The roundhouse was well within sight now as she crossed the tracks of the Rail Yard. One of the GFRR Standard Gauge switchers scurried about making up trains that were heading out today. In order to make room for Rail Fest. Oddly enough the small locomotive was crewed by WOLF employees. Aleu hurried to the “Barn”, as the roundhouse was often referred as, and to her relief she saw that the Comanche sat right next to TEXAS. But the moment of joy was short lived. Upon closer inspection she found the SMITH on Comanche’s opposite side. A sigh of dread Aleu let out as she continued towards the stalls. But when she was passing by the SMITH she could see that “Glory hound”, known as Jewel, spying on A.J. This infuriated Aleu! But when Aleu looked at A.J. he was chuckling. Aleu was confused. Then A.J. turned around towards the SMITH.

“You know, if you’ve got an issue with me I’d rather you face me instead of spying!” The Tiger smiled. Jewel gritted her teeth and gave a low growl. Then she stood up and looked down form her Cab.

“I was NOT spying!!!” She said sternly.

“Then what were you doing?” A.J. asked the White Wolf. Jewel stayed silent. Aleu looked on; she could tell that there was serious friction between A.J. and Jewel. And it’s understandable, if you think in Jewel’s mind set. A.J. to her was competition, an obstacle that needs removal. Jewel also could tell that Aleu and A.J. are far closer to each other that she herself ever was. That was mainly why Jewel resented A.J. so much. That was Aleu’s reasoning. But there seemed to be a bit more. There was something about A.J. that REALLY got beneath Jewel’s fur. Then Aleu felt comforted, maybe A.J.’s presence wouldn’t be so bad after all! But still Aleu was nervous about entering. But she did, making a bee line strait for A.J.

A.J. climbed up into Comanche’s cab. He opened the seat box and pulled out a pad and pencil and began writing a note. He turned his head and saw Jewel sitting in her cab just glaring at him.

“You can stare all you want, it doesn’t bother me!” A.J. said to the White Wolf. Jewel just crossed her arms and continued to glare. A.J. just brushed it off. Then Aleu came up and knocked on the cab wall.

“Permission to come aboard?” Aleu asked. A.J. looked out the fireman’s side and smiled.

“Permission granted!” He said. Jewel stopped glaring; she jumped up in shock as Aleu joined A.J. in the cab. Then anger was setting in and Jewel began to growl quietly.

“Well, it certainly has been a while since I was Comanche’s cab!” said Aleu to her fellow Railroader.

“Yeah it has been a while I ‘reckon. Last time I believe was that incident with that Tycoon fellow, what was his name?”

“Holdenbear.” Aleu replied. A.J. nodded his head.

“Yep! That’s the one! Ugly bugger at that. Now is something on your mind?” A.J. asked. Aleu said “No” but hinted at the jealous wolf behind them.

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about Sakura and the luggage. I helped her out when I saw her at the Depot.” A.J. smiled as he often does in reply to things.

“Well Much Obliged! That definitely eases things on my part. I didn’t want her to wait for me at the Depot for too long. In fact I was about to send her a note saying I’d be later than expected.” Said A.J. thanking Aleu, who also smiled. She and A.J. were very close friends; they were practically family and treated one another as such. Aleu would do almost anything for A.J. And the Tiger would do the same for Aleu. A.J. also is one to keep promises, even if they are a bit belated. The Tallow Cup is a good example. A.J. then turned to Aleu and asked her a question.

“Hey, would you mind taking this to Sakura for me?”

“Ok, but I thought you didn’t need to write a note?” Aleu questioned.

“Well now I don’t have to worry about her waiting for hours on end before I could help her up to the Hotel. But I do want to let her know when to expect me.” A.J. said as he quickly wrote down on the slip of paper in his hand. “Also, I may ask you another favor later today.” A.J. finished as he handed Aleu the note.

“What kind a favor?” the wolf asked A.J.

“Well, it’s along the lines of Baby Sitting. But let’s play things by ear for now, ok?” A.J. replied.

“Well that’s fine with me. I wouldn’t mind spending a more time with Mirra. After all I only get to every so often!” Aleu said winking.

“Regardless of what happens I’ll see you later today, alright?” A.J. said. Aleu smiled and was about to hop down the engineer’s side when she stopped and turned around.

“Oh I almost forgot. You wouldn’t mind if I took care of a few things first before I deliver the note would you?”

“No, that’s fine! I know you need to gussie up TEXAS for Rail Fest too!” A.J. smiled. Aleu thanked him and headed over to her Veteran locomotive. A.J. then climbed out of the cab and looked towards Leach who stood by Comanche’s Pilot. Fiesta stood on the Pilot deck and was working on the duel air pumps. “Alright guys! Grab the soap and grab some water buckets! We’ve got to clean and polish her up like Sunday!”