.” Faster than any or Colonel Stephens’s light railway for that matter.

Isaac thought about it for a moment. “That’s true. I could drive for another railway if I wanted to see you more easily.” He grinned. “I’m glad you didn’t turn me down flat. I’m sure every poor sap you help wants to take you out, and you’re just doing your job.”

"You'll see much more too." Lydia knew the South Eastern and Chatham Railway went all around Kent, London and parts of East Sussex too and she soon added. "Along with us seeing each other more and you won't be the first person who had asked when I am working." She had many ask, patients, staff and so on.

“That’s true. I’ll see more of the country for sure if I transfer.” Then she mentioned he wasn’t the first and he laughed. “I knew I wasn’t. I’m just surprised you said yes. What made you say yes?” He asked softly, shaking his head a bit in wonder.

"There are so many but I don't really show affection back, they are nice but there is not much I see in them." Lydia soon answered as she looked at Isaac. "Well, you may end up seeing other companies too." The South Eastern and Chatham Railway had others down south to compete with it. The London, Brighton and South Coast Railway and the London and South Western Railway.

“That’s true I suppose. I’m not sure though. Mr. Stephens has been awfully fair to me. More than I’d ever expected. I want to show that same loyalty. It’s a lot to think over.”

"Do what you feel is right, I am sure he is an understanding man." Lydia could only give Isaac that sort of advice. "That's all you can do."

“Well. If we’re going to see more of each other, I’ll have to make a change somehow. Maybe I’ll just move if it comes to that point.” Isaac smiled over at her and gently took her hand. “Let’s go for a little walk. Maybe dip our feet in the water, hmm?”

"Maybe, in a river." Ashford was at least a train journey away from places like Folkestone or Dover which were by the coast. Trains could be taken from Ashford to Hastings in Sussex too.

Isaac nodded. “That’s what I was thinking.” He smiled over at her as they walked and once they found a spot, he took his shoes off and took a seat by the water and let it run over his feet.

Lydia liked the idea and soon took off her shoes as well. "Hopefully it should not be too busy too." Not a lot of people around was what she preferred.

“I don’t see anyone but us.” Isaac said, daring to put his arm around her as they enjoyed the cool cool water. He watched the water roll by and heard the birds chirping and sighed happily. “Thank you again for spending time with me Lydia. I know a lot of men have asked you out before. I’ve enjoyed this a lot.”

"It's my pleasure." Lydia was glad Isaac was enjoying himself and she soon took off her shoes and rolled up her dress a little bit in order to keep it out of the water as not to get the dress wet. She soon entered the water and being careful too. "Maybe this can work." She soon stated. (edited)

Isaac smiled. “I’ll stay seated here with my feet in the water. My leg is still giving me problems.” He said. “It works though for sure. It feels nice.”

"Do you need to hold onto me?" Lydia offered in case Isaac were to have problems. More than willing to if need be.

Isaac blushed a bit. “I wouldn’t want to be a burden now. I also don’t want to risk toppling us both into the water since I’m heavier than you.”

"I just don't want you in pain if you feel it." Lydia didn't want to see Isaac hurting at all.

“If I keep the weight off of it, it’s alright. Let me give it a try here.” He slowly got up, using a rock to help him stand without the use of his leg. He hoped over to her, and held out his arms. Once she’d taken hold of him, he made his way into the river, using her to balance, but not support too much of his weight.

Lydia kept hold of Isaac the entire time and made sure he didn't fall down as she didn't want him falling into the river whatsoever. "I got you." She spoke and was gently guiding him in. Keeping a hold on him as to make sure he didn't fall at all.

Isaac nodded. “Thank you. You’re good at this by the way.” He teased as they stood in the river. The cool water felt good on his legs. He smiled and gave a happy sigh. “I feel like a lucky man. Cool water running over my toes and my arms around a pretty girl.”

"Aww." Lydia was happy to hear that and she kept hold of Isaac as to prevent him from falling down into the river itself. "I am glad you think that of me." It truly did make her day. Especially with him around with her in the aforementioned river with her as well. "How is your leg holding up?" She soon asked. (edited)

Isaac smiled as she received the compliment well. “It’s true though, really.” He said softly. Then she asked about his leg and he shrugged. “It’s fine. A little sore when I move. My other one is getting tired though, so I might want to sit back down in a moment or two.” He looked back to shore where the blanket was that they’d been sitting on

"I will keep hold of you as I don't want you to fall down." Lydia was flattered and she kept a good hold on Isaac as she really didn't want him to fall down into the river. "Did you want to get out now?" She noticed him looking towards the riverbank and she heard how tired his other leg was. "I see."

“Yes. I think I’d like to sit on the bank and put my feet in so I can rest a bit.” He smiled at Lydia, and made a move to try and get back over so he could take a seat.

"Okay then." Lydia was soon on her way to the riverbank, slowly and gently as not to cause Isaac any unwanted discomfort as she made her way back with him. Keeping him close the entire time.

Once they’d reached the banks, Isaac took his seat. “Thank you so much Lydia. Not just for the help, but for coming out and spending some time with me. I’ve enjoyed this a lot. When do you think we could do this again? I know you’re busy.”

"I hope we can do this again." Lydia would indeed like to but she had work to do, in the hospital that was and she added. "I enjoyed myself today, anything else we can do?"

“I don’t really know. You have to get back to work anyways, don’t you? I’ve already taken up too much of your time as it is.” Isaac looked at his watch and made a move to get up. “I’ll walk you back. I’ll write to you once I’m home and we can plan on seeing each other again.”

"I do and thnak you for doing this with me today." Lydia was appreciative of it and she soon said. "I will write back to you as well." More than happy for that to happen as well.

“Of course. I’m happy to take you out whenever I can.” Isaac smiled as they walked back. “I’ll look forward to your letter then.” He gave her a gentle hug when they got to the doctors office. “I think this is where we part. You need to get back to work. I need to get home and rest.”

Lydia was happy to send one and she soon replied to Isaac. “Thank you and I hope to see you again.” She was ready to head inside too.

((

hey there @Manafest123 , your RP partner for this RP has left the server. Would you like to keep it open to find another partner or could we archive it? All archived roleplays are eventually uploaded onto http://rphq.me/ and can be viewed there. If you wish to archive this roleplay, you can request this with the archiverequest command in #channel . If you want to keep this open to find another RP partner please can you respond to this message and ping me within 14 days, otherwise the channel may be archived. ))

@👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯 You can just delete or archive this. Whichever

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